superclown balancing point

[DanielGelinas]

Hi Guys,

I just completed my superclown with a fox 35. When checking the balance point, which is 1 7/8 inch behind the leading edge, I have to add two ounces to the tail?

This is my first .35 size plane in over 35 years, but I don't recall having to add so much weight on the tail of my other planes at the time. 

Does 2 ounces sound right? I even removed the fox muffler!!

Thanks for any advice.

-Danny

[DanielGelinas]

Well I flew the plan this morning. First flight for a .35 size ship in 35 years. All went well, however I find the plane is not very nervous. I was expecting this plane to be a little more responsive.

I am assuming the weight of the plane is excessive. This is a brodak ARC.

I'll start doing some loops, lazy 8's and inverted flight as soon as I get the fox engine to run steady.

This is all very exciting for me and my son!   

-Danny

[DanielGelinas]

Flew the plane yesterday evening. actually flew quite well. I think the problem is the flyer!!
Did a bunch of loops, figure 8's, inverted flights and wingovers. Thats pretty well where I left off 35 years ago.
Then on the third flight, my head said go up but my dammed hand wouldn't listen. So down the plane went. Believe it or not, I walked away with a dirty fox 35 and a broken propeller and three lost weights. So I was smilling all the way back home.

In the evening I completely disasembled the fox 35 cleaned it and reassembled it. Cleaned the plane, added the engine and clean tank and went to bed dreaming of going back today again with my son.

Today was a good day. Started off a little iffy with me taking off with the engine too rick. Then tried to loop the plane and quickly realized what loosing line tention meant...but ran back and saved the plane!

Then the two following flights went great as I was getting more comfortable with the plane and less dizzy.
Some 12-13 year old kid dropped by to look at me fly. When my son and i were leaving, this kid looked at me and said he thought he was the only one in our city who liked this kind of sport. So, next time my son and I go flying we'll give him a call.

I find with all the computer generated games, it's hard to get kids interested in the sport. 

-Danny

[Heman Lee]

Well I flew the plan this morning. First flight for a .35 size ship in 35 years. All went well, however I find the plane is not very nervous. I was expecting this plane to be a little more responsive.

I am assuming the weight of the plane is excessive. This is a brodak ARC.

I'll start doing some loops, lazy 8's and inverted flight as soon as I get the fox engine to run steady.

This is all very exciting for me and my son!   

-Danny

Danny,
that is too far back.  I would remove the 2ox completely.  Super Clown had a thin airfoil simular to a Ringmaster.  The C.G. on such a model sound be only between 10 to 15% which translate to no mare that 1".

[DanielGelinas]

Thanks Heman!

I'll try removing them 1/2 an once at a time, and see if it reacts better.

Cheers,

-Danny

[Bill Little]

Thanks Heman!

I'll try removing them 1/2 an once at a time, and see if it reacts better.

Cheers,

-Danny

HI Danny,

IIRC, mine balances about the main spars.  Quick turning "with the flaps" but nothing approaching "overcontrol".

TOO MUCH tail weight will make the plane very slow to turn.  More tail weight makes the plane turn easier up to the point you lose control as it over turns, etc..  Nose weight makes it more and more sluggish.  Taking out the tail weight and leaving everything else the same will NOT make it "reacts better. "

Many locals, and a diminishing few top level pilots trim nose heavy these days and have to haul the stick to make the plane turn.  Check the spacing on your lines.  The wider the spacing, the quicker the turn.

Big Bear

[DanielGelinas]

Hi Bill,

Flew the plane again last night. I really think the problem at this point was the pilot. I left the 2 ounces of tail weight and the plane flew and landed great.

I was just VERY, VERY suprised to have to add 2 ounces of weight to balace the plane. Especially since I always thought the fox 35 was a light motor, plus I am using a tongue muffler.

I am very much enjoying the super clown.

Now I need to learn the pattern...

Thanks,
-Danny