New FT3D scratch build - Vinyl Covering & Tips

Just thought I'd share my second swoppable build - the new FT3D.  The maiden was fairly uneventful and it flew great.  Actually so good that I ran my first battery down to 1% (oopps).  Rolls are very quick and it knife edges like a dream! 

My setup is as follows:

• EMax GT 2218-09 1100KV
• 10x4.7 APC SF Prop
• 3s 2200ma Gens Ace Battery (Going to try a 1300ma next, but had lots of power and could go vertical with ease on the 2200)
• 30A Turnigy Plush ESC
• 4x Hextronic 9g servos

I used a couple tips I found in the forum as well as some of my own.  Thought it would be good to put it down in one place others attempting this build.

TIP 1

Reinforce the elevator with popsicle stick or thin ply.

TIP 2

Reinforce the area where the landing gear is attached.  Double up the foamboard and use a generous amount of hot glue.

TIP 3

I used a 5mm plywood spar instead of balsa. The other thing I battled to find was the length of the spar.  I used 10 inches and it fitted perfectly. I also battled to get the power pod on top of the spar so had to remove the top piece of foamboard.

TIP 4

I recycled a plastic ice cream container/tub instead of cardboard for the canopy, wing tips and vortex generators.  The plastic is hardier and water resistant. Being winter in the South Africa at the moment things are pretty damp at the flying field.

TIP 5

That leads me to the next tip.  Treat you foamboard with polyurethane before you start building.  It works really well to seal the paper and wicks away water very nicely.

TIP 6

Use vinyl or packaging tape for colour.  I used vinyl on mine but have used packaging tape on other aircraft in my fleet.  I actually used "fake" black carbon vinyl which came out really nice.  I got all my vinyl from a local signage shop who gave me all the their off cuts for free.

TIP 7

Make top and botton schemes very different in color and shape.  I used a high contrast checkered scheme on the bottom and bright colour on the top.  This helps when you are performing rolls.