Dalton 42% Extra 260 Build

[MattyMatt]

At the 2006 Masters at Triple Tree I met up with Tony Russo of Dalton Aviation to pick up my 42% Extra 260 kit.

Over the last few weeks I have been very busy with work and haven’t had any time to work on the plane. Two weeks ago I started the build with a few hours here and there. In a very short period of time most of the fuse is built. A few of my friends thought that I should start a build thread… especially once they saw how much was done with very little time invested.

So far I am VERY impressed with the kit, the laser cutting and construction design is outstanding. The wood quality is better than any other kit I’ve ever seen. BTW, I have built many kits and very high end pattern airplanes over the years. The nicest part about this plane is that many of the lightning techniques that I would normally use are already done in
the kit!

I have a DA150 that I purchased from Wayne from the FG classifieds that will be used (thanks again Wayne). The plane will be set up primarily for IMAC for the Intermediate class for the 2007 season. I plan to run MTW cans and 3 blade prop. I am also planning to use a new 2.4 Ghz system in the plane… so we’ll see if JR comes out with retro fit modules and receivers or I’ll go to the extreme link system. We’ll see what comes on the market in the next 3-4 months… I plan to have it in the air before March.

So, I will be documenting the build on FG… so if you have any questions or would like clarification on anything, please ask!

Here’s where I’m at after limited time in two weekends:

[iflyrc3Dstyle]

Another awesome one on the board. Keep up the excellent work.

[Luiyo]

Congrat's for your new killer machine.

Keep us informed about the building process.

[MattyMatt]

I have some more pics that I can share when I get back from my business trip...

so far, the stabs are sheeted/sanded, the leading and trailing edges are on and trimmed, the vertical stab is sheeted/sanded, the turtle deck is sheeted/sanded and the fuse is ready for the turtle deck to be put on.

[Marty]

Hey man this is just awsome. My dad and I are also going to be competing in contests in the SE next year too. So hopefully we'll see you around sometime.


Matt R.

[Flyfalcons]

Matt your building skills are amazing, I want to have your baby!

[lazyboyflyer]

I have a 260 on the way, my son and I are going to build it, so take alot of pictures and keep us informed. I will be following your lead.

[PaulSwany]

Looks nice... What thickness balsa does it get sheeted with?

[rcflyguy]

Looking good!!

[CSpaced]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Flyfalcons
	Matt your building skills are amazing, I want to have your baby!

Lol You want everyones baby....

C'mon Matt - more pics dude! Did you sketch out your covering scheme for me yet?

[MattyMatt]

Hey Matt... that would be great... what area you from?

The balsa is 3/32 on the sides, the sheeting for the surfaces is 1/16.


Here's a few more pics from Monday... I just got back in town:

[MattyMatt]

Here's a few more from tonight... the fuse right side up and I just took the weight off of the Vertical Stab... the last is the horizontal stab with the LE's and TE's finished.

Flyfalcons... CSpaced is right! thanks though.

Oh... yeah, I'll sketch it out and get it to you... see you work you're magic. I'll post the scheme once it's all together.

[CSpaced]

That horizontal stab looks prefect! Good job!

[Marty]

Matt,

My dad and I are from the North side of Raleigh.


Matt R.

[MattyMatt]

Hey Marty... I'm just south of Greensboro.

Well, today I aligned the wing and stab pheolnics and epoxied them in place. I got the turtle deck with the front and rear caps on as well. Looks like I’ll start working on the front hatch later tonight (once the glue is set on the turtle deck).

It’s starting to look like a plane: