Update on Creek Extra
 

Another shameless plug. The engine head is almost flush with the cowl. This is a bad angle but it looks quite neat up close and personal.

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

a light set of flying wire will be using 2/56 pull pull cable and couplers using landing gear straps to attach the pull pull wire and cleves.......

Update on Creek Extra
 

Hi all,

I'm finally getting a little better flying this thing. It flies SO much better since I got the CG right. But one question.... Does anyone else have problems with it nosing over on landing?

I did it once and blamed it on the weeds. Then I did it again and blamed it on the wheel pants and dirt. Then, I almost did it again but I (finally) landed it on the runway and was making some turns to slow it down a bit (on the ground) and it almost nosed over again? And this time I had my Mezjlik prop on it. PHEW! I caught it just in time. I plan on moving the CG back as I get more used to it, but it sure "feels" nose heavy on the ground.

Anyone else?

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

I would still like to hear what weights everyone is getting. Mine is heavy. I think we have yet to hear from somone who really loves this plane. The best is "it is a good plane for the money".

Update on Creek Extra
 

Mike, your CG must be way forward. Mine is a 5-1/4" and it's still too far forward. Yours must land real hot and need a lot of down for inverted. I think you should move it back and reduce your elevator throws. If at 5" it's still sensitive then your throws are too high. CG affects stability (I know, duh) but too far forward and you will have a hyper stable condition and the model will fight you like a trainer to level off and you need a lot of elevator to effect control. Find the procedure for a stability test, sailplane folks know this stuff, and read it. It should give you a better understanding of CG. Reduce throws and use about 60% expo and it will be much more controllable.

Update on Creek Extra
 

h82crash

how is your flying while inverted does it still require more push than you would like? what CG is everyone else using? I plan to put sometime on my kit today as i had the 24 hour duty (until 7:30 this morning) I will talk with you all later on today.

Update on Creek Extra
 

Krayzc, I first had it at 4.5" as others recommended which is kind of middle of MFR recommended. Almost full down for level flight inverted. If the plane is trimmed right and the CG is at optimum, it should be hands off inverted. I moved it back to about 5.25" and it is much better. Battery is now by the wing tube so I'll have to build something to attach it to, futher back. Don't want to add any weight, even a little to the tail. I also have to rebuild my stab cause it broke off after a violent knife-edge spin. Probably get some more weight there. Flying wires are a good idea.

Update on Creek Extra
 

MY CG is at 4.5". Seems pretty good. I'll have to check inverted flight again. I don't remember needing a whole lot of down to keep it level.

Uh-oh. Stabs breaking? I better start looking at flying wires too.

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

My "lot of down" might be different from yours. My elevator bearly moves and I run a lot of expo. Just the way I set up these sensitive planes. It really does illuminate trim isssues.

Update on Creek Extra
 

I've got a little time on my Staudacher now and now have the CG between 5-1/4" and 5-1/2" and its perfect for IMAC and pattern type flying. This is with an APC prop, all servos in the tail, and no extra weight added anywhere. My throttle servo and receiver are just behind the wing tube and a 5-cell 1400mah nicad in the engine box next to the fuel tank. I'm now working on control feel so I will be working on throws and expo. I'm not a 3D pilot but this plane lomcevaks on command and does the neatest wing tip spins. Inverted flight requires just a feather touch of down. Knife edges are the same just a touch to hold it. Anymore and she wants to tuck to the belly. Typical low-wing behavior.

I've settled on a 17x6 APC and 15% heli fuel but the 18X6 Menz was not bad. However, the ST2500 unwinds better with the 17x6 giving me a little more speed and momentum to carry through manuvers. I don't have unlimited vertical but its not bad. This ST is still pretty new and I've noticed the compression getting better and better after flights so it may come on some more. the best thing is it runs great without needing pumps or anything. But, I've been wanting a Saito 180 so who knows??? More power sure wouldn't hurt.

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

Great news, Optec.

Update on Creek Extra
 

had a spare moment to do some work on the extra

Update on Creek Extra
 

changing the wing style

Update on Creek Extra
 

the cottor pin will keep all in tack

Update on Creek Extra
 

exopy or pro bond the stud into the foam hardware can be obtained at lowes or home depot

Update on Creek Extra
 

now u have both methods still in place and very little weight added but a very good piece of mind for those hard snaps and such.....

Update on Creek Extra
 

Well, you're not so "Krazy" after all. That's a fine idea. I may just copy that.

Thanks for the pics!

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

Ok, I've got another question. I realized I put the ply doublers on incorrectly. I put both on the "inner" piece of the frame. i.e one on each side. I did not put one on the inner and one on the outer rail. (or whatever you call those pieces.)

I imagine I should put one on the outer rail, but I'll have to use two halves and epoxy them in since I can't really slide them on anymore.

Any input about my ineptness?

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

MHawker
i rather u copy that idea and keep the plane around longer u feel me? that is what this site is all about sharing ideas..... the 2 pieces idea will work that way if one part of the fuse breaks something should still be holding that wing tube u know?

Update on Creek Extra
 

Why is my freakin' matic Extra nosing over while taxiing? I learned already to keep up elevator, but this last weekend, after tuning the 160FX thanks to Aerosplat's advice, I came in for a landing, got it down and started to make a couple of turns to slow it a bit. It was not going THAT fast, and while holding up elevator, the damn thing nosed over just enough to break my Mejzlik prop. CRAP!

I know, I know. I didn't expect it to last forever, but I was hoping it would last a LITTLE longer.

I'm assuming the plane is nose heavy, but I wanted to get some other input in case I'm missing something. I plan on angling the landing gear more forward, but that's all the modifications I can think of.

My CG is right in the middle of the range (but I'll be rechecking that just in case).

The plane flies great! And the motor runs even better now that it's tuned right!

Mike

Update on Creek Extra
 

make sure you landing gear is not turned the wrong way as the plane should not be noseing over like that one you, swap the direction and see if that cures that condition.

Update on Creek Extra
 

Thanks, Krazy.

I seem to remember reading somewhere about the "directional" landing gear. I don't remember when I installed it if there was a difference either way.

Thanks!

Mike- I'm considering buying stock in DA and Mejzlik! LOL!

Update on Creek Extra
 

Mike, where's your CG? Mine is at about 5.25" and it flys great. I did experience mine doing the same thing when I wagged the tail to slow it down. I got lucky and staighted her out and dropped the tail. Got a Mejzlik also. I think your idea of raking the gear forward is worth looking into.

Update on Creek Extra
 

I got the solution to everyones problems here. Sell your plane and build a new one! :D Just joking.

Update on Creek Extra
 

well not i have finished up a few of my other projects so i may be able to get back to the creek here soon......