Rutan VariEz or Quickie done guillows style?

[joecrouse]

I am looking for some of Mr Rutans designs that would be suitable for doing a scratch built Build done in a Guillows style.

(I would be thrilled to see some of his plans done as Guillow's kits by the Guillow's Corporation. )

Some models that would be neat to see.

Model 97 microlight
The VariVigen
The Voyager (this would be AWESOME but difficult to find a place to fly as it would probably go for MILES)
Adam M-309
The Firebird
The Catbird
The Rutan Defiant.

[Bill Gaylord]

I would just use 3-views. I've been telling folks for years that a decent 3-view with sections is almost a Guillows plan, if you draw in the keels, formers, and stringers. That was one of the best things I got out of building Guillows kits early on. I just finished yet another Guillows keel-and-former method scratchbuild of a Miles Aerovan. It was a pretty straightforward build, and actually a lot easier than the build I'm starting now where I have a "sort of" plan. I say sort of, as it's lacking a lot. Sometimes better to just start your own drawing from a 3-view. Once you put a bit of time into them, you get good and fast at it. I'm about 50/50 when it comes to using a plan, versus just sketching my own with a 3-view. Plans are constraining, and not always accurate either. Usually some rework will be required to suit your requirements, sometimes making it not worth even using. I probably have no more than a few hours invested in drawing time for the Aerovan below, which is about average for these builds.

All good 3-views are a Guillows plan waiting to happen.


Guillows keel and former design.

[joecrouse]

Every time I try that I wind up slab sided where it should be more rounded, or rounded where it should be more curved.

Without body curve lines to indicate shape and x/y axis (Like you would see on a hull plan for a boat where my drafting background lies)
Just like elevation lines on a map they indicate where it is a tight bend or turn in a former without that its just guesstimates on the actual former shapes.
those curve lines also allow the visualization of where stringers should be.

The wings always have to be modified same for the tail and vertical Stabilizer (otherwise you would have paper tips for almost everything.

[Wildpig]

That's remarkable. Taking a 3 view and build an outstanding looking model like yours is real talent. Determining the internal structure can be a challenge also. You seem to have gotten that part done very nicely.

I kind of go along with joecrouse; that building from a 3 view leaves too many unknowns.... for me.

[joecrouse]

that is quite remarkable

As an amateur draftsman I can't do that.

[Phugoid]

Bill, your aerovan is a super looking model, really top drawer....

Andrew

[Bill Gaylord]

Every time I try that I wind up slab sided where it should be more rounded, or rounded where it should be more curved.

Without body curve lines to indicate shape and x/y axis (Like you would see on a hull plan for a boat where my drafting background lies)
Just like elevation lines on a map they indicate where it is a tight bend or turn in a former without that its just guesstimates on the actual former shapes.
those curve lines also allow the visualization of where stringers should be.

The wings always have to be modified same for the tail and vertical Stabilizer (otherwise you would have paper tips for almost everything.

Thanks for the comments. I know the feeling with boat hulls. There's a bit of trial and error there, where test running stringers and then shaving/padding formers is the only way to get a decent result. If you could find a good 3-view with sections then there would be little difficulty, but so often they don't exist. I built the Saro A1 using Guillows construction, and it didn't exactly just fall together. Also built a flying boat from photos only, but it was mostly all flat surfaces. The Saro is one where CAD models would help with perfecting shapes, but I would have spent a LOT more time going that route (as a previous Pro-E designer) than just having at it with a drawing. I think it's a lot more fun to just fill in a decent 3-view with a pencil and then get started cutting parts and building, using the Guillows method.

[joecrouse]

Okay, now I am just jealous that is a sick finish Bill,

[birdbuster]

WOW! that's very cool.Maybe I might try it sometime.
bb

[Mitch]

Hey Guys...
I'm down in AZ visiting with my Dad... those models look GREAT!
Mitch...
PS I have some models stached down here and between Golf and watching Football, I got my x-acto kife in one hand and my dope brush in the other... LOVE those models...