T E A M
After meddling with foam indoor electric Weasels for years with my students, I finally pull myself to start building a balsa version of a mid-size Weasels, that I redesigned last year.
For those who doesn't know, the original Weasel EPP glider kit came in 2 sizes. The bigger version has the same size of the current moulded EVO version and the smaller one has only 24" wingspan. My version strikes in the middle of 28".
There's no special reason to build one from balsa, except for the looks and structural rigidity. I still like the looks of traditional built-up wings, especially after getting hold of a Mini Elf DLG.
At this point, all balsa structures are done, awaiting coverings and servo installations. Eventually, this model is going to be an one-piece plane. The wings have carbon spars and the rest are balsa. The 2 wings are built separately and joined by epoxy and glasscloth. The elevons are planed down to taper from 3/16" balsa sheet with multiple lightening holes cut.
The fuselage is just a usual box type structure with a hatch provision on the belly. I also epoxied a piece of plywood behind the hatch for tow hook mounting, in anticipation of possible high-start launches. The vertical fin is from 1/8" balsa with grain running vertical. To minimise warping and splitting, I glued a strip of carbon at the bottom edge and glassed the forward area.
For those who doesn't know, the original Weasel EPP glider kit came in 2 sizes. The bigger version has the same size of the current moulded EVO version and the smaller one has only 24" wingspan. My version strikes in the middle of 28".
There's no special reason to build one from balsa, except for the looks and structural rigidity. I still like the looks of traditional built-up wings, especially after getting hold of a Mini Elf DLG.
At this point, all balsa structures are done, awaiting coverings and servo installations. Eventually, this model is going to be an one-piece plane. The wings have carbon spars and the rest are balsa. The 2 wings are built separately and joined by epoxy and glasscloth. The elevons are planed down to taper from 3/16" balsa sheet with multiple lightening holes cut.
The fuselage is just a usual box type structure with a hatch provision on the belly. I also epoxied a piece of plywood behind the hatch for tow hook mounting, in anticipation of possible high-start launches. The vertical fin is from 1/8" balsa with grain running vertical. To minimise warping and splitting, I glued a strip of carbon at the bottom edge and glassed the forward area.
Attached Files
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