Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

After some good recommendations from a few on this forum, I decided to order the Phoenix Models Super Decathlon to replace a Lanier Citabria that I augered in a few weeks ago. It came yesterday and I'm very impressed so far. The covering had a few wrinkles, nothing a quick blast from the heat gun won't take care of though. The covering job is better than any I've every done myself, so I'm happy.

The hardware included is very comprehensive. Even includes foam for the fuel tank! The supplied clevises and horns are molded nylon, which I'll most likely replace with Sullivan stuff. Also, I prefer pull-pull systems to pushrods, so those will probably get swapped on the elevator and rudder as well.

Since I haven't been able to find any reviews online, I thought I would document mine as I assemble it and post here. I've included a couple of pics of the kit right out of the box.

-Greg

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Glad to see the pictures Greg. I'll be following your build with great interest.

My brother lives between Canton and Waleska and next time I get down there, we might be able to do some Decathlon formation type stuff! I've got a Global and Goldberg version and am always looking at the new versions of these models. The Decathlon and Citabria are my favorite planes...

Dave

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

I spy a wing tube! Now thats certainly different from my Decathlon on learned on. Very nice feature. I will have to get CF one from Troy built. I dont like the rods for elevator and rudder. I am going with pull-pull. In one post for this plane I have my whole setup outlined.

Quality looks nice.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Sounds good Dave, our club field isn't too far from there, a short ride out GA 20 to Cartersville. I hope to get started in ernest on this project this weekend.

Upon further inspection, the control horns look to be of pretty good quality, so I may use them anyway. But I'm still considering pull-pull on the elevator and rudder. Might have to run by my LHS this afternoon and pick up some stuff....

-Greg

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Get it going Greg, I'll be back on the 21st and you need to have it done by then so we can do some flying. :->

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

I have one of these and I love it! Power on mine is a 46AX and 3oz in the tail to balance. A very lively plane when it needs to be, but a baby on landings. I will add one thing to note: Add power slow and steady on takeoff, it has the typical Decathlon wiggle if you slam into it too fast. Enjoy the build and the flying! :D

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Got the wing done last night and managed to attached the horizontal stab before being summoned upstairs ;)

I've got a hall pass tonight for a few hours, hopefully get the tail finished and get the gear and fuel tank done. Might even get the servos and linkages in. Still don't know if I'm going pull-pull on the rudder and/or the elevator, might just have to see how the stock stuff looks.

See ya in a few weeks.

-Greg

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Does the wing have dihedral?

Dave

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Nope.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

none. flat as a board.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

I like the color scheme, reminds me of the WM Clipped Cub I had.

If you don't mind me asking: What is the difference between a Cub, Decathalon and a Citabria? They all look pretty much the same to me.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Really a nice plane for the money... I have a Saito .56 in mine and it flys real scale.. Real relaxing flyer..

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Actually they are all in the same family. The order of succession is, I think, 1.Cub 2.Citabria 3.Decathalon. (I accept correction when necessary) Improvements were made in order for added performance.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

The cub has nothing to do with the Dec.. A company called Amercian Champion produces the Decathlon.. It started with the Aironca (spelling) then evolved into the Citabria then the Decathlon ... Citabria is Airbatic spelled backwords... The Decathlon is a little more powerful version of the Citabria... The Citabria and Decathlon look quite simular... Especially the available ARF's.. The Citabria and Decathlon are still produced today...
Check our [link=http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/newac/newmain.htm]Champion Aircraft Company[/link] for more detailed information....

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Thanks guys, I just ordered it.

Dave

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

BTW, the "hotrod" descendant of the Cub was the Taylorcraft.

Dave

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

So the Decathlon is the most aerobatic of them all.

I got kinda bored with my Cub and sold it. Maybe I should try a Decathlon. It's the same size so I can put the 52FS in it.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Here's a real Decathlon that belongs to a buddy of mine. What a ride....

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

If you ever have a chance to see Greg Koontz http://www.gkairshows.com/ fly his Super Decathlon at an airshow, do it. It's simply amazing.... Our club was the "downtime filler" participant at the Skyfest show in Jackson Tn. for several years and getting to watch him actually made me try to do his routine with my models. Well, a few models later... I still don't quite have it down...[X(] But, I'll keep trying!

Sadly, Skyfest will be no more. The promoter got squeezed out of the date he needed and a Blue Angels show was also on the only date available. He's been talking about not doing it before and that was just the excuse.

Dave

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Sounds like a great show to see... I have never been fortunate enough to even see a real one... I don't think that show comes to the West Coast though..

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Elgin Wells does a good Decathlon routine in the Atlanta area. He's based at Gwinnet-Briscoe Field (KLZU), even dead-sticked it a couple of times on highway 316!

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

Nice pics of the Super D in action. I would have loved to see the show.

If I tried any inverted stunts in that Cub I had it would have dove for the ground so fast. I think I'm going to order a Decathlon soon. ;)

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

So far I've managed to complete the wing and get the tail feathers glued on. The wing has an aluminum tube dihedral brace which is epoxied into each wing half. The wing halves mated together perfectly, no fitting of parts required. Very nice indeed.

I'm very impressed with the quality of this ARF! All the hinges are pinned leaf type hinges, not CA hinges, which is an improvement over the Lanier. The rest of the supplied hardware seems to be of good quality too, so I'll probably just try the included clevises and pushrods.

Hope to get a bit of time tonight to get the landing gear and tailwheel installed. I'll post a few more pics as I can.

-Greg

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

I thought the hardware was pretty good.. I used most of it on mine and have had no problems... I did however replace the plastic clevises on the end of the wing struts with some Hayes clevises... I seperate the struts from the wing when traveling and the supplied clevises did not hold up well with so much opening and closeing.

RE: Just got the Phoenix Super Decathlon
 

I'll probably need to do that myself. I'll have to remove the wing to get the bird in my wagon, so new clevises are in order....