Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

I've researched this till I'm blue in the face and decide to ask everyone about their Dr1's, Specifically those that are kit built using gas engines.

1. What engine are you using in your Fokker Dr1's?
2. Anyone using electronic ignitions?
3. How's the plane fly, (Scale like, Plenty of power, etc)

I'm building the BUSA Dr1 and am to the point where I need to get my engine ordered. I like the EI option because of ease of starting and low idle I hear about. I also intend to use a Sullivan smoke pump and dual 16 oz tanks.

I'd also be interested in what people selected for their servo's and control linkages.

Thanks and I look forward to info, suggestions and any pics!

rrudytoo

My Feedback: (27)

Cryhavoc,

Does the name "Steven Steptoe" of NEANY, Inc. ring a bell?

Al

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

No. Should it?

bps

My Feedback: (3)

Here is my 2 cents worth. I have not flown my Dr yet but I have the Zenoh G26 gasser using the standard ignition and Sullivan smoke. I have a new Futaba 9cap and digital servos. 16 oz tanks for both the smoke and fuel. Fiberglass cowl to replace the vac formed one bought from GTM. Covering if it ever gets here to be Sig Koverall. I have had this on order since spring. Seal using the Polycrylic and latex paints with oil base poly for a sealer. I am using pull-pull for the rudder and nirods for the split elevators. One servo for each aileron. Hope this helps.

JEB

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

Helps a hellava lot. I've never owned a Zenoah but I have a 3W 106B2 and a DA50-R and both start really easy with the electronic ignition. I've never had a gasser that didn't have EI. I'm not mechanically inclined as far as engines go so I'm looking for plenty of power as well as ease of operation, (I just want something dependable).

I'll be using your setup for the split elevators and the rudders as well. Have you given any thought to what type of servos you'll be using? I've got a couple of 4000ma Duralites and plan to use one to power it with. I'm going to go dual 16's for the gas and smoke as well and a sullivan smoke pump to boot.

I think I'm gonna use solartex and paint it. Everyone's talking about how hard it is to get Koverall.

Thanks, Great pics of your build!

Prop Nut

My Feedback: (3)

A friend flys his using a Honda GX31 four stroke gasoline conversion engine. He did use an EI unit. Flys very scale, does all the scale manouvers and sounds so real its scary. Here are a couple of pictures of his plane, Hope he doesnt mind my posting them.

And a picture of my Balsa USA Fokker DVII using a Briggs and Stratton four stroke Gasoline engine. No EI unit.

lazyace

My Feedback: (126)

why not try stits fab for covering pretty good stuff

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

That's a good looking Tripe and a good looking Bipe. I like your color scheme as well. Where'd you get your B&S four stroke for it? I was thinking of building either a DVII or a Pup next but hadn't made up my mind. Thanks for posting the pics!

Prop Nut

My Feedback: (3)

I purchased two of them from Ebay, one on a craftsman weedeater (100.00) and the other unit new in the box before mounting on anything(50.00). The first I flew for about a year on a huge stick and then 8 flights on the DVII before it burned up (casting problems in the cylinder) we checked all the rest and they do not have simular issues. A couple of us have 4 of these and they do run great, sound great also. By the way, they are 34cc but have the power of a 25-30cc. Not great powerhouses but awesome sound. I think the Honda is a better motor though. Both the Honda and the Briggs can be mounted inverted, unlike the 800.00 Fuji.

bps

My Feedback: (3)

Cryhavoc

As far as servo's I am using the digital Futaba 9252 for the elevator, ailerons and a Hitec 645mg for the rudder. The throttle is just a standard Futaba 3151 and the kill switch is a Hitec HS85. 1500mah receiver battery and 1200mah battery for the smoke.

I am begining to consider the Solartex as well. I have a real problem waiting and waiting for cover and then what if I need more? Stitts is great stuff, I covered my full scale with it. Weight is the problem even with the lightest weight cover intended to be used over plywood on the full scale. It is just about twice as heavy as the Koverall, and you will have a tough time with compound curves.

JEB

Prop Nut

My Feedback: (3)

I really like Super Coverite, comes in Antique and White. Easy to cover with and paint. You will have to fuel proof with a clear coat if you are using Glow fuel but for my large planes, I dont bother as I use gasoline and have not had any trouble.

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

Well I guess I made up my mind for the engine. I read alot about Ralph and rcignitions and his lifetime warranty so I contacted him and had him invoice me for a Zenoah G26 with an electronic ignition. Looks like he'll provide plenty of support and a highly reliable engine. Any thoughts?

I'm going to probably go with Hitec digitals, (mainly cause I have the programmer and am running them on my other planes), but I will look up your servos to determine the torque ratings to make sure I duplicate them correctly.

I look forward to hearing how your covering selection and job comes out. Feel free to e-mail with any pics you take.

Thanks!

Prop Nut

My Feedback: (3)

That is an excellent chioce, Ralph seems like a very knowledgable guy.

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

Everything I've read in the forums seems to indicate he's definately a "cut above". Thanks for the input.

bps

My Feedback: (3)

From what I have heard from others you will not be sorry about your engine choice. I may have my G26 converted to electronic as well. I understand they can be a bear to start with standard ignition. You might want to check Servo City on the digitals. Last time I checked they had a deal going!

JEB

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

Thanks for the tip. I'll give em a look.

Jeff Fokker

Cryhavoc:

You probably have your engine already, but here is another application.

I used a Poulan 33cc chain saw engine with a CH ignition. Had a problem in the beginning and found that the hal effect switch had one of the three wires NOT soldered from the factory. Lucky I did not crash it. Had 3 dead-sticks before I found the problem.[img][/img]

Jeff Fokker

Don't know why photo did not come through. Trying again.

Cryhavoc

My Feedback: (46)

Thanks for the input. One of the last things I plan to learn, (to round out my hobby skills) is to learn engine conversions and electronic ignition installation. I hope this gives me more flexibility on my engine sellection. Did you do the conversion yourself and other than the problem you listed was the EI installation smooth otherwise. I'll probably stick with the CH ignitions as I have them on two other airplanes and the've not failed me yet.

Jeff Fokker

Cryhavoc:

I did it all myself. The CH Ingnition instructions are very clear. I suggest you get a Bosch spark plug lead/cover which eliminates electrical noise/interference.

I have the fortune of having 20 years CAD experience and have a CNC milling machine which made things fit great.

Jeff

CliffordH

My Feedback: (9)

I'm thinking of putting a Saito 170R3 I have on the triplane. I also have a GTM cowl for it, those cowls really look good. With the Saito I will have to recess back the center section of the existing firewall but that is not a problem.

Have the wings built but haven't started the fuselage yet, trying to get another plane refinished but will be back on the DR1 soon.

Cliff

Rocketeer10

My BUSA Triplane had a very active year in 2005. It is also powered with a G-26 and it just keeps getting better and better as the engine runs in, I burned about 3 gallons of gas and now am turning an APC 18x6W prop. Finish is Supershrink Coverite and Scale Stits

Jeff Fokker

Here's mine with Poulan 33cc chain saw engine with 20x6 prop.