How do you tell the first generation from the second?

What were the problems encountered and fixes needed ?

I just picked this one up new in box but I suspect it is a first generation version that I heard had problems with the top wing mounting. I plan on using a 4stroke engine.

Thanks

Randy

The first generation had all the servos located in the front. Furthermore it had a pull-pull rudder setup. I have the second generation with all the fixes accept I kept the pull-pull instead of the u-bar configuration. Used both of the servo bays located in the rear of the plane for dual elevators and used the cutout for the throttle servo bay for the pull-pull!! I also fly a 4 stroke on mine varying from a 1.20 to a 1.80. Be carefull on anything bigger than a 1.50 for it will torque roll on you if your not carefull. Also keep in mined that the cabain screws will work themselves out if you do not apply some sort of adhesive such as Goop. The tailwheel on both versions is not a wise choice replace it with something good! Make sure you notch your ailerons for maximum throw. Also for a sleeker look on the fuse instead of the bulky canopy you can use Sig's extra 300 canopy and it looks great! As a starting point on thrust I would start at 2 dgrees right for a 1.20, 4 for a 1.40 and 6 for a 1.80, this is what I have learned. May need more or less it depends! Also buy good wheels for grass takeoffs for it is squirrely on paved runways, I went with 21/2's. Hope this helps.

Get a copy of the newest 3D Flyer magazine (issue 3)- read the report

My quick review has been in the RCU product guide for a couple of months now, FWIW. Had an original version for 3 years, GP 1/3 Pitts for one and the new Cermark for 1 year. Original Cermark had LOTS of little things wrong, the new one very few, both flew very well on a YS 1.20 at
11 pounds or so. My respects, Mr. Hanson.

I flew the first generation powered with a Saito 180 for four years the sold it. I cut off the stock mount, beefed up the firewall, added a fiber mount, made new end struts, glassed the cabanes and repainted them, made new push rods for the upper ailerons (stock flex too much), glassed the center of the wing where it mounts, added a sheald behind the engine made from aluminum flashing (the covering melts from the heat), strengthened the wing sadle area, and added epoxy to the gear mount, replaced the stock wing dowels with longer ones (they are only about 3/8 long!), and flew the crap out of it. Knife edge loops and all kinds of fun stuff are beautifull with this plane. But I wouldn't put anything bigger that a 120 in it without doing most of the mods i did.

Thanks for the info. Suspected it was first generation. Going to change to nylon top bolts so they wont back out , reinforce top wing mount and cabanes gear mounting,firewall ,wing and changing aileron connecting rods to 4-40 or carbon fiber . For power will use an os 4 stroke (1.20) Also going to try to devise a quicker way to connect the interplane struts 8 bolts are to much hassle.

thanks

Randy

You are going to love this plane. I did. I was fortunate to have a full size pickup to haul her and rarely took her apart, so the 8 bolts were not an issue for me. I even had wing bags made for her so i could keep the hanger rash to a minimum.