Great Planes Giant Citabria GP/EP ARF 85"
10-09-2014, 06:32 AM
#176
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Could someone post pictures of the cut outs on the bottom of the cowl for a DLE 35RA. I am about finished with my plane, but have not made my cut outs yet. Plan to run the engine tomorrow, it ran great on the engine stand. This is my first ARF kit, it is great, I don't think I could have built for the cost of the AFR. I have been flying & building RC airplane for more than 30 years. I can now understand why they are so popular.
Thanks
Rich
Thanks
Rich
Anyone else with Pic of your cutout.
Video of the EME starter in action.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCAlFll3tP0
Last edited by drdoom; 10-09-2014 at 08:56 AM.
10-09-2014, 08:26 PM
#178
I just installed the tail push rods, actually not soldered yet, but I found the rudder push rod very tight. The elevators have a much looser fit, and I mean the push rods themselves, not the surfaces. Looks like it bends slightly where it exits the fuse. Not sure if this is right, any suggestions? Thanks.
10-10-2014, 09:32 AM
#181
The push roads on mine were fine, loose normal.
Gutzmer
Since you asked, when I got home last night ( around midnight ) I meassure distance from the groung to the tip of the prop and end up with, when with all three wheels on the ground is 3 1\4'' and when on to wheels like when taking off or landing, 1 1\4.
Not that much clearance, specially when landing, If it bounces hard the the prop my strike the ground, I will use the 20X8 but I will also get me one or two 19X10.
Gutzmer
Since you asked, when I got home last night ( around midnight ) I meassure distance from the groung to the tip of the prop and end up with, when with all three wheels on the ground is 3 1\4'' and when on to wheels like when taking off or landing, 1 1\4.
Not that much clearance, specially when landing, If it bounces hard the the prop my strike the ground, I will use the 20X8 but I will also get me one or two 19X10.
10-10-2014, 07:20 PM
#183
I worked on the cowl and the wing struts, the struts took some time to put thogother but at the end they came out good, the hole on the cowl is big enough for the air to flow out to keep the engine cool also it gives me access to the bottom cowl screws.
We talked about the struts damaging the fuse when we install the wing on, I now I can see the problem, I came out with a quick solution but will make it a little better for every day use.
Last edited by CARS II; 10-10-2014 at 07:44 PM.
10-12-2014, 05:25 PM
#185
Installed the receiver, batt, and IBEC, throttle push road/servo, CG.
I got me a mini JR digital servo moving the throttle, I'm using a 14 chl receiver but will end up with a 7 chl one because I was able to set up the flaps and ailerons with 2 Ys, they needed very little centering and the ends can be adjusted via the radio, the CG was per the manual, 3 1/2" from the leading edge, super nice that one does not have to add any ballast.
The flaps were easy to set up using the Crow pre-mix that comes with the Futaba 10CAP, with this mix you get to adjust the elevator trim during flight while deploying the flaps, also found on the mix funtion that I can set up the 3 position flap switch on the second position to a mid flap deployment, this is very cool, the 9 CAP did not have this option.
I came out with a modified way how to mount and remove the wing, keeping the struts ends covers on, put the two wing half togather, keep a gap between the two half, this gap will allow you to drop the wing onto the wing saddle without the struts ends touching the fuse, once on the saddle close the gap, slide the wing to the wing center hold down, remove the strut cover and secure the strut ( I changed mine to nylon nuts )
Removing them, remove the nylon bolts, remove the struts screws, reinstall the covers on the struts, slide the wing back to free it from the fuse, separate the two half some just enough to pull up the wing without touching then fuse.
One picture of the table with some of the tools I was using.:-)
I got me a mini JR digital servo moving the throttle, I'm using a 14 chl receiver but will end up with a 7 chl one because I was able to set up the flaps and ailerons with 2 Ys, they needed very little centering and the ends can be adjusted via the radio, the CG was per the manual, 3 1/2" from the leading edge, super nice that one does not have to add any ballast.
The flaps were easy to set up using the Crow pre-mix that comes with the Futaba 10CAP, with this mix you get to adjust the elevator trim during flight while deploying the flaps, also found on the mix funtion that I can set up the 3 position flap switch on the second position to a mid flap deployment, this is very cool, the 9 CAP did not have this option.
I came out with a modified way how to mount and remove the wing, keeping the struts ends covers on, put the two wing half togather, keep a gap between the two half, this gap will allow you to drop the wing onto the wing saddle without the struts ends touching the fuse, once on the saddle close the gap, slide the wing to the wing center hold down, remove the strut cover and secure the strut ( I changed mine to nylon nuts )
Removing them, remove the nylon bolts, remove the struts screws, reinstall the covers on the struts, slide the wing back to free it from the fuse, separate the two half some just enough to pull up the wing without touching then fuse.
One picture of the table with some of the tools I was using.:-)
Last edited by CARS II; 10-12-2014 at 06:45 PM.
10-12-2014, 06:48 PM
#186
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Well. today was Maiden day. The wind was blowing 90 deg direct crosswind 7 to 10 Mph. Overcast and a very light drizzle. When I installed the wing I did 1/2 at a time and had no issue with wing struts. I tripled the monokote in that area just in case of an interference problem. Take off roll was trying. but I did get her airborne. It needed quite a bit of up elevator. Ailerons and rudder were spot on. The Little DLE 35 RA had plenty of power. I thought it flew very well. but Not as easy as My S Bach. Landing on the first flight I used 1 notch Prolly 15 Deg of flaps and I ran out of Elevator. It landed nice but I had Full up elevator. My landing gear legs flattened out a bit, I bent them back to shape. The engine seemed to change to what I thought was rich. I increased the throw on the elevator. removed the cowl and Noticed that the vent tube was touching the muffler. Burning thru and it sealed off the vent. that explained the performance change on the motor. I had a hard time getting it to roll out on landing without the tail coming around. I was flying off of Asphalt. Takeoffs were tricky also. In conclusion It is my belief I need to move the CG back a bit. It balances with the nose down on the factory CG location. Most tail draggers are easier to fly off of grass. Both of my touchdowns were greasers and Both times if flexed the gear legs. The air exit hole in the cowl seemed just fine. Something need to be done with that. Interested to hear other pilots handle the tracking of the Citabria on roll out. That and gear legs are the Only 2 issues.
CARS II: Set up a lot of elevator throw. you need it to land.
CARS II: Set up a lot of elevator throw. you need it to land.
Last edited by drdoom; 10-12-2014 at 07:43 PM.
10-12-2014, 07:08 PM
#187
Congrats drdoom.
Now two reports on the main been to soft, I would like to know what size prop are you using with the DLE 35? my airplane's CG was righ on the spot per the manual, my fingers were right at the edge of the rear of the spar, 3 1/2" away from the leading edge.
I guest I'm next, tomorrow I will have the time to run the engine and to do the maident flight, I will report by tomorrow event.
Now two reports on the main been to soft, I would like to know what size prop are you using with the DLE 35? my airplane's CG was righ on the spot per the manual, my fingers were right at the edge of the rear of the spar, 3 1/2" away from the leading edge.
I guest I'm next, tomorrow I will have the time to run the engine and to do the maident flight, I will report by tomorrow event.
Last edited by CARS II; 10-12-2014 at 07:10 PM.
10-13-2014, 08:36 AM
#190
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EME Onboard starter works fantastic. Operates off of a 4S 2200 70C, thru a Fuji starter switch. That battery also is run thru a voltage regulator and runs the Engine ignition. I could run the receiver with it as well... but for the sake of safety, It has its own Battery.
Last edited by drdoom; 10-13-2014 at 06:55 PM.
10-13-2014, 08:55 AM
#191
I got the EME On board starter for my for my DLE 35RA that I planned to use on a 1/4 scale SPAD XIII. I put the EME starter on a DLE 30 that is on my Super Stearmann, works great. I installed the 35 RA on the Citabria. I found that I could use my hand held starter to start the DLE 35RA. All is good, just finishing up, hope to maiden the Citabria next weekend.
Rich
Rich
10-13-2014, 08:35 PM
#192
Drdoom
Now that I have read your post again and I see that you added the on board starter and that is why the CG is forward from the factory recomended, with a CG like that for sure you will run out elevator during the flare. I suspect that if you balance it at 3 1/2 the flare will be much more different.
Now that I have read your post again and I see that you added the on board starter and that is why the CG is forward from the factory recomended, with a CG like that for sure you will run out elevator during the flare. I suspect that if you balance it at 3 1/2 the flare will be much more different.
10-13-2014, 09:13 PM
#193
I was able to take the Citabria to the field, I run the engine for about a tank, it took about 6 attempts to get the first run, it run for about 5 minutes then it stop, getting it to run again took some time but it came to life after the needles were adjusted to the richer side, from there on it run none stop, it was doing 6900 on the high end and 1600 on the low end, running a 20X8.
I did all the groung checks, all checks are good, the engine is running good for a flight also I got it to taxy, taxing was easy and stable, sad to say that I didn't have time for the maiden flight also the winds were gasting to high, on my next day off I will go the the field just to fly her since all the pre flight checks have been done.
I did all the groung checks, all checks are good, the engine is running good for a flight also I got it to taxy, taxing was easy and stable, sad to say that I didn't have time for the maiden flight also the winds were gasting to high, on my next day off I will go the the field just to fly her since all the pre flight checks have been done.
Last edited by CARS II; 10-13-2014 at 09:19 PM.
10-14-2014, 01:39 PM
#195
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So how does one upload a video clip? I would think a 120mb size is too large. Is there a way to compress it?
I was running my twin cylinder on the Citabria this last weekend while waiting for my radio to be returned from Futaba. I should have it by Thursday and be flying this Citabria by Saturday. Gonna do some baffeling around the cylinders and block off the screened intake so that there is more exit than intake to avoid packing the cowl and reduce air flow. Has anyone with a single cylinder considered blocking the two scale intakes? I do recall reading about the Revolver 70 blocking the one side of a single cylinder side mounted two stroke to avoid just this same thing. As long as there is plenty of exit then it doesnt matter, but my pipes exit through two small holes at the bottom, sloted to get the cowl on. and the other two holes are near the cylinders. But still not a lot of room for air to flow out.
Anyway, im very concerned about hearing that two have had some bending of the landing gear. I know my Revolver 50 cc (20 Lb) has a similar landing gear and I have hundreds of landings on it with no trouble. Im still thinking the metal has not been tempered right for this Citabria. Had that problem with the metal tail wheel bending on very easy landings.
CARSII, yes, one landing on the mains even a little hard would cause a strick to the prop. I probable have the same or even a little more clarence with my 19x20. I dont know if I can go down to a 18" on this 40 cc so if I have a problem I may have to go to a three blade. More money, less power.
I was running my twin cylinder on the Citabria this last weekend while waiting for my radio to be returned from Futaba. I should have it by Thursday and be flying this Citabria by Saturday. Gonna do some baffeling around the cylinders and block off the screened intake so that there is more exit than intake to avoid packing the cowl and reduce air flow. Has anyone with a single cylinder considered blocking the two scale intakes? I do recall reading about the Revolver 70 blocking the one side of a single cylinder side mounted two stroke to avoid just this same thing. As long as there is plenty of exit then it doesnt matter, but my pipes exit through two small holes at the bottom, sloted to get the cowl on. and the other two holes are near the cylinders. But still not a lot of room for air to flow out.
Anyway, im very concerned about hearing that two have had some bending of the landing gear. I know my Revolver 50 cc (20 Lb) has a similar landing gear and I have hundreds of landings on it with no trouble. Im still thinking the metal has not been tempered right for this Citabria. Had that problem with the metal tail wheel bending on very easy landings.
CARSII, yes, one landing on the mains even a little hard would cause a strick to the prop. I probable have the same or even a little more clarence with my 19x20. I dont know if I can go down to a 18" on this 40 cc so if I have a problem I may have to go to a three blade. More money, less power.
10-14-2014, 05:41 PM
#196
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Originally Posted by [email protected]
Anyway, im very concerned about hearing that two have had some bending of the landing gear. I know my Revolver 50 cc (20 Lb) has a similar landing gear and I have hundreds of landings on it with no trouble. Im still thinking the metal has not been tempered right for this Citabria. Had that problem with the metal tail wheel bending on very easy landings
10-15-2014, 06:16 AM
#197
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Yes I remember seeing that post and the reinforcement. But I also want to waite and see how it goes. I believe the gear is strong enough, if the metal is tempered properly. And I then would address this to GP for a possible replacement. Enough complaints would get something done about it. And like I said before, my GP giant revolver has a similar gear and no problems. so I will know by next week how my gear will fair.