Introduction: Recycled Plastic in Plane Design
Using plastic shrinkable (PET) bottles to craft an aerodynamic and pleasing to the eye, engine cowl on a model aircraft.
Step 1: Design Thoughts
Once you have the basic fuselage its time to figure what motor you're going to be using and how its going to be mounted. Once thats taken care of, then you can begin with the cowl.
Points to consider:
Streamlined for aerodynamic considerations
Blend in with the fuselage
Have some vent holes for oncoming air to cool the motor.
In my case Im using an electric speed 400 which can get hot if totally enclosed, so I need some air flow past the prop and an escape outlet in the fuselage to prevent pressure buildup, which might cause the covering to balloon.
Step 2: The Shrink Process
This is basically how to shrink a plastic bottle over a mold with a heat gun.
Start by cutting off the bottom and inserting the wood plug.
I'm using a 2L milk bottle for a demo, so its way too big for the plug, but its just to show the procedure.
Next shrink the bottom of the bottle first to trap the plug inside. Then do the neck area, here I've cut off the threaded part to make the shrinking neater and easier.
One you're happy with the entire look its time to let it cool and the trim the waste so as to pop the mold off the plug.
Step 3: Time for the Test Plastic
Give a general description of the Step
The bottle of choice is a 500ml PET type. First I made a wooden plug to shrink the bottle around and then I did a test shrink with clear coke bottle.
Also, I made the plug slightly larger than the fuselage so that it could be slipped on and taped in place.
Some practice is needed with the heat gun to stop bubbling and white-out.
I also gave the wood plug a few wax coats to make it easier to pull the mold off.
Step 4: Final Choice and Shrink
I chose a transparent blue bottle to match the rest of the plane's color scheme, preferably something without dimples in it.
Fixing the cowl on with sellotape is easy to remove if needed but otherwise sticks well.
There was lots of standing back and checking the appearance and of course admiring the handy work. :)
When it looks right and feels right then its time to stop.
Incidentally the plane is a 440 gram park flyer.
Speed 400 aerobatic plans at Flymodels UK
Participated in the
Keep the Bottle Contest
32 Comments
6 years ago
coooooooooooooool
7 years ago
very nice work could you put a video
or it does'nt fly
anyway cool work
7 years ago
very nice work could you put a video
or it does'nt fly
anyway cool work
7 years ago
cool
14 years ago on Step 1
this is a proper plane i will eat it later
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
buenos apetitos
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
*cough. what?
14 years ago on Introduction
Would it be possible to make the rudders use via remote control or would that be too heavy?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
sure, with another micro servo, but a waste of time and money. Its not necessary because the plane can be flown well enough on elevator and ailerons alone.
14 years ago on Introduction
nice plane!!! what technique did u use to cove the fuselage? yours looks so much better than mine X(
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thanks, its the ultra lite version of the shrink film, after 6 planes you tend to get the hang of it. :)
14 years ago on Introduction
where did you get the airplane plan or layout? what model?
14 years ago on Introduction
Hello I'm also in to rc flying, Is this the plane from www.flymodels.co.uk?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Yep, I posted the link to the plans in Step 4.... .... Incidentally the plane is a 440 gram park flyer. Speed 400 aerobatic plans at Flymodels UK near the bottom of the page.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Great looking plane! I noticed the electronics on the website were a bit outdated- what kin of geartrain did you choose?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Also a geared 400. :) A brushless is about 6X the price of the 400
14 years ago on Step 4
Very cool, I think this could work for ballistic nose cones for model rockets as well as dovetails. Thanks for the inspiration!
14 years ago on Introduction
Good old school trick, have you tried making canopies this way, just have to have it go alone one of the sides and have a filler block to take up space.
14 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! And I'm sure the technique is of much more general use than just in model planes. But sweet plane too.
14 years ago on Introduction
I wonder if you could mold the plastic over the wooden frame of the body the same way you did the nose for the wings you would need a larger bottle