so now the countdown for sunday begins. it took another 1/2 oz of weight to get the plane balanced. I took a little of the down thrust out so hopefully it will be flyable. I used a Y harness when I wired up the main wing so I won't be able to limit the down throws on the ailerons with travel adjustment settings on the TX. but I got it up once before when it was all out of wack, so hopefully I can actually enjoy flying it this time with out having to have Paramedics with a crash cart on standby

often the thrust angles are built into the firewall. if they are already in the firewall, you don't need to shim any more. i think the main issue is to the get the CG right. if it still flies funny then you can work on the thrust angles. i'm sure the directions will tell you if the thrust angles are built in.

good luck!

ps 5 ounces is nothing on this plane!

The thrust angle is already built in to the fuselage, I think it was also mentioned in the building instruction. You also might want to consider not to put so much fuel onboard. The tank is quite big...

I too think that Your problems are CoG related so there is a good chance to get the plane flying next time. Just follow the takeoff instructions given here. Good luck!

well today I had the cub out, I had a very difficult time getting the plane in the air. after about 10 attempts, I was finally able to keep the plane tracking straight enough to take off. the first thing I noticed is the plane felt much more stable in the air. the second thing was the thrust angle is still not right, the plane was yawing even harder to the left then it was before. I climbed out to about 4-500 ft and began to fly a figure eight pattern to get a feel for the Cub. after about five minutes, I had opened up the circuit a little, on the down field side as I started to make a right turn and from about 200 ft the plane went in to the spiral of death.
it fell all the way to the ground with exception of cutting through a tree like a machete. the end result was believe it or not the plane is repairable the main wing came through with out damage, the horizontal stabilizer on the left side was ripped off the fuse, and the lower henge was torn out of the rudder. in the end the plane can be fixed and flown again but not by me, I'll fix it but the only thing I'm going to do with it is hang it in the garage.


I have nothing but respect for those of you who can fly these things!!! I think I'm going to stick with my Magister for a little while longer.

i don't think the cub is THAT hard to fly. i think a cub is hard to fly beautifully but it's not hard to keep in the air particularly if it's well powered. i'd chalk your experience to a bum ARF.

if you like the cub, go out and buy another... maybe a WM or a GP. i guarantee you that it'll be better. i'm sad to hear that you are "hanging" up the cub. you would've really enjoyed it.

Hi... I've been reading this thread with intrest and thought I would chime in. I'm not sure what happened to your plane while it was in the air, but I have a Great Planes .46 size 81" Fabric ARF with an OS .46 AX and it flys fantastic. The takeoff roll requires a little rudder management to keep straight and landings require some elevator control to keep it from nosing over but while in the air, she's a real treat to fly and watch. Like was stated before, maybe you got a bum BH ARF. The wings or fuse could even be twisted slightly. Don't give up on the Cubs. They are great planes to have in your hanger collection. I am posting a couple pics of mine to maybe keep your intrest up in getting another Cub and flying it.
Get a good quality ARF Cub and enjoy.

I still like Cubs, maybe I'll try another one in the future. what was so disappointing about the crash was, I had perfect control of the plane until I didn't. I had slight hope that I would recover in time to save it, as the last time the spin occured it started to respond right before it hit. this time I had altitude on my side, and when it started to spin I kept waiting for it to start to come around but it never happened. on the positive side this was my first go with a balsa plane and I'm impressed as to how much they can take and still be repairable. maybe once I get more knowledge in models I'll be able to correct what ever the defect is with the BH Cub and it will see the sky again.

thank you everyone for the help with this plane!!! if it wasn't for you guys I don't think I'd of got as far as I did.