36" Cessna 170A for Electric RC

AcmeAircraft · Post by **AcmeAircraft** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:45 pm

Hello!

Just thought I would post a little info on my Cessna 170A radio control project I recently finished. I really love the 170, especially the A&B variants, and so I decided to design a little radio control version. I like to build nice small models that don't need a lot of time or money to build, so I settled on a 36" wingspan. I found a great color scheme on airliners.net that I used as the basis for the finish, with some embelishments of course. It's only rudder and elevator for control, so I had to add a bit of dihedral to keep the turns looking right. All up weight of the plane came out to 7.25 ounces, so with a wingloading of under 6 ounces a square foot she flies really nice and slow, and looks very "scale" in the air. She's powered by a little brushless motor and a small lithium polymer battery, which gives me flight times of around 20-30 minutes. If you want to see some inflight pics, here is the link to my build thread on the Ezone, which is a fantastic RC site.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthre ... 165&page=5

If you go to the earlier pages in the thread, you can see the build progression and some photos from the build. I hope you enjoy it - I really got a kick out of having my own little 170A!

Sky

Dave Clark · Post by **Dave Clark** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 12:59 am

Sky

Very nice. I read the whole thread. Size it up for my Hacker 40 geared and I'm all for the building. BTW I think a 195 kit would need to be large enough to have ailerons so you don't spoil the flat wing look which is a large part of what makes it neat. I've owned seven 195's, six for resale and one for ten years that had a 330 Jake. C 185 performance and a real pussycat in ground handling despite all the horror stories.

I f you ever get near Payson, AZ I'll give you a ride in my 180 hp B model.

AcmeAircraft · Post by **AcmeAircraft** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:06 am

Thanks Dave! I'd love to take you up on the ride offer, if I'm ever in the area, I most certainly will. I agree that a 195 REALLY needs a flat wing - you can get a way with some dihedral on the 170 and it still looks ok, but the 195 just won't look right without a flat wing (which would definitely dictate ailerons) and also a custom made cowl. I'm very jealous of your multi-195 ownership!

-Sky

N2865C · Post by **N2865C** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:16 am

Very Nice! I especially like the open windows. I looked at all the pic's, read that 170's are your favorite airplane and that you dream of owning one someday. I used to build a lot of models as a kid (but not nearly as nice as yours). I am just over the hill from you and would be happy to give you a ride sometime. My email address is on my website (below) at the bottom of the links page. Let me know if you are interested. I could pick you up in San Martin. That would save you the airfare to Payson, AZ

russfarris · Post by **russfarris** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 6:57 am

Guess I'm not the only 170 owner that's an R/C flyer on this site!

I've got the Guillows Cessna 170A kit, circa 1978 I never have gotten around to building. 45 inch span, .049 gas, but since I fly electrics, that's the way to go.

You have a beautiful model, it captures the essence of the 170 very well. Russ Farris

AcmeAircraft · Post by **AcmeAircraft** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:09 pm

N2865C - I will DEFINITELY take you up on that offer! Just let me know when and I can make it happen - I work from home so it's not usually a problem to take off for a bit, no pun intended. My weekends are usually pretty free as well, so just name a time and I'll be there. I saw on your site that you did some resto work too, if you know of any 170's being restored that folks want help on let me know, I would be really excited to help out. I don't have any experience, but I'm a pretty quick learner and really enjoy working with my hands. Glad you liked the open windows, they were one of the "gotta do that!" elements on the plane for me.

Russ - I've got the Guillows kit too, it provided some of the inspiration to start. Mostly I looked at that kit and said - "It's easier to design a laser cut version than to deal with all this die-cut wood." Guilllows is now starting to put out some laser cut kits, which is very nice of them, considering the poor fit on their die cut parts. Anyhow, glad you liked it, she was a blast to build!

-Sky

Glynn · Post by **Glynn** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:18 pm

I would very much like to purchase your kit when it's ready.

Please E-Mail me when the kits are available.
glynndennis@comcast.net

Your finished model creates a smile every time I look at the pictures.

Thanks, Glynn

AcmeAircraft · Post by **AcmeAircraft** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:24 pm

Okay Glynn, will do! Consider yourself on "the list"

-Sky

N2865C · Post by **N2865C** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:57 pm

Alright Sky, we're on.... Looking forward to it.
jc

Glynn · Post by **Glynn** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 6:20 pm

Dave - N8018A

From your posts I understamd you live (at least part time) in Payson, AZ.

My wife & I are retiring next year and are looking for a place on an airport (Fly-In Community) to spend the kids inheritance.

What's Payson like, do you live in one of the airparks?

Thanks For Any Info,

Glynn - N8339A

Dave Clark · Post by **Dave Clark** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:01 am

Will answer Glynn off list

mrpibb · Post by **mrpibb** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:46 pm

I'm waiting to see if some one will make a r/c kit or plans for the 48 170.

All this crummy weather and now snow i'm thinking of making a set of ski's for my mini ultra stick.

The International Cessna^® 170 Association

36" Cessna 170A for Electric RC

36" Cessna 170A for Electric RC

Your Beautiful 170 Model

Retirment