Pilot RC Dolphin

There is a reciever in the nose as well, but don't see it being a problem. See plenty of jets in metallic paint finishes and I've never heard of a problem. Also, a big lump of solid metal in the way towards the back !!

Think next time I might pay to get the colour matched and put into a can. Will look okay it think, if not it can be easily sanded off.

Simon

Clear coat done this morning. Really quite pleased.



You can see the ripple on the larger plate. Was going to use some finishing glaze to flatten it all off but decided that I was getting a bit carried away on what is just a tray.



However, the smaller tray which I used less resin on has a pretty flat and even finish. I'm actually really chuffed with the result and they look great in the model. Need to leave them for 24 hours to harden off then I can start the crimping marathon when I finish off all the connections.

Simon

Looks similar to a previous photo, but apart from extension lead to nose steering servo and second reciever, all the plumbing and wiring is done under the first tray.



Had to make a new turbine lead to reach the ecu which I've mounted vertically at the front on the left hand side. All the leads from the pump and valves reach without modifying.

Really need to pull the tank apart to double check everything and then get it mounted along with making the connection to the vent which I had to rework due to being mounted through the thin soft balsa skin of the fuselage.

It really is then down to finishing off all the extension leads and plugging everything in.

Simon

Had a hour to spare so made some ferrules for the fuel lines (used some 4mm plumbing olives drilled out to 3/16). Bit tight getting the fuel lines on, but all lock wired and sorted.



Tank secured in place and all the fuel connections made. Next job is to put servo connectors on all the servo leads and get everything powered up and plugged in. Technically all my building is finished. Need to go over the fuselage with the covering iron to tidy it up a bit and maybe a bit of thinned skinning resin in the nose wheel area to protect the wood from moisture.

Might get to fire up the turbine at the weekend, then she needs balancing and a test fly !!.

Simon

Got the leads finished including shortening the wires which will run from the igyro to the Powerbox. Reciever ariels are mounted at 90 degrees and clipped in place.





Got another power lead to route through from the Powerbox but the hole in the former is not big enough to let the mpx connector through. Easy tweak with the Dremel, but too late tonight.

Servos will be connected and assigned to the relevant channels using the Powerbox assistant. After fitting one in my Gryphon, I'm hoping this shouldn't take too long.

Simon

Looking good Simon, you mention a Power Box assistant ? I have never heard of it, I have a PB Competition to set up and could do with an assistant

In the latest software (assuming you have a Powerbox that can be updated), the assistant takes you through assigning the channels. On the Mercury SRS, once the receivers were linked up, you basically went through each control, plugging the servo into the corresponding slot on the power box. I'm hoping this one will set up the same......maybe not !!

Might try and plug it in tonight so will let you know.

Simon

I have the PB competition SRS, its just come back from PB because it did not work from new and it was updated while there
Do you have to plug it into a computer

No assistant on the Competition, you have to manual map the channels. To be honest I think I prefer that, was really easy to just state what I wanted and where, then plug it in.



All powered up, just need to change turbine power lead to MPX connector as I've standardised on that for my turbines.

Got a busy weekend but hoping to get it all plugged together to test air system assuming it's not raining. Never seen it in on piece.

Simon

Had a bit of time this evening and somehow I seem to have finished it.



Will post a picture when I get to bolt it all together and then hopefully some video or photos of it in the air.

Simon

wow
what a lovely looking aircraft.
bet you are well chuffed.

Not really got the space but just enough to get the wings on to check all the surfaces.





Got all the flaps set up and servos moving in correct direction. Also checked correct sense for Gyro even thought it will be switched off for first few trimming flights. Did the horizontal stabs at the weekend so just need to check air system for any leaks, cg and fire up the turbine.

Not got any free time now for the next week or so, so no maiden on the horizon just yet.

Simon

The most expensive part of a model jet.... .risking it in the sky!! Assuming the weather plays along, the untested turbine works and all the final checks don't find any issues, my Dolphin will have her maiden tomorrow.

Simon