Dave, thanks for the compliments. Much appreciated. I went to the field this morning for the maiden flight. 50% chance of rain with winds out of the SE at 3 mph. Got everything set up and then it began to rain. it didn't just rain, it poured. Arrgh! At least I got the engine running and was glad with how quickly the 160 fired up after replacing the crankshaft from the Giles midair. She came to life quickly. Question for you guys.... If you use a longer prop with less pitch should this cause your rpm's to drop off vs using a shorter prop with more pitch? I was getting 9300 rpm's with an APC 16X10. With the APC 18X6 I was able to pull 8740 rpm's while still getting good smoke. I would have thought the rpm's would have been about the same.
Anyway, the rain kept coming so I packed up and headed for the hanger. Maybe this afternoon things will clear up so I can get the maiden flight and a few more in.
Hey Joe, as you can see by the photos I went stealth on the canopy, which I really like on this model. Also used canopy glue with a good solid fit this time. I know this is not UCD related, but since Joe asked, here are the Soucy details.
74" Ws, 69" length - about the same as the Giles. This is a smaller Extra than the PW by either W.M. or G.P. But, should more suitable for the 160 than either of these. Haven't weighed her yet, will report on this later. Note: Fuse sheeted with excellent laser cut wood. Ample tri-stock around the mounting box and stress points. Good and strong requiring no structural mods or additional strengthening. Very pleased with the construction.
OS 160 FX with OS aluminum engine mount - 18 oz Dubro tank mounted in the nose. Using a Fuel dot.
Futaba 148, 8 channel PPM Rx. with 5 Hitec 635 servos. With a 6 volt pack - 83 oz. @ 0.15 speed. JR Deluxe charge switch. Note: servo slots were a perfect fit requiring no additional cutting. Good hard points to make mounting fast and simple.
Robart Hinges Points # 307 - Gorilla Glue - 7 in each aileron, 5 in each stab and 4 in the rudder
Stock aluminum spinner from G.P. - nice touch! with an APC 18X6 prop. Note: adapter comes with the spinner so no additional parts needed. Required no cutting for the 18X6 prop.
H-9 Slimline rubber wheels - don't like the foamies.
Dubro standard size single post control arms with 440 rods, Sullivan and Dubro solder and threaded clevises.
Ohio Superstar sm. tail wheel with direct Rocket City Hardware connection off the rudder servo. No pull-pull.
Monokote covering with custom vinyl graphics with a few stocks decals.
Tamiya, Smoke - PS-31, polycarbonate paint for the canopy. Note: canopy cuts easily without cracking.
Two piece wing with aluminum wing joiner - fits nicely into the wing saddle, Holes pre-drilled for perfect alignment. Belly pan secures with a dowel and machine screws into a blind nut. Mounts very easily.
Four hard wood blocks for mounting the cowling. Comes with balsa rings for easy perfect alignment. very nice touch by G.P. First time I have seen this. See photos below.
Now to fly the darn thing. Maybe this afternoon if the weather clears.
