Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (Full Version)

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Greg Covey -> Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/4/2004 2:15:28 PM)

One of my favorite scale glow-to-electric conversions is the 1928 Monocoupe ARF from Bohemia Models via Hobby Lobby. This 7’, 10lb giant scale plane was a blast to fly during the summer. By adding a set of 35” “Zeedoo” fiberglass floats, I was now able to fly it all year off of snow and water.

The giant scale Bohemia Models Monocoupe has an 82” wingspan and weighs about 10lbs when converted to electric power. For all its intimidating size, the Velie Monocoupe is a relaxing docile flyer. I missed flying the model during the long winter months in upstate NY so I decided to add some floats and have some fun in the snow!

For more information on my electric conversion of the Monocoupe, go here.



Greg Covey -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/4/2004 2:23:01 PM)

A general rule of thumb is to use floats that are about 75% the length of the fuselage. The pre-fabricated “Zeedoo” fiberglass floats at Hobby Lobby came in various sizes and the largest 39” set provided about a 72% ratio which was just about perfect. Although the floats added about 1.5lbs more to my flying weight, the stock Monocoupe wheels were also removed to drop the weight by 11oz. My net weight gain was about ¾ lb.

The Zeedoo floats are very strong and easy to install. I used the stock Monocoupe gear axle for the front struts and hand-made a rear strut from 0.156 (5/32) music wire. The rear strut was then attached to the solid brace just behind the cockpit area and reinforced internally. I used Dubro (#158) Steel Landing Gear Straps to attach the music wire to the fuselage.



Greg Covey -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/5/2004 2:51:50 PM)

The maiden flight of my Monocoupe on floats was a fantastic event. Everything worked very well and we had a blast flying the big model off a snow-covered field. It was fun to get outside in the wintertime and enjoy a sunny day while dreaming of warmer weather.

After the flight was over, I realized that my floats were not very parallel so I removed one of the front spacers on each side to make them perfect.

Although not needed for snow take-offs, a water-rudder is needed for taking off the water. I selected two of the Ernst Retractable Float Rudders for .90-1/4 Scale from Tower Hobbies. I'll be assembling these soon using some Great Planes Flexible Cable.



Crash n BUILD -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/9/2004 2:30:08 PM)

Greg ~

What a Beautiful project! I've been lusting for the Velie for a LOooooonnnnnnng Time! While yours is, in my mind the Ultimate, would you happen to know of proven plans from which I might construct a smaller (3.5 - 4.5 lb) version?
I'm somewhat limited in available funds - out of work for 13 mos - but that is likely changing Tomorrow! I can begin to pursue my interest in Scale e-flight in a Conservative way; But even at that, it's Better than just Dreaming!!! lol!

Again, That's Beautiful! and TIA,

Dan Snider



Greg Covey -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/9/2004 3:10:12 PM)

Hi Dan,

Thanks! I used to hate the look of this plane until I researched the history while doing the e-conversion/review. As you can tell, I wanted to be able to fly it off of any surface. :)

Try Reid's Quality Model Products. They have plans for a Monocoupe 90AL shown in the photo.

The plans are only $25 and they also offer a semi kit with cowl, pants, and plans for $76.


  • Wingspan: 96"
  • Wingarea: 1355 sq. in.
  • Length: 57.75"
  • Weight 19-20lbs
  • Power: 1.8-3.0 ci or geared electric or AXI 4130 direct drive electric


Good luck!



curtusua-RCU -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/10/2004 2:14:01 PM)

Hi Greg and all....

You may remember I emailed you about building my Monocoupe and I'm glad to say it's finished. I added an "unscale" radial engine up front and mounted my AXI motor directly to the outside of the firewall and through the dummy radial using one of the newer mounts.

This is my first post. I've been lurking for over a year now and thought I'd jump aboard... finally!

[:D]

best,
Curt



Greg Covey -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (3/10/2004 2:56:28 PM)

Hi Curt,

Good to hear from you again. You're Monocoupe looks awesome!

They didn't have the radial mount set back when I converted mine last year. Your mock radial engine collar looks fantastic! We won't mention this extra cylinders though. ;)

You'll be happy to know that I fly mine on a 4s5p Kokam 1500 pack now to get really long flights. Kokam USA will soon be releasing a new 2AH cell that can deliver over 30amps continuous. This means that a 4s2p configuration will double your Monocoupe flight time and be much less expensive.

Let us know when you fly it. Remember to use right rudder on take-offs and she loves to turn on a combination of rudder and aileron.

Good luck!



Greg Covey -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (5/3/2004 3:17:56 PM)

We are less than 3 weeks away from our first local R/C event of the season which is a float-fly in the Finger Lakes of upstate NY at Honeoye Lake.

I started adding my Ernst #156 water rudders to my Monocoupe that I put on floats during the Winter. I decided to use two water rudders controlled by a flexible cable from Great Planes (GPM03702).

I haven't decided yet if I will connect the two rudders via a bar or a second flexible cable run.



Greg Covey -> RE: Monocoupe Conversion on Floats (5/23/2004 7:03:25 PM)

My Monocoupe on floats was a good success at yesterday's float fly in the finger lakes of upstate NY. Although take-offs were a bit weak, we flew the Monocoupe five times during the day.

Once airborn, the plane still flew at half throttle but initially breaking the suction of the water contact required some skill and long take-offs. I will either try changing my prop from an APC 13x8 e-prop to an APC 14x7 e-prop or switch to an AXI 4130/16 that was not available when I did my original e-conversion last year.

I connected my other water rudder via a second flexible cable run. They had fantastic turning response in the water!

This plane simply looks nostalgically great on the ground and in the air!



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