Okay, I went and did it. I gave in and now own a Great Planes Fokker Dr 1 ARF. From what I have looked at so far the plane looks very good. There is not much to glue together as most of it is essentially already done. It looks like you spend more time bolting/screwing things together than anything else.

My question is this. I have a Saito 91 and a Saito 72 that I can install in this plane. Which is better suited for this application?




Thanks for the info,

Dan

I have one with a Magnum 80 4 strk and it is kind of doggish.I would say the 91. Tim.

My brother just finished his, and installed a Saito .72. It seems to have plenty of pull for this plane. He is even running a 15/4 APC prop to get closer to the scale size of the prop required on the Triplane. It's still too small in diameter though, as most pics I've seen of real Triplanes have the prop diameter large enough to reach to the top wing... Now that's big!

The .91 will swing a larger prop, so with that in mind, I'd put the .91 in it. I like scale size props on my planes.

Dave

I am running an OS .91 4-stroke in mine. I fly at just a couple of clicks above idle. The nice thing is... I didn't have to add tail weight! Go with the .91!!!!

Thanks for the feedback on this question. I think that essentially makes the choice as easy as can be. These forums are certainly a great benefit to get first hand experience. Looks like my Saito 91 will get used in this plane.

By the way, how do you who have one like it so far?


Thanks,

Dan

Hey Dan,
A friend of mine just bought one and he is putting a os91 on his and I cant wait to see it fly.......



Bill

So far I am pleased with the airplane. I only have a couple of flights on it due to some nasty weather the last couple of weekends. The airplane lands a lot easier than I expected. No nose overs to date

It is tame in the air but does have some unique characteristics. Coordination of rudder and ailerons is a must! The ailerons are a little sluggish and don't react instantaneously with control input. In contrast, the rudder has a lot of authority and will really kick that tail around. It takes a little while to get the feel of it. This airplane doesn't like wind, especially cross winds on take off or landing! These aren't complaints, just things to be aware of on your initial flights.

My Saito .72 is mounted with the thrust washer about 3/32nds inch further forward than the plans. I removed the built in right thrust by installing another firewall. With the battery pack installed above the firewall recess box, it balances perfectly. I have about 10 flights on my Fokker DR1 and am becoming comfortable with using the rudder for landings, as it is extremely vital to keep the plane pointed straight forward when it touches down. No wind or make sure you land directly into the wind or else. It will stand on it's prop with the .72 and a 15-4. Probably not very prototype! Very strange behavior at first as the tail tends to drop a bit when turning with the ailerons. Just bump the rudder for a second as you start your turn and it looks prettier, but once you get used to what it acts like, it isn't scary anymore, and flys fine. Aileron control becomes more commanding in turns with increased speed. With minimum aileron throws, it's pretty mushy on barrel rolls, and may not successfully complete one. I just increased the throws but haven't had a chance to try the barrel rolls again yet.

This is all really good information. It is just about what I had anticipated from this type of design. I really look forward to flying this plane as I have only flown one WW1 type many years ago but was only a 3 channel design, a Balsa USA Taube 40.

I will start assembly of this 3 winger next week and if all goes well, I should have it in the air in about two weeks.


Dan