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GP Waco?

Old 10-02-2011, 04:10 PM
  #926  
WindGap
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Damn you build fast. In the time that you crashed and rebuilt your plane, I've still not even started on mine. Argh! I may not even get started till after this coming weekend. Life just gets in the way.

I went to Triple Tree eWeek to fetch some goodies, but couldn't find anything. So I ended up ordering all my parts. My setup will be as follows:

1. DLE-20
2. Smartfly Ignition Voltage Regulator
3. Smartfly Ignition cutoff/kill switch
4. Hitec 645MG all the way around, 'cept throttle
5. Single A123 2S 2600mah

This is the same exact setup in my AW 260, and I've had zero issues, and after 4-5 twelve to fifteen min flights, I only put in a few hundred mah. However, since I have more aileron servo's this has me concerned. I may just go ahead and fly it and after two or so flights test and see how much I'm drawing from the single battery. Anyone have a similar setup or can chime in?
Old 10-02-2011, 05:08 PM
  #927  
Hill202
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Default RE: GP Waco?

The second build was alot quicker. It sounds like you'll have a good set-up. Nice and light! Mine feels heavy. The DLE 30 and 6 volt NIMH and extra elevator servo really added some weight. I talked to a guy today that just finished putting one together and he was concerned about a high wing loading. I think he'll be pleasantly surprised when he flys it. As heavy as mine is, it still lands slow, like a duck with sore feet
Old 10-05-2011, 04:44 PM
  #928  
Andy R Bush
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Hi Skip
Payment arrived too thanks.

Andy
Old 10-13-2011, 06:17 PM
  #929  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

I still have not flown #2. I have not had a chance to fly between work and the weather.
Old 10-14-2011, 05:58 PM
  #930  
WindGap
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Assembling the landing gear seems straightforward, but yet what a challenge. Seems that one side was molded too close to the screw holes. Washers would not fit. Had to grind them down, and still cracked the plasticy landing gear. Screwing in the screws tore away some of the plastic, it's simply too close. I guess all arfs are not created equal. Hope to hide all this mess with the fairings.

Hope this is the extent of my troubles.
Old 10-15-2011, 01:38 PM
  #931  
WindGap
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Finally got the building parts finished. Just need to work on the radio, servos, and engine installation. However, at this point, it seems that putting the wings together will take some time. Any hints, tips?
Old 10-16-2011, 01:11 AM
  #932  
Andy R Bush
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Default RE: GP Waco?

I assembled the wings as per instructions and it went OK.But whenI attached the lower wing to the fusalage and tried thefairings I found they just gripped the wings nicely, so instead of glueing them to the fus, I glued them to the wing and they looked great. Obviously I could still get the wings off. That said I was able to keep the wings on allthe time,and get the plane in a truck bed no prob, which was just as well because they took ages to fit with all the struts and stuff.
Also with the cowling, I started to follow the instructions then noticed that the ring which attaches to the fusalage to which you screw the cowl onto, could easily be undone with the cowl in place. So I just glued the entire cowl / attachment ring together, which was quick and easy, then used a long reach allen wrench to get the cowl off and on. saved a lot of time and it madethe original design look too complicated.
My other suggestion is to add some other color on the plane to help with orientation. Just before mine crashed, it was coming directly at me and it was really hard to see with it being all yellow, which way up or which way it was going, if you didn't already know (or hoped you knew) what it was doing.
Mine seemed to need a surprising amount of airspeed for a biplane, and I was discussing that with my spotter, who said the Waco was built to be fast and not a floater, I had wanted a floater. Later I checked the on line video which also showed it wizzing around the sky.
The engine had gone sick straight after take off and got sicker still on final, I made the mistake of trying to keep altitude because I was near some trees and couldn't descend, when I stalled it, and from then on it ignored all control input and spiralled in. Nice looking plane though, but it was totally wrecked in the crash, but that's just a part ofthe hobby.
Old 10-16-2011, 03:19 AM
  #933  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

ARB,
That's a tough break; and I'm sorry jus' READIN' 'bout it. 'Sounds like you'd put in a lot o' time and made some good, innovative changes to it. No Fun t' hear 'bout all that goin' in; I feel bad for you.
RD
Old 10-17-2011, 06:00 PM
  #934  
WindGap
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Just took measurements of my wife's suburban and I'm convinced that I can get it in and out w/o disassembling.
Old 10-18-2011, 02:09 AM
  #935  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

I can take mine to the field together but I always disassemble when I get home to inspect for anything that has come loose and wearing! I store mine apart for space and just put it together the night before I plan to go. One thing that I have noticed is that this plane does not like wind. I guess the 2 wings really catch it.
Old 10-20-2011, 10:17 AM
  #936  
patniven
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Just finished my WACO. Powered by a Saito 125 (fits entirely inside the cowl), Master Airscrew 15-8 K-series, Futaba 2.4ghz RX, Hitec HS-485HB (Karbonite) servos all around. I'm trying an 1800maHLiFE battery on this one. I used the stock muffler with a Saito 90deg adapter, which, by the way, is a P.O.S. Get the 90deg adapter from Turboheader Mufflers. The Saito adapter sheared in half as I applied modest torque when installing it...it appears to be made of potmetal. The ARF was assembled according to the manual with the exception of Mike Buzzeo's suggestion to JB Weld the nutson all of the upper wing attachment points. That will be a realtime saver at the field. Couldn't figure outthe ARF's registration: G-601Y...a 'G' registration is from the UK, but thesubsequent characters should all be letters.(?) I went with an actual registration of a WACOin the UK, a1940 Waco UPF-7, C/N 5400. Trivial, I know. Topped off with a kit-bashed Dragon Figures pilot wearing some vintage RAF flying gear...with Oakleys. It's very sunny here in FL, but the wind has been roaring for two days. Maiden Friday or Saturday...
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Old 10-20-2011, 11:01 AM
  #937  
landeck
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Looks good!

Bruce
Old 10-20-2011, 12:17 PM
  #938  
roaddog2
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Mr. Niven! That's a gorgeous b1rd! Best o' luck on th' maiden!
Regards,
RD
Montross, Va.
Old 10-20-2011, 12:25 PM
  #939  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Slick looking Waco! does your pilot have a brother ?

did you get the individual outfit parts for him @ Eb*y?

thanks
v.
Old 10-20-2011, 12:33 PM
  #940  
patniven
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Default RE: GP Waco?

The pilot was put together using parts from two Dragon figures that I found on ebay:

ORIGINAL: vasek

Slick looking Waco! does your pilot have a brother ?

did you get the individual outfit parts for him @ Eb*y?

thanks
v.
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Old 10-20-2011, 07:42 PM
  #941  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

patniven
Your plane looks great, That is the same set up I have on mine only I did not over torque the 90 deg adapter. I have used several of those and never had a problem with any of them. I am using a 2000 mah battery in mine. You should have no problems with this plane using that engine. Mine balanced out perfect with no weight required. She flies great.

Walt
Old 10-20-2011, 08:02 PM
  #942  
patniven
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Thanks Walt. I should clarify...the first Saito 90deg adapter broke in half during a normal install. I didn't overtorque it. I had two of these adapters and used the second without a problem. I'll order some replacements for future projects, but only from TurboHeader Mufflers, after seeing what the Saito adapter is made of. It literally is cast in potmetal. I've never had a problem with these adapters either, so maybe I just got a made-on-Friday lemon. Mine balanced with 2 ounces of lead mounted in the inner cowl. Got the truck loaded for tomorrow's maiden. Should be fun.
Old 10-21-2011, 05:28 AM
  #943  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

I have seen video of this plane with a is 1.60 twin gemini..
It was a floater...
More so than the TF beechwood staggerwing..(when it is built light)
Old 10-21-2011, 04:42 PM
  #944  
WindGap
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Just mounted engine



Did anyone mount gas tank over cg? If so, how did you go about this. I know this isn't a 3d plane, but I want it to be as neutral throughout the flight as possible.
Old 10-21-2011, 06:25 PM
  #945  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

WindGap,

I have a DLE 20 in mine and I mounted the tank as per instructions and it balanced perfect. I mounted the engine battery, electronic ign, etc. over the engine on the included wood cradle.

Mine weighs 14 1/2 #'s and fly's awesome. We have a big annual fly-in tomorrow and the Waco is already loaded in the truck.

Thanks,
Eddie
Old 10-21-2011, 06:30 PM
  #946  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Here are some pic's of mine. I installed a pull-pull tail wheel I made up from different parts. You will like the airplane I'll bet.
Thanks,
Eddie
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Old 10-22-2011, 06:44 AM
  #947  
Hill202
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Default RE: GP Waco?

We are having a fly in tomorrow too. I think I am going to maiden #2 at the fly-in. That is something I don't usually do. I usually like to maiden them during the week when its quiet.
Old 10-22-2011, 06:47 AM
  #948  
Lifer
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Default RE: GP Waco?

You might waqnt to do the maiden somewhere else. AMA regs don't allow test flights at fly-ins and if there was an incident, there would be no coverage.
Old 10-22-2011, 07:37 AM
  #949  
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Windgap the engine uses so little fuel that for a 10 minute flight the weight change would be small!

And Lifer that would depend on what kind of fly-in. We have around 3 a year that are just for club members to eat and fly together. They are not AMA sanctioned events!
Old 10-22-2011, 07:53 AM
  #950  
Hill202
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Default RE: GP Waco?

Yeah, I should have been more clear. Its a club picnic.

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