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Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorceress

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 12:16 am
by Vipertech13
SO after seeing Lockey from RCgroups work on the Sorceress, I finally got inspired to try my hand at it. If you are not familiar with the Sorceress it is a Reno racer reverse staggerwing bipe from the 70's.
lower wing
lower wing
Sorceress drawing.jpg (70.87 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
There is not really any "plans" for it but with a single blueprint page and some pictures from the Udvar-Hazy Center, I was able to get a feel for the size and shape of the plane.
sorceress jp.jpg
sorceress jp.jpg (218.15 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
The bottom wing was the big challenge. How to make that up sweep angle? What I did was to take the wing and cut out the width and 2x the cord because I folded the top over to make a small airfoil. Leaving the lower section in 1 piece then I divided the top of the wing into 4 sections. I then scored the lower wing to make it flex in the needed direction and added sections of BBq skewers to make the airfoil. I then used 2 spray can lids to hold the center section up while the glue set up and then glued the outer sections into place.
IMG00091.JPG
IMG00091.JPG (1.04 MiB) Viewed 12653 times
lower wing assembly
lower wing assembly
IMG00092.JPG (655.09 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
lower wing offset
lower wing offset
IMG00093.JPG (688.8 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
final shape
final shape
IMG00094.JPG (744.94 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
The top wing is really a straightforward design with the same cord as the bottom wing.
Click image for larger version.
upper wing and fuse
upper wing and fuse
IMG00098.JPG (808.89 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
The fuselage is really straightforward in its design and same with the horizontal and vertical stabilizer.
fuse
fuse
IMG00103.JPG (720.03 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
horz and vert.
horz and vert.
IMG00109.JPG (908.99 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
fuse horz and vert
fuse horz and vert
IMG00111.JPG (618.15 KiB) Viewed 12653 times
Well I have reached the limit of pictures for this post part 2 coming up!

Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe part 2

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 12:38 am
by Vipertech13
Now for some servos and the motor. I added some balsa square stock into the fuse to strengthen the thing because the motor is a Fire Power 3836 1100kv hog, It will be spinning a 10x7 prop.
motor
motor
IMG00104.JPG (674.03 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
servos
servos
IMG00116.JPG (755.63 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
motor in fuse
motor in fuse
IMG00120.JPG (777.3 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
I made a canopy for it and then added some cowling enhancements.
canopy test fit
canopy test fit
IMG00121.JPG (714.07 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
side intakes
side intakes
IMG00129.JPG (737.02 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
So here is the look so far, I am happy with the results. The foam board is some what limiting on shaping at times but with some effort you can coax it to take on a nice looking plane,.....flight however that may be questionable! :)
3/4 view
3/4 view
IMG00131.JPG (679 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
side view
side view
IMG00130.JPG (674.48 KiB) Viewed 12649 times
I still have to install aileron servos and make a battery box lid along with landing gear and the wing cabanes.
The wingspan is 32" top wing and 27.5" lower wing. the fuse is 32" long.
More to come!

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 12:45 am
by DOG
That's different but awesome looking plane. The build looks like is going well. Good job and keep the pics coming.

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 10:57 am
by Graham Lawrie
WOW:) THAT LOOKS AWESOME:)

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 3:53 am
by Vipertech13
Thanks Guys!

Here is a quick update.

I have decided to cover it in mylar tape. I purchased 2 rolls.
IMG00007.JPG
IMG00007.JPG (723.75 KiB) Viewed 12639 times
I got the lower wing almost done just have to fit the cabanes to the ends and cover the end cap. I like the result!
IMG00009.JPG
IMG00009.JPG (676.56 KiB) Viewed 12639 times
IMG00010.JPG
IMG00010.JPG (822.44 KiB) Viewed 12639 times
IMG00011.JPG
IMG00011.JPG (756.94 KiB) Viewed 12639 times
IMG00012.JPG
IMG00012.JPG (775.96 KiB) Viewed 12639 times
More to come soon!

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 6:22 pm
by Graham Lawrie
Really nice:) cant wait to see it fly:)

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:16 am
by pvolcko
Interesting design. Kind of a cross between a corsair and... not sure what else. yak maybe? Will be interested to see how you like how it flies! :)

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:05 am
by Derek
Gerald!!! That's insanely awesome! That plane looks amazing....and it's not even done yet, lol. Really well done!!!

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:06 pm
by Stambo
Reminds me of one of the planes from an old XBox game called Crimson Skies.

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 2:47 am
by Vipertech13
Hey Thanks Guys! I am kinda stalled on it at the moment, well at least for a week yet. My adopted son is in from the Navy right now and has taken up residence in my build room, he'll be heading out to Washington state for his next assignment and will be there for at least a year, He's doing a rotation on a submarine 3 months down and 3 months up, So I don't mind him taking the room for a while.

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 8:27 pm
by Graham Lawrie

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2017 2:42 am
by Vipertech13
A little more progress, well a lot, all the covering is done and the build is finished. I just need time and weather to cooperate.
Here are the specs.
Top wing 32" Bottom wing 27.5" cord I call it 6" but towards the fuse it gets out to 7.75". Length from spinner to tail 33".
Power system: Firepower 10 sport (3536-10) 1050KV
40 amp Detrum ESC 3s 2200 battery 10x7 APC prop rated to produce 47oz thrust with this set up.
All up weight 1060 grams or 37.40 oz or 2.34 lbs.
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0418171355-01.jpg
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Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2017 2:52 am
by DOG
8-) That looks great. Good job on it and when is the maiden :?:

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2017 2:59 am
by Vipertech13
DOG wrote:8-) That looks great. Good job on it and when is the maiden :?:
Soon I hope! depending on weather after work tomorrow it might happen but forecast is PM rain and I get off work at 2:00 PM

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2017 3:20 am
by DOG
Kool beans! Good luck on your flight and don't forget pics or video would even be better.

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:38 am
by Vipertech13
Here is what Ya'll Been waiting for!
First I apologize, my cameras suck! but not to disappoint I share what I got!
I was a nervous wreck, I was really concerned about the CG but WE nailed it! no elevator trim even needed!
Cg is at 3.5 inches behind the lower wing leading edge.
The video is from 2 cameras, 1st portion is my hat cam the second is from a friend using my regular Fuji camera. I talk over that portion of the video, If you watch it you'll find out why!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f7AjlAqc_Q

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:51 pm
by Graham Lawrie
That was a really nice maiden:) She is very fast:) and i loved the way it caught the sun and glinted silver:) very nice:)

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:03 pm
by Lee
Sick looking plane mate. Well done :)

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:29 pm
by cml001
Very nice sir!

Re: Experimental Reverse Staggerwing Bipe Based on the Sorce

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:48 am
by Vipertech13
Thanks Guys! She has the potential to be very fast! That was on a 3s and never over 3/4 throttle.