Transcript
El Diablo CONSTRUCTION NOTES
The “EL
DIABLO is a .25-.35 size Old Time Stunt model.
This is the first laser cut kit of the El Diablo, and is based on the original Built in 1951 and later published in 1952 by Harold ‘Red’ Reinhardt. The internal construction has been slightly reengineered for modern day products and to make assembly a little easier. The changes in this kit do not alter the flying quality or appearance of the design and are with-in the legal allowances by A.M.A. for Old Time Stunt competition. Since commercially cut balsa can vary in weight and size from cutter to cutter, we have made every attempt to make this kit as strong and accurate as possible and have used the best materials possible. Also The Original El Diablo plans showed the view of the wing inverted, which could lead people to think it flew in the opposite direction and this would confuse many builders, so the plans have been redrawn to prevent any possibility of that error. Because of the complicated construction of the original design this El Diablo kit is geared more towards the intermediate - advanced builder but with some help we feel a beginner may also be able to tackle this project. We hope you enjoy building this El Diablo kit.
The El Diablo has a 42 in. wingspan with 440 sq. inches of wing area with a fuselage length of 29 in. and requires a .25 - .35 eng.
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El Diablo CONSTRUCTION NOTES
Remember the inboard wing is longer than the outboard wing so you should place all the parts on the plans and mark them accordingly. This will prevent any mix up of parts during your construction. Secure your plans on a flat surface and build the fuselage upside down over the plans to prevent any warping of the fuselage. Wing Before starting the construction, do not cut the tabs off the ribs yet, as this will help you build a straight wing. You may start the wing construction by first marking the center line, inboard and outboard side of the front and main spar pieces. Do this over the plans, and then leaving the short rear spar out, glue only the front and middle spars together. The trailing edge sheeting material is laser cut for you and they to need to be marked inboard and outboard side, then using a metal straight edge as a help to keep these straight join the T.E. sheeting together and with a piece of 1/32nd scrap balsa reinforce them and sand to shape as shown on the plans, but be careful not to glue the reinforcement to the same sides. After joining the T.E. and both spars at center. Place the spar on the plans and pin or tape in place to ensure they do not move. We have the tabs on the ribs for equal distance to your building surface, provided your building surface is straight and true you should have a straight and true wing, but if you should elect to jig build the wing you will need to add jig holes into the ribs now. If not continue on. Now with the short rear spar left in place but unglued start placing the ribs onto the bottom spar and over the plans. Line up the ribs with the T.E. You may place the metal straight edge over the ribs to help keep them weighted in place as you add the bottom T.E. sheeting and tack glue to the ribs. Before adding the leading edge, mark a centerline of the L.E. over the plans, as this will be your reference line when placing it onto the ribs, Remember this is critical for proper alignment of the ribs. Add the leading edge. Don’t forget proper height alignment of the L.E. is also important. A quick note here, first cut off 4 pcs of sheeting, leaving enough for the gussets on the front and rear center sheeting and also cut the 2 center pcs. Once this is done, measure and cut strips from the leftover sheeting for the T.E. webbing and add them now. Once done, sand the webbing lightly between the ribs with a sanding block to assure the top T.E. sheeting will glue flush to the ribs, then add the Top T.E. sheeting. Drill a 1/8th hole between the main and rear spar for the bellcrank shaft as noted/shown on the plans (the 1/16th Bellcrank mounts/supports and caps are installed later as noted on the plans). Once done, add the wing tips, tip ribs, lead-outs and pushrod. A quick note here, the pushrod may need to be cut short for installation of the wing so be prepared to solder the rod back together after wing is installed. If needed the holes for the lead-outs should be modified now before sheeting the center area. Now sheet the center section as well as adding the cap strips. You should wait to add the stationary flaps until after gluing in the wing, this will assure the flaps will be even with the wing centerline. Page #2
El Diablo CONSTRUCTION NOTES Fuse and Tail
Trial fit the fuselage sides, doublers, motor mounts, landing gear mount, and the front formers before you start to build. When you are satisfied with the parts fit, start by laminating the fuse sides to the doublers (slow-setting epoxy is recommended as this will also add strength to the nose) At this point, carefully mark the placement of your F1 (1), F1 (2) and F1 (3) bulkheads on the mounts, after marking them you can install them now (I recommend that you do so WITHOUT installing the F1 (3) bulkhead at this time as it will be easier to line up later) when assembling your crutch and other bulkheads use a slow cure epoxy and clamps. Once these are dry you may mark the inside of the doublers where the mounts will be and glue in place checking it with the bulkheads to assure proper placement. Once the mounts/crutch are in their correct place put the fuselage upside down on a flat surface, shim up the back end and tape the back end together, this will assist you in building a straight fuselage. If not using a jig constantly checking to see that it is square, add in all the other formers. You may elect to use clamps to hold everything together while you VERY CAREFULLY check the alignment. Once you get everything correct, let it dry thoroughly. Once dry, fit and install the F1(3) bulkhead now. Just a Note here, The gear blocks have been pre-cut diagonally for you, but you will need to fit/trim them slightly before permanently gluing into the fuselage. Once proper fit is achieved with the spacer bulkhead (F2) inserted, permanently install the landing gear block/s, landing gear and F2(gear support). Before the entire gear and blocks section is dry you can turn over the fuse onto the gear prop up the back of the fuse and place a straight object (such as another ruler or level) across the fuse and check for equal height to you table. Once dry, fit and temporarily mount the tank, engine and prop. Once the tank, engine and prop are fitted, tack glue top and bottom sheeting to the fuselage, Once the fuse sheeting is tack glued on remove the tank, engine and prop and sand the sheeting to the correct shape of the fuse. Assemble the tail surfaces as shown on the plans. Then remove the fuse sheeting and install the wing, when installing the wing you may need to cut a small notch in the fuse sides for the bellcrank shaft to pass through the body, then use the top and bottom 1/16th bellcrank supports to help center the wing and glue it all in place, then continue to add the pushrod, tail, etc. Assemble and re-install the top and bottom sheeting. Final sand the entire airframe and all un-sanded edges then cover with desired covering and finish with your favorite method. Happy building **Not included** Wheels, Wheel collars, Hinges, Fuel tank, Fuel tubing, Covering, Glue, Engine, etc.
Special Thanks to Ward Van Duzer for overseeing the development of this El Diablo kit. WALTER UMLAND’S LIMIT OF LIABILITY Walter Umland’s only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proven to be defective. It shall be the users responsibility to determine the suitability of the product for his/her use; once this model has been assembled the user shall assume all risk, liability and responsibility in connection therewith. Always ask for help from a more experienced modeler if needed. We hope this model is as much fun for you as it has been for us to kit it for you. REMEMBER NEVER TO FLY NEAR POWER LINES AND ALWAYS STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THEM AS POSSIBLE AS THIS MAY CAUSE ELECTRICUTION OR DEATH, ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. Besides flying is much safer and more fun with a friend.
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