The birth of Solstice (build thread)

**JBajkor** · 01-28-2016, 08:59 PM

Solstice, That is the name I have decided on for my new plane. I have never done a build thread before so I am open to suggestions and comments.

Just got my first turbine and need a plane to put it in. I resurrected and modified a plane I designed back in the 80's. First thing to do was to sketch up CAD 2D planform.

After calculating the CoG, I put together a model from dollar store foamcore. I could toss this around the back yard and add weights to check CoG.

**JBajkor** · 01-28-2016, 09:03 PM

Why are my pictures not showing up?
help...

Found the answer... My pictures are too big. I will resize them to be smaller than 1.9Mb and try again.

**tbrum** · 01-28-2016, 09:44 PM

Subscribed!! Very cool Joe!

**JBajkor** · 01-28-2016, 09:45 PM

The turbine model will be 8' wingspan and should be a good trainer. The plan is to keep it relatively light, about 30 lbs, giving 32 oz/sq ft. Airfoil is 10.2% ( modified NACA0012) Even though this design has flown a long time age, I am making lots of changes so I don't want to risk the turbine. I will make a smaller scale version, 5' span, and electric ducted fan for power.
On with construction:
I was given a pile of foam blocks 2" X 4" assorted lengths. Glue a bunch together for the body.

**JBajkor** · 01-28-2016, 09:53 PM

I cut foam cores using a different method than normal. Use only one template and attach one end of the hot wire as in the plan below. The red lines represent the wing center section. Lines are extended down to show an intersection and that is the location to attach the hot wire. I have a handle on the other end to move it around the template.
Second pic shows cores cut and a layer of fiberglass holding them together.

**JBajkor** · 01-28-2016, 09:59 PM

Cut the outer panels using white foam. These will be a part of the plane. The fuselage and center section will be a plug to make a mold. Never made a mold before so lots of research and learning going on here.
Anyway, wings are all cut and put together to see what they look like.