RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

Yep, it's as simple as that. You can add a flap servo behind the aileron servo and run nylon pushrods to the ailerons or put the flap servo where the aileron servo goes and make servo mounts in the wings for the ailerons. Also, the 60-size has you remove about 3" from th outboard end of each aileron and glue it to the trailing edge near the wingtip. If you add flaps, skip this and extend the aileron out to the wingtip block.

Another mod I strongly suggest is to move the retracts out by one rib bay. This makes it more stable on the ground and allows for slightly longer landing gear if you need the prop clearence.

Aside from those two mods, do not make any others. This plane flies so good and anyone I've seen make any mods to the airframe design has only diminished it's flying capabilities.

Also, don't look to save weight in the construction. Many of us have found that the US handles a little extra weigh better than making it lighter. I like to fully sheet the wings for a cleaner look and, as I said, it actually flies better when it's a little heavy.

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

@MinnFLyer - so there is no issue with sheeting the entire wing?  I though there was a reason that only part of the wing got sheeted.

Although, in the process of covering my Tiger, I used a heat gun for the first time and really liked it.  I tried the gun once before and did not like it at all, but my opinion has changed.

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

No issue at all with sheeting the wing. The way I did it was to sheet the front area first as shown in the manual, then glue two sheets together (I've got a really good way to do this too) and instead of glueing on the TE sheeting and trimming it flush with the TE followed by cap strips, you just butt the sheets against the forward sheeting and trim at the TE

The pictures below show their way and the fully-sheeted way

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

Brad,

Another option that you should look at for a great third plane that you would build from a kit is Bruce Tharp Egninering - [link]http://www.btemodels.com/[/link]

All of his kits are great builds with very good wood/materials/hardware. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about a Bruce Tharp kit. Either the Flying King or Venture 60 would be great third airplanes.

Lars

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

Too many options and not enough time - what is one to do???

I cannot stress how much I appreciate this forum and thank everyone for their input.

@MinnFlyer - I am going to keep the entire wing sheeting in mind.  Not sure why, but I would prefer the look of the wing like that as opposed to seeing the ribs through the covering.

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

That's why I did it

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

I'm working on an US 60 right now....same reasons as you, wanted to go the flaps and retracts option on a tail dragger. This is my second build and I am happy with how it's turning out so far.....other than it's going so slow. I work in the garage and it gets hot out there in south Texas! My first build Was a TF Contender....Was "sorta" like a fictional scale build. (which just means you can't get it wrong) It would have been a good Tail Dragging retract conversion to have done, and has a large center flap for some fun landings! I guess I'm saying build the Contender and an US and you will be ready to start real scale builds.....or at least that's my plan. [img]../../punymce/plugins/emoticons/img/trans.gif[/img]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...wink_smile.gif (both are available from tower right now)

RE: Suggestions for third plane
 

@jp_boud I wish my first build came out looking that good!!!  I still have a lot of covering practice to do.  I wish there were some formula you could apply to get a great looking covering job.