Pete S-RCU

I'm just getting started on building the Top Flite SR-9.
Any thing I should know about before I get too far into it?
Any suggestions on changes or any error in the plans etc.?

Thanks

Yank II

Pete
The only thing I know for sure is order a one piece landing gear. The two piece seems to cause problems. TNT has the one peace gear, part # LG6-490A.
I have to look up a few things. Will PM
Jim

Yank II

Pete
This is the paint scheme I have picked.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Shell...ant/1394330/M/

http://www.vintageaircraft.org/featu...%20-%20Dinndor

Another example.

http://www.srfc.org/gallery22.htm

This is a follow along build I found.

http://www.rcmodel.com/2011/04/build...tinson-sr-9-7/

Jim

MaineBear

There are some SR9 threads on RCU and RCSB you ought to look into. Should give you a good 'heads up' what you can expect during your build. The plane is an enjoyable build and fun plane to fly. And, 'yes'...a one piece gear is a priority.

One piece gears were not commercially available when I built mine... So, rather than making/getting one made, I renforced the kit's mount system (a poor and weak design), and joined the kit's two gear legs together, using with a wide strip 3/16" thk piece alumuinum. I know of other builders at that time who made their own one piece gear. My SR9 continues to fly (over 6 yrs now) and has withstood many landings...

Dick

Pete S-RCU

Thanks for the suggestions.
I know a guy who does beautiful welding, maybe he can weld the two pieces together and add a reinforcing plate to the bottom.
I believe he can do it without softening the aluminum.

That Shell color scheme is a good one, make it very visible in cloudy weather.

Pete S-RCU

So, you're saying its the gear mount that's the problem, not the gear itself.
The gear looks very substantial, it's 1/4 inch thick, but it is two pieces.
Even if I beef up the gear, have it welded together, I should strengthen the mount?

TomCrump

The mount is the source of the problem. The area needs to be beefed up to withstand landing loads.

Some pilots don't experience problems, but many more do.

Pete S-RCU

Another question, does this plane build nose heavy?
The instructions mention a 24" extension wire for the battery, indicating it's in the rear of the plane?
The plans also show servos in the back, as an option I assume.
I'm planing on using a US engines 41 that I have.
Maybe a tad heavy, but not much heavier than the .35 they show on the plans.

dreid

My Feedback: (13)

The US 41 is the same weight as the US 35 and will do well for the plane. Use a 20x8 prop, we used a standard Zinger and rounded the tips. It is my buddies plane. Make sure you direct enough air over the cylinder head and thru the exit hole in the cowl to keep thing from over heating.

Pete S-RCU

Thanks for the reply.
Do you know how the cg turned out?
Just like to know while I'm building so I can arrange stuff so I don't have to add weight to balance it.

dreid

My Feedback: (13)

I will have to check with him. I don't recall any balance issues, but my memory sometimes fails me. It is a real sweet flying plane.

dreid

My Feedback: (13)

Just got off the phone with my buddy. His plane was 22 lbs with no lead in the nose. The batteries are behind the firewall. Plane covered with Ceconite and painted with Stits paint. He won an award at Rhinebeck a few years ago. Let me know if I can answer any more questions.