Aviation Models 35% Extra 260 Build Thread

[Propstriker]

Thought I`d post some of the progress on My A.M. 35% Extra 260...
So far I`m impressed with the quality and the covering, I believe it will build very light. My setup will include a DA100, Smartfly Power Expander and TurboReg with 2 ea. Fromeco 2400 peerless on the reciever side and a 2400 relion with a reg on the ignition side.
First...a few shots of it at the Factory in China......

[Propstriker]

I have a new DA-100 and I`ve got the firewall done and ready for the engine to be bolted on.
Here`s my Measurements for mounting a DA;
Looking at the firewall, the center of the crank is 3 3/8" from the right outer edge of the engine box, and up 2 3/16" from the bottom outer edge of the engine box.
I cut the engine box an 1 1/2" shorter.
For anyone wanting to install Cans, the distance from the center of the crank to the center of the Pipe Tunnel is 4 5/16"
Here`s pics of the installed firewall;

[Propstriker]

Got some more work done on her today, the cowling is a two piece affair that I really like. Makes engine access real easy. The firewall and enginebox is fuel proofed and the DA is now at home!

[Propstriker]

Mounted the Elevator servos and attached the Horizontal Stabs, also hinged and mounted the rudder.

[Propstriker]

I`ve decided to go with the SWB Dual rudder servo tray and Hitec 5955`s for a little over 650 in-oz`s of torque! It was`nt too difficult to modify and beef up the factory tray.
The Batteries are on the way and so are the mufflers, next I`ll be mounting the Aileron servos and using the Hitec programmer to get my neutral and endpoints exact!
Any Questions or comments would be appreciated!

[STR8HUCKIN]

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!

[Kiwi]

Larry,

That is one super nice looking kite. Keep the pace up mate so we can see it fly.

Kiwi

[Cracky]

That looks real good!!!

[Sandbag Special]

High quality, it looks like it will be awesome.

[torquen]

Larry looking good!! One question though, why did you cut the firewall 1 1/2" back and then stand it off so far with standoff's? I usually try to do the opposite by making the standoffs as short as possible to reduce the vibration that travels through the plane. If the engine is mounted directly to the firewall I find that the best for reducing vibration. I usually end up using about a 1/2" standoff at most.
Garrett Morrison

[Propstriker]

Thanks guys!! I believe this will be one sweet ride, looking forward to gettin er done!
Garrett, thanks for the good word! The standoffs are just about an inch long, and I believe there will be good airflow around the engine this way.

[bryan01601]

Larry, Looks real good! Can't wait to see more!!!!

[torquen]

I like how the two piece cowl allows the easy access to the engine. The one I flew in China was awesome so this should really meet your demands. Looking good.
Garrett

[RC Loco]

Hey Propstriker,
I'm putting together one of these birds as well. I agree with both you and Torquen on the pros and cons of using standoffs for the powerplant. A little more vibration but better cooling. What did you use to secure the hinges (epoxy,etc) and did you pin them? I've always used Robart hinge points with excellent results, no failures to date. Also I found that at extreme throws the rudder horn and elevator(s) will bind.
Did you have this problem? Anyway, that color scheme is great!

[ultimatejay]

Lookin good. I would recommend one thing though. Don't use those wooden dowl spacers to space the engine. I have seen many, especially long one's like that, crack down the the length of the bolt from vibration and causing the motor to come off in flight- not a pretty sight. I recommend using alluminum spacers instead. Good luck.