ASM Pitts Special
 

I'm thinking about buying this plane from Hobby People and was wondering if anyone has bought and flown one. I'm a little skeptical about the building technique and would really like to hear from someone who has one.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Great Plane, just finished:

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more pics:

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some mo:

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And:

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Finally: Super Tigre G2300 mounted, Hitec 635 servos. Hardware not bad in kit. Dry weight = 9 1/2 pounds.

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RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

How does it fly?

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

I will break-in enging this week, and probably maiden the following week.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Any updates? Did you fly it yet?

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Yes: I made the maiden flight in strong cross wind conditions, and was so pleased with the performance that I actually went out and brought another today from Hobby People, saving $80 with their Fourth of July Sale.

The ST G2300 is more than enough engine for the plane. Dry weight is 9 1/2 pounds and no added lead. Battery and receiver are well forward. I eye balled all the flying surfaces and she only needed just a tad of right aileron trim, probably due to torque. I set the cg according to instructions. Initial flights were done using an APC 17x8 prop. The ST 2300 has the Perry non-pump carb.

The second one will have the Mvvs 1.60 gasser, the second motor which I ordered from Pe. I truly like the services he offers. I don't think it will take much beefing up as the ship is pretty solid right out of the box.

My first concern with the plane was the glass or plastic covering on the fuse. I have drilled holes for switch and charging mechanism and was pleasantly surprise at the toughness of the material.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

why not get a good looking Great Planes 1/3 Pitts Special from Tower Hobbies?
You will $30 rebate from GP and another $30 off from tower hobbies...total $60 discount!!!!
I'm putting a DA 50R gasser engine in and still under contruction.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Very nice mr sopwith.

RevGQ: thanks for the update! :)

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

For those interested in plane, I had a fast landing in cross-wind last week and the wheel pants caught the tires and the plane nosed into the runway. The 6/32 or 8 /32 screws supplied as axles bent on one side. I immediately replaced them with steel axles. Other than that the plane is happy with the ST G2300 and APC 17x8 prop. She has recieved a lot of nice comments on the field.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Hi Rev,

I am about 60% complete with mine. I'm wondering if you went with the control throws called for in the instructions and if so, how do you like them. Have you tried Knife edge flight with the plane yet? Is there enough rudder to climb out of it? I am planninng to use a Saito 180 and am hoping to have unlimited vertical.

Blessings, Terry

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

I give all my planes all the throw available on all surfaces, particularly the rudder on tail-draggers. I have found this to be very useful in maiden flights. In the two flights I have on her, I don't recall if I attempted to pull up out of a knife-edge or not. The rudder is however very responsive once the tail lifts. I fly in crosswind conditions and there is enough throw to keep her centered to the runway. Hope this helps and good luck.

PS be careful with your iron temperature when sealing the covering. And don't attempt to put a heat gun to the covering prior to tacing the black trim or sealing the yellow covering edges.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

What is the wingspan on this? Do you think a 1.2fs would work? thanks in advance

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

62.5 inches is the WS. Yes the 1.2 four stroke would fly the plane, but a 1.40 is the better choice. I will be putting a 1.60 gasser on my second plane.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

I just finished getting everything mounted. The Saito 180 is a tight fit but works without cutting the cowl. I also fitted a 32oz tank in mine. It took a little trimming but it is a good fit. That Saito drinks up a 24oz tank in about 10 minutes. I don't want to be doing a bunch of dead-stick landings with this plane.

Rev,

Have you needed to enlarge any of the holes for cooling? It seems like the exit is not very large. Also, did you do any additional covering around the firewall? It is all open to the inside of the fuse. I'm a little concerned about fuel getting in there.

Thanks, Terry

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Firewall was fuel-proofed and there were no openings there. I cut out cowling just behind oil cooler on bottom for pitts muffler exit. The side cowl screws create an opening at cheeks rear. So far I have not had a cooling problem.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Just about finished mine. great build. have seen one fly with the 91FS and it was enough. I went with a 120FS and so far it seems as though it would tow up a brick, no problems. I'm going to maiden it tomorrow I hope.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

I am thinking of purchasing one of these and using a Saito 1.20 on it.

Any more comments on how your planes are flying, staying together, and building.

Thanks

Gary

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

I prefer something bigger than a 1.20 four stroke. Do replace the cheapy screw axles as they bend easily and could damage your wheel pants. Otherwise, it has been solid and a real crowd pleaser.

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

Thanks for the tip on on the axles.

I also have a Saito 180 do you think that would be to much for the plane?

Gary

RE: ASM Pitts Special
 

I think it would be ideal, weight, power and balance.