CALLING OUT THE LIGHTWEIGHTS

[MikeC3D]

Yep, thats right, I'm calling out all lightweights................

Ahh, but its not what you think, no super giant ego trash talkin here though. This one is about lightweight airframes and the cunstruction methods you used to get it there. It doesnt matter if you huck on the deck to Megadeath or draw straight lines to Enya, performance is the main idea here guys. So let's see 'em dudes, planes, pics, videos, links to build threads, whatever. I wanna see everything from sport flyers to full on performance nuts showing there stuff off.
There has been a onslaught of airframes losing weight for some time now, some are behind the scenes that most dont really see or hear about and some are in your face. Alot of the top pilots have been having their planes being built lighter and lighter the last couple of years. And if you are paying close attention, you would see that some arf manuf. are starting to build lighter as a result. Lets hear from the pro builders to the beginning builders like myself, that have learned from some of the best in the Hobby/business and lets share tips, tricks and ideas so every one can learn how to do things better and have more fun and success in their future projects.


Come on guys lets have it........
Here are a few links to our groups projects that have been done or in progress, most of you have probably already read these, but there are some that have'nt.
One more plane to mention is our buddy Brett, a modest one that didnt want to do a build thread, built a 40% Carden 330 exactly how Bob did his 260 except with a 150 and cans, strictly an IMAC bird, came out to 32# and change, here is a pic of the two side by side.

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...200-50-cc.html

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...ilot-diet.html

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...-260-diet.html

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...-260-diet.html

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...ls-40-yak.html

[MikeC3D]

This is a good tip thread....as a matter of fact, Brett's 40%'er is the plane mentioned being built utilizing this method. The slotter here was used.

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...t-biscuit.html

[iflyrc3Dstyle]

I find this thread to be interesting! Good thought, subscribed.

[MikeC3D]

Thanks, I thought so to. I get a plethora of PM's and emails, asking all kinds of questions from people not knowing or being comfortable with removeing wood from a plane. Most dont think past removing, not thinking to add cross bracing back in key places for strength. Thats why I though maybe a SINGLE thread with a world of info could be created.
We have discussed making "HOW TO" videos, but just havent put the wheels in motion yet, not sure if it would be a waste of time or well consumed.

[flynz4me]

I would LOVE to see a "How To" on this. Mike I've followed you guys around and would love to lighten a plane to foamie wing loading!

Not wasted time at all. I'll provide the test specimen

[MikeC3D]

This is another excellent thread on saving some weight, with equipment selection.

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...da-bottle.html

[MikeC3D]

What did you have in mind?

[rcflyguy]

Here is the thread on my 40% 260. Came in under 37

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...260-build.html

[MikeC3D]

Nice, how do you like it at that weight, and what were you flying prior to this plane, and what did it weigh?

[flynz4me]

	Quote: Originally Posted by MikeC3D
	What did you have in mind?

My Aeroworks 33% Extra 260, nothing special, but if I could get it down to 17-18lbs (from 24) I would be one HAAAAAAAAAAPPY camper err I mean flyer

[MODE 1]

Well I dont have an pics cuz it was a long time ago but I rebuilt a WH CAP after a tree attacked it, and that went from 17.7 to 15.2 pounds. Most of the lightening was from wood selection and CF. Nowadays I design and scratch build all my planes up to 40% and they always come out way lighter than their equivalent.

Been a long haul though and a heck of a learning curve. Not just in the designing but fixing a weight goal partly because there are an infinite way to do any single part and choosing the best option at the time can sometimes bite you in the butt later on. I'm sure Sensei has experienced this.

Hardest thing in the beginning is knowing how far you can go before disaster strikes.

Good thread this Mike.

[rcflyguy]

I think it flys very, very good! On windy days it gets pushed around some, but not too bad! I"ve had too many aircraft that just flew ok... So that is why i went with the Carden.

I had a Truwoehy 35% pitts 12 it was at 37.5

	Quote: Originally Posted by MikeC3D
	Nice, how do you like it at that weight, and what were you flying prior to this plane, and what did it weigh?

[MikeC3D]

WOW 37.5......do you still have it?

[FENWAYFLYER]

My Compy Yak 2.6 weighted in at 35+ pounds.( 42+ oz per sq in ) I sanded 3 coats of paint and installed some carbon tubes and went with 1 servo per surface to get it at 28+ pounds ( 33+ oz per sq in )

What a difference and not even considered to be a light weight plane.

[BoneDoc]

Here's my Sub 20 lbs Electrified 35% Dalton Extra 260