Author Topic: Sig Akromaster/Fox question (Read 3853 times)

Russell Shaffer · « **on:** October 22, 2011, 06:37:51 PM »

OK, I'm about ready, finally, to start construction on the Akromaster I won for hanging out here. I'm going to power it with a very good, maybe new, Fox 15 slant plug. OK, OK, but that is what it was designed for. Should I go with the standard kit construction, or should I build the extended wing version? I built my first one per the plans and powered it with an Enya 19 and the power was more than enough. It actually flew pretty well. The second one is extended wing and has a Supertigre 15 that is 2 stroke or nothing. It does just fine on 55 foot lines and it flies great. So, with my antique Fox, should I build to the plans or go with the long wing version? The kicker to this question is that I am at 4200 feet so the air is a little thinner than for most of you. I'm leaning toward building as per the plan with the shorter wing because of the little engine, but advice would be appreciated.

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2011, 07:16:34 PM »

OK. You know that I know even less than you do about practical flying.

But, theory says that if you can build it light, a longer wing is better because it'll lose less in the corners.

I'd say that you should build the version where you put honkin' big lightening holes in the ribs if they aren't there already, or make the ones there bigger. And replace all the heavy wood with light. And build the fuselage hollow. Etc.

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2011, 07:21:19 PM »

Keep the wing the same span, just do everything you can to keep it light. Had the same setup back when I was a kid. You arent going to get 5 foot corners with it, but it still al good flying airplane with that powerplant

Richard Fleming · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2011, 08:14:04 PM »

Built one back in the seventies with a Fox .15 stunt. Nice flying plane!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2011, 09:32:18 PM »

Either way with the wing will be fine. It's the Fox that I'd be concerned about.

Bill Heher · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2011, 09:57:11 PM »

The longer wing only adds maybe 1/2-1/2 oz total, the extra wing area should help at altitude. I have built a couple, and my buddy Tom has 2 in the stable now.

I think the best flying of the 3 we have flyable is his with extended wing and an old OS Max .15- not the FP version. Mine has a TT .15 that make good power but is finicky, Tom's other one is pretty worn out / repaired / re-built, but a good trainer- I think that may have Fox on it- can't remember.

The OS Max .15 may have a bit more oomph than a Fox .15 slant plug, but the Fox should do the job for basic stunts like loops and 8s. The Akromaster is an honest plane- and you will like it.

kenneth cook · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2011, 04:54:49 AM »

Russel, I built three of the Akromasters. I didn't modify the kits in any way or form. One was actually given to me and it was powered with a Mccoy.19. This was a pretty good flyer, not overpowered by any means and certainly did a fairly good pattern. You said you used a Enya .19., my other was powered with a Enya.15. The .15 is heavy and I'm quite sure the .19 is heavier especially with the stock muffler. The Mccoy took 1 oz to balance and it took the same amount with the Enya.15. The Fox on the other hand is not going to have this problem as it was designed for this plane. They're surely not a record setter but they work and I find them to work ok for me. They won't be needing to drag around any extra weight as well to get the plane to fly properly. I think it would be a good combo. I always wondered how a Cox .15 Medallion would do on this plane. My only problem with that engine is it is real loud. Ken

John Stiles · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2011, 05:03:26 AM »

I'd lose the Fox .15 slant-plug....just saying.

I too like the Cox .15 Medallion.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2011, 08:22:03 AM »

If you have the Fox, go with itand build light. No 20 point finishes either. Still have my oldest daughter plane shebuilt with Cox Medallion .15 that flies great.

George · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2011, 01:00:21 PM »

Russell,

Part of the reason that slant plug opinions vary so much, other than the normal Fox bashing, is that some slant plugs were built on the loose end of specs. Duke Fox discovered this and stopped production until he had reset the machinery to tighter specs.

Since you say it may be new, I would suggest giving it a bench break-in. This way, you will get familiar with running it AND see if it runs well. Be sure to not over-prop it, use either an 8x4 or 7x6. You might want to use at least 15% nitro too. Duke Fox recommended Missile Mist.

I would suggest the extended wing version on the Akromaster, but either should provide lots of fun.

George

Larry Fernandez · « **Reply #10 on:** October 24, 2011, 02:19:24 AM »

Quote from: Russell Shaffer on October 22, 2011, 06:37:51 PM

OK, I'm about ready, finally, to start construction on the Akromaster I won for hanging out here. I'm going to power it with a very good, maybe new, Fox 15 slant plug.

Hello Russel, first off, let me just say.......

Oh never mind

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Mike Mulligan · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2011, 11:07:24 PM »

Hi Russell,

No Fox bashing from me! I have a slant plug on my Akromaster and I think it makes a great combo. Maybe I just have had good luck when it comes to Fox engines, but all of my .15s and .35s have been good running and relaible.

My Akro is box stock except for a slightly reshaped fuse and tail fin for appearance purposes. Its a lot of fun to fly, doesn't use much fuel and fits in the trunk of a very small car! I say build it stock, keep it light, bolt on that old Fox and fly the wings off of it!

Cheers,

Mike

wwwarbird · « **Reply #12 on:** October 27, 2011, 11:39:51 PM »

Nice job Mike!

David M Johnson · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2011, 08:54:18 AM »

I love the paint! I also agree with you on the fox engines Just make sure you have the castor oil and away you go. Fly and have FUN!
We should have a "Just flying for fun forum" that way we won't irritate the hard core stunt guys with flying marginal or silly idea type stuff. I love the ideas and information that come from those individuals so I would never discount their knowledge or commitment.
David Johnson

jim · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2016, 11:25:05 PM »

Quote from: Mike Mulligan on October 27, 2011, 11:07:24 PM

Hi Russell,

No Fox bashing from me! I have a slant plug on my Akromaster and I think it makes a great combo. Maybe I just have had good luck when it comes to Fox engines, but all of my .15s and .35s have been good running and relaible.

My Akro is box stock except for a slightly reshaped fuse and tail fin for appearance purposes. Its a lot of fun to fly, doesn't use much fuel and fits in the trunk of a very small car! I say build it stock, keep it light, bolt on that old Fox and fly the wings off of it!

Cheers,

Mike

Great looking Akro, hey Mike are you using a 8 x 4 prop with your fox.15?
Thanks Jim

johnt4051 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 29, 2016, 12:47:55 AM »

I built one of these many years ago, circa 1978 or so. It was powered by a Fox .15. I built it exactly as per the kit, but used the optional moving flaps. It was an excellent flier, did the whole stunt pattern easily. The Fox originally was cranky, but it put it on crankcase pressure and it ran like gangbusters after that.

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2016, 11:40:27 AM »

So Russel, did you ever get it built? Does it still fly?

jim · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2016, 03:22:45 PM »

Quote from: David M Johnson on October 28, 2011, 08:54:18 AM

I love the paint! I also agree with you on the fox engines Just make sure you have the castor oil and away you go. Fly and have FUN!
We should have a "Just flying for fun forum" that way we won't irritate the hard core stunt guys with flying marginal or silly idea type stuff. I love the ideas and information that come from those individuals so I would never discount their knowledge or commitment.
David Johnson

I would second that idea, for just flying for fun forum.So I don't get laughed at when posting dumb questions.

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2016, 08:01:38 PM »

Yes I built it and it flies well with a hobby king electric setup. I went with the long wing -didn't cut the LE and TE. So now I need to do another and fly that little Fox. I always wanted one of those engines when I was a kid back when.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #19 on:** March 30, 2016, 11:45:14 AM »

Quote from: jim on March 29, 2016, 03:22:45 PM

I would second that idea, for just flying for fun forum.So I don't get laughed at when posting dumb questions.

There is no such thing as dumb questions when it saves planes and peoples time.