Episode #5 - Factory Painting and Detailing with Alpha!

[Twowingtj]

I just wish I could cover as good as they do at the factory lol.

I agree. I've been building and covering, with a variety of materials, for a long time. The finish work coming out of these factories, applied, printed, and painted are really done nicely.

[ncflyer79]

I watched a video a few years ago on the process of making a balsa plane. I think Seagull models put it out, can probably find it on YouTube. I just wish I could cover as good as they do at the factory lol.

[Twowingtj]

Alpha My kind of natural environment!

[Alpha]

You're right that it's a very different process. Balsa dust, incidence meters, metal jigs and the smell of silkscreen printing!

[Nickrc1]

WOW....can't wait. Thanks

[Alpha]

Nickrc1 Welcome to Hobby Squawk, I'm glad to see someone who's been in this hobby for 48 years! I'm guessing you've already commented in the FAA's Remote ID NPRM?

We're compiling a behind the scenes for balsa, thanks for the feedback! Stay tuned for that in a future Motion RC Live.

[Nickrc1]

Years ago Model Aviation did a teaser article on the behind-the-scenes activity at an ARF manufacturer. It contained some pictures of the prep work required for balsa aircraft, but not enough. At the end of Episode #5, James suggested input on a program devoted to the balsa and plastic covering industry. I say, whatever they care to show us (me) would be a boon to the hobby. With over 48 years involved with model aircraft building and flying, my request may be a bit dated; since foam is popular these days. Having spent years knees-deep in balsa dust and glue, showing me how to build a model aircraft using assembly line procedures would be extremely pleasing. So, if it can be done, please do.

[highrunner]

So my question is will you guys ever consider doing a giant scale edf aircraft? ( like 105-120mm)

[T-CAT]

Thanks James! The livestream's are great and I have been enjoying the content. So, thank you all for the hard work.

[James]

Wow, this was an absolutely excellent episode. Thank you! I didn't get to watch it live, but maybe next week. I truly enjoy seeing the "behind the scenes" magic that goes into the creation of these great models. We all love this hobby and industry and want to see it succeed. I'm sure these types of videos provide even more respect for the hard work and dedication that is needed to bring new RC products to the market and in our hands. I'm looking forward to more in the future.

Some of these following future video and topic ideas may not be possible for obvious reasons and it doesn't have to go into too much detail, but it would be interesting to see:

- EDF balancing
- Aerodynamics/wind-tunnel testing
- Prototype stages of model flight testing (from older models of course, ha-ha)
- Flights off of interesting/non-traditional areas/surfaces
- Strut spring rate testing
- Destructive/durability testing of both the aircraft structure and the electronics
- A look into how the molds are created
- The creation of the unique packaging
- The process that goes into shipping the models
- The meetings of the design team and assembly line employees
- A day in the life of Alpha's 23.5 hour work day (just remember to leave out your 0.5 hours of sleep, dude)
- Alpha's workout routine (I know you're lifting 80mm A-10's on each arm for your Bicep Curls, but what about Squats and Deadlifts?)
- What are some amazingly popular places to eat and the types of food in China where you're located?

All great ideas T-Cat! We will definitely be back in the future with more behind the scenes stuff into the other aspects that go into making these aircraft.

[PaulZ]

Thank you James and Alpha for this video - very useful to have a better perception of what goes on behind the scenes and how heavy in manual labor the process is. I do have a question - how come foam spare parts bought after the purchase of the model almost never match the original paint tint? I had this happen several times with the F-16, Yak-130, Flightline Spitfire etc.?

[T-CAT]

All good ideas T-CAT. Especially a day in the life of Alpha. From what I understand, Alpha doesn't actaully sleep. He says that he recharges. Something like the Borg charging station I would imagine.

I don't know how he manages to juggle all of the projects and products that he is involved in.

James, these shows are fun and very enjoyable. Keep up the good work!

Ha-ha, he is definitely the most human-like Robot I've ever met, but with a great personality, almost like he's real flesh and blood.

[Twowingtj]

All good ideas T-CAT. Especially a day in the life of Alpha. From what I understand, Alpha doesn't actaully sleep. He says that he recharges. Something like the Borg charging station I would imagine.

I don't know how he manages to juggle all of the projects and products that he is involved in.

James, these shows are fun and very enjoyable. Keep up the good work!

[T-CAT]

Wow, this was an absolutely excellent episode. Thank you! I didn't get to watch it live, but maybe next week. I truly enjoy seeing the "behind the scenes" magic that goes into the creation of these great models. We all love this hobby and industry and want to see it succeed. I'm sure these types of videos provide even more respect for the hard work and dedication that is needed to bring new RC products to the market and in our hands. I'm looking forward to more in the future.

Some of these following future video and topic ideas may not be possible for obvious reasons and it doesn't have to go into too much detail, but it would be interesting to see:

- EDF balancing
- Aerodynamics/wind-tunnel testing
- Prototype stages of model flight testing (from older models of course, ha-ha)
- Flights off of interesting/non-traditional areas/surfaces
- Strut spring rate testing
- Destructive/durability testing of both the aircraft structure and the electronics
- A look into how the molds are created
- The creation of the unique packaging
- The process that goes into shipping the models
- The meetings of the design team and assembly line employees
- A day in the life of Alpha's 23.5 hour work day (just remember to leave out your 0.5 hours of sleep, dude)
- Alpha's workout routine (I know you're lifting 80mm A-10's on each arm for your Bicep Curls, but what about Squats and Deadlifts?)
- What are some amazingly popular places to eat and the types of food in China where you're located?

[mshagg]

Haha, how random. Sitting down with a beer (it's warm here) and watching the replay of the show and see a shout out for the AL37 nozzles I put up on thingiverse lol.

[F106DeltaDart]

Just finished watching and love seeing all of the details behind production! Definitely a new perspective into what is required to build these awesome aircraft. Would love to see a similar look into the Roban production line. I can’t imagine all of the infrastructure required for all of the machined parts and fiberglass on those aircraft!

[James]

What an awesome show! I love all behind the scenes stuff. Only one request, we need to see Alpha 🤣🤣.

What is there to see? This is him:

[Alpha]

Flyles Welcome to Hobby Squawk, and thanks for listening in on our Motion RC Live episode today!

Let us know what other topics you would like to see discussed. We hope to add some special guest features soon, as well!

[Flyles]

Great show today. Thanks..going to put a mention of motion Rc in our club newletter

[Kahmed]

What an awesome show! I love all behind the scenes stuff. Only one request, we need to see Alpha 🤣🤣.