Well I knew it would happen sooner or later :(

[KvHagedorn]

If you want a challenge, try building an RC Zeppelin. The problem is not only wind, but Hydrogen/Helium is one thing you cannot scale down, and decreases in the volume of the envelope are impossible after a point.

[Greebe]

If you want a challenge, try building an RC Zeppelin. The problem is not only wind, but Hydrogen/Helium is one thing you cannot scale down, and decreases in the volume of the envelope are impossible after a point.

You can get them as Kits, starting at a grand. They can be quite small, designed to be flown indoors mostly, but can be taken outside if it's dead calm. Most in the hobby don't bother making them, it's not the challenge, not because it's difficult, but due to expense and the space/enviroment limitations in which to operate them

Consider this, the current record for electric R/C planes currently sits at less than a gram! Technology is grand and it's getting smaller and lighter daily

[KvHagedorn]

I've seen the blimps, but try making a rigid airframe out of balsa or whatever which is large enough to hold the volume of gas to lift it.. I dunno what other materials might be used now, though..

[Dr Mordrid]

Carbon fiber strips/rods etc. Light weight, flexible, strong as hell and easy to work with;

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/carbonfiber.htm

[Greebe]

Hit that one dead on the nailhead Doc

Carbon, amarid fiber, fiberglass etc. Popular woods are Balsa, Spruce, Basswood, Poplar etc

Unidirectional (pulltruded) Carbon rods, tubes, ribbon, tow along with mat and woven cloth (with or without amarid/glass) are very common for adding strength wherever is neccessary.

They don't cost much and weigh very little.

Example: the 5mm carbon tubes I use alot weigh in @ 0.453 grams/inch, 3.2mm are 0.33 grams/inch, the 1mm rods weigh 0.029 grams/inch and 0.5mm are 0.008 grams/inch.

The 5mm tubes are very common in Speed 400 size aircraft where only a single piece ~<1' is neccessry for the spar in an aerobatic type plane that'll be pulling at least 15G's. Cost oh perhaps $1.50, something like that.

Only thing stronger with appropriate strength to weight ratio for aircraft use is titanium.

[Dr Mordrid]

Spent a lot of time building gliders, combat planes, multi-engine replicas & high end match race slot cars

[Greebe]

If anyone is interested here is where I buy my carbon (listed in the order from whom I purchase from most)...

http://ecom.citystar.com/hang-em-high/ushop/ very good service, best prices
http://www.midwestproducts.com/ ...ie local hobby shop
http://www.cstsales.com/ and only if I can't find elsewhere (pricey)

[Dr Mordrid]

Riders Hobby chain in Michigan is a great resource. All the usual plus Ultracote carbon fiber and carbon-Kevlar coverings & tapes;

http://www.riders.com/

Larry's Performance R/C's (nitro/electric cars & helo's);

http://www.larrysperformancercs.com/

Nankin Hardware/Hobby (everything, but limited online);

http://www.allhobbystore.com/

Hangar-9 (Illinois);

http://www.hangar-9.com/

[Greebe]

Riders Hobby chain in Michigan is a great resource. All the usual plus Ultracote carbon fiber and carbon-Kevlar coverings & tapes;

http://www.riders.com/

Ummm Doc, the Ultracote carbon and carbonkevlar are nothing but a printed pattern on the iron on film.

I do like Ultracote tho