Leedees, I agree with Skillet92 that the .91 would fly it, but marginally. I have a GP P-6 Hawk and the manual called for a 91 4 stroke. I originally put a Saito 125 in it and it flew ok. Finally changed out to a Saito 180. I agree it is a bit over powered but it keeps me out of trouble with the extra power. I can't see how a .91 would have flown the Hawk and it weighs more than the WACO. I'm not saying go as big as a 1.80. I think a 1.20 size will do just great. Just MHO.

Mike (ACF)

Well....Had a great maiden all went well. I did however have a small issue I hope you guys can help me with. The way I have my choke set up on the DLE 30 is a rod coming out of the front of the cowl. Manual choke. Someone said I had it backwards but I don't see how I could of managed that because it's pinned and can't be changed. To choke the engine, I have to push the rod in. To have the engine run normal with no choke I have to pull the rod out. The reason that became an issue is when I would taxi, the choke would close itself. After that happening twice I gave the rod a good tug and it never happened again.

Do I have something backwards maybe from the factory? Other than that this baby flies like a dream.....and yes, more than enough power

Labover That is how i have set up all three of my DLE's and they all work fine. I do have them running through a bracket that puts some pressure on them so maybe they are stiffer than normal but mine work great. And with the Waco you can not even see the rod with the dummy engine. I will post a pic tomorrow!
Congrats on the maiden. Glad that all went well. How do you like the combo??

LOVE the combo. I was like a little kid

Good news about the choke...WHEW, thought for sure I was gonna have to take everything apart

Thanks for your comments guys. I keep trying to find a way not to cut that cowl but I think I'll play it safe and mount the Saito 115 I have on hand.

you have enough engine, just pick a good prop and balance it.

LeeDees, How's your Saito 1.15 doing ? Can't find a way to PM you. MM

I'm picking my Waco next week from my LHS. Can someone give me the inside diameter of the cowl? Plan A - I'm thinking of using a Saito R170 triple that I have lying around or Plan B - installing a Syssa 30cc that I also have. I like plan A best as I really love the sound of the radial! Thanks for the help guys!

FB

It's a very strong engine, it was a little finicky to break in and tune. I've flown it for some time in a H9 Thunderbolt, I've gone weary of the Thunderbolt so I plan to use the Saito in the Waco. (When Tower finally ships it to me)

BTW I 2nd Freebird's request for a cowl id measurement on the Waco.

Sub cowl is 7". Cowl is 8". Approx. Mine aren't perfect circles. Also not on plane yet.

Regards
Michael

Got a few more flights in today. MAn this baby screams when opened up. Anyone notice how this sucker can turn on a dime. It's like a freakin U turn Cross wind grabbed me on the las flight and she nosed over. Just cracked the prop. Time to stock up

I need smoke now

Thanks Michael.

Thanks for the info Michael. One more question, how far out does the sub cowl stick out? It looks like the Saito will fit in the cowl.

FB

2 1/4" from the firewall to the front of the sub-cowl. And the sub-cowl is 1/8" thick plywood.

There should be a build thread on this thing. I'm doing a few things different than the book and there are a few things that are just a little screwy.

Fer instance, I'm working on the elevator servos now. I say servos because I'm putting two in. I'm putting two in because I always do on planes this size where there's an opportunity. Cheap insurance and I don't like those yoke arrangements.. Anyway the book says put the rods in, attach them to the elevator horns and then do a 90 degree bend at the servo arm. Good luck with that.... No way am I getting inside that fuse and bending those rods. Takes longer, but I attach the rods to the elevators, mark where the bend goes, pull the rods out, bend and cut, take the clevis off, push the rods in from the front and re-attach the clevis.

Also, the dang rear servo tray cross piece is right under the dang wing nut cross piece. Those rear servo screws are gonna haveta go in at a slight angle.

I'm building this thing cause I took a ride in one with one of my flying buddies down in Marathon Key, FL. Awesome! Here's a vid:

http://www.vimeo.com/24130620


Should I show you who my pilot is gonna be?

Regards
Michael

Thanks Michael! What is the diameter of the opening of the subcowl? I'm trying to see if the the Saito R170 triple will fit without having the fuselage on hand. So far it's looking good. The diameter of the engine is just over 7 3/4 and with the cowl at around 8 inches, it looks like it'll fit. The center of the engine from the firewall is a little over 3 inches, the only concern is the manifolds hitting the subcowl, hence the need of the diameter of the subcowl opening. The length of the engine is 155mm from the firewall to the face of ther prop washer, and the manual calls for the face of the prop washer to be 170mm. The kit provided ply spacers should be able to make up the space. Thanks again Michael for the help!

FYI - I've used the recommended elevator servo setup on other models and had haven't had any issues. Besides using the wheels collars to lock the pushrods together, I solder them together in between the collars. I also use the same process to bend them as it's impossible in the fuselage.

FB

What are y'all calling the subcowl? If you are calling the rounded over part of the fuselage the subcowl, it is actually called the boot cowl.

Bill, Waco Brother #1

Does it really matter as long as y'all know what we're talking about, eh!

FB

6 3/8"

Regards
Michael

I have an Evolution 26GX looking for a home...any opinions....and before I become an official Waco-ite...how is Waco pronounced?..Is it "way-co" or "whack-o"...Thanks, B7

It's wah-co. Like you would say walk. As in walk oh.

way-co is that town in texas. Whacko is the way WACO is pronounced. Just be Whacko for WACOs.

According to the voice over on the GP video, it's walk-oh.

Wackos fly Wacos in Waco

Guess not, since you didn't build it anyway. You probably don't even know the difference between a stringer or longeron either.

Bill, Waco Brother #1

Now THERE'S a mature posting.