Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

First flight. Click the link below to see all the action! Too many pics/video to add to this thread. Good stuff.

http://www.flybuder.com/geebee

Composite-Arf Gee Bee R2
DA 150 - 93" WS - 35 Lbs

Please leave your comments below, as the pilot is interested in your feedback!

Thanks!

http://www.flybuder.com/geebee

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Wow!
I've been looking at that thing since the FC/CA split. Do you have any idea how fast it was going? From the clips it looked like it was really moving? What prop are you swinging on the DA? A lot of pitch? Any pilot report to follow?
Congratulations on an awesome machine!

Chris

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

32/10 Prop. We have not clocked it. I could not even guess until he is ready to make a nice fast and low pass. Since the aircraft is so big as compared to so many other planes I see fly, it is hard to determine how fast it was going. The pilot is now ready to affix the trim scheme. Since Gee Bee's have a better then 75% chance of crashing on their first flight, he was holding off.

In my opinion the plane still had 25% over stall speed before touching the ground. Approach was much smoother then my video clip.

More pilot reports to follow ... the pilot, Bob Wright, will be joining this thread soon.

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Just eat my Heart out! Came that close to doing the same thing but with a RCS radial still thinking about it! Great job!!!. Keep us informed on the pro and cons of that airplane. Hearing so many nightmares about landings with the R-2. Yours looked very normal, speed wise that is. Good for You!
AJT.

Nice
 

Nice pictures,
Nice videos
Oh
and
NICE PLANE!!!

Looks like on the landing you tried to turn it to soon???
with the narrow landing gear on these R2's, looks like they could do that?

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

haha, you have some fans!

Nice plane!

Ive seen one go, pretty cool, and it ended up on its nose once too;)

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

It would have stayed up except for 2 reasons. 1 He tried to turn to intersect the runway. 2 At our field the grass was a little too high and where it goes from asphalt runway to grass, it's kinda like a speed bump.

Gee Bee + Nose Over + No Damage = Perfect Landing

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

I Gotta get me one.




Neo

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

It will cost you over $4k to match this plane.

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Ya can't take it with ya!!

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Money isn't a problem..........as long as the wife doens't find out.




hehehehe





Neo

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

I bet it can be done for less than that!!

Plane is just under $1000

Engine can be found for a little over $1100

Servo's

Misc....

I think if bargains are found $3000 should be no problem.

Gee Bee
 

Hey, guys...with a bit of work and dedication and not much money, you can start building one of your own (in quarter scale, anyway.) See my thread in Giant Scale Planes for sale.

STLPilot...she's magnificent! Thanks for the heads up.

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Thanks Dion, for fantastic coverage. First flight, i was scared to death, but all the guys at Buder park in Stlouis gave me allot of support. Anyway, take off was smooth, she climbed out real fast, needing some trimming in the elevator only, about two clicks up. The 150 DA is brand new, so i only opened her up one time for few seconds, she has allot of power. I also have been flying a gee whiz bee for about 10 months, she kinda Handel's like it in the air, a little quirky. Sensitive rudder!!. Just need some more flights to figure out how to handle her. Probably fast fly buys, low rolls, maybe some low knife edge passes, cu-bans and big loops. Landing. Well, i flew Kermit Weeks Special for about a year and a half, landing was similar, except, i believe the plane will nose over very easily, gonna have to be very careful with the landings above all. Thats all for now, lets here from you all.

Thanks
Bob Wright

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Bob,
Get those decals put on!

Tom

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Bob ... please keep us posted when you are planning to bring it out to the field again! I can post it on our website! Don't want to miss any flights!

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

2nd Flight Videos Are Up!

Way to go Bob, VERY nice landing.

http://www.flybuder.com/geebee

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

WICKED!!!!

Joe

Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Bob, how many flights do you have now? Anything new to update us with?

observation
 

It looked as if maybe a wheel bound up on that first landing. It was roling just find, but when you turned after hitting bumps, it suddenly went up on its nose. Maybe a wheel rubbed a pant or the axles bound a wheel up...just a suggestion/observation

RE: observation
 

Sir,
The results displayed in your video & pic posts last year spurred me get one, too! Thanks!!

--Now a few questions if you don't mind: i) Following construction as indicated in the FC/CA guide, was ballast needed with the DA-150, and how much where (front or back)?
ii) Was a DA-150 engine the only choice, i.e., why not a 100-105cc as these are "in the range of acceptable engines" according to the CA sales rep I ordered my kit from?
iii) Were either of the two mods now recommended by FC/CA made before first flight, i.e., move landing gear forward ~1" from the marked location to revised location, & were the 7'' Sullivan wheel/tire combos "chamfered" to afford more lateral tire space in the optional gear kit? Finally,
iv) Was there ever a desire (or perceived need) to cut out & implement the "flaps" that were part of the R-2 wing?

Thanks again for the most enlightening flight videos of a beautiful airplane.

VR
Jack

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Hey Jack, how is your build going, have you done much on yours yet? Or is it too cold up in NY

kevin

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

I have a couple of tips from experience. DON"T clap on touch down. the landing is easy it is slowing the plane down and controling the steering that is the problem. Your speed looked fine. It helps to have lots of elevator throw to keep the plane on the tail wheel and dont stop steering until the plane has stopped. If you dont stay ahead of the steering and anticipate your next move it will veer off in a direction and flip on its nose. You can see in the first video that it veered to the right just before it flipped. You have to learn to stay on the rudder and hold full up elevator while on the ground.

I hope this helps.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Any updates on this aircraft? I did not see any answers to Jack's questions. I would love to hear them as well. How much run way is required for the landings? Will she balance OK with a 100cc? Lots of questions and I'm very interested. Help me out guys.
Thx,
Kregg

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Kregg, I just unpacked my new C/Arf Gee Bee this evening and hope to get on with the construction shortly. I will be using a 3W 120 in it. Someone suggested that you should cut in flaps like the real a/c had.,WROG. The real a/c did not have flaps. The key to a good flying GB is the setup and balance. They are very honest a/c . I have a friend in Wash. state that has a Fib/Classics version with a RCS 215 radial he's been flying for a couple of years.If you would like to e-mail me direct,please feel free to do so. [email protected] Wayne Parrish

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Hey Wayne, have you got your Z in the air yet?

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Kelly, Yep,Dee Dee ,Rick and I went to Fayettville today and I got two good flights in. It flies very good but I have the Mac way overpropped with a 26-10 3W . It turns static 5400 and should be round 6000 . I'll try another club on it but it lands in half the distance that the big R-2 does. I just got my new Composite -ARF R-2 in yesterday and its really nice work and will come out about 20 + lbs lighter than the 33 % builtup version. It wil be a great goer also since the same powerplant thats (was ) on the 33% is going on it and you know how it hauled that big bird !! Loo forward to seeing you soon. If you need to, you can reach me at [email protected] . I monitor my e-mails more than the RCU site. Wayne

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

wayne,

can you give some specifics about your buddy's setup with the radial, as far as prop size, how it balanced out, servos, prop, etc.

i've been wanting a big geebee with a radial!!

thanks,
tony

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Great looking plane. Just needs a few RCU Meatball logos on it to complete the scale look :)

enjoyed the videos. nice job.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Wayne,
Thanks for your post! Its great to hear first hand from a R2 flier and someone experienced with the CA R2. I sent you a e-mail. I hope we can follow your build and flying hear on this thread.
Thx,
Kregg

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

This is so timely. I have an older CA GB-R2 with a DA 150 in it as well. I have not flown mine yet, (job change and had to move) but it is good to see that the combo flys well. I will keep up with this site. Thanks. Here is a picture of mine.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Cobra, Nice looking job,when are you expecting to fly it and what did the weight come out to ? Thanks Wayne You can e-mail me direct at [email protected] if you'd like.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Kregg, I didn't get your e-mail yet so you may want to try again. [email protected] Wayne

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

I will try to get around to weighing it this weekend and let you know.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Wayne, I sent the e-mail to you twice? I do not know what the problem is. I will post my e-mail message hear:

I'm very interested in getting the CA R2 but I need some reassurance on several issues.

You mentioned that the CA R2 was going to be 20 pounds less that the built up version!?! Can that be correct? A earlier post indicated a flight weight of 35 pounds with a DA150 on the CA R2. Does that sound about right? I wonder how the balancing worked out on that one. I have an extra DA100 just waiting for a home, but the last thing I want is a underpowered R2 that has a bunch of lead in the nose to make her balance out. I would rather add motor weight that lead. My Pitts 12 weights about 37 pounds and flies WAY over the top for power with a DA150, but a DA100 would be underpowered for my likes. The R2 at about 30ish pounds could possibly work with the DA100.

Landing room is my next question. I'm not sure of my fields length, but it might be a bit short. My big 35% Pitts 12 uses most of it on a regular basis. I have never flown a Gee Bee, but have always wanted one. I'm a experienced giant scale flier, but this one is a bit intimiating.

I have so many questions that I could make your head spin. I would love to follow your build of this aircraft. It would be perfect if you posted your progress on this RCU thread and I could fire questions and praise your direction on a regular basis. This goes for anyone flying one of these aircraft as well. Please chime in if you have hands on experience with the CA R2.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Cobra, Is the fiberglass firewll that bolts to the front flange on the fuse. the only thing that holds the motor ? I haven't had a chance to actually read the manual yet so it's probably in that. Thanks Wayne

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Does anyone have info on the C/A Gee Bee request in the manual to move the gear forward 7/8 of an inch ? I thought I had read somewhere in an old post that they had moved it 1"forward. If they know the gear needs to be moved ,then why in the H&%# didn't they do it at the factory ?? If you move it forward you will have to re-cut the relief it the root end of the composite wing for clearnce. That leaves the molded in relief needing to be filled or just have two relief areas !!! VERY POOR !! Also the glue joints are popping loose on the formers and will need "ME" to re-glue all of them!!! VERY POOR !!. So far if I had known this ,I would NOT have bought it !!!!!!! I always thought that when yu bought something you were suppose to get what you pay for. NOT IN THIS CASE SO FAR !! There are other issues in this arf that I won't go into right now but be rest assured I will post what feedback I get back from Composite ARF. Andy Kane ,my rep from them has been very resposive and helpful,BUT this is not Andy's problem,its C/F's problem. Wayne Parrish

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

As far as the fiberglass firewall, yes the engine bolts to it and it is bolted to the fuse. Make sure you get it oriented correct as it has right thrust built in to it.

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

cobra, Do you mind e-mailing me as I have a couple of questions about this animal. Thanks [email protected]

RE: Composite-Arf 33% Gee Bee R2 - First Flight - Pics - Videos - L@@K
 

Got some feedback from Andy Kane and by the way he has been VERY responsive to my questions and concerns. He explained that the reason I'm not getting a response from C/ARF is that they are on vacation and of course being that area of the world,they shut it all down ! Can't really say that I fault them too much for doing it that way. Things are looking somewhat up and I am waiting to get an answer on whether the gear has to be moved forward or not. If anyone has a later version of this bird ,could they post a dimension from the leading edge of the wing to the center of the front gear attach bolt please. Maybe I was a little premature in jumping C/ARF about the problem or two,but,you still expect for a manual to be clear and glue joints to be good. Updates will be forthcoming. Wayne