These are balsa floats meant for a 5 to 7 pound plane, 60 size, more or less.<\/p>\n
An alternate version is available with a 3\/4\u2033 x 15 inch spine to take the place of the plywood brackets. \u00a0This spine is to be glued on top of the float. \u00a0Your landing gear axles are then attached with nylon straps, and wheel collars are added to each side of the plywood spine to keep the floats from sliding sideways.<\/p>\n
My parts are 98% of the original size. \u00a0If you\u2019re wondering why that is, it\u2019s because the designer made the top and sides 36.25 inches long. \u00a0If you look at most model planes, the parts tend to be just big enough to be cut out of a standard sheet\u00a0of balsa wood. \u00a0(Ever wonder why 36\u2033 is such a common wingspan?) \u00a0At standard size these floats would require me to jump to a 48 inch\u00a0sheet for eight pieces, costing\u00a0you a significant amount of money. \u00a0At 98% the sides and top are just a hair under 36\u2033, which of course saves you a significant amount of money!<\/p>\n
When you build these floats, print the plan at 98%. \u00a0Or better yet, save the money on printing and use the float top as a plan. \u00a0The float tops are made in two halves. \u00a0The kit for a pair of floats includes four halves, and the bulkhead locations are etched onto two of them. \u00a0Select an etched half and a non etched half for each float. \u00a0Join the two halves to make the top, then use a square to stick the bulkheads on, then add the keel and the stringers, and then the sides. \u00a0Add the bottom sheeting, except where the landing gear anchors are located. \u00a0Turn the float over and add the plywood landing gear anchors, gluing them to the bulkheads firmly. \u00a0Then\u00a0turn it back over and finish the bottom sheeting. \u00a0Nothing to it. \u00a0This is a pretty easy building project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
These are balsa floats meant for a 5 to 7 pound plane, 60 size, more or less. An alternate version is available with a 3\/4\u2033 x 15 inch spine to take the place of the plywood brackets. \u00a0This spine is … Continue reading