I have an older clown that was built around a MVVS diesel. I did not build it but it is built stout. It was given to me years ago and has been on the wall for years collecting dust. It does not have adjustable lead outs. I just got a new Novarossi Rex RFX-15TC that weighs 9.3 oz.s and that clown was the only one I had that was wide enough to take the engine without cutting lots of wood from the mounts. The rear mounting holes even lined up. The clown hangs a little nose down from the lead outs ready to fly. Just a little. There is no out thrust. With the prop the clown weighs 19 oz.s. I was going to use the clown as a mule test bed for the new engine. The pilot loves the plane and engine combo as is, no line vibration and grooves like on rails, so he wants to fly it in our April contest except it pulls really really hard. He doesn't think he can hold his hand to his chest for the 15 minute main and we have not turned the wick up yet because the engine is so new. Right now we are getting 83 to 87 mph on the radar gun. I expect low 90s or more turned up. The question. Would a little IN thrust be OK or a little inboard rudder offset work to lessen the pull and be safe? Should I cut into the wing and move the lead outs forward? I know getting a younger pilot is a solution but he is great in traffic, left handed and can whip like crazy for pitting.
Later
Richard