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coachchuckaahs wrote:We use a larger plastic tote (clear) that fit the plane assembled. Of course, that means we drive to the events, not fly. I use Goop glue to put in some EPP foam blocks (like computer stuff is packed with), with slots to support the motor stick. We have not broken anything this way in transport, and the planes are ready to fly, trimmed out, upon arrival. We keep the planes in the box except for the one flying (the box holds 2) when practicing, to avoid the unfortunate crash damage when the flying one hits the one on the bench (ask me why...).

Coach Chuck

So does this mean when you fly to a competition, you use a different box to transport your plane? If so, what do you use? Thanks in advance.

I don't know. We have not flown anywhere yet!

But, yes, we would probably remove our wing(s) and pack in a smaller box. I doubt I would go to the extent of F1D, these planes are much tougher. Probably a decent plastic or cardboard outer container, and the peanuts or grocery bags as cushion.

Coach Chuck

In the past, our students used a plastic box of appropriate size from wall-Mart. We hot glued pieces of soft foam that we had cut a narrow slot in for the fuselage and hot wired holes for the wing risers/mounts in the other one. It worked great as long as it was kept reasonably upright. It is transparent enough to see if the components are still in the correct places. With a slightly bigger box, you can get 2 airplanes in it safely.

DarkSparklyUnicorn wrote:

bernard wrote:

DarkSparklyUnicorn wrote:How do you all transport your planes? I have been using cardboard chip boxes (30 pack lays) with supports for the past few years of helicopter, but I'm not sure that they are appropriate for wright stuff. I have seen the f1d style travel boxes, but I do not have the tools to make something with that level of woodworking. Pictures of your solutions would be appreciated.

Try plastic underbed storage containers. They work well if your wing can detach from the fuselage. Planes are light enough that nothing should damage even if unsecured if only planes are stored in the box.

Most of those types of boxes are too short at the bottom to store my motor stick and tailboom. I guess I'll need to learn to roll motor sticks and tailbooms to make them detachable.

I was lucky to find one at a yard sale and it was long enough for my planes in 2015, maybe manufacturers are making them smaller now or maybe many kit planes are longer. With more detachments, it will take more care for consistent flights. I tried a plane in 2016 with everything detachable: fuselage, both stabilizers, wings, props; found that it was hard to be consistent, and I think the fuselage detachment was the most difficult. I also wasn't competing that year and my goal was different, I just wanted a beautiful plane that possibly could fly, so you probably can do better than that. You could also try making a storage box from foam core board and then you can custom size it. I used one during the season and it held up well, but I had to be careful with the lid because it was just another sheet of foam board and it broke one of my wings once when I was opening it.

Freedom Flight and Guru both shipped planes and gliders today. Ward scientific did not have an available kit as of yesterday.

Do any of you have experience in designing your own plane?

Due to our early Regions and States, we design our own each year. We have been flying since the second week in September already, a decided advantage to waiting for kits.

We have used past designs in WS, A6, and LPP as examples of construction techniques. Finding decent balsa is important, especially for motor stick. But the weight minimums for WS mean you don't need exceptional wood, just decent wood. Carbon is available at CSTsales.com and other outlets, or possibly your local hobby shop.

Google for plans, and especially look for Bill Gowen as a designer. Any plans will have to be adapted to current rules and configurations.

Coach Chuck

I was wondering what times people are getting right now and what are the max times people are expecting?

noah.blome21 wrote:I was wondering what times people are getting right now and what are the max times people are expecting?

i havent started building, but competitive teams are probably trying to get 4:00+

terence.tan wrote:

noah.blome21 wrote:I was wondering what times people are getting right now and what are the max times people are expecting?

i havent started building, but competitive teams are probably trying to get 4:00+

Ok.