DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group - Page 50

ulpilot · 9 April 2005, 06:28 AM

The Rotec radial is geared, so even though it has a smaller displacement, the effective torque at the prop is higher. Just like the transmission on your car. 1st gear delivers more torque to the wheels at low speed than 4th does. My old ultralight had a Rotax 277 engine on it that would swing a 60in prop through a 2.58 to 1 gearbox. Prop was running at 2400 rpm while the engine was at 6500. With out the gearbox I doubt that engine would have swung a 48 in prop. So it is very possible the smaller Rotec radial could swing the same prop as the Warner and deliver the same performance to the aircraft.

Jim Bruton · 11 April 2005, 05:57 PM

OK Everyone,

Spring has arrived here in Connecticut and I am thawing my shop out. As I sit back in front of my plans and strategize what progress I will make this year, I am wondering where all of you are at in your own progress. One thing I would like to know is who among you are finding good sources of help with your building. Not all of us are master woodworkers, machinists/fabricators and welders, so I know that some of us are shopping things out. I think this forum would be additionally helpful if we identify sources of this type help who can help some of the other builders here- for example, who among you has found someone to help with your welding? Would that person take on some additional projects? Is it cheaper, or at least as cheap, to have someone weld up 2 or 3 fuselages as it is just one? What about the fabrication of some needed parts, like hinges, control horns, control sticks, rudder pedals, etc? What about anyone who can CNC out a rib jig or two? If we can identify some sources of help here, we might be able to speed up everyones projects, even a little. For myself, I do have help from overseas on both welding and fabrication, though I have received almost no interest from anyone else here who might need such help. Maybe it is cost, maybe the spring thaw hadn't hit you yet- for me, I am itching to get my spars made this year so that I can complete my wings this fall, and to get my fuselage, landing gear and tail feathers all made by the fall too- this would leave me with all the detail work to do over the winter- and i will have a cozy, climate-controlled space by then.

Anyway, let us all know where you are with things, and what you would like your next steps to be- and any building-help contacts you have!

Jim

worldcrusier · 11 April 2005, 06:22 PM

SPring is a great time.
I'm back from Philly and am getting ready to start glueing the middle spar together. While the glue is drying I'll work on forming and welding the spar and strut attach brackets. Hope to order the tubing for the fuselage in the next few weeks, although I haven't shopped for the best price. I seriously considered buying those aileron hing straps that were pictured, but I figure that I can buy some more equipment and spend a few hours(or more) and be about even up and have the equipment for my next project.
Reed

Jim Bruton · 11 April 2005, 06:33 PM

Worldcruiser, if you and Fokker210 could double check on the photos you might have once posted here, it would be so helpful to see them in again! I especially remember some spar making photos- using a handheld electric plane with a jig, etc. This is the stuff we need to see!

and welcome home!

Fokker210 · 11 April 2005, 07:19 PM

Jim,
I re-posted most if not all of the pictures I had up originally utilzing Pix8.net - I, too would also love to see everyone else's again !

I'll echo Jim here - Anybody else have any updates ?

Dogtail2 · 12 April 2005, 05:44 AM

Thanks for all the reposted photos Fokker210, your rib jig photo now adorns my computer screen as the desktop picture. Its been very useful while I make my jig.

Dogtail2 · 12 April 2005, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bruton

What about the fabrication of some needed parts, like hinges, control horns, control sticks, rudder pedals, etc? What about anyone who can CNC out a rib jig or two? If we can identify some sources of help here, we might be able to speed up everyones projects, even a little. For myself, I do have help from overseas on both welding and fabrication, though I have received almost no interest from anyone else here who might need such help.
Jim

Jim I would be interested in getting some of the metal fittings made such as hinges, brackets etc, once I have satisfied myself that they are of correct spec. material and comply to drawing. I would probably order a sample of each, before ordering a full set. The control column might be another item of interest, and also wheels.

Jim Bruton · 12 April 2005, 06:07 AM

DogTail2,

I can get you a sample hinge for USD$35 if you want- no problem. If you are interested, let me know and I'll give you my PayPal info. Wheels, I would talk to Roger Freeman in Texas- he has some beautiful wheels and tires- though I think the last price I heard for the set was USD$1250. His contact info is here in the forum.

Thanks!

worldcrusier · 14 April 2005, 05:55 AM

I'll try and re-post some construction pics this weekend
Reed

Jim Bruton · 14 April 2005, 06:08 AM

thanks WorldCruiser! your and Fokker210 pictures were really helpful- i should have printed out the pages when i had the chance!