Beancraft Banana_an Experiment

[SvenH.]

As a Newbie in Free-Flight with some experience in model-building (RC-Planes, RC-Sailboats, etc.) I was lately looking for a FF-Plane-to-build, to gain some experience in setup and trimming FF-Planes, plus as a Plattform for experimenting (Props, Rubber-Setups, Wing-Profiles, Power-Units (Rubber, Electric), etc.). Richard Crossley, who btw has some credits in me starting FF-Modelling, recommended to me the Boston Beancraft Banana as an easy and quick to build, robust, stable flying model, he has build quite a while ago and flown for more than a decade.
So I decided to give it a try. The source Richard sent me, contains also, in addition to the classic hand drawn, a vector-based version of the drawing, which is much easier to work with - a picture of it below, let me double-check with George and Richard, if it is ok to post the link to the drawing here, if yes I will do so later.

[Spiros]

I'm looking forward to this. When finished with the two major projects, I will also make one!

Please if possible, post pictures!

[g_kandylakis]

Hi Sven,

Links are fine to post.

[SvenH.]

Please if possible, post pictures!

Of course, Spiros, of course I will show pictures here, just had some difficulties on uploading them, but also with your personal help I tzhink I might overcome them now...

[SvenH.]

So, here's a picture of the plan with metric dimensions annotated, please pardon my bad handwriting.

[SvenH.]

So I quickly set up a build-board with according partial drawing. I prefer using a XPS-Foam as base, and a Parchment-Paper, which I grease with some Bees-Wax hand cream (homemade by my dear wife), as a topper. I use the greased Parchment-Paper when I need to have a drawing as aguide underneath rather than Backing-Sheets as those are not really transparent and brown in color here in Germany.

[SvenH.]

Here's a picture of my setup already carrying the precut balsa-sticks for the right side of the fuselage.

[SvenH.]

One additional aspect on this build is testing a new-to-me glue, recomended by Spiros. Some might know it by it's original name "Clou Spannlack", actually a stiffening varnish / dope, based on Nitrocellulose-Acetate, but according to the experience by Spiros, especially on last years IIFI (his BD4 hit the ceiling Beam twice, undamaged, and just kept flying Video ), definitely something to give a try due to its flexibility and as I learned its low specific weight (much less than CA).
Unfortunately, the original Clou stuff is out of production now, but I found a guenerica produced by a small modelling-company here in Germany, so I ordered a small Tin Can...

[SvenH.]

But there's more new stuff to come on this build, more new aspects to me. Spiros recommended, not to use, as I planned a mirrored drawing and a whole set-up for the left fuselage side

but to glue the balsa-sticks directly onto the right side, to make sure both sides are as similar as possible...

[SvenH.]

So I did also follow this advice...

[SvenH.]

But there's more new stuff to come on this build, more new aspects to me. Spiros recommended, not to use, as I planned a mirrored drawing and awhole set-up for the left fuselage side
 


but to glue the balsa-sticks directly onto the right side, to make sure both sides are as similar as possible...

I don't know what went wrong on this post, why the picture emerged two times, may you George can explain that to me in a PM...

[Spiros]

Great job!

BTW obviously I'm not a pioneer on this method, as it was tought to me by George. And honestly, I'm really happy with the way it works.

Can't wait to try the new dope! It will be interesting!

[g_kandylakis]

Hi Sven, looking good!

About the picture attachment, you also inserted in your text (when you add an attachment there is an arrow on the top right corner, for insertion in the text, where you might want it. But it also appears at the end of the message as an attachment.

I edited your message and the second image is gone.


Slight note, when you make frames and there are parts to be cut out later, like the longerons at the rear end, make them larger. You can cut/sand them later, no need to go very close to the cut in advance. To close means they might be too short. If larger by 4-5mm, a slght sanding will allow a flush line with the upright, a perfect result.

Also, I like to use 15-20mm thick balsa as a building base. A bit sturdier than foam but not so hard to push pins into.

And last, in order to prevent accidental glueing the parts to the plan, I use small pieces of Scotch tape for each glue joint. Transparent, fixed in place, easy and clean.

Just as suggestions...

George

[Pulserudder]

I'm looking forward to this. When finished with the two major projects, I will also make one!

Please if possible, post pictures!

I remember when this model came out, though I don't think I have the particular magazine any more. I always had in mind to build one too.

Plans and construction article are available on Outerzone. Would there be any interest in a cook-up/group build?

[Spiros]

That would be awsome!!

Sven, John Kourbanis and myself are building Bostonians, I'm the last one to be honest.

We could do a e-contest somehow!! Why not?