[dean2287]

I wasn't sure that I would post a build thread on this, but there may be some interest and I couldn't find a start to finish thread anywhere else. This is a Unionville Beaver radial engine 96" kit. I wanted to do a larger scale build this winter, and really like the classic bush planes. This one had detachable two-piece wings also, so maybe I can transport it to the field!

It's not just a box of sticks...there are a good number of pre-formed pieces. The balsa quality is, well, not great, but it will work. All the control horns, linkages, landing gear wire, and even decals are included, along with a fiberglass cowl, molded windscreen, and pre-cut plywood pieces.

I made a start this weekend after reading through the instructions and going over the plans to know what I'm doing. It's fairly well laid out, but needs interpretation is a few areas. It's been many years since I did a full build (like 20) - I'd forgotten how much fun it is! Watching it take shape, and being able to put that extra attention into every step, it's a good feeling.

Updates to follow, slowly.

[CdnFlyer]

Keep up the great thread, I just finished my Unionville Norseman this last June.

You are right, there is some interpretation required in some areas from the Unionville kit, but seeing the aircraft in flight, which flies like a trainer, is well worth the effort. Mine took about 2 years to build, after getting fed up with the 'interpretations' in some areas, put it aside and come back to it later. The pre-molded windscreen, I had to cut into three pieces to get it to fit properly, after installing aditional supports for the windshield, then used aluminiun tape painted flat black and simulated rivets for the framing.

I also included Nav lights into the airframe, wingtip red and green lights, white tail light and a flashing white beacon in top of the fuse. Of course the large round cowl needs a radial engine on the front, and hides the Saito .91. Just wish that I could disguise the muffler.

My colour scheme is from RCAF Norsemans used in 1942 to 1944 for surveying the Arctic and Northern Canadian Territories so that the Russians would not try claim the northern territories.

A great easy flier and looks great in the air, particularly with full flap deployed, you can almost walk faster than it flies. I expect the Beaver will have much the same flight characteristics. Just need to build the float kit that I bought for it as well. I already have skis that fit for this coming winter flying.

Enjoy the plane after suffering through some of the frustrations of building a Unionville kit, it is well worth it.

[chuebner]

Always interested in your builds, Dean... keep up the good work!

[dean2287]

Nice job there Bill, looks great! I think these Unionville kits are relatively simple designs that ought to fly well if balanced properly, even with minimal power. I'm planning to use a 2-stroke at 90 degrees with a Pitts to minimize the cowl cutting. Might go with an onboard glow igniter also.

[marco2236]

Nice choice, Im going to watch this build for sure.

[dm8221]

Hi Dean
I'am glad you decided to do a build thread, look forward to updates as you progress with frame up. I didn't ask what your plans were as far as finish would be, probably plenty of photos with nice color schemes maybe other rcc members can help you out with ideas.
Cheers Don

[dean2287]

Originally Posted by dm8221

Hi Dean
I'am glad you decided to do a build thread, look forward to updates as you progress with frame up. I didn't ask what your plans were as far as finish would be, probably plenty of photos with nice color schemes maybe other rcc members can help you out with ideas.
Cheers Don

Thanks Don. I haven't thought much about finish yet. Just not red and white! I seem to always end up with red and white airplanes. I'm happy enough to use the supplies decals, and even thought about just doing the same color scheme as the packaging shows...



I'm open to suggestions!

[dean2287]

...today's progress. Leading edge on, flaps and ailerons started, wing strut mounting block in, and shear webbing installed.

[marco2236]

Are you going to use Bellcranks for the control surfaces, or build in servo stations? Now is a good time to think that over.

[dean2287]

Originally Posted by marco2236

Are you going to use Bellcranks for the control surfaces, or build in servo stations? Now is a good time to think that over.

I decided from the start that I would use one servo for each aileron and just one servo with the bellcranks for the flaps. I drilled out the ribs for this - control rods to the flap bellcranks and extension wire routing to the aileron servos.

There's no doubt, you have to plan ahead!