Mike Line

I'm building a 87" Ziroli Stearman and I'm not sure what to pull it with. The plans call for 62cc min. The plane should come out at 32-35lbs. I like to do aerobatics and am concerned that that a G-62 wont be enough. Talk to me.

Big_Bird

My Feedback: (1)

With a plane of that size and weight the 62cc might not give you the performance that you would like. I have a 27# 86"ws Bucker Jungmeister with a Sachs Dolmar 4.2 cu-in engine on it and it has very good performance. My plane at 35# would not be as much fun. I would recommend that you put a ZDZ80RV on your plane. I have one on a 31# Super Decathlon and really like it.

Ken

Mike Line

Thanks Big Bird....... The ZDZ 80RV sounds good. I was looking at the First Place FPE 5.8. It's a little cheaper than the ZDZ and it's bigger at 95cc's. I dont think the difference in weight will be an issue and it would be an even better performer. Have you had any experiance with FPE?

Big_Bird

My Feedback: (1)

No I haven't. However, I do have a Brison 5.8 in my Ziroli Corsair and it is one of the best engines that I've had. The ZDZ80RV is smoother than the Brison and turns a Menz 26x10 standard prop at 6100 rpm. The Brison swings a Zinger 24x12 but I can't remember at what rpm. For the Stearman I would recommend the ZDZ80RV because it is lighter and smoother and just about the same power.

Ken

wingburner

My Feedback: (17)

Thats alot of airplane and alot of drag.I would go with a 120 minimum.You can generally pick up a low time 120 for less than the more popular 100s and have more power.

Mike Line

Cool...... I will take all this info to heart. I've e-mailed Mr. Ziroli asking him what he would put in it. The plans say min. 62cc's. I've found a FPE 5.8 (95cc's) used for $500. As far as weight goes, I dont think it will be advantagous to have a lighter engine. It would be silly to buy a lighter, more expensive engine and have to add lead to get it to ballance. The 120cc sounds great but I dont have the budget for that. Wish I did. The FPE 5.8 clames 43 lbs of thrust with a 26-10 Bolly prop. If the plane comes out at 32-35lbs then that should be plenty with over 2200 inch's of wing area. The wing loading should be around 32-35 inch's per square foot. I dont expect it to hover or 3D, just conventional aerobatics with good vertical, not unlimited. Just some good o'l fashion barnstorming fun. Thanks for all your help and information guy's!!!!!!!!

OLD_SLOW and in the WAY

we flew 96" super lazy ace biplanes with g62's and used 22/6/10 wood zingers in our AMA air show team for many years and they flew great but the aerobatics were scale ( no3d stuff).

paco ritter

My Feedback: (51)

Had a 25-30 lbs range Smith MiniPlane, 88" span powered with an old mag style Sachs 5.2 engine that was 1/2 of the pair used on Bob Campbell's giant P-38 years ago. Flew the plane better than scale, but far from a 3D set up used today. Worked great, as I recall, have the plans for another, this time probably powered by a G-62. These engines are pretty stout and are really hard to beat.....

kaksnapper

Am considering this plane, plans and engine. Zirolli P-51 on hold, my sons gone to N.C. Was wondering about the engine, can't afford a radial right now and I luv 4-stroke...I got a G-26 in my 1/4 BUSA Pup, still buildin but thinkin about my next project. My input, later, ken

riph

My Feedback: (26)

I think the new RC Showcase 150cc Radial will be a great engine for the Ziroli 87" Stearman. In about 6 months I may have first hand info. on the combination. Anyone have a built or in the bones Ziroli 87" Stearman for sale??

Rcpilot

My Feedback: (78)

You can get an 80cc or 88cc Husky conversion from Tom Perry in Florida for like $400--$450. I would think an 80cc single would pull it around nicely.

dwilco1001

I am about to start building a 87" Ziroli Stearman and I also need to choose an engine. I have read the posts on this thread with interest and wonder if Mike Line has now made his choice of powerplant, and how his model flies?

I would also be interested to learn if the centre of gravity comes out spot on with the Zenoah 62cc shown on the plan or if nose/tail weight is needed.

I have my eye on a 100cc twin (as sold by United Hobbies) but wonder if it will be too heavy at 4kg (approx 9lbs).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Marcol

Hi ,
Is that the correct weight for a Ziroli Stearman ? That seems excessively heavy to me for an 87" span Stearman.

I have 2 Stearmans built from Flair kits. These are 89" wingspan and they both weigh about 24lb. The Ziroli one is 10 lb ! heavier and a smaller airframe. Man they must fly like bricks !

Sorry to sound negative but an extra 10 lb is a huge amout of weight.

Big_Bird

My Feedback: (1)

I'm sure you could put that plane on a diet. There is no need for much aircraft ply, use lite ply instead. Trim any excess wood out of the balsa formers. Use lightening holes wherever possible, etc................

I fly a Gary Allen 1/3 scale Bucker Jungmeister. It weighs 27# with a Sachs Dolmar 4.2 cu-in engine. It has an 86" wing span.

Marcol

The Jungmeister has always been one of my favourite aircraft and your model looks absolutely superb - great job

Big_Bird

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks a lot. I've built 2 of the 1/3 scale Jungmeisters. In order to stay on the Stearman topic, here is the build thread that I started. If you want, we can talk about it over there.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_13...tm.htm#1395907

outacontrol41

My Feedback: (9)

My Stearman is a Flair kit from the UK. It has G62 and flies great...it's the perfect engine for this plane. I think when compared to the Ziroli, the Flair is designed with lightweight in mind to handle those light Laser engines they use overseas. A 35 lb. Stearman with 87'' ws is a total brick. My Stearman weighs 27 lbs. and with a few ticks above idle she still 'floats in' on approaches and lands like a feather. Would love to see the Ziroli plans...the plane is probably 'overbuilt'.