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phoenix decathlon

Old 01-27-2007, 09:01 AM
  #51  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

I think this sickness is contagious. I just ordered mine and will put a Mag 52 4 stroke on it. [sm=71_71.gif]
Old 01-27-2007, 10:18 AM
  #52  
ABELL
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Isn't it amazing what can come out of one simple question? It's still cooooooold out right now, for NW Alabama any way, but the boys and I are loading up. To fly what? A Super Decathlon. When Ben got his I thought I would get to spend some time on his old Tiger 2, but Logan, the youngest, has taken up an interest in flying again. We're all three flying again. This is a great family hobby. Jane the wife got on the sim last night and had a ball. Might wind up having to get her a plane ......Now what is Tower's number...........
Old 01-27-2007, 04:08 PM
  #53  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Trying to send photos of Ben's decathlon.....
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Old 01-27-2007, 04:18 PM
  #54  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

What a great looking airplane for $120! It's a bit squirrely on the ground, but in the air it's rock solid. Ben really puts on a show with it too. Keep up the good work Ben!

I had a bit of engine trouble with mine, soon to be resolved. I haven't fully decided what to put back in it tho. Another .46 2st or go for the Saito .65....hmmmm The only thing stopping me from going with the Saito is the rework to the mount and blind nuts, will be a pain.

Meanwhile a couple more pics of the local Decathlon guru. [8D]
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Old 01-27-2007, 07:59 PM
  #55  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

No pain, no gain?
Old 01-27-2007, 08:26 PM
  #56  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Actually it wasn't so bad. Anyone got a good suggestion for a prop for a Saito 65?
Old 01-27-2007, 11:01 PM
  #57  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

I would try a 13-6. The 13" will give you lots of pull and you won't want more speed than the 6" pitch. The Decathlon is heavy but flys faster than you would expect. [8D]
Old 01-30-2007, 10:43 AM
  #58  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

hi guys ... got my dad one of these yesterday he wants to learn to fly gonna use a saito 82 in it
do u think that calls for rear mounted servos to balance ? will futaba 3151 servos cut it on this bird ?
Old 01-30-2007, 10:49 AM
  #59  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Are you going to try to use this plane as a trainer? If so, I do not recommend it. The Saito .82 will be a great match but tailweight will be needed, even if you put the servos in the tail. I do not have exact numbers yet, will advise when I have balanced mine with Saito .65. The 3151's will be just fine, I use old 148's and 3004's, no problems.
Old 01-30-2007, 11:38 AM
  #60  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

well yes it will be used as a trainer in fact ... we will fly it with a buddy box ... so i think it shouldnt be too bad i hears ppl talk about the bad stall characteristics and so one ... but i already got it so we will c.
another thing . no one seems to bother about the distance between the firewall and the spinner backplate when installing the bigger engines ... ? does it really make no difference ? i want to go by the book at install mine with 105 mm clearence
Old 01-30-2007, 11:41 AM
  #61  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

WoAh!! That is not a good plane for a trainer!! Not even a good second plane!!! Way too fast and frisky and the takeoffs require a fair bit of experience!!! If you want to try an advanced trainer then an Avistar would be a far better choice!!! [8D]
Old 01-30-2007, 11:45 AM
  #62  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

oh well there is no going back now

what about the distance between the back plate and firewall ?
Old 01-30-2007, 11:50 AM
  #63  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

If you do the taking off it's an easy plane to fly. A good bit more responsive than a standard trainer, but still controllable. Personnally I would consider this a 3rd plane at best. the larger motors will not fit at the book distance. The cowl is too short to move it out much. I have about 3/4" spread on mine with the Saito .65 and it looks pretty good using the stock spinner.
Old 01-30-2007, 11:57 AM
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

hmmm alrite then what i am also having second thoughs about glueing the pipe ?
whats the word on that ?
Old 01-30-2007, 12:09 PM
  #65  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Gluing the wing joiner pipe? Definately use 30min epoxy.
Old 01-30-2007, 12:11 PM
  #66  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Anyone else wanna post a pic of thier Decathlon? I hope to get some of mine up soon.
Old 01-30-2007, 08:58 PM
  #67  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Jim,Glad to here you ordered.Mine shipped yesterday and hope to receive tomorrow.I've only flown trainers and the Dolphin so I think I'll start off with a buddy box.I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Old 01-31-2007, 12:23 AM
  #68  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

I believe a good hot .46 is the way to go with this plane with the ultimate engine being the .55AX. Keeping this plane light and nimble is the way it likes to be flown!
Old 01-31-2007, 12:59 AM
  #69  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

I sure wish I had been as insightful as you to ask these questions before I tried to fly one of those (I HAD a Seagull Decathlon OS 50sx). It was always squirelly and I was not aware of what I was doing wrong at that time. It was my first plane after my trainer and I had the same delussion that it would be a more acrobatic trainer like plane...WRONG! I honestly believe my Ultimate Bipe 40s is easier to fly than that plane was. I should get another now just so I can say it didn't get the better of me. Congrats on your maiden Ben.

PS: Mine deid after about 10-12 flights then one bad take off resulted in a tip stall that removed the nose of the plane. It was very repairable but I was so frustrated with the ground handling I was almost glad to scrap it... at that time.
Old 01-31-2007, 09:19 AM
  #70  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Great! Mine shipped yesterday (Tues) and I expect it on Fri.
Old 01-31-2007, 09:43 AM
  #71  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Since this is still going let me repeat something about my Phoenix Decathlon.

Ease the throttle for takeoff and she's no problem at all.

I've got a bunch of flights on mine now. I was lucky to see a buddy try to fly his just a few days before I maidened mine. He is a jam-and-pray-takeoff kind of guy. He hasn't brought that plane back since the first couple of outings. He's asked me more than once why I think mine is so much better an airplane than his is. His isn't any different than mine, at least from what I've seen. Same ARF. Almost same engine.

Last time out, I did some touch-taxi-and-goes. I was doing touch and goes and another Decathlon owner (former owner since he sold his at a huge loss) came out to badger me about how bad the airplane was. So to shut him up I did what I guess really are land-and-takeoffs. The airplane is like a lot of models. You need to avoid some things they don't do very well.

The airplane needs a gentle touch on the throttle right after landing just like on takeoff. But other than that?????
Old 01-31-2007, 10:24 AM
  #72  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

hey guys just sliped my engine on and the cowl seem to be facing a little down to match the center of the crank shaft ...

did i do something wrong with the engine installation or is this a common issue which the cowl has ? should it be ferfectly straight ?
Old 01-31-2007, 10:27 AM
  #73  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

Mine was a little off as well. Try to get it close and still line up with the covering lines on the fuse. Keep us posted on your progress!
Old 01-31-2007, 10:37 AM
  #74  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

these are pictures of my setup ... really puts me off ... i have a feeling that i went of axis with the engine mount
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Old 01-31-2007, 11:38 AM
  #75  
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Default RE: phoenix decathlon

RE: "Ease the throttle for takeoff and she's no problem at all. " < Thats exactly it!! Slowly ease up the throtle and keep on top of when the plane wants to start the left torqueing turn. After that the plane looks like any other plane taking off. Try the throw the throttle and go method and you better be really fast on the sticks to prevent a disasterous takeoff. I am used to the plane now so I can use either takeoff style but the first way is much easier to control and looks much better. [8D]

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