Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Greetings,
Several factors prompted me to consider adding another model to my fleet. These factors were:a) the cost of glow fuel, and b) my fondness for the Zenoah G-23.
So not surprising, I acquired one of the newly released GP Giant Ugly Stick.
There has been a number of posts wrt this model, but I haven't seen one using the G-23, which I have done. I mounted the G-23 with a 1/4 inch standoff plate. Subsequently I had to add 8oz. of weight just aft of the firewall-suggests that G-23/G-26 users might use a 1/2 to 3/4" mounting standoff.
The model is VERY well assembled, with aluminum 'L's screwed in place at the firewall and landing gear plates. Flight tests were a real pleasure! The model is a hoot to fly, and practically lands itself! My G-23, swinging an APC 17x6 prop, flies the Stick at half throttle. I did add a tapered shim under the landing gear which effectively moved the landing gear axles forward-the kitted location of the landing gear is too far aft.
Cosmetically, GP has the poorest covering ever at the ailerons, flaps, elevator, and rudder. The covering on these surfaces has massive amounts of wrinkles which defy all attempts at ironing or blowing them smooth. Still, the Giant Stick is a great addition and I look forward to many flights.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

My Giant Big Stik flys well with a G-26. No added weight on nose, battery just behind fuel tank. 12.6 pounds ready to fly minus fuel.

Try coupling flaps to elevator, up elevator/down flaps and vice versa. Loops are tiny! Both ways, inside and outside.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I have the Big Stick on the way, is there away to make it triclcle with a Zenoah 38 engine

Thomas

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Where are you guys getting the giant stiks? They are still on back order status from Tower.

Later;

D.W.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Local hobby shop sells them for $219 plus tax. He usually drops the price another 10 percent.
I don't care much for tail draggers, I want a Zenoah G-38 or Ryobi 31. Instructions suggest tail wheel with gas.

I don't pick up the kit for a few days, so I have check it out yet.
Thomas

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

No room for the nose wheel bushing to be mounted on the bottom of the firewall with G-38, or G-26 either.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

My guess is that there are not that many G-23's around just G-26's.. When I heard of the release of the Giant Stik I knew it would sell.. My 40 and 60 size were great flying planes!

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I learn to fly with the original Jensen Ugly Stick in 1972 and I'm fly a 40 size Stick now. I've been flying it for two years. I pickup an OS 61 for it yesterday.
Has anyone tried using the stand off mount with a gas engine??? I see that you can get one for it. I won't have my Stick until Wed.
Thomas

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

The majority of gas engines in use today have backplate mounts. The further you put the engine forward, the more tail weight you'll need to balance.

Here's mine with a G-26, which will hover this plane at 12.5 pounds.

Take off the restrictive stock muffler and replace it with a high flow type and unlimited veritcal may be possible

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

tlnibert ,

What is the phone # for your lhs?

Later;

D.W.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I am considering one of these for my Saito 270 twin, am I crazy or is it doable ?

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

A friend is selling me a Zenoah G-38 that I plan on using for the Stick. I have a new G-26, but thought it would be to small.
I haven't seen on of the Sticks yet. I was planning on mounting the nose gear bearings on the inside of the firewall to give me clearance for the motor. Not having seen one, I can't do much planning.
Tom

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Hi Tom,
My G-23 is very adequate for this model-I seldom go over 1/2 throttle! Dick Pettit hovers his using a G-26. One of my flying buddies performed a full rolling circle with my Giant Stick. IMHO, you would be delighted with your G-26 up front!!
Go for it!!
Jim

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I have one with a Brison 2.4 and a 20x8 prop sweet, needs taller gear with this combo. Also still had to add some weight to the fire wall with stand offs too!

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I'll try a 3/4 stand off plate to clear the wheel bearing or move the bearing inside the body. I've never care much for tail draggers.
The post are helpful.
Did anyone us a switch to shut off the engine by radio.

Tom

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Guys, don't know what I do until I see the plane. Not sure on which engine yet after hearing about the G-26 being so great.
Thomas

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I got the Big Stick and I don't see any problem with using a gasoline engine and tricycle landing gear. I've already mounted the nose wheel bearing inside the tank area.
Tom

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Once again, where are you guys getting your giant stiks? I want one but can't find anyone who has them in stock. Phone numbers please!!

Later;

D.W.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

You can try :

Trains & Planes Toys and Hobbies: Main Store
(713) 974-1277
(713) 977-1420
8914 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77063

They usally do 10 percent off Tower prices[:-]

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Thanks pjw_75 ,

Called and they don't have them. Anyone else?

Later;

D.W.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I've started my Giant Stick, it looks great. I need details on how to rig the engine kill switches, one by radio and the other a manual switch on the outside. I'm going with a Zenoah G-26 or G-38.
Thomas

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

I had thought about using a roto 35vi on one with the great planes motor mount that would allow nose gear. As long as the gasser uses beam mounts (MVVS / Evolution, Roto, RCS) nose gear wouldn't take any reworking.

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

Many years ago when we installed the nose wheels bearings inside the fuel tank compartment. I look the giant Stick over and I don't see any problems. I'm mounting the back wing and tail today, so I should be working on the engine soon. I don't know yet if I'm using a G-26 or G-38.
Tom

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

So mount it on the back of the firewall.

I didn't say it would be easy. <G>

RE: Great Planes Giant Ugly Stick
 

So move the mains forward and mount the steered wheel in the rear. Where it belongs.
All sticks should be tail draggers.:D
Ron