lipo aa battery How to Build the Stevens Aero Puddlebug - A Build Log for a Laser Cut Balsa Radio Control Plane

My son and I like to fly remote control planes.We live in the downtown area and usually choose the ultra-micro aircraft that can fly in the small park in the early morning.I don't like to fly when there are people around (especially children --It doesn't seem worth the risk if there is a mechanical or operator failure!.
These three channel planes are super light, and it is almost impossible to get enough momentum to actually cause a lot of damage.But God knows we tried it!As the weather gets colder and wetter, I am looking for an interesting project to build with him.I have been looking for a long time online for a famous RC kit manufacturer and finally found Stevens airlines.
The box at the end of the article has complete details.We argued for a few days about which model to build, but finally decided to build the Puddlebug, mainly because it was small in size and it used the same electronics as the champion!This means that any spare parts we make can be exchanged.This cute little aircraft is made mainly by balsa, a super aircraft.
Light wood is very common in the model building industry.It should be easy to repair if it is damaged.Length 10.Wingspan 17.Flight weight 1.1 oz.To complete this project, you need the following electronic components.
ParkZone [PKZ3351] or Spektrum [AR6400] Ultra-micro receiver/ESC/servo system.ParkZone motor and gearbox [PKZ3624] (same as the motor used in Sukhoi and um p.ParkZone UM P-51 propeller [PKZ3601] or E-Flite* 4-[PKZ1035] or E-Flite 110-120mAh 3.
I will not spend too much time at this stage.This is easy to do, and the instructions are very good.The Balsa is laser cut with incredible precision.
In fact, only one too small gap is too big to fit into the corresponding hole, but the problem is solved by quickly trimming with a tool knife.All parts are glued together with medium thickness CA.I also used a combustion aid, but I don't need it.
Note: Do yourself a favor and go to S-L-O-W-L-Y !!I have done too much construction in a hurry and using glue is not as neat and tidy as I should have done.There is no paint or film on the aircraft body, so my glue error is very obvious!This lovely aircraft runs on Parkzone DSM2 electronics.This makes it easy to find replacement parts if there is any damage.
Many of you may have spare parts for other buildings..It is easy to install the motor with a drop or two of CA glue, but you do need to cut off the four plastic spikes on the assembly.These are for fixing the motor on a foam plane, but they do not penetrate the balsa.
Cut them off and fix it with glue.
Make sure the motor is aligned straight-Due to the side thrust generated by the bending installation, you do not want to plan to fly in a large circle.The circuit board is connected with a double sided servo tape.Push rod connecting on-By precisely bending the length of both ends, the hinge rudder and the plate servo on the elevator are very simple.
If the putter is too long or too short, it will be difficult for the rudder and elevator to find the "center" and keep it there.Take the extra time now to correct it.Tip: you can create a Z-if you want-bend and an L-Bend two pieces of waste putter material.I found it easier to connect the putter to the servo and control surface by using the dab CA glue and some heat shrink tubes to connect the workpiece.
The instructions that come with the Puddlebug include a movie template that covers the wing.The film is either Parklet, Aerolite, or Solite (basically a very light translucent film, heated)Shrink to the balsa wing and level stabilizer.Depending on the film brand you are using, the process is different, so please read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Cover the top surface of the wing and tail.Apply the movie below.Note: This is the first time I have tried to adhere the film to the balsa surface.The first material I used didn't stick well on balsa at all.
I don't know why.
I bought Parklite to try different brands and it worked really well!Although it was my first plan, I had no problems.I used a sharp razor to stick the material to the wood and cut it, then gently peel it off and reveal the wood.My tail is blue and my wings are orangefun colors!The Hinging mechanism is no longer simple.
Just use the hinge tape.
..That\'s it.
I only used a few labels of adhesive tape for each surface (on both sides.) I am worried that the full length tape on both sides of the rudder and elevator will be too hard, resulting in the servo system being too difficult to move.I was too cautious, but my application did not seem to reduce the strength of the joint at all.
These instructions do require that the edges of balsa be polished into a "V" pattern to allow the control surface to move completely.The grinding block that comes with the kit is completed in less than 30 seconds.There is a large inflatable tire, which is the main feature of the front of the aircraft.
It is fixed in the appropriate position, and the shaft is tightly fixed between the two reinforcement brackets in the lower part of the body.Bend a thin line using the supplied template and slide on the stand of the main wing.The end of the wire then slides into the axle that holds the wing to the body and keeps the axle in place.
This is clever.
It makes it very easy to pull out the wires to access the components.The biggest warning here is not to pressurize it with your mouth.The manufacturer says moisture will degrade the rubber and shorten the life of the tire.
ESC/receiver, motor, propellor and battery are very easy to install.Follow the placement instructions and you won't be in trouble.I place the receiver with foam tape and it works fine.
It is easy to bind this model with a good quality transmitter..This article discusses how to bind it to an RC helicopter, but the process is the same!It's the first flight...are gorgeous!I chose pudding for me and my son, but I was also attracted to the cartoon ratio RC plane.
There may be a good chance to build a second one.Therefore, the establishment of this laser cutting model is very simple.Just a little CA glue and some patience.Before I go to Parklite, shrinking the movie on the wing is a challenge.
Then it was easy to continue the first time.The electronics are great and can be bound to any DSMX transmitter.It is easy to find replacement parts if something is broken because they are most ultra-micro planes.
The plane that was finally assembled was beautiful!I almost wanted to put it on a stand out so I could appreciate it.But what are the benefits of making a plane without driving it?After a few flights, it will easily become a favorite of people.Know we built it from the kit and added a special memory too!I highly recommend this fun little RC aircraft kit!.