Hot Rod Todd

My Feedback: (1)

I wouldn't make it shorter, it is already a handfull on takeoff and that would make it worse. There is way more wood than you need in the big heavy stringers that go back to the tail. I'm sure you could lighten it up a bit and still keep it strong. Also be careful about adding too much weight with paint and heavier covering materials. The wing loading still does not end up too bad, so I wouldn't worry about it. Make sure you add some rudder mix into your elevons if you want it to fly somewhat like a normal plane.

abufletcher

Todd, could you elaborate on this?

Hot Rod Todd

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Sorry, I meant ailerons, not elevons. You mix some rudder into your ailerons to help minimize some of the adverse yaw caused by the flatbottom airfoil and the ailerons being only on the top wing. It makes the plane handle quite a bit better. Of course you could use rudder yourself without the mix, but it is a bit harder. I found that adding some rudder mix makes the plane fly much more like a normal RC aircraft, where if you use no mix the adverse yaw almost requires rudder to make smooth turns.

Dai Phan

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Hi Todd,

Could you let me know where the correct CG is? I heard that the location on plan is not correct. I should be able to post some final pictures pretty soon here. DP

Hot Rod Todd

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I don't remember exactly where I ended up, but I think the plans are correct. What causes problems is the high wing, it allows you to think your close when your are quite a ways off. When you balance, make sure the nose is a bit low at the balance point. I mounted my receiver battery up on the firewall and added some lead on the motor mount, along with the fairly heavy YS 1.10. In your case Dai I would imagine you'll be getting the battery mounted fairly far forward to get it right.

Dai Phan

My Feedback: (2)

Hi all,

I am having my Albatros checked over for flight worthiness by my friend Gary before its maiden flight. I am very anxious to get this bird flying so I can clear my table for the next project that will be started this weekend (Pfalz DIIIa) from Spievak plan. The below picture is my 1/48 scale Albatros DV that took first place at IPMS Iowa Chapter in 1997. DP

mmmdowning

Wow! Good Luck on the maiden, we're all pullin for ya.

pywackit

Dai, Great little D-V! I've got a bunch of those old Aurora WW1 planes, New in box with the wrap around them too. I loved putting those together years ago and decided to collect them. I've got enough of those but you can't beat the bigger scale flyin ones can you...

I can't wait to see the thread on that Pfalz DIII!!!!!

Good luck on the maiden flight of the Albatros!

Dai Phan

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I already posted the Built Thread on the Pfalz DIII in this Forum. Check it out! DP

Hot Rod Todd

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We want to see some finished photos. If your getting it checked out it must be about ready to go and in one piece.

Dai Phan

My Feedback: (2)

Hi Todd,

The photos will be taken on the day at the flight line. Wish me luck as my Tiger Moth Fiasco from last year still gives me night and day-mare !!! DP

abufletcher

If it flies, if flies. If it crashes, it crashes. Such is life. Don't sweat it. You've had months and months of enjoyment building it. I figure anything after those first couple of in flight photos is gravy and my plasitc pilot's a dead man walking from then on.

pywackit

Dai! What's the word? How's that Albatros doing....no maiden flight yet? Since I haven't been on this board to long just what happen with your Tiger Moth or is it just to painful?

Dai Phan

My Feedback: (2)

Hi,

I fly at the Albuquerque Fiesta Balloon Park and at this time, the park is closed for the anual International Balloon event. I plan to test fly my airplane late October or early November when it re-opens again. The pictures will be taken on the fly day. Here is the crash from last year... DP

pywackit

Dai, I really like the graphics on that Moth! Did they actually paint some like that? Sorry to hear about it's ending, she was sweet looking!

Dai Phan

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The face and the stripes are all hand painted. Serial numbers are from home made water transfer decals. DP

Prop Nut

My Feedback: (3)

Hey DP, what was the final weight on your DIII?

DWayner

Hello ABu,

What he is talking about, is Rudder Aleron Mix... When a airplane turns, it has a tendency to hang "Tail down" creating a "slip", The Addition of a little rudder creates a cordinated turn, to where there is no slip or slidding with the rear of the airplane.

Also, many airplanes turn much better with a little rudder added. It helps the tilting of the wings, by slightly increasing the speed of the outer wing, giving more lift to that surface. Thus, you have a plane that turns much nicer.

Too much Rudder makes the airplane slide-turn, looking kinda sloppy. You can especially see this on 2-3 channel planes. (Throttle, elevator, rudder).

Dwayne

chashint

Hey there Dai Phan,
I have followed your build with great interest and would really like to know how this bird flies.
You have done a terrific job posting all the pictures and letting us in on some of your building secrets.
I know a lot of us would really love one final post to let us know how you like the final product.

Dai Phan

My Feedback: (2)

Hi all,

The plane is very very close to being flown. I just placed an order for the Lipos as these are the only ones that can fit into the cowl. That thing cost me 498.00 bucks!!! Yuk! The thing with electric is the darn battery cost!!! DP

chashint

Glad to see you are still hanging out here.
Also glad you are about ready to fly your plane.
Don't forget to give us one more set of photos, the last ones you posted were looking real nice.

chashint

bump

chashint

bump again

Did your plane ever maiden ??

chashint

Hi again Dai Phan.
There is a FunAero SE5a 60" deluxe kit on the way to me.
I started to go with one of the Albatros kits but I think the SE5 will be an easier project for me.
It will not have nearly the features your plane does but I hope to add a few extras to it.
I hope you are enjoying your DIII.

Hot Rod Todd

My Feedback: (1)

From what I hear the SE5 is a much lighter flying plane. It should make for a nice project.