Piper Tri Pacer ARF
05-03-2015, 01:26 PM
#101
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PIPER PA20 received
Madison, I sure hope that you don't encounter the same problems that I had with this model.
Had to put way too much work into it to get to the stage.............................
Madison in regards to the nose gear, if you look back you will see what I did to make it look like the
full size gear, but I don't think that a 3 1/2" wheel will fit the Robart nose gear part I used, memory
tells me that I think it was somewhere around a 2 /12" or 2 3/4" wheel was the largest that will fit
the mod I did to the nose gear, you could possibly make a custom piece to fit the 3 1/2"
wheel if that is the way you choose to go. However I would be very interested in seeing what the
Chinese manufacturer has done if anything to improve the assembly of the model, so if you would.
please keep in touch and let us all know through this thread what the Tri-Pacer is like when you.
receive it.
Bill D.
Had to put way too much work into it to get to the stage.............................
Madison in regards to the nose gear, if you look back you will see what I did to make it look like the
full size gear, but I don't think that a 3 1/2" wheel will fit the Robart nose gear part I used, memory
tells me that I think it was somewhere around a 2 /12" or 2 3/4" wheel was the largest that will fit
the mod I did to the nose gear, you could possibly make a custom piece to fit the 3 1/2"
wheel if that is the way you choose to go. However I would be very interested in seeing what the
Chinese manufacturer has done if anything to improve the assembly of the model, so if you would.
please keep in touch and let us all know through this thread what the Tri-Pacer is like when you.
receive it.
Bill D.
Yes I would do you pictures of that I would have received the PIPER and during assembly and modifications for the benefit of everyone .......
I received the Piper and I can say I am very satisfied with the quality of this kit !
For those who do not want to redo the covering, no problem, the finish is in TOP !!!
The weight of the aircraft is about 2.2Kg (out of the box)
I thought the covering was really poor but there I am surprised - nice work ! (Except a few places that seems damaged in the coating - but nothing serious) but the decor looks too GeeBee !! not for a piper tripacer ....
So I hesitate to do it a new look !! , it's true that on the other hand, the Oracover is better for repairs, and my new covering is in ordering .... and i will have access the gluing points to be checked inside the fuselage and wing (like you have doing) .............and It will not be decorating GeeBee !!!
I will power this aircraft with a BL2826-06 - 850kv EMAX under 4S 5000 30C and thinks he will weigh about 3.6Kg with a wing loading of 87gr / dm 2 for 620W (172W/kg - 2.7Kg traction bench with an 12x6 - 41A /15Volt) which is very adequate for a plane of this size - If we add a dummy for the pilot, it will do about 3.85Kg
On the vues the nose gear with the 3" wheel and 3 1/4" for main wheels
MADISONMaster
Last edited by MADISONMaster; 05-07-2015 at 01:14 AM.
05-13-2015, 07:50 AM
#102
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Hello !!
I did some testing of engine propeller shaft location - Hott Controller 60A and implementation of EMAX BL2826/06 - get everything perfect Bench testing has revealed a pull 2.7 kg with a 12x6 CAM PROP this EMAX BL2826/06 for 41A and 15V ... I think putting one APC 13x6 (but i must measuring the data on the bench!) I hope that it should be enough (it's not a racer)
A small mannequin bust (rectified.... 73gr) is frankly welcome to make the model a bit more realistic .......
MADISONMaster
I did some testing of engine propeller shaft location - Hott Controller 60A and implementation of EMAX BL2826/06 - get everything perfect Bench testing has revealed a pull 2.7 kg with a 12x6 CAM PROP this EMAX BL2826/06 for 41A and 15V ... I think putting one APC 13x6 (but i must measuring the data on the bench!) I hope that it should be enough (it's not a racer)
A small mannequin bust (rectified.... 73gr) is frankly welcome to make the model a bit more realistic .......
MADISONMaster
05-14-2015, 02:56 AM
#104
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No, .......... recovery and the front undercarriage leg are the same as yours
The kit is like yours except it has a Gee Bee decoration ! and i don't want it
I found the landing gear leg here (very strong)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s..._Pin_2pc_.html
I change the front because I find that this ROBART leg is not enough strong and ......... too expensive
but i will must make some changes in the front compartment to put the landing gear
I made engine tests on the bench : 3.1kg of pull (660W)
46A - 14.3v - APC 13x6
I think to be powerful enough for this aircraft !!!
I received the ORACOVER of my favorite colors
MADISONMaster
Last edited by MADISONMaster; 05-15-2015 at 11:06 PM.
05-15-2015, 03:24 AM
#106
No the uncovered wings are hanging on my peg board in the shop, will be getting back on it along
with another project that has been on the back burner for some time in the coming weeks, got to
finish up my old ARF 4-Star 60 bash first, rebuilding after a nasty crash. Weather here has been really
terrible as of late, haven't done any flying yet this year, rain has put a damper on that, so been spending
plenty time in the shop lately. But the Tri-Pacer will fly this summer.............
Bill D.
with another project that has been on the back burner for some time in the coming weeks, got to
finish up my old ARF 4-Star 60 bash first, rebuilding after a nasty crash. Weather here has been really
terrible as of late, haven't done any flying yet this year, rain has put a damper on that, so been spending
plenty time in the shop lately. But the Tri-Pacer will fly this summer.............
Bill D.
05-20-2015, 07:36 PM
#110
What is even more surprising is that no one has come to this thread and either
agreed that they had issues with the one they bought, as I believe that they have
sold out twice on the Tri-Pacer now, and also when they (Hobby People) stripped
the covering off one they had in stock there wasn't anything about what they found,
be it good or bad!!! So I wonder what happened to all of those ones that they sold,
I'm sure some of them were assembled and flown.........but then again maybe they
only lasted one or two flights...LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill D.
agreed that they had issues with the one they bought, as I believe that they have
sold out twice on the Tri-Pacer now, and also when they (Hobby People) stripped
the covering off one they had in stock there wasn't anything about what they found,
be it good or bad!!! So I wonder what happened to all of those ones that they sold,
I'm sure some of them were assembled and flown.........but then again maybe they
only lasted one or two flights...LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill D.
07-18-2015, 01:03 PM
#111
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There is also a long thread on the HobbyPeople Tri-Pacer in RCGroups listed under Aircraft-Electric-Airplanes. Go down to Scale ARF/RTF then search for New Tri-Pacer ARF. I recently finished mine and found a lot of the information here in RCUniverse was very helpful. I stripped the covering and recovered with UltraCoat. The model flies very nice and gets lots of positive compliments at the field.
Ray
Ray
07-19-2015, 06:00 AM
#112
Thanks for the link to the RCG thread, have read it this morning, but have not
noticed that anyone commented on the lack of glue on the joints in the fuselage
as was the case of the one I have. It is now finally back on the table and will be
completed in the coming weeks. I had to recut the ca'd elevator hinges off and
will more than likely replace them with nylon hinges, haven't had much luck on
a hinge for the cabin door, just might do a mono cote hinge for simplicity, time will
tell.
Bill D.
noticed that anyone commented on the lack of glue on the joints in the fuselage
as was the case of the one I have. It is now finally back on the table and will be
completed in the coming weeks. I had to recut the ca'd elevator hinges off and
will more than likely replace them with nylon hinges, haven't had much luck on
a hinge for the cabin door, just might do a mono cote hinge for simplicity, time will
tell.
Bill D.
07-19-2015, 11:27 AM
#113
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Bill - the door hinges might seem to be a problem but once you have everything installed in the cabin (Rx, servos, etc.) you probably will not need the door opening again. I can reach everything inside after popping out the windshield / cowl. After I recovered my TP I simply sanded off some of then gray primer from the door and the two hinge locations on the fuse and put a drop of Welders Glue on those parts then reinstalled the door. I also made a 'T'-pin door handle on the outside but as I said I haven't needed to open the door again. Whatever you do there keep it simple.
Ray
Ray
08-04-2015, 01:41 AM
#114
Thanks for the tip on the door Ray, I will more than likely do the same on mine. I have finally decided
to use Robart 1/8" hinge points for the elevators, after re-hinging with the CA type hinges, I didn't like
the stiffness, so I cut them off again and stripped the covering off the stab and elevators, will be installing
some re-enforcement for the hinge points. and recovering again. My time to work on this plane has been
limited due to my part time job, been working 35-40 hours, but it puts more money in to the hobby budget.
Will do some more photos of the hinge work when I start to install them.
to use Robart 1/8" hinge points for the elevators, after re-hinging with the CA type hinges, I didn't like
the stiffness, so I cut them off again and stripped the covering off the stab and elevators, will be installing
some re-enforcement for the hinge points. and recovering again. My time to work on this plane has been
limited due to my part time job, been working 35-40 hours, but it puts more money in to the hobby budget.
Will do some more photos of the hinge work when I start to install them.
08-04-2015, 06:45 AM
#115
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Bill - nice thing about the internet and modelers - we can easily share ideas. You may have noticed from RCGroups that I used your idea to 'fix' the windshield/dash panel with anti-glare and black tube supports - nice touch. Thanks. I also noted the Robart nose gear parts you used to modify the nose gear. I'll go that way if (and when) my stock gear dies. Since I fly off a paved runway I think the stock gear will live a while longer.
I went with CA hinges on all surfaces after I recovered the Trii-pacer. I use them on just about all my models and have never had an issue. When I don't use CA hinges I use clear tape or Ultracoat for hinges. I don't fly 'big' gas models, only electric powered vintage and old timers plus performance sailplanes so my hinge choices work for me.
Those pesky door hinges. With the wings installed the door hits the flap servo when partially open so interior access, when assembled is limited. Go thru the front and just close the door.
I certainly understand the hobby $$.
Ray
I went with CA hinges on all surfaces after I recovered the Trii-pacer. I use them on just about all my models and have never had an issue. When I don't use CA hinges I use clear tape or Ultracoat for hinges. I don't fly 'big' gas models, only electric powered vintage and old timers plus performance sailplanes so my hinge choices work for me.
Those pesky door hinges. With the wings installed the door hits the flap servo when partially open so interior access, when assembled is limited. Go thru the front and just close the door.
I certainly understand the hobby $$.
Ray
08-12-2015, 06:47 PM
#117
Senior Member
R Bean I would really like you to get more information.. This plane has alot of sentimental value to me and I would enjoy reconnecting with my past... Let me know price and shipping to 12078 in NY..
Thanks,
Thanks,
08-21-2015, 02:43 AM
#120
Just in case anyone is wondering, I am still at it with this darn Tri-Pacer, it has tested my
patience to the max. I was setting up the push rods to the rudder & elevators only to find
that the elevator on one side was very stiff and would not loosen up so I cut the elevators off
and removed the stab and rebuild the trailing edge of it and the leading edges of both elevators.
I will be using pinned hinges instead of the CA type on this my last try at making this work. Sandwiched
1/32" ply between 1/8" balsa with the slots prepared and matched on both so that it will go
together without any hassle. Pics to follow this evening.
Bill D.
patience to the max. I was setting up the push rods to the rudder & elevators only to find
that the elevator on one side was very stiff and would not loosen up so I cut the elevators off
and removed the stab and rebuild the trailing edge of it and the leading edges of both elevators.
I will be using pinned hinges instead of the CA type on this my last try at making this work. Sandwiched
1/32" ply between 1/8" balsa with the slots prepared and matched on both so that it will go
together without any hassle. Pics to follow this evening.
Bill D.
Last edited by Bill Diedrich; 08-21-2015 at 02:45 AM.
08-21-2015, 05:56 PM
#121
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Bill - sounds like you have the proper fix for the hinging issue on the elevators. I also know the frustrations of getting this "ARF" rebuilt into a fine flying machine. Hang in there. The overall rewards of flying your Tri-Pacer will far outweigh the problems of getting her in the air.
Ray
Ray
09-26-2015, 01:28 PM
#122
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I had the Tri-Pacer out yesterday and was doing touch-n-goes. On the fourth TNG I touched down and rolled about 30 feet when the nose wheel left the axle (the little spring 'c' retainer clip did not retain). The plane came to a straight ahead stop with no real damage. The nose gear strut was bent rearward just a few degrees and the axle was twisted a bit. I found the wheel just off the runway. I was able to get everything back in alignment in the shop. I copied Bill's note on upgrading the nose gear to the better looking Du-Bro strut. I also have a standard Du-Bro coil wire strut on hand. I'll try the original strut next time out but will probably opt for Bill's Du-Bro setup. We could use some more input here on those other Tri-Pacers flying.
Ray
Ray
09-26-2015, 04:27 PM
#123
Senior Member
Ray when I went to Easton PA for the tri pacer I was also on my way to fl to look at new homes. My wwife and I found just what we wanted and bought it that day. so I left the tp kit with a flying buddy until we get back down there and settled in.. so I haven't done anything with mine yet... we sold our home here in NY and moving oct 19th to fl for good.. I will update you guys as soon as I can on my finding of the tri pacer once I get settled in the new house..
What was the upgrade nose gear link you mentioned in your post from Bill???
What was the upgrade nose gear link you mentioned in your post from Bill???
09-27-2015, 04:56 AM
#125
Ray when I went to Easton PA for the tri pacer I was also on my way to fl to look at new homes. My wwife and I found just what we wanted and bought it that day. so I left the tp kit with a flying buddy until we get back down there and settled in.. so I haven't done anything with mine yet... we sold our home here in NY and moving oct 19th to fl for good.. I will update you guys as soon as I can on my finding of the tri pacer once I get settled in the new house..
What was the upgrade nose gear link you mentioned in your post from Bill???
What was the upgrade nose gear link you mentioned in your post from Bill???
Welcome to the "SOUTH", "Warm Weather", Flying almost year round, where in Florida are you moving to?
For the parts to modify the nose gear see post #35 they are from Robart and fit with a little massaging.
Last edited by Bill Diedrich; 09-27-2015 at 05:20 AM. Reason: Addditional Info