Author Topic: Vector First Flight Report (Read 4464 times)

Paul Taylor · « **on:** December 31, 2011, 03:10:01 PM »

The temps hit the mid 60's today. Only problem is the wind had the flag at the fire house standing straight out.
I had to see if my Vector was going to fly. I could not hang all winter long on the wall. I called Jim and Lou to see if they would meet me out at our field.
I was on pins and needles. The engine started on the second flip, (would have been a one flip start but I was nervous) Jim set it on the ground for a quick take off. I did not want to spend any time on the ground so a quick take off was the plan. The rest of the flight plan was:
1. Level flight to check wing level and to get lap times.
2. Wing overs to check line tension up top and see what the engine would do.

No stunts or inverted flight because it was very windy and did not want to risk it until I get to know the plane a little better.

Total of 4 flights. The LA .46 engine seems real happy turning a 11.5x4 APC prop. Lap times were right at 5.0 seconds.
I need to get some longer lines to adjust the lap times, tweak the gear to get a little more ground clearance and go from there.
My first thoughts when I pulled the first wing over was "So this is what a real Stunt plane feels like".
I like it a lot. I think I now have a good tool in by toolbox.

Can't wait for spring time to get a few more trim flights. Don't think I will take much more.
Thanks Jim and Lou for the help!

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:12:27 PM »

If it flies as good as it looks, you are all set.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:43:42 PM »

Is that from the Brodak kit or ARC/ARF?

Alan Buck · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:55:03 PM »

Hi, Paul good looking Vector try 62' lines and 11/5 prop lap times will be about 5.25 have fun

Zuriel Armstrong · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2011, 05:02:17 PM »

Paul,

You did good. Now you can see the difference we have talked about with a well built, straight airplane. It "IS" worth the extra effort.

Congratulations

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:57:59 PM »

Thanks guys.
It's a kit. Came out 48.5oz

Here are a few more shots from today. Jim sent these to me.

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:58:59 PM »

A few more....

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:59:52 PM »

a few more...

dave siegler · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2011, 08:30:59 PM »

be sure to bring that up with you next summer...

or not. The field at the farm is prety tight and rough.

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2011, 08:42:34 PM »

Sorry Dave but it will not be making the trip up to Cheezehead 2012. $:-\$

This plane will only ride first class.

And we will be flying over corn this year. So keep it high on the back side of the field.

Larry Cunningham · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2012, 07:26:35 AM »

Great looking model, Paul.

I already know the Vector, like all Randy Smith designs, is a winner - a great flyer.

2012, and you'll already got a fine new stunter. Lucky dog.

Best,

L.

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." -T.S. Eliot

john e. holliday · « **Reply #11 on:** January 01, 2012, 07:53:05 AM »

Paul, read your article in CLW and really enjoyed it. Very well written. Also the iside cover shot of the plane really makes it stand out. Now don't go bruising the grass with it.

Allen Brickhaus · « **Reply #12 on:** January 01, 2012, 08:21:43 AM »

Glad you are in the air with the Vector. Nice writting also.

Happy New Year.

Allen

Zuriel Armstrong · « **Reply #13 on:** January 01, 2012, 09:29:55 AM »

Paul,

The plane looks great. I wish I could have been there, always a fun time. Whoever designed the bottom of your plane is pure "GENIUS".

The top looks awesome too.

Zuriel

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #14 on:** January 01, 2012, 11:58:44 AM »

Quote from: Zuriel Armstrong on January 01, 2012, 09:29:55 AM

Paul,

The plane looks great. I wish I could have been there, always a fun time. Whoever designed the bottom of your plane is pure "GENIUS".

The top looks awesome too.

Zuriel

Thanks Allen and Zuriel, I will give you a hint on the guy who designed the tag line on the bottom of the plane.
He likes the color pink, has been known to fly a pink Nobler, is the proud new owner of a McCoy 35 and has been known to hang out with Jack Sheeks and Clancy Arnold doing Junk Yard Wars at Brodaks. His first name starts with the letter Z.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #15 on:** January 01, 2012, 08:21:29 PM »

Which issue of CLW?

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #16 on:** January 01, 2012, 09:18:23 PM »

Quote from: Dick Pacini on January 01, 2012, 08:21:29 PM

Which issue of CLW?

The December issue.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #17 on:** January 02, 2012, 11:21:03 PM »

Quote from: Paul Taylor on January 01, 2012, 09:18:23 PM

The December issue.

I looked through all my CLW issues for the last two years and did not find a December issue. Then it dawned on me, they don't publish one. It goes from October to January. Could it be a different publication?

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2012, 07:43:40 AM »

The one we just got.

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=24628.0

Allan Perret · « **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2012, 07:52:06 AM »

Quote from: Dick Pacini on January 02, 2012, 11:21:03 PM

I looked through all my CLW issues for the last two years and did not find a December issue. Then it dawned on me, they don't publish one. It goes from October to January. Could it be a different publication?

CLW Jan. 2012

john e. holliday · « **Reply #20 on:** January 03, 2012, 08:38:19 AM »

Guess I should have been more clear on which issue of CLW. Just got back from bedroom where I keep the mags. It is Volume 6 Number 1 January 2012 and big John is on the cover with his Torino.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #21 on:** January 03, 2012, 09:57:57 AM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on January 03, 2012, 08:38:19 AM

Guess I should have been more clear on which issue of CLW. Just got back from bedroom where I keep the mags. It is Volume 6 Number 1 January 2012 and big John is on the cover with his Torino.

I don't have that one yet. How long ago did yours arrive? My subscription is good through this coming year.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #22 on:** January 04, 2012, 05:50:48 AM »

Got mine right after I renewed my subscription. It was a couple of weeks before Christmas.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #23 on:** January 04, 2012, 08:31:49 AM »

I sent an email to Brodak asking about it. My renewal on the 21st was considered late, so I didn't get the January issue. However, they will send it out when they accumulate enough mail to go out bulk rate.