Finally got started on the Stearman and got a couple of things done. All the covering wrinkles have been eleminated and I've cut the covering to reveal the servo mounting slots in the bottom wing. I'm going to use 2 alieron servos and the connecting rod instead of 4 servos - I think it looks better. The 2 wing joiners have been glued up -3 plys to make 2 3/8 inch joiners - one for each wing. And just for fun I cut the head off one of the pilots included with the kit and turned it about 45 degrees - turned out good. See photos.

Glynn

Looks great!

I have the same plane, but in the military trainer version.

What are you going to power the plane with? You posted under electric conversion so I am thinking your going electric? I have an Eflite Power 110 motor in mine and it's got loads of power and will go verticle no problem. It's a great flying and landing plane and my favorite biplane so far.

Keep posting the updates...looks good so far!


Jeff

Jeff, I'm having trouble deciding what will be the best approach for the conversion to electric. I also used tge 110 on another conversion - Thunder Tiger Rare Bear - and it has gobs of power so I agree it's a good choice for the Stearman. Any advice or ideas for the Stearman will be happily taken.

Tonight I got all the hardware and misc parts sorted and organized. The bottom wing was prepped for gluing up by running the servo extensions and securing them in place. The top wing is ready for gluing but I'll start there tomorrow.

Glynn

Tonight I got quite a bit done on the Stearman - This build is really straight forward and easy (so far) - the instructons are excellant.

I've been studying the fuselage carefully and have not yet come up with a plan I like for my electric conversion.

If I decide to stay with glow I've been looking at the RCV 120. Does anyone have experience with that engine?

Glynn.

More photos

jmohn,

You mentioned that you converted your Stearman to electric.

Will you post some photos of how you did it or at least a discription.

I've got several ideas now but don't want to cut into mine until I'm sure of my plan.

Glynn

Took a little break from the fuselage / wing and finished the dummy radial.


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A few more photos


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Sinse the last post I have had a conversation with one of my friends at our local field and have begun to use the same conversion technique to electric that he used (Thanks, Augie).

I began by cutting away the floor of the front cockpit, I cut from below and used the formers as a guide for cutting. The next istep nvolved cutting away the bulkhead and bottom supports for the fuel tank but being careful not to damage or weaken the main structure. I used a - very - sharp #11 blade to make multiple score lines where the cut needed to be and then breaking away unwanted pieces and finally sanding it all smooth.

Finally, I measured and built the basic structure for the battery box. After I install fences inside to support the 4 - 4 cell Lipo batteries I'll cut lightning / air circulating holes. The Stearman will be powered by an outrunner 110 with 85 - 100 AMP HV ESC &amp; 4 Lipos - 2 in series for 8 cells to give the power a 15 lb plane will need and 2 in parallel for some descent flying time.

Glynn

I haven't checked in for a while, I was repairing some crash damage and have just got back to the Stearman today.

Installed the aileron servos and linkage, then mounted the N struts and wings - it all fit good and was in good alignment.

The last thing I did today was to install and adjust the servo control rods. This wasn't a hard job but it took over three hours to get it all adjusted and working smoothly.

Talk to ya soon.

Glynn


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That's a GREAT looking bird Glynn, I can't wait to see it finished. Do you by any chance have the ability to film and post a video of it in the air? I would love to see it. Nice work on the battery installation too.

Looks like I am too late for help I just installed a Hyperion motor mount on teh fire wall and stuck the batteries behind that. I have a hole in the cowl the I stick the batteries in and used an old fuel tank to hold them in place.


Jeff

Speedy, Yes I can (and will) take video but I have no idea how to get it on this site. Any instructions?

Jeff, thanks for the imput but - yea - I've taken another route - yours sounds simpler though.

Glynn

I've never loaded a video either Glynn, I would guess that you attach the same way you do for photos? Maybe someone else who has loaded a vid can give us some info, as i'm curious also.
I don't even have a digital video recorder [sm=frown.gif], but hopefully soon i'll get one.

Today I got the motor installed and in proper position with the cowl &amp; dummy engine.
Also worked on the pilots, interior and instrument panels. I'll take some additional photos when it's finished and permenantly installed.

Glynn


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Got a little more done on the Srearman today. Wheels, axles and wheel pants intaalled. I'm sure you can tell from the photos I've installed larger skylite wheels. I also used different tail wheel bracket and a larger tail wheel and adjustable control horns instead of what was provided with the kit. These control horns are so simple to install I'll probably never use the other type again. Got started on the receiver, switch and servo installation, when finished I'll show additional photos.

Glynn

IT'S DONE!

The only thing I still want to do is paint red tips on the prop to match the plane. My biggest surprise is that it balanced just a tad (that's a word - right?) nose heavy without adding any useless balast and I like them to be favoring the nose heavy side of the equation for the first flight.

In my opinion this is one of the best (maybe the best) kits I've ever dealt with. It was rewarding and challenging at the same time and everything fit well.
Also, the instructions were clear and detailed - even thought this does not appear to be a plane for a novice the instructions would have guided even a beginner.

I'll let you know the results of the maiden flight - it probably won't be this weekend because of weather forcast for out area - but soon.

Final specs:
-RimFire 160
-GreatPlanes SS 80 ESC
-2 - 6 cell 5000mah Lipos in series
-2000mah on board battery
-Spectrum AR 7000 Rx
-DX 7 Tx
-AUW = 16 lb - 7 oz

Glynn.

GREETINGS,HEY I WANT TO GO ELECTRIC IN A BIG STEARMAN.WILL THAT EF 101 BRUSHLESS DO VERTICAL IN A 15 POUND BIPE?

Not sure about the vertical. I've got 3 flights on mine so far and there is lots of power, I fly at about half throttle.

Next time out I'll experiment with some more extreme manuvers and report back.

The GP Stearman flys really well - no bad habits discovered yet.

Glynn.

Hi Jeff,You say that you have an electric converted Great Planes PT17. Im thinking of the same can you give me some more input into what equipment you used ie. motor,speed control batteries etc. Also how did it fly and what prop used and flight time.

Have you maidened it yet? I'm not sure if I missed it, but what engine mount is that? Is it homemade? Thanks.

Yea, the maiden and all following went great. The plane flys smooth and stable at just over half throttle and has plenty of power to play.

It's a well made arf and flys even better than it looks.

The mount is from Great Planes and is adjustable.

Glynn