What line sizes for a .19 size profile?

[frank mccune]

         Hi All:

         Before I make a set of lines that may not be suitable, I would like to ask what size of lines would work well with the following plane.  It is a profile with a 36 inch span, weighs 20 oz. rtf, and has 291 square inches of wing area, and powered by  a circa. 1953 Fox .19.  I have my choice of the following lines:

.012x52'
.015x52'
.012x 60'
.015x15'

        In the past I have had many flights with  a Fox .15x on a Shark 15 and also a Shark 15 powered by ST .15 engines both on .012x52' lines.  Would I get the same results if I went to .015x60' lines or am I asking too much by going to the longer and thicker lines?

        A Flite Streak powered by a Brodak .25 will screw one into the ground on 52" lines! Lol

        Suggestions/Comments

                                                                                                                                   Tia

[Robert Zambelli]

Hi, Frank.
The amount of pull depends largely on the weight and speed of the model.
I fly my Vampire (1952 Fox 29 power) on .012 x 54 foot lines - perfect match.
The early Fox 19 is a surprisingly powerful engine.

Bob Z.

[Clint Ormosen]

Having built and flown countless .19 powered planes, I'd definitely use .012's. Way less draggy on the smaller models and will allow a bit more line length than .015's.
For line length, I'd probably start at around 56'-58'. You can always shorten lines if you need to, but that's going to be pretty darned close.

But just for fun, I'd like to see you try to fly it on set of .015x15' lines, as per your OP question.
....and if you do it, please get it on video. 

[Jim Kraft]

That reminds me of the day I went to fly my Taurus which I usually fly with .018 65' to 68' lines. When I got to the field I found I forgot to put in those lines. So, I decided to fly it on what I had, .018 58'. It about screwed me into the ground. 4 second laps in the wind with an Orwick on a 64 ounce plane is enough exercise a guy needs for one day.

[Steve Helmick]

I need to go read the current lines regs, but my recollection is that .012" stranded cables (2) are legal for .25's but NOT .29's. But I also recall that maybe the rules changed and weight is the only factor for "stunt" use.

For the .19, I'm with Clint and would absolutely use .012" cables. I have used .010" solids on a Fox .201/Veco Warrior, and learned enough from that experience to not use solid lines ever again for sport/stunt. Lines binding is no joke... 

The Brodak .25 on 52" long lines would definitely be frightening! But then, an .049 on 52" lines would also.  Steve