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I've been busy cutting, sanding, drilling and gluing for two weeks so far. Here's the result. Doesn't look much so far, but at least things are under way. I have to say though that it is an enjoyable process, and quite therapeautic.
Brian
Well, it must be getting close to ARTF - - isn't it ?? Just needs some wing spars, a fuselage, fin and rudder, and an engine bolted on the front.
Now, to build the lower wing ribs - -
Brian
I am continually surprised at how small the Round Tail fin and rudder are.
I did draw the shapes out on a building board, firstly to glue up the curved laminations, and later to assemble parts. Numerous times I have looked at it and thought - - this can't be right, it looks way too small. Checked again with the 1:2 drawing - - - nope, all looks OK.
Even the partly finished pair of fin and rudder as in the pic look so small. Note the little block plane and the 12" steel rule, just for a size comparison. Well I suppose it is a tiny aeroplane. Just like building a large model actually.
Brian
Hi Brian,
Well, yes it's a very small aeroplane, but perfectly proportioned. The long, 'period' undercarriage creates the impression of a 'full size' machine when up close and personal, and the fact that one sits low in the cockpit, together with the great stability, emphasises the 'bigger aeroplane' feel and creates a feeling of confidence in the machine.
The elliptical fin and rudder were originally to be used in combination with the swept LE tailplane and balanced elevator of the Z-1 Type S Stummeflitzer, and only latterly have they been utilised on the Z-21. Rupert's tail, of course, is lower and flatter than was intended, with less area as a result, due to its adaptation to the longer, more slender fuselage of the Z-21. However, in no way is the handling compromised, and the resulting aeoplane is both highly manoeuvrable and safe.
However, the preferred shape, providing more area, is as you've built it. The only thing I would suggest, is that, if the forward vertical fin post does not penetrate through the (original) base rib poisition and carry through right down to the new base rib, then I would skin between the lower pair of fin ribs each side with 1.0 mm ply, grain vertical, to stiffen the fin. Otherwise the fin will be more likely to failure at the interface between to two lower ribs in the event of a violent side-loading.
I am attaching some pictures of the smaller elliptical fin/rudder on Rupert's aeroplane with the original Stummel fin and tailplane combination, as well as the prototype 'square' fin for comparison.
Best wishes, and keep up the excellent workmanship and momentum!
Lynn
It's winter here and this morning we had a decent frost. The temperature in the garage was only 7 deg C, - - too cold to work with epoxy glue, and too cold to be comfortable working in there anyhow. Clear blue sky outside so it will be a nice crisp day.
But, I'm on a roll with the wing ribs, and want another one done today. Well, the fire is going in the lounge, and my wife has gone out for a while - - so why not - - - !! Notice there are a few other bits scattered around too.
Well, only about 4 more wing ribs to go, so the next task is - - - - - - let's see, the lounge is about 20 ft long, so that would easily fit the fuselage. And it would be much more comfortable working in there. Nice easy chair for a coffee. Lunch on a tray.
On second thoughts - - I had better wait 'til we move house, and by then it will be warmer too. Plenty of smaller parts to build in the meantime.
Brian
Well, no, there aren't any spare. I just counted them again to make sure. Just seems a lot to make a set of Flitzer wings.
Underneath the pile of ribs you may also be able to see a fuselage side being set out, and a few other Flitzer bits scattered around the new and overcrowded workshop.
Brian
Fuselage sides prefabricated, lined up in jig and firewall glued in place. Yes! Progress!
Brian
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