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AMM Super Decathlon

Old 08-19-2022, 07:08 AM
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Navy_Flyer
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Default AMM Super Decathlon

I bought the American Model Manufacturing (AMM) Super Decathlon kit way way back in 1995-96 timeframe. I started it, then put it up, stored it (long story) - it was about 50% finished. Recently, I brought it back out to finish it. 27 years later.... So, just wondering if ANYONE has ever had one of these models, and how does it fly? The original company went out of business after a fire took all their tooling and molds. Fiberglass fuse, wingtips and cowl, foam wings, built up tail feathers. 80.5" wingspan, and I am guessing it will weigh around 10-12 lbs when done. I am going to power it with a OS Surpass .91 with a custom Keleo pitts muffler (Keleo is no longer making those either). Anyone with any building or flying experience with this specific model I would love to hear from you. She's about 90% done now - photos attached.

Engine and cowl fitted.




Wings sheeted and cap stripped, ailerons cut out.

Need to install the wing struts and tail feathers (which are completed).

Last edited by Navy_Flyer; 08-19-2022 at 07:16 AM.
Old 08-26-2022, 06:02 PM
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A7Bldr
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Looks like a good build and plane. Are you sure an OS 91 is enough power for some good aerobatics?
BTW how do the cabin side windows install? Are they formed to slip into the openings or ?
Jim
Old 08-27-2022, 05:32 AM
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Originally Posted by A7Bldr
Looks like a good build and plane. Are you sure an OS 91 is enough power for some good aerobatics?
BTW how do the cabin side windows install? Are they formed to slip into the openings or ?
Jim
The 91 should be plenty of power. I have a Saito 125 I can drop in if needed but I don’t think I’ll need it. The cabinet windows are just flat plastic and glue to the inside of the fuselage.
Old 09-18-2022, 09:43 AM
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Lots of progress on the Super Decathlon. Wings covered, struts complete. Fuselage painted (still need one more coat of green before I unmask it). Servo tray fabricated and installed. Getting close!










This is the color scheme I was going for - it will be close, but not exact.




Ailerons are hinged, and horn installed.

Servos, linkages and wingtips installed.

Struts done


Masked off the bottom white, for topside green.


Servo tray installed - will be pull-pull on center for rudder, and each elevator half will have its own servo. Throttle servo will be mounted near the firewall.

Old 09-26-2022, 06:15 PM
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Default Painting complete. Tail is covered, braced and rigged.


Tail covered and bracing installed.

Door latch complete.

Door operates.

Unmasked. Nice sharp line between colors.
Old 09-29-2022, 06:02 AM
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Getting close to done! Tail complete, braced and rigged. Found some great metallic gold pinstriping at the local auto parts store that matches the gold paint on the wheel pants (and monokote trim (eventually)).




Old 10-22-2022, 03:10 PM
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Fini! (Well, except for gold starburst stripes (maybe)). Maiden tomorrow weather permitting



specs: 80” WS, 10.6 lbs dry, OS 91 Surpass II, 14x6 prop, Futaba 7UAFS with mix of Futaba 3004BB and HS645 servos. CG midrange at 4” from LE (29% MAC).
Old 10-23-2022, 05:36 PM
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Default Maiden success!


Gorgeous no wind day today. Liftoff was perfect, circuit pattern uneventful and trim change almost nil.
Old 10-24-2022, 03:42 AM
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Nice!
The following 2 users liked this post by Tony Hallo:
A7Bldr (10-24-2022), Navy_Flyer (10-24-2022)
Old 11-03-2022, 05:28 PM
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After a successful maiden I figured it was time to start to add some detail and pretty her up. Added some Decathlon characteristic metallic gold sunburst to match the pinstriping and wheelpants.



Last edited by Navy_Flyer; 11-04-2022 at 10:45 AM.

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