Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Allegro Lite Build Part 7

I've added another two layers of 160g glass to the fuselage tonight and while that is curing I started with a dry run of the two tip panels components. Quite intensive labour having to very delicately sand the correct angles to the cross grain shearwebs so they butt up to the ribs at the correct sweep. Everything seems to fit nicely according to the plan.

Below is a closeup of the carry through strips I made previously. Next I'll probably get sticky doing the actual building of the tip panels.


Monday, October 22, 2007

Allegro Lite Build Part 6

Those folks on the MGASA group would know that I've been working on the second fuselage that I want to use for the electric version I intend building. It's been quite a learning process as I've never done moulding before.

Below are the moulds on loan from Eugene. It is not the standard AL fuselage but what I like about is the space compared to the original. It has an extended nose so I should get away with less noseweight in the end.


And this is the end result. The layup is a 45g outer layer, some carbon tow and then a 160g inner layer. The parts (untrimmed) weigh 52g up to this point. The fuselage looks and feels a little on the flimsy side so I'd probably lay up another layer of 160g on the inside. Painting will add another couple of grams in the end.


Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Allegro Lite Build Part 5

I eventually got some building time again in this stupid schedule everybody calls the "Rat Race".

This little contraption is a jig I made to manufacture the bent carbon carry through strips. The carbon cap strips being ±0,7mm thick does not bend at an acute enough angle, therefore the need for the jig. And this is what came from this little excercise.
Cut into strips this is where they fit in the spar system of the wingtips. Note the piece of hardwood added to the balsa cross grain shearweb that will prevent any tendency for crushing in this area.