Tony Bonetti's Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Hi All!

Just spent about an hour on the phone with Don Turnock of Eureka Aircraft discussing the short kits he sells. I told him my goals for a vintage pattern ship and he told me the Troublemaker EXT (extended version) would be the ticket. I have some experience with foam wings so I opted for the taildragger/foam wing/foam stab kit. My intention is to put retracts and a piped .61 on it, but haven't ruled out SPA since I'm moving to Florida next year... so the retracts and pipes may get nixed. Or I could hook up with the BPA guys and....GAME ON!

I should have the kit in about a week, and progress won't begin right away, but I wanted to start the thread so anyone with Troublemaker pictures or experience could chime in while we wait for me to get started.

Should be a fun build by the sounds of it. I've got quite a lot of IMAC kit building experience, but this will be my first small pattern ship and I'm really looking forward to a fun build.

Please post any pictures you may have of the Troublemaker or bestow your knowledge!

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

[:o] I have the Troublemaker short kit from Eureka. I bought it for SPA competition and when I looked at the size of the plane I determined that it wasn't really suitable for a .91 four stroke. It's a fairly small plane. I was going to extend the fuse even more but what it really needs is more wing and a wider fuse. I will be selling the short kit next week. I believe a modern .46 would be all the plane needs to fly well. I don't like noisy two-strokes so I won't build it. I really wish either the SPA would allow more planes into the stable because it is next to impossible to get what I really want. ie: Compensator, Phoenix etc. I will be curious to see how you make out with the kit. Keep us informed with text and pix. It should be a good flying plane but it's just too small for me. Good luck. Skip

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Skip,

Was yours the EXT version? It's like 3.5" longer and adds 5" or so to the wing span.

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Yes, it was the extended version.

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Hi. Does the Troublemaker quailify for Vintage pattern? It has to be designed pre 1970. Thanks, Jim

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

I thought it was 1975

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

LEGAL AIRPLANE LIST
1965 THRU 1975

A-6 INTRUDER (Kirkland) A-6 INTRUDER (Airborne Models)
ACCUSTAR ATLAS
AVANTI AVENGER
BANSHEE BELLAIRE
BLUE ANGEL CAJUN QUEEN
CALIFORNIAN CENTURY
CHECKMATE II COMPENSATOR
CONTENDER COLD DUCK
CURARE CRUSADER
CUTLASS DADDY RABBIT I THRU IX
DECEPTION
DIRTY BIRDY DON JUAN II
DRAGIN FLY EIGHT BALL
EL GRINGO EPITOME
EQUALIZER (Curtis Motes) EYEBALL
FANTASY (Small) FIREBIRD
FIRE FLY FLEA FLY
GLADIATOR HI – LO
HOT PANTS HUMMING BIRD
INVICTUS II KAOS
KAOS (Direct Connection) KILLER KAOS I THRU IV
KWIK FLY TAPER WING
KWIK-OS (Howard Engineering) ALL ARF
KING ALTAIR LIBERY BELL
LANIER LECTRA
L’OISEAU VIRGINIAN
MACH I & II MAGIC DRAGON
MAGNUM 600 MISS FLORIDA
MORRIS HF MR. ED
MR. SLICK MURA
NEW ORLEANEAN NUCLEON
NUTCRACKER OMEN
PANTERA PEGASUS
PHANTOM I PHOENIX I THRU VIII
PINK PANTHER PUFFIN II
PULSAR BIPE QUICK FLY
RAMPAGE RCM EXPERT
RETARDED SIG KOUGAR
SKEETER SEQUEL
SPEAR SO-LOSTARFIRE
STAR TREK SUPERFECTION
SUN FLY (ALL) SUPER SICROLY
SUPER FLY
SUPER DUCK SUPER SKEETER
SUPER KAOS SWEETATER
SWEEPER T-BIRD
T2A (Mk I only) TEXAS TWISTER
TEXAN TIGRE NUT
THREE PERFECTION TRITON
THUNDER PANZER WARLOCK
TIGER TAIL TRION
TRIGON TROUBLE MAKER
TRILPLE TROUBLE UNDONE II
TWISTER (RCM) UTTER KAOS
UTOPIA VULCAN

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Is the ability to use an OS 91 4S is becoming the defacto standard for selecting what airframe will work for SPA? I hope that is not the case because it would eliminate a lot of wonderful designs that were designed around a 61 2S.

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

:DYou can use any engine you want up to a 91 four stroke. With these old designs which were set up for .60 two-strokes there is a real "squeeze" factor. Also many of the old designs carry lead in the tail to balance the plane. I can't see any reason not to use a smaller engine. If I had suitable engine I would build the Troublemaker. It's about time a really good stick wins with the smaller setup. It would set a good precedent and make more kits useable.

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

I have the Troublemaker EXT as well and have started and stopped building on it, work keeps getting in the way! I plan to drop in a Rossi 60 in the nose and see what happens. I hope I can place the servos in the tail to help balance everything out. I'm very sure I will have no problem with CG.

Jon
SPA 261

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Yep, there are a lot of SPA designs that cry for a light 2-stroke. I'm gaining interest in the new OS AX .55 and might have to buy one soon. It weighs 14.25oz and is rated at 1.75hp/16,000rpm. That sound a lot like some those older, small-case sixties to me. The problem is it's b*** ugly:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXNMD1&P=ML

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

The K&B Twister .61 is right in there weight wise too, and is really supposed to crank. Even can be had with a tuned muffler.

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Ive had contact from one modeler who is building the Troublemaker, and will be installing a SJ-60Lx up front. I will try to coax him to posting in this forum. And/or I will post what ever info I can as I get it.

Bob

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

VRCS pattern requires pre-1970 airplanes; the SPA allows up to 1975. Technically both promote "vintage" pattern so I can see where there could be confusion over what's legal when the generic "vintage pattern" term is used.

The Troublemaker is legal for SPA, not legal for VRCS. VRCS is primarily an organization dedicated to celebrating the old designs...the pattern events are very informal and low key.

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Pictures would be very awesome!!!

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Got and email from Don at Eureka. My kit should be shipped very soon. He told me I will be the first to get the 1/2" wider version of the plane. The goal is to make it more suitable for a 4-stroke engine. Will keep you guys informed.

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

I am building the Trouble Maker from Eureka and I find it is wide enough for a OS or Magnum 91 four stroke. At least that is what I am putting into mine when finished. I am posting pictures of my progress to date. The wings still get an 1 1/2 inch side plate on them so I am not finished whti the wings as yet. I did not fully sheet the wings as the plans call for because I am trying to lighten the plane somewhat. Any ideas or comments are appreciated. I intend to fly the plane in SPA competition. Check the SPA website for planes that qualify for competition and for places to purchase the kits. World Models is making an ARF called the Intruder that is SPA legal and even carries the logo on the plane.


Jack
SPA 306

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Going to pick up the kit today. I'll get pictures posted ASAP.

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

OK, if we are posting our partially completed Eureka Troublemakers, here's mine:

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Awesome! How are you doing your canopy?

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Got the kit today. Here's a few pictures. Had to hurry.

First the boxes, next the small parts bag, then the kit showing fuse sides, then stab foam cores. Real blueprints with this one! Can't wait to start!

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

Hello fellas. Just got back from the Hobby store where I purchased a bunch of wood and a few parts so I could get this thing under way. My intent is to clean up the shop enough tonight to get a start on it. If I do, I'll post a picture of the progress.

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

I notice that the tail section of your plane is mounted high. The Troublemaker kit I purchased from Eureka has the horizontal stablizer mounted low in relation to the Vertical stablizer. Is your kit a newer version of the plane? If so they have not changed the picture on the website where they are selling the kits.

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

I noticed that about "stripes" plane as well.

As for mine. It looks like a box. The un-glamorous beginnings of a classic pattern fuselage. When I can get a good pic I'll post it.

Dave

RE: Eureka Aircraft Troublemaker Build Thread
 

You guys have very sharp eyes. I would hate to be playing three card monte with you. Yes, I confess, the stab is mounted higher than stock. As long as I am at it I confess the fuse is stretched just like the "extended"version Eureka sells. I bought the original length but wanted some changes so I did it. I hope Ed Moorman doesn't see this post. (He is against modifying classic designs and I would hate to offend him.)