Lindsay Todd's Fred - RCM&E April 2017

Good to see this as a free plan! I recall being out flying some 30 odd years back when a full size Fred landed two fields away. The pilot climbed out and came over to chat with us for a while before resuming his flight. As a result the free Fred plan has stirred up a bit of interest here among those of us whom remember that day.

Reading the article has caused some confusion though, so I'm wondering if Lindsay himself could verify one particular point. The design is stated as using the E Flite Power .15 - 1100kv motor. If I build this model - which I probably will - I would want to fit the appropriate E Flite motor. Unfortunately I am unable to find such a motor, as the only E Flite .15 I can find has a kv rating of 950kv. The E Flite .10 however does have an 1100kv rating, and if the specs can be believed, is still up to flying the Fred. So, is it typo error Lindsay, or have you actually used the stated motor? If so, where did you get it please?

Oh, and I do have a further question Lindsay. Where did you source your wing joining tubing please? It's somewhat smaller diameter than the norm, and I'm wondering where you found it.

I just bought the wing joining tube this week from Slec. Just used it in the centre section, and one wing so far, and it works a treat

As for the motor, I went for the Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 - 2830-920kv, from HK, as it showed up as a replacement for the speed 400

Thanks for that Denis. I'll be in touch with SLEC regarding the wing tube(s). I'd imagine there will be a set of lazer cut parts appearing fairly soon, as is the norm these days. Once over I'd have set to and simply cut all the bits out, but with other projects on the go as well, cut parts are a time saver. Plus I'm getting lazy in my old age.

I'm a little surprised at your choice of motor, being a replacement for a Speed 400. From memory the Fred weighs about 3 pounds. Will it be enough?

I was going from a result thrown up from Google about the Turnigy motor being a replacement.

If its not man enough for the job, its an easy job to change the motor in Fred.

I spent a couple of days scanning, printing and cutting out the parts. I already had lots of lite ply etc, so it cost me nothing apart from some paper and a glue stick.

Wing tube and some wood now ordered from SLEC.......

I found another motor in my drawer that is more than up to the job, and is rated at 400 watt.

I'm just over the 100 watts per pound (assuming the model will weigh around 3 pound when finished), but I do have a throttle.

Edited By denis parkinson on 20/03/2017 13:10:14

That motor may well be fine Denis. In the published article Lindsay implies there isn't too much in the way of excess grunt, so a little in reserve can only be a good thing. He also says he needed a bit of weight up front to get the balance sorted. Again, one could either use a slightly more powerful/heavier motor or a higher capacity lipo for longer flights. Or maybe even a bit of both.....

It looks like you're cracking on with it........

Edited By Percy Verance on 20/03/2017 21:40:51

A few decals to add,plus a go faster stripe, and she's ready for the maiden

Quick work indeed Denis. It looks equally as good in blue too.......

Blimey that's quick, super job. I'll check the spec again on my motor, its pulling just under 300watts as I recall, fly's fine but not much reserve to play with. Linds

Denis P, don't forget the engine and pilot.

Pilot has just been delivered from HK

Thanks Linds..The superb plans and your build diary helped..

I have just been through my wood collection, and I have enough to make another one...Very tempted.lol

Linds, if your still about, I have a question regarding weight..Can you tell me what the all up weight of your Fred was please?

Mine weighs in at exactly 4 pounds.

For the first couple of flights she came in at 3.2lb without the battery, I have since added a few bits and pieces so probably close to 4lb with battery so that would sound about right. We have the benefit of nice short grass or tarmac so if your around 300 watts let her build up speed and don't pull her off to soon or steeply. Have fun. Will have mine at Wrexham fly in tomorrow.

Linds

Cheers for that Linds..

I'm running mine with a 3s 2.2 and a 9x6 prop, and on the watt meter, its pushing out just shy of 300 watts.

I have however found out, that the motor I'm using will happily turn a 11x7 prop, so I have one on order.

The c.o.g however is out, and she is tail heavy..I tried putting the battery directly behind the motor, and she balances perfectly, so today, I'm going to try and take out the original battery tray, and make a new one to fit inside the cowl cover..Its a nice empty space, so I may as well make use of it..Added advantage, is that I only have to remove the cover, and the battery comes out with it.

Hi Denis

I am building a Fred at the moment. Please can you tell me what you used for covering the hatch and rear decking and also what size Phenolic tubing you used for the wing ?

Thanks Tony

Anthony

The wing tubing used to build Fred is held by SLEC as a stock item. From memory I think it's the smallest size they do...... and that's where I got mine.