Blejzyk First+ Build

[jbblunck]

Moving on into new territory...

I received a First+ kit as a gift some years ago. I went idle in the hobby and the kit sat in my barn. Back now. I've dusted off the box and am setting about putting this plane together. I'm generally not a builder, but plenty proficient at woodworking and know my way around tools. Not in any hurry, so I should be able to hold mistakes to a minimum. The instructions are thorough though somewhat Greek vis a vis plane lingo, but I'll sort that out. My version has flaps and ailerons in the wing.

My question: has anyone documented a First+ build? If you have a First+, may I get in touch? Build pictures, completed pics, and experience would save me some confusion.

Thanks!

JB

 

[Wayne]

Here are a couple of threads that might help you:
Serafin build:

Blejzyk Serafin build thread, Aloft Hobbies - RC Groups

Build Log Blejzyk Serafin build thread, Aloft Hobbies Slope Soaring

www.rcgroups.com

Hammer build (very similar to First+):

Hammer 2.4 - by Blejzyk from Aloft Hobbies - RC Groups

Build Log Hammer 2.4 - by Blejzyk from Aloft Hobbies Slope Soaring

www.rcgroups.com

My Mefisto Build with tons of detail:

Mefisto 1.9 - RC Groups

Build Log Mefisto 1.9 Slope Soaring

www.rcgroups.com

Hope this helps.

 

[Konrad]

Ouch! That hurt putting an RCGoofs thread ahead of an Aloft Forum thread!

Mefisto build (BLEJZYK)

At the Aloft Hobbies sponsored Camp & Fly at Sunset Beach get together I was impressed with the performance of the Blejzyk models. In the light to mild wind conditions that we had, they gave up nothing to the high dollar composite molded ships. It was painfully obvious that I did not have many...

forum.alofthobbies.com

Ok, it was your "thread" on RCGoofs. I think most can let that slide.

All the best,
Konrad

 

[jbblunck]

I've looked through those builds and discovered something I hadn't considered before. Those pesky wing bolts. Four not-particularly-attractive nylon screws breaking up the sleek look of the wood-veneer wings. My Genesis 60 has more inconspicuous flat-head hex bolts, which are probably more suited to molded planes.

In one build thread I saw this approach: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/sho...ammer-2-4-by-Blejzyk-from-Aloft-Hobbies/page3. Look at this and following page. The wing is attached by being pinched in by a wing-seating bracket and then locked with one larger-but-flatter screw. Nice. This requires a one-piece wing, but that's fine with me.

Has anyone tried anything similar on their First+ or similar models? I'm interested in seeing solutions like that.

Thanks again!

 

[Konrad]

It works fine. I do much the same thing on some of my 115 mph EF-1 racers.

The issue to be aware of is that the fuselage still needs a cross member for the tab to grab. Do not rely on the glass alone. I also make a bit of a wedge to try to "clamp" the front down. As things wear, the front hold down can allow the wing to move up and down as it wears. Be prepaired to build back the tonge or the cross member with a hard substance as things wear.

I don't do this hold down much with gliders as I land on rough surfaces. This puts a lot of stress on most hold down systems. I want easy break away mounts that are easy to repair and adjust. This tonge hold down is more complicated than the classic hold down screw. As a lot of the front hold down goes past the part line it can damage the fuselage as it breaks free.

All the best,
Konrad

 

[jbblunck]

Konrad: Thanks for the insight.

When you say "rough surfaces" are you talking about grass or something else?
Do you have any pictures of your implementation of that kind of tongue?

I agree with the plywood reinforcement, and it looks like the Hammer has that. Not sure what you mean by a wedge -- if the tongue were wedge shaped might loosen to the point where the bolt misses its hole at the back. Better me thinks to shim with foam tape or other (replaceable) cushion that can pinch the wedge in place, no?

I don't plan on breaking speed records. Just trying for something that's functionally elegant.

JB

 

[Konrad]

I wish it was grass. More like trees masquerading as bushes!

Wedge as in the more you push the wing forward the tighter the fit. I do pre-load the rear bolt to give this forward push. Most of my EF-1’s are in Denver. The next time I go to the family ranch I’ll see if I can take a few photo’s. These really won’t be of much help as the implementation is vastly different.

I don’t like squishy wing mounting systems. This is one of the reasons I hate rubber bands.
Form follows function in my book. But yes, as the wedge wears it must be built back up. I think on the RCGoof link the bottom forward bolts provide the adjustment for the front hold down fit.

 

[jbblunck]

I reached out to the Hammer builder -- he has a Wordpress page with more detailed photos. Very together build.

Moving on: What's the feeling out there for putting flap servo linkages on top of rather than under the wings? On my Genesis 60 I have my ailerons set up for spoileron OR flaperon mixes on a pot so I can continuously vary the mix in either direction. Haven't had much time yet to play with it in flight. The First+ has discrete flaps. I guess this gets into a discussion of flaps vs spoilers...

 

[Konrad]

Flaperons are problematic as they can induce premature stalls at the tip as the downward aileron is commanded. Using them as camber changing devices is fine, like to aid in a turn at Base "A" or Base "B". I also like to reflex the full span aileron to fine tune the speed/drag should I not have set the ballast perfectly. I don't like flaps for landing unless they are coupled with spoilers (AKA Crow or Butterfly mix)

If you read my Mefisto build you will learn why I like top drive control surfaces. Not only do these cut down on drag they also don't give the bushes as much to snag on while landing. If your wing structure allows it, go top drive. The Blejzyk kits allow for top drive.

 

[u2builder]

I have a Serafin on the way, my first build of this type. I plan to have a motor. Is there a good build thread for a similar size Blejyzk glider with a motor conversion? I did not see any electric pods on the Aloft site so it looks like I will be modifying the glider nose. I also would like to know if a typical standard 2212 or 2216 motor will fit with room for the wires . Thanks.