Large Model Association Forum

Well with being in isolation at home I decided to get building this new jet kit I purchased some months ago. I went for this model because it was different in appearance to other sports jets and it flew on a 100 size turbine. I did not check out its size which has surprised me at how big it is at 104” long and 86” span. So much for a 100 size club sports jet that easily fits in the car. The laser cutting is clean and precise, all bits fitted together to date and the finished parts are true to shape and form. Building jigs are supplied for all main structures which makes the build quick once you have identified the parts needed. I would say the main down side on this kit is that apart from the fuselage jig no parts are marked for where they go so dry building is essential. I am working on the tail plane and fuselage for now and this is a weeks work to date, I am waiting for more building pins for fixing the planking strips on the canopy.

These are more pics of the fuselage

More pics, when ordering the kit I purchased the canopy fixing kit plus the hinge & horn kit along with the wing tube. The one thing I did not order which I wish I had is the servo hatch kit. For the build there is a massive library of pictures on Mirce site showing the build sequence. It is stated to use 1/8 sheeting but I had none only a massive amount of 3/32 so that is what I used to sheet mine. To be fair it forms to the shapes better than the 1/8 would of done I feel. The wings I plan to sheet them in 2mm lite ply.

Nice work

Hi David
I would seriously reconsider sheeting your wings in 2mm lite ply. I have done this on 2 models (did not learn the lesson on the first one !!) and regretted it on both occasions as the finished wing came out way heavier than sheeting in balsa. The Lite ply is quite a bit heavier than balsa but even worse it is a real sponge soaking up the resin (or G4) much more than balsa to make a wing heavier than a balsa version.

John

Hi John, yes I agree with the weight gain, with using thinner balsa on all other sheeted areas I am hoping the final all up weight will be close. I will do a comparison before I commit to it. With my larger models over 20 kg I would not give it a thought but this is a different beast and weight is critical. Thanks for your input, it has made me think about my choices. Dave

I have to agree with John on this. I've used 2mm light ply for the first time and think its quite heavy before I get around to glassing them. A quick weigh up and I think its about 1lb heavy than 3mm balsa. Not sure what to do now.

John is right, OTT...

Another option which I’ve used on several models is 0.8mm Finnish Birch Ply, e.g. my 1/4 Vampire. Not cheap, but it makes an immensely strong wing and acceptable weight, as it just needs to be covered with lightweight glasscloth and a minimum of resin.

Not much done over the last week due to isolation and being unwell with a virus not the once in the news I have been Tod but makes you feel real sh—y. Thanks again for the input. Servo’s fitted in the tail and fuz cut off it’s jig for lower sheeting.

After some more bad days I have managed to get into the workshop today. As I did not want a dusty environment I decided to start the wings. Although as the fuselage you need to double check all of the parts they build up really quickly.

After recovering from my illness its been all go again on the NEXT jet. I decided to go with the lite ply for the wing skins due to balsa sheet shortage. All major bits now done with just the canopy to complete and the rudder to make. Unfortunately the rudder parts were missing from the kit but its an easy part to build. Servo's and linkages then glassing.

Missed pics

I must say, it's a really good looking plane. Looks like fun to build as well.
Cheers

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More progress on the Next jet

Almost ready for glassing, turbine arrived today. Thought I would try a Kingtech 120 as we fly off grass.

Moved the Next to my workshop for glassing the flaps are massive and work well with the hinges supplied

Fuselage glassed and second coated with resin, 100g on the bottom to protect from damage in transit etc and 50g for the rest

I have started glassing the wings but I have a lot to do to catch up with Ray who has nearly completed his

Hi David
I received my Next Sport Jet from Mirce Sets and i was wondering what resin you used to glass yours? I will ne using 24g cloth.
Regards Frank Barrett

I used skinning resin from easy composites. I would use heavier cloth on the underside of the fuzz to protect from hanger rash or a wheels up landing.