SunDevilPilot

Having recently completed a somewhat long term build on a highly modified kit I am looking forward to starting my next project, a Balsa USA 1/4 Scale Nieuport 28.

I will, of course, make some modifications as I go but I am hoping to buildthe kit more or less stock. I will be going over the plans for the next week or so and after my review I will make a decision on how to power the model. I have a new in box Zenoah G-26 purchased but not used on my last build vs. an electric powered model. I am growing really attracted to the electric side of the hobby so I will likely look at how I can get an electric system into the plane first and if I determine electric is not an option then I will default to the Zenoah as a second plan.

Here is what the kit looked like when it arrived.... Contents of the box are in good shape and were packed nicely. I'm not sure how the cat got in there.

Stay tuned!

SunDevilPilot

HoundDog

My Feedback: (49)

On Board Thanks

VincentJ

Me as well! Good luck SDP...Buy a plane and get a cat, good deal.

roncannell

Subscribed

EJWash1

My Feedback: (3)

Subscribed - of course!

Bob Howard

My Feedback: (2)

Subscribed

malitape

My Feedback: (213)

Subscribed and anxious to continue to learn.

pete

box car

another good build on the way

SunDevilPilot

After looking over the plans and after I played with some battery configurations on top of the plans I decided an electric variant is a possible choice for this model.

If I install the batteries in a vertical configuration they will fit easily into the cowl. If I make the top portion of the cowl removable then I will be able to access the batteries. This will also leave the sides available for mounting the cowl. My initial plan is to incorporate a stop block into the removable portion of the cowl. This stop block will act as a keeper for each battery which will be secured to trays slid into some vertical rails. All this will be on the firewall where I am sure some weight will be needed.

The model already has a "Cooling Tunnel" built into the fuselage at the bottom of the firewall. In the photo the batteries are all the way down to this "Tunnel". My plan is to make a secondary firewall that will have the mounting rails for the batteries and the actual motor mounted to it. This secondary firewall will bolt onto the firewall built into the model. The stock formers in the area of the firewall are balsa and not up to the task of holding the weight of the batteries.

If you look at the photo of the batteries you can see the curved area just above them. This is the section I plan to have removable to access the batteries.

The second to last photo, of the ruler on the plans, show there is easily enough ground clearance for just about any prop.

Decisions, Decisions!

SunDevilPilot

rye

My Feedback: (10)

hi
what about weight would she be very nose heavy?

SunDevilPilot

From what I have seen you need everything up to the firewall plus a good amount of lead (In Most Models)

SunDevilPilot

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Pretty much any plane that the full scale had a round engine in will come out tail heavy in a model, just a fact of life builders should know in advance. Most WWI planes have very short nose moments.

roncannell

Rick had his Batts up forward of the Firewall on his WW1 Electric DR1. When you make your next BUSA order go ahead and order a second, or even third set of landing gear wire. They sell the replacement for a reasonable price, about $10. While your doing your structural soldering you can make a spare set. It can be changed in five minutes.
A few guys do the bungee suspension, but some that have gone to all the trouble say its not worth the effort.

roncannell

Manfred and Lothar say they are looking forward to having some WW1 company at the field.

roncannell

The optional Aluminium Cowl should add a little weight.

SunDevilPilot

Here is what the gas motor installation would look like, simple with no issues to work around.....

What do you guys think? Gas or Electric? What would you rather see?

SunDevilPilot

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

Gasser.

WacoNut

I would go gas, with the G-26 side mounted carb you will not have the issue of recessing the firewall I had on the DRI. I am guessing you will still be mounting everything else up against the back of the firewall for balance.
I will be watching with interest.
Anthony

SunDevilPilot

So far that is two votes for gas.... I am starting to think the Zenoah is the right choice.

I just ordered a new backplate for my Zenoah because the one that is on the motor now was modified (Cut) to fit my Cub prior to changing that build into an electric. The motor was never run on that model because I change to electric mid-build.

SunDevilPilot

Edshepherd

Gas for sure!!!!

G8er

if it were me choosing between gas or electric, I would go with gas.

jkpape

I think it needs one of these: 7 Cyl 77cc 4 Stroke Glow Radial Engine by Evolution Engines:-)

Mako17

Gasser

SunDevilPilot

Looks like gas wins!!!

knucklebutt

Shoot I know I'm late but my vote is certainly electric NOT !!!! some noise might be nice for this one