Fuselage Top Profile

[ChrisVon]

Hi Everybody,
I'm beginning the process of scratchbuilding my own RC aircraft right now (a biplane), and after looking at the designs here (such as the P-51, and the Sport Trainer), I notice that only the side profiles are used in the design and build. I'm not criticizing this decision, as I've seen other websites that present foam aircraft design in a similar manner. But I've also seen designs that presented a side AS WELL AS a top profile.
What I'm wondering is, when should BOTH be used. I've created a 3d model of what I'm going for, and I think that creating a fuselage with both profiles would make my design look better. (Again, I don't want anyone thinking that I'm insinuating that Will's P-51 and Sport Trainer don't look good WITHOUT a second profile.....I plan on building them as his PDF's suggest even). BUT, is there an aerodynamic reason NOT to include it, or is it simply for simplicity's sake?
Thanks for the input!

Chris

[Mikey]

Hi Chris,

For me it's purely for simplicity and cost. I love to fly but amd a little impatient when it comes to building. But I do respect a nice looking "full bodied" scale plane.

Will

[ChrisVon]

Yeah, as yourself, I certainly respect the scratchbuilders who do the "full" fuselage. But I have to confess, I've seen profile planes fly that were almost hard to tell whether or not they were "full" fuselage, or "flat". At one time I swore I'd never build / fly a flat foamy, but I'm hooked now.

If it's just a simplicity issue, I'll make a flat foamy bipe, with both the vertical (side) and horizontal (top / bottom) profiles then. It's not like it'll cost me an arm and a leg one way or the other!

Chris

[frogs84ss]

+1 full fuselage is a pain. but i like not seeing the electronics and what not. but i am also impatiant when it comes to building luckly the weathe in chicago keeps me from going outside alot. so right now it's not to bad. but spring time will be crazy. so i'm trying to do all my building now so all i have to do i fly this summer

[toniferous2000]

If I understand what you are saying, you are talking about two flat profile sections built in an interlocking "t" where one is the side profile and one is the top/bottom profile, right?
I have seen many 3-d electrics built like this....usually the Edge 540 or similar.
I believe that the top/bottom profile is almost purely cosmetic in nature although it would also help to strengthen the profile fuse. just a thought.