Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

A forum for electric pylon racing discussisons including Electric Formula 1.
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

This is a fairly short introduction video for the Proud Bird EF1 Pylon Racing plane by Great Planes. I've had a couple sitting unopened in the box for a couple of years. With all the molds I'm making, I decided it was time to get them out and make molds for the plastic pieces that come in the kit. I consulted with my friend Jim Allen who was the designer of the plane about tips on the plastic pieces and on putting the plane together. Jim cut me two vinyl color schemes and they will be applied in this complete build series.

https://youtu.be/0qqXv4vNwQ4



Links in this video:

http://RCPRO.org
http://NMPRA.net
http://StegallHobbies.com
http://StegallHobbies.Store
http://EpoxyFillers.Store
http://RCCalculators.com
http://RCCalculatorsPro.com
http://DrillBitCharts.com
http://DrillBitChartsPro.com
http://www.greatplanes.com
http://www.towerhobbies.com
http://www.kirbysgraphics.com
http://ProudBirdEF1.com
http://PBEF1.com
http://Quik-V6.com
http://brodak.com/electric-motor-ef-1-racing.html
http://brodak.com/electric-motor-2820-07.html
http://brodak.com/universal-motor-mount.html
ronin4740
Super Contributor
Posts: 414
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:18 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by ronin4740 »

Don,

I'd have posted these comments to the video but you have them turned off.

I've raced the Proud Bird almost exclusively for the past three years. It's a great choice for racing in EF1 if you're not a builder.

Magnets - use wax paper between the magnets and glue the loose ones to the canopy. Kicker helps here. Also each of my Proud Birds has decided to shed it's canopy when I've flown it with just the magnets as the amount of airflow entering the fuselage creates enough positive pressure that it can overcome the magnets and cause it to depart the airplane. I suggest adding a bit of tape to the back of the canopy where it meets the fuselage unless you like searching for your canopy in the weeds and going 15 miles per hour slower than your competition. Having a spare canopy ready to go is also a very good idea if you're planning to race. I've seen other canopy retention solutions as well but tape works and adds very little weight.

Cowl - Sand the wood in the nose to get the cowl as far back as possible. There's lots of variance between kits and cowls and you do NOT want to spacer the motor out more than three or four wood spacers or the CG will be too far forward. If you don't do this you'll find you'll have to add a reasonable amount of lead weight to the tail which results in a heavier than necessary Proud Bird. I know this is contrary to what Jim Allen has told you but trust me, it's necessary to do this on the ARFs.

Right thrust - I don't bother with the washers - I just add a few clicks of right rudder to keep the nose straighter in the turns. Also a gyro/stabilizer on the rudder with a bit of heading hold configured will fix this issue. However I'm not going to dispute what Jim has said, just stating what I do.

ESC - The Castle Creations ESC is great but for a more economical solution the Hobbyking Plush 60A is fine and a bit lighter. You sacrifice the logging capability but you'll lose a bit of weight near the nose.

Motor - you're correct - the Rimfire motor seems to be the best of the ones currently available for EF1 but they can be inconsistent. I have three and they all turn different RPM's on the same airplane with the same ESC/Battery/Prop. Best advice I can offer is that to be competitive you need an EF1 motor which will be turning very high 14K/low 15K at the END of the run. If you turning mid 14K's at the end of the pylon run you're not going to be able to keep up assuming you're flying as tight and smooth a course as your competition.

Battery - I'd recommend the ThunderPower Rampage packs. I've had other batteries which perform a little better but the Rampage packs are LIGHT!

Weight - Proud Birds build light because Jim designed them when 3.25 lbs was the min weight. Today it's 3.5 lbs so it's likely that when the Proud Bird is assembled it'll be underweight. That's not a bad thing as it's also likely it'll need a bit of tail weight to make CG.

Quality of the kit - Mine have been variable over the past few years. The sheeting in the wing seems a little brittle and I've seen some really green balsa when I've recovered the tail pieces. However the wing and fuselage are strong out of the box and will happily take hard pylon turns without flexing like some other EF1 ARFs will (I'm looking at you Scarlet Screamer!).

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the Proud Bird. Thanks for taking the time to create the video.
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

Thanks. I didn't know comments were turned off.

Was that on the http://RCPylon.TV or http://DonStegall.com channels? Or both?

I will try to turn on the comments if they are configured to be off and will let you know when to try again.

Please post to the video. Very good feedback and info.

I have a good RealFlight EF1 course and an adjusted Proud Bird EF1 with 2 and 3 degrees as well as an AR-6 and Little Toni EF1 planes "built" from scratch. They will soon be posted to http://EF1Pylon.com ... I can email them until I get them online ... Don.F.Stegall@gmail.com
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

I worked on RCPylon.TV ... I get comments on my personal channel all the time, but I don't know that I've gotten any on RCPylon.TV ...

BTW, I'm going to be making the first set of wing fairing and belly pan molds soon. They will be made right off of the stock parts.

I'm also going to make a hatch mold when I make molds of the fairings fitted and mounted on the fuselage. I've seen a number of people with painted canopies and I like fiberglass parts on any plane over plastic, even if I add a clear copy to the hatch.

I'm going to be making a ton of videos. My office and shops are getting cleaned up, but the video taping station stays the cleanest. I make the videos just to share my experiences. If I can get to 100 subscribers on RCPylon.TV I can get a better YouTube URL, so please subscribe. My personal channel has over 1000 subscribers and I essentially have unlimited YouTube capabilities.

A bit of news ... The World Models now has the Outrageous in solid white and the Scarlet Screamer in the scale red fuselage with white wing, stab, and wheel pants now. Videos to come.
ronin4740
Super Contributor
Posts: 414
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:18 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by ronin4740 »

Did TWM also add the sheer webbing necessary to keep the wings from flexing when they changed the covering on the Outrageous and Scarlet Screamer? If not I'd recommend stripping the wing and adding it or you risk wing failure turning around pylon 1.

I watched the video on YouTube. Comments there seemed to be disabled.
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

ronin4740 wrote:Did TWM also add the sheer webbing necessary to keep the wings from flexing when they changed the covering on the Outrageous and Scarlet Screamer? If not I'd recommend stripping the wing and adding it or you risk wing failure turning around pylon 1.

I watched the video on YouTube. Comments there seemed to be disabled.
I'm not sure if they changed the wing. I wasn't aware that changes were needed and I don't know if the did either. There are a limited number of the new ones in the US. Maybe they don't have a lot in China already built and we can get changes made.

BTW, I plan to bring the Outrageous and Scarlet Screamer back as laser cut kit.

I did some stuff and checked the videoo out using another account. It didn't seem to be working when I tested it after the above message.

Are you using a YouTube account and can you comment on other videos?

Please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qqXv4vNwQ4 and see if you can comment now.

I've worked hard to get my video / clean work table area lit properly and set up with the green screen. There are actually three windows right behind where I sit and I put up black shades to keep the outside light from messing up the green screen. Just made a change last night to have more of the same daylight adjusted overhead lighting. I have more bulbs coming for the shop lights like these whoppers.

Old bulbs
IMG_0294.JPG
New bulbs
IMG_0295.JPG
I've constantly worked to have better production of the videos. My son and his fiancee who was a media major don't like my moving cloud background, but it works better than a still image on the chroma-keying. I actually got that background from my deck. I pointed the GoPro at the sky ang got about 8 minutes of video.

Comments good and bad and Likes and Dislikes are appreciated. If you have not subscribed to http://RCPylon.TV, please do so.

For those that know I've had serious health issues in the past (posted about it on Facebook) and last year especially can probably tell I'm feeling much better now.
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

ronin4740 wrote:Did TWM also add the sheer webbing necessary to keep the wings from flexing when they changed the covering on the Outrageous and Scarlet Screamer? If not I'd recommend stripping the wing and adding it or you risk wing failure turning around pylon 1.

I watched the video on YouTube. Comments there seemed to be disabled.
I just unboxed a new Scarlet Screamer. Will be unboxing a new Outrageous.

Not only do the wings have sheer webs, they are now fully sheeted. I had asked for this but did not know they implemented it. The wings are very stiff, and the weight is right at the same as the old wing ... 5.0 to 5.6 ounces per panel.

I have 4 solid white Outrageous ARF kits and 4 scale color scheme red and white Scarlet Screamer ARF kits available. They will be listed on the http://StegallHobbies.store on Amazon this week. They are also available direct from us and from http://airborne-models.com/
ronin4740
Super Contributor
Posts: 414
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:18 pm

Post by ronin4740 »

Nice to know. Did the fuselage change? Wondering if the new wings would fit on the original fuse... :)
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

I know the Estrellita EF1 / Shark EF1 guys want the fiberglass parts, and you will have them in 2-3 weeks. I expect to start making final molds by a week from Saturday.

But I multi-task and work on many things at a time. It takes multiple computers to keep up with me. I have my Mac rendering videos a lot of the time. I just push a couple of buttons and switch to my main Windows machine. I hit a few buttons and I'm on my work (job) computer. They are all independent. Like I had a render doing chroma keying on a video yesterday or the day before that took 7 hours to do the chroma-keyed sky background I use now. I certainly did wait on the glue to dry if you know what I mean.

I'm working on the Proud Bird EF1 fiberglass parts as well. Here is a photo of the stock parts glued down to some boards. I will have to prime and paint the flat plates, but I could not find anything real slick that thick CA would stick to. I will mask off the plastic for the most part because the surface on it is fin for mold making. I expect to start making molds early next week.

I'm making molds of the factory parts with the excess material on them. After I get fiberglass parts made, I will fit them carefully to a PB fuselage and wing and make molds that are cut the size needed. People will have an option on the parts they want. Trim an fit your own or get the pre-fitted parts. Probably will be the same price.
Attachments
IMG_2577.JPG
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

A lot of people have never seen the original Rivets. A lot of people don't know that Rivets was modified and became a conventional tail plane from 1949 until 1964 before becoming a T-Tail.

I got Jim Katz to look this stuff up for me and scan it from a pylon book.

The first Rivets had Bill Fauck laying down. There was a lot of controversy over this and the more known shape was born. But with a conventional tail.

I plan to do a 1949+ Rivets canopy hatch in fiberglass and plastic for the Proud Bird EF1 and a conventional tail conversion kit with molded wingtips. Even though there is already an approved T-Tail conversion (actually a couple of them), I may do a T-Tail conversion of my own design. May even do more scale Rivets wheel pants as well.

Here are the images of the pre T-Tail Rivets.
Attachments
Rivets DS 1.jpg
Rivets DS 2.jpg
Rivets DS 3.jpg
Rivets DS 4.jpg
Last edited by DonStegall on Thu Mar 08, 2018 11:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

I test things before I commit to doing something without checking that it is going to work.

I joined the Proud Bird EF1 plastic parts to some particle board and masonite. I used medium CA kicked it as I worked around the four sides.

I taped off the plastic on the battery cover and primed it.

In doing so I found that I had not filled the gaps completely with CA.

This would have been more work on the rest of the pieces if I had to fix them too.

Now I will go around the edges of all of the parts with thick CA and make sure they are sealed before priming.
Attachments
IMG_2579.JPG
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

We had a sunny afternoon today.

I got the Proud Bird EF1 pieces glued to the baseplates better with some thick CA. I masked them off. Then I primed the wood/masonite with Rustoleum Sandable Primer that primes and fills.

Weather is supposed to be only good for inside stuff this weekend. On Saturday or Sunday I will sand the baseplates and when the weather allows, I will paint them. And sand the paint before removing the masking. Then remove the masking.

Everything will get waxed and PartAll PVA will be sprayed on them. And the mold making will begin.

I actually got 4 flights on my Handman Twins even though a lot of the field has puddles. The runway on my part of the field is fine for flying off of. It was a good day to practice in windy conditions with gusts to 15-20 mph. That's quite a bit for a little foamie plane.

My neighbor that has ALS drove down into the back of my yard to watch me fly. He got his van stuck and my neighbor couldn't even get him out with a big John Deere tractor. It is so wet here.

So I'm back to work on the Estrellita / Shark plugs tonight and this weekend.
Attachments
IMG_2581.JPG
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

Tuesday was a nice day here. After work I spent some time getting the "plugs" for the Proud Bird EF1 plastic part replacements ready.

I CA'd the plastic pieces to the masonite and some particle board. I masked the plastic and sprayed Rustoleum Sandable Primer on the bases. I primed the cockpit battery cover first and found that I had some gaps. So I went around all of the pieces with thick CA.

I was going to just wax and PVA them. But I decided to spray some Nelson paint on them. Once again the cockpit battery cover was first. I got some fisheye. So I buffed the plastic with 0000 steel wool. Then I sanded dry with 320 wet or dry paper. Then I went over the plastic and the bases with the 0000. No fisheye this time. I painted the entire bases because I will wet sand with 400, 500, and 600 paper. Maybe even some 1000 (but I think it is best to just sand the resulting molds well). Before compounding and waxing them. The edges have the build up of CA but these are somewhat temporary. I will make parts and then attach them to the fuselage and wing. Then I will make molds so that people don't have to trim the parts. And they should be an instant fit.

I will also be making molds of the hatch, the cowl, and the wheelpants. The reason for doing the hatch is that people lose them and I will have them at the races (especially the NATS for years to come). I will make the hatch so that it can be a one piece painted on canopy or with a flange for a clear canopy.

Another reason for making the hatch mold is that I will pour foam in it. Then I will take out the foam and carve canopies for the 1949-1964 Rivets, and the sleeker 1964-1977 T-tail Rivets.

Here is a photo of the 1949 conventional tail https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-o ... eveland-oh

I will make molds for fiberglass Rivets wing tips.

I will definitely build (and maybe sell) a conventional tail Rivets conversion.

I have figured out some improvements to one of the T-tail conversion kits and more than likely will produce a conversion kit with any needed moldings for the back of the fuselage. I will use a stab skinned with 1/32" contest balsa on top and bottom. I also have a neat linkage thing figured out. There will be a joiner on the elevator halves like the real plane.

People are pushing me on the Estrellita / Shark parts, but I should have the plugs done for those by the end of the weekend.

Then I have the Miss Cosmic Wind cowl and hatch to do.
Attachments
IMG_2629.JPG
IMG_2635.JPG
IMG_2636.JPG
IMG_2637.JPG
IMG_2638.JPG
IMG_2639.JPG
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

The almost forgotten cockpit pieces.

The front battery cover
IMG_2627.JPG
The pilot cockpit floor
IMG_2628.JPG
DonStegall
Super Contributor
Posts: 615
Joined: Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:37 pm

Re: Proud Bird EF1 - Build and Review

Post by DonStegall »

This project is started back up. I need to get my Proud Birds ready for the NATS and if I don't have parts soon, I will not make it.

Laying up these molds will be quick and easy. I will videotape the rest of the process and make videos of basic mold making.

I was going to sand/compound/polish/wax the "plugs". But with them being bendable plastic, and with the nice coat of paint on them, I decided just to wax them and spray PVA on.

First I got a nice coat of PVA on. Then it started to drizzle. I put the parts in the garage and let the water spots dry. The storm had passed by and we weren't going to have more rain for several hours.

The water spots on the "plugs" dried and only left tiny rings. They mostly flowed out when I recoated it. Spraying green PVA on green plugs at night under a floodlight in 95%+ humidity is a bit of a challenge. But I met it.

I may not even have to sand the molds before making the first parts. All it will take is some 400 paper to take out the imperfections in the parts if they turn out like I expect.
Attachments
IMG_0028_1024x576.jpg
Post Reply