New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
#352
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Spring Valley, CA
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been looking at this plane for awhile andI have a OS91 surpass that needs a home. I bought servos and a receiver today. How did the build go and let me know how she flys?
#353
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll let you know how the maiden goes, I've also got a build log here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2575180
#355
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So, google rc decathlon and you will find lots of "internet pros" that warn you about flying this plane. Lots of horror stories about ground loops and tip stalls...load of rubbish IF you don't take the p*ss and fly it properly.
I've learnt the art of scale flying a tail dragger with my trusty great planes piper cub, its all about rudder control and letting the tail come up gradually on takeoff. The decathlon was no different. I gradually got up to half throttle at which point the tail came up, held it there for a second or two and she lifted off perfectly. Barely needed any counter rudder for the prop wash. I have no doubt that if I'd gone full throttle like you do in a trainer the o.s would have overpowered the plane and caused me control problems.
Landing was fine, the only problem was the wet "sticky" grass bit the front wheels. I wasn't fast enough to give it up elevator to get the tail down and over she went, luckily no damage.
Notes: Fly it like a real plane and it will serve you well. I'm upgrading to bigger wheels and a better tail wheel. That's it.
Looking forward to more flights in the future
I've learnt the art of scale flying a tail dragger with my trusty great planes piper cub, its all about rudder control and letting the tail come up gradually on takeoff. The decathlon was no different. I gradually got up to half throttle at which point the tail came up, held it there for a second or two and she lifted off perfectly. Barely needed any counter rudder for the prop wash. I have no doubt that if I'd gone full throttle like you do in a trainer the o.s would have overpowered the plane and caused me control problems.
Landing was fine, the only problem was the wet "sticky" grass bit the front wheels. I wasn't fast enough to give it up elevator to get the tail down and over she went, luckily no damage.
Notes: Fly it like a real plane and it will serve you well. I'm upgrading to bigger wheels and a better tail wheel. That's it.
Looking forward to more flights in the future
#356
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Spring Valley, CA
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That sounds great. I have hundreds of hours flying full scale tailwheel planes and it helps a lot knowing about aerodynamics when flying RC. I love flying tailwheel models. Congrats on your maiden.
#357
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks :-) Hoping for a good summer this year so I can get more time flying this and my cub. What full scale tailwheel planes have you flown?
#358
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've installed a Dubro semi-scale tailwheel. Unfortunately it wouldn't work straight out the box as the arms on the rudder bracket were hitting the end of the fuselage (it's quite a bit wider than the rudder) I had to lower the whole tail assembly using balsa but it ended up working really well.