Scale Decathlons

[Marcus Kellermann]

HI Fellows, many of you probably already know me, I build scale 1/3 scale models of Citabrias and Decathlons for a living. Soon I´ll be posting some pictures and/or set up some building threads...hope you enjoy!

Thanks for the add, Bart!!

 

[Bartman]

Welcome Marcus! You do great work, glad to have you here with us!

 

[CubMan]

Hi Marcus: I am an avid RCer. I am currently finishing a Wendel Hostetler 115' Super D and plan on putting a DLE 85 , which I already have, on the nose. I am having a hard time doing the front windshield. Any ideas on how to do it would help. CubMan

 

[Marcus Kellermann]

Hi Marcus: I am an avid RCer. I am currently finishing a Wendel Hostetler 115' Super D and plan on putting a DLE 85 , which I already have, on the nose. I am having a hard time doing the front windshield. Any ideas on how to do it would help. CubMan

Hi Cubman, that´s a good question. First of all, I have been on RCU Forums about the Hostettler design for years, and there are a few design issues with that Super D. Wendell admitted he done wrong on height of the fuselage, there are missing at least 2 inches in total height, leading to a flattened nose and winshield. Nevertheless, it´s a good flyer. But that makes adjusting both the cowl and windshield from any other maker, including myself, impossible and you´ll have to figure a way to build both. As for the windshield itself, I´d suggest you to build a mockup of the WS area, sheeting it with balsa and blocks, and carving and sanding it to the right shape, trying to make as less compound curves as possible. Then you´ll have to make a paper mold before you cut the transparent plastic, make it fit as close as possible to the wooden plug. When satisfied, cut the plastic oversized, wrap it around the same way and gently use your heat gun to mold it against the plug. Best would be 2 people, one pulling the plastic and the other holding the heat gun. I solved that by some sort of wooden clamps where I hang on heights so gravity does the pulling...later I trim the excess (edges) to fit the correct outline of the side posts. Attaching some pix to let them speak for themselves...

 

[CubMan]

Hi Marcus: Thank you for your reply and explanation. I purchase a Fibretech fiberglass cowl and I had to do a lot of sanding to get the cowl to fit. I guess that explains the 2" discrepancy in the scale outline. I am not sure what I am going to do with the airframe. It's a lot of work to get the windshield done and I am not sure I want to go to all the trouble. I purchased the plane already built in the bones and the guy did a really nice job with it. I wanted a big aerobatic plane but something different then the usual Extras etc. Oh well we'll see. Bill

 

[Bartman]

@Marcus Kellermann keep telling ole' Bill what's wrong with that Hostetler Decathlon so I can get a good deal on it when he sells it! lol

It's a good build but it looks like a ton of work! Thanks for posting that explanation on the windshield above.

 

[Marcus Kellermann]

Hi Marcus: Thank you for your reply and explanation. I purchase a Fibretech fiberglass cowl and I had to do a lot of sanding to get the cowl to fit. I guess that explains the 2" discrepancy in the scale outline. I am not sure what I am going to do with the airframe. It's a lot of work to get the windshield done and I am not sure I want to go to all the trouble. I purchased the plane already built in the bones and the guy did a really nice job with it. I wanted a big aerobatic plane but something different then the usual Extras etc. Oh well we'll see. Bill

I´m sorry, I don´t like to pick on other´s designs but Wendell admitted he did wrong there. As far as I recall it was a difference of 2 1/2 inches in total height, on cabin posts. As for the windshield you can try with paper, wrapping around the WS area bu cutting and trimming till you´re satisfied, then use it as a mold for the PVC sheet, it´s possible. You can also widen the 2 "ears" which hold against the wing roots to lets say 1/2" and try to make the windshield a la Piper Style.

 

[Marcus Kellermann]

@Marcus Kellermann keep telling ole' Bill what's wrong with that Hostetler Decathlon so I can get a good deal on it when he sells it! lol

It's a good build but it looks like a ton of work! Thanks for posting that explanation on the windshield above.

Bart your´s is closer to scale than WH´s. Just do the mods I told you

 

[Marcus Kellermann]

Hi folks, I fly a '79 Super D at Kenosha (KENW). There's a couple more Decathlons on the field that I know of. Also a member of IAC Chapter 1 and EAA Chapter 414.

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Beautiful lady