Author Topic: Airabonita Finally Done (Read 1800 times)

Lee Thiel · « **on:** July 23, 2011, 08:07:41 PM »

Its been since Oct, 2010 that I started this project. Seemed to run out of gas after a couple of months, and things just set. After flying in Joe Just Postal Carrier Contest, I was enthused again. Finished up the plane today, and will do test flight tomorrow morning. Hopefully test flights. Here is the finished plane.
Lee TGD

john e. holliday · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2011, 08:33:23 AM »

That looks great. Hope it flies as well as it looks.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2011, 12:52:08 PM »

Well Doc, it didn't fly but about 30 feet after take off. Don't know if a line caught on something or if it simply rolled in. Anyway, it didn't survive the cartwheel landing. It is completely rebuildable.
Lee TGD

john e. holliday · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2011, 01:10:51 PM »

That is sad. But, have been there and done that. Nothing like working all winter on a plane and lose it before a quarter lap.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2011, 02:03:49 PM »

Just took the plane into the hanger for checkup for rebuild. The wing and fuse went back into place with not much effort, and the controls worked as well as they did b/c. Looks like a fairly simple patch up. Maybe have it ready for another test by Sunday again.
Lee TGD

Chris McMillin · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2011, 02:28:16 PM »

Typical fighter rejecting a target tug paint job!

Chris...

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2011, 03:18:17 PM »

Ty, I thought the "real" paint scheme sucked. I found a Bearcat paint job that I liked and used it. The XP is for X-perimet, which it turned out to be. The plans called for no tip weight, which was probably the problem. Bob Reeves thought the wheels may have been turned in just a tad also, but that wouldn't cause the roll. Don't think I could have moved fast enought to keep the lines tight on this takeoff.
Lee TGD

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2011, 05:59:48 PM »

Thats an easy fix Ty. Just yellow out part of the P. Looks like I may be doing a tad bit of touch up anyway.

Lee TGD

david smith · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2011, 07:28:50 PM »

Is there any rudder offset? I know I had a seafire that turned in twice and broke the inboard wing off twice. For the third flight I added some rudder kick out and it worked great.

The paint scheme is also on a tigercat that had a bearcat canopy mounted on top of the fuse behind the normal cockpit. I also liked it so I used it for my skyray that I took to the Nats.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2011, 08:24:08 PM »

There is a little actual offset in the rudder, plus a sanded airfoil on the left side. Probably will never know if the roll was started by a line hanging on grass or lack of tip weight.
Lee TGD

bill bischoff · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2011, 10:15:44 PM »

Gotta have tipweight! Compared to a sport or stunt ship, you're engine's running harder on takeoff, you're sitting more nose up (P-factor), AND you've got an extra line hanging off the wingtip. Plus, there's not a lot of wing to resist the roll. I'd say 1.5 oz minimum.

Bob Heywood · « **Reply #11 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:27:42 PM »

Ouch!

I see the turn in as an issue of mass & acceleration. The center of mass of the lines is inboard of the thrust line. Without some mass outboard (aka: tip weight) the system will try to rotate about the mass center with less than desirable results, especially with such a hard accelerating model.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2011, 02:00:44 PM »

I agree on the tip weight. The plans did say "no tip weight", and I questioned that, but thought I can add later........WRONG. It will have tip weight before next flight. That after I get it patched up. Don't look all that bad, now that my upset is over.
Lee TGD

bill bischoff · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2011, 02:26:21 PM »

Did the original have a reverse rotation engine, by any chance?

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:42:36 PM »

It didn't state anything but K & B 40 on the plans. I may still have the article, so I will look that up.
Lee TGD

bill bischoff · « **Reply #15 on:** July 25, 2011, 09:59:40 PM »

If it was a rear intake K&B, look closely at the prop. Those engines could be made to run backwards by assembling the rear valve assembly "incorrectly". I would suspect the only possible way you could get away with not using tip weight is by having a reverse rotation engine.

Douglas Ames · « **Reply #16 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:56:02 PM »

Ouch! That sucks...My Corsair came home with bent gear and a 2" split in the silkspan. I also added some needed tail weight. After trying out this disipline of Control line, I'm convinced Carrier is harder on a model than Combat or Balloon bust. Them landin's are controlled crashes!

Look forward to seeing it fly Lee, as soon as this freakin' weather breaks. Ugh!

I'd like to see a Hi-start type catapult launch (surgical tubing) used. As long as everyone uses the same fixed pull-back (cocked) length. Obviously place it ahead of the arresting cables (lines). I think it would inspire more people to try Carrier.

Philip A.Browne · « **Reply #17 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:54:08 AM »

A catapult assisted launch would be a great addition to the event.It would be a welcomed addition... practical...and ..realistic .

john e. holliday · « **Reply #18 on:** July 26, 2011, 03:56:42 PM »

Don't need a catapult launch. I remember guys launching from the forward portion of the deck. That is why we have the line for the planes to launch behind. Any small plane with high rpm engines and small wings need more wing tip weight than you would think. Especially if you are slow on launch. You have to be like a racing pilot and moving before plane is released. I beleive you are allowed a half lap leading the plane at launch. Really if you stand flat footed, almost any of the carrier planes will come in at you on launch. Hope you get it back in the air.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2011, 05:47:17 PM »

The wing is back in place and the controls work smooth. After a little trimming and fitting the nose/engine section will be back in place maybe tonight.
Lee TGD

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2011, 06:35:33 PM »

I remember having to make sure I pulled line tension at launch and whip it into the air, rat racer style. Big engine, short wingspan, 3 lines, takeoffs can be exciting.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #21 on:** August 02, 2011, 10:12:48 AM »

Did you happen to put more lead in the outboard wing?? Looking good.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #22 on:** August 02, 2011, 12:05:41 PM »

It will fly again Sunday. Don't know how far or how long. Going to do the wing tip weight today, and clear coat.
Lee TGD

Bob Reeves · « **Reply #23 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:18:13 AM »

Going to beat Lee to the punch... The Airabonita flew again today.. I really did better than we thought. Hi was 21.65 seconds, didn't get a time on low speed but did OK for a no slider airplane. We added another ounce to the wing tip on top of what Lee added during the rebuild, now take offs are a non issue.

Looks cool, way to go Lee, you done good....