Here's a couple of pictures of my latest build. It's sort of a baby flite streak. Not from a kit but eyeballed from one that someone had at the field a couple of weeks ago. I got tired of trying to keep a glow motor from flaming out when inverted so I thought I'd build a 1/2A stunter that didn't have this problem.

Motor is an Himax 2812-1080, Castle Creations 15 ESC, Thunder Power 1320, 3 cell battery and a Will Hubin timer.
You can just see the arming button of the timer on the leading edge of the wing. There is a hatch that is closed with clear tape if I want to get at the trim pots on the timer.  I was able to stuff the ESC into the forward part of the wing and have the battery slung below the wing. All-up weight is 11.9 oz.

I haven't had a chance to fly it yet, hopefully this coming weekend the weather will cooperate and I can give it a test fly. I'm looking forward to some reliable power. I'll have to test a little bit to find the right prop, I'm sure I have plenty of motor though. Should be fun.

Very cool!  How much wing area does it have?  What size prop?  Watch out Sugar Grove!


edited to change location.

Very cool!  How much wing area does it have?  What size prop?  Watch out Sandwich!

Well remember, Jim requires electrics to use a 6" prop or smaller!

Also the contest moved to the Sugar Grove Airport since we lost access to the grass field at Sandwich.

Chris and Alan, I didn't build it for the contest you are talking about (I'm a few thousand miles away from Sugar Grove!!!). I just built it so I can learn how to fly some stunts. I've always flown race, speed or carrier events and don't have a clue about loops and flying inverted. This is a plane to try and learn a few new tricks!!

( I don't understand the Sandwich comment, could you help me out on that?)

Bob,
There is a 1/2a contest every year around these parts.  It has been held at Sandwich IL in the past but has moved to Sugar Grove IL.  Alan and I were just having some fun.  Didn't mean to pull it off topic.

BTW, a very nice job on your model.  Please keep us informed.

Yes just some Midwest humor!

Crist if you are talking about other propulsion systems at Jim's Contest ("It's Only a Hobby 1/2 a Contest"), the 1/2A pedigree is given by the engine, it needs to be 1/2A or smaller (0.51). Now Jim has relented and allowed 061's, but I think there is some point penalty. But anyway, trying to get back to the point ( ), other than electric, any prop goes!

Guys,

I have a great little 1/2A ship framed up, it was started over a year ago designed for a piped 0.049 (pipe was still to be developed) that I think would be great for electric power. It is about 250sq wing area right now it weighs around 8oz in bare wood. I would like to run maybe a 6x3 prop on 45-50' lines. What E power package fits?

Best,          Dennis

Dennis,
Here is what I did. http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=8690.0
(note that the video's are no longer there).

Here's an update on the plane at the top of the thread. I had a few problems with it and just got it back in the air.

I switched the motor because it was a little fast for my liking. It's the same size motor but one with a KV of 850. I crashed it trying to do my first figure 8 (turned into a nine!!) and bent the shaft. I straightened the shaft and put it back in the plane. It now flies a little slower and uses a little less power. On Sunday I flew it and was able to do loops very easily. I had Larry Wong fly it once to see what it could do (since he knows what he's doing and I don't). He did inside, outside, squares etc. He thought it flew well and would be a good trainer.

I did a few measurements and was surprised. On 3 cells it draws a bit less than 8 amps so about 90 watts. That's good because it means I can use a smaller battery pack and still get good flight times.

Since I mainly fly carrier and racing I'm hoping I can use it to learn some new tricks like inverted, eights and outside loops!!

Looks great Bob! Thanks for posting it.