Volts Fighter & Voltsjager

[esc]

Hi Guys,

If you remember my original thinking behind the Volts Fighter design, it was to create a Voltsjager, or pseudo German fighter plane, which about 1/3 of the way through the design took a sideways path and ended up as the Volts Fighter.

I had not forgotten my original concept and knew that it would not take much work to turn one into the other.

Attached are pictures of the two versions for comparison. There are a few more details that I might apply to the Voltsjager to make it more Teutonic in appearance - more rounded wing tips, re-shaped tail feathers, etc.

Basically, the differences between the two are costmetic rather than structural. The wing is still the same, as is the fuselage. So is the frontal fuselage decking, only the rear turtle deck and canopy have had a complete make over.

The question is have I succeded in getting a "Two for One" - what do you think?

Regards,

Dave

[Spooky]

I vote that you build them both. . They both look real good, Dave, I would have a hard time choosing between them... and like you said, you get two for one with just a few cosmetic changes.
Looks like it's time to start making some cut files.

Dean

[esc]

Hi Dean,

You are right, I will have to build both eventually. I might build the Voltsjager first as there is less work in that and it would prove the basic design for the Volts Fighter as well.

I went with a fixed undercarriage on the British version but I might have another look at retracts for the German fighter option. Alternatively, to simply it even further, I could remove the flaps and undercarriage and belly land the plane.

Are you going to post your new design on this forum? - how is it going anyway?

They say that the devil is in the detail and it is very true with these models. It's not too difficult to make a solid shape that looks like an aeroplane, it's converting it into something that can be made from balsa and ply that is the tricky tiime consuming bit. I suspect that you are finding that is so with you new design - am I right?

I will have to start thinking about a new subject in the not too distant future. Thoughts running through my mind have included a "Golden Age" style racer, a vintage type model, perhaps a WWI monoplane - Bristol 1C style or a even shockie. It will have to be something different to light my candle.

Regards all,

Dave

[esc]

I have just made a change to the Volts Fighter - I have removed the nose guns.

They were actually detracting from the "British" look of the plane. I didn't realise how much so until I put the two designs side by side and it's been bothering my subconscious mind since I posted the pictures. Anyway, this is the final look:

[Spooky]

Yep, I agree, it does looks better without the nose guns... it's funny how something small like that can make a difference.
I vote to skip the flaps at first, less to mess with, and maybe have fixed gear that can be removed, so you can belly land her too if you want. You could always add flaps on the second build if you want them, but you might not even need too.

I don't think I'll post my design/build here until it's done, it's just too much to keep up with multiple threads going on... But things are coming along nicely, I should have the files ready for laser cutting by the end of the week... at least that's the plan.

Dean

[esc]

Dean I have just been reading your post about washout.

There is a way you can achieve the same thing without having to twist the wing - by applying a little up displacement equally to both ailerons (i.e. so in the neutral posotion they are both slightly raised). This in effect creates washout. Maybe worth a try?

At least by using this method you can experiment with how much washout you need.

Dave

[rcpilot82]

They both look awsome Dave.

[Spooky]

	Quote: Originally Posted by esc
	Dean I have just been reading your post about washout. There is a way you can achieve the same thing without having to twist the wing - by applying a little up displacement equally to both ailerons (i.e. so in the neutral posotion they are both slightly raised). This in effect creates washout. Maybe worth a try? At least by using this method you can experiment with how much washout you need. Dave

Thanks for the input Dave,
I thought about doing that, but decided to just go with the CF rods and hole placement on the ribs to build in the washout. Plus the rods will be used as a jig for assembling, which should make putting the wings together pretty easy. And if I need more or less, I could adjust it by re-heating the covering and adjust the twist by hand if need be.... hopefully I won't need to.

Dean

[esc]

Hey, Rob's back and most welcome! Thanks for your kind comments. BTW I have replied to your PM.

Hi Dean, good plan, I look forward to seeing the results.

Regards,

Dave