Have been playing around with f3a designs in the CAD programme for a while. After a burst of enthusiasm at the nats finally started work. Here is a drawing

I have done quite a few molds now and have a system. Here is the start of the mold patern. Hardboard keel with blue foam. Canopy and cowl are separate parts. Spats spinner and legs will also be molded.

After a few hours shaping we have this (and a big mess). The secret is to take off more than necessary as it can be bogged after glassing but it is very difficult to take material away.

Here we are after glassing and liberal application of epoxy/microbalioons and undercoat.

Ater loads more filler and undercoat we are starting to smooth things out. As you can see we have the crankcase cooling cheek cowls which also help to blend in the wide (160mm) body. There is space in there for an OS 160 and wrap around header.

Another view. Getting the hatches nicely blended in now. Fus sides are nice and flat for the wing interface.

Dude that is the shizzle right there. Watching closely! Might I have seen you at the nats? I was at the pattern IMAC and indoor comps

Hi Sarge, yes I was flying a Knuffel.

how big is this puppy? what wingspan and for what motor?

Ahh Ze knuffel! Looking great so far mate. I was the guy from down south flying an ugly little depron model called a Kiwi F3P

Here are the flying surfaces. Salient features are wing 15% root !3% tip, 40% high point (NACA 64 series)and TE modified (in Profili) for more thickness, about 2:1 taper. Rudder nice and simple geometry with thick TE. Stab NACA 10% with thick TE. Stab height on fuse? Have to suck it and see.

Moped, I think all the info is there now except length which is 1995mm. It will need a spinner molded ala short FAI. As for motors anything with lots of power will do. I'm going to use a OS 160 first up with pump and pipe. I also have a couple of 140 RX's. Anyone know wether its worth increasing the exhaust timing on 160's for more pipe effect?

Looks sweet, It has a very European look to it - I have to say I quite like it... some nice curves in the fuselage.

Can't help with the timing question, I run an OS 1.60 with Hatori pipe in a 2m Funtana and it runs really well - and its not even pumped. I had some overheating problems a couple of weeks ago but mainly do to extremely hot weather and possibly a lack of cooling holes... I changed to standard 20% oil fuel with no nitro and it fixed the problem. Can't go wrong with either a 1.40RX or 1.60FX

That things looking nice!!!!! Im just starting to put together a pattern ship its a Fasination. Ive got a os 160 in it with a perry pump that runs off the osilation of the motor but i cant get it to run right. I think its just forcing fuel past the needle valve and is making it inifective untill its fully closed. Anyone have any ideas on how two fix it. What pump are you going to use Rod?? I cant decide weather to try and fix it or get a different pump.Cheers Steve

Steve have a look at this page www.rcaerobats.net/OS160_setup.htm
Apparently the 160 runs very well without a pump (use large dia fuel tube). A 140 rx pump will also fit in the back of the motor, it needs the feed screw opened. Also a larger diameter carb can be substituted. I think I will try a perry P30 and see how I get on. I will definately be using a pipe.