Originally Posted by
buzzard bait
You're welcome, Leonardo. The engine was a PAW 40. It was great for that model, but I had to put a sheet of cardboard under it every time I started it or else leave a pool of black goop on the grass on our club field. I loved the sound and it's ability to swing a large prop, plus it started easily and provided the perfect power for the plane, so it was with mixed feelings that I finally sold the engine. I am now substituting an old Enya 45 that swings a 13 inch prop well enough on the test stand that I think it will make a good substitute. The sound is not as nice as the diesel, but with the large prop I like it well enough. I hope it will do well in the air.
Another thing I want to try is to put a gyro on the rudder for take off. Ground looping really drove me nuts with this plane, and I've been flying mostly tail-draggers for at least 20 years so I know the techniques. Good luck with your N.17!
Jim
Jim,
I'm betting that you will be more than pleased with the addition of a yaw gyro in you plane. WWI biplanes can be nasty little critters on takeoff and landing and seem made to order for a gyro. Yaw will provide the most dramatic improvement, although roll and pitch will become smoother as well.
Be careful about using Heading Hold (also known as AVCS). HH will definitely lock your plane straight on takeoff, but can give you fits once airborne. Some people switch from HH to Rate immediately after takeoff, but I find that Rate alone works fine for takeoff, landing, and everything in between.
Dick