Correction to this post - Somehow I connected the MAN Pitts review with Dick Pettit. This was an error and honest mistake. Anyway, I still read the article and liked the airplane, even if I had the wrong name of the writer. I read it and had to have one and then I read several post on this site describing what appears to be early product run problems with the firewall/engine box mount (for larger gas engines ) and the cabane connection strength for the upper wing. ( again, appears to be larger gas engine related issue here ) I talked with GP and believe these concerns have been addressed. So, I ordered the GP 1/3 scale Pitts with the Fuji BA 50 SA . OK, I'm a bit over powered and on my own as far as the warranty. I also read multiple post on this site, both good and bad about the airplane. Even so, sometimes you just have to go with what you want. Have to admit this is a neat airplane. This is my first gasser so I will be the first to admit that I have much to learn here. It's going to be a nice winter project. I hope ;-)

I have a few question for those of you with experience on this product and hopefully this engine . What, if anything did you have to do concerning CG and the added engine weight? 4.2 lbs. Did you find it nose heavy? note: will be using three servos in the tail. Also, I saw in the MAN article that Dick mounted the throttle servo on the engine box in a plastic servo box that came with a standard servo pack. I have one and liked the the idea. But, everyone I talk with tells me you should mount all electronics 18" from the electronic ignition on a gasser. Did you have any interference problems mounting the servo on the the engine box? How far back did you mount the battery and the receiver? Two concerns here. CG and interference. I would think you would want to mount all electronic as far aft as possible to help offset the added engine weight and to get as far away from the electronic ignition as possible. Yes? No? What size gas tank did you use and what brand do you recommend? Note: I have a Futaba PCM receiver on order.

One poster said he tore out the engine box and mounted, I think the same engine directly to the firewall with the stock prop shaft extender that came with the engine and said it fit perfectly. If so, how did the removal of the engine box really effect CG and cowling alignment for the prop. It would seem that by taking the engine box out you would shorten the space needed for proper cowling alignment and this would seriously effect CG. Also, did you find it necessary to add a layer of birch ply behind the engine mount before mounting to the engine box for proper spacing with this engine ? In the directions they suggest doing so when installing the US Engines 41 CC engine. Wondering if needed with the Fuji because of the size difference ?

I'm sure I will have more questions and hope you don't mind another post on this airplane. There are 1,000's to read through and I was hoping to consolidate opinions based hopefully on experiences since product improvements.

After my first look at the parts and the directions I have to admit that I am really impressed with this ARF kit. From looking at the firewall and the engine box it appears GP has reinforced the engine box with corner stock for added strength. GP did not Pin the firewall so I will do this based on suggestions I have read. Really looks like a first class GP product. Very impressed so far.

Thanks kindly for taking the time to respond and help.

[email protected]
Rocket City Radio Controllers
Huntsville, Al.

Your right! This is a great plane!! I would just follow the website recommendations for pinning, and the likes, balance it out, and go fly that baby! I think you'll love it!

If anyone can respond regarding what size gas tank they used with the Fuji 50 and also where they mounted the electronics this would be most helpful. My thinking is to mount the electronics more aft to offset the 4.2 lbs. Fugi engine weight and to get clear of interference from the electronic ignition. I talked again with GP today and got someone that I feel knew what they were talking about. The new firewall mounting box design seems to be much stronger and reinforced for larger engines. He said that pinning the firewall would not be necessary with the new design. Of course the Fuji 50 is just a bit larger than the maximum engine size. I am still thinking that I will most likely will use at least four pins with two dowels on each side. Also has anyone found a muffler that they would recommend for the Fuji 50 that fits in the cowling other than the lawn mower type muffler that comes with the engine? Lastly, any thoughts on mounting the throttle servo on the firewall? Your ideas and input would be most appreciated.

[email protected]
Rocket City Radio Controllers
Huntsville, Al.