Trophy Trainer Wing Area???

[realSteveSmith]

I downloaded a set of plans for the Trophy Trainer from a post here on stunthanger.  These plans list the wing area as 565 sq. in.




Elsewhere, I found a post about the Trophy Trainer that lists the wing area at 617 sq. in.




In both cases the wing span and length match so I don't believe this is a case of someone scaling the plans up or down.  Does anyone have an idea what the actual wing area should be for the Trophy Trainer?

[Kermit Payne]

Hi Steve,

The Trophy Trainer wing area is 617 sq in if built to the 54-3/4" wingspan.  I also downloaded the plans from Stunthanger but BEWARE!  Those plans are about 5% too small.  I printed the scale at the bottom of the plans full size on my printer but it did not align with my measure.  That's how I discovered the 5% discrepancy.  After I enlarged by 5%, the scale matched and the wingspan agreed with that stated in the title block.

Mine weighs 47 oz powered by an Enya .45 on a 11x5 Zinger prop and flies like a dream.  It goes where I point it and is rock steady, both upright and inverted.  It's also a great trifecta airplane, as it qualifies for Classic, profile and PAMPA classes.

I have included pictures of mine hoping it inspires you to build one, too!!!

[Kermit Payne]

Pic #2

[Kermit Payne]

Pic #3

[Kermit Payne]

Pic #4

[Kermit Payne]

Last one.  Couldn't get them all on one posting --- they were too big.

[realSteveSmith]

Hi Steve,

The Trophy Trainer wing area is 617 sq in if built to the 54-3/4" wingspan.  I also downloaded the plans from Stunthanger but BEWARE!  Those plans are about 5% too small.  I printed the scale at the bottom of the plans full size on my printer but it did not align with my measure.  That's how I discovered the 5% discrepancy.  After I enlarged by 5%, the scale matched and the wingspan agreed with that stated in the title block.

Mine weighs 47 oz powered by an Enya .45 on a 11x5 Zinger prop and flies like a dream.  It goes where I point it and is rock steady, both upright and inverted.  It's also a great trifecta airplane, as it qualifies for Classic, profile and PAMPA classes.

I have included pictures of mine hoping it inspires you to build one, too!!!

Hi Kermit,

I saw your thread from last year...and those pictures.  In fact, I found and downloaded the plans via a link in your thread.  You did a nice job on your Trophy Trainer.  I also saw your warning about the undersized PDF file.  I have a corrected version of these plans now  (scale measures a full 12" at 100%) should I choose to build this someday. 

But, I'm still confused about the wing area.  In your thread last year, you mentioned that the TT was 565 sq. in.  What have you learned such that you now consider it 617 sq. in.?

-rSS

[Geoff Goodworth]

Hi guys

Bob and I worked extensively on his drawing skills over several years and I have eight different iterations of his Trophy Trainer drawing — none of them showing the title block shown here. So, I'm at a loss to know how come.

I've just measured the area of the wing and AutoCAD tells me it is 617 sq in with a span of 54.75" — inboard panel 27.75", outboard panel 27".

In a previous life, I designed special purpose machines and had to be accurate to ensure that when required, new machines fitted into existing production lines.

I used to stress to Bob the importance of being accurate.

He told me once that he thought I was nuts for stressing accuracy — until he became involved with laser cutting. 

[Kermit Payne]

Hi Kermit,

I saw your thread from last year...and those pictures.  In fact, I found and downloaded the plans via a link in your thread.  You did a nice job on your Trophy Trainer.  I also saw your warning about the undersized PDF file.  I have a corrected version of these plans now  (scale measures a full 12" at 100%) should I choose to build this someday. 

But, I'm still confused about the wing area.  In your thread last year, you mentioned that the TT was 565 sq. in.  What have you learned such that you now consider it 617 sq. in.?

-rSS

Steve,

I was wrong last year on the area.  How am I sure now it's 617?  I measured my wing (imagine that!!!) before I replied to your inquiry.  Sorry for the confusion I caused.

Kermit

[Jake Moon]

I’ll second that Kermit and his Trophy Trainer fly well. I lost to that combination 3 times this summer.

[realSteveSmith]

Steve,

I was wrong last year on the area.  How am I sure now it's 617?  I measured my wing (imagine that!!!) before I replied to your inquiry.  Sorry for the confusion I caused.

Kermit

I most likely caused my own confusion on this.....you just helped straighten me out.  Thanks!

[Kermit Payne]

I’ll second that Kermit and his Trophy Trainer fly well. I lost to that combination 3 times this summer.

Jake, I am fortunate to have made a new friend in you this summer.  Your words are too kind, as the contest results could have easily been reversed.  I look forward to many more flights together.  Hope you and your family have a great holiday season!

Kermit