Latest project

[Jim Svitko]

I finally finished this one a few days ago.  For several days, we had very low humidity, low dew points.  Perfect for spraying dope so I managed to make use of the good weather.

This is the third version of this plane.  The two previous ones performed well enough to convince me to try and improve it a bit more.  This latest one has features I did not put on the other two, such as a clevis at the elevator horn for flap-to-elevator adjustment and a more airfoiled stab with elevator thickness tapered.  And, although the engine and wing are in line, the stab is above.  I have used this set up on other planes with good results.

I like the side mounted engine with full fuselage.  It is a bit of a pain to make two cheek cowls, but worth the effort.

This is a rather small plane, by today's standards.  About 470 square inches.  But, you can fly something like this all day without getting worn down.

The wing is fully sheeted foam.  Brodak 40 for power.  Dope is Randolph Insignia White, Brodak International Orange, Brodak Newport Blue, Randolph Tampa Green.  Clear coats are Randolph clear.  No flights yet.

[John Carrodus]

Jim - what a lovely job you've made, she looks a real gem! I hope , I'm sure she'll fly as good as she looks. Pat yourself on the back and light a cigar!  ( But not while you're refueling )

[Paul Taylor]

Looks kewl Jim.
I hear ya on the 40 size being easier on ya.

Looking forward to a flight report. 👍🏼👍🏼

[john e. holliday]

I like it, nice an simple and not too gawdy.   Hope it flies as well as it looks.

[Jim Svitko]

These photos are of version two of that plane.  Same wing on both, same basic layout, except for some construction changes.  I took the engine and tank off of version two and installed them in the new one.  The Brodak 40 is well broken in.  I have another B40, new in box, to use another time.

I have no photos of the first version.  It was powered by an inverted mounted Fox 35.

[Jim Svitko]

I got the first flights on the new plane this morning.  A bit cool, 52 degrees, but light breeze.  Almost dead calm most of the time.  A good day to check out and trim a new plane.

I needed a bit of a flap tweak to get the wings level.  I am using a hardpoint handle so I had to fiddle with line clips to get the handle at neutral.

I did not try a complete pattern.  Just some loops, inverted, squares, and horizontal 8s.  Line tension was good everywhere and the plane was stable, not jumpy, yet responsive.  So far, tip weight appears to be correct.   The leadout position might be OK but I will know more when I try other maneuvers.  The CG is probably at the max rearward position now.  On landing, the plane does not float, or dive, just a steady glide to the ground.

Another adjustment that might be needed is the flap-elevator pushrod length.  I might have to tweak that but more flights are needed to be sure.

This looks to be a good performer and I will work with it in the days ahead, as weather permits.

[john e. holliday]

This is good news.  Remember don't push it too hard.

[Jim Svitko]

Another nice day today, perfect for more flights.  A cool morning, 50 degrees, but it warmed fast.  Light winds, almost calm.

I got six flights in this morning.  Three were full pattern.  The plane will do it with ease.  I noticed nothing to be concerned about.  Line tension is good everywhere.  No bounce in the corners.  It is a fun plane to fly and it does not wear you down.

I removed the half ounce of clay nose weight I had installed before yesterday's flights.  I did not think it was needed.  I noticed very little difference with it removed.  Maybe the corners were a bit "snappier".  I moved the leadouts back about 1/8 inch before any of today's flights.  Maybe farther aft is needed but I will get in more flights before I make any more changes.

It looks like the tank height is correct.  There is very little difference in engine speed between upright and inverted.  Fuel was 5% nitro, 22% oil.

The engine run was more consistent with oil content of 80% synthetic, 20% castor.  A 50-50 oil mix produced erratic running.  The engine would switch between rich and lean, never finding a sweet spot.  I think that on cooler days, oil viscosity is the issue.  I never had any problems with a 50-50 oil mix in the summer but it does not appear to be suitable for cooler days.

[john e. holliday]

Sounds like you are doing more than one change before a flight.  Glad the plane is working for you.