jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I plan on putting the radio batteries in the fuselage somewhere just depending on CG, and the motor batteries will be located in the nacelles. I haven't quite worked out exactly where and how the motor batteries will go, but I do know I will use 3 3s in series for a total of 9s per motor. There will be another nacelle former between the firewall and front spar that will support a tray for them. I just haven't installed it yet.

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I did a little more work tonight and finished rough making the gear rails for the right main gear. After that I couldn't resist again, and had to take some pics. This thing is a lot bigger than I imagined when I started. The back half of the fuselage is still to weak to clamp on the tail and horizontals, but that is where I will be working next after I get the gear mounted permanently.

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I worked on the inboard flap system tonight. Aside from the actual flap structure, I have pretty much redesigned this whole system. I am still using the center servo for the inboard flaps, but the outboards will be on individual servos. I have also reworked the flap hinges and hinge location. I think I have it where I want it now. The red hinges are just mock ups obviously. I have also made the mount for the bell crank and mounted it. Basically now all I have to do is make the push rods and the hinges. I will post some pics of the bell crank and pushrods/servo install when I have them both finished.

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

It has been a little slow going while figuring out this flap system, but I have the right side completely finished and operating. Now the left side should not take long at all.

ps2727

Impressive project!!!!
Paul

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

Thanks Paul. It has been a lot to figure out, being my first build from plans. That is quite a project you are involved in too! I have been watching it since the start, and I just continue to be more and more impressed. I have actually learned quite a few things watching Bob's videos that have helped me tremendously. Keep it up!

dale691

G'Day jetfixr, the commander is looking awesome. I check everyday for more updates. I am getting very itchy to start now even if I have to cut the kit myself.

Keep up the good work

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

Thanks! It is a fun airplane to build. I just haven't been able to work on it much lately. I have my main gear rails in now, and my landing lights on the gear legs, but that is about all I have accomplished lately. I have also been chasing an air leak in my retract system. It is getting better, but that is still a tough problem to troubleshoot.

dale691

Just unrolled my plans today for a proper look, WOW they are a bit daunting.

Scariest thing I have seen since starting this hobby!

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

Yes they are daunting, but as I said before, this is my first build from plans after only 3 kit builds. It can be done you just have to take it slow and plan ahead.

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I am back on the Commander again after a long interruption. I finished plumbing my landing gear today and did my first 3 gear test swing. It looks like it worked pretty good. I will have to play with the rates some to get them working a little better, but first try was good. I am now going to begin working on the rear fuselage section again.

Jeff

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I finally finished the fillets for the aft fuselage bulkheads. Now the sides will be much straighter. It has been a real hassle realigning all the bulkheads in this kit. Now the next step will be to remove the original stringers and replace them in new locations. Then I plan to put a little skin on the aft section for strength and begin working on the elevator and rudder controls. Hopefully this won't take to long. I am relocating the elevator and rudder servos to the front of the aft section instead of the aft section. I am doing this for two reasons: first it moves a lot of weight out of the tail and closer to the CG and second I can make a better hatch in the forward section than I could in the stock position which is under the forward edge of the tail. Here are a couple of pics.

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I did some more work on the Commander tonight. I made and installed my servo tray for the rudder and elevators. I replaced most of the stringers, and I installed my rudder control horn. It is really starting to look good. I plan to finish replacing the stringers and figure out how the elevator control horns will work and then put some skin on the rear fuse section. Once I have some skin on it I will install the tail and horizontals because the structure will be strong enough. I will post a couple of pictures when I finish replacing the stringers.

didiwatt

My Feedback: (38)

Thought I would give you an update on my Giant Scale Planes 500B.

Power will be Hacker A-60-16L with Castle 85's on 12 cells. Will put out in excess of 3,000 watts per side so it should be a rocket. Will consider going down to 10 cell if it is to much.

Batteries will be installed under the nacelle's. Not real convenient but should work.

Finally on it's wheels............... Hope to have done by our big June fly-in...

Paul

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

That looks AWESOME! What size are the props? How are you going to configure the batteries? 2 6s, 3 4s, ect? I am also having a tough time figuring out a convenient way to access my batteries. Do you have a paint scheme in mind yet? Keep up the good work and also keep us updated.

didiwatt

My Feedback: (38)

Props are 22 X 12 Meizlik Electric. Li-po's are 2 - 6 cell 5000 mah per side that weight a ton. Hope to cut down on some weight here if possible. Been looking at Hoover's paint scheme as it sits in the air museum and also the Australian Tassair green and white scheme.
Definately not yellow this time, got to many that color.
Paul

dale691

Suggestions

I love the pic of the 690, awesome shot!

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

Those both would be great paint schemes. I would like to see that museum someday. I did get to see Hoover perform at an airshow when I was a kid. He put on a great show. I like that picture of the 690. It looks fast! How much longer before you paint?

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I finally have the aft fuselage section ready to be skinned. I have the rudder control horn and servo tray installed. Also all of the stringers have been replaced. I will probably put some skin on it to give it some strength, but not skin it completely until I have the wires ran and the elevator control rods installed. Here are a couple of pics.

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

I went ahead and put the horizontal stabs on last night. I think it was better to install them now so I can make the elevator control horns without any skin in the way. After I got them installed I couldn't resist a couple of motivational pictures.

WILLIAMSPC

Jetfixr
I just found you building thead and have enjoyed reading it. I have the plans for the Shrike and have starded making the templates for the fuse formers.
I have had the peasure of seeing Bob Hoover do his energy managment routine in 1978 when I was in Washingtoin state and it was amzing. I built a Bride
Shrike after that. It was lost by the movers when I moved.
These plans look complecated nad of the other threads I have found there seems to be a alighment issue between the fount fuse and the rear fuse sections.
I am considering building mine in one piece and was wondering if this would help with the alingment issues. and would you ever consider building this plane on
a jig with full formers insdead of halfs.
I havent seen any posts since I belive April of this year I hope all is well.
Any sugestions would be grearly appreciated.
Regards
Mike

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

Everything here is fine, thanks. I have just had an extremely busy summer and fall and have not had time to build at all. I also got to see Hoover's performance in the Shrike in the 90's in Oklahoma City. It was an amazing show! This definitely is not an easy model to build, but it has a very good scale outline and I have heard it flies much better than the bridi commander due to the washout in the wings. I think this aircraft is very close to an actual scaled down airplane in outline and building structure. I did have some alignment issues with formers aft of where the fuselage curves up, but I think it is more of a shape issue with them. I had to make fillets for almost every former aft of the curve to make them line up. The good thing is that you skin that section with 1/8 inch balsa, so you have some room to work with. I personally would not make the fuselage one piece or with one piece formers. The structure is very closed in when you add the stringers so to do anything such as a scale interior you would need to do that from the inside. I ended up ditching the copper tube method for joining the fuse sections and instead just used alignment dowels and 4 pretty large bolts. I think there are some pictures of this in the thread. It looks like I won't get much building done on it this winter because I am starting to pack things up to move in the spring. The Commander is already in a crate. Feel free to post any pictures or info here if you want, or if you start your own build thread somewhere let me know so I can follow it. I am always looking for ideas and advice.

Jeff

dennis690

<![if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:view> <w:zoom>0</w:zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables></w:breakwrappedtables> <w:snaptogridincell></w:snaptogridincell> <w:wraptextwithpunct></w:wraptextwithpunct> <w:useasianbreakrules></w:useasianbreakrules> </w:compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:browserlevel> </w:worddocument></xml><![endif]><![if gte mso 10]><style type="text/css"> Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";}</style><![endif]><p class="MsoNormal">Jeff,</p><p class="MsoNormal">What a great project.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I accidentally came across this thread surfing the internet for Turbo Commander stuff and after reading the all the posts I came to the conclusion that I most likely know you and your family. Tell your mom and dad I said hi. I&rsquo;m planning a trip back to OKC next year and if I get a chance I&rsquo;ll stop by and say hi.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Maxiemac and dale691. I also read the post and report about Steve Nott and his accident. Steve Nott was also a friend of mine. He and I emptied a few Crownies together back in the day. His passing was a tragic loss to the Commander community and the people that knew him.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Funny how small this world is.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dennis W</p><p class="MsoNormal">(Two Dogs)</p>

jetfixr

My Feedback: (13)

Dennis,

Wow, it's been a while! I hope everything is going well for you and your family. It would be great to see you if you come in next year. Do you still fly rc's any? I guess you probably have some wrench time on the full scale huh? You're right, it is a small world.

Jeff

dennis690

All is well with the family. My daughter enlisted in the Navy and ships out next April. I haven't flow since I poked a hole in your neighbor's roof with that homemade thing I had. Here is what I play with now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj828Neg0T8