DB Hurricane 81”

[Wayne Cox]

So my next project is the DB Hurricane never built one so here goes.
Have a Saito FG40cc petrol and scale Unitracts undercarriage ready

Thinking of doing BE505 which is currently located at Biggin Hill as a two seater

Any advice on the build will be welcome

[Wayne Cox]

Photo of the retracts

[chris-berry]

Hoping to start mine in the next few weeks. I'll be watching with interest!
Thinking of dispensing with the intergral aileron linkage and still debating the choice of engine. I'd like an FG40 but will it give enough umph? I have a Mackay 45 that i may decide to use or go for a DLE55RA which I have seen used as well, although likely to be way OTT.
I've got unitracts as well.

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Chris
Started on the wing today but glued or as it says in instructions laminated all the parts first.
Put the Cowl together but I have added a wider peace of cloth to fix them together.

Yes the DLE55 will have huge power but I am hoping that my FG40cc will be ok as I hate seeing Warbirds being flown like Pylon Racers

Regards

[chris-berry]

Hi Wayne.
Ah, you must have a new kit. Mines one of the early laser kits with the single piece cowl, although I could split if needed.

I know what you mean about engines but I was stung about 20 years ago with the DB Spitfire.
I hate seeing trumpets, carbs and exhausts sticking out of the cowl so I bought a Moki 210 with a rear pitts silencer. The layout meant I had to step the firewall back halfway down which made the tank bay shorter. A smaller tank gave me about 8 minutes start to finish which wasn't great.
To cap it all, the light engine meant 7.5lbs of lead up the front and I'm sure I shed a tear! What was a 16lbs aircraft became 23 odd but with a small tank and very very scale power, I decided I'd get rid of it.

I definitely don't want to make the same mistake with the Hurricane.

Cheers

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Chris
I know the front of the two rocker covers will Protrude but am sure I can keep the silencer in.

I have been looking at some builds on google which have quite a selection of photos of their builds which will help.

Some photos of the cowl and the wing making sure the first three ribs are set so to get the washout
So if you have any advice please shout up.
Regards
Wayne

[chris-berry]

Hi Wayne

I like the method you use of 90degree angle brackets for making sure ribs are vertical, I'll be using that method!

I was going to do the tropical version, so A. The cowl can be extended slightly and B. I can add a filter to make the cowl a little bigger and may also allow the engine to move forward, which should help with CG.

I've found a few links to builds from DB website which I've found useful.

I need to clear the bench this week and make a start on the wing!
Chris

[sean smith]

Keep the tail end as light as possible. I had one of the old kits with foam wings, even with a ZG38 it needed alot of nose weight.

I've just started another "old kit" DB Hurricane with foam wings so we will see how this one goes.

[chris-berry]

Hi Sean.
Just thinking about the retract air tank and valve presumably you've got no choice but to put in the Fuz unless there is clearance on top of the wing? What retracts are you going for?

I've got unitracts and was going to use a robart adjustable valve and then either a robart tank or unitracts bottle. Ideally id like to keep it all self contained in the wing and then just have the servo flylead to connect.

Have you had any thoughts about tank and valve location Wayne?

A bit of redesign needed presumably if fitting in wing but depends on the size of the tank.
Cheers
Chris

[sean smith]

Hi Chris,
I've got my old set of Unitracts which i'm going to use. I think i put the air bottle in the fuel tank area along with the valve under the removable tank hatch.
I have seen the air tanks built into the wing with the fill valve hidden in the radiator that way you can keep everything contained in the wing.

[chris-berry]

Hi Sean.
Yep, my plan is to use the radiator to hide the fill valve and use a small robart bottle and build into wing.

I like the unitracts retracts, good quality. A lot less faff if using electric but not sure of any that would be suitable for the Hurricane.
Cheers

[Philip Goff]

Wayne,
I have got a DLE 55RA in my Hurricane, and 4lbs + of ballast.
It was an absolute joy to build. It is 88 inch span not 81 inch.
It also has Unitrats in it, which are very nice indeed.

It has had two flights and had problems on both flights.
Radio first flight, now changed to Futaba and ballast
coming loose on the second flight.

It is very nice to fly and is very stable in flight,
it feels quite heavy on the ailerons though.
I have the CG 1/4 inch in front of what is stated
on the plans.

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Phillip,
Many thanks I don’t know how to edit the Project name but yes it’s a 88”.
Great to hear you had some flight would be nice to see any photos.

I have found a couple of things in the wing that need looking at from the plan

I see that DB have brought out a new wing ie not a one peace will call and find out as it will be easier to transport.
Anyway get some photos on here.
If any of the build you have done can help on mine please let me know.
Regards

[chris-berry]

How you getting on Wayne?
Have you done any more on the Hurricane?

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Chris,
No mate as I have been re painting my 1/4 chipmunk should start back on it soon
Cheers
Wayne

[chris-berry]

I know the feeling. Lots of projects and not enough time.
Cheers

[Wayne Butler]

Hi Matey.. has the hurricane progressed at all..you know I was always waiting for a big Hurricane from ESM and it never came..I'm building a Mick Reeves 1/4.5.The builds are very similar.
Keep it going mate..
Wayne

[Wayne Cox]

Been off for a while but back onto the build.

Firstly I have ordered the Two peace wing section which will help in many ways. It should be hear this week as Richard from Db has cut it for me so will post some photos

Built the Fin and Rudder all dry fit will glue now.

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Matey.. has the hurricane progressed at all..you know I was always waiting for a big Hurricane from ESM and it never came..I'm building a Mick Reeves 1/4.5.The builds are very similar.
Keep it going mate..
Wayne

Hi Wayne yours looks great mate

[Wayne Butler]

Any update Wayne ?