Garage made my decision ---> Prowler

[Larrys4227]

The last few weeks I've been in search of a new kit to build. Couple things have struck me, but for one reason or another, I kept moving on.

Yesterday, while searching for something else and digging deep into the bowels of my garage, I came across a Prowler that was given to me about 10 years ago, and forgot about. I remember having the foam cores out, and noticed somebody tried to start it.  I didn't go any further, for whatever reason.

Well, here we are today and I've decided to build it. Some of the credit for my decision goes to Shug Emery and the posts/docs/videos that he posted.  

95% of it seems to be there, and the foam cores/cradles look to be ok. Haven't looked far enough to figure out what was started on the wings and whats wrong with what they started.

What I have noticed missing ....

4" bellcrank (possible misc parts needed to mount)
Wing sheeting
Leadouts
Decal sheet

The fuselage has a warp in it, but I should be able to get that out.

I have a couple questions;

1) Plans and instructions call for solid leadouts. Should I stick with that?
2) Are there any thoughts on a more modern way to build the wings w/sheeting?

The instructions are pretty good and it might be perfect just the way its laid out ... but wanted to ask about possible changes before I started anything.

The FOX 35 that was in the box probably wont be used, although it seems brand new.  But I'm leaning towards the EVO 36 .... I have 2 other planes with this engine and they run fantastic once the needle is moved.

A few pics .... as it brightens up the post.    

[Shug Emery]

I love my Prowler))))
I'd go with cable leadouts over solid for sure.
It is a great flying plane.
Shug

[Larrys4227]

Hey Shug!!!

It's all your fault .. ... you made this plane a very tasty proposition with all your posts. It was alot of reading  , but I cant thank you enough for the well done documentation.

10-4 on the cable leadouts ..... 

[Ward Van Duzer]

Larry,

Yup, it'a  great little airplane, but I've always felt that a foam wing was a little "Porky" for a 35/40 sized ariplane. Even with a plastic finish mine was a little fat.
Call Bob and ask him about his new technique of carbon fiber instead of wood sheeting for the foam wing. Will reduce the weight considerably. Once properly finished you'll never be the wiser!

Or maybe make a built up wing!!!

Ward

Hey Larry, you back, haven't seen yoou in a while now...

[MikeyPratt]

The last few weeks I've been in search of a new kit to build. Couple things have struck me, but for one reason or another, I kept moving on.

Yesterday, while searching for something else and digging deep into the bowels of my garage, I came across a Prowler that was given to me about 10 years ago, and forgot about. I remember having the foam cores out, and noticed somebody tried to start it.  I didn't go any further, for whatever reason.

Well, here we are today and I've decided to build it. Some of the credit for my decision goes to Shug Emery and the posts/docs/videos that he posted.  

95% of it seems to be there, and the foam cores/cradles look to be ok. Haven't looked far enough to figure out what was started on the wings and whats wrong with what they started.

What I have noticed missing ....

4" bellcrank (possible misc parts needed to mount)
Wing sheeting
Leadouts
Decal sheet

The fuselage has a warp in it, but I should be able to get that out.

I have a couple questions;

1) Plans and instructions call for solid leadouts. Should I stick with that?
2) Are there any thoughts on a more modern way to build the wings w/sheeting?

The instructions are pretty good and it might be perfect just the way its laid out ... but wanted to ask about possible changes before I started anything.

The FOX 35 that was in the box probably wont be used, although it seems brand new.  But I'm leaning towards the EVO 36 .... I have 2 other planes with this engine and they run fantastic once the needle is moved.

A few pics .... as it brightens up the post.    

Hey Larry,
The Prowler is a very good model when properly trimmed and set up.  Ditch the wire lead-outs and go with the .027 braided cables.  Use a good 4" bellcrank (Tom Morris makes a very good one) and use a C/F pushrod.  3/32" music wire can be used as long as toy support the pushrod with a support between the flap horn and the elevator horn.  I would build the wing as you received it.  You can go forward and purchase the a new foam wing from Bob Hunt that has a fully sheeted leading edge, but what you have will only be slightly heaver the a new foam wing with the sheeted leading edge.

if the wing sheeting that was provided with the kit is not contest grade wood (4 to 6 pound stock) then use it for something else.  If you haven't sheeted foam wings before then get a CD from Bob Hunt showing you how to sheet foam wings.  They are not difficult to build at all despite what some people say.  You will finish up with a nice straight wing that is light and strong.  A standard built up "D" tube wing will be a little lighter but only an ounce or two.  As suggested by Ward, the C/F matt and thinned wood glue might be a good compromise.

Later,
Mikey

[Mike Griffin]

The last few weeks I've been in search of a new kit to build. Couple things have struck me, but for one reason or another, I kept moving on.

Yesterday, while searching for something else and digging deep into the bowels of my garage, I came across a Prowler that was given to me about 10 years ago, and forgot about. I remember having the foam cores out, and noticed somebody tried to start it.  I didn't go any further, for whatever reason.

Well, here we are today and I've decided to build it. Some of the credit for my decision goes to Shug Emery and the posts/docs/videos that he posted.  

95% of it seems to be there, and the foam cores/cradles look to be ok. Haven't looked far enough to figure out what was started on the wings and whats wrong with what they started.

What I have noticed missing ....

4" bellcrank (possible misc parts needed to mount)
Wing sheeting
Leadouts
Decal sheet

The fuselage has a warp in it, but I should be able to get that out.

I have a couple questions;

1) Plans and instructions call for solid leadouts. Should I stick with that?
2) Are there any thoughts on a more modern way to build the wings w/sheeting?

The instructions are pretty good and it might be perfect just the way its laid out ... but wanted to ask about possible changes before I started anything.

The FOX 35 that was in the box probably wont be used, although it seems brand new.  But I'm leaning towards the EVO 36 .... I have 2 other planes with this engine and they run fantastic once the needle is moved.

A few pics .... as it brightens up the post.    

Well, I will throw in here for what it is worth.  First I am not a fan of foam wings.  If you know how to build a Mellineum wing as per Tom Morris, that is the wing I would build for it.  Extremely light even when fully sheeted.  

And yes, use the cable leaf outs.  If you buy a 4" phenolic bellcrank from Tom, it will have the leadouts attached already.
Mike

If your choice of engines is either the FOX or the Evo, I would go with the Fox.  I owned one Evo 36 on a Spitfire and took it off and sold it.

[Bill Little]

Hi Larry,

The Prowler is a great flying profile!  My oldest built one as his 5th model.  We powered it with a Randy Smith tuned OS .40FP.  He flew it up through Intermediate to Advanced before he moved on to a 34 oz. Ares with an OS .32F (again by Randy and from Ward-O).  He changed the profile look slightly to look like Robby Hunt's Europa.  We still have it and I will be flying it some to get my sea legs back! LOL!!  I think the Evo should do fine in it.  We did have to trim some extra "down" since it turned a bit better insides.  Overall it was very easy to trim and fly well.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

[Brett Buck]

I have a couple questions;

1) Plans and instructions call for solid leadouts. Should I stick with that?
2) Are there any thoughts on a more modern way to build the wings w/sheeting?

  Don't use solid leadouts.

   The foam wing will build plenty light enough, if done correctly. The weight difference should be negligible once you put the finish on it, and the rigidity characteristics are superior to almost any other method. And you know for sure it is straight, and will stay that way. That's much more important than a few ounces, even on this size model.

    The Prowler is an excellent design and flies extremely well, even on some rather feeble engines (like one local's which used a stock OS-35S). It doesn't need to be re-engineered - it's very good as it is.

    Brett

[Larrys4227]

Thanks for the replies .... mucho appreciated.

I did see in one of the posts I reviewed that someone had the carbon fiber sheeting .... I thought it interesting and an option.  The kit didn't have any sheeting to begin with ... so I'll have to find some.

I thought cable leadouts would be the way to go .... they're on the list.

As well, missing from the kit: maple motor mounts.

Alot of little stuff I need.

Had a chance to look at the wings today ---> Whoever started it didn't mess up the install of the inboard/outboard spars.  Whew ... I'm glad ... I didnt want to try and break the epoxy from the foam to re-do it.

Also had a close look at the Fox 35 that came with it --->  Not even a scratch on the mount lugs, every one of the philips screws on the head/backplate is perfect and theres not one heat mark anywhere.  This thing is brand new. Couple drops of oil/fuel in the exhaust and down the venturi .... mounted a prop ..... and it flips over beautifully.  Nice pop and plenty of compression.  I found a tongue muffler that will fit too.

I really like my EVO36's .... but I'm seriously considering this Fox 35 ..... it will be ALOT lighter than the EVO too.  Other than a FOX29 ... I can't ever remember flying a 35 ..... I'm experienced with McCoy RH 35's ... I think I really need to do this with the Fox.  

Hey Ward-O!!  Good to hear from you!!   You guys still flying sundays @ MCRC?  I need to swing over to catch up and chew the fat with all of you. The last few saturdays I've been sport flying with the Orlando guys .... its great to be back on the handle again ... and its feeling pretty good to get something on the bench again.  I've been away too long ...  

[john e. holliday]

Well Larry you've been around long enough to know to give the old Fox a good break in.

[Dane Martin]

I have no advice, or other words off wisdom....
I'm just jealous and thought you might like to know...
 

[Howard Rush]

Well, I will throw in here for what it is worth.  First I am not a fan of foam wings. 

Aerosmith foam wings are (were) excellent. 

[Balsa Butcher]

I built one. In fact, it was probably the one Brett was alluding to as I passed it on after a season to another flier who competed with it for a number or contest seasons. As mentioned, Scott Smith "Aeromsmith" cut excellent foam wings. Build it per plans, use a light finish and you will have an excellent flying model. 

[Larrys4227]

I started this thread April 2015, and time to finish it off.  Many months of the plane collecting dust and working on other projects, but 2 years later, I finally got it done.

Waiting on lines and handle .... maiden in a week or two.

[john e. holliday]

Hope the plane flies as well as it looks.  Also tell that young lady holding the plane is gorgeous.   

[B Norton]

Maybe being a little slow but what engine did ya use?And it looks great can't wait to hear how she flys

[Larrys4227]

Maybe being a little slow but what engine did ya use?And it looks great can't wait to hear how she flys

It's an OS Max 35FP
Also used a Tom Morris phenolic bellcrank with leadouts
Fraiser landing gear, and TM ultralight wheels

[SteveMoon]

Great plane! Had one years ago with an OS 40 FP and loved it.

Steve

[Shug Emery]

This makes me oh so happy)))))
Prowler looks great.
And....I like that dress!
Looking forward to a flight report.
Shug

[Larrys4227]

Thanks Shug! Nice Pic!  Do you recall where your CG ended up after trimming?  Plans say 2.25 and I'm alittle tail heavy at that spot. 3/4oz brings it real close.

Hopefully a week or so before first flight ... still waiting on lines/handle from SH Hobby.

I believe you were just starting flights on yours, when I took mine outta the box.  You gave me inspiration to build this ...

My wife is proud of the plane .... it sports her color choices. LOL!!

[Shug Emery]

Thanks Shug! Nice Pic!  Do you recall where your CG ended up after trimming?  Plans say 2.25 and I'm alittle tail heavy at that spot. 3/4oz brings it real close.

Hopefully a week or so before first flight ... still waiting on lines/handle from SH Hobby.

I believe you were just starting flights on yours, when I took mine outta the box.  You gave me inspiration to build this ...

My wife is proud of the plane .... it sports her color choices. LOL!!

I don't remember cg...more than likely used what plans called for. I did move it back as I got more comfortable and progressed in stunt. My Prowler is retired. But will take it out once or twice this summer. I love that plane.

[Larrys4227]

That makes sense that you may have moved it back.  The CL of the bellcrank is behind the plans CG point. It almost balances perfect around 2 5/8", which is just about on top of the bellcrank center.

Thank You!!  Larry

[Avaiojet]

Larry,

I'm guessing the Prowler is far from OTS legal?

CB

[Larrys4227]

It is very far from OTS.

I've got an RSM Jameson Special kit for that .... but my bench will probably remain clear for the summer.

[Larrys4227]

Couple more pics from Show and Tell at the flying field last week. Thank you kindly Eric, as their aren't many pics of me and planes.

 Maiden coming soon after getting lines/handle that are taking their sweet time getting here.

[Lyle Spiegel]

John Duncan has patterns to cut Prowler wing. When I visited his shop last week, we discussed cutting wings for 1/2A prowler also.