Jig for engine mounts

Stickers are simple.

I have to agree, this would be nice. Heck even a PDF that has scales on it so it can be printed properly would be very helpful.

Phil

There's a mounting pattern on a few drawings I have. If you look you may find a pattern. I just copied one and I'll use a glue stick to put it on the mount, drill, then peel it off before the glue sets.

Watch for a beat up babe bee on eBay and use the metal backplate for a jig. I use an old product backplate and a worn out Tee Dee case for jigs as well.

Jim

I like the idea of the paper copies off the plans, they have both tank and backplate patterns all in one. I usually set it up for both, just in case I want the change engines.

duke.johnson wrote:I like the idea of the paper copies off the plans, they have both tank and backplate patterns all in one. I usually set it up for both, just in case I want the change engines.

I've done this too... but you have to re-balance for C.G.; depending on your engine/tank set-up.

Paper template(s) with "X's" at the 4 mount-points would be a lot easier and result in a more accurate means of marking the holes for drilling. I usually do it with an "unused" backplate of the candidate engine; trace the holes with a sharp pencil and use a small SHARP "awl" or "pin-vise" with a sewing needle, to punch the starter holes for drilling.

Extremely helpful also is the tool from Great Planes. It allow the user to drill perectly centered mounting holes every time.

I got mine at a swap meet for $1.00. (IIRC)

SuperDave

Yes, I have one of these. I use it for the larger engines.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK378&P=SM
 

I really need one of those. No matter how careful I am, I always get one off center.

RknRusty wrote:I really need one of those. No matter how careful I am, I always get one off center.

When I use a backplate for a jig I drill the first hole and then screw the backplate to the firewall. I then drill the hole opposite the first one, using the screwed down backplate as the jig. Install the screw in the second hole and then drill the other two. It's not completely foolproof but it works pretty well for me.

Jim

These folks make some nice drill guides, bending tools, etc. I'd love to have a drawer full of their doodads.
http://www.harryhigley.com/index.htm

I have some benders from Harry Higley. The bender for 1/8 wire landing gear is great.

RknRusty wrote:These folks make some nice drill guides, bending tools, etc. I'd love to have a drawer full of their doodads.
http://www.harryhigley.com/index.htm

Wow, what a treasure of doodads!
Phil

They make a nice tube bender. I only have the cheap spring benders and they are nothing special.

duke.johnson wrote:I have some benders from Harry Higley.  The bender for 1/8 wire landing gear is great.

I bought the "Harry Higley" 1/16" "Z-bender" back in 1992; for forming the Z-bends in my 1/2-A  C/L bell-crank to elev. horn linkages. My literary library includes Harry Higley's; "Flying Around", "Harry's Handbook... for miniature engines", "There Are No Secrets" and "Master Modeling".

The books are a  "wealth" of information for the modeler... "Harry's Handbook... for miniature engines" has a section; (chapter 12) on 1/2-A engines... that is very useful to the novice; for understanding how the "Cox" engines work, and how to care for them. "Master Modeling" contains a chemical "compatibility chart" which helps with "finishing" your model... and "Flying Around" discusses the "elements" of "control-line (or U-control) flight to the "novice"; in an "easy to understand" manner. A perfect guide for someone just beginning; who has little or no help from others.

I would highly recommend their reading; for anyone interested in getting involved with the flying of model airplanes.

duke.johnson wrote:Yes, I have one of these. I use it for the larger engines.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK378&P=SM
 

Me too Duke.  A very useful tool for centering all sorts of holes.

Used mine to center the holes for kitchen cabinet hinges a while back.  

Did a PERFECT job!      

SD