FT Mini Sportster Build

by FliteTest | November 20, 2015 | (10) Posted in How To

FTScratchBuild-Advanced

FT MINI SPORTSTER SPECS

  • Weight without battery: 7.2 oz (204 g) 
  • Center of Gravity: 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) from leading edge of wing
  • Control Surface Throws: 12 – 16˚ deflection (elevator/aileron/rudder) Expo 30%
  • Wingspan: 23 inches (584 mm) 
  • Recommended Motor: 2200 kv 2204 size motor
  • Recommended Prop: 6 x 3 prop minimum
  • Recommended ESC: 12 amp minimum
  • Recommended battery: 800 mAH 2s or 3s 
  • Recommended Servos: (4) 5 gram servos

FT MINI SPORTSTER PLANS

STORE LINKS

New to the R/C hobby?
Here's some resources to help get you up to speed!

Beginner Series: WATCH HERE!
Electronics Setup: WATCH HERE!
First Flight Quick Tips: WATCH HERE!

Got glue?? Get Some Here! 

 

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COMMENTS

Swanno on November 20, 2015
Can't wait to scratch build this plane, I'm going to use it as a stepping stone from my three channel planes into four channel planes like the Simple Storch. Thank you Flite Test :).
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alexcunningham55 on November 20, 2015
where is the link for the paint advice that josh mentioned? I am still confused about the best time to minwax/pain. i was under the impression that the glue will not stick to minwax.
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danield on November 21, 2015
I couldn't find the link either. Good job Josh
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The-One-Who-Never-Crashes on November 21, 2015
Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgBrB3IK-i8
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alexcunningham55 on November 21, 2015
i have seen that one. it confuses me. i was hoping for some new tips. this video you posted a link to has a disclaimer that you need to glue your model up first, then do minwax because the glue wont stick to minwax.

clearly in the video josh had painted first, so did he minwx as well?

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The-One-Who-Never-Crashes on November 22, 2015
He painted and then built the airframe. Minwax can be added later.
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w0ace on November 23, 2015
My questions as well......Need finishing info ASAP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!
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cogor on November 21, 2015
Thanks FT specialy for josh.you inspiring people to fly..you will be welcome in Bali.
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danield on November 21, 2015
How about plans for the pylons. Racing around trees or power poles can be unfriendly.
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The-One-Who-Never-Crashes on November 21, 2015
The design is pretty simple: just a pyramid made out of foam :)
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Rick Larson on April 2, 2017
Use fiberglass garden stakes and put foam swim tube over.
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mudman1959 on November 21, 2015
This one would make a Great Biplane!
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RCMasterx on November 22, 2015
I agree! A biplane would be awesome.
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George Coia on November 11, 2018
I made one . I put aileron's on the bottom wing. And I offset the top Wing 1 inch forward. It looks really good but I ended up putting 3 oz of Weights in the very tip of the nose to get at the Fly level. Once that was done it was a very fun fly.

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pghern on November 22, 2015
Hoping to get the info regarding pre-painting soon.....

Thanks for great plans, articles and advise.
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OrangutangSurfer on November 23, 2015
Link to plans is bad!!! Looks like I'll have to pick a different plane to build. Hope it's back up soon!
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MikeBg on November 23, 2015
I am getting a file not found for the plans as well. Go to Sponz's plans-index on the forum and it works ok, http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?17136-SP0NZ-Plans-Index

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w0ace on November 23, 2015
WHERE IS THE PAINT INFO????? I RUINED MY NEW SCOUT MESSING WITH TRYING TO FINISH IT. If you can't amke these things look better guess I'm done building/flying them. I don't crash, and planes last for a long time, so I want it to look good.

So, what did you paint it with?

Was in poly coated, didn't look like it.

Please add link to paint/finish video.

Love my Scout, but it looks awful now after several failed finishing trials..........
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ddan on November 24, 2015
I'm trying to download the build plans. Just getting a HTTP 404 error. Any advice on offer?
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ERAU1983 on November 24, 2015
When you click on the link to get the plans it takes you to http://www.stonekap.net/ftplans/index.cgi, but the Mini Sportster is not in the list of plans.
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ddan on November 24, 2015
So the section on this page: 'FT MINI SPORTSTER PLANS', shown just below the build video, shouldn't really be there?
Will there be any down loadable plans for this great little plane in the future? (Living in Sweden it is not really practical to buy the build kit)
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MikeBg on November 24, 2015
Again, as I said above, go to Sponzs plan-index, the download for the mini Sportster works ok. Copy this link and paste it into the address box of your browser.
http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?17136-SP0NZ-Plans-Index
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w0ace on November 24, 2015
Paint? What are you guys using? Brand/type? Spray paint? Seal it? I tried a large marker, looks like crap. Tried some spray paint I already had in shop, attacked foam......

IDEAS??? Pictures???
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jordy123 on December 6, 2015
http://www.stonekap.net/ftplans/FT%20Mini%20Sportster%20v1.0%20Full-Size.pdf


\
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JDW_453 on January 16, 2016
FT,
I’ve built the FT Mini Sportster. I have all the parts but the motor. Do you have a recommended site to buy the EMAX 2004 size / 2200kv motor? I’m unable to find that exact motor. Is it safe to use a EMAX 2004 / 2300kv motor? This is the current parts I have:
1x Propellers 6 x 4
1 x 2S 7.4 800mAh 20C battery (E-flite)
1 x 15-Amp ESC 2-3 LiPo (Ares)
4 x 5g Servos

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brewmechanic on February 12, 2016
I have built and painted many FT aircraft, and I have applied Min wax oil based poly before building/gluing the plane together. I have never had a glue joint fail (except upon impact with the earth) but even then, the glue joints didn't fail.
1. Don't use aerosol poly, use the clear gloss (least amount of yellowing) from a can and work it into the paper using a foam applicator. Apply only enough to get the job done to save weight.
2. Let it dry COMPLETELY! This may take a few days. It will be dry to the touch, but all of the VOC's must completely evaporate out before applying glue. If there is still a fairly strong odor coming off the foam board, wait another day.
3. The foam board will now accept spray paint and low adhesion masking tape with no problems. Usually 2 light coats will get the job done.
I poly my kits as soon as they arrive and let them sit until I'm ready to build. It's really worth the extra effort. If you do this process and edge seal the open edges with poly or hot glue, you can belly land first thing in the morning on dew covered grass with no worries.
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Rick Larson on April 2, 2017
The motor mount is installed reverse with the cut out for motor wire on the wrong side. Had to get the dremel and grind opening on left looking from the front. In the mini pod build video it is pointed out to check this out with the motor wires before you glue but I build my mount as shown on the mini sportster video. Too late. Does the other motor pack contain the motor used for the video?
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MDGleisner on June 8, 2017
Where can I get the paint template for this design?
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clinton.harris on October 24, 2018

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FT Mini Sportster Build