rjbarthel

My Feedback: (2)

hey can I get some input on the wing servo for the Great Planes Ultamate Bipe 40 ! I know tha kit shows only one wing servo in the plans. But short of building it with 2 servos has anyone used just the called for single servo but a high torque type . Such as a futaba S3305 standard size high torque metal gear . It specs at 99 oz. torque with 4.8v.
im just looking at the lighter build wieght and less the wing mod for 2 servos. But with a improved standard build as to plans.
im just wondering if the extra money for the hi-torque servo would be just more of a expence than a improvement [sm=confused.gif]
I want to stay as close to the plans as i can but build the best I can also ! Im going with the 4-40 rods for conecting the ailerons instead of the 2-56 rods supplied. also im going to build with robart hinges ..
The second part of my question is if anyone has tryed to lay a layer of fiber glass on the inside of the ABS cowl. I have read that the stock abs cowl cracks and many have replaced it with a fiber glass one .. Im not talking of a thick heavey layer just a thin one like one would use for covering and just a single layer just as a way of making the ABS stronger ! or is this justa dumb idea [&:] I hope someone has some thoughts on this. I want to stick to the plans but with any improvements I can make if that makes any sence hahaha thanks for any input

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I have seen several (Mine included) where there was ONE STANDARD SERVO in the center of the bottom wing which controlled all 4 ailerons. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this setup. If you could see how mine can snap, you wouldn't think twice about going through the extra work and weight of a second servo.

rjbarthel

My Feedback: (2)

well maybe I didnt explain myself good enough !!! I dont plan on installing 2 servos !! just thought maybe a single stronger one would be better than the normal standard called for ! Or maybe it wasnt worth the extra expence to even do that ! so I will put you in the leave well enough alone catagory..

Chuckr53-RCU

My Feedback: (40)

I have the same kit in stock to build at some point (after my Venture 60 & Sig 1/5 Cub). In order to keep the weight and wing loading down, I plan on using only one servo for the ailerons. I'll buy a fast servo that has a higher torque rating, like a Hitec HS-925MG. I don't like the ABS cowls at all, so I'll be buying a FG cowl.

Good luck with yours...post progress pics!

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

If you want to use a stronger/faster servo, go right ahead, I'm just saying you don't NEED to.

Also, Adding a thin layer of FG to the inside of the cowl wouldn't hurt.

rjbarthel

My Feedback: (2)

thats cool ! I just think with as much control surface that there is a higher torque servo would be better ! a standard compaired to a std hi torque is only $15 .. I just wanted to see if anyone has tried this in both ways and if the added cost was even worth it ! I know that the single servo is a good system or GP would have not made the kit that way!!!
I havent been getting very many responses on this . But am happy that someone that knows the airplane has ..
I have read that lots of guys are dealing with the abs cowls cracking.. So with that i thought it would maybe worth trying glassing the inside of the abs cowl ! Not a heavy layer but just a backup layer keeping it light ! Im not kit bashing or looking to improve on a already good system just seen a couple areas that maybe could use a bump in a better direction . a fiber glass cowl is $30+ shipping and so my cost to lay a light layer of glass inside the abs cowl is much less.. well maybe this thread will spark a idea or spark a fight LOL .
if anyone has been there done that with this kit Id love the input thanks

John Rcflyer

I have been using a standard Futaba for 4 seasons now and it works just fine for all 4 ailerons.
I did put a layer of fiberglass in the ABS cowl. Put a double layer where the mounting screws will go, for added strength. It held up pretty good until I had to land in the weeds one time. I bought a fiberglass one after that. The weight between the reinforced ABS and the fiberglass one seemed about the same.
Fun plane though.
John York

rjbarthel

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks Jon ive been wondering how the glassed ABS cowel would work !! I was starting to think maybe I was the only one that thought of doing that ! thanks for your input !!

rspiegel

My Feedback: (6)

pics can some of you post some pics of your gp ultimates and what your setup is with motor-performance

trroscoe

My Feedback: (39)

Here is a pic of my GP ultimate. It has the stock ABS cowl and the stock setup on the aileron servo with a standard cirrus servo installed. It flies fine with only one standard servo in it. I got mine in a trade deal so I didn't build it myself. If I was building one I would use two servo's or one higher in touque than a standard. The stock cowl has held up good. I had an OS 46 FX installed in it and it flew the plane pretty good. I recently installed a Saito 72 4 stroke in it and it rocks now. It has unlimited vertical and performs much better now. I fly this plane pretty tame but am expanding my capability fast.

Rick

SunDevilPilot

My Ultimate. I built this plane about 2 years ago. I did modify the bottom wing to accept 2 servos and found it to be the easiest and best method. With 2 servos you get a very slop free install and minor weight gain. I also added a fiberglass cowl from STANS that probably negated the added weight of the extra servo. I have never had good luck with those heavy and Fragile ABS Cowls. Every one I have used had cracked within 1 month due to vibration. I installed an OS 70 Surpass II and found it a good match.

Good Luck with your build,

Phil (Mesa, AZ)

rspiegel

My Feedback: (6)

pics died humm must be new server can you please email them to me at [email protected] thank I am looking to put a saito 72 or os60fx I want it to fly fast and vertical!!

Mike Buckley

I used standard JR 2 servos (537's) for the wing and bought a FG cowl. Works great!. Also I've used a Saito 91S for power! All I can say is wow! It's a nice plane, flies beautifully too!

Mike

Hisham

I am using 2 servos JR577 in the bottom wing
casted a FG cowling as well as pants ....
Powered by an OS 70 FS engine....
Cool performance .....
Pictures to come!
Cheers
Hisham

John Rcflyer

I agree with you Rick. I have a 46FX in mine, but wish it had more power. I may install a bigger 2 stroke or 4 stroke this winter.
John York

kirknik

Here's mine. OS.46, Fibreglass cowl. One Futaba 3004 standard servo. Excellent plane and great fun to fly. 400+ flights and still got the wheel pants.

trroscoe

My Feedback: (39)

Jkidless

What prop are you using on your FX. Try an APC 11.5x5 or the 12.25x3.75. I also got good results from the APC 11x5. These are the props with the wide blades. If you put a Saito 72 in your bipe it will be your favorite plane to fly. Wow what a difference the engine swap made. The plane went from just sport flying to wild. It has great power and unlimited vertical with the Saito. I didn't even have to change anything with the balance. It balanced at the same point as the FX. The saito engine is only .10 of an oz more weight. It turns a 13x6 prop and really makes the ultimate come to life. You have to watch your landing speed with the bigger prop. I was landing mine the other day and got it really slow and it stalled about 2 feet off of the ground. It stalled straight ahead and just kind of fell out of the air. It didn't hit very hard but the prop hit the ground and broke. I use zinger wood props on this plane just for this reason. all that happened is that the prop split. You have to cut the cowl up pretty good to get it to fit over the saito but it is worth it.

Rick

kirknik

I have no doulbt a .70 Surpass would be great in this plane. Getting ready to cover a Goldberg Ultimate for this year with an 1.20 Surpass. The GP Bipe has been the most fun to fly Ive ever had. Tough act for the new one to follow. Also using fibreglass cowling and landing gear.
-33C here the other day so no rush finishing.
I tried several props and settled on 11.5x5 or 12x4 APC. Fast little plane and fantastic tumbler.
Picture of the new one.

Hisham

Oh,
I placed the battery in the middle on the fuselage
for best balance with the 70 FS!

rjbarthel

My Feedback: (2)

Ok I see the servo issue is ok left alone std or hi-torgue and cowel should or will be swapped to glass at some point !
But one thing Im seeing is most everyone is using a much larger engine than called for !! I was planning to use a Magnum 61 4 stroke ! I sure hope im not going to be wishing and kicking myself fo this choice..
I would have liked to have bought a OS 70 or a Saito 72 for it but money did have a say in it hahaha single dad 3 daughters [] LOL
but thier cost was around another $100 more than the Magnum 61 . And I really wanted to stay with the 4 stroke !! running a 12x5 or 12x4 master airscrew prop. any input on this combo is welcome ! thanks RB

John Rcflyer

Hi Rick
I am flying mine with a 11x5. I have tried a 11x6, 11x4,and 12x4 all APC. The 11x5 seems to work the best right now. I love flying this plane. It is definitely a favorite to fly.
I don't have any pics right now. But if I assemble it I will post a pic. It is metallic red with white accents. No wheel pants though. I don't trust our field grass. I have seen some pretty nice color schemes from you guys. Good job!
John York

adrenalnjunky

My Feedback: (18)

Reviving an old thread ---

Anyone got an opinion on how this kit would fly on the Magnum XLS .52? - The one with the blue head on it? I'm thinking of buying the kit to slowly build before January.