Build a field box for RC aeroplane flying - DIY project

Being organised on the flying field is important. It reduces the chance of accidents and makes your life easier. Recently, I acquired my first ever i.c. powered RC plane. Flying i.c. requires you to carry fuel bottles, fuel pump, battery, starter motor, glow starter, and other odds and ends, such as glow plug spanner, spray bottles and cloths for cleaning any residue off the plane. Searching online, field boxes seemed very expensive. I just wanted a basic one for i.c. that worked for me, so I built one out of bits and pieces that I had lying around. 

Materials were ply, dowel, a few bits of softwood and even some balsa spar - which I used to frame around the base of the battery, to make a tray. The battery is held down in the tray with the top ply plate and three screws - there's a pad of stiff foam on top of the battery. This arrangement is easy and keeps the battery in place.  

Unusual colours because I had leftover small sample tins of a water-based outdoor garden paint (Sadolin Superdec, Dark Dusty Rose internally, Gull Grey and Cloverleaf externally). The handle had 4 coats of a linseed/carnuba/beeswax and the other ply parts around the battery box and electrical panel were varnished.

Below is a close up of the panel. There are two safety features: 1) a physical barrier (wood) between the 4mm binding posts; and 2) a fuse (20A). I thought the triangle was a quirky design choice!

 

  

The battery is sealed lead acid 12V, 7Ah. I could also use it to charge LiPOs on the airfield. Below, side view, there is enough space to hold what I need.  

I didn't include space for transmitters as I have a separate alloy flight case for my radio gear. I particularly like the hand-operated fuel pump. It has a filter on one end of the fuel line that drops into the fuel bottle. The other end is attached to the filler nozzle on the plane. Cranking the handle pumps fuel into the model's tank. 

 All in all, this didn't cost me much, except time. I enjoyed designing and building it and am certain it will be useful. A great way to occupy days of unflyable weather!