Need help on adding weight to balance
 

I was given an old BUSA Taube airplane that has crashed and been repaired. I did some work on it and hung it from my "Vanessa" balancing rig. To get it level and balanced I had to add 14 oz behind the engine. I think it would be better to hang it from the ceiling in my shop. What do you think?

That's a lot of weight. What's the final weight on the plane? If it was built light to start with, it may be ok. Also, is there anything you can move internally to bring the balance forward?

The 5 cell batt is as far forward as I can get it. I'm told the plane flew well before the crash. I don't know how being that tail heavy. Maybe I'll just hang it from the ceiling. Thanks for responding!

doc, I had to add four pounds of lead to the nose of this pusher to get it to balance right. Flies great. 14 ounces is not that much as long as the whole plane is not too heavy. Dan.

Saying that I'll add the weight! I cut out a square on the fuse below the engine and will secure the weight in there and add a door. Thanks for the response! Doc

I have always been told that when everything internally that can be moved HAS been moved to help balance the plane, go ahead and add the necessary weight as long as the model is not too heavy overall.
I have a Top Flite Elder 40 kit (I promise I will get to it someday) and the manual says that 12 oz. of nose weight had to be added to the prototype to get it to balance. WWI era planes tend to have short nose moments, so as long as the overall weight isn't excessive, I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks! I'm told it should weigh about 5#. I'll check that tomorrow.

The total weight is 4.8 Lbs. The plan sez 5 Lbs so I think the addition of 14 oz will be fine! Agree??? Doc

I think it will be OK.

doc, do you know the wing area? Dan.

Wing loading is 680 sq in. Wing loading 14 oz/sq ft

4.8lbs=76.8oz
680insq=4.7ftsq
Wing loading=16.3oz/ftsq
Which is a very good low number. You should have a great flyer there. Dan.

;)