Sequoia 2m - Build log

[Konrad]

I have to admit I'm not comfortable with the Spektrum programing. But I find this helpful when I'm forced to use a Spektrum radio.

 

[Kestrel]

Just got an E-Sequoia and have some questions.

1) It was mentioned that this is a Polish model, does the manufacturer have a website? Just looking to see if there are additional build photos.

2) I would like to know what the designer had in mind regarding mounting the tail surfaces. Looking at the root of the stab, it appears that they used an epoxy/microballoons (?) slurry of some kind. Obviously there's EPS foam behind it but the wing and stab root appear to be something else. Did they intend the rods to be glued into the stab? It doesn't seem necessary as the fit is pretty tight but perhaps motor vibration could work them loose. As you know, the tail mounting tube ends are open. Is the rod/tube friction enough to hold the surfaces on? What if anything are they using to hold the tail surfaces to the fuselage? Looks like they used tape on the photos Wayne supplied but it's difficult to tell. Wondering if a screw eye would work for either the wing and or tail surfaces.

3) I'm guessing but just wanted to confirm that the surface hinges are Kevlar.

4) It looks like the wood surfaces are sealed but I'm not sure. Do I need to seal them with something like Deft or Varathane? The Art Hobby glider wings I have look untreated in comparison.

Thanks!

 

[Wayne]

@Kestrel I'll answer below:

1- Sorry a bit of a secret, but can tell you their website has been down for 6 months.

2- Yes, the tails just plug in, but we suggest at a minimum that you glue in the pins on either the fuselage or into the stabs. Then if you like a bit of tape across the bottom to hold them from slipping out in a large impact. As I recall they are a pretty tight fit already, so should be pretty snug.

3- Honestly do not know if they use Kevlar based hinges or another material, but yes, prehinged and very nice.

4- Yes, all wood on this plane is already sealed, and done so VERY nicely. It is probably a water based polyurethane as you have to be careful as many other sealers will melt the foam on contact. You are Correct, Art Hobby does not seal their woods, nor do anywhere near the level of construction you will find on this plane.

I think you will really like the Sequoia, she will build out pretty light and has a pretty darn thin wing. She should offer you a wide speed range, great sports handling and be easy to land once you get the flap mix dialed in. Please post some pictures of your build!

 

[Konrad]

I'm liking the tape method more and more. But if you are willing to go through all the trouble of installing the hard ponts for eyelets these make great wing locks.

 

[Motowncali]

Hopefully this is helpful, the angled horns actually seem really nice, unfortunately, they rub the bottom of the fuse, so I trimmed them 2mm which moved the ball links up. The ball links also hit not allowing up elevator, so I had to put a second set of holes. Not sure if the horns full length would work in the new holes.... too late. The tubes to hold the stabs on require 23mm exposed, so I wrapped with tape, put a little epoxy in each hole and used the drill to slowly drive them in to the tape. Epoxied the horns on as well and pressed the tops in place. Ball links are from twisted hobbies, the smallest I’ve ever seen. They look great in this application. Shaved the roots of the elevator to keep them from hitting.

 

[Motowncali]

Did a bit of grinding and filing this morning. Got the wiring harness mounted in the fuse. Need to shorten the aileron wire about 5”, so after that, I can secure the wing side.

 

[Wayne]

Very nice work! Keep it up.

 

[Motowncali]

Thank you Wayne.

 

[Motowncali]

Got the V-tail linkages done. Came out very clean and smooth. The ballast slugs drop right down between the pushrods. filled around the Multiplex connector with microballons and epoxy. Didn’t like how thin the material was that was left... the connector is structural now...
I really love the lines of this sailplane, I hope it flies as good as it looks.

 

[Wayne]

They really do have great lines, don't they? The proportions just seem perfect on this plane.

 

[Motowncali]

Nice stout fuse through the tail section, it is large enough to make it electric too. Put the tail servos and receiver on a tray that slides into the center section under the joiner... simple, light 2S power system for launch...

 

[Wayne]

We also stock an E version of this plane and it actually has a slightly different fuselage for this application.

 

[2MUCH2DO]

Any flight reports on sequoias yet?

 

[bracesport]

No pictures, but got some lead in the nose this morning. Needed about 118g to hit cg. Looks like i should be pretty close to the recommended flying weight with a 850mah LIFE pack. Just need to add some graphics on the top of the wings and ill be ready for maiden. Hopefully get some premaiden pics later this week.

Hi Nate - have you thought about getting some old computer batteries and building some battery packs? I find them easy to solder and add balance leads..

 

[thenated0g]

I actually have a ton of those. I work in IT and always grab the cells when we toss laptops. My experience with them is that the used ones are great for electronic projects (radios, cell phone charging packs) but if i was going to build one for an expensive plane i would just purchase them locally from aloft. They are not much at all. Its a lot of work to go thru them, charge and discharge them to make sure they are still good and similar to each other when building a pack. Life packs are my go to at the moment. For around $20 use you get a very compact battery at around 850mah that is no where near as neady as a nimh as far as charging it up and maintaining it over the year.

 

[thenated0g]

Any flight reports on sequoias yet?

I got to maiden mine at sunset but forgot to get video. It flew great with all the recommended cg etc. I didnt use ballast. Was probably around 12mph. The full 90 flaps are pretty amazing for landing. Ill try and get it out again soon and get some video.

 

[Able2]

What size slope and minimum wind is needed to keep Sequoia aloft?

Or put it another way, will it fly off a smallish slope (about 100ft) in 8-12mph wind?

 

[Konrad]

YES. Assuming the lead in to the slope is clear of obstacles (tress and houses).

 

[Wayne]

Really hard to say, every slope converts wind differently, but yes, I think it will probably fly on the lighter conditions found at many slopes pretty darn well.

 

[Able2]

Its a smallish hill without obstruction but I mostly use reliable thermal hotspots in front of the hill to get it high so the Sequoa sound perfect. Thanks for your input