Not really a beginner, but it's been 20 years since I have flown. I bought a GWS Beaver to get back in. I like the looks of the kit, but feel that the tail section for the plane is really too thin. I have been looking in other parts of the forum, but no one has adressed this problem(if it is a problem). What I would like to know is if you think these pieces could be made of balsa with any problems? I plan to build the plane according to planes except for the landing gear, which I am using a set of 2 in Du-Bro lite weight wheels. Any suggestions would be welcomed.


Thank you.

I don't have a GWS Beaver, and I have only seen 1 fly. The one I saw fly was a stock plane with no modifications.

The only thing I have heard about is to beef up the wing struts a little.


GWS Planes have a solid reputation if kept within the boundaries of what they were designed to do.

I would be very hesitant about changing the tail surfaces unless someone answers you saying it must be done.

Keep your added weight down to a minimum on these small parkflyer electrics. Weight is your enemy, much more so on a parkflyer than a glowplane.

Keep it light and do your first flight with little to no wind and you should have a blast.



Welcome back to the hobby!

Thanks latch66,

I plan to build the plane according to the instructions except for the wheels. Just wandering if anyone else had the same thoughts.

Thanks again,
cyclone

Just build it as per the plans, but yes, the wheels have to go.
Flys great, tail is O.K.

Jetts

Thanks for the reply Jetts. I am going to build as pr planes. Just thought tail was a little thin. Guess I am still use to building in balsa.

Thanks again,
cyclone

The tail IS a little thin. Mine, built box-stock, no hangar rash, violent maneuvering, or crashes was drooping after the first flight.

First, I tried to stiffen the tail with some fiber tape. That didn't work. I ended up cutting a slot out of each side, and installing a bamboo skewer spar. After that, the tail was very solid and worked well, until I crashed it and broke the skewer where it entered the fuselage.

It's now since been repaired, and is up for auction on Ebay if anyone is interested

Thanks for the reply mkirsh. I am just starting to build the plane. Will try your suggestion. I will try to run the skewer spar across the tail before I install it.

Thanks again,
cyclone