I haven't really built much in over 10 years - it just doesn't appeal to me. But out of curiosity I think I'd like to try a scratch-build again. Due to the fact that I'm not a native speaker I'm a little lost at my LHS - they just stare at me when I try to explain what I want/need (and no, I don't look good enough to justify the stares!)
So, the project I'm after is building a 200% model of Parkzones Stryker. I like the flying characteristics and am curious if I even can get a bigger model into the air at all. I've built "normal" planes before, so I know a little (and ONLY a little) about the general construction.
The frame and wings I'd like to build with thin plywood, and cover it with iron-on stuff (I'd call it foil, but... dunno?). First question: what is that stuff called in english? Or is there some better way for fuselage/wing covering nowadays?
The leading wing edge will most likely be done with Balsa, possibly with a CF rod at the very edge.
Wing joining and stiffening I'd like to do with a locking CF or iron rod. By locking I mean that I'll put one through the center fuselage, with a foot or so sticking into the wing. In the wing I'll put a bolt which will go through a drilled hole in the CF rod and thus lock it in place. I've never worked with CF rods for that, only steel rods - thus the next question: Will CF rods be stiff and strong enough for this, and is there any way to calculate the needed thickness if I have the wing weight and expected G force? Is there any better way to lock wings to the main fuselage?
The double tail fins of the Stryker make me wonder too... since I'll probably end up putting rudder fins in them I think I better reinforce their mounting. But what's the best way to do that? Using wire to tie them to the fuselage? Bolts through the center of them? No idea yet.
Landing gear and power system... big, big question mark. I'd _like_ to go electric, but I'm thinking IC would provide easier power. The configuration of the engine also makes me wonder. Pusher jet seems logical "per se", but I'm afraid I'd hit ground way too easy during landing. I can always put the engine in the nose if need be. The question here is: How do I figure out how much power I need? In the past I tended to just stick a 2HP IC in my models and see if it was enough... not particularly scientific :)
The whole project is currently only in the "I wonder if I can do this" stage, so if what I am saying sounds silly - it probably is :)
Anyway, all hints and help are much appreciated.
Thanks Jenni