mondieu01

My Feedback: (6)

I'm looking to get a 25% - 30% of one of these but I can't make up my mind on which plane that I want. Any of you guys got suggestions or explanations on the differences in the models?

LunaSea

the choice might depend a LOT on what kind of flyiing you like to do (what performance you expect from the plane). Assuming reasonable "scale" configuration, the Decathlon has a semi-symetrical or symetrical wing chord which allows for excellent aerobatic performance, expecially when appropriately powered (while a Citabria is basically a Decathlon with a flat-bottom or Clark-Y airfoil). The Taylorcraft should have a nearly flat-bottomed (or Clark-Y) airfoil which will not provide the same aerobatic performance, but shoud be a nice "Sunday Flyer" and will require less engine power to provide that kind of performance. General construction of both is similar as the airframes are much alike. The Citabria and Taylorcraft will perform much alike, the Decathlon needs more power but is fairly aerobatic...

darrolair

mondieu01,
Build the Taylorcraft and clip the wing. If it has the scale airfoil (23012), it should be a beautiful flying bird.
Good luck,
Darrolair

Gremlin Castle

My Feedback: (14)

I agree, plus with a clipwing there will not be many showing up at the flightline. There are several clipwing conversions of the T craft so it should not be a problem to find one that meets your needs.
Having just finished my part of a 42$ Super Decathlon, I am ready for a non Decathlon experience. A 50%clipped wing Monocoupe would be interesting.

Homepylon

My Feedback: (1)

Can't go wrong with a CW T-Craft.

Here's mine. Built from Bob Nelitz plans at 33%. 112" wingspan, 32 pounds, 3W 78 twin for power. It is an absolute joy to fly.

LT Pierce

Hello There:
I sure like your colour scheme,on the T-Craft,. I did mine in the Randy Henderson scheme.
From a modeling stand point the T-Craft wins hands down. When Bob was alive we shared
a love of building and flying. You may not be aware Bob passed away 1 1/2 years ago,
his memory lives on due to the models he built and designed.
Mine weighs 35 lbs. and is powered with a Spher 70 cc twin. I have close to 300 flights
and is still going strong.

apalsson

My Feedback: (1)

I would be very interested in a set of Bob's Taylorcraft plans. Do you know of anyone out there that sells them?
A quick google search didn't bring up anything for me

LT Pierce

Hello There:

I have the original Mylars and can sell these with the authority of BoB's wife.
If interested E-Mail Me at [email protected]

apalsson

My Feedback: (1)

Email sent

hanko

LunaSea, where did you come up with the clark Y airfoil? As stated above its a 23012 airfoild which is far from flat bottom

LunaSea

you are correct, the "scale" configuration w/b a naca23012 section. It is an asymetrical section with good lift, nasty stall characteristics and mariginal inverted performance (see NACA report)
[link=http://naca.central.cranfield.ac.uk/reports/1939/naca-report-661.pdf]NACA 23012 report[/link]

I stand corrected as to airfoil, but still stand on flight performance, the Decathlon in a scale configuration WILL have better aerobatic performmance than the Taylorcraft. So, it still depends on what the builder wants in terms of flight performance and uniqueness of subject... Lots of Decathlons around, not very many Taylorcrafts...

hanko

ever see Duane Cole roll his taylor craft inverted on take off and do and outside 360 circle and push verticle. ILl take a 180 horse clipped T-Craft anyday over a super decathalon. Now Im talking full scale, as most of my experience is in full scale competition.

hanko

This aint no ARF

crashwrench

Hello,

How about checking out > From www.RCguys.com There " 98 inch WS. Super Decathlon ARF .. [8D]
Mine has a DA- 50R with a Slimline ' inverted Pitts style Smoke muffler ' , Sullivan Smoke Pump , JR Radio ......

Check out the ' September 2007 Issue of Model Airplane News / Flight Test by klaus Ronge, Photos by Pete Hall...

If you WHANT BIGGER ???, There a 15 Foot wing span 47% Pilot-RC Decathlon , sold thru / www.troybuiltmodels.com ...

Hope this helps, Good luck,
Later,
Mark K.
Atlanta, GA. USA

Truckracer

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Few people realize that the 23000 series airfoil was used by Leo Loudenslager on his Lazer for many years. Everybody knows how aerobatic that airplane was! The 23012 is an excellent airfoil with fantastic snap and stall characteristics, though it has drag characteristics that are a bit low by modern standards.

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

One man's nasty stall characteristics are another man's good ones! Depends on how the airfoil is being used.

darrolair

Truckracer,
Along with Leo's Laser, just off the top of my head, the DC3, Bonanza, and Vann's RV use the same airfoil. All of which fly really well.
Darrolair

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

I wasn't aware the DC3 used that airfoil but was aware of the others. Thanks for the info. Hard to say it is a bad airfoil!! By the way, as has been stated before, Clipped Wing Taylorcrafts that use that airfoil fly very well! There have been several good kits and plans available over the years. Does anybody know the airfoil used on the new Hanger 9 Taylorcraft?

In any size, the Decathlon and Clipped Wing Taylorcraft are very different airplanes.