quote:

ORIGINAL: WI53072

I have a Saito 1.80 I was going to put into a Seagull 83'' AT-6. However after reading this thread I am wondering if the DLE 20 might be a better choice. My only concern is that I won't have enough power in the the plane. Keeping in mind that scale aircraft fly diferent than sport models. The idea of not having slime on the plane for a change after flying is really appealing.

Does the DLE 20 come out of the box ready to run or due you have a lot of tweeking and tuning before it is ready? The idea of not having to fool around with finicky engines is also something I am hoping is part of the move up to gas versus glow.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bob Paris

Hay Jim and RCPlanman,
I made several mods to my model and one needed beef up to the tail. First I put in a hatch forward of the leading edge of the wing (on top), this was to get access to that part of the nose, to put in my electronic ignition, throttle servo and on/off switch. I used aircraft grade plywood for my hatch cover, for the balsa was way to soft for my liking. Next I installed the landing gear from the Big Stick gas powered model, the 80" version (cost under $20.00 at Tower), for good prop clearence, using 17" props. Your going to need to do this or use other longer landing gear legs then the .60~.90 version gives you in the kit. I made mine a tail dragger...so I installed a heavyer type tail wheel assy, and installed a 1/4" lite ply floor from the foward bulkhead where the front of the wing plugs into, to almost the center wing bulkhead...as a doubler for added strength. My fuel tank is under the wing, right on the CG...240cc-this will give you 15+ minutes of flight. I also used a DuBro anti-vibration engine mount, the 1.20 size...but I'm not sure this was a good idea. I will use a standard engine mount the next time...for this beast vibrates quite a bit. I used 4" wheels and I always install large wheels on my models, due to the trade winds we get here at our flying field. I used Robart scale wheels, with the foam inserts. I like Robart wheels, because they grip the black top the best...much better then any foam tires I've ever tried and they last much longer then the foam type. Both elevator and rudder servo's were placed aft near the tail, one on each side with a 1/8" light ply plate, to support the servo's. I also used 4/40 wires for control rods for all controls.

I side mounted the engine, and a home made exit pipe out of one 3/4" copper pipe 90 deg. elbo and a short piece of pipe, for exhaust exit under the model. I had to cut the exhaust exit pipe first, then clamped the extention onto my engine exhaust. I do not like inverted engines...hit hard once and you will cause damage to your engine head and spark plug, so I just side mounted my engine, just like I mount my glow engines. Worked like a charm... : )

I test ran my engine first, with the wing off the model. DO NOT DO THIS...always run the engine with the wing attached. I formed one long crack on the tail, right forward of the leading edge of the stab, up both sides to the exit holes for the control rods-the kit had soft balsa in this area, to soft for all the shaking a two stroke gas engine makes. I needed to make a repair here with Slow Cure CA and 1/64th. quality plywood. I also installed bracing wires on the tail.

I also installed two drain holes, using eyelets, on the fuel tank floor. If I ever develope a leak to my fuel tank, the fuel will flow out here and not fuel soak the model. I also CA'd the inside of my model with thin CA, to fuel proof and make the soft balsa used to build my model more strong.

The model has a huge wing and even with all the mods and 20cc engine the model came out to a little over 9#'s. I made no mods to the wing...its a stout wing and with nearly 1000 sq. inches, lots of lift here. I am using flaperons on my model too...good for real short take offs and landings.

I hope this helps you guys...and I'm still waiting to maiden my model. The winds have been way to high to fly...so waiting for a good day to test fly.

Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

quote:

ORIGINAL: mirored

I just found this thread and will look through it in much more detail, but thought I would toss this up for feedback.

I am building a Don Smith B24 Liberator.  I was planning on doing electric, but long story short, I have changed my mind again.  I am now considering, and have pretty much locked into, putting in four DLE20s.  Has anyone heard or seen that done yet?  Pros/cons?

Greatly appreciated.

Andy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bob Paris

Hi Guys,
I've put a RGC (DLE knock-off) 20 cc engine in a Big Stick .60~.90 airframe. Now with 58 flights on the model, I've not had any problems with the fire wall...and its un-modified. I did have an issue with the fuse. just forward and even with the tail feathers. A crack formed all around the fuse accept for the top piece of balsa...and that is all that was holding the model together! I beefed it up with a bit of 1/64" ply, on all sides and no problems since.
Bobby of Maui