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Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

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Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

Old 01-22-2013, 08:53 AM
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klord125
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Default Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

I was given a scratch built 36" ws Folker tri plane. The plane is in the bare bones. I'm wondering what size 2 stroke or 4 stroke engine do you think would be good.
Old 01-22-2013, 09:18 AM
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ZoomZoom-RCU
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Default RE: Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

Hmmm. Well not knowing much more than the span, off the top of my head I'd say a .30 to .40 size would be in the ballpark for two strokes. Triplanes are deceptively draggy and require a bit more power to wingspan than their two winged brethren.

ZZ.
Old 01-22-2013, 09:46 AM
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Default RE: Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

It really depends very much on the weight. In this size I'd hope it was built light. I fly a VK Nieuport 17 at 5 lbs 6 ozs with all the rigging wires on a PAW 40 diesel swinging a 13x6 prop at 7000 rpm and it is PLENTY of power. It is 1/6th scale, whereas yours is only 1/8 scale, i.e., yours is MUCH smaller. The PAW on that prop has way less power than a typical glow 40, but the larger, slower turning prop is more efficient aerodynamically on this kind of plane.

I once saw a magazine feature on a DR.I exactly your size that was flying on a 26 four stroke. Assuming it is not heavy, maybe 3 to 3 1/2 lbs ready to fly, I would just use anything I could fit that will swing a 10x4 inch prop. A K&B Sportster .20, OS 25 LA, OS .26 FS, anything like that.

The biggest problem on this kind of project is fitting an engine so you don't have half of it sticking out in front of the cowl and destroying the looks of your pretty plane. The other problem is getting it to balance with such a short nose. Then there is fitting a muffler. The OS 25 two stroke is fairly short. Older engines from the 60s or 70s were even shorter. You can angle the engine so the muffler, with luck, comes straight out the bottom. Or go to mecoa.com and find an in-cowl muffler.

Jim
Old 01-22-2013, 10:19 AM
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klord125
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Default RE: Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

I believe it was built from a blown up set of guilows plans. If I where to guess in the bones weight is around 2-1/2-3lbs
Old 01-22-2013, 02:15 PM
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Default RE: Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

Just for comparison sake, I have an Apple Model Products Fokker DR-1 kit that builds a Triplane with a 34.5 inch WS and 36-40 OZ flying weight. It was produced in the late 80's Early 90's period so the radio equipt carried a lot of weight. The plans call for a .09 to .15 two stroke engines with a throttled Cox Medallion .09 as the optimal for scale flight. The plans say that a .15 two stroke would be a "hot" flyer ..
FWIW....
Old 01-23-2013, 03:35 AM
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Default RE: Folker Tri Plane Engine size???

I have a 30" DR1 that I scratch built,I built it for electric motor.It weighs at 13 oz's with 4 servo's (2 in the wing, one for each aileron) &rx,and no motor pr esc or covering yet. I blew up Guillows plans to 30", and only used them for the out line of it. I built it my way, not like a Guillows did. Mines a lot stronger,but lighter. I also put the wheel suspension on it, and all wings are bolt on.

I also have a72" scratch-a-plane DR1.Like buzzard bait say's you'll want a larger prop. you need to clear a large cowl. My 30" will have a 10 - 11" prop, scale would be a 12" prop.

Post some pictures of your plane. Here's a couple pictures of mine, still in the bare bones, soon to be covered. With my72" during a rebuildof it after 20+yrsandsomeone else flewit!

Pat
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