Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

RBean, we've had a lot of luck with DLE-30s and now DLE-35RAs in the past in various configurations with little or no vapor lock issues (in Texas no less). We tend to cheat a bit and leave an ample amount of the cowl open on the bottom around the exhaust and plug (see attached picture, used the same approach with an ESM P-39 with no issues). Will most likely open up the radiator holes on the cowl as well. We always see how the maiden goes and then decide if we need to program anything beyond trim. The gear should be good, we fly off a well maintained asphalt strip that's almost 700' long with a groomed grass strip next to it. Thanks again for the CG, nice to have a starting point that is tried and true.

Should be ready to maiden this weekend, weather permitting. Just need to paint the spinner and we'll be good to go!

w1nd6urfa

My Feedback: (4)

My next build will be the ESM P-39. Have you posted any info on that on RCU?

Good luck with the maiden

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

w1nd6urfa - No, haven't posted much really but as I recall there is a lengthy thread on the ESM P-39. If I can share anything, go with the DLE-35RA. I used the DLE-30 at the time and the rear exhaust will be a cleaner look and give you a touch more power. Spend a few bucks more and get some quality landing gear, I used the ESM version and while serviceable, I'm constantly having to tweak them to keep them safe (go Sierra). The CG and throws in the instructions are good and didn't let me down. She flies well and always draws a crowd at the field.

RBean

Good. I'm glad you have had no vapor lock problems. I had vapor lock problems with a DLE 20, rear carb, side exhaust with compact pitts suffer. One in a Top Flight 60 size Mustang and the other in a 72" wingspan Tony. (KI-61). Maybe I'm a bit paranoid and over did the carb cooling thing on the Macchi, but more is better than not enough (cooling that is). Looking forward to your flight report.

w1nd6urfa

My Feedback: (4)

Thanks!
The first item I got after the kit was the Sierra front gear, and I'm thinking an Airworld Moki 30cc rear exhaust for power, same HP as a DLE 35 and heavier built, which helps with CG.

Nice pics, it really calls for some weathering

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

A Moki 30cc on the front of the P-39, I'm officially jealous! Should be an excellent match. Yes, weathering is called for and I always say I'll do it during the winter break but end up building another plane.

tahustvedt

I'm thinking about getting this. Looking to do a repaint and kit bash. Is the top of the wing fully covered with grey, and then olive drab over that, or are both colors cut to just overlap at the edges only?

aviation421

My Feedback: (68)

Hi,
I have one...about to start on it...and yes I want to do a repaint as well, the olive drab covering is over the gray I already took it off the wings.

aviation421

My Feedback: (68)

Nice plane Plano78....

Can you share some pictures of the radio and servo installation with us?
Looking forward for the flight report...happy flying

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

Do wish they would have left the wings just grey and I could have matched the camo pattern of the fuse. Regardless, she's turned out well so far. Winds too high in north Texas for a maiden this weekend. Tied up next weekend so I'm hoping for two weeks from today.

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

RBean! Quick question for clarification? When you said the CG was 3.25" to 3.5" back from the "flair forward" on the wing. I'm assuming that's at the point right where the wing joins the fuse before it sweeps back to the lead edge of the wing?

So, from the black arrow or the red arrow?

RBean

Yes, that is right. Were the wing meets the fuselage. I've changed the spinner and prop a couple of times and that caused slight cg changes but little effect in flight except a click or two in elevator trim.

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

OK, my Veltro is finished. Waiting on the right weather to maiden her. Kept her just a little nose heavy to start. Will report again after the maiden. The spinner will eventually be painted white (just so I see her in flight).

RBean

Plano78, she is looking good. Let us know how the maiden goes. I have found a light coat of matt lacquer will take the shine off and also help seal the covering seams and the markings. What is the total weight? Mine is 14.7 lbs, but that is with a full paint job. Yours should be lighter.

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

RBean, I like the matt idea and will give it a shot. 14.7 lbs? Lord, my little girl is a bit "hefty" at 18! I guess I won't have to worry about her being a floater. I'd be concerned but I also have a 1/5 scale FW-190 that is "substantial" and she flies like a dream.

NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

Let me know when you think you'll fly her. (I too have this plane)...and I live not far from you in Carrollton, and would love to see her in action

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

Right now it looks like we may not get her in the air until 6/10-11 at Warbirds Over Texas at the NDRCC fields annual event.

NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

Super...I hope to be there as well.
I messed up the Nose great on my ESM P-39 at the Ft. Worth Warbird show, so I'm scambling to get something else airworthy.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...M5a1Rjb1lVQzlB


https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...M5a1Rjb1lVQzlB

I really hope to see your Macchi there !

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

NoFlaps, great Russian scheme on your AirCobra! Enjoyed the pictures until I saw the one of Ed K.! You can see that my P-39 is mainly stock with a little nose art and changes. Below it is my Sea Fury, she is just plain sweet! Also, aviation421, sorry I keep forgetting to add the radio/servo shots on the Macchi, here they are.

Plano78

My Feedback: (39)

FINALLY! Test flew the Macchi today! Using a XOAR 18x8 2 blade and she was turning 8,000 on the high end and 1,600 at idle. This was the first time the DLE-35 had fuel in her so I ran her a bit, tweaked the needles, good transition. Did some ground handling and the tail is so big she does have a tendency to weather vane. Wind was about 10 mph and 15 degrees off center line. Prop clearance isn't much so was worried about takeoff but was pretty much a non-issue. Flew like she was on rails, took a few clicks of right aileron and a click or two of down. No bad habits at slow speeds and didn't even balloon when flaps were added. 5 minutes in, low pass at about 30' and 1/3 throttle she died. Not enough time to put gear down and she belly landed like a glider. Everything (including the scoop) were fine except for the ignition connection to the plug, that will need to be replaced. My fault, today in North Texas it was 97 degrees and I had the engine set too lean (for a new engine anyway). Aside from the needle adjustment I'm going to move to an 18x10 prop, the DLE-35 can handle it.

RBean, your CG was spot on!

She's a keeper.

RBean

Glad to know the maiden was a success, except for the dead stick. Apparently the extra weight didn't hurt. Some cooling air to that rear mounted carb situated over the rear exhaust might help or at least give you more margin. Hot carb will cause it to run lean. When you have a hot carb and throttle back, the fuel is going through the carb slower and won't cool down the carb and the fuel heats up. Possible vapor lock. Ducting cooling air to the carb certainly won't hurt. Congrats on the maiden. Also the 18-10 prop will put more load on the engine and possibly cause it to run a little hotter. Might make a difference if situation is marginal. Not criticism, just trying to help.

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

Congrats! The "Devil Dog" looks beautiful.

NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

Great stuff! Wish I could have seen her go.
Keep us informed of the anticipated next flight and I'll hop up there to watch.

aviation421

My Feedback: (68)

Congrats Plano78 on the maiden. I have one but have not started it yet.
So wondering what CG did you use between 3.25 to 3.50? Also what retracts did you use.
I will use a Saito 2.20 CDI glow in mine....
Thanks
John

w1nd6urfa

My Feedback: (4)

Congrats Plano!

The German scheme is badass, open up the LSN and get that mean lookin' bird back in the air

What AUW are you guys at? I have a GF30 4-stroke that sounds very sweet, if I can get the AUW around 6 kg it will fly well with a 17x10