[NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic website updated

Wed Jun 7 14:24:27 AKDT 2006

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your taking the time to say what you did.
You're right Terry's technique is very good (wing building article, MACK
RC website) and Terry's about 250 miles away so we've flown & socialized
together. He is a very good builder.  I'm really interested in learning
all I can about balsa pattern airplanes and its good to see someone do
something like you have with a widebody without going composite.  (Not
that I have anything against composite.... It is an expertise that I
don't want to take time to learn.  I just think its impressive to do it
light with balsa.)  In the meantime I'm interested in all I can read on
the "Black Magic"....

-Chris

________________________________

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Mike
Hester
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 4:44 PM
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic website updated

Well, on a plane like this, it all starts with the wood selection and
the lay up of the composite parts. I use all hand picked balsa, and
weigh every piece. I get a lot more than I need then use the lighter
stuff. These I'm flying are what I would consider "medium" grade, or
about 14-15 grams per sheet for the 1/16x4x36 sheeting. The composite
parts, well...let's say I have gone through a few gallons of epoxy 1/2
oz at a time and I'm still playing with it. But they are pretty good.
Not European kind of good, but better than average, and light.

I'm not sure there's anything strategic about it, except experience.
lots of trial and error. I did my best to pass along what I know in the
plans and in the thread on RCU. In time I'll have a lot of stuff on my
web site too, so hopefully that'll help everyone, not just Black Magic
builders. I certainly don't have the market cornered on building light,
but I seem to have reached a point where I know enough tricks to share.
Especially with this type of construction. Somewhere Terry Brox has some
GOOD info on sheeting foam wings, and although I do it slightly
different, therein lies a VERY good guide on how to sheet everything,
not just wings. And this plane is about 65% sheeted foam.

Also a good quality epoxy helps a lot. MGS is my first choice, but West
systems is fine and can be bought in quart sizes. I HATE that hobby shop
goo for anything except some structural areas. It's just too thick and
heavy. There's no real strength in extra glue. 

Also always take into account what type of power you'll be using. if
you're using a banging 4 stroke, it's a good idea to beef some thing up
slightly. 1/4" balsa triangle stock in corners, things like that. With
an electric, there's practically no vibration, so you can really back
off on a lot of things. Just make sure you don't take out too much in
the wrong places =)

Anyway, without having to make this a 3 part post, it's not that hard,
but experience and technique (BOTH of which are easily learned) always
help.

-Mike

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: White, Chris <mailto:chris at ssd.fsi.com>  

	To: NSRCA Mailing List <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>

	Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 4:55 PM

	Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic website updated

	Mike that is very impressive ..... Do you gain most of your
weight advantage by careful balsa selection or use of strategic
composite interface?  Maybe that is an inappropriate question since
there's no one place to "Save" weight, but I'd still like to hear your
thoughts.  You obviously "Know" how to build light.

	Thanks, Chris

________________________________

	From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Mike
Hester
	Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 3:27 PM
	To: NSRCA Mailing List
	Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic website updated

	I'll let you know LOL First YS versions are just nearing
completion.

	But mine are both right at 9lbs 8 ozs with the OS140. My guess
would be 9lbs 12-14 ozs. or, "about 10 lbs". Less if you're picky, more
if you're not.

	-Mike

		----- Original Message ----- 

		From: White, Chris <mailto:chris at ssd.fsi.com>  

		To: NSRCA Mailing List
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>  

		Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 4:05 PM

		Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic website
updated

		Hi Mike,

		What are you seeing as a typical weight for the Black
Magic using a YS setup?

		Thanks, Chris

________________________________

		From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Mike
Hester
		Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 1:37 PM
		To: NSRCA Mailing List
		Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic website
updated

		Yes, Emory Schroeter has.

		He used a Plett 30-10 and Tanic packs (3 lb packs).
Final weight was 10 lbs 10 ozs. Would have been very close to 10 lbs
with a Hacker/TP setup. I'll say it flew fantastic, ridiculous even, I'd
let anyone else who saw it comment further.

		It met an untimely demise in the Ocala contest. RIP.
But...there is another.....

		-Mike

			----- Original Message ----- 

			From: mike mueller <mailto:mups1953 at yahoo.com>  

			To: NSRCA Mailing List
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>  

			Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 2:23 PM

			Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Black Magic
website updated

			34" is just right. I think the Temptation is
around 29" and the Smaragd is close to 33". That's how I guage how wide
the fuse is. Has anyone done the plane Electric yet? Thanks, Mike

			Mike Hester <kerlock at comcast.net> wrote: 

			6 3/4" wide, Almost 13" tall at the canopy, and
if you wrap a tape measure around the canopy, the circumference is 34".
It's not so large as to be a kite, but it rolls, point rolls and KEs
EXTREMELY well. But due to the shape, it also penetrates the wind very
well. Everyone who's flown it seems to like it a lot. I know I do =)

			-Mike

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