Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
#1
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Hi Gentelmen,
Continuing my quest to find the best value/popular equipment to complete a Yellow A/C Spitfire I would like your opinion on ;
1/ Should I go with the retracts from Y A/C or get Sierras or Robarts and why?
2/ Engine choice, I know it will stick out of the cowl but what are you running?
I would like to go gas.
I like the idea of a ZDZ 40 with a prop extension.
I have also seen Leo's DA50 with firewall mod and this is a possibility.
Cheers,
Brad
Continuing my quest to find the best value/popular equipment to complete a Yellow A/C Spitfire I would like your opinion on ;
1/ Should I go with the retracts from Y A/C or get Sierras or Robarts and why?
2/ Engine choice, I know it will stick out of the cowl but what are you running?
I would like to go gas.
I like the idea of a ZDZ 40 with a prop extension.
I have also seen Leo's DA50 with firewall mod and this is a possibility.
Cheers,
Brad
#2
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Yellow makes the best gear.. hands down. Depends on how much you want to spend..they are also the most expensive. If cost doesn't matter I'd use them were I to build another Yellow Spit.
I believe Leo is increasing his engine size or did increase. But his plane flew just fine what that 40..
I believe Leo is increasing his engine size or did increase. But his plane flew just fine what that 40..
#3
My Feedback: (34)
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Brad,
On the Engine: The ZDZ 40 was adequate. It did fine, but the DA-50 is wonderful! It is your choice, but I like driving hot rods if I have a choice. You can always pull the throttle back. Either engine will still need 1.5 to 2.0 lbs. of lead in the nose to balance the plane out. So weight is not the issue.
Check out the special firewall and cowling modification kit that gets rid of the side seams on the YA Spitfire when you use a DA-50. The installation uses a 1.25" extension from Sierra Giant Scale. I put a picture below. It cleans up the front end quite a bit.
www.spychallaaircraft.com select the Spitfire Firewall tab.
On the Gear: Both YA and Robart make some very nice gear for the Spitfire. My son and I have over 400 log flights on two spits equiped with the Robart gear and do not have one gear failure or belly landing due to the Robart Gear not working. That is pretty surprising, because I would have thought I would have ripped the radiators off the bottom by now.
If your interested in a set if YA gear I have a set I picked-up out of a hangar queen that is practically new. You can see the photos. (Edited on 6/15/08, Brad bought these gear that are shown in the pictures below).
Leo
On the Engine: The ZDZ 40 was adequate. It did fine, but the DA-50 is wonderful! It is your choice, but I like driving hot rods if I have a choice. You can always pull the throttle back. Either engine will still need 1.5 to 2.0 lbs. of lead in the nose to balance the plane out. So weight is not the issue.
Check out the special firewall and cowling modification kit that gets rid of the side seams on the YA Spitfire when you use a DA-50. The installation uses a 1.25" extension from Sierra Giant Scale. I put a picture below. It cleans up the front end quite a bit.
www.spychallaaircraft.com select the Spitfire Firewall tab.
On the Gear: Both YA and Robart make some very nice gear for the Spitfire. My son and I have over 400 log flights on two spits equiped with the Robart gear and do not have one gear failure or belly landing due to the Robart Gear not working. That is pretty surprising, because I would have thought I would have ripped the radiators off the bottom by now.
If your interested in a set if YA gear I have a set I picked-up out of a hangar queen that is practically new. You can see the photos. (Edited on 6/15/08, Brad bought these gear that are shown in the pictures below).
Leo
#4
My Feedback: (124)
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Sierra makes gear for the Yellow Spit, his gear are second to none, awesome stuff!!!!
http://www.sierragiant.com/prod20.html
http://www.sierragiant.com/prod20.html
#6
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Hi,
I have had the pleasure to see some Sierra gear, and I'd honestly say they'd be my first choice. I don't think our gear are more expensive than Robart's however (though I do think they're superior), if you factor in the installation kit which ours include and Robart's don't.
I have had the pleasure to see some Sierra gear, and I'd honestly say they'd be my first choice. I don't think our gear are more expensive than Robart's however (though I do think they're superior), if you factor in the installation kit which ours include and Robart's don't.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jonkoping, SWEDEN
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Do not forget [link=http://www.unitracts.co.uk/]Unitracts[/link] in good old U.K. They produce very nice U/C units and if you ask them you will get the scale 96 degree retraction angle. As far as I know the Robarts are 90 degree retracts. I haven't seen the Yellow Aircraft U/C live, but from the photo they also appear to be 90 degree units. Please correct me if I am wrong.
#9
My Feedback: (1)
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
I have had both the Yellow Aircraft gear and Sierra Precision gear in my Yellow Spit and in my opinion, the Sierra gear look better and are stronger than the Yellow gear. The Yellow Gear are pretty, better looking than the Robarts, but just not as nice as the Sierra gear.
Regarding the engine, that is a very personal decision and varies a lot based upon flying style. For example, a G38 will fly it fine, but is not enough power for my tastes. I have a FPE 40cc in mine. I think at least a 50cc engine would be better, especially if you like flying long climbing turns. As others have said, extra engine weight is no problem. If I was doing it again, I would look at a 60cc engine, such as the 3W60 or something similar.
Ed B.
Regarding the engine, that is a very personal decision and varies a lot based upon flying style. For example, a G38 will fly it fine, but is not enough power for my tastes. I have a FPE 40cc in mine. I think at least a 50cc engine would be better, especially if you like flying long climbing turns. As others have said, extra engine weight is no problem. If I was doing it again, I would look at a 60cc engine, such as the 3W60 or something similar.
Ed B.
#10
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
ORIGINAL: Red B.
Do not forget [link=http://www.unitracts.co.uk/]Unitracts[/link] in good old U.K. They produce very nice U/C units and if you ask them you will get the scale 96 degree retraction angle. As far as I know the Robarts are 90 degree retracts. I haven't seen the Yellow Aircraft U/C live, but from the photo they also appear to be 90 degree units. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Do not forget [link=http://www.unitracts.co.uk/]Unitracts[/link] in good old U.K. They produce very nice U/C units and if you ask them you will get the scale 96 degree retraction angle. As far as I know the Robarts are 90 degree retracts. I haven't seen the Yellow Aircraft U/C live, but from the photo they also appear to be 90 degree units. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Hi,
I'm curious about this because I'm not sure what you mean by 96 degrees. Do you mean that the unit is supposed to extend beyond 90 or less than 90? If it goes beyond 90, what would that look like? Would that have to do with the dihedral of the wing and the gear pointing straight down in spite of it? Thanks in advance.
#11
My Feedback: (9)
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Pullman,
WA
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Another source for gear for this and other Spits is Lenny at Shindin Machine: http://www.shindinmachine.com/SPITFIRE/SPITFIRE.html
His retracts are strong and reliable, and he is great to deal with.
Sam
His retracts are strong and reliable, and he is great to deal with.
Sam
#12
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
ORIGINAL: Flyfast1
Regarding the engine, that is a very personal decision and varies a lot based upon flying style. For example, a G38 will fly it fine, but is not enough power for my tastes. I have a FPE 40cc in mine. I think at least a 50cc engine would be better, especially if you like flying long climbing turns. As others have said, extra engine weight is no problem. If I was doing it again, I would look at a 60cc engine, such as the 3W60 or something similar.
Ed B.
Regarding the engine, that is a very personal decision and varies a lot based upon flying style. For example, a G38 will fly it fine, but is not enough power for my tastes. I have a FPE 40cc in mine. I think at least a 50cc engine would be better, especially if you like flying long climbing turns. As others have said, extra engine weight is no problem. If I was doing it again, I would look at a 60cc engine, such as the 3W60 or something similar.
Ed B.
Those of you with a 50cc do you have to throttle back to just over idle for scale type level flight?
Cheers,
Brad
#13
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Could some one please post here measurements for the DA50;
1/from the center of the crank to the top of the head,
2/ from the center of the crank to the top of the spark plug cap when fitted.
The dimensions look 'long' (ie, tall) compared to a 3W and aZDZ.
Metric or imperial measurements ,,,,,I dont mind.
Cheers,
Brad
1/from the center of the crank to the top of the head,
2/ from the center of the crank to the top of the spark plug cap when fitted.
The dimensions look 'long' (ie, tall) compared to a 3W and aZDZ.
Metric or imperial measurements ,,,,,I dont mind.
Cheers,
Brad
#15
My Feedback: (9)
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Pullman,
WA
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
I think the 3W-50 or 55 have the shortest cylinder head and longer prop shaft, if you're into hiding the cylinder. With a one inch prop shaft extension you could probably hide most of the cylinder head.
Sam
Sam
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jonkoping, SWEDEN
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
ORIGINAL: YellowAircraft
Hi,
I'm curious about this because I'm not sure what you mean by 96 degrees. Do you mean that the unit is supposed to extend beyond 90 or less than 90? If it goes beyond 90, what would that look like? Would that have to do with the dihedral of the wing and the gear pointing straight down in spite of it? Thanks in advance.
Hi,
I'm curious about this because I'm not sure what you mean by 96 degrees. Do you mean that the unit is supposed to extend beyond 90 or less than 90? If it goes beyond 90, what would that look like? Would that have to do with the dihedral of the wing and the gear pointing straight down in spite of it? Thanks in advance.
The reason is that that the U/C has quite a lot of rake back when retracted and when extended the U/C legs are almost vertical when viewed from the front. This together with the dihedral of the wing requires a 96 degree retract angle. Some of the American kit manufacturers, e.g., Pica, Great Planes and Dynaflite use(d) 90 degree retracts and a non-scale U/C position and geometry. I don't know about Yellow Aircraft.
#17
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
ORIGINAL: samparfitt
Brad:
specs are on their web site:
http://www.desertaircraft.com/engine...p?Page=DA-50-R
Brad:
specs are on their web site:
http://www.desertaircraft.com/engine...p?Page=DA-50-R
Brad
#18
Member
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Lowell,
ON, CANADA
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Hi Guys; I have seen a Yellow Spitfire fly at the Bay of Quinte Jet Rally with a Saito 300 twin. It sounded awesome !
This model was built & flown by Bob Fiorenzi (spelling ?)
Have you considered the Revolution 52 ? It has loads of power and a longer shaft so it would fit back farther in the cowl than most gas engines. It is also smaller in size than large finned engines.
Good luck.
This model was built & flown by Bob Fiorenzi (spelling ?)
Have you considered the Revolution 52 ? It has loads of power and a longer shaft so it would fit back farther in the cowl than most gas engines. It is also smaller in size than large finned engines.
Good luck.
#19
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
ORIGINAL: SpaceCowboy
Hi Guys; I have seen a Yellow Spitfire fly at the Bay of Quinte Jet Rally with a Saito 300 twin. It sounded awesome !
This model was built & flown by Bob Fiorenzi (spelling ?)
Have you considered the Revolution 52 ? It has loads of power and a longer shaft so it would fit back farther in the cowl than most gas engines. It is also smaller in size than large finned engines.
Good luck.
Hi Guys; I have seen a Yellow Spitfire fly at the Bay of Quinte Jet Rally with a Saito 300 twin. It sounded awesome !
This model was built & flown by Bob Fiorenzi (spelling ?)
Have you considered the Revolution 52 ? It has loads of power and a longer shaft so it would fit back farther in the cowl than most gas engines. It is also smaller in size than large finned engines.
Good luck.
http://www.rc-revolution.com/engine_r50u.htm
Australian distributor? I shall find out.
Cheers Mate,
Brad
#20
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Well, I got the Sierra Giant retracts, but the motor I`m not sure. I`m considering a Zenoha 45. I got a DA 50 in my Top flight Mustang, the Da is a very good engine. But........... in Norway at my lokal airfield we have some noiserestrictions, if I chose the Da50, I have to mount a big cannister into the fuse......
-Whit the Zenoha I willl use Tony Clark canister and will fit wery well..... And it will swing a 20/10 at 7200 rpm... Any coments??
-Whit the Zenoha I willl use Tony Clark canister and will fit wery well..... And it will swing a 20/10 at 7200 rpm... Any coments??
#21
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
ORIGINAL: spitfire mk.xiv
Well, I got the Sierra Giant retracts, but the motor I`m not sure. I`m considering a Zenoha 45. I got a DA 50 in my Top flight Mustang, the Da is a very good engine. But........... in Norway at my lokal airfield we have some noiserestrictions, if I chose the Da50, I have to mount a big cannister into the fuse......
-Whit the Zenoha I willl use Tony Clark canister and will fit wery well..... And it will swing a 20/10 at 7200 rpm... Any coments??
Well, I got the Sierra Giant retracts, but the motor I`m not sure. I`m considering a Zenoha 45. I got a DA 50 in my Top flight Mustang, the Da is a very good engine. But........... in Norway at my lokal airfield we have some noiserestrictions, if I chose the Da50, I have to mount a big cannister into the fuse......
-Whit the Zenoha I willl use Tony Clark canister and will fit wery well..... And it will swing a 20/10 at 7200 rpm... Any coments??
Regards,
Brad
#22
My Feedback: (34)
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
I just flew a formation flight on Sat. 8/9 with Dave Szabo at Warbirds Over Minnesota. He is running a Zenoah G-45 powered YA Spitfire that weighs 24 lbs. with a Zinger 18 X 10-14 prop. It was fast and has fantastic performance. I would say that my DA-50 powered machine is only a few mph faster at best. It makes me think I need to try a lower diameter higher pitch prop. Leo
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: lillington,
NC
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Leo try a Zinger 20-8-14 prop on the 50cc mine in a TFGS P51 flew best with that combo. APC 20-12 also is pretty good on the DA. Good Luck, Kevin.
#24
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Perth WA, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
OK, now are there any scale tail wheels out there that will suit this bird or am I going to have to reach for an old Sullivan?
(Not really expecting an answer,,, just thought I would throw it in. )
I'm getting the retract off Marty at Jetfx and realised I dont have a wheel.
Brad
(Not really expecting an answer,,, just thought I would throw it in. )
I'm getting the retract off Marty at Jetfx and realised I dont have a wheel.
Brad
#25
RE: Yellow A/C Spitfire Retracts and engine.
Gentlemen, I want to share some stuff from Warbird Weekend 2008 with you. This guy Knut Aker from Oslo bring this great piece of work. He got a ZDZ 50 and a Zimmermann stainlessteel cannister build in a tunnel inside the fuselage. The spit fliies like a rocket, and very quiet to!
I will now mount a cannister for the DA 50 the same way
Feel free to visit our web site from the gadering; www.scalewarbird.org and www.scalewarbird.org/photo/WW2008
I will now mount a cannister for the DA 50 the same way
Feel free to visit our web site from the gadering; www.scalewarbird.org and www.scalewarbird.org/photo/WW2008