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Larry Sorenson
- Composite Repair
Larry gave a
presentation on repairing composite
structures such as broken fiberglass
fuselages using fiberglass cloth and
thin CA glue. It was a simple
process that works for epoxy and/or
polyester based composites.
The final joint
usually can be filled in flat, as
compared to the rest of the fuselage and
be almost invisible. The final repair is
reported to be as strong as the original
structure! Larry showed some of his
glider fuselages where this technique
save it for another day! |
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Composite Repair -
Tips/Steps
- Look at the
break to see how clean it is
- Often need
to remove frayed cloth (scissors or
sanding)
- The material
must be flat across profile
- Use a single
light source to look for shadows
indicating bumps
- Splint the
broken joint and tack with CA
- Sand a
trough at the break for the new
glass to fill
- Add glass
cloth and CA glue to wick it down
and fill the trough
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David
Andersen - IAR 80/81 WWII Fighter
Project
Dave had received
the fiberglass fuselage, cowling and
detailed parts from member and
professional molder, Jeff Micko.
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The detail in the
fuselage looks great and it is supplied
in two scale parts just like the full
size where the rear of the fuselage is
joined to the front just behind the wing
by four bolts.
These parts are
going to Phil Schwartz who is building a
prototype to evaluate the plans.
Phil is using a 1/4 scale set of P-51
gear with custom forks in this build.
We look forward to seeing Phil's
progress! |
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Joe Neidermayr - EDF Airliner Project
Joe brought in his
latest project he's designing to use a
pair of 64 mm diameter EDF metal fans he
acquired from Taiwan. |
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On 3 cells they bench test at 500 watts,
on 4 cells he expects about 750 to 800
watts output.
The project started out from re-scaling
a set of Keith Sparks Boeing 757 plans
to get a 60" span that would work for
his smaller fans. His airframe
weighs |
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in at 4 pounds and he expects a final
flight weight of 7 to 8 pounds.
Naturally Joe had more engineering to do
as the original model had fixed gear.
Joe designed and built his gear and
doors. As he was working the
airframe he did a little sanding here
and a little sanding there and before he
knew it , he had changed it from a
Boeing 757 to become an Airbus A320 that
he will finish in Lufthansa colors.
We'll be looking for a flight report
once he finishes! |
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Zach Geragi - F9F
Panther Turbine
Zach showed his
latest acquisition, a 22 pound Grumman
F9F Panther powered by a Jet Central Bee
80 turbine. This aircraft was finished
in chrome finish Monokote over a
fiberglass fuselage. |
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The colors
were
chosen by the builder for high
visibility. The Bee 80 turbine has
18 pounds of thrust and is a propane
start and has 16 hours of running time.
Zach spent time on the phone with
representatives of Jet Central and was
assured that it will not need to be
refurbished for some time. Zach
will be working with SFM club members
this spring towards his turbine waiver.
We look forward to seeing it fly! |
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