Bellanca Aircruiser

[cf-drg]

Well here is the start of it...... will have a 120' WS and i'll try a Enya 120 on spark for power...

[bear57]

Nice start to the Bellanca. I have started a Bellanca Skyrocket(CH300)
I am going to do the Austin Airways "Old Red Hen"
Span is 115" power to be a MVVS 35 gasser.
Post pictures as you progress.

Lorne

[SteveD]

Here's a painting of a Bellanca Scout which is similar to a Citabria on Wipeline amphibs.

[ken park]

Hi Steve!

Who's the Artist? The Canadian Aviation Artist Association (CAAA) is always looking for new members! If your Artist friend isn't already a member he should be!!!!!

see http://www.aviationartists.ca

[Kevin McGrath]

Steve D is an interesting soft spoken dude who lives multiple lives one of which is as a sucessful artist and I beleive this is one of his paintings 8)
Seems to me he told me once he is self taught which if correct indicates great natural talent.I think he said too that he only does aircraft on water.....I stand to be corrected on these details.

[SteveD]

Thanks for the compliments.I was a member of CAAA Ken,maybe I'll pay my dues and rejoin some day soon.I just finished the painting of the Bellanca Scout for a fellow from Ohio.He has a cottage near here and flys up here most summers.He also has a Bonanza A-36 which I may do next.I've done a few on wheels not many.
Here's an old MNR Twin Otter on Cap floats I did a few years ago

[ken park]

Iam just finishing up 2 paintings for "Northern Flight theme Artflight 2005" at CAM May 12th. Entry dates etc can be found on the CAAA site.

The CAAA convention same time 12-14th.

Would be nice to see you there!

PS: sorry for hijacking this float plane model area!

[SteveD]

Nice work Ken,It would be nice to go to that,I'll consider it.Thanks Steve

[cf-drg]

Well it's funny you guys hi-jacked my post... Because I too am an aviation artist... mind you I haven't done one in about 5 years :? ...
I would post some of them but I don't know what forum to post them in... maybe I'll do it here!!! First I have to take some digital photos of them though....

[SteveD]

I know I would like to see them ...might as well be here ,especially if its a floatplane..
Nice Aircruiser; keep us posted on your progress..

[ken park]

Want to join the CAAA? Darren! - The CAAA has lots of BC members who would be more than glad to hear from you.

President CAAA
Ardell Bourgeois
45286 Lenora Cres
Chilliwack BC

(604) 792-1879
ardell_bourgeois@hotmail.com


PS: For CAAA members I have free space in my house for about 3 people who want to skip the exspensive hotel prices during the CAAA convention in May.

[cf-drg]

Thanks for the offer Ken... I'll have to consider it... What does the CAAA actually do?? Most of my paintings are jet military fighters a few pencil crayon ones to... You know I started painting in grade 10 high school, a young kid thinking jets where cooool.... Well now I think I would lean towards 20's and 30's bush planes.... All my brushes are OK, but my paints ...Eeeee not so good... and having to buy a new cobalt blue...Ouch, i think it was around $25 for a tube.....
A funny story is, my wife thought I should try and paint something else... a painting for our bedroom... Soooo i thought "whales", basically a plane with no vertical stab...So I've done about 4 paintings of humpbacks... ( Robert Bateman eat your heart out ).....
Oh and by the way notice Steve posted 2 floatplane paintings.... and yours was a Lanc ( a beautiful one too ).. shouldn't yours be in the "scale" forum.... :wink: :D

[ken park]

The CAAA mandate is to promote Avaition in Canada! through the displaying of our Artwork.

As a group we are able to display our Artwork at many Art and Aviation museums across Canada. Locally it could be your Airports etc. I personally benefit as a amuter hobby painter with the mentor program that lets me improve with help from the best Artist in Cdn Aviation.

Don Conolly has help me out many times with such great advice.

Please Contact Ardell if you have any questions about the group! You won't regret it

[DBlackadder]

Anything more recent to report/show?

[cf-drg]

There it sits all alone on my work bench... :cry: But I will get on it for sure by mid Sept... Had to finish the Turbo Otter for this summer and did alot of playing outside from May to now :wink: ...
Have to re-engineer a couple of things on her but no big deal...
I'll keep you posted...

But I also have a new problem, when I finish it... Right now I can only take the Turbo Beaver and Husky to the lake (that,s all I can fit in the truck)... Sooo which one of my kids(floatplanes) do I leave behind now :roll: ....

[bear57]

Curious to know whose plans you are using for the Bellanca.
I am building the Bellance CH300. Going to copy the "Old Red Hen" from Austin Airways. I am using Jerry Bates plans. It is 120 " span.
I am planning on using a MVVS 35 on it. Probably too much power but you can always throttle back. Can't you?
Also have a Saito 180 if I win the 649 and can afford the fuel.

[DBlackadder]

You're approaching the problem from the wrong direction. The REAL question is: what can I get for my current vehicle when I trade up to a cube van.

:P

[nony]

can you say t-r-a-i-l-e-r ??

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[cf-drg]

Well wife said to get back on to this thing...Have all the issues figured out... Even started on the floats, as you'll see them gluing... going with sheeted foam, will be 55" long and 8" wide... Big floats ( but thats what the scale ones come out to be....
I have one big problem now..... I don't think the Enya 120 is gona fly this thing, and even if it did it would be marginal... :shock: ... SO SO what do you think would be a good engine????? I was thinking maybe a gasser!! but price is a factor, so will probably look for a used one... There is a Brison 2.4 for sale, might be a weeee bit to big, I don't know.... Projected weight is going to be in the 20's lbs range and " It's not a 3-D model" What do you suggest??????

[planecrazy]

Is a 25cc too small Darren??

If not maybe you should look at this:

http://gcbmrc.com/engines.htm

I've got one for my Typhoon, haven't flown it yet, hopefully this summer, I'm in the covering\painting stage right now.

Chris

[cf-drg]

Well Chris I bought a Stihl 34cc conversion off a guy here on RCC for it... And I'm sad to say the Bellanca is going on another Hiatus... Don't know for how long, but got POed at it last week and into the garage loft it went... Going to build a Univille Norseman 85"...
Also the deal on the Kingfisher went through to the original guy....

[stikflyer]

will have a 120' WS and i'll try a Enya 120 on spark for power...

Wow that is quite the wing span :lol:

[cf-drg]

Well after a long long hiatus, I'm back in the saddle of this thing.... I figured out the "W" so I can continue on... I'm going with a Evolution 35cc gasser (2.15)... So just need it, and the fuel tank gas conversion, to set up motor and away I can go.. It's getting covered with Koverall and then spray painted... Still undecided whether to use a pull/pull system or servos in the rear with rod, for the rud/elev

[planecrazy]

Alright Darren!!

Not enough going on in the Float pains...er, ah, FLOAT PLANES section!! Keep at er buddy!! :TU:

Chris

[cf-drg]

Yes, I figured I better get on this thing... You know, I needed another hole to throw money into, I mean the stuff grows on trees right :roll: ... Oooh well, at least I can get it done... BUTwife said "maybe you should get rid of one of the other ones" :shock: if your going to have this one too... I think those are the worst words a modeller can here!!! Welll we'll see what happens :wink: ....

[bear57]

Darren, I think your wife is a very smart lady. Put me on the list for the Husky.
I hope to post some pictures of my Bellanca next week

Lorne

[cf-drg]

OK Lorne, your first in line for the Husky... Were that line goes, "I don't know"... But if I had to make a choice (I won't though, wife knows these are my children) it will be the Turbo Beav, yes many good times with it :wink: .. Well getting a bit more done on Mr. Bellanca... motor should be here tomorrow, and the "W" is coming together.. I tell you this whole 'drawing my own plans and building from them' is sure a pain in the a$$.. I like when other people figure out the complex stuff and then you just build from there plans..

[DBlackadder]

There are a lot of us out here who feel the same way (only more so, clearly!).

Thought about tidying-up the plans and making them available to the less adventurous for a small fee?

[Bob Byrnes]

That is certainly a nice room you have for your hobby. I can't imagine how you keep it so tidy unless you do all your sawing and sanding elsewhere and then bring the pieces in for assembly. Good Stuff.....

[cf-drg]

I do have a separate room for sawing.. Plus I cleaned up before I took the pic :wink: .... I bit more done... also went flying today... hows this for a Jan 21 day for flying..... :D

[roscoe]

I think I'll go drown my sorrows. The wind chill factor in sunny, and I do mean sunny Winterpeg was about -34 this AM. No flying for me....sob.
The Bellanca is looking great, keep the photos coming, and don't worry about cleaning up.

[cf-drg]

Well puttered on it all weekend :) ... Wife had to go into work Sat, and Sun she went to her workout and then a walk with friends after that.. So had about 12 hours put into it this weekend.. Cut the floats out of foam and got the struts sheeted.. And other crap too, yaddy yaddy..... Also sorry about not answering your ? Derek, the plans are really rough...and leave "alot" to the imagination :shock: ..... Got a MVVS 35cc gasser for and "way" too big ... So now have a Evo 26cc gasser for it and I think it will be just perfect for it...

[DBlackadder]

Beautiful. Sigh. Nice work on a pretty design.

Well, roguh or not, if you ever have trouble making the mortgage and need some quick cash, I'd still be interested in a set of plans. :D

[cf-drg]

I'll tell you what, Derek, When I'm done with them you can have them.. But If you want them you have to build one!!!.. :wink: .. Well started sheeting it... going with 1/64 ply, nice and strong and like using paper.. Also built the muffler and got the engine all mounted and stuff...

[DBlackadder]

Done!

[cf-drg]

Well here's a bit more done...Just picking away at it.. I need to get it done for a bunch of floatflys here in the next few months... My home made muffler, the real deal had two big pipes out the bottom so it's kinda scale"ish".. Sheeted it with 1/64 ply, I have to admit that using it was really neat.. I could cut all my pieces out with a pair of scissors :wink: ...

[cf-drg]

Well all primed and ready for some paint... Have had discussions with other guys about about what colours, and I'm thinking of going with my own... Just that the the full sized ones weren't that colourful.. And have Bill Bond here with CF-AWR that was in the last maac mag, so don't want to do it the same (green/yellow-copper)... Thinking of red/yellow and black pin stripe..... :roll:

[cf-drg]

Well got the muffler re-modified and sheeted the floats today... Also primed the wings :lick: ... By the way that's not grey hair, that's primer in my hair :wink: .... Also posted a picture of what I think I might paint it as... I'll call it the 5th Aircruiser to come into Canada... What do you think of the colours and the pattern?...

[cf-drg]

Well. put a coat of paint on these last 2 days.. Should show up in the sky well :wink: .. Also got the plug for the cowl from my uncle, turned one out of MDF.. Ran the engine, Oooo baby, lots-a power.. Might try and do 3-D with it now :shock: ... Yeah right...

[DBlackadder]

Floats to be silver/aluminum?

[cf-drg]

Yes, floats will be silver/aluminum and cowl will be all black..

[Jollidude]

Nice work Darren, that is going to look absolutely majestic in the air! Wish I could be there to see it.

Wayne

[Flyboy76]

I wish that i had 1/10 the skill necc. to build a plane like that. Beautiful, my big seaplane is a Seawind EP from greatplanes, not quite the attention to detail and scale like appearance as yours but fun to fly!! If you get a chance you should video the maiden flight.

Geoff

[cf-drg]

Thanks Geoff I'll let you in on my secret .. Build a Unionville kit... If you get through it, then you can do this stuff... All my own designs (Fairchild Husky, Bellanca, and Fairchild FC-2W (next project) ) all are based on Unionville construction.. Trevor is building a Norseman right now (in this forum), so you can kinda see what they are like (watch he'll be designing his own in no time :wink: )... Maybe one day I'll go through the steps of taking a 3-view and making a flying model from it... But that's one day... For tomorrow is Fiberglassing day, :yuk: for the cowl mold and the floats...

[Tracon]

Hi Darren,

The New Bird Looks AWESOME !!!

Sam

[canadianf1pilot]

First I must agree with all the others...Great Work! looks like you put a lot of love into this project....
Maybe one day I'll go through the steps of taking a 3-view and making a flying model from it... But that's one day...

As for "Scratch Building" (not plans building) I have done it a few times, and it is allot of fun, if you like engineering challenges, and it is really gratifying to see something that was dreamed up, drawn and built yourself!

It's not the "Instant Gratification" like an ARF but it's what I call "Constant Gratification" but it just takes longer (Waaay longer) to get in the air (and it cost more than an ARF). There may be a few folks in this hobby that want the cheapest way to get in the air, but by the looks of your craftsmanship you are not one of them.
Keep up the great work, and keep us posted with pic's!

Bill

[cf-drg]

Here's the latest.. Cowl almost done, floats are glassed, stuts made, and windows made and painted.. Have a floatfly on May 4 I'm trying to get ready for (good luck)... Plus I'm just trying out the new posting format.. Had to see how to post a pic..

[cf-drg]

Well all done.... Flys the poops (doesn't fly like a trainer) but I have to iron the bugs out.. And tweek it a bit more... Here it is at the Alouette lake floatfly....

[wymbly1971]

Well done Darren.

It looks wonderful and the backdrop is nearly as impresssive.

So...what's next?

Trevor

[bear57]

Nice job Darren. Wish I had some of your drive.
Was the 26 gasser enough power? Are you bringing it to Sandy Point in June?
If you don't come we will talk about you!
Lorne

[cf-drg]

Thanks Trevor, and Lorne the 26er is just enough power. (will have some flying shots comming)... I will be trying to make Shuswap in june (have 2 weeks off).. Just so you can't talk about me ;)...

[roscoe]

Very nice job Darren. Can't wait to see the flight pics. Got to love the "Big Bellanca" on floats. Ahh the memories, it's a long way to the water when you fall off the nose of the old girl.

[Tracon]

Hi Darren,

It was great seeing you and Gail again, here's a little sample from yesterday before we get the rest of them uploaded on our website:

http://www.user.dccnet.com/emj_capital/DSC_0187.jpg

http://www.user.dccnet.com/emj_capital/DSC_0251.jpg

Give us a couple of days and we'll get the rest of them up...

Still busy with house stuff over here....

Sam

[roscoe]

AAARRGGHHH a Husky, one of those things nearly did me in! Trying to help a green pilot get tied up on a dock with the wind one way and a stiff current the other.
The Bellanca looks super in the air. Great job!!!

[Tracon]

Team Tracon's pictures from the "Dan Jude" Aluoette Lake Float Fly are now posted on our website.

Please visit:

http://teamtracon.netfirms.com/eventgallery/nfpicturepro/

Thanks,

Sam & Beverly

[roscoe]

Another great set of photos from Team Tracon. Well done! #79, of the Husky on takeoff took me back to Rupert House, a HBC post on James Bay. Austin Airways ran a Husky through there with the mail in the '60's.

[Tracon]

Thanks Roscoe !!!

Darren where are you ???

How do you like the pictures ???

Sam

[cf-drg]

Pictures are "great" Sam.. I'll have to get you to send me some when you have time (looked at the photo's of the house too).. Too bad it was so windy... As for where I've been? I've been recovering from that trumatic experience of fly the Bellanca ;)... I'll keep in touch with you... Roscoe, that's my Husky too...A nasty little flyer, but not as bad as the Bellanca was.. " Trainers they ain't"...

[Tracon]

Hey there !!!

Good to see you back...

Just let us know which ones you're after...

We'll email them to ya...

All the best,

Sam