Another "Faux" No-Cal model from a clueless modeler! :) :)

[Dan Snow]

I have discovered I actually like building models that "sort of, vaguely, almost but not quite" follow in the category of No-Cal.

I had so much fun building the XB-70 Valkyrie, and learning a little about props from Paul Bradley, Thank You Paul, that I thunk to myself, "Self, that English aerobatic R/C model you wanted to make as a rubber powered free flight, just might be a good candidate for this No-Cal idea!"

So, I present to you the 3 view drawings of my next Faux-Cal attempt, The Acro-Wot!!
Wingspan: 15"
Length: 10.8"
Area: ~35 Sq. In.

What do you experts think, should I enlarge the stab by about 10-15%?

[flydean1]

should I enlarge the stab by about 10-15%?

Yes

[Dan Snow]

Done, enlarged 10%  (Not sure if the original outline shows inside the structure)

[Dan Snow]

Got the structure done and I must say the wing sure looks fragile!  I haven't decided on the motor stick yet, rolled tube or stick. I have all the bits to make the props either on hand or on order so as soon as I can find a 3.15" diameter bottle or can I can form up some blades.

[OZPAF]

That looks neat Dan. Perhaps a 'C' channel section motor stick would be midway between a solid stick and a rolled balsa tube. Have you looked at Rick's and Paul Bradley's NOCals?

John

[Dan Snow]

I have checked out Paul's site, and have swapped a few emails with him. All the No-Cal models he lists have a rolled tube motor sick. I just made one for the AcroWot, think I will make a stick one for the Valkyrie.

[Dan Snow]

I received my order of tissue and was able to finish the Acro-Wot. The prop is under construction and will be finished shortly.  By the way is there a maximum weight for No-Cal?  This one currently weighs 7 grams without prop or motor.

It was a fun project and I learned a couple of things

1. I asked my wife to smack me if I ever suggest making a multi-color tissue covering again!!

2, I'm not sure this class is my cup of tea. Primarily because I have no place to fly it. It is way to fragile for outdoor in a field and as far as I can tell there is no indoor fling in my area at all. Plus I'm almost afraid to touch it, it is so fragile!!

I just realized the picture makes the wing look huge. It's really not that big!

[OZPAF]

Very colourful. What no RC?

John

[Dan Snow]

I had the full size R/C version a couple decades ago, a fantastic flying machine!

Something else I learned on this one. If you don't preshrink the tissue, then shrink it after it's on the wing, you get some really interesting shapes.  They have relaxed to where I believe it will fly ok, though they do have a rather nice elliptical dihedral now! 

[OZPAF]

I think it's probably safer with light structure models like this to preshrink only.

John

[Dan Snow]

I need some advice. I made the prop for the Acro-Wot out of 1/32" balsa with a bamboo spar and alum tube hub.  But on 3 of 4 test flights so far I have broken a blade along the grain. Would applying tissue to the blades help without taking the curve out of the blades.

[OZPAF]

One solution would be to cut the blades out of a plastic or foam cup. have a look at "Bucket Props". Covering the balsa blades with tissue may warp them out of shape - I think I would just run CA around the outline to toughen them up a bit and leave it at that. At least you should then have less splits.

John

[Rossclements]

If the grain is parallel to the spar, build a new prop with the grain 45 degrees to the spar, and if it seems a bit floppy span wise, make the prop spar full length of the prop.

Ross