Any updates on the GP Dr 1 ?

First attempt was with a 58cc 4Cy engine !! Wrong idea, would not get off ground, when it did the wind over came it and tossed it to ground.
BUT - I replace small 4c with a OS61fx and what a difference !! First real flying was last night 5/21/03
Plane is absolutely a beautiful flyer. The added power got the tail up quickly which allowed the rudder to give plenty of control. Plane breaks ground easily with a very smooth fly-out. Flys very well with ailerons only, but rudder input or coupling makes it great (I do not couple rudder during take-off). Will roll and turn like crazy - lots of fun. This plane has only a slight climb when full power is added - not an issue. Very solid and holds a good heading. I did set the wheel wing at zero incidence to match wings and horiz. stab.
Only one click of left aileron trim was added, thats all.
I would not use anything less than a 91FS or 60 2 stroke on this plane. It needs the power to overcome drag, I do not need the power once it is up unless I want long loops. climbs etc.
Landing is really neat, the plane has a fast sink rate which I like, with a touch of throttle it stretches out for perfect wheel landings or three pointers.
Plane is not for beginners because it does require proper use of throttle and rudder. But for the more experienced flyer it is great.
I originally added a battery box for balance under cowl for the smaller engine. It is a little nose heavy for the OS61 but flys great.

Actually, It's more common than you'd think. My tiger moth does the same thing. If it really bugs you, you can change the incedence of the top wing. But unless it's really severe it is natural for that type of plane to climb under power.

As mentioned previous post. I do not have ballooning with my DR1. ?? Maybe lucky but??
I did set wheel wing incidence to match wings (3) and stab, all zero. Factory setting was at 10 neg. for wheel wing. All three main wings and stab were dead on from factory. I did not change engine thrust position from factory. I did offset engine centerline to 3mm on 45 degree (head down at 235 degree)
When full throttle is applied I have a very slight climb, but it does not balloon.
Can't speak for others where they set or checked incidence to be at. Again maybe I'm lucky, but it sure flys good.

Man, I need to get one of tese planes. They look awesome!

What prop did you use ?

What prop did you use?

I used a 14-6 on mine. Flew great for about a dozen flights or so. [sm=sunsmiley.gif] But the rudder fell off and it spun in. [sm=crying.gif] This happen to anyone?

Thanks for the info Sport-Pilot. Now I have an excuess to go back to the LHS,more money. Sorry to hear about yuor rudder.

Yeah. Some tips. Use a .91 sized four stroke. Take out about half the right thrust out, and a little more down thrust. Center the engine half way between the position shown in the instructions and the center. Adjust the wheel wing to level with the wing or maybe 3 degrees down. And most important don't use the CA hinges on the rudder! Flys great, take off is easy, landings a bit tricky with a crosswind. Elevator is sensitive at speed. Makes surprisingly small turns and loops.

Here is my Balsa USA DR-1. Saito 180 with 20-6 prop. Flies great . Easy to take off and land. Still getting used to the weather vane characteristic. Makes it tough to keep lined up with the runway. Solortex covering, handpainted with custom mixed house paint from home depot. I have around 10 flights on her but I have to say I still get nervous asI am used to flying the smaller ones!

Here is my DRI. It too flies great!

Is that a GP DR-1. I baught the GP one and want to paint it. If it is did you paint or recover yours?