Pilot 1 Aeronca conversion
 

Hey guys,

I recently purchased the 1/4 champ from hobby lobby thinking it would actually have information on both power sources for it (gas/glow & electric) Was I ever wrong, there's nothing in there about doing the glow/gas. Has anybody put a gas/glow on there that has some information? I know I could do some cutting and gluing and make it work but I'd like to check and see if there's somebody else that's done it and what the best way would be.

RE: Pilot 1 Aeronca conversion
 

The position of the prop drive flange is your critical factor

I am looking for the same information. I bought a "new" one at a swap meet last weekend and some one had started to work on it. The rudder hinges were done and the motor mount for electric had been removed and the firewall sanded smooth. You can still see what appears to be the center lines both vertical and horizontal burned into the firewall. The horizontal line which should show the center line of the engine appears to be below the shaft opening in the cowl. It would take what appears to be upthrust to bring the shaft out if the engine were mounted with that as a reference.

I am wanting to mount a YS 1.20 FS on this plane. Any constructive comments are welcome.

Joe

A question to anyone who has this plane. Can you tell me if the motor has any right thrust or down thrust, and if so, how much of each? I do wish this information was in the instructions!
Thanks,

Don't have any experience with this plane, but regarding thrust, suggest you fly the plane a few times prior to installing or cutting the cowl. In my experience, this isn't a bad plan even if the firewall appears to be marked well. Doubt seriously any up thrust will be required though.

As far as locating the engine on the firewall, you can do a lot of messing around if this is done prior to installing the flying surfaces, by just setting the plane on the tail and scooting the engine/motor mount around while test fitting the cowl. If the engine's cylinder head is getting in your way during this process, often you can "rig" a piece of dowel in the motor mount, located to mimic the crank center line.
Best of luck on your builds! -Al

ahicks,

Thanks for your response. My Dad used to say "measure twice-cut once". It has stood the test of time with me. After doing a lot of measuring, it appears that the vertical location of the engine will be OK. I did some graphic diagram and have put in 1 1/2 degree of right thrust. I think the cowl will fit just fine. I'll post me results here when I have it finished and maidened.