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I was, like many of us, away from Free Flight for quite a time. I’ve noticed that there was some use of foam core wings in competition during my away period. I believe Reid Simpson may have done some extensive investigation of this method of wing construction. Can anyone help me locate info on what is involved please. Thanks.
The problem with foam is and has always been how to achieve a good strength to weight ratio. Some tried foam with balsa skins, the problem was the amount of glue needed to stick the skins to the foam. Glue is always one of the heaviest components in building. I think a couple power fliers from Illinois/ Wisconsin ( Dick Lyons and Gil Graunke)dabbled with foam with spruce leading edges, a box spar and balsa trailing edge. Everything else was soild foam. Heavy and poor torsional strength. Probably about 15 years ago some glider fliers were using Roahacell foam D boxes laminated with carbon cloth. Again the glue to stick it to the foam was a problem and the Rohacell, while light, had to be sanded. Hot wire cutting produces deadly gas.
Thanks for that info. I hope and believe there may/might have been some improved techniques and adhesives that could of helped the weight issue since foam wings for Free Flight was last investigated. Also, with the additional advancement in the use of carbon fiber, I’m hoping that some better, more advanced methods of strengthing of the foam structure has been investigated.
Yes, oldfreeflighter, just join the NFFS and all will be made clear to members!
Ken’s how-to-do-foam article in Feb 2010 issue is 5 pages long.
It is a wealth of information, as Bill stated.Leeper
The successful technogy is called “vacuum bagging”. It goes well with hot wire foam cutting.
A quick google will bring you up to date. Fiberglass works, carbon applied correctly yields strength, torsional rigidity, anything anyone could desire! It’s old hat, been around decades now. Shhhh, few free flighters have found out about it, probably because the evil r/c’ers have been using it.
Hello All,
Thanks for the replys. I did join NFFS when I came back a few years ago. Did I miss the ariticle or was it before I returned? I don’t rememver seeing it. Which year and month was the article in please?
I spoke to Ron St. Jean a week or two ago and he gave me his opinion and invited me to come and stay with him and visit about his thoughts. I hope to do that in the near future. I’ve also received some suggestions from a gentleman who cuts foam wings, Lazlo Horvath. He’s always very quick to call me when I suggest something stupid as a possibility. When I send him an email with one of my off the wall ideas, it’s been as soon as five minutes when he stops what he’s doing and calls me to set me straight.
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