Swappable AT-6 Texan

by Phoenix1962 | January 30, 2015 | (24) Posted in Projects

Introducing the second request by Jose Valentin.

 

The AT-6 Texan

 

 

 

Last month when I released the T-28 Trojan I stated that Jose had requested not one but two designs from me, and due to a medical emergency it had taken me some time to complete the first of the two. Having experienced the challenge of the Trojan I was eager to get started on the Texan. I was now familiar with the build techniques I developed and this design went smoothly. I did however have to challenge myself though and that will be evident when you see the wing design. I really enjoy the task of creating new designs and new methods of building them. An interesting little event that happened while developing the Trojan was that I had agreed to develop both these aircraft for Jose, and when I ordered the canopy from Grayson Hobby. They sent me the canopy that you now see on the Texan. I had to re order the canopy for the Trojan. but it just goes to show that sometimes little mistakes happen for a reason! Also the canopy's come with a cowling insert. The one with the Texan canopy was too small to accommodate a swappable design, but the one from the Trojan just so happened to fit perfectly in the nose of the Texan, so I'm using it for display purposes.

 

Anyway the real challenge I found with the Texan design was the double taper in the wing plan-form, and the two dihedral points, or Polyhedral. Keeping the the spar constant with the plan-form and intersecting with one structural member to give the center of the wing the strength it needed was interesting to say the least. I was determined to have only two wing sections for simplicity rather than three though. Let's take a look at the build and I'll show you what I mean!

 

 

First of all the fuselage!

The fuselage was designed much in the same manor as the Trojan. A standard box frame with formers stationed along it to incorporate the swappable power pod was used, and the battery box configuration was used due to lack of really being able to provide adequate cooling to the components. This limits the ability to use the battery as a CG modifier, but a little math brought it within acceptable range, and very little weight if any will be needed.

 

 This version of the power pod accomodates the 1300 mAh battery pack. The other version accomodates the 2200 mAh battery pack. both versions are available with the plans.

The canopy was mounted on it's own assembly and is removable for access to the rudder and elevator servos.

 

 

 

The canopy, skin, and cowling was all done much in the same fashion as the Trojan using tab and slot configuration to improve alignment and make it easier to build.

 

 

Makes for a nice looking fuselage.

 

 

For a better look at the build process see the build module on my Face book page

 

Visit the AT-6 Texan Build module here

 

The wing was the real challenge. Though it is actually in two parts, but is built as a single unit. After the sheets are prepped by cutting all the slots, bevels, and curling the leading edge for the camber. The two halves are taped together then glued and the center section is then held down with a weight while adding the spars and dihedral braces.

 

The spar runs at an angle so there can be no support here from a single dihedral brace.

 

 

This is resolved with a center plate that ties the main spar to the dihedral braces and also provides strength to the center where the wing halves are glued together.

 

 

 

The dihedral braces are in three sections that are tied together using the center plate for added strength.

 

 

The dihedral braces are firmly glued to each other, the center plate, and at the ends where they meet the spar. This provides plenty of strength where it's needed.

 

 

 

the upper wing sheeting is then glued in the same process as most DTF designs starting at the center and working outwards.

 

 

 

 

 

The aileron servos are then connected, and landing gear placed.

 

 

 

 

 

The nose ring is made from 1” fomular as usual.

 

 

After sanding, painting, and adding the canopy, pilot, and decals it really makes a nice scale looking DTF aircraft.

 

 

 

The Texan is already availabe on my website in both Tiled PDF and Full size PDF format

Go to Flyin Foam RC Here

I'd like to take this oportunity to thank Jose Valentin for the inspiration, ideas and support durring the development of these last two designs!  I would also like to thank Flitetest, and the Flitetest community for providing me with the opportunity to bring my designs to you, and thanks to your continued patronage I am able to continue to do so! 

Timothy Brush 

 Flyin Foam RC

COMMENTS

scottie on February 1, 2015

Superb build !!
There's not many author's articles I look forward too but yours certainly is.
Cheers
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
Thank you Scotti! I really like to read yours too! Always on the look out for them.
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AkimboGlueGuns on February 1, 2015
YES FINALLY! the T-6 is one of my favorites. I'll try to build one before this spring, most likely in the AeroShell team colors.
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jrvalentin62 on February 1, 2015
Thank you for another GREAT build! This is such a joy to see coming together. What started with the "Excelsior" (Great flyer) to get to the Texan has been a fantastic expirence in modeling with DTFB. People are just amazed by seeing 20x30 piece of foam become this functional work of art. You are a task master to your craft. Pray you continue to reap more blessings in your life. Clear Skies, Calm Winds. God bless.
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
Your welcome Jose! It's been a pleasure, and continues to be so! :-)
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Yogenh on January 31, 2015
All I can say is wow. You do such great work with them, I just wish that I could do half as good as you. Keep up the great work
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Phoenix1962 on January 31, 2015
Thank you yogenh, I'm sure you could if you had as much time on your hands as I do. I've been disabled now for two years, and it's been like a dream come true! LOL I play with my grand kids and build model airplanes.
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Gryf on February 3, 2015
One of the cool things about the Flite Test community is that we get to hang out with so many truly clever and creative people. Phoenix, thanks for your excellent work! Used to be, we thought it was really cool that we could make Nutballs and Flyers out of cheap DTFB - And now this. You're really pushing the envelope! (Last time I tried pushing the envelope, I got a paper cut...)
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Phoenix1962 on February 3, 2015
:-) Thank you Gryf, This could be why I'm down to three fingers now. LOL Seriously though. When I was growing up we didn't have allot. I had to learn to be creative or just do without. Getting teased because my stuff wasn't as good as my friends is what pushes me to improve the quality of what I do. By the time I was 10 I built my own bike from old parts I collected around the neighborhood. I wasn't laughed at this time though. my bike was custom, the paint job was custom the chrome was polished, and no one else could have one this cool! It took me a year, and cost me allot of disappointment, and frustration along the way, but in the end I got more than just a cool bike out of it. Experience, knowledge, pride, and self respect, and humility. That's what drives me today! Bringing this to the FT community is my task, and knowing that other people
enjoy what I do is my payment. I barely make enough to cover my expenses, but I' rich beyond measure when it comes to friends and family! Thanks
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LordVader on February 1, 2015
That would be very cool, the P 38 is one of my favorites. I'd like to see that one done, if possible.
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
That's awesome! I'd love to see pics of the finished model!
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AkimboGlueGuns on February 2, 2015
Of all the radial engine WWII birds, I think you are missing a very important one. The PT-17 Stearman is my request.
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Phoenix1962 on February 2, 2015
Oh I know you're right there! It would be extremely hard to make that a swappable, but I'm sure I could design one that would look scale.
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RacerX on February 1, 2015
OMGoodness! That is a gorgeous build!
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
Thank you very much!
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WhiskeyJack on February 1, 2015
I got just one word Tim.........,WOW!
You say that you are disabled and I know that to true but if a man is judged by what his mind can invasion and his hands create then my friend you are more able then most people I know.
I believe things happen for a reason and as you said you have the time for your grand kids and to design and that is something special. Fair winds and happy landings...WJ.
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
Thank you WJ, That really means allot to me! Ever since I was a young boy, I've always wanted to just be able to see one of my designs fly, and you are right! I am truly blessed! Not only have they flown, but people around the world are enjoying them. I've sold plans on every continent so far, and a couple of weeks ago I went to Ace hardware looking for music wire for the LG on this design. When I explained what I needed it for the guy realized he knew me and my work through FT. Life is good, and It's worth it! :-) That's why I Thanked FT and all of you!!! Fair winds my friend
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LordVader on January 31, 2015
Cool, I printed the plans but haven't put them together and cut out yet. Still working on the wings for the Trojan. Which is another awesome build, can't say it enough. Love your work. I'd love to see a Zero and a Cosair. Hint, Hint.
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
I'm gonna need to hire some help if I keep getting hint hint hint's LOL I'm actually getting requests from my website from places like Spain and India for lager wood designs. What size would you like to see? Keep in mind tough, right now you have one ahead of you. Randy Floyd requested a P-61. I've been working on the drawings for a few weeks now.
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LordVader on January 31, 2015
Another work of art. Just amazing what you are doing with DTFB. Can't wait to build one once I finish the Trojan.
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Phoenix1962 on January 31, 2015
Thanks Keith, Wait till you see what's next. :-) BTW I got a message from Jose and I have a small update for you. I'll send it to you in an E-mail. I've already updated the files on my website.
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RodgeyD on February 28, 2018
Hi Phoenix,
Great looking model , plus the Typhoon and others as well . I'm new to flitetest so am finding my way around , where can I find your website or plans .
Many thanks and keep up the good work.
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Phoenix1962 on February 28, 2018
Hey there RodgeyD, Thank you for the good comments. I think you'l love it here! Here is my web address, but there is also a link in the article. I will change it a little so you can tell it is a link. Guess that would help, Huh. LOL http://flynfoamrc.com/ You can lso visit my facebook page at Fly'n Foam RC https://www.facebook.com/flynfoamrc/?ref=bookmarks. Have a great day
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marc60 on February 2, 2015
Fantastic! Really nice build.


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fluffybunny on February 2, 2015
I have built a couple of the FT planes but I had to register just to comment on this plane, This will be my first non FT plane to build, my grandfather owns a t-6 and I would love to scratch build a plane like that. I have the freewing t-6 and it is my favorite flying plane so this would be a cool one to add to the fleet.
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Phoenix1962 on February 2, 2015
That's so cool! Do you have pics of his T-6? I could customize a set of decals for this plane for you if you want to reproduce his aircraft.
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fluffybunny on February 3, 2015
That would be awesome! is the email on the contact us on the site linked good? if so I will email you there. Thanks for the offer! It is a unique paint scheme for a t-6, it is painted in german colors.
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Phoenix1962 on February 3, 2015
Yes the contact E-mail is current. That's great! I'm looking forward helping you with your project! :-) I'll wait for your reply.
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Jaxx on February 1, 2015
Awesome work! Where did you get that canopy?
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
The canopy is from Grayson Hobby catalog # AT6-07 All parts needed are listed in the download packet.
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Miracle Air on February 1, 2015
This is a work of art. Do you take requests? Want a technical challenge? How about a Polish PZL P11? Inverted gull wing! I'm not expecting it, but if it strikes your fancy...
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Phoenix1962 on February 1, 2015
LOL Well it appears I do. :-) Been getting quite a few requests lately. You have a few ahead of you, but I've got the reference material for it. I can give it a try. Contact me through my FB page, or website and we can discuss details like size and power requirements.
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Damig on August 21, 2015
Top Notch article "Beyond the Wheel RC" Timothy! I admire the quality of your work and I am blown away by the detail effects you gave it. I'd love to give it a try while working on my skill set.
miggy =MIG=
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Blackbeltrrf on November 3, 2015
Nice work once again Tim. I am going to have to build this as building season is fastly approaching
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Mikkelbrezhnev on August 8, 2015
I absolutely love this! The Texan (or known in the commonwealth areas as the "Harvard") is one of my favorite aircraft. Nicknamed the "Window Rattler" it has a noise that gives me goosebumps, along with the Merlin. I'd love to fly the real thing which they do in the US. But until then the model will certainly do. Great job!
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Swappable AT-6 Texan