I hope this is the right forum to post this. Seems like there's lots of help here. I built a Smith Mini Plane and when I can get it in the air she flies beautifully. The problem is that she will roll over to the left after taking off and there has been a couple of times that some damage occurred. I've now rebuilt the lower wing and am ready to puthings back together. I have an OS 52 Surpass in it and the plans call for 0 offset thrust to the engine. I have learned that some planes just have to be "flown" with more finesse and that right rudder input is necessary at take off. I wonder if I should put in a couple of degrees of right thrust to the motor mount to help this plane survive the learning curve. Oh yeah, using a MAS 12x6 prop. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Norm,
It is usual for a plane to roll to the left. It is called "P" effect. The torque of the engine and the swirling air (slipstream) around the fuselage hitting the rudder cause this. Holding some right rudder and/or adding right thrust will help. Also applying the thottle smoothly will keep the plane from jumping on takeoff. Try a few taxi passes and adjust the throttle and rudder inputs to the planes needs. Also try an APC prop. You are probably taking off at or below stall speed.
EXCAP232

Norm,
Check to make sure your wings are not twisted, and get a little more airspeed before you rotate. Also rotate a little more gently.

Jetts

I have a Smith Mini Plane. You will need to add a little right thrust to the motor I shimmed mine to about 1 degree. You will still need to stay on the rudder while taking off. Make sure you have a lot of speed before you rotate you may be stalling. I had trouble with mine wanting to swap ends on take off on the paved runway on take off so I used the grass strip till we made friends. Have you laterally balanced the plane you may have a heavy wing. Be careful not to have to much elevator throw it will snap with elevator only if you have to much throw. I love mine It snaps and spins very nice. You will also want to carry some power all the way to the threshold. They tend to put on the breaks when the power is removed. Just some thoughts KCFlyBoy

Add couple degrees right thrust to engine, build speed before lift off,use a slow lift off,also might try 11x5 or 11x5 prop,I prefer APC,they have a better bite and the pitch is correct,p factor wants to pull left on hard take off,use right rudder to keep things headed in the correct direction.I have small ultimate bipe,using the same engine, so that is the best information I can give.

Thanks everyone re; problem with Snmith Mini Plane torque rolling to left on take off. I shimmed the motor mount to get about 2 degrees right thrust. Will also take a look at amount of elevator throw and reduce if nec. She balances out in all directions pretty good, I guess it's just that I need to finesse it into the air with better power and rudder input. Such a pretty plane, hope she survives the learning curve--2nd time around.