Same 30"cat, limited experience

[CornelP]

Hello there,
I am new here and in this field generally, so be patient with me... I am building the 30"cat and I am looking for some info on the hardware to install. As you can see in the pics, I am almost finished. I started with hand cut balsa (lasercut had a crazy price...), CA in place, epoxy on the internals. The nose was filled with pool noodles, sealed shut. To make more room, I cut two of the sections, as I will cover in fiberglass or silkspan. The very tips of the nose were carved in balsa, as I did not manage to get the right curve .
The main idea of the final shape is: F-14 Tomcat tribute! The profile is good enough, so I will go for a long canopy, as close as possible to the plane, a couple of the signature tails and a proper paint job ( F-14D Tomcat VF-31 Tomcatters). I usually do scale models (mainly aircraft), so this will be the easy job.
The main problem is hardware: what would you recommend? This means motor, battery, esc, strut/rudder, etc. I was looking on a couple of websites for ideas, but I cannot find all the stuff in one place and with some decent prices... plus, as I live outside the US, I try to buy all in one place because of the transport fees...
To get an idea on my experience, I completed a 1/10 Baby Bootlegger (Andy's one) and converted a px-16 on RC Groups. Both are brushed motors, Nimh, Futaba and Hitec systems.

[Norman2]

30" Cat

Hi CornelP, I built a similar cat and use a UL-1 Brushless motor and ESC. I got
these from Offshore Electrics. Hardware is from Offshore electrics. You can find
a lot of information on 30" Cat builds in the thread titled 30" Scratch Built Cat.
Hope this helps. Attached photo. Regards
Norman2

[Jesse J]

Welcome to the forum!

This ought to be a cool build, like the tomcats too. there is a wide range of hardware, depending on how much you want to make yourself - Simon O is the master of "make my own hardware" - or you could spend over $150 on hardware if you want.

Details you will need to provide to get useful feedback are:

motor you want to run, dual/single, speeds - I assume sport
batteries you want to use
and any other set up ideas you have/ limitations economically etc. or components you want to use (i.e. is this a ground up hardware, motor/esc set up or do you already have a motor or other).

[CornelP]

Well, I was looking around a little bit, and I would be tempted by the solution that Norman2 went for (single motor). Definitely Brushless, Lipos, the strut I was looking at was this OSE http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...rod=tfl-502b15, as it comes with most of the necessary fittings... I have no clear idea on what components I need for such a setup, my previous experience was threaded plastic props, universal joints...
I already made some hardware, but the strut was without bearings, just a 4mm ID aluminum tube with a Robbe flex shaft (see photo). Is there any Hardware for dummies shopping list / thread?

[CornelP]

One more thing: budget will be around 150-200$ overall (I have the radio/servo)

[CornelP]

Ok guys, I got an idea for the home made hardware, see pics. Just a sketch for now, no dimensions, but I will come back later on with a proper drawing... I have no access to CNC or any fancy machinery, so it will be done by file, Dremel... the hard way. Water pickup will be done as in the previous post. Still waiting for ideas on motor/ESC/batteries
The hull is getting fiberglassed today, so I will have the first pics up tomorrow.

[Simon.O.]

Ok guys, I got an idea for the home made hardware, see pics. Just a sketch for now, no dimensions, but I will come back later on with a proper drawing... I have no access to CNC or any fancy machinery, so it will be done by file, Dremel... the hard way.

For all of my builds the only power tools I use is a cordless drill and a cheap copy dremel. I do have a lot of good files and handsaws.
I have a cheap 50W soldering iron for wire work and use a butane pencil torch for the bigger brass to brass work.

Patience and time with hand tools will make some fantastic hardware.
I am no master or even a craftsman but I have time to do it and am not keen to pay for postage of gear from overseas for things that I can make myself.

[CornelP]

Well said!
My humble opinion: THIS HOBBY IS ABOUT MAKING THINGS, NOT ASSEMBLING!:)

PS: an assortment of VERY good glues helps a lot...

[CornelP]

I got a fantastic offer for a Feigao 540-10XL and I could not resist... so I have a starting point.

[Eodman]

May I ask ... and by no means am I master builder, but is the water return the only thing on that strut?

If it is - have you considered attaching it the back of one of the sponsons and eliminating a little weight also a little less more drag! If you cut your brass tube on an angle you won't need to flare the end as you have!

[CornelP]

Thought about it... will consider that. The flaring was a suggestion from somebody else, based on the fact it is placed in the spray.

[CornelP]

Got some of the materials today. Will start fabricating the hardware... I also got a couple of TRex 4/7mm bearings. Is it worth installing them on the strut, instead of the brass bearing?

[CornelP]

First pic after a polyester primer/filler... This will get sanded down almost to the fiber layer... it's a nightmare, but worth it
Canopy is on its way, had to blow up measurements from a Hasegawa kit I finished some time ago, so it should turn up quite accurate. I HATE carving in foam...

[Eodman]

This going to be one nice looking cat when you're done! Wish I had the patience to scratch build!!!!!

[CornelP]

Well, put it this way: no patience - minimum 200$ for a beautiful hull (in Europe); patience: 25$ to this stage...