Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
#129
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RE: Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
frugalflyer,
Your resurrection of that "PRO" has turned out nice. If you get a chance maybe you could post a before and after picture side by side.
Needless to say - I will be waiting to here the flight report.
Your resurrection of that "PRO" has turned out nice. If you get a chance maybe you could post a before and after picture side by side.
Needless to say - I will be waiting to here the flight report.
#130
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RE: Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
Thanks gentlemen for your kind words - however it looks better in the pic than it realy is. My painting skills leave a lot to be desired.
It will be a couple of weeks or so before I maiden it. I put my nose above ground yesterday, and like the Phil the ground hog, didn't see a shadow, so I quickly retreated into warmth of the basement. I also discovered that my Magnum 180 had a bent crank shaft. I've messed with model engines for 60 yrs and have had only two bent cranks. Both were after very minor incedents and both were ASP/Magnum engines. Coincedence; I think not. I have new bearings and a crank on the way. I do hope that the new crank is made of sterner stuff.
As requested I'll post again after it's flown and I've shaken out any bugs. If I leave the bent crank I could be sure of a whole lot of shaking going on.
Rick - the only before pic I have is the one previously posted of the fuse covered in yellow and green ultracote, with orange pinstripe.
It will be a couple of weeks or so before I maiden it. I put my nose above ground yesterday, and like the Phil the ground hog, didn't see a shadow, so I quickly retreated into warmth of the basement. I also discovered that my Magnum 180 had a bent crank shaft. I've messed with model engines for 60 yrs and have had only two bent cranks. Both were after very minor incedents and both were ASP/Magnum engines. Coincedence; I think not. I have new bearings and a crank on the way. I do hope that the new crank is made of sterner stuff.
As requested I'll post again after it's flown and I've shaken out any bugs. If I leave the bent crank I could be sure of a whole lot of shaking going on.
Rick - the only before pic I have is the one previously posted of the fuse covered in yellow and green ultracote, with orange pinstripe.
#132
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RE: Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
It's been a long time coming but atlast I got the Citpro airborne. After a bitterly cold winter the 'spring' was very wet and windy so now we've jumped to summer which means it's bloody 'ot. Why did I choose to live in Ohio?
First attempts at flight were quickly aborted as it had a vicious left wing droop. Had to put 3oz lead in the right one to correct. My fault I should have checked lateral balance especially as it wasn't my build. Next problem, the remote glow plug didn't function. The plug would get warm but not glow as there was too much resistance in the wiring. Even using a 1.5v dry cell didn't solve the problem. Removed cowl and lit the plug in the usual way. Had a problem getting the engine to peak, but flew gently round the patch a few times anyway. When cleaning up noticed quite a lot of fuel/residue on the top of the wing even though it's an inverted engine. I suspected blow back through the carb sugesting wrong valve timing. Pulled the cam and refitted.
Next trip to the engine ran great, and the Citpro came to life. Climbed vertically and did all the standard manouvers fine except the roll rate is very slow, even with the ailerons at max throw. As the spin also required a very large elevator input, I suspect that moving CG rearward will be an improvement.
Conclusion - Looks good flies Ok but not as aerobatic as I'd hoped = maybe a cg move will inprove this. All the mods worked well.
I'm now making foam floats for it.
First attempts at flight were quickly aborted as it had a vicious left wing droop. Had to put 3oz lead in the right one to correct. My fault I should have checked lateral balance especially as it wasn't my build. Next problem, the remote glow plug didn't function. The plug would get warm but not glow as there was too much resistance in the wiring. Even using a 1.5v dry cell didn't solve the problem. Removed cowl and lit the plug in the usual way. Had a problem getting the engine to peak, but flew gently round the patch a few times anyway. When cleaning up noticed quite a lot of fuel/residue on the top of the wing even though it's an inverted engine. I suspected blow back through the carb sugesting wrong valve timing. Pulled the cam and refitted.
Next trip to the engine ran great, and the Citpro came to life. Climbed vertically and did all the standard manouvers fine except the roll rate is very slow, even with the ailerons at max throw. As the spin also required a very large elevator input, I suspect that moving CG rearward will be an improvement.
Conclusion - Looks good flies Ok but not as aerobatic as I'd hoped = maybe a cg move will inprove this. All the mods worked well.
I'm now making foam floats for it.
#133
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RE: Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
ORIGINAL: frugalflyer
.......... the remote glow plug didn't function. The plug would get warm but not glow as there was too much resistance in the wiring. Even using a 1.5v dry cell didn't solve the problem............
Next trip to the engine ran great, and the Citpro came to life. Climbed vertically and did all the standard manouvers fine except the roll rate is very slow, even with the ailerons at max throw. As the spin also required a very large elevator input, I suspect that moving CG rearward will be an improvement.
Conclusion - Looks good flies Ok but not as aerobatic as I'd hoped = maybe a cg move will inprove this. All the mods worked well.
I'm now making foam floats for it.
.......... the remote glow plug didn't function. The plug would get warm but not glow as there was too much resistance in the wiring. Even using a 1.5v dry cell didn't solve the problem............
Next trip to the engine ran great, and the Citpro came to life. Climbed vertically and did all the standard manouvers fine except the roll rate is very slow, even with the ailerons at max throw. As the spin also required a very large elevator input, I suspect that moving CG rearward will be an improvement.
Conclusion - Looks good flies Ok but not as aerobatic as I'd hoped = maybe a cg move will inprove this. All the mods worked well.
I'm now making foam floats for it.
Excellent and congratulations. I would expect that the 1.8 would haul that plane around like there is no tomorrow.
Were you able to resize the wire for your remote glow igniter and get it to work?
I’d be interested in what your maximum aileron throw is. Either in degrees or inches at the trailing edge of the aileron. Perhaps I will increase the size of the ailerons in cord and in length.
I would also like to hear your results on experimenting with the CG. For me, this is a normal process with a new plane (experimenting with the CG) but it would be nice to have an idea were it might end up.
The floats ought to be fun....
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RE: Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
Rick - Solved the remote glow by shortening the run. The remote glow connecter is now on the bottom of the cowl directly connected to the engine and plug.
Slow roll rate - My aileron throw is 1 1/8". I've moved the cg progressively back to 4 3/4" from leading edge. This is 34% of the wing chord and is well beyond normal. Still very slow roll. I presume that this a function of the parasol wing and something I'll have to live with.
Adding floats will certainly not improve the roll rate but it will look good. Float construction is well underway.
Slow roll rate - My aileron throw is 1 1/8". I've moved the cg progressively back to 4 3/4" from leading edge. This is 34% of the wing chord and is well beyond normal. Still very slow roll. I presume that this a function of the parasol wing and something I'll have to live with.
Adding floats will certainly not improve the roll rate but it will look good. Float construction is well underway.
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RE: Balsa USA Citabria Pro 2008 build
I just discovered this thread on the Pro. I have the kit and hope to begin construction this fall. There are some really good ideas and construction techniques about this kit and I hope it continues.
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Was on the Waco build thread and mentioned I was in the process of finishing a Citabria Pro and Wings suggested I post a pic of it over here. Was hoping to be finished soon but this morning after painting this morning the wing took on a white hue (humidity) and now not sure what I am going to do.
Herb
Herb
#138
Hi Herb,
You found us!!! Looks good but sorry to hear about the issue with the paint. What do you have in that girl for power? Also, is that a 1/3 scale Sig Space Walker?
Marko
You found us!!! Looks good but sorry to hear about the issue with the paint. What do you have in that girl for power? Also, is that a 1/3 scale Sig Space Walker?
Marko
#139
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Herb,
I hate to here about the paint. was it just clear coat? Will you be able to rub it down and re-shoot? I am lloking forward to a picture of it all together outside in some fo that Florida sun.
Marko,
How's it going. Are you guys starting to thaw out yet?
I keep thinking..... one of these days I will get back to building my PRO.
I hate to here about the paint. was it just clear coat? Will you be able to rub it down and re-shoot? I am lloking forward to a picture of it all together outside in some fo that Florida sun.
Marko,
How's it going. Are you guys starting to thaw out yet?
I keep thinking..... one of these days I will get back to building my PRO.
Last edited by RICKSTUBBZ; 03-20-2015 at 04:35 PM.
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Hi Marko, the Citabria has a DLE 20 in it. It was a perfect fit. I have pretty much switched to all gas engines. Less problems and the clean up is so much easier. I am down to only 2 glow planes.
One is small enough to just throw in the car in one piece when I need a quick fly fix. The Space Walker is indeed a 1/3 scale Sig kit I installed a DA 50 in it but it could have used something a little smaller. But it fly's really nice and is relaxing to fly. I spent a year on it and it is covered with Sig fabric. It is the 3rd Space Walker I have owned, the first was a 60 size the second a 1/4 scale with a DLE 20 and then this one. All flew pretty much the same, the 1/3 scale being the easiest to fly (less twitchy).
Herb
One is small enough to just throw in the car in one piece when I need a quick fly fix. The Space Walker is indeed a 1/3 scale Sig kit I installed a DA 50 in it but it could have used something a little smaller. But it fly's really nice and is relaxing to fly. I spent a year on it and it is covered with Sig fabric. It is the 3rd Space Walker I have owned, the first was a 60 size the second a 1/4 scale with a DLE 20 and then this one. All flew pretty much the same, the 1/3 scale being the easiest to fly (less twitchy).
Herb
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Hi Rick, not sure right now what I am going to do about the wing paint on the Pro. At the moment my thoughts are to let it dry real good and try to buff the haze out. I really should not have painted it this morning as it was very humid out and early morning, But I really wanted to finish the paint so I could finish up all the little things. I was looking to fly it next weekend. Oh well that is what I get for trying to rush the paint.
Herb
Herb
#142
Herb,
I really love the Space Walker! Another one on my "to get and build" list. I have flown a couple of them, and agree...they all fly the same. Really like the single seat version, so either have to get the 1/3, or modify the 1/4 scale to a single. Should not be that hard to do. Have to finish some of my current projects before I can seriously think about a Space Walker! Looking forward to the flight report on the Pro with the DLE. I was planning on using either a Thunder Tiger 1.30 four stroke, or a Super Tigre 2500....kinda undecided at the moment. Just depends which engine is left over after some other projects get completed.
Rick,
Well, we have had a few mild days and the snow is melting. Was out skiing today, and likely my last run for the season. The hills may be open well into April this year as we have had a lot of snow. Have a couple busy weeks at work coming up, then going away for a short vacation, so my skiing has come to an end this year. Have been working on my little RV-4 as I need to have it ready for a club contest this spring. Then going to tackle the Decathlon, or the Stearman. Man....too many planes and not enough time!!!!! You and I both need to get cracking on the Pro....and the Waco!!! Or we may get banned from the threads...or worse...denied a shirt!!!
Marko
I really love the Space Walker! Another one on my "to get and build" list. I have flown a couple of them, and agree...they all fly the same. Really like the single seat version, so either have to get the 1/3, or modify the 1/4 scale to a single. Should not be that hard to do. Have to finish some of my current projects before I can seriously think about a Space Walker! Looking forward to the flight report on the Pro with the DLE. I was planning on using either a Thunder Tiger 1.30 four stroke, or a Super Tigre 2500....kinda undecided at the moment. Just depends which engine is left over after some other projects get completed.
Rick,
Well, we have had a few mild days and the snow is melting. Was out skiing today, and likely my last run for the season. The hills may be open well into April this year as we have had a lot of snow. Have a couple busy weeks at work coming up, then going away for a short vacation, so my skiing has come to an end this year. Have been working on my little RV-4 as I need to have it ready for a club contest this spring. Then going to tackle the Decathlon, or the Stearman. Man....too many planes and not enough time!!!!! You and I both need to get cracking on the Pro....and the Waco!!! Or we may get banned from the threads...or worse...denied a shirt!!!
Marko
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Rick, your doing an amazing job of lightening your airframe, really nice work!!
Well i finally decided to put a video together, of the maiden flight of my Citabria pro, from earlier this summer. Things did not go so well unfortunatly. The take off was smooth and the climb out was uneventful, the engine seemed to be pulling fine I had lots of airspeed, but as I turned into the wind my turn was a bit steep and I think the wind must have pushed the low wing down putting me into a dive. Thats the only thing I can figure the incedence seemed fine and so did the cg. The good news is that it landed in very tall grass so the damage was minor. The repairs have been made and I will give it another go in the spring.
Rowl In my opinion the 26cc engine seems to be perfect for this plane, (for the little bit I got to fly it). I'm using an 18x8 prop and it weighs slightly over 12 lbs.
Enjoy the video, and let me know if you have any ideas of what may have gone wrong
Thanks Trevor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Bb_2Wcdhw
Well i finally decided to put a video together, of the maiden flight of my Citabria pro, from earlier this summer. Things did not go so well unfortunatly. The take off was smooth and the climb out was uneventful, the engine seemed to be pulling fine I had lots of airspeed, but as I turned into the wind my turn was a bit steep and I think the wind must have pushed the low wing down putting me into a dive. Thats the only thing I can figure the incedence seemed fine and so did the cg. The good news is that it landed in very tall grass so the damage was minor. The repairs have been made and I will give it another go in the spring.
Rowl In my opinion the 26cc engine seems to be perfect for this plane, (for the little bit I got to fly it). I'm using an 18x8 prop and it weighs slightly over 12 lbs.
Enjoy the video, and let me know if you have any ideas of what may have gone wrong
Thanks Trevor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Bb_2Wcdhw
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Okay so finally finished the "PRO". Buffing the wing took pretty much all of the haze from the wing, has a pretty good shine. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and will be able to make her first flight this weekend. My "Pro" is powered by a DLE 20 and controlled by a Futaba 14 channel radio. All of the servo's are Hitech. Hope you enjoy the picture
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Well maidened the "Pro" this morning. First take off attempt did a ground loop. This thing pulls hard to the left. Note to self put some right thrust in before flying again.
Second attempt down the runway, lots of right rudder and lift off. Added a little down trim for level flight. Fly's good. Ailerons roles very sluggish and slow, nice loops, in turns must coordinate first aileron input then rudder. Other wise it will dive. All in all not a bad plane. I cracked the wheel pants on the ground loop so I have to fix or leave them off. This week I will add a little right thrust and maybe a little down thrust to the engine. Will also add a little toe in to the l/gear. The plane showed no tendencies to stall at low speeds and just kinda floated in on the landing. It is not going to be a super aerobatic plane but should do the basics.
Second attempt down the runway, lots of right rudder and lift off. Added a little down trim for level flight. Fly's good. Ailerons roles very sluggish and slow, nice loops, in turns must coordinate first aileron input then rudder. Other wise it will dive. All in all not a bad plane. I cracked the wheel pants on the ground loop so I have to fix or leave them off. This week I will add a little right thrust and maybe a little down thrust to the engine. Will also add a little toe in to the l/gear. The plane showed no tendencies to stall at low speeds and just kinda floated in on the landing. It is not going to be a super aerobatic plane but should do the basics.
#148
Hi Herb,
Glad to hear the maiden went well for the most part. You may want to try a little aileron differential if you do not already have some. Being a high wing, it may benefit from some ail diff. You can also experiment with some mixing on the 14SG. I do that on a couple planes that require rudder mixing with ailerons. Assign it to a switch so you can activate it as needed....and while experimenting with how much. Usually I just mix in a slight amount, then add in more manually if needed via the stick.
Although not super aerobatic...I bet she looks amazing in the air!!!!
Marko
Glad to hear the maiden went well for the most part. You may want to try a little aileron differential if you do not already have some. Being a high wing, it may benefit from some ail diff. You can also experiment with some mixing on the 14SG. I do that on a couple planes that require rudder mixing with ailerons. Assign it to a switch so you can activate it as needed....and while experimenting with how much. Usually I just mix in a slight amount, then add in more manually if needed via the stick.
Although not super aerobatic...I bet she looks amazing in the air!!!!
Marko
Last edited by rc_wings; 04-05-2015 at 09:44 AM.
#149
Thread Starter
Herb,
Sounds good all in all. Your description of how it flies pretty much fits what I would expect out of it.
One could categorize it as a scale flyer?
Do you have a weight with the DLE 20 on it?
I still plan to use an ST90, (15CC glow versus 20CC gas).
I forget how much, but I do remember adding right and down into the motor mount I built.
Sounds good all in all. Your description of how it flies pretty much fits what I would expect out of it.
One could categorize it as a scale flyer?
Do you have a weight with the DLE 20 on it?
I still plan to use an ST90, (15CC glow versus 20CC gas).
I forget how much, but I do remember adding right and down into the motor mount I built.
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Marko when mixing the rudder/aileron which did you assign to be the slave, rudder or aileron? About how much differential do you recommend to start with?
Rick with the DLE 20 it weighs in at around 12 pounds. It fly's pretty much like I expected although I would wish for a little more snappier roles. At lower altitudes if you are nor careful you could really get into trouble. Barrel roles should look pretty good. As the DLE 20 is a rail type mount it was easy to change the thrust line. I added 2 small washers on the top left and 1 on the bottom left. Hopefully that should do it. If all checks out will try to see what the limits are this weekend. And hopefully bring it home again in one piece .
Rick with the DLE 20 it weighs in at around 12 pounds. It fly's pretty much like I expected although I would wish for a little more snappier roles. At lower altitudes if you are nor careful you could really get into trouble. Barrel roles should look pretty good. As the DLE 20 is a rail type mount it was easy to change the thrust line. I added 2 small washers on the top left and 1 on the bottom left. Hopefully that should do it. If all checks out will try to see what the limits are this weekend. And hopefully bring it home again in one piece .