Mike Smart 1/4 DHC Chipmunk

[Wayne Cox]

Two years ago I purchased Brian Rawcliffes Chipmunk and I fly it as much as I can as it’s a wonderful aircraft so at Much Marcle I decided to build another one so my son Sam and I could fly both at the shows.

I sent the plans off to Chris at SLEC who has done a fantastic job on the cnc and wood pack, many thanks to Chris.

I have got servos and hardware from Justin at Rapidrc and my navigation lighting from Bob at Nexus thanks guys.

I know some of the guys here have built these so if any advice or assistance along the way I will gladly accept with open arms.
I intend to glass it as Brian’s looks great with detail but have to admit I have never attempted glass clothing so any advice at that stage will be gladly taken.
So a few photos to start with and when I can get the plans on the board will proceed.
Regards
Wayne

[Peter Siggins]

Hi Wayne I built one from Mike Smart plans 3or4years ago - no problems with the build but the canopy was hard to get hold of.Luckily Robin Woodhead had a few pulled ,excellent quality at a very reasonable price,don’t know if he’s still got any.

I powered mine with a Quadra 42 ,as on the plan - excellent match.

Good luck with the build

Pete

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[David Jones]

I've just built and glassed a 1/4 scale Chippy from the Gerry Bates plan and Belair kit for my mate, Mike Whitehead. He got the cowl and canopy from Phil Clarke at Fighter Aces. The model is now with Mike for finishing.

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Guys
Many thanks I have got a canopy from Robin very nice.

Going with a Saito 40cc FG petrol I have a Saito 36cc in my other.
Doing a two peace wing also.
It’s the glassing I think will be my headache as I have never done it. So any advice will be great.
Cheers
Wayne

[Peter Siggins]

I Wayne fibreglassing isn’t too difficult- if I can do it anybody can .

I have a feeling Phil Clark did a tutorial on the subject somewhere,by the way his cloth and resin are I think superior to others on the market and do make the job easier.if you give him a ring I’m sure you’ll find him more than helpful.

Pete

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Peter
Many thanks think I have located that here.
I will contact him thanks for the advice.
Wayne

http://www.bvrmc.uk/pdfs/glassing_article.pdf

[Wayne Cox]

Selected motor is the Satio FG 40CC Petrol I have the 36cc in my other one and sounds great.
Ordered from Justin at RapidRC

[Wayne Cox]

A couple of Brian’s Chipmunk which I fly now

[Wayne Cox]

Starting to mark up all the parts that have been cut by Chris at SLEC very impressed spot on.
Think I need me a bigger table.
Also picking up my Saito FG36 cc from Ian Redshaw on Wednesday great deal as it’s the same motor in my other Chipmunk so happy.

[Wayne Cox]

Picked up Saito FG36cc from Ian Redshaw today, thanks mate

[Wayne Cox]

Work coming on with fuz
Sent off cockpit template to Real Model Pilots to do me two dash’s Robin sorting my spinner out

[Wayne Cox]

So fuz nearly complete before covering but will be installing and setting up servos fuel tank etc
Spent a few hours on setting up Nav Light system from Bob at Nexus all working ready fir installation.
Tail plane and elevators had a good going today.

[Wayne Cox]

Bit more work done Centre section done as two peace wing

[Wayne Cox]

So I have sorted the wings and creating the two peace, tubes fit nice.
Done a bit more on the right wing

[Wayne Cox]

Received my cockpit dash boards from Saun at Real Model Pilots many thanks

[Wayne Cox]

So more work done both wings coming on.
Tail plane and Elevators done mostly sanded down.

[Wayne Cox]

Some more work done.
Firs time I have split a wing into two halves but with a lot of time and fit refit they fit together perfect.
Undercarriage all fits great and at correct rake forward.
Will start to sheet cut wing tips ready to shape. One flap and Aleron done.
Tailplane and Elevators done

[Peter Siggins]

Hi Wayne coming on great - I think I would beef up the undercarriage mount a bit if you can ,before it’s covered.

Just a thought if you’re landings are like mine

Pete

[Wayne Cox]

Hi Pete
Many thanks I have added another 4mm former on each side ans will be adding underside.
Thanks for the input
Wayne

[Wayne Cox]

Some a small update on build.
Fitted and shaped rudder shaped rear end of fuz Long time since I shaped from blocks of wood will complete final sanding later.

Done some work on underside gulls and lined wing seat. Happy so far thanks Robin for your help