Topic: Assembling aircraft at the field

How do you support your aircraft to assemble it at the field?  After seeing one at a fly in I'm making up a pair of crutches that will have a piece of webbing on the top for single wing fuselages to sit in at a good working height.  I have never been keen on kneeling in the wet or standing aircraft on their noses scratching up spinners for assembly.

What do you use?

Just given it a coat of polyurethane varnish to protect the wood.

Some pipe insulation would be a good idea to protect the model, but otherwise very good. 

When I remember to take it to the field, I use one of the old Ripmax model stands, which fits most of my models perfectly well. Otherwise it's a simple matter to put the model on one of the several tables at the field, or lean it up against the fence, to fit the wings.

Some pipe insulation would be a good idea to protect the model

I have some 1 1/2" webbning that will be attached on the top leaving a loop hanging down to take the fuz 

Otherwise it's a simple matter to put the model on one of the several tables at the field, or lean it up against the fence, to fit the wings.

Not many fences or tables at Barkston/Scampton etc 

I should have enough room in my trailer to leave it in there all the time same as my bedding foam and stuff does.  I made it 36" long and when the fuz is in it should be at normal bench height to work on.

Like it!  Some fabric fixed to the underside of those top two stretchers would turn them into a useful trough for screwdrivers, glowstarts, wingbolts, etc.  I'd also put some timber between the ends of the legs, to act as load spreaders (stop the feet digging in).

If I'm assembling large or complicated aircraft, I usually take my cheap, fold-flat B&Q pasting table.

That's an idea, what about something like this;  http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9278259/Trail/searchtext%3ECAMPING+TABLES.htm   

I keep a fold up aluminium camping table in my trailer but don't use it for assembly things roll off    I usually only get it out if I'm camping or have a repair and need a work surface.

My B&Q cheapie cost about 10 quid...

You're right about rolling - but I haven't lost one yet...

Always a good idea to have some sort of stand. I still have my original SLEC stand jobbie........

You've just reminded me that I made something similar to rig my model yacht.  It's up in the loft over my workshop.  Could be useful for rigging without grove ling on the ground.  I did make a model stand for starting etc but I got fed up of cleaning both it and the models every time I used it. 

Geoff

Back in my racing days the standard equipment was a B&D Workmate. With the jaws openned to a gap just wider than the fuselage and with a double-folded layer of old towel layed across it was the perfect support for the model while servicing between races, swapping engines and attaching/removing wings. A couple of bungee chords could be run over the fuz if I was leaving a model there unattended, and it doubled as an engine test stand, brazing stand etc when required.

These days I generally transport the models assembled, so the question doesn't arise.

PDR

Back in my racing days the standard equipment was a B&D Workmate. With the jaws openned to a gap just wider than the fuselage and with a double-folded layer of old towel layed across it was the perfect support for the model while servicing between races, swapping engines and attaching/removing wings. A couple of bungee chords could be run over the fuz if I was leaving a model there unattended, and it doubled as an engine test stand, brazing stand etc when required.

These days I generally transport the models assembled, so the question doesn't arise.

PDR

I used to do that, but as the models got bigger, the need for a bigger stand arose. Didnt Byron do one back in the 90s, 'S' shaped legs from plastic and webbing to hold the model?

Google "Keyboard stand" that's what I use.

m

How about this: http://www.flyingsites.co.uk/reviews/greatmate.htm its a bit expensive, but looks the biz...
Or you could use the Y shaped holders in a workmate to the same effect.

I had a good look around and fiddle with the Greatmate at the Nat's last year.  Excellent engineering but at a considerable cost!

http://modelstands.co.uk/

Thats pretty good Sean, If you make that webbing at the bottom adjustable you can vary the height as well.

I'm going to make one of those... Wven at the age of 36 wallowing about in the mud like I was yesterday takes its toll on the old cilla black.

CM

I used to do that, but as the models got bigger, the need for a bigger stand arose. Didnt Byron do one back in the 90s, 'S' shaped legs from plastic and webbing to hold the model?

Still available: Byron Model Cuddler.
http://www.motorsandrotors.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=513

I have modified two Wilkinsons "WorkMates" (£7.50 each).
One has two adjustable brackets lined with pipe lagging for the model, the other supports the flight box / TX / Battery etc.
Great fun to put together and very safe in operation!

Were rather lucky in that one of our club members built 4 benches which are on the field for assembling,starting etc - absolutely ideal - however, if they are in use i have to get the butler to do it - he can assemble them, start them, carry them out to the flight line then i do the flying and he retrieves and cleans - well thats what id like.in my dreams

I have modified two Wilkinsons "WorkMates" (£7.50 each).
One has two adjustable brackets lined with pipe lagging for the model, the other supports the flight box / TX / Battery etc.
Great fun to put together and very safe in operation!

Where do these come from? I've googled for them and can't find anything
Mike

Were rather lucky in that one of our club members built 4 benches which are on the field for assembling,starting etc - absolutely ideal - however, if they are in use i have to get the butler to do it - he can assemble them, start them, carry them out to the flight line then i do the flying and he retrieves and cleans - well thats what id like.in my dreams

You've been reading PDR's posts too many times.   

Where do these come from? I've googled for them and can't find anything
Mike

At that price these will be the plastic 'saw horse' type of bench? I think they might be too flimsy for a heavy model. B & Q do one for £18 which would be ample for a model bench, as I said, you could make up two 'Y' shaped model holders and clamp them into the bench- perfect! Using a piece of 2x1 to join them at the correct distance apart would make it even easier.

Where do these come from? I've googled for them and can't find anything
Mike

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/foldable-diy-work-bench/invt/0209365/?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D
They are a little bit dearer @ £10. 97 each

Tom

Thanks, Tom - may get one as they lighter than my B&D workmate which is a bit heavy to lug around for me.
Mike

Thanks, Tom - may get one as they lighter than my B&D workmate which is a bit heavy to lug around for me.
Mike

I agree, and at that price its not worth trying to make one!

Found this picture on RCU - I did have the plans before my laptop crashed.  I think the designer was Gregg Finnan but I can't find a link to the plans now.

Just found the plans.  Model Flying forum - Model Engineering & Accessories - Field Stand - post by Lazygit on page 1.

Still available: Byron Model Cuddler.
http://www.motorsandrotors.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=513

Isn't that more or less what Shaun's made for himself for a bit less than £56?  The one I made is much like Shaun's but scaled to suit 1 metre racing yachts.

Geoff

Mine cost nothing from the pocket just a little from my garage.  All the wood is reclaimed timber ripped up on my circluar saw, the 2 bolts are recycled but the screws are new........ got em for nothing but new.  I did have to use paid for varnish but the straps are again recycled from something that was being thrown away by someone else.
When I cut the wood I had very little idea how I was goin g to make it up it kinda evolved, the 3rd coat of varnish is drying so I will cut the top straps to length and screw them on when I know what length they want to be.

I found it quite satisfying to knock up, it could be crepe to use onece finished 

Mine cost nothing from the pocket just a little from my garage.  All the wood is reclaimed timber ripped up on my circluar saw, the 2 bolts are recycled but the screws are new........ got em for nothing but new.  I did have to use paid for varnish but the straps are again recycled from something that was being thrown away by someone else.
When I cut the wood I had very little idea how I was goin g to make it up it kinda evolved, the 3rd coat of varnish is drying so I will cut the top straps to length and screw them on when I know what length they want to be.

I found it quite satisfying to knock up, it could be crepe to use onece finished 

You little Womble!

I agree, and at that price its not worth trying to make one!

Just went shopping for cheep plonk at Asda and spotted Draper workbenches for £9, so I stuck one in my basket
Same as this one: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=176142
  Tom

I just attached the straps to my frame and put the P51 in it which is the main reason for me having the stand I doubt it will be used for anything else.  Once thing I noticed and didn't like is that it tends to swing in the cradle a bit so I will be making up 1/4" ply profiles of the fuselage allowing room for a piece of pipe insulation to go on and it will attach to the frame on keyhole slots or something so they can come off for storage.
In summary it's ok but not great.  I just remembered I have 2 X those cheap workmate type things at my parents brand new.  They have a door on them and are being used to store my junk from when I owned my own house but would rather have a light wooden made to fit a specific fuselage stand anyway.  The steel ones don't fold up that small and are heavier but do allow you to use them as a work bench as well as a stand assuming your modifications allow it to be used as standard to.

I just attached the straps to my frame and put the P51 in it which is the main reason for me having the stand I doubt it will be used for anything else.  Once thing I noticed and didn't like is that it tends to swing in the cradle a bit so I will be making up 1/4" ply profiles of the fuselage allowing room for a piece of pipe insulation to go on and it will attach to the frame on keyhole slots or something so they can come off for storage.

Get 4x hooked bungee straps, put the plane in the cradle, bond large zip ties around the straps at appropriate positions  and connect the bungee between the legs and the zip ties?



Would keep it adjustable for other models then?

CM

Just went shopping for cheep plonk at Asda and spotted Draper workbenches for £9, so I stuck one in my basket
Same as this one: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=176142
  Tom

Tom, wife just went to Asda and they know nothing about them, i checked and its not on their online store either, was if definitely Asda's?

Steve

Tom, wife just went to Asda and they know nothing about them, i checked and its not on their online store either, was if definitely Asda's?

Steve

Defo ASDA. Perhaps they dont have them in every store.

Tom

Thanks Tom, that must be the case 

Steve

Just checked with my local Asda and they have "loads" - so thanks for the heads-up - off to collect one now!

I'm using my wooden affair right now out in the cold to check out some damage on the P51 it's better than it getting marked up on the bench

Just checked with my local Asda and they have "loads" - so thanks for the heads-up - off to collect one now!

Bummer, must just be ours that don't stock them

Steve