Warbird- World Models 80" Zero build

I posted a little about this in my flight log, but here is a dedicated build thread for my World Models Zero. I've been wanting a backup warbird for the local meets. This airframe, and much of the necessary equipment was given to me by my good friend Tim. I am very grateful for the gift, and promised him he could fly it when it's finished. He had hired me a over a year ago to move the firewall back to accommodate a DLE-55. After that he gathered most of the bits and pieces the sheer cost of the retracts and an electric conversion made him re-think the project. $800 for the Robarts and a Down and Locked conversion pushed him over the edge. At this point, I'm seriously considering using the stock mechanical retracts with some digital metal geared servo's. Cheaper and easier then a Robart conversion- and probably more reliable LOL! Also, we discovered late that we could not mount the cowling with the muffler, even a pitts style in place. SO, we need the rear exhaust version. I have no idea if the RA is any longer then the standard 55, so that might be something to contend with down the road. The DLE RA is brand new, and the money I earned working on this airframe in the past covered the cost of the motor with some left over.

This is not going to be a quick build, but rather something I putter away on when I'm not maintaining my aerobatic fleet, working on my Waco, or my Cubs.

The World Models Zero is not the most scale warbird on the market- and ESM's new 88" looks fantastic, but this little airframe with a DLE 55RA and a 21X12 prop ought to out-pace just about everything else at the local Warbirds meets! :yikes:

I've never really had the majority of components on hand before a build like this, so I took some obligatory photo's of my pile-O bits. And a few of the airplane next to my 87" Top Flite P-47 for scale. Both models are the exact same 1/5 scale, even with the different wingspans.

Anyway- here are some pics to keep you entertained until I can actually start the assembly process...

 

What? You got paid to work on your own model???

 

I lead a blessed life:biggrin:

 

Can someone say, dog fight?
rrr:

 

Nice.
That Max is just so darn cute.

 

Just for you Pamster!

 

Totally adorable.

 

One of my kids, sleeping:

 

Oh my gosh! Is he still alive?

 

She, (That's Ling) yeah, she's fine.....just does funny stuff when they sleep.

 

WTF.....I have to shrink the crap out of my photos now to upload........
rrr:

 

Now thats totally cute. Sleeping in formaton. Lol.

 

Them being cute, makes up for all the crap they can get into.
I have more pics, but the site is not cooperating with the uploads,........
rrr:
Sbach is going out tomorrow for 1st engine run up, and if all checks out, maiden.
rrr:rrr:

 

Hope your maiden works out well. That is always exciting.
I maidened my Pitts M12 a couple of weeks ago. The first time is always special. Lol.

 

I was gonna say, "That's what she said", But you actually did, lol.
Thanks, update tomorrow....or, later today.

rrr:

 

You have fun on the Pitts Maiden?
Pics! rrr:

 

Sorry Red. I fell asleep here last night.
My maiden was fun. There are a couple of pics on the Fokker D7 thread. If you have seen one GP Pitts M12 you've seen'em all. Lol.

 

This kit, engine, retracts, and servos are up for sale. Money goes into the Waco fund...

Zero $250
Robart retracts $150
DLE 55ra (nib) $375
4 Futaba 3010 servos $100

Everything together in a package $700.00

 

Well, after trying to sell this thing for a the last year, I re-assigned the DLE55RA to my Pilot Yak, I found a smoking deal on a 4 year old DLE55 NIB. I was going to spend another $50 on a pitts wrap around muffler, but I'm going to try and get away with the stock side muffler. Scale be damned. This is going to be a fun plane.

So, First I'm going to get my P-47 back into flying shape, then I'm going to start assembling this Zero. It's pretty much ready for gear installation right now. I'm also going to use the stock mechanical retracts instead of the Robart pneumatics. First, it's lighter. Second, it's easier and less maintenance. Just have to find a strong retract servo to use, and build some linkages.

Oh- and I'm going to try the APC 20X15 AT6 racing prop for some extra speed... Might get one for the Jug as well.... Flying circles with these things is gay, so I might as well make them fast!!!

 

The jug is ready for glass and paint now, and I got a couple hours work done. Engine is mounted and lock-tited. I cut some wood for the new cowl mount. I gotta read the instructions to see what's next....