Hi,

I was thinking to buy the GP cap 232 for second plane but due to your comment I have doubts. I have found something else, sig something extra, maybe that is a good second plane. I will use a .40FX for power, the things I am worried about is its small wingspan and the plug in wings. If you have experience building and flying this kit please give me some advise.

Thanks

I recomend a 46 through an 53 for the sig. I have one with a46 on it and it flies great. The plug in wings are great the only thing I did different is to use a spring instead of the 64 rubber band. I test flew it last week and man you can't count the rolls it can do, and it will jump off of the ground. Also watch the elevator rates if you are not use to a very quick plane,fly it on low rates first.

This is a great plane. It will work well for a 2nd plane as long as you keep it at the low rates.

I also would recommend that you go for a .46. The Thunder Tiger .46 is good and does not cost that much. The .40 will fly it but it will not provide the power to put this plane through its potential. I am running a Saito .72 4stoke. It is definately overpowered but I like it that way

Great plane, be sure to use a computer radio, as said above, youll need to use low rates taking off and landing.

Excellent plane. Ditto on the advice to go with at least a .46
Also start out with low rates and plenty of expo if you haven't flown this type of plane before, it's WAY touchier than a high wing trainer. I have one with a .46FX, loads of fun!

hey im building the same model and after seeing a couple of fella's at the flying field with st .45 and st .50 decided to go witha webra speed .50 it is one hot powerplant should do very nice and quick. ditto with computer radio to set up flaperons.

The Somethin' Extra makes a great second plane! Don't worry about the small wingspan if you're concerned about wing loading. The wings are short, but there's a lot of area so the wing loading is pretty low. The plug in wings are very convenient, but I zip tie the J-hooks (which screw to T-nuts in the wings) together instead of using rubber bands. Some people have reported a weak landing gear mount so I beefed mine up (it was a kit) and have never had a problem.

The only negative that I have are:

1. The plug in wings will beat against the fuse sides after awhile and scuff up the covering.

2. Exhaust can creep between the canopy/fuse seam so take extra care here and fuel proof the wood in that area.

3. I'm not too thrilled with the looks after a while. The small aspect ratio wings and the overall look is more of a fun-fly. But that's just my opinion.

How much exponential do you guys put on the ailerons, elevator?
thanks.
CLint

Most people put about 20-30%. I personally don't use any. I've moved away from using expo on any of my planes, but this is a personal preference.

I'm building my first SE now and just snagged a K&B .61 for it. I'm planning on sending the .61 out to Clarence Lee for his overhaul based upon a thread I read on here. Searching for info on this plane is nothing short of a nightmare. If you search for 'something extra' you get about 1800 matches. "SE" seemed to work the best. I'm just finishing the wings but I'm trying to take my time. I have limited funds and I'd like to stretch this project out a couple paychecks.

Here's the rundown of mods that I've reviewed on here and decided to implement:

Add 1/16"x1/4" support braces on center wing panelling
Increase rudder by 1" and counterbalance
Increase elevator (or at least counterbalance it...not there yet)
substitude pull-pull for elevator and rudder
go for slightly beefier tail wheel
Move fuel tank closer to CG (if not on CG) with 2oz. hopper tank located in nose
Highly modify (partially remove) servo tray
fiberglass cowl, side mount engine
Maybe change landing gear, depending on prop clearance


I build kits because I don't like to keep em' stock

I had a SE and here is my view.

ditch the tail wheel and put a better one on or leave it off (like I did).

keep the aileron rates low for the first few flights.. as people said the thing spins like a top.

you dont need to over power it (but it sure is fun) I had a os .50 on it and it would rocket straight up.

if you build a kit, enlarge the rudder.

when you get better try messing with flaperon mixing with the elevator. the thing will loop in almost its own length.

also dont try to buzz around the sky wide open throttle.. it loves slow flight...

have fun with it... its a blast.

If I were you, I would use more than 30% expo. On a World Models T-34, I was using 60% expo on high rates. Now, the control surfaces had way less area on them than the SE.

Just my .02.

Patrick

I use -30% expo on low rates and -50% on high. It's all what you get used to, but for someone who may not be experienced with a plane like this I would highly recommend using expo as it will make the first flights a lot less nerve racking.

Thanks everyone for your help. Where did you all put your receiver battery? Is it wise to velcro it to the bottom of the canopy?
Clint

I'm also building the SE, and have side mounted an OS 46FX. I have cut the cheeks off and want to build a removable cowl so that I will be able to take the engine out. I have no idea how to make the cowl though. I am also trying to decide whether to use the stock muffler or get a pitts style muffler.

If anyone has any suggestions, that would be great.

Thanks

Use a pop bottle.
Clint

If I use a pop bottle, do I need to fiberglass the inside of it, or can I just use the bottle melted to the proper shape?

Clint,
Best to check the CG before making a final decision on battery location, mine is right behind the fuel tank.

Will yours still do 3D maneuvers? Thanks.
Clint

I'd just use a pop bottle and paint it and call it good.
Clint

I think I might try the pop bottle this weekend.

Thanks

Roger

I am planning to buy the Sig SE within the next few weeks. While I learn to fly my trainer I can start contruction of the SE. Hoping that by the I am finished training, the SE will be finished.

Anyway, could some post a pic or send a link of a pop bottle mounted to the SE. Looking at pics of the SE, I can't see how the bottle would mount to fuse.

Thanks

Do you guys recommend the Sig Something Extra or the Sig Fazer?
Clint

I got to try a SE today. Now I regret getting a 4*. I haven't flown a 4* yet, but I cannot imagine it beating that symetric airfoil.

It will be my next plane.

This is a good plane!! I have a Webra .61 on mine, it is a hoss!! It will take off vertically, and rocket straight up like it weighs nothing. Very difficult to stall this wing, and because of that thick airfoil, you can have some fun with this thing in the wind! My engine died once, and the wind was blowing about 15-20 mph, i pointed it into the wind, and did a harrier-style landing with no airspeed! Yee-Haw! That got a couple of laughs. I agree with everybody on here though, if you start with low rates at the beginning, and creep up, this is a super-enjoyable plane.

Have fun,
Jim W.