Projects RC-Help Trainer free plans build

[Topgun73]

So guys being new to the hobby and having had 1 failed attempt at building a plane I thought I'd join the forum and then downloaded the free plans for the foam board trainer.

Being in the UK it's not so easy to get hold of this stuff but I persevered and found somewhere to get some sheets (bloody expensive).

So Rather than rattle on here's some pics of the progress so far.

- - - Updated - - -

Not sure why 1st lots of pics went bonkers LOL

 

[Tony]

That plane looks really good. Sucks that foam is so expensive over there. Over here, I can build what you have there for $3. Hope it flies as good as it looks.

 

[Topgun73]

Won't be doing anymore this weekend as have my daughter, I'll get back on it next week. Windy here in the UK so won't be going out any time soon. New Starmax F4 Phantom comes tomorrow PNP EDF 63MM BUT THAT WON'T BE GOING UP UNTIL I'm confident enough with the high wing trainers.

Tony, with ref the fuselage ! the battery mount you have in the mark 3 version should I have installed that before sealing up the body?

 

[Tony]

Actually no, you should wait until all of the other electronics are installed and then put that in and secure it. This is when a long nose hot glue gun comes in really handy lol. If you watch my latest video, my CoG is pretty nose heavy, but this thing flies very well, even with teh issues that I point out in the video. Have a watch.

And yes, the EDF planes are a whole nother beast. They need a lot of air speed to get flying and you have to keep that air speed.

RCH Trainer V3 1 Second Flight - YouTube

 

[Topgun73]

Electronics I'm going to use are as follows : Overlander Thumper V2 brushless 140 watt 1250kv, 9X6 prop, 25C 7.4v 2100mAh 2s battery. Hitec servos 9g each. This motor pulls the Art-tech 400 class RTF that I upgraded to so should pull this no problem. I've set the wing about 30mm further back than Tony's as feel COG will be too nose heavy. Having said that I have trusty sticky back lead weights to alter the COG as and when required. I have the Ailerons to cut out going to do full wing as not using flaps. Once they have been completed I'll install electronics. - More pics to follow (next week)

 

[Tony]

Moving the wing back will make it even more nose heavy. The V1 and V2 were horribly tail heavy, but my V3 is actually hose heavy. I would highly suggest putting the wing where I have it in the plans, otherwise you may find you have to keep to much air speed to keep that nose up.

Also, that motor is pretty small, and running a 2s will slow it down even more from what I suggest. I hope it works out for you, but I have designed this plane to fly with a 3S battery and about 250+ watts.

 

[Topgun73]

Tony, I have removed wing from top cut out part of fuse and re attached in your suggested position. I'm going to carry on building and will post more pics with progress. I'm saw your comment re electronics, For the time being i'm going to stay with what I have as no cash to buy new motor, esc, battery and I'll need a charger/balancer. I'm not to concearned that it will be slow speed is not my issue. Orientation is LOL. If I feel I want to get more power then I'll build another. What do you think about this as an idea? Mounting the fuse on top of the wing?

 

[Tony]

If you are just starting out in flying, I would highly suggest leaving the wing on the top of the plane and not put it on the bottom. A high wing plane is much more forgiving than a low wing plane. However, if you want to try it outt, please let us know how it goes and get some video of it in flight. I would really like to see that.

 

[Topgun73]

HI Tony, I wasn't suggesting I'd put the wing below the fuse just thinking out loud, I think it would look good. For now I have installed all servos and trimmed them up and have glued the firewall in place. I'm away tomorrow plus England have a crucial world cup football match tomorrow (soccer) so won't have time to do any more until Wednesday. So far though I'm finding the build really easy to put together.

 

[Tony]

I'm happy to hear that you are able to build this pretty easily. Can't wait until you get it done.

On a side note, I never understood why you guys are so involved with your football lol. I'm not a sports guy though. I'm just Tony hehe. Enjoy the game.

 

[Topgun73]

I'm not really a football fan so to speak but I do enjoy a International game. Catch up soon. I'll take some pics

 

[Topgun73]

So this is what I've ended up with but after putting all electronics in and battery etc the plane is tail heavy. may need to add some weight to nose to bring the tail up. Looking like it's going to be around 9oz of lead. HELP

 

[Tony]

9oz? What size battery and motor are you using? Also, can you get a picture of where the CoG is on the wing with it flight ready so that we can see it?

the plane looks great though! Can't wait to see it in the air!

 

[Topgun73]

Tony, I have sorted out the tail heavy problem by moving the wing back 1" and the plane is balancing well at a neutral position with it flight ready. CG is 33% of the KM3 wing around 2.3" of the cord. I am going to try and fly the plane with the motor and battery I previously mentioned as I do not have the cash to use something closer to what you suggested. I appreciate this will fly slower but as long as it fly's i'll be happy with that. If it struggles to fly or fly's too slow I'll upgrade the battery and motor. The plane weighs 1lb 8oz at it's flight readiness. So just waiting for favourable weather and I'll try and get her airborne. Watch this space.... I'll try and get a video. Thanks for all you help.

 

[Tony]

I can't wait to see the video!

 

[Derek]

I wish you the best of luck, TopGun! I have build and flown the RCH Trainer many times (version 1 and version 2). Tony has done a great job with the continued revisions and this trainer is just an awesome plane. I look forward to seeing your flight video.

 

[Topgun73]

So I've had Christmas and Santa brought me a new balance charger which is 7Amps 80watt and will allow me to charge batteries up to 6 cells. Also bought 3 cell battery and now just need to wait for some fair weather so I can give my last few builds their maiden flights. I hope everyone has had a great new year and lets hope for some good weather for flying.

 

[Margaret]

So where are the Plans please. I just want a simple build to get started. At this time I am a Expert!! Ha Ha! A expert on CRASHING. So I just want too FLY!

 

[Derek]

You can find the free PDF plans for the RCH Trainer v3 in the "Store" tab near the top of any RCH page. Click on "Store" and look to the right side of the screen...you should see RCH Trainer v3...you can click on that and download the plans.