Byron (Iron Bay) Gee Bee R2
09-23-2016, 04:30 PM
#202
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May sound simplistic but hard and slick will reduce the side load and allow the wheels to skid a little. Every little bit helps. On a good day the wind blows straight down the runway at my field. That helped a lot with my 1/4 Haffke R-1 (50cc). It had rigid gear and what I'd call semi-functional flying wires. They did stiffen the gear a bit but the wings were not dependent on them. It used inflatable 5" Dubro slicks. Never nosed over once in about 25 flights.
Last edited by MLibman; 09-25-2016 at 12:09 PM.
10-04-2016, 05:01 PM
#207
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10-16-2016, 09:31 AM
#210
One of the reasons to do a build thread is so that others also engaged in or contemplating the build of the same aircraft, can compare notes.
IT seems no one else is going to contribute their Byron Gee Bee building or flying experiences?
So indeed, it may just die...
IT seems no one else is going to contribute their Byron Gee Bee building or flying experiences?
So indeed, it may just die...
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G.F. Reid (02-26-2024)
10-22-2016, 05:56 PM
#214
The Saito 61cc twin gasser starts every easy and runs just beautiful 
Smooth as silk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mu0bYefaXs&feature=em-upload_owner
Smooth as silk.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mu0bYefaXs&feature=em-upload_owner
10-23-2016, 01:34 PM
#215
Great Photos! The remind me of seeing Delmar Benjamin's GeeBee along with replicas of the Mr Mulligan, a Travel Air Mystery Ship and the Grosvenor House DH-88 at an airshow in Oklahoma City in the late 1980's. They staged a mock air race and the GeeBee was lapping the other planes.
08-27-2017, 08:07 PM
#219
Well, it's been a LONG TIME COMING (I believe a YEAR since I finished the plane), but I finally flew the Byron Gee Bee... two flights today.
My gear fears were unfounded, as I found the gear to be fully capable of absorbing the punishment of landing with no tendency to buckle or lean.
Video below...
My gear fears were unfounded, as I found the gear to be fully capable of absorbing the punishment of landing with no tendency to buckle or lean.
Video below...
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G.F. Reid (02-26-2024)
08-28-2017, 08:16 AM
#221
THANKS! But I am not quite ready to call either flight "great," as there is still some 'tuning' to be done on this plane.
Further review and reflection shows me the CG is too far forward. I will remove the Higley heavy nut, for starters.
Elevator control felt a bit 'disconnected,' so I will be substituting a much faster servo.
I will also reduce aileron throws somewhat as ailerons were a bit too sensitive.
Additional rudder throw would be helpful as well.
Looking forward to more controlled flights.
Further review and reflection shows me the CG is too far forward. I will remove the Higley heavy nut, for starters.
Elevator control felt a bit 'disconnected,' so I will be substituting a much faster servo.
I will also reduce aileron throws somewhat as ailerons were a bit too sensitive.
Additional rudder throw would be helpful as well.
Looking forward to more controlled flights.
09-03-2017, 09:29 AM
#222
Thank you for this extensive build thread, I almost bought one of these kits that a guy has new in the box. Honestly, I think the landings are just too advanced for me, and probably most pilots. So I am going to pass. But my hat is off to you and the build and landing skills!
Jeremy
Jeremy
02-24-2024, 10:20 AM
#224
Junior Member
Gee Bee R2
Hello Richard, I have purchased a partial Byron Gee Bee kit. I’m missing all the internal fuselage wooden structure parts. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Robert
Yes, I have seen the video of the 50% Gee Bee that crashed. It is very rare that anyone produces an exact scale Gee Bee model, and the 50% was no exception.
The latest revised version of the CARF-Models 31% Gee Bee R2 is VERY close to exact scale (thanks to several mods that I suggested
) Not blowing my own horn, but facts are facts.
This Byron (except for the airfoil and stock stab span) is pretty darn close too.
Bigger almost always flies better... this applies to Gee Bee Super Sportsters as well, but not nearly as much as other designs. The larger the R2, the longer runway that is required... and wing loadings climb precipitously...
That is why most designers alter the Gee Bee in an effort to improve handling.
The latest revised version of the CARF-Models 31% Gee Bee R2 is VERY close to exact scale (thanks to several mods that I suggested
) Not blowing my own horn, but facts are facts.This Byron (except for the airfoil and stock stab span) is pretty darn close too.
Bigger almost always flies better... this applies to Gee Bee Super Sportsters as well, but not nearly as much as other designs. The larger the R2, the longer runway that is required... and wing loadings climb precipitously...
That is why most designers alter the Gee Bee in an effort to improve handling.
02-24-2024, 11:44 AM
#225
Robert,
I have a fully complete Byrons Gee Bee in the garage of my house in the USA. Maybe next time I am there I can strace the internal fuselage parts on paper for you? The only issue is that I a live in Germany most of the year and have only soft plans to go there this summer..If not the summer, I should go in the fall.
Let me k,now if this helps.
Jeremy Chrisman
I have a fully complete Byrons Gee Bee in the garage of my house in the USA. Maybe next time I am there I can strace the internal fuselage parts on paper for you? The only issue is that I a live in Germany most of the year and have only soft plans to go there this summer..If not the summer, I should go in the fall.
Let me k,now if this helps.
Jeremy Chrisman
