Well since no one is interested in replying to my post, I'll ask here.
I recieved my Chipmunk yesterday 16th Nov. Everything arrived in good condition. And I'm impressed with the quality so far.
I plan on using a Saito 1.50. First impressions are good.
Those of you that have gotten yours , please give your first impressions and comments.
After getting it in your hands some of you may change engine choices. Maybe.

Originally by Doug D:

Doug,

The Saito 1.50 will be a great combo in this plane. Side mounted I think just the valve covers will protrude from the cowl.

Thanks Skypilot One. After a more complete look over there are a few issues that GP will need to address.
First the formers can be seen thru the paint.
Second, a little better packaging is in order. I had one hair line fracture in the finish that I'm sure was caused by the contents moving around some. But I can live with it. I'm wondering if another coat of clear would be in order. The GP U-CAN-DO-3D cowl needed a couple of coats of clear to keep from cracking when you just looked at it.
Third a couple of items in the assembly instructions are questionable. Especially when putting on the markings or decals. Use the box and a small B&W photo to place them. Ooooh! my aching eyes.
Still want to hear all the coments and first impressions. It should be a good flyer just the same. I'm still going to use a Saito 1.50 !!!!

I just looked at the elevator throws for the Chipmunk and I see following: High Rate 1" right, 1 1/4" left and for low rate 5/8" right and 1" left.
Now I'm confused!!!

Obviously they didn't proof read the assembly instructions very well. Well have to get clarification from there web sight. So Start the EMAILS !!!

GP Chipmunk is going together nice!!! However, I studied the plans for weeks and kept seeing that the wing joiner was calling for blocks being epoxied in the fiberglass?? Why would you want the joiner to be fixed vs. being able to remove it from the fiberglass?? The wing joiner with the nylon bolts and anti-rotation pins should really be able to keep things right and that both 1/2 of the joiner aren't going anywhere, does it really matter? Any ideas let me know, please!!!!

jimmyjoe,

Maybe to make a more rigid assembly?

Don't know yet - will have to look. Got mine today!

Here's what came in the box! Will have to cut side of cowl for YS Head. This is some beautiful work!

Where can we fit a smoke tank? I really want smoke on this one.

Capt G - it looks lovely. So much better than my WM one!!! You are to blame if I have to order one!

At first look there might be room on the CG above the servos (the wing carry-through box is hollow) for one of those flat jet style tanks. Actually, a Du-bro 16oz std tank fits in that area just fine.

Are you sure that you will need to cut the cowl? It looked to me like it might fit w/o cutting the cowl.

Capt G,

Can you comment on the weight of the plane? Can you make a best-guess estimate of the final weight? Thanks.

The cowl will definately have to be cut! The construction is very robust and solid. The box says weight should be 12-14 lbs.

Hopefully they'll come in under 14-lbs. At 14-lbs were talking 32-oz + wing loading.

Capt G.......does the servo hardware look good? just wondering what to expect, I ordered one this week myself. I plan on using a saito 180.......what size of fuel tank is with it? I had a Ohio Pepsi chipmunk years ago and hope this plane flies as good as it did....it will be fun!!

Hardware is all Great Planes(of course) and looks good but I haven't opened the packs yet. The fuel tank is Chinese and looks to be about 18oz.

Wow.. that thing looks great!

I can't wait to hear how they fly!

One of my least favorite things to do is mount cowls - I guess I just don't like the thought of all that cutting - you guys know. Anyhow, I thought I would make that the first step in building this kit. Of course that means I have to first mount the engine and muffler!. Following right along in the instruction book makes it a breeze. Good quality Great Planes hardware and mount is supplied so that's what I'll use. Four hours later here's what we have. (Prop is APC 15x12) . Weight so far is 6 LBs.

What engine is that your using? It's a shame the cowling had to get all chopped up.

Looks like a YS 120 with a Slimline pitts smoke muffler. My Enya will fit under the cowl inverted with a prop driver extension and I think the G-26 will also fit with a longer prop driver but the muffler will be tight.

The prop looks good. What did you use for paint?

Engine is a YS 1.40. Prop is painted with Ultrapaint. I looked at the inverted option but most of the bottom front would have to be cut away. This doesn't look bad . I think any engine capable of giving decent performance is going to need the cowl cut. Even the OS 1.20 they used had to be cut.

Is it going to be possible to mount the saito 1.50 inverted? Anyone else that far along w/ a Saito?