FT EXPLORER TIME LAPSE BUILD LOG- PART 2

Hi Flite Test Community! 

This is Part 2 of my build log series where I am designing my own FPV Plane platform. Part 2 is the cutting out of the assembled plans in part one. 

This part of the build log  deals with cutting out the plans from the paper and also placing the cut out plans on foamboard , pinning them down and cutting them out. 

Here is the time lapse video of part 2 of the build log. 

My work station was a table , a cutting mat , scissors , cutting blade  and pins to hold down the plans.

Plans were laid and cutout observing the Flite test cut out and folding markings.

Completed cutout.

Plans cut out.  

The cut out plans were placed on Foam board , pinned down and cut out. 

Ft Explorer Nose

Completed nose cut out.

Cutting out the left wing.

For some of the cutouts, the markings(score,belvel and cut lines) had to be transfered and traced over. For example the Wings. 

 cut out of wings completed. 

Horizontal and vertical stablizers inspired by the Cessna 337 sky master. 

Parts like the fuselage , wings ,nose were coverd in tape to strengthen them and make them water resistant (Personally I find that the Bazic foamboard cannot stand up to not even a drop of water on it).

Fuselage being taped up

Nose being taped up.

Wings being taped up. 

Once all the required parts were cut out and reinforced with tape, It is now time for the assembly of the plane which will be done in part 3.  

Part 2 conclucsion

I have never done a flite test quickbuild.  However, comparing the FT Explorer quick build done by Flite Test on Youtube, to cutting out plans from paper and transferring them to foamboard, it  can be very time consuming and tedious, but allows easy modification of plans if needed. For me because of my location , doing it from scratch is cheaper.

The foamboard used for this build , personally is not the best. it cannot take even a drop of water before it warps, but it is what is available in Anguilla. Taping works well with making it water resistant but not water proof - Which is good because its not designed to be a seaplane. However , I recommend building from waterproof foam board , I do not know if waterproof foamboard would make it structurally stronger , but I am sure it would make it lighter than tape. 

Overall, I am happy on how the transfer from plans to foambard came out.