RE: GP Cap 232
 

What a great flying plane! I had a 3W-42 in mine, Hitec digitals all around. I say "had" becuase last weekend a flat spin turned into a dead-stick flat spin.... without a recovery. Totaled!! I liked it so much that Cap #2 should show up from Tower this week. These things very well made, but definetely built to fly, not to survive a crash.
The only thing I changed on the plane was the tailwheel, after our fairly rough grass field tore it up (and the wheel pants) I replaced it with a sullivan tailwheel and it's been great.
My cowl kept shaking loose, so I drilled out the hardwood blocks big enough for some short sections of yellow inner nyrod. I let these stick up just a tiny bit in an attempt to have the top of the nyrod flush with the cowl surface, the cowl sorta "snaps" into place over the nyrod then I fasten with screws and washers. Problem solved! Seems the cowl was eating itself against the sharp threads of the screws.
I put the rudder servo in the fuselage with a pull-pull on the first one; I'll stick it in the tail on the second (Had to add lead to the tail of the first one).
I had a 20x10 Biela prop (which is now splintered), I think I'll try a 22x8 to keep the speed down a bit. Plenty of vertical with this engine!
Had the same mixing issues others are experiencing.... a bit of aileron and a bit more elevator mix (add "up") with rudder.

One thing I did on what turned out to be the last flight was to use the ailevator function of the 9C... moving the elevator halves as ailerons (along with the ailerons themselves). This made the plane roll more axially than any other plane I've ever flown! Gotta try it.

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Has anyone tried the OS BGX 3500 in this plane - will it fit or be too overpowered? I'm also thinking of using the Fuji-43??? I think the DA50 is too much power for my first potential gasser and plane of this scale.

Also, what kind of control rods do people suggest for this plane instead of the supplied? I'm trying to build this one perfect out of the box...

Thanks!

RE: GP Cap 232
 

:)I used Central Hobbies 4-40 carbon fiber control rods. They are nice.

Thanks
Barry

RE: GP Cap 232
 

My plane started life with the Fuji 43 and it was a blast with plenty of power, but no extreme 3D would be possible since it came out at 14lbs even using a 4 ounce PT Models 20x8 CF prop and a 2 ounce Pete's CF Spinner. I'd agree the Da is a bit overpowered but hey, I like knowing I can get myself out of something I put myself into when the need presents itself, plus I like the comments from the people watching when I do a 3/4 throttle 20 foot takeoff run, pull straight up, plant the throttle a disappear rather quickly

As far as the rods go, I used H9 Titanium rods on everything but the rudder. The rudder needed 6 inch rods and H9 only makes up to 5 inch so I used Central Hobies CF rod kit to make the rudder control rod. I also used SMB servo control arms, ball-links on those arms and Dubro Safety clevises on the surface control horns. I also did not install one of the sevo trays since I did not use a choke servo.

Everything else is stock out of the box stuff.

I'm at 13.75lbs RTF minus fuel. I used Gorilla glue to install the hinges and join the wings, much lighter than epoxy and just as strong.

If you go with the Fuji, you will have to remove the velocity stack as it is very close to the inside of the cowl and really hinders airflow into the carb. Other than those few tidbits, this plane is an easy assembly.

I'm not familiar with the power and weight of the BGX so I cannot help you there, sorry

Something I ran into last night that everyone may need to look at is the bottom of the plane between the front of the wing saddle and the landing gear was pulling apart on mine. It was a very easy fix and took more time for the glue to dry than to recover that section. Now remember, I hammer on mine with tons of very violent gyroscopic stuff (mainly upright, inverted and climbing low and high speed tumbles) so the fuselage is getting twisted a lot [X(] and pretty violently, but heck, that's what a Cap does best, (tumbles).

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Thanks guys!

The problem is there are so many engine choices at this size:

DA-50R
Fugi-43
OS-160
OS-BGX
Moki-1.80
Saito 2.20
Evo-45

[sm=confused.gif]

If I'm planning on this plane taking me into 3D then maybe I should suck it up and start out with the DA-50R....I'm also planning on smoke which will add some weight anyway so I might need the extra power.

RE: GP Cap 232
 

This plane being my first giant scale model - if I go with th DA-50 how do you mount it to the firewall correctly? The manual only has templates for the OS-1.60 & Fugi-43??

RE: GP Cap 232
 

I created a template a year or so ago that will work just fine.

http://www.hiddenhangarrc.com/da/

There is a drilling template and the newest manual

Figure on 10 - 14 ounces for the complete smoke system and that does not include the oil. It also might be a bit tight for space in this plane. If 3D is where you want to go, the wing loading will be too high with a smoke system no matter what powerplant you use. It's important to keep the wingloading low.

At 14lbs the wing loading is already a bit high for 3D. whaturi has his at 12lbs on the OS160 and it's a dream to fly. I ought to know, that the one that had the fuji in it until I gave the plane to him.

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Sweet!

Thanks for the info bubbagates - Few more questions:

1) Did you use the DA supplied stand-offs?
2) Do you need to shim the motor mount at all for thrust changes?
3) Did you use the kit supplied motor mount or do you have to use a differant one for the DA-50?
4) Do you need a fuel pump? (again, my first gasser)
5) What ignition kill switch is needed?
6) Do I need a choke servo?
7) What suggestions for the throttle linkage since I know you should not use any metal parts due to noise - I always used flexible braided cable but don't think I can here...
8) Does the DA50 fit easily under the cowel for minimal cutting?

Lots of questions...sorry!

Thanks

RE: GP Cap 232
 

No worries on the questions:

1). Yep I used the DA50 2.5 inch standoffs which are the standard ones
2). Yep, I have one degree of up thrust and one degree of right thrust
3). You do not need a motor mount for the DA50. Ther standoffs are considered the proper way to mount the engine (see pic below)
4). No pump needed for a gas engine. All gas engines have carbs with built in pumps so tank position does not matter
5). I used the Smart-Fly kill switch
6). You could use one if you wanted. Attached is a great pic that shows what someone else did and I did as well and it also shows the carb throttle connection
7). you are correct, no metal to metal anywhere on the plane. I used the same Central Hobbies CF rod for the throttle with 4-40 ball links on both ends. The Da50 throttle connection is already setup for accepting ball links
8). See the attach pic. You can see my cutout.

I can take a much better pics if you need it once I get home from work

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Bubbagates-

Looks nice!

Here's what I gather from the photo:

1) Engine is mounted inverted & you have a hole in the fire wall for carb airflow
2) Ball links on throttle connections - can you use ball links on the other control rods? I'm used to ball links from my Heli days...
3) How do you activate the choke with the rod under the cowel? Or can you get your fingers under the cowel to push/pull the rod?
4) You have a 2mm thick washer under all the standoffs except the upper left?
5) I'm planning on a Pitts style muffler from Slimline so the cowel might be cut a little differant - what pipe are you using?

Correct me if I'm wrong...lots of research for my first giant scale:)

A pic inside the fuse would be nice.

gotta do some work today:D

Thanks!

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Bubbagates-

Since I am planning on a smoke system - is it better to reduce the engine size/weight to the OS 1.60 or OS BGX for reduced wing loading? To clarify, I'm not trying to build an extreme 3D machine but rather a sport/aerobatic type plane that handles excellent with some 3D capabilities. With this in mind is the DA50 an acceptable choice? I would need a little room for a 12oz smoke tank and a pump in the fuse though.....

Anyone install a smoke system in this plane??

RE: GP Cap 232
 

1) the hole is already there. The pic showing the choke rod is not mine and not of the Cap. I posted it to show an example
2) Yes, I used ball links on all the servo arms and dubro saftery links on the control horns
3) The cowl on this plane has one side not cut out in the front, I just cut it out and the rod when pulled fully forward lines up wih the front edge of the cowl
4) I have the wshers on the lower bolts and the top bolt on the right side when looking at the plane from the front (pilots side)
5) I am using the same muffler. See answer 1)

I am home now, I'll go out and get some good pics that should cover you pretty good and post them in a few minutes

RE: GP Cap 232
 

You could do what a lot of people did to the GP Ultimate (It's basically the exact same setup in regards to the formers inside the fuselage) I did it on mine and all I did is cut out the hole where the stock tank goes and bought 2 14 ounce dubro tanks. I then made a liote ply plate and glued it into the hole and mounted both tanks to it. Top tank is smoke, bottom tank is gas

If you are really going to go with smoke, stay with the gas engine. whaturi got his down to 12 pounds because he cut out the floor under the canopy and did other things but if I remember correctly he was close to 13lbs before he made all the mods, an OS160 will start to fly OK once you get over 13lbs but forget anyting resembling 3D. I did some looking and between the weight of the BGX (just under 4lbs without the muffler) and the DA (ready to fly is 4lbs 2 ounces with the slimline pitts)

RE: GP Cap 232
 

OK, working from the first row of pics from left to right,

the first two pics are 2 different angles of the left aileron connection
the 3rd pic shows the choke setup with the cowl cut out
the 4th pic is jst a general look at the front

Second row:

1st pic is a shot at the engine front the right side
2nd pic is a closer view of the choke setup
3rd pic is a shot of the cutouts and I see I need to do some repair
4th pic is a shot in the fuselage. The servo is the throttle servo, wrapped in the foam is a Fromeco 40Mah LiIon batt and the blue thing is the regulator, the reciever is a JR2000 10 channel

Third row:

1st is a shot of the tank
2nd is straight up looking from the botton at the muffler clearance
3rd shows the standoffs. I need to correct myself from an earlier post. When you order the engine request the 3 inch extensions, then you will not need the nylon spacers that you see in my pic. My extensions are 2.5 inch
4th is a closer look at the spacers

RE: GP Cap 232
 

OK gang, my second Cap is here!! Now I'm really debating if I re-install the 3W-42, or pop for a 160fx??? Opinions please?? The 3W42 with ignition, muffler, and ignition battery weighs 80 ounces; the first Cap (now deceased) flew fantastic pattern type stuff and spun very well.

So what should it be?? the 3W or does Tower get more $$ from me for a 160fx?? Also, does the Bisson pitts muffler extend outside of the cowl?? Not sure why it's so much cheaper than the slimline pitts.

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Thanks again - your helping me in many ways today:D

I don't suppose you can show a pic of the GP Ultimate smoke set-up for referance - does the ply plate go on under the bottom tank with another tank mounted directly on top of the bottom tank somehow?? I think I'll stay with the DA motor but how much air-time will 14oz of fuel get you?

Can't wait to start the build...

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Check above, I posted the pics and explained them

a 14 ounce tank will easily give you 15 minutes once the engine is tuned, keep it at ten minutes for the first few gallons. I have the stock 18 ounce tank in my Cap and after 15 minutes I still have just under half of it left. Once the engine is properly tuned and you use a good 22X8 prop you can expect a fuel burn of under one ounce per minute

Sorry, the Ultimate is in a place 25 miles away so I cannot get pics just yet.

Yes, install the ply plate at the bottom of the tank mount hole that you will enlarge, notch it at the front to fit into one of the holes in the front former and glue it in place with 30 minute epoxy. Cover the plate with foam and lay the first tank on it, now tank some foam and lay it on top of the first tank and place the second tank on top. You can use velcro straps or long wire ties to hold the tanks together and to the plate at the same time. In any case, it's kinda tight to get your hands in there. What I did was to remove the covering from the bottom of the fuselage right under the tank area, install everything and check that it works then recovered the area

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Nice pictures!

The stand-off looks a little confusing since I can't tell the referance angle - but I'll assume you have washers under the two bottom and one upper right stand-offs (looking into the front of the plane). Are there nylon seperators on the stand-off mounts?

RE: GP Cap 232
 

The nylon spacers are there because I had 2.5 inch standoffs and you need the 3 inch. I was wrong earlier in another post on the standoff lengths. You are correct on the washers

RE: GP Cap 232
 

bubbagates,
How do you like that can on the DA. Is it the MTW 75K? Do you have any vid of it running with the can?

RE: GP Cap 232
 

kmw1
If you are gonna go with a DA 50 I would seriously look into geting something in the larger range like 84" and up.The DA is strong.That way you get a nice performer for sport and 3D with light wing loading.

RE: GP Cap 232
 

no, bubbas cap flies very light on the wing with the da. i think it's a nice match.

RE: GP Cap 232
 

Steve, that pic is not the Cap, I was using it as an example to show how to setup the choke. That pic is actually on Troybuilt models web site. Mine uses a Jtec (not slimline) pitts muffler.

There is absolutely no room in this plane for a can or a tuned pipe or it would have one, trust me on this one;)

Nitro,

I will disagree with you on this one. Mine is Da powered and at 13.75lbs it goes vertical in a huge hurry. The plane shows no bad tendencies at all and will do anything I ask of it and probably more than I am capable of doing.

thanks whaturi,

guys, whaturi and I fly at the same place and he can easily attest to what mine will do and I can do the same for him, especially since he has my old one that was powered originally by the Fuji 43 which he also saw fly at 14lbs

RE: GP Cap 232
 

:)Here's a pic of the inside of mine if it does you any good.

thanks
Barry

RE: GP Cap 232
 

:)After the above picture I removed the choke servo and went to the setup that Bubbagates showed. I like that much better as I could never get the choke servo to work dynamic enough. It sometimes wouldn't close completely. Anyways, more hassle than it was worth to me.

Nice airplane.

Thanks
Barry