Just about to start my next project , a brodak smoothie arf i bought a few months ago.Really happy with the quality of the kit with the exception of the leadouts which are coroded to the point of going rusty but that's no big deal as i will change the complete control system anyway along with the hinges. Thats all i can see that needs extra attention. Has anyone had any other issues with this model before i proceed ? It will have a T&L OS35S up front wich brings me to another point .  Is a 3 1/2 oz tank enough or should i try to squeeze in a 4oz tank?
Cheers
Al

Hi Bill,
Useing it for classic and ots , i'll stick with the 4oz. always better to have to much than not enough!

Al

thanks for the info regarding the tank if the Brodak tank doesn't fit ill make my own. Covering with ARF'S is always an issue and  i have come to accept that if i dont want to do it myself i'll just have to keep maintaining what they have supplied

Al

Lyle is absolutely correct regarding the weak L/G mounting plate.  My brother has the Smoothie ARF and we fly over grass.  He had to rebuild the L/G mount after each of his first three landings.  After about a pound of epoxy and another pound of plywood, he can now land without sheering off the L/G.  He flies with a McCoy .35 redhead.  Looks and sounds beautiful in the air.  Have fun with yours.

Paul

Reading the tank issue,  wasn't the old Veco tanks 2 inches wide?   Never had a problem installing one in the Veco Smoothies I built many years ago before I knew what I was doing.   But, then again, do I know what I am doing now.  Started a kit build of a Brodak Smoothie and laid it aside cause it doesn't look right with that bubble canopy.

I built a Smoothie as my first ARTF since restarting CL this year. I agree 100% that the gear mounting is too weak for anything less than a featherlight landing - I sheared mine off on a low pull-out over tarmac. I removed the fuse bottom planking and epoxied in an oblong of Deal wood (nice and light with very close grain), with two 1/2" holes drilled thru lined with plastic tube, then epoxied two corresponding bolts to u/c centre-section. The u/c is now optionally drop-off or locked on with discreet elastic bands - and the Smoothie looks even better in the air without u/c (as long as the landing is on grass!)

I found the covering was and has remained good, but the inaccurate laser cutting had left very little wood to mount the tail feathers onto (needed a balsa block letting into the rear fuse). The general weight of the balsa used is ultra - light so be VERY careful grabbing hold of it without thinking. I made the mistake of not buying the recommended tank with it - had endless problems with fuel feed, instantly cured by getting the right one from Brodak. My Smoothie is powered by a PAW .35 diesel and is actually very nice indeed to fly - hope you enjoy yours too!

The 4 oz brodak uniflo tank fits perfectly and i will certainly have a look at the undercarriage mounts. I have been tied up with my electric f2b models of late and life just keeps getting busier so i hope to start this project in the new year.Albeit to late for our upcoming nationals and various state champs through out the first half of the year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL
            and
TIGHT LINES
Al

My Smoothie is powered by a PAW .35 diesel and is actually very nice indeed to fly - hope you enjoy yours too!

Love the PAW diesel sitting upright for all to see!

Do you get any diesel 'gear change' burp on the outside maneuvers?