Hi

I'm in the middle of building my Spacewalker 2 and have a few questions for those that are experienced (The manual is not very helpful). The outside of the firewall is painted gray with a minwax finish? Should I apply fuelproofing on the outside? I plan on pluggin the open space where the fuel lines lead through the firewall, is this a good idea?

A little thinned epoxy brushed on the firewall and surrounding area is always a good idea. Plugging the hole where the fuel lines exit the firewall is a matter of preference. I usually do, to prevent any fuel or oil from getting into the fuse. The most important thing is to not let the fuel lines touch the wood where they come through the firewall. Engine vibration can wear through them rather quickly.

Thanks SJ, I just went ahead and gave the whole firewall a single coat of dope. I plugged the hole where the fuel lines are with a piece of balsa that I rounded and coated with dope. I drilled 2 holes for the lines. Looks ok, enough room for the lines so that they dont rub too much. Thanks for the tip.

Here is some info you may be interested in. Just an FYI.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=SEA2050

Thanks for all of the feedback so far. Well...I'm about 95% done I think, but I have a few issues/questions!?

1. CG - Very sensitive!, seems to be sensitive to balance by finger tip (8cm from leading edge). I moved the battery pack around and it appears to be better (nose down a little, but this is very touchy). Any suggestions to be 100% sure on this?

2. The Horizontal stabiler is a little warped? When flush on one side, the other is about a 1/4 in off from surface and elevator. Will this totally screw up my flight? Any suggestions? I havn't heat gunned the plane yet, I was hoping this will help.

3. I choose the center hole for all of my control horns. Is this good for a 1st time low wing flight?

4. It seems like I have a lot of control throw for my Elevator/ rudder, I need to make sure I don't have dual rates. Anything else to watch out for?

5. This plane sure does feel heavy compared to my Sig LT-40!!! I'm using a 46SF. 11-6 Prop.

Thanks again for any tips!!!

I had to add 1 oz. to the tail to balance correctly. I have an OS 46AX in mine and it flies it fine. But it could use a little more power. Maybe an OS 50SX or Saito 72.

I tested my spacewalker today (with some expert help). It flew great, no probs!

Here's a summary of my experience.

I used a OS 46 SF with a 11/6 Prop

5 HS-422 Servos and 6 ch radio

I changed to 2 3/4" wheels and no pants. Great grass takeoffs

I was scared about its CG, but it balanced great with battery and reciever in the fuel compartment.

Throws are set per instructions using single rate for"Initial Flying" and Dual Rate for "Arcrobatic" (Single Rate was more than enough for me, I'm use to my SIG LT-40 Trainer!)

I used everything that came with the kit, except I used dubro clevis's and changed my threaded rods to fit them. I was impressed that I had no mishaps (except a busted prop). I need to thank the guys who helped me prep and test flight it though. Without them this would have most likely resulted in disaster. It flew with 10-15 mph gust without major problems.

Thanks for the tips...

I had mine out yesterday, for about its 12th flight. I slowed it down doings some lazy circles around the field and it tip stalled and spun right into the river. At least there was a boat close to it that retrieved it for me. I got back my brand new PCM reciever and engine and servos, but I did loose the battery pack. I dont know about anyone else, but mine just would not float around the flying field. It would land ok, but with an OS 46 AX any thing just a little under half power, and it would fall out of the sky. I added 2 oz to the nose, to get the balance.

I have an OS 50SX in mine and had to add about .75 oz in the tail to get the correct balance. However, at about 1/2 throttle I have to put in about 5 degrees of elevator up trim to maintain level flight - this makes inverted flight a little sporty as it performs like it's real nose heavy. Anyone out there have a similar experience? beginning to think I have incidence problem with either wing or stab.

I had to put 1 oz. in the tail to balance with a 46AX. This plane is not a floater like the Spacewalker on the G2 simulator. You have to fly this thing at all times. Coordinated turns are a must and flaperons definitely help on landing.

Thanks for the info skorman but it still does not explain why I need about 5 degrees of uptrim in the elevator to maintain level flight. I'm bgining to think if it's not an incidence issue with wing or stab it could be a down thrust problem - any thoughts on this?

You could still be a bit nose heavy.

Yes, I rechecked CG location and with another 1 oz in the tail moved the CG back to the max recommended 8 cm from wing LE location - will let you know how this turns out.