ORIGINAL: Ryobi Coyote
Hi Rcpilet,
You raise many questions in your posts and I may be able to provide some additional input.
I don't remember asking too many questions. Only asking for opinions about moving the firewall back.
1. In my experience, the long-shaft Ryobis can be made shorter than the short-shaft versions. Sounds crazy, but it's true.
I know that. I'm using a long shaft. Can't you tell by looking at the pics of the engine?
2. Don't be afraid to remove the integral flywheel shroud; I do it all the time. After awhile you can even get a little "artistic" and do a real neat job! I use a hacksaw first, then finish up with a die grinder equiped with a carbide burr meant just for cutting aluminum. No filing, no emery cloth. Takes me less than a hour; really comes out sharp! Looks like a CNC job! I use the die grinder, because I do alot of conversions. BTW, this is NOT a Dremel Mototool! Of course, many of the fellows use files, etc., and that's OK. Also, I've heard of fellows using a two-piece crankcase with a new jug, so they wouldn't have to grind off the shroud.
I am using an engine that doesn't have the shroud. I just bolted the conversion parts on.
3. There are several threads on RCU that relate the successful conversion of the SIG 4S120 to Ryobi 31cc. The only caveat I would raise is to run some ground tests and then some test flights, before you apply full power in the air. You've done a spectacular job with the anti-torsion wing bracing; make certain the tail is also well braced against torsion and vibration effects.
I've done a lot of searching for threads about the 4*120 and conversion engines. Not much luck. You got a link to these threads?
4. Even though I bought a Dodge Aircraft Carrier (aka Caravan)
, I make most wings "two-piece." Surfboards are cool in CA
, but not here in PA! There's an easy technique to do this that has been covered in the model airplane literature. Works every time. It is more work than grinding off a flywheel shroud, but you won't have a surfboard to transport.
I thought about making it a 2-piece wing. But, I opted for the standard wing because I didn't want to spend a lot of time modifying the kit. I know how to turn a 1-piece wing into a 2-piece wing. This ain't my first kit build. I've built about 30--35 kits and assembled more ARFs than I care to count. I just want to get it built and fly it. In order to do that, I kept it as close to stock as possible without getting into a lot of re-engineering. I'm also building this plane right alongside C_Heath. I wanted to help him along with HIS first kit build. Doing a bunch of complicated mods to the wing would have only made it harder on C_Heath.
5. There's another plane available that was designed especially for the Ryobi 31cc. See my thread: "Got Gas Sport for Ryobi 31cc," in the Giant RC Aircraft Forum. My "Sport" is just about ready for covering. I'm still working on how to up-load the photos. Sure would save me alot of keyboarding.
I saw that. But, I wanted to build the 4*120 kit.