MadDog Combat/Fun Fly Plane

An Ebay item and a unique model, the MadDog is a FunFly/Combat type of model. It uses a 600 Race Electric or a 0.20 CI engine for power. We decided to use a 0.21 MVVS engine with a tuned pipe for this one.

You can see from the shape of the box that this kit is somewhat different.

After reading the instructions (such as they were) from end to end, we started to build the plane. The nubs were sanded from the styrofoam to get a smooth surface for the decals to stick to. Also, an aircraft grade plywood firewall was glued into the foam using 30 minute epoxy. The firewall was set back 7/16-inch to allow the prop driver to exit the plastic cowl. The four wood plugs were glued into the foam also, since we had the epoxy mixed. These will capture the screws used to hold the plastic bezel to the foam fuselage/wing.
The top plastic bezel and cowl were ground for engine clearance using an oscillating sander. The sander was a new shop item and worked great on the plastic.

	The decals are carefully cut out using scissors. The decal actually becomes the hinge material for this model.
	A razor knife was used to cut out the small relief areas so the decal can conform to the curves of the vertical stabilizer. The decals are put on the rudder assembly. The decals can be repositioned, so this step was easier than with most models. The rudder was cut with a hot wire foam cutter to allow normal movement. The vertical stabilizer and rudder assembly were then glued to the fuselage with 30 minute epoxy.
	You can see the vertical stabilizer installed and the engine and firewall in the front. The foam body has cutouts for the 5 servos, which will make the radio installation plenty easy. There is enough room for the fuel tank and all the radio gear.
	With all of the decals applied and the plastic bezel installed, this model looks really sharp. Notice that the decals cover minor dents and scrapes in the foam.
	A side view of the model. There is a lot of work remaining, such as: Control Horn Installation Servo Installation (5) Control Linkage Installation Radio and antenna Installation Power switch and battery Installation Tuned Pipe and securing hardware Installation Fuel Tank Installation Spinner Installation Cowl and body attachment Adjustment of the Control Throws Setting the CG and lateral balance

We will continue to work on this model to finish it up. There is about two nights worth of work left. This is a really fast kit to put together. We will be using the mini servos that weigh half of the recommended "standard" servos. At 44 in oz of torque at 4.8 volts and at a weight of .85 ounces, the model will weigh less and have the same or better performance.

Last Updated: 9/15/01

Builder's Corner

Barnyard Buzzards Home Page