Well, I finally got to maiden the beaver. Sorry, but I didn't get any pictures. I'll try to get some pictures within the next couple of days...hopefully, this coming Saturday.
Luckily, the four stroke Magnum 52 was already broken in so none of those unpleasant new engine surprises. Fired her up and lined her up on the runway. We had about a 7mph crosswind from the left., so the plane immediately tried to turn into the wind as soon as the tail came up. Some right rudder and she was off the ground in about 50 feet. A steady climb at full power to about a hundred feet. Had to keep back pressure on the stick during the climb. Leveled out and reduced power to about 60%. Even though CG is at 70mm, she was a good bit nose heavy. I was able to get it to fly hands off and level with a fair amount of up trim...approximately half the trim range. Ailerons required only a couple of clicks of right trim and the rudder was spot on.
With the recommended control throws she flies very much like a trainer...barely able to do a roll or loop. On the second flight I increased the aileron and elevator throws a bit and it flew with a bit more authority. Could still use just a tad more. Once, I've got the throws where I like the response, I'll post some measurements.
The Magnum 52 provides adequate power for pretty quick take-offs but probably not enough to fly it with floats. During the two maiden flights I flew around at 60-70 percent throttle most of the time, which is great for nice relaxed flying.
During each flight I tested the flaps down. On the first flight I had 5% down elevator mixed in and on the second flight, 7%. Both times the plane wanted to climb. I'll probably mix in 15% and test it.
All in all, some good maiden flights and quite a few positive comments from the guys at the field.