alpha trainer floats???
05-26-2003, 11:51 PM
#1
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alpha trainer floats???
Has anyone put floats on this plane? If so which ones,from where,how much,c.g. issues,size. and anything else you could add would be great !! Thanks
05-27-2003, 10:31 AM
#2
alpha trainer floats???
Specifically, I have NOT put floats on an "Alpha" trainer. But, it would be like almost any other trainer.
The review in Model Airplane News says the fuselage is 26" long but I will presume Mr. Atwood just missed that and 46" is the number. if that's the case, 32" long floats would be about right, and typical for a .40-powered trainer.
If you are flying an Alpha trainer, does this imply that you do not want to build? You will have to fabricate at least a forward support for the floats (T-Strut) if you want to use your existing mains.
In My Humble opinion, the completely finished, ready to clamp-on and go fly floats are not as good as those you can assemble yourself. But, GeeBee makes a set of 32" "clamp-on and go" blow-molded polyethylene floats. You would be better served with a set of foam floats from one of a number of suppliers listed in my club's website (link below). But, you will have to do some building. Also, see the articles about how to float-fly/mount/fabricate floats. After you read those, you will be a Doctor of Floatology. The following link is to the most concise article. Click on the images of the Cunningham article and the y will popup to full-screen.
http://www.flyinglindy.homestead.com/skisandfloats.html
If the Alpha Trainer's flywheel really works as they say to ensure a reliable idle, then that would be a plus for float-flying it. It's always so much better to drive the plane up to the beach than it is to go for a boat ride to retrieve it.
The review in Model Airplane News says the fuselage is 26" long but I will presume Mr. Atwood just missed that and 46" is the number. if that's the case, 32" long floats would be about right, and typical for a .40-powered trainer.
If you are flying an Alpha trainer, does this imply that you do not want to build? You will have to fabricate at least a forward support for the floats (T-Strut) if you want to use your existing mains.
In My Humble opinion, the completely finished, ready to clamp-on and go fly floats are not as good as those you can assemble yourself. But, GeeBee makes a set of 32" "clamp-on and go" blow-molded polyethylene floats. You would be better served with a set of foam floats from one of a number of suppliers listed in my club's website (link below). But, you will have to do some building. Also, see the articles about how to float-fly/mount/fabricate floats. After you read those, you will be a Doctor of Floatology. The following link is to the most concise article. Click on the images of the Cunningham article and the y will popup to full-screen.
http://www.flyinglindy.homestead.com/skisandfloats.html
If the Alpha Trainer's flywheel really works as they say to ensure a reliable idle, then that would be a plus for float-flying it. It's always so much better to drive the plane up to the beach than it is to go for a boat ride to retrieve it.
