[4stripes]

I'm just starting the build on this model (in swiss markings) and plan to run the 14 blade XRP 90mm fan with 1450kv motor (from X-flight).
http://www.x-flight.com.hk/index.php?p=6&ev=&id=220
Will run 6S 5000 to 5500mah Gens Ace battery through a 100A YEP ESC. Had to reassemble the fan/motor as the adapter was slipping on the motor shaft throwing off any "dynamic balancing' that may have been done at the factory. Expecting this to be plenty of power as it pulls between 1900 and 2000 watts settled. Will use the smaller plastic HK electric retracts with metal trunions.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=23483
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=23481
Will replace the legs with this set as they are far superior to the stock legs.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=25499
Haven't heard of any wing strength issues but will add one CF arrowshaft spar to join the wings.

The kit came in good shape but there were some warps in the wings and tail surfaces. Twisting out the warps in the hottest tap water worked pretty well and didn't cause blistering (like boiling hot would).

First task was adding a working rudder. So easy to do before assembly and makes takeoffs and landings much better controlled. Next was re-hinging the elevators and adding the HXT900 servos. I rewired one of the elevator servos to run reversed so the original cutouts could be used (wish manufacturers would plan the servo locations better so standard direction could be used everywhere). The horizontal stab was cut down the middle and a hardwood dowel added for a spar (joining the two halves). Used epoxy to hold the servos but PU (polyurethane) glue for the structure.

After reading on other forums where the CG is located (235mm behind the front of the intakes) I decided the main landing gear was too far aft. Made new cutouts to locate the gear forward and added hardwood beams to mount the retracts. We chose the small plastic electric servoless retracts that have metal trunions as they should be strong enough for a model in the 3kg range. We have used the larger type in other heavier models but they also add more weight. With the wheels farther forward, ground handling should be ideal and there was more room to add an arrow shaft spar joining the wing halves. There is a CF spar in each wing half, but there is no joiner other than some light-ply formers which looked flimsy. I used an alloy arrow shaft to cut the hole into each wing panel and the actual spar will be a CF arrow shaft glued in with PU glue. Only added one spar for insurance as I haven't heard of any wing failures. My father is busy planning the cockpit and other details like the cannon blisters and external fuel tanks.

[4stripes]

Cut the new landing gear mounts and wheel wells. New blocks glued in with PU glue. Used saran wrap to keep the retract from getting stuck with the glue expansion. Filled the old wells with some scrap insulation. The remaining wheel opening will be finally covered later with some thin plastic.

[Eric S.]

Eric. Can you double check the link for the HK retracts? It says the page is no longer avail. Can't wait to see some vid of this one in the air too.

[4stripes]

Originally Posted by Eric S.

Eric. Can you double check the link for the HK retracts? It says the page is no longer avail. Can't wait to see some vid of this one in the air too.

I think it has something to do with RCCanada and Hobbyking web links as those items still exist. Here is the proper links (we will see how long they last).

retracts

nose gear

legs

[4stripes]

Vbulletin message will pop up when selecting Hobbyking links only. Doesn't for horizon hobby or x-flight.

Seems a RCCanada-HK issue...

[Eric S.]

That one works thanks. I'm looking for a set of rotating units for my SU35 as I want them to be more scale but I'm concerned about how strong the rods that rotate them are. Do you have any experience with those types? Do you think I might be better off using the nose gear type and making my own pivot arms?

[4stripes]

These should handle the job.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ate_Pair_.html

100 degree extension type, may not be suitable
http://parkrcmodels.com/product_info...oducts_id=1662

adapter parts for 3mm shaft (may be too light)
http://parkrcmodels.com/product_info...roducts_id=831

http://parkrcmodels.com/product_info...roducts_id=813

[Eric S.]

Sweet, thanks. My main concern though is they all seem to use plastic for the outer ball joint/arms. I've yet to see a metal version.

[4stripes]

Have the flaps ready to glue in and the servos are mounted. Made from thin fiberglass sheet the hinges are held on with thin bolts which also secure the control horns. Thin styrene plastic was used to make covers for the old gear locations.

[4stripes]

Made a little more progress today. First soldered up some servo leads to run from the tail through the fuselage. Re-routed them through a new channel at the base of the vertical stab rather than the tiny slits that were in each fuselage half under the stab. Then opened up the channel forward of the stab to make it easier to thread the wires. The aft fuselage sections were glued together with a combination of PU and CA glues. The parts were warped slightly so the CA seemed the best way to get it together. Had to glue the bottom seam first with the top split open slightly due to the warps in both halves then the top half was CA'd (after placing the servo wires into the channel). Very helpful to have my sons extra hands while parts were being glued, wiped and kickered. Once the aft fuse was set I glued on the tail with half PU in the center and CA at each end and along the seams.
My father worked on tidying up the wing underside with extra servo covers and matching paint. The local Michaels craft store was handy for finding matching paints. We also started working on the nose gear and steering as that must be sorted before joining the forward fuselage.