Hi all!

I'm looking for a Super Decathlon at around 2m (80inches) wingspan. Some 15 years ago I had a Pilot EZ Dechatlon with a FS 91 - I really liked that plane. Even back then the nice balsa kits were starting to disappear (e.g. like [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=354500]this[/link]). These day I guess it's ARF or nothing, so the two candidates I've come up with are the Jamara [link=http://www.dmfv.de/modellflieger/06-02/Decathlon.html]here's a review in German[/link]
and the Carl Goldberg one (Tower Hobbies [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJF0&P=7]product page[/link] and Carl Goldbergs [link=http://www.carlgoldbergproducts.com/airplanes/gbga1069.html]product page[/link]). The Jamara is an unknown to me except for that review where the author fails to tell what engine size he used. Carl Goldberg I know from the olden days, but I have no idea what to expect of this ARF offering.

Thus I wonder if anybody has any experience with the quality and handling of either of these? Or are there other alternatives?

Will an OS FS 91 Surpass II give enough power or should I be looking at the FS 120? I do like to have a good bit of power, preferably with decent vertical performance, pulling loops just by throttling up some.

TIA

DJ
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this is a little larger than you were asking fo:

http://www.rcguys.com/decathlon.html

Thanks gnirwin - that is a nice model. And here I thought i was stretching my ambitions already

I wonder if that would fit in my car... probably not. It may be going just a tad too far. Very tempting, though.

Judging from their engine recommendation of 120-270 4s for 2.5m/15lbs, perhaps the 2m/10lbs Decathlons ought to have a bit bigger engines than 90 4s?

DJ
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If you're interested in something a little smaller, Global makes a nice Super Decathlon in a 63" wing. I fly mine with an OS 91 Surpass.

Hope this helps, Cheers! BH

BH, I hadn't heard about the Global - thanks!

I think no bigger than 2m for practical reasons, so yes it's a candidate. Can't find a shop that stocks it or has a price on it, though. I like the scale ailerons (and elevator?).

For the benefit of us all I'll compile a list of the sub-gaint Decathlons:

Carl Goldberg, 80", 10lb
Jamara, 76", 7lb
Seagull, 67", 7lb
Phoenix, 66", 7lb
Thunder Tiger , 64", 6lb
Global, 63", 6lb

I think all of these would go nicely with a 90 4s, but the Goldberg one may benefit from a 120 4s.

The good thing is that there seem to be a fair selection of Decathlons in all sizes. The bad thing is that it's going to be hard to pick one.... I've read many threads here on RCU, and unfortunately it doesn't make the choice that much easier Oh well, I'm not in a big hurry so I'll see if people want to name their favourite, stating the reason(s), in this thread. There are plus points for two-piece wing and scale details like spring loaded tail wheel steering, non full span ailerons etc.. And then I'll read some more on RCU in the mean time

DJ
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DrJustice,

The Global doesn't have the scale elevator, but it is on my list to mod at some point. The elevator in it's stock form has plenty of authority. The rudder needs gentle inputs in the air and is mandatory on the ground, but roll outs aren't that bad. I'm going to make some modifications to the control rods in the tail because I get some deflection.
One thing that you'd want to address right away is the stock landing gear. For me, it's a bit weak.......but I fly off of a rough field. I also opted for a different set of wheels. I also added flying wires to the tail to add some scale appeal. Plus, I figured it would help structurally.
Mine flys very nice in it's stock form and the pumped OS 91 gives it great power and verticle climb. With this combo, I can do HUGE loops and aerobatics. Knife edge is a real challenge due to it being short coupled and having to cross control, but when it comes together right it's a great feeling.
Sorry to sound like a 'sales pitch', but I really have fun with this plane. I won't tell you that this IS the plane to have, just wanted to share my experiences with mine.

Here's a link to Globals site:
http://www.globalhobby.com/public/globalairplanes.asp

Cheers! BH

Thanks again BH - I appreciate the report!

Nothing wrong with liking your Decathlon! It's such a delightful and stylish aircraft, both relaxing and challenging I agree that there has to be a wired tail (easy to add, of course). After a bit of searching I found a Canadian supplier [link=http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=GLO126515]here[/link].

DJ
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I have the Golberg Decathlon, and am very happy with it. The wings are joined with a aluminum wingtube, making it easy for transporting. Mine is powered with a Magnum 91 four stroke, which for me seems to be enough power. The arf is put together well, instructions were good. Only problems I came across were the stripes and the stars seem to peel easy, but overall this is an excellent choice IMO.

I have the Phoenix Decathlon and really like it. I prefer low wings due to the maneuverability, speed, and better handling in the wind aspect but the Decathlon is an exception and the only high wing I own. Its a keeper!!

If you should decide to build a Bellanca from a kit I would recommend the smallest one from Weiershauser! http://www.emhw.de/ebellaxs.htm Top of the line kits

Whooaa - that's one big bird! [sm=omg_smile.gif]
Why not go straight for the [link=http://www.emhw.de/bellaxxl.htm]XXL[/link] [sm=teeth_smile.gif]

Ideally I'd like to build from a kit, but the selection isn't great it seems.

Thanks for the continued contributions folks - keep'em coming! It can only be good to sharpen our Decathlonology [sm=tongue_smile.gif]

DJ
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Right now there is plenty to choose from when it comes to the SD in an ARF. Lots of quality mfgs. and some variety in colors schemes too. At some point I'd like to go with the 1/4 scale SD from RC Guys. I'm drawn to the bigger planes like an addiction, LOL.

Keep us informed on the plane that you go with.

Cheers! BH

Hello, I just received the CG Decathlon, and inspecting the box I found that engine mounts was different than the one shown on instructions; the model came with a two part engine mounts instead of the one piece rounded engine mount as shown on manuals.Have any body received this too?, I will use a ST G90 2 stroke engine, sideway intallation, and I was wondering if the marks on the model firewall could be use as instruction in the manual with the two parts engine mounts.Any pictures will be great.

Thanks, Isaias G.

Mine came with a 2 piece, but I had a round one laying here and went with it.