[Poppawang]

Been sitting on this one for a couple years.
I have always like the golden age racers and in particular the Howard series.
The Pete DGA 3 (Damn Good Airplane) being my favorite.
The David Anderson plans are true to scale and as I understand result in a great flying model. He has added optional flaps to make the plane even easier to land but can be omitted. I haven't decide yet whether I will add them.
It's doubtful I'll be entering any scale contests but you never know.

The plans are available for free from Dave.
http://www.mnbigbirds.com/Andersen%20Plans.htm

They are also available from the Outerzone:
http://www.outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=5999

The original model called for a Saito FA150 but was later upgraded to a Saito FA 180 which apparently gave that extra bit of oomph to make it an all round better flyer.
I have a Saito FG30 which I will use.
I have imported the plans into Turbocad and will trace the parts and laser cut them as I go.

Andy

[Poppawang]

The real plane:
Wingspan: 20 ft 1 in
Length: 17 ft 9 in
Powerplant: Wright 4-cyl Gypsy
326 cubic inches

The model:
33% Scale, 80.33" wingspan
Powerplant: 30cc Four Stroke gas

Howard created the plane specifically for air racing and especially for the events at the National Air Races. Scarcely seventeen feet long with a 20 feet wingspan, Howard's third plane, Pete, was designated DGA-3, with DGA standing for "Damned Good Airplane." Pete's first test was at the 1930 National Air Races in Chicago. Winning five of the first seven races, Pete became one of the most successful racers in any form of motorsport. In the men's "Free for All," contested by seven planes with larger, more powerful engines, Pete finished an impressive third place, despite a huge horsepower disadvantage.
Cited from: http://www.air-racing-history.com/ai...rd%20DGA-3.htm

Andy

[Trumpetman]

Cool project! You do your own laser cutting?

[Poppawang]

Hey Gordon.
I do. I have a 50w C02 setup that I built over the last couple years.
Very handy.

Andy

[NDW]

Gordon,
Me and a couple flying buddies have had Andrew cut some kits for us.... Just as good or better quality of laser cutting than i have seen and his customer service is first rate.....

D.

[Poppawang]

Thanks Nelson!
I appreciate the support.

Andy

[Poppawang]

A list of my favorite tools

Glues - Superphatic from Deluxe - "I put that sh*t on everything"
This is my favorite glue.
- CA - I use very little as I cannot tolerate the fumes any longer. It's not so bad with kicker but I find using kicker makes the glue very brittle

Covering - Sig Koverall with Nitrate dope - stinky but gets the best results in my opinion

Paint - Latex house paint - not nitro proof but no issue as I will be using a gas engine.

Markings - I haven't decided yet between laser cutting a set of masks and painting or ordering a decal set. We'll see how lazy I feel when the time comes.

I always like to start with the tail feathers. I like how they go together quickly usually, and give me a quick sense that the project is well underway.

Andy

[Sukhoi 68]

Now to me, this is an a beautiful looking bird! Great choice! I am watching this one for sure!


Scott

[Trumpetman]

Here is a nice video of the model. Yours might be a bit bigger.
http://youtu.be/e6I2FOltQGM

[Poppawang]

Progress on the HStab and elevator.
Here is the stab assembled and the elevator parts cut out.
And finally both stab and elevator assembled.
Just need to add the ribs, sand to shape and cover.
Hopefully tonight and start on the vstab and rudder.

Andy