This morning was the time to bite the bullet and go for that pucker flight. I was pretty worried about aileron flutter which we've all heard about on these boards. Well, thankfully all went well. In fact, this is one of the best flying planes I've had the pleasure to experience. I'm comfident it will become one of my favorites if not the favorite!

My setup is essentially bone stock with the following two exceptions:

1 - Strengthened firewall/engine box using epoxy and 3/4 oz cloth.

2 - Square patches of 3/4 oz fiberglass cloth epoxied to the canopy where each screw is located.

3 - Carbon Fiber /w titanium end control rods ailerons/elevator - (From Central Hobbies)

4 - My ailerons do NOT have cross-bracing of any type. I performed high idle throttle down dives from 300-400ft with no flutter. This is a big bird (for me) and sounds great diving at idle with the air rushing over the airframe.

The remaining configuration is as follows:

All futaba electronics, 9303 metal gear Ailerons, Elevator: 9402 metal gear on Rudder. 1800Mill 6v battery located in on side of engine box opposite engine cylinder - large battery helps with balance and avoids non-functional lead for balance.

Moki 2.10 engine w/cline regulator

Experimenting with props but at this point anything over a 8" pitch will be difficult to land IMO.

Control throws and expo setup per manual.

Balance set a t 5 3/4 per manual - seems like a good balance for me based on the tail down three point soft landings this delivered. By the way my fuel tank is located in the stock forward location.

Well, that's it, just thought I would pass along my experience along with info.

Mike

Hi Mike... I have a 2.10 sitting here. Thinking about the GP Pitts, GP Extra (not available yet) or Daves Extra.
I didn't think the Moki would be enough for this plane... how is the power, what do you weigh?
I run the Mejzlik 20X9 on my 2.1 with the Cline system... idles just fine for landings.
Thanks...

Hey Mike! Glad to hear that the first flight was a successful one. I would like to ask if you are using the single servo or dual servo per aileron method? I'm to that point on mine that I need to decide if one servo is enough and if I definetly want to go gas or not.

I'm using a single Futaba 9303 metal geared servo which rates 100oz of torque with a 6v battery. My feeling is that metal geared servos are the way to go...I'm afraid nylon could strip.

Regarding the moki 2.10...It has pretty good power for the extra, but it's not powered like a TOC gas machine. I can power out of hovers etc., but it will not rocket out. I don't have a real good scale so I can't be sure of the weight, however on a bathroom scale it weights around 13lbs. It flies like a featherweight, very light feeling plane.

Glad to hear of another sucessful maiden flight. I too flew mine for the first time this past weekend. Main difference is I am using a BME44 gasser swinging a 20x8 pro zinger and all Hitec digital servos. Mine weighs 16lbs 5oz which sounds a little heavy however it surely doesn't fly heavy. My CG is about 6" back.

As for the Moki 2.1 if you haven't see the video floating around with that engine then your missing alot. That video inspired me to buy this airplane.

Basically if you want a great flying airplane capable of some serious 3D then this one is for you...

Hey Mike
I too have a DP Extra,I've had it fro a year now and still is the best plane I''ve ever flown. I have a OS160 FX W/18x6w prop and its perfect.the Cg is @ 6.5". I did have my fuse break by the aft canopy area landed it perfectly safe and only bent the gear.He replaced it no problem..if you can get the troybuilt gear for it.its super strong and is quite a bit lighter.Ican bring it in alittle over stall and just plop in onto the field.
Good luck
Frank

Question, mrc. What prop and what RPM are you getting on your MOKI. I'm actually tinkering with the idea of taking my BME 44 gasser OUT of my Patrick and putting IN the Moki 2.10 .

From RCFAQ's prop RPM data on the MOKI I see it spins the 20x10 Mejzlik prop in the the same 7600-7700RPM range that the BME turns it. Thrust HP says that would be about twenty seven pounds of static thrust , or a 1.7:1 power to weight ratio. That's not the same as TOC, but good, eh?

My field banned gasoline powered planes and my Patrick is getting more closet time than air time. I would like to know more about your performance on the MOKI.

Mine weighs 15.2 lbs, full up dry, with a BME 50, a 22X10 wood prop, using a digital scale.

Hey Cheech,

Power! Well, my Moki has run about 3 or 4 gallons so it probably will improve over time by a little, but I would not expect a huge improvement; mostly smoothness etc... I have not tried all props, but if I had my choice I would use the Mejlik (sp?) since I thing the Moki can spool them better than other brands. My previous prop was a Moki 20x10 and I was getting ground (richened not peak) rpms at 7400 - 7500(200-300 less than peak). This prop broke during a starting procedure (ouch). At this time I'm flying with a ProZinger 20x10 and getting ground rpms of 7100 (again flyable rich). By the way my altitude is about 500 above sea level in Rochester NY.

I have a few 20x8 props on order and fully believe this to be the best prop combo for the engine and airframe.

One last note, with the 20x10ProZinger this bird has super vertical for glow. I can do one of my SLOPPY vertical snaps and straighten out and continue vertical for several more hundred feet with authority.

You've probably guessed by now, but I'm very pleased with the combo and the airplane. I don't have any factual basis for comparison, but I believe gas would provide more usable power(torque), but the moki is sweet enough for me.

Take care.
Mike