SIG Komander
03-31-2017, 07:54 PM
#101
Truly, my pleasure - and my honor, that you could use some of the info.
04-03-2017, 08:01 AM
#103
OUTSTANDING!!!!! Congrats!!! You sure picked a wet day to do it though. She looks really good.
04-03-2017, 04:04 PM
#104
Junior Member
Thanks! The wind was perfect for a maiden but the rest of the conditions were less than ideal. The clouds were so low I had to keep her pretty low and in fairly close to avoid losing sight. Add to that I haven't flown in roughly a year and the last thing I flew was small park flyers. It has been several years since I've flown glow.
06-14-2017, 05:28 PM
#106
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Machesney Park, IL
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Michael, basically the main difference between the Komander and the Kavalier is, the Kavalier is a little smaller and faster. The Komander's wing span is 62 inches and the Kavalier's is 55.5 inches. The Komander will take up to a .50 size motor and the Kavalier up to a .40 size.
Over the years I've flown 3 different Komander's and I have a Kavalier NIB waiting to be built. The Komander is a really nice flying plane, I hated to see it go away. I do have the Kavalier to fall back on.
I hope this helps you.
Over the years I've flown 3 different Komander's and I have a Kavalier NIB waiting to be built. The Komander is a really nice flying plane, I hated to see it go away. I do have the Kavalier to fall back on.
I hope this helps you.
06-27-2017, 06:28 AM
#107
My Feedback: (2)
Michael, basically the main difference between the Komander and the Kavalier is, the Kavalier is a little smaller and faster. The Komander's wing span is 62 inches and the Kavalier's is 55.5 inches. The Komander will take up to a .50 size motor and the Kavalier up to a .40 size.
Over the years I've flown 3 different Komander's and I have a Kavalier NIB waiting to be built. The Komander is a really nice flying plane, I hated to see it go away. I do have the Kavalier to fall back on.
I hope this helps you.
Over the years I've flown 3 different Komander's and I have a Kavalier NIB waiting to be built. The Komander is a really nice flying plane, I hated to see it go away. I do have the Kavalier to fall back on.
I hope this helps you.
Thank You
Michael
06-27-2017, 08:33 AM
#108
Join Date: Nov 2014
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Michael, you're welcome.
I'm also just getting back into flying after a 15 year break, I do agree with you on the direction this hobby has taken. I have a Sig Kadet Jr with a OS 25 up front that I'm using until I get my Kadet MkII finished and the new OS 40FP broken in. I also scratched built a BUSA Swizzle Stick 30 and put a OS 25 AX on it. Another new engine I need to get broken in to fly. Once I get all this going and am comfortable with flying again, I have my BUSA Phaeton II ready with a OS 61 FS and a Midwest Sweet Stik 40 with a K&B 60 up front for power. Good times with that one.
Good luck on your build and welcome back to flying.
I'm also just getting back into flying after a 15 year break, I do agree with you on the direction this hobby has taken. I have a Sig Kadet Jr with a OS 25 up front that I'm using until I get my Kadet MkII finished and the new OS 40FP broken in. I also scratched built a BUSA Swizzle Stick 30 and put a OS 25 AX on it. Another new engine I need to get broken in to fly. Once I get all this going and am comfortable with flying again, I have my BUSA Phaeton II ready with a OS 61 FS and a Midwest Sweet Stik 40 with a K&B 60 up front for power. Good times with that one.
Good luck on your build and welcome back to flying.
07-08-2017, 04:58 PM
#109
My Feedback: (2)
Michael, you're welcome.
I'm also just getting back into flying after a 15 year break, I do agree with you on the direction this hobby has taken. I have a Sig Kadet Jr with a OS 25 up front that I'm using until I get my Kadet MkII finished and the new OS 40FP broken in. I also scratched built a BUSA Swizzle Stick 30 and put a OS 25 AX on it. Another new engine I need to get broken in to fly. Once I get all this going and am comfortable with flying again, I have my BUSA Phaeton II ready with a OS 61 FS and a Midwest Sweet Stik 40 with a K&B 60 up front for power. Good times with that one.
Good luck on your build and welcome back to flying.
I'm also just getting back into flying after a 15 year break, I do agree with you on the direction this hobby has taken. I have a Sig Kadet Jr with a OS 25 up front that I'm using until I get my Kadet MkII finished and the new OS 40FP broken in. I also scratched built a BUSA Swizzle Stick 30 and put a OS 25 AX on it. Another new engine I need to get broken in to fly. Once I get all this going and am comfortable with flying again, I have my BUSA Phaeton II ready with a OS 61 FS and a Midwest Sweet Stik 40 with a K&B 60 up front for power. Good times with that one.
Good luck on your build and welcome back to flying.
Take Care
Michael
07-09-2017, 08:01 PM
#110
If that cowling is ABS plastic it won't take the heat when covering. If it's fiberglass it can be covered fairly easily with most films.. although it does take some experience, I've covered a few fiberglass cowls and components with films.. with great results. The films will adhere very well to a good smooth gel-coat. Fiberglass Specialties might have fiberglass components for the Kavalier, although I'm not real sure on it. If the covering won't work though, just paint it.
I do know they have a cowling for the Komander, as I just looked that up a few weeks ago. Someone left a whole Komander at the flying field on the picnic table where members sometimes leave and/or donate items they don't want... and this lonely, homely, kind of beat up Komander was just begging me to take it home. It was never flown judging by the incompleteness of it... but it was all there, to include the canopy, and the ABS cowl.. which was broken.. but after getting it home, and stripping the covering off(someones feeble attempt).. the bones of the plane look great... unbelievably well... as in whomever built it knew what they were doing. That Sig wood is some of the best balsa I've seen... They don't make kits like these any more... just good clean wood... that stand the test of it. It was pretty beat with hangar rash, but the landing gear was even there... rusted as it was. I was pretty jazzed, as we'd built one in the early 90's and put a nice .61 in it and it flew wonderfully. I think the airframe will clean up fine. I put it in my shed for a winter time project.. I just couldn't resist a free Komander!!!
I do know they have a cowling for the Komander, as I just looked that up a few weeks ago. Someone left a whole Komander at the flying field on the picnic table where members sometimes leave and/or donate items they don't want... and this lonely, homely, kind of beat up Komander was just begging me to take it home. It was never flown judging by the incompleteness of it... but it was all there, to include the canopy, and the ABS cowl.. which was broken.. but after getting it home, and stripping the covering off(someones feeble attempt).. the bones of the plane look great... unbelievably well... as in whomever built it knew what they were doing. That Sig wood is some of the best balsa I've seen... They don't make kits like these any more... just good clean wood... that stand the test of it. It was pretty beat with hangar rash, but the landing gear was even there... rusted as it was. I was pretty jazzed, as we'd built one in the early 90's and put a nice .61 in it and it flew wonderfully. I think the airframe will clean up fine. I put it in my shed for a winter time project.. I just couldn't resist a free Komander!!!
Last edited by DGrant; 07-09-2017 at 08:05 PM.
07-10-2017, 03:17 AM
#111
The Sig Komander is where RC started for me. Out of the Army, through college, a young family, and a couple of years of control line, I visited a school grounds on a Sunday afternoon where RC flying was happening and the seed of passion was sown.
A few months later, Santa had World Engines radio gear under the tree and during the winter of '75, my first RC build was a Komander.
My sweetheart in the picture has been gone now for twenty six years and that lad is now forty three and there have been dozens of planes between then and now. Children of the Komander fill my memory and some of them the memory of my transmitter. The Komander pictured below was a patriarch, spawning many offspring.
The journey includes many good times, much building pastime, accumulated hours of flying and friendships going back forty three years
A few months later, Santa had World Engines radio gear under the tree and during the winter of '75, my first RC build was a Komander.
My sweetheart in the picture has been gone now for twenty six years and that lad is now forty three and there have been dozens of planes between then and now. Children of the Komander fill my memory and some of them the memory of my transmitter. The Komander pictured below was a patriarch, spawning many offspring.
The journey includes many good times, much building pastime, accumulated hours of flying and friendships going back forty three years
07-10-2017, 10:39 AM
#112
..." The journey includes many good times, much building pastime, accumulated hours of flying and friendships going back forty three years "
And that's how it should always be.
And that's how it should always be.
07-10-2017, 11:32 AM
#113
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Machesney Park, IL
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The Sig Komander is where RC started for me. Out of the Army, through college, a young family, and a couple of years of control line, I visited a school grounds on a Sunday afternoon where RC flying was happening and the seed of passion was sown.
A few months later, Santa had World Engines radio gear under the tree and during the winter of '75, my first RC build was a Komander.
My sweetheart in the picture has been gone now for twenty six years and that lad is now forty three and there have been dozens of planes between then and now. Children of the Komander fill my memory and some of them the memory of my transmitter. The Komander pictured below was a patriarch, spawning many offspring.
The journey includes many good times, much building pastime, accumulated hours of flying and friendships going back forty three years
A few months later, Santa had World Engines radio gear under the tree and during the winter of '75, my first RC build was a Komander.
My sweetheart in the picture has been gone now for twenty six years and that lad is now forty three and there have been dozens of planes between then and now. Children of the Komander fill my memory and some of them the memory of my transmitter. The Komander pictured below was a patriarch, spawning many offspring.
The journey includes many good times, much building pastime, accumulated hours of flying and friendships going back forty three years
For me the Komander was my third aircraft. I built a Komander MKI and two Komander MKIIs. All of my Komander's had bolt on wings. I built my first one in like 82-83 time frame when I was stationed in Jacksonville Florida. I never knew it had rubber bands on the wings at one time. Learn something new everyday.
07-10-2017, 02:48 PM
#114
Jay... I don't recall how long the Komander had been out when building mine. I do recall the local guys saying it was the first that they had seen locally.
btw... the next winter (1976) after building the Komander, was our nations bicentennial and I built a Sig Skybolt, which is now 41yrs old and flew last week on the 4th of July, an annual tradition.
btw... the next winter (1976) after building the Komander, was our nations bicentennial and I built a Sig Skybolt, which is now 41yrs old and flew last week on the 4th of July, an annual tradition.
07-10-2017, 04:02 PM
#115
Join Date: Nov 2014
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Ha, I'm lucky if I have a plane left after one season. I built my first biplane in late 80s. I built the BUSA Phaeton II and still have it today. I had 2 mishaps with it and after setting for over 10 years I just went through, removed the old covering, fix any trouble spots I had and recovered it in Monokote. As soon as I get some more flight time in I'll get it back in the air. She is my oldest plane still in flying condition.
08-21-2017, 06:37 PM
#116
I've always wanted to build a Komander but had a heck of a time finding a kit. I first found a partial kit missing the wing cores, canopy and cowl. Later, I found one just missing the canopy, and finally, a third complete kit. I got a FS cowl and a park flyers plastics canopy so I now have the one kit built, one complete kit which I'll probably build this winter, a a fuse kit that I'm keeping for patterns.
Finally got around to the maiden flight of my Komander, haven't flown a plane in 25 years, but I do fly RC helicopters. Powered by an OS 52 four stroke, it's so tame in the air and takes off at half throttle. Definitely a very well behaved plane that anyone could fly.
I notice that the Sig history site has the Komander plans, but they are not full scale. I have a full sized scan as I have access to a large scanner at work. It's an 18.1MB file though, so I can't attach it here.
Finally got around to the maiden flight of my Komander, haven't flown a plane in 25 years, but I do fly RC helicopters. Powered by an OS 52 four stroke, it's so tame in the air and takes off at half throttle. Definitely a very well behaved plane that anyone could fly.
I notice that the Sig history site has the Komander plans, but they are not full scale. I have a full sized scan as I have access to a large scanner at work. It's an 18.1MB file though, so I can't attach it here.
Last edited by HAL9KPCM; 08-21-2017 at 06:48 PM.
08-22-2017, 01:59 AM
#117
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Great looking Komander. Outerzone can post the plans so anyone interested in the plane can have a copy. If you can send the file, the link is: https://outerzone.co.uk/
08-25-2017, 03:19 PM
#119
Wow... timing is everything. Mr. Hal, is there any chance you could send me that file for those plans too?... I'd sure appreciate it. I have a rescued Komander that has great potential, and I've been wanting to start a search for those plans... Just haven't done it yet... it was just last week I was looking at my Komander too. I have access to large format output(as well as scanning), and can easily output the file. As well, I have everything needed to restore the plane.
If it's OK, just PM me here, and I'll RE with my email addy. Any help is appreciated. Thanks a bunch.
PS.... I'm just learning(or remembering.. ha..) that there are actually two versions of the Komander... The original "Komander", and the "Komander Mk II". Does anyone know the diff?
If it's OK, just PM me here, and I'll RE with my email addy. Any help is appreciated. Thanks a bunch.
PS.... I'm just learning(or remembering.. ha..) that there are actually two versions of the Komander... The original "Komander", and the "Komander Mk II". Does anyone know the diff?
08-25-2017, 04:03 PM
#120
I have a fuse kit for the MKI and my full kits are the MKII. There are some subtle differences in the wing saddle as the MKI has dowels for holding the wing on with rubber bands. The MKII has a stronger belly with a plywood bottom from the firewall to I think midway below the wing (I'd have to look to double check).
Edit: Yup, plywood on the bottom of the fuse to the halfway point under the wing. The MKII also has a plywood tank floor to separate the battery compartment.
PM Sent.
Edit: Yup, plywood on the bottom of the fuse to the halfway point under the wing. The MKII also has a plywood tank floor to separate the battery compartment.
PM Sent.
Last edited by HAL9KPCM; 08-25-2017 at 04:32 PM.
08-25-2017, 08:07 PM
#121
Thanks again so much HAL ! I also must add your Komander does look great... very nice man! These things have the coolest lines to them, that to me they really were ahead of their time.
I do believe I have the Mk II version, as the wing is bolt on, that I do remember.. and I'm pretty sure there's a tank shelf too.. I did see some pics in Google images of the Komanders with rubber- banded wings... so I suspected that was one difference... and the box design/pic looks different it seems with the Mk I version... The Mk II does look a bit more streamlined in certain pics.. possibly due to newer/different graphics... maybe...
I'll have to get out there in this weekend and revisit this plane and probably bring it in and really have a closer look. I think I'll put a few orders together for a canopy and cowling for this plane... as well as some other fiberglass components for another project, so I'll try and kill a few birds with one order... ya know. I've got a ton of flight-pack/servo/rx equipment already.. and several engines to choose from. I like the idea of a four-stroke.. but as was recently shared with me, that will take some planning.. hmmm... decisions.. hmm.
This should prove to be alot of fun too... as it was a totally free plane to me... I'm just amazed nobody else picked it up.. as it had sat on that table all day, I just don't think anybody knew how cool these planes are with a little work.... let alone that it was a Sig plane made with what was some of the best wood on the planet..... Just like the old days right!
Thanks, and have a great weekend everyone.
I do believe I have the Mk II version, as the wing is bolt on, that I do remember.. and I'm pretty sure there's a tank shelf too.. I did see some pics in Google images of the Komanders with rubber- banded wings... so I suspected that was one difference... and the box design/pic looks different it seems with the Mk I version... The Mk II does look a bit more streamlined in certain pics.. possibly due to newer/different graphics... maybe...
I'll have to get out there in this weekend and revisit this plane and probably bring it in and really have a closer look. I think I'll put a few orders together for a canopy and cowling for this plane... as well as some other fiberglass components for another project, so I'll try and kill a few birds with one order... ya know. I've got a ton of flight-pack/servo/rx equipment already.. and several engines to choose from. I like the idea of a four-stroke.. but as was recently shared with me, that will take some planning.. hmmm... decisions.. hmm.
This should prove to be alot of fun too... as it was a totally free plane to me... I'm just amazed nobody else picked it up.. as it had sat on that table all day, I just don't think anybody knew how cool these planes are with a little work.... let alone that it was a Sig plane made with what was some of the best wood on the planet..... Just like the old days right!
Thanks, and have a great weekend everyone.
08-25-2017, 08:30 PM
#122
Just a quick note here - Hal also sent me a copy of those plans and they're now on the website.
Can't thank you enough Hal - Super GREAT job.
Can't thank you enough Hal - Super GREAT job.
08-25-2017, 09:47 PM
#123
No problem guys. I've loved the Komander for years and when I could finally afford to get back into the hobby, it was gone. Have to keep the love alive.
Speaking of, have to charge the batteries, supposed to be great weather tomorrow morning.
Speaking of, have to charge the batteries, supposed to be great weather tomorrow morning.
Last edited by HAL9KPCM; 08-25-2017 at 09:55 PM.
08-26-2017, 10:35 AM
#125
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It's nice to see a resurgence of the Komander. I was beginning to think I was the last person with one still. I'm going to finish my build this winter and try to maiden next spring. I did get the canopy from parkflyerplastic, perfect replacement. I compared it to the Sig original and you can't tell the difference.
Has anyone purchased the cowl from Fiberglass Specialties? How does it compare to the original from Sig?
Has anyone purchased the cowl from Fiberglass Specialties? How does it compare to the original from Sig?