Shark 45 Question

[Michael Massey]

I am starting a Shark 45.  I have an old Jetco kit and I am using the parts as templates.  I see that RSM has a Shark 45 kit and they list the fuselage as 41 inches (and some change) whereas the Jetco kit is 47 inches.  That is a substantial difference.  Can anyone "fill in the gaps" and explain the difference, or perceived difference?  Thanks.

[john e. holliday]

I thought this had already been covered???

[Balsa Butcher]

Look in the Classic section, "Shark 45, Jetco vs RSM". It's right at the top. 

[Larry Fernandez]

I thought this had already been covered???

John,
 I know you like to reply to EVERY post , but I really dont think that this was the answer Mr. Massey was looking for.

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

[Michael Massey]

Actually I did read the thread on the Classic section but missed the brief comment about the fuselage length difference.  I understood the comments about wing area differences but the fuselage length was not really addressed.  Since that changes the moments of the airplane and there was a comment on the Shark 45 moments being competitive in modern stunt, I guess I was looking for a little more detail.

[Balsa Butcher]

Your explanation piqued my curiosity so I broke out my RSM Shark 45 plans. From the nose ring to the furthest aft point of the fuselage is 45". Add two inches for a spinner and you have a 47" nose to tail. That is how it was probably measured on the Jetco Shark. It looks as if both fuselages are very close to identical in length and the 41" is a mistake or typo on the RSM site. Good luck with the project. 

[Michael Massey]

Thanks very much Pete.  I broke out the plans from Jetco and measured 44 3/4 from the nose ring to the furthest part of the tail.  Measuring from the spinner they show on the plans it came to 46 1/2.  As you point out, it seems as the two fuselages are pretty close to the same. 

Thanks again.

Mike

[Chris McMillin]

Mike,
Measure hingeline to hingeline and the nosering to the leading edge of the wing to see what the differences really are there on the fuselage regarding moments. I'll bet they're not far off.
Chris...

[Michael Massey]

Good idea Chris.

Measured from the Jetco plans:  Nose ring to LE is 10 3/8.  Hinge line to hinge line is 17 5/8. 

[Balsa Butcher]

Pretty close to the RSM plans which show: nose ring to LE:10.5", Hinge line to Hinge line: 17 7/8". 

[Michael Massey]

Good info.  Thanks all.