crashawk

thanks, that's what I needed to know. I used to run 1/2a control line and never had a problem there but that was with no throttle and slightly rich so the engine devoloped more power when pointed up. I had a 26 inch a-6 intruder with medallion .051 that did everything on 35 ft lines. (I really should have kept the plans that I drew for it) I'll tap the muffler on my norvel, I wonder why it wasn't tapped to start with? of course I'll have to build 2 half wits so I can try one on electric. I've seen a lot of neat planes on rcuniverse and the half wits I've seen on this thread are among the best, keep up the good work.

Jason

DMehalko

My Feedback: (42)

Officially started construction of the Half Wit. On e question, what is the best method for cutting out the 1/4" plywood? Another, does anyone got an extra Norvell .061 laying around?

matchlessaero

Lookin good DM. I used a Coping saw (looks like a small fret saw) to cut the 1/4" ply for the nose. You could also use a scroll saw or jigsaw.

Dru, that looks cool. Love the wild colors. I think at that weight, you should finish up just right. Oughtta fly really nice.

Look a little lower in the Half-A forum. Dickeybird was nice enough to answer this question about a week ago and post the link to the film can tank.

blvdbuzzard

After I weighed everything thing I have, I am at 11 1/4oz. That is without the gear and wheels. I should be right at 13oz.

I will look for the thread on the film container fuel tank.

Thanks.

Dru.

DMehalko

My Feedback: (42)

Thoughts on a Norvell .074? Don't have an engine yet since this will be my first, "small" plane. What are you guys doing for receiver packs?

David-Got the fuse all glued up, need to cut out the firewall.

crashawk

well I got two fuselages and rudder framed up, the first fuse and rudder weighed in at .73 oz without the carbon fiber rod. I hope the rest comes out as good. my norvel .061 is going in one, I can't decide whether to electrify or queen bee the second one (if one of several people I know don't talk me out of it first) [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

Jason

DMehalko

My Feedback: (42)

Here's how the half wit sits today...
Input on a Norvell.074??

matchlessaero

Looks good DM.... Interesting assembly method. You'll have to to tell me how it comes out.

If you build heavy, or don't have access to good light wood, the .074 might be a good option, but a heavy airframe with an .074 won't fly as 'light' as a lighter airframe with a .061 will....

Either way it will be fun!

Keep us posted on the progress.

DMehalko

My Feedback: (42)

Yes, changed up a few things, and decided to build the firewall into it before the wing, so then I will get the cf rod glued to the wing and just slide it in. This is kinda how the uproars are built. Also added 1/64" ply to the plywood/balsa conversion for added strength. Anyway, heres some colors added in the last hour.... Go Green Bay!!!!!

BALSABRO

My Feedback: (3)

Jeremy,, here a few pictures of my HALF-WIT

matchlessaero

CrazieClay, that looks great! Excellent job on the covering.

PM me when you take it to the field. I would love to be there on the maiden flight!

BALSABRO

My Feedback: (3)

Jeremy Bottom is trans yellow wieght in at 18 oz used a little ticker material on airlerons hor and ele. Need to break in motor hopefully Sat. weather permitting and you can have the maiden HOW about that<<<<<<<

blvdbuzzard

WOW!!! 18oz. Mine with (5) 9 gram servos, no landing gear, or Rx and I thought I built it to heavy and I am 12 7/8 oz. I should come in at about 14. I need to get a lighter fuel tank because mine weighs in at 1 oz. It is a Dubro 2 oz. I may end up flying without gear to save a little weight. I have already started building a new one I am building a little bit lighter. I think my arrow shaft must be heavyer then most. It is a PSE Extreme 300. It served me well for almost 3 years before I robin hooded it from 30 yards.


Dru.

gator3169

I love the look's of this plane!! I am not a builder !! Could I talk one of you guy's into selling or trading with me for one of the half witt's ??? I can do the covering and radio gear and such.. just need a little help on the wood building !!

Thank's in advance..

gator

Ragwing

My Feedback: (2)

Gator, check your PM's

gator3169

I got your mail..[8D] and you now have mail..

gator

crashawk

great building little plane, here is a pic of the first of three I'm building. just a little under 4 ounces so far with out covering or equipment. did anyone else notice a rib 1/4 inch to the left of where it should be on the plans, I was on the 3rd wing before I noticed

Jason

onecb

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Hi I have one of these parcially built and I am wondering what kind of hinges are being used? Thanks Alvin

BALSABRO

My Feedback: (3)

use regular CA hinges cut in half about 3/8* wide

hasallthenamesbeentaken

Hi, I maidened my Half-Wit last weekend. I am dissapointed with my AP Wasp. It drags the plage at an angle (like a boat not getting on plane). The engine was run in for 40 mins. on the bench. I borrowed a tacho from a friend - the Wasp runs at 12K with a MA 6X3 on 15% nitro, the same as my 20 year old BabeBee[&o] I must admit that at 16oz mine is a bit heavier that spec (I used JR 331 servos with a 110mAh battery and 15g nose weight to get CG civil) I live high(ish) above sea level - 85kPa air pressure.
Apart from keeping on running the Wasp to try and improve it, what else can I do? 20% nitro does not make a notable difference on the tacho.[]

At least the guys at the club was very impressed with the looks

Marius

matchlessaero

Marius, here are the suggestions I have.....

First you really need to drop 2-3 oz's out of the plane. I would suggest doing this by getting some smaller servos. If you can get the plane to the 13-14 oz range, you will be able to hover it. As it stands now, it will be a very fun aerobatic airplane when you get the engine running, but it won't do any real 3D. I saw the maiden of an 18 oz version this past weekend. While it flew only shortly, it showed clearly that the plane has enough wing area to carry the weight, but it certainly was not going to hover.

Second, on the engine, I would check a few of the threads on hop-ups for AP's and Norvels in this forum. The easy first checks would be to put a new glow plug in it and bump up the nitro, while also making sure that the carb is opening all the way, and there are no restrictions in the engine that should not be there (machining imperfections). I originally flew mine on 35% nitro, but have since gone back to 25% with no substantial performance penalty.

Finally, I would suggest trying the Cox 6-3 propeller. I have not tried the MA on mine, but I do know that the engine I am running is swinging the Cox much faster than 12k.

I think with a little tweaking you will have a really fun plane. Keep at it!

MR Flyer57

Hey blvdbuzzard,
Sorry that I just got time to read this thread, well some of it!
I didn't read that you found the thread for the film tank. I will put it here for you and if you already have it, oh well, I'll try to be faster next time.
I know it must be somewhere, but what are you guys using for the pull pull string? And is everybody using the same stuff?

Here is the link for Dickybirds fugi tank:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_14...tm.htm#1421208


MR Flyer57

flyinrog

My Feedback: (1)

Hey mrflyer, anything you dont see here is on the same thread over in the profile and funfly forum,including the film tank link and the fishing line servo pull-pull,,Rog

MR Flyer57

Thanks flyinrog,
I have been jumping back and forth, but there is quite a few pages up about the Halfwit. I must have had my head in the clouds to let it get by me. Now that I am trying to play catch up, I can't seem to find the part that I was looking for.
I think I might as well start a thread about it and see what everybody is using.
Thanks for the note,
MR Flyer57

Ragwing

My Feedback: (2)

Hey guys,

Has everyone been using the spruce spars per the Halfwit plans? I don't currently have and spruce on hand, but I have basswood and balsa. What about moving up to a 1/8 x /14 baswood or balsa spar on top and bottom? Other ideas? Thanks

Derek