BTE Reaction 54 on the home stretch in the build phase

[KenPark]

Hi Joe

thanks for the link with CompositesCanada - I've asked them to support our "Ottawa Valley Jets - Jet event" so I may have a new sponsor

There is a really good place for all things fiberglass, carbon, etc. http://www.compositescanada.com/
Worth checking out.

[KenPark]

Well the glassing is done! - I then went ahead and hinged the ailerons - lastly is the flaps

The flaps need to drop 90 degrees barn door style with this model so I choose to use Robart-hinge points. If you want a flush fit when the flaps are in the up position you need to counter sink the hinge point.

I choose to hide the hinge point on the ailerons

I first did this by drilling 5-holes along the center line with my drill and then using a dremel-bit to counter sink the wood along the center line. I test fit the hinges to ensure the fit.

I then drilled 5-holes into the wing along the center line to match up with the same points as the hinges on the aileron.

" Now for the Secret of gluing in the Robarts-hinges" Is the use of Gorilla-Glue
This stuff is water/moisture activated and will expand like foam when it starts to dry

So this is great it will go into the wing and aileron and fill up any spaces and become solid
ensuring you hinge points won't ever come out!

But you don't want the Gorilla-Glue expanding into the hinge part - I used Vaseline smeared into the hinge joints. This stops the glue from gumming up your hinges.

When ready to mount simply use a Q-tip point with water on it to moisten the wood holes
and apply glue to the bottom ends of the hinges and insert remove excess with a tissue.
push your flap onto the wing and push till it sits flush with the top of the wing and let dry

When dry you can slice off any excess foaming with an Xacto blade.

[KenPark]

Got a nice day in Ottawa

Started with a light coat of primer today - This will show any goofs or high spots eh!

[KenPark]

After much sanding and another coat of Eze-Kote and more sanding - The model is basically ready to shoot color - Now got to wait for warmer weather

[JBajkor]

Looking good!
Hope I see it in the air this summer.

[Vettster]

Ohh Finally you got some primer on it!

So what scheme are you going for Ken. I saw a Blue Angles one on RCU Classifieds.. looks Great!!

[KenPark]

Hi Guys

I luv warbirds so thought the Reaction would make the perfect Fantasy WWII 1946 German Fighter - If the war had gone on for another year we would of seen some crazy stuff from those amazing German scientist - The plane could be called M-362

So I want to do Luft colors then use Cali-graphics using 1/5 scale FW-190 decal sheet for the markings

[KenPark]

Well whenever I could get a couple degrees above zero - I would rush out to the Garage and shoot some color on the R54
I will say I like how it basically turned out. - Looks better in the sun for sure. I've ordered 1/5 scale FW190 decals from Cali
so when they get here I'll get here finished

Colors Luft Grey Green
Grey Violet
light Blue

[Vettster]

HA! That dont look to bad Ken. Some decals will really finish it off.

[KenPark]

Hi Guys

Cali graphics arrived - Very nice will start applying shortly

While I was waiting for the mail I got to work on installing 4 servo's in wing 2 x Aileron and 2 x Flap
Process is straight forward - Install servo - Mount Servo Arm and measure/cut/solder 4/40 threaded rod to fit onto Sullivan Control horns

Also mounted Rudder and Elevator servo's and hooked up 4/40 it think metal flex cables