ECOMRC Howard Ike
09-23-2017, 12:54 PM
#51
My 55cc likes the Xoar 22x10. I have also used a 22x12.
Set the radio to reflex both ailerons up 1 inch on the flap switch. Extra drag and a rock-solid landing performance. Also adds a bit of down elevator to keep it from being "floaty."
Also got ahold of a 36 inch prop. Painted it black and I bolt it on when I bring the plane to the field. Really raises a few eyebrows when they see that huge prop on the front!
Set the radio to reflex both ailerons up 1 inch on the flap switch. Extra drag and a rock-solid landing performance. Also adds a bit of down elevator to keep it from being "floaty."
Also got ahold of a 36 inch prop. Painted it black and I bolt it on when I bring the plane to the field. Really raises a few eyebrows when they see that huge prop on the front!
09-23-2017, 02:34 PM
#52
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I think I'll try a 22X10 also too. Being a 4 stroke,it should be able to handle it.
I've heard others talk about the 1 inch reflex programmed into the ailerons. It's pretty easy to land already, but I'll give it a try.
The prop that I was flying before was painted with come paint, which also got alot of attention.
We've been having 20+ mph winds for a couple of weeks, I'm waiting for better weather to fly again.
Paul
I've heard others talk about the 1 inch reflex programmed into the ailerons. It's pretty easy to land already, but I'll give it a try.
The prop that I was flying before was painted with come paint, which also got alot of attention.
We've been having 20+ mph winds for a couple of weeks, I'm waiting for better weather to fly again.
Paul
09-25-2017, 10:44 AM
#53
Flew mine again this morning before it got hot. Started adding some air pressure to the Dubro Big Wheels inflatable tires. When they were new, they had enough rigidity to hold the plane up without added air. Now they need a few psi. These really take the bounce out of the landing! Am currently using a 5" wheel. Would recommend these to anyone on this plane.
Also had to rebuild the carb. It was taking about 100 flips with full choke to get it to start. Ran fine after that but my arm was numb. New (black) reed valve, new pump diaphragm, and clean the screen did the trick. Started in about 5 flips.
One other change was to drill out the landing gear and wheels to accept a 1/4" bolt for the axles. Kept bending the 70mm bolts that came with it. I used a 3" socket-head bolt that only had threads on the last inch. I don't think this one is going to bend.
This plane just flies GOOD, and nothing else looks like it in the air!
Also had to rebuild the carb. It was taking about 100 flips with full choke to get it to start. Ran fine after that but my arm was numb. New (black) reed valve, new pump diaphragm, and clean the screen did the trick. Started in about 5 flips.
One other change was to drill out the landing gear and wheels to accept a 1/4" bolt for the axles. Kept bending the 70mm bolts that came with it. I used a 3" socket-head bolt that only had threads on the last inch. I don't think this one is going to bend.
This plane just flies GOOD, and nothing else looks like it in the air!
Last edited by Lifer; 09-25-2017 at 10:48 AM.
09-26-2017, 05:01 AM
#54
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I put those same tires on mine, right from the beginning. They don't seen to hold air very well. But they're still much better than the foam wheels that it came with. The landing gear struts don't provide any shock absorbing, so the wheels have to do it all.
Did you find a decent looking pilot to put in yours? I went with an "Ace of Iron" 30% pilot. It comes unpainted, but it turned out looking great.
I haven't been able to post pictures yet. I'll try again after work today.
Did you find a decent looking pilot to put in yours? I went with an "Ace of Iron" 30% pilot. It comes unpainted, but it turned out looking great.
I haven't been able to post pictures yet. I'll try again after work today.
10-24-2017, 12:19 PM
#60
I have no idea why my last post was posted 3 times. Does anybody know what I did to cause that?
Weather is starting to turn bad in KC but I put about 8 flights on it over the last 2 weeks. 2 major changes have improved the plane: The first was to drill the wheels and the aluminum gear for 1/4 inch bolts. The stock metric bolts were a bit thin and they tended to bend. They were slightly thinner than 3/16ths so the extra thickness has cured that problem.
The other was a prop change. I liked the 22x10 but tried a 22x12 Xoar wood. It was faster but the engine was loaded down just a bit too much, so I ordered a Mejzlik 22x12. The engine was much faster on the ground and unloaded greatly in the air. I also did several consecutive loops to test it's ability to lug the plane vertically. In all areas it was the best performance I've seen so far. It figures that the most expensive props perform the best!
I really like this plane! Pretty much everybody stops to watch it and the airshow passes are breathtaking. Also, it will knife-edge from one end of the field to the other. Too bad it's out of production. There are still a few available so if anybody is interested, better act fast.
Weather is starting to turn bad in KC but I put about 8 flights on it over the last 2 weeks. 2 major changes have improved the plane: The first was to drill the wheels and the aluminum gear for 1/4 inch bolts. The stock metric bolts were a bit thin and they tended to bend. They were slightly thinner than 3/16ths so the extra thickness has cured that problem.
The other was a prop change. I liked the 22x10 but tried a 22x12 Xoar wood. It was faster but the engine was loaded down just a bit too much, so I ordered a Mejzlik 22x12. The engine was much faster on the ground and unloaded greatly in the air. I also did several consecutive loops to test it's ability to lug the plane vertically. In all areas it was the best performance I've seen so far. It figures that the most expensive props perform the best!
I really like this plane! Pretty much everybody stops to watch it and the airshow passes are breathtaking. Also, it will knife-edge from one end of the field to the other. Too bad it's out of production. There are still a few available so if anybody is interested, better act fast.
09-20-2018, 10:17 AM
#61
Well, it's been another year of flying this plane and I'm still enjoying it a lot! I wish I had followed my own advice and bought a second one. Will take it to a fly-in near Lawrence, Kansas this weekend. I will try to get a few pictures to post.
01-30-2021, 04:10 PM
#66
Year 5 completed with no ill affects. Bought a new toy hauler this month and plan to take it to some of the major warbird and classic events a couple of states away from Missouri. I'll be easy to find; gray-haired old guy in a new minivan and a Howard Ike.
05-19-2021, 10:22 AM
#67
Hi Guys, I know that this is a long gone kit of the Beautiful Howard Ike but........Does anyone know where I can get my hands on one of these beauties.
Surely there has to be a kit left over somewhere......
I just need help finding it.
Thanks guys......
df
Surely there has to be a kit left over somewhere......
I just need help finding it.
Thanks guys......
df
12-11-2023, 12:55 AM
#70
Join Date: May 2005
Location: WilSt.Gallen, SWITZERLAND
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Hello together
For me it is already year 9 with the Howard Ike. Still running fine, altough I had to install split flaps 2 years ago as the plane had a tendency to overshoot landings when there was no wind. No it is a literal breeze to land ebven in calm conditions.
Altough I will have to do exchange the motor soon, as the Kolm is loosing power over time and there is no real maintenance left in Europe for those motors. Maybe I will exchange it for one of the new SAITO 50 Fourstrokes.
Best regrds
Robin
For me it is already year 9 with the Howard Ike. Still running fine, altough I had to install split flaps 2 years ago as the plane had a tendency to overshoot landings when there was no wind. No it is a literal breeze to land ebven in calm conditions.
Altough I will have to do exchange the motor soon, as the Kolm is loosing power over time and there is no real maintenance left in Europe for those motors. Maybe I will exchange it for one of the new SAITO 50 Fourstrokes.
Best regrds
Robin
01-14-2024, 07:04 AM
#74
Join Date: May 2005
Location: WilSt.Gallen, SWITZERLAND
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Flap Installation
Hello LIfer
I was finally able to take some pics of the flap installation. The holidays were a bit more lively than anticipated..so sorry for the delay.....;-)
Anyway, I used the existing structure of the wing for the dimensions of the flaps. They are actually attached to the rear spar of the wing and cover two rib fields. Pretty simple installation and highly effective to slow the plane down at 75° opening.
Best regards
Robin
I was finally able to take some pics of the flap installation. The holidays were a bit more lively than anticipated..so sorry for the delay.....;-)
Anyway, I used the existing structure of the wing for the dimensions of the flaps. They are actually attached to the rear spar of the wing and cover two rib fields. Pretty simple installation and highly effective to slow the plane down at 75° opening.
Best regards
Robin
