NEW BUSA 1/3rd Scale Fokker Triplane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
07-10-2016, 06:49 PM
#576
The 24 x 10 prop flew the plane at a scale speed at 1/3 throttle. With the 28 x 6 it was almost (but not quite) 1/2 throttle for the same speed. The 6 pitch prop took a bit longer to get up to speed after a maneuver. But with the 28 x 6 the landings are much better, the plane slows down at a very nice steady rate. And I have control of the tail surfaces longer before they quit working. Also with the 24 x 10 prop there was a lot of Dutch roll at anything over 1/2 throttle. I flew at 2/3 throttle with the 28 x 6 and saw no tail shake at all even though the air speed was the same. I think either prop would be fine if its all you had, but I really believe that the longer reach of the 28 x 6 prop helps this aircraft. Just my 2 cents worth.
Yep, that's my conclusion, too!
Thanks to the man behind the camera. I think it was Noel Hunt.
07-24-2016, 07:30 AM
#578
Warbirds over Iowa has come and gone. It was cloudy, hot, humid, damp, sticky and I had the BEST time ever. The folks that ran the event did a great job. Food was grilled for lunch, and the flying was almost non stop. The clouds kept the sun from outright cooking us. The wind was right down the runway for most of the day. My 1/3 scale Tripe was awarded Most Scale aircraft. I was thankful for the honor. You should plan to make the trip next year if you can. My motor sheared off one of the mounting bolts but other than that, All is good. Next event for myself and the Tripe is Owatonna and the Northern Alliance Military FlyIn.
Thanks to Scott Anderson for the pictures.
Thanks to Scott Anderson for the pictures.
08-06-2016, 04:42 PM
#580
So here are the non-construction issues I have found with the 1/3 scale Tripe. I think the bungies that are included with the kit are too weak. Any uneven landing, with one wheel touching before the other, the axel flexes too far and the sub wing gets cracked just above the axel. Stronger bungie cords or go without the scale set up and go straight axel, no shock absorbers.
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The wire for the landing gear is very wobbly. I know they are long, and the plane is 30 lbs, but its hard to keep it from looking like a drunk man walking as it taxies. What are the chances of a little bit bigger wires for the mains?
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The sub wing construction is proving to be a weak spot. The point where the plywood meets the balsa is splitting after almost every landing. The small screws that hold the sub wing to the axel are just not able to keep the weight of the sub wing from shifting during landings. Perhaps making the base of the sub wing out of one piece of plywood and bigger screws with washers would help.
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That's about it. If you are not that far along in the build, you may want to look at these areas. I think I will look into new bungies. And if I ever have to do a rebuild of the sub wing, I will try the upgrade. It might not be any better, but perhaps it might.
And ALWAYS land into the wind.
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The wire for the landing gear is very wobbly. I know they are long, and the plane is 30 lbs, but its hard to keep it from looking like a drunk man walking as it taxies. What are the chances of a little bit bigger wires for the mains?
.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..........................
The sub wing construction is proving to be a weak spot. The point where the plywood meets the balsa is splitting after almost every landing. The small screws that hold the sub wing to the axel are just not able to keep the weight of the sub wing from shifting during landings. Perhaps making the base of the sub wing out of one piece of plywood and bigger screws with washers would help.
.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..........................
That's about it. If you are not that far along in the build, you may want to look at these areas. I think I will look into new bungies. And if I ever have to do a rebuild of the sub wing, I will try the upgrade. It might not be any better, but perhaps it might.
And ALWAYS land into the wind.
08-07-2016, 04:41 PM
#582
I think your sub wing problems are all related to the too loose bungees.......and possibly the wheel being positioned on the axel too close to the sub wing - or a combination of the two. When the axel moves up too far it might be contacting the sub wing and causing damage. Tighten the bungees.
I have been flying mine for 3 seasons without any sub wing issues at all.
.....just my opinion here, and you know what is said about opinions ........
Cheers,
Art
I have been flying mine for 3 seasons without any sub wing issues at all.
.....just my opinion here, and you know what is said about opinions ........
Cheers,
Art
11-17-2016, 01:20 PM
#585
well the first season with my 1/3 scale triplane is over. It was a really fun year. I met a bunch of new pilots at different events, and learned a lot while I was having fun. Sad to say that on the "just one more quick flight to end the year" I cartwheeled the Tripe down the runway on a cross wind landing. Broke all 3 wings, landing gear, rudder, elevator and horizontal stab. But the body is still perfect. Lots of work to do this winter. The re-build is not the hard part, its getting the paint to look good. But I guess the full size planes had a patch or two on them. Oh well, I should have it ready for Windy City Warbirds in June at St. Charles Ill. I think I need a Mick Reeves 1/3 scale Camel to go with my Tripe.......hmmmm....
11-17-2016, 02:45 PM
#586
Wow, what a bummer. I can tell from seeing your planes up close you will be able to make it right again..Sure hate to hear it though.
When mine rolled the tire off the rim on the test flight I know I got lucky .. because it stopped and stood up fast..Thankfully no cartwheel.
p.s. I sent you an email....
When mine rolled the tire off the rim on the test flight I know I got lucky .. because it stopped and stood up fast..Thankfully no cartwheel.
p.s. I sent you an email....
11-20-2016, 05:05 PM
#589
yea...nothing worse than a 3D WWI bird. Or giant DVII knife edging down the runway. Scale speed and flight are everything, to me at least. But each to their own. I just found this picture that was taken by somebody at one of the events. I would give credit to the photographer if I knew their name. Its a great picture.
11-30-2016, 06:44 AM
#594
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12-20-2016, 02:10 PM
#596
12-22-2016, 01:43 PM
#599
I was able to See Billys 1/2 Camel early in its flying life... When you seldom see a 1/3 WW1 plane at the field.. and then you get to walk right up and around a 1/2.. its amazing ....