In this segment, Chris Chianelli installs an optional smoke-delivery system on the TaylorCraft (TM ) giant-scale ARF flyer. The smoke system delivers a plume of smoke as the plane is in flight and adds some impressive effects -- like those seen at real air-shows -- to the aerobatic rolls, low passes and other stunts that this plane can perform. It also enables the plane to be used for radio-controlled skywriting. He finishes assembly of the plane by adding the front cowl.
Important : This demonstration shows basic instructions for assembly and modification of this particular model of giant-scale flyer. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your flyer, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
Materials: Smoke-system kit, including smoke muffler, pump reservoir and tubes
Foam board
Silicon glue
Cordless drill
Hex driver
Screwdriver
Small wrench
Smoke-Delivery System
The Zonoa G-23 (TM) motor used on this plane can be outfitted with a specialized slim-line smoke muffler that's compatible with the motor housing. Internal coils within the muffler create the smoke, which is then dispersed in a plume when the plane is in flight.
A reservoir and pump (figure A) mounted inside the plane delivers smoke fluid to the muffler for creation of the smoke. The smoke fluid is, in turn, delivered to the smoke-generating muffler via a pickup tube (figure B).
Smoke System Installation
Steps: - The first step in installing the smoke system is to drill two holes in the bottom of the firewall. The openings must be large enough for the smoke tubing to be able to pass through (figure C). The tube on the right leads to the smoke muffler. The one on the left is an overflow tube.
- This particular smoke system comes with a mounting plate that is installed inside the fuselage (figure D). In our demonstration, the mounting plate was secured with screws to a piece of plywood. The plywood was glued in position in the bottom of the fuselage using epoxy.
- The tubes on the front of the smoke system are fed through the pre-drilled holes, and the system snaps into place on the mounting plate (figure E).
- Gently pull the tubes through the openings. The vent overflow tube only needs to protrude from the firewall by an inch or two (figure F).
- The feed tube, which connects to the muffler must be pulled out far enough to reach the muffler. The black section on the end of the feed-tube (figure G) is specialized heat-resistant tubing designed to fit on the smoke-muffler nipple.
- Connect the end of the black tubing to the nipple as shown (figure H). The muffler will get very hot during operation, but the specialized tubing is formulated to withstand the heat without melting.
- The final step in the installation of the smoke system is to position the smoke-fluid tank. In our demonstration, a piece of stiff foam was epoxy-glued to the tank to help ensure a snug fit and absorb some of the engine vibration. Feed the tank into position on top of the pump, and secure it with silicon rubber cement.
Installing the Cowling and Propeller With the smoke system installed, the assembly of the flyer can be completed with the installation of the front cowling.
- The front cowling is attached with tiny screws, each equipped with a piece of small tubing (figure I) to act as a sleeve that will prevent the metal screw from scratching the finish or cracking the fiberglass cowl. The cowl is attached with 4 cowl screws and corresponding blind-nuts in back.
- Position the cowl on the front of the plane, and start one of the mounting screws (figure J). Install the screw, but don't tighten it down all the way just yet.
- Repeat this step for the other three screws.
- Use a hex-driver to carefully tighten and secure all of the screws (figure K).
- Once the cowl has been installed, place the prop on the prop on the prop-shaft (figure L).
- Tighten down the prop using a small open-end wrench (figure M). A small 4-way hobby-wrench will not be sufficient for a plane of this size. Tighten the prop nut down very securely.
- Finally, with the prop installed, add the nosecone (figure N).
In the segment that follows, Chris takes the TaylorCraft out for a test flight, and offers some flying suggestions.
RESOURCES :
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby is a supplier of radio-controlled planes, cars, boats, etc.
Horizon Hobby
Website: www.horizonhobby.com
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
TaylorCraft by Hangar 9 (giant-scale RC plane)
Horizon Hobby
Website: www.horizonhobby.com
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