Having completed my first Reed transmitter [
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=276], that created a very real need for a suitable aeroplane to put it in! While I do have one or two models that I could have converted, they are in storage 250km away.
What to do?
I routinely check out the 'bargain bin' and clearance items in the HK Australian warehouse. One of my past purchases was a replacement fuselage for the
HK Club Trainer 1265mm. This is what the "real" Club Trainer looks like:
- The HK Club Trainer - pic from the HK website
The fuselage is a moulded foam bottom 1/2 that forms the structural backbone - it includes the firewall, wing saddle & servo mounts, battery bay & mount for the tail feathers. The top is a moulded plastic cover that glues into a rebate on the bottom piece, then has the wing dowels pass through both to tie it all together. For only a few dollars, I got the fuse, push-rods, motor mount, cowling, etc., but no undercarriage. Looking at it, I couldn't see any reason why it couldn't be the genesis of my reeds (re)trainer, especially since I have 'in stock' all the other items I will need to complete it.
I've now started on it, and this is the progress so far:
- the original plastic motor mount (pic off the HK website), which doesn't fit the motor I have, so a new mount is needed. Its also a bit light for my liking.
- this is the new timber motor mount I have constructed.
- slightly longer, much stronger & reproduces the 3 deg. down thrust of the original.
- Another $1 bargain bin purchase, the nose wheel assembly from the HK Mule - utilised since the fuselage didn't come with any undercarriage components.
I was surprised to discover a lump of steel embedded in the fuse behind the firewall - obviously to correct an inherent tail heavy condition with the original design. Since I was using a larger (& stronger) motor, I removed the steel slug:
- the slug of steel removed from the nose.
- moulded front of the foam fuselage.
I've made up new tail feathers approximating the outline of the original, based on pictures on the HK website. After sanding, they'll be covered & decorated with plastic film and/or coloured trim tape.
- The tailplane & fin are both made of 5mm foam sheet with balsa edging. The Tailplane LE is 5mm bamboo.
The original design utilised a plastic motor mount with down thrust moulded into it, sitting against a plastic firewall with side thrust moulded into that, which then sandwiches the foam fuse between another plastic fitting as an anchor plate, the whole lot is then clamped together with 6 long screws.
- firewall with side thrust. Original nose wheel mount is at the bottom.
Unfortunately, this setup is subject to deformation, particularly of the anchor plate. I'm also suspicious of its ability to withstand a heavy landing.
- you can see how the anchor plate has deformed when the screws were tightened.
I intend to replace all the plastic bits with a stronger purpose designed timber arrangement that will distribute the load to the fuse sides as well as the nose.
More as construction progresses............
. Hey what can I say, I'm a happy guy 
. The intention is to be able to see it & I think I've achieved that 
