ORIGINAL: Tiffoso
Buona Sera Signore.
I`m a brasilian modeller, just finished my Smith, well, not exactaly, she stil needs some scale detail.
Covering is Oratex Red all over (see photos in my galerie), what helps with the scale efect but adds a bit more weigh overal...
Power is OS.46FX, pitts muffler by Bison..
Couldn`t fly her yet because of the mais landing gear that`s too soft, although I did exactally as per instructions.
On taxi she waves erratically sideways, can`t hold a straight line for more than 3 meters...of course can`t take off and even If I could be so bold, landing wold be a disaster[:'(]
I saw a few pictures in the first pages and noticed that most of the Smiths are using the standard Landing Gear. No problems reported.
Does anyone see anything that I may have done wrong? Any suggestions on how to fix this or should I go for a set of sturdier aluminium L.G.`s?
Thanks for your attention
Tifoso
Tiffoso,
First, I would like to say, I like the way your "Smith" looks. Nice job.
As to your take off problem. I don't have enough information here to know if you are refering to a structural problem with the landing gear or a handling problem.
Structurally the stock gear is plenty strong when done according to plan.
Handling wise the stock location is fine as long as you have a little practice with a small tail dragging bipe. With a little practice this plane can be taken off as beautiful as you please. But if you are new to tail dragging bipes you will need some practice. It is very easy to overcontrol the rudder on take off.
My suggestion at this point is Confirm the strenth of your gear. Some flex is good, Compare the location of your tires to the location on the plans (in reference to front to back of the plane). If all is correct try just doing some taxi runs and perhaps use a low rate on the rudder travel for take offs till you get use to it.
Good Luck