F-SST Build log

[thenated0g]

Carbon fiber rods installed top and bottom. I decided to try amazing goop as my glue. Pretty happy with the end result.

The wood inserts were a little finicky to keep in the precut hole, but i made professional "jig" to keep them in place

I needed a way to hold the elevons in place that i could also paint on them and the main wing. I watched a video on amazing goop hinges and tried it out. Was very easy to do.

Using a projector i was able to trace some surfboard inspired designs on the wing and paint with some cheap acrylics.


After laminating i went back over the designs with a thick paint pen (like a big sharpie).


Quick wingtip paint job


Almost done with the build

 

[Rotozuk]

Sweet - The guys are shipping out the missing items from your kit! Looks like I get a new F-SST kit for my build pile.

The full semetrical airfoil and light weight really makes this plane perform, I have been very impressed with the fluid aerobatics this simple wing will perform with ease. The inside and outside loops are super easy and can be really tight. The surf theme will work very well with the way this planelikes to fly. Keep up the great work!

 

[thenated0g]

Thanks. I like to build as much as fly and wanted something i could put some time into. Was interesting trying to come up with a paint design that would keep the top horizontal and the bottom vertical to help with orientation. Its probably on the heavy side with the paint, but thats fine, it will be for windier days.

 

[thenated0g]

Parts Used in this build:

https://alofthobbies.com/frsky-xmr-micro-park-flyer-receiver.html
https://alofthobbies.com/4-8-v-1000-mah-aaa-pack-flat.html
https://alofthobbies.com/receiver-power-switch-with-charge-port.html
https://alofthobbies.com/servo-cover-small-flat.html

 

[thenated0g]

Final weight is 630g/22.4 oz. A little heavier than suggested at 510g/18g. Probably combination of bigger servos and the paint needing to be balanced.

 

[Rotozuk]

There you go, you should be fine at that weight. They are tough to keep super light. One of my co-workers here built me one as an Xmas gift and he built it up with heavy film, she is a bit of a tank, but still fun to fly! The lighter they are, the better they fly with that fully sysmerical foil. Once you get her flying play with the CG and push it pretty far back to get the most out of her.

 

[thenated0g]

i took the middle ground of 9.5" back. I think it said anywhere from 9.25-75

 

[Wayne]

Should be good then. Give it a try and see how she does.

 

[Online]

did you use 10mil?

 

[thenated0g]

did you use 10mil?

I used whatever came with the kit. Description says 5mil but i didn't measure it.

 

[Wayne]

You do not want 10 mil on this plane. For a really light version I have seen people use the 1.7, I personally would use 3 or 5 mil DI.

 

[Online]

I was just trying to figure out where the weight came from. My katos have built out to 8.9 oz with 1.7.

I love the paint job!!!

 

[thenated0g]

Not enough wind for the F-sst to stay up but it did get a couple throws.

 

[Wayne]

Should not need much in terms of lift to fly well. They are a fun plane.

 

[thenated0g]

Well it was only about 9mph at Salmon creek, bodega bay. Not a very big lift area. It was a blast though with the alula.

 

[thenated0g]

 

[thenated0g]

 

[Wayne]

LOL - You even showed the less than graceful starts.

 

[thenated0g]

Yeah, that was the surprising thing for me, how hard the launches were. The landings you could pretty easily see what was going on, it was just finding that right moment and retrying, but trying to launch a plane standing in 30mph wind is nuts. Just so much literally in your face.

 

[thenated0g]

Alternate movie title of "that time i almost killed wayne" lol