Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

I'm considering the AXI 5330/24 or the PJS 3D 10000 to power a 1/4 scale Tigermoth, but I've no experience with either motor. Anyone have an opinion on AXI versus PJS as to quality and power?

Airframe with radio gear weighs 11.5 lbs, with 2200 square inches wing area, so gross weight in the 20 - 25 lb range, still results in a wing loading in the low to mid 20's. Since I've got 10 - 12 lbs allowance for powerplant, I'll be running a 30 - 32 cell nicad pack.

This will be my first experience with larger electric powerplants, so any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

DT56

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

I only have experiece with AXI motors and the 5300 series will turn your Moth into a snarling hornet. There is quite a choice of 5300 motors so I suggest you e-mail Hobby Lobby and ask for the one with correct windings etc. This is a very powerful motor. Norm

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

DT56,

Here is what I got from Hobby Lobby:

Here's everything you'll need to complete your Glow to Electric
Conversion of the Tiger Moth - Duncan Hutson.

This setup provides (947) watts to the prop.

Motor, Motor Mount:
PM532034 AXI 5320/34 Electric Outrunner Brushless Motor ..... $ 219.00


Prop:
PE18010E 18x10E Thin Electric Prop ..... $ 11.60


Motor Controller:
JESAP77PW Jeti Advance PLUS 77 WITH Program Card ..... $ 203.70


Batteries, Connectors:
TP600053 5S3P 6000 mAh 18.5V LiPoly Pack with 13 Ga. Wire ..... $
349.00, FMAC03S Series Module w/Deans Ultra Connectors ..... $ 15.90


Charger:
GR6412 Graupner Ultramat 12 Automatic Charger $99.90, FMAC709 Charge
Lead for Deans Ultra $4.90, HLFK156 Banana Plugs $1.90

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

I wish I had the money to buy that package, incidently your moth can easily carry NiH batteries which are much cheaper and work just fine but they are heavy. Weight is not a problem with a 1/4 scale Moth. You could save $200 by using the hard case batteries. Norm

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

Thanks for the info!

DT56

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

IMHO, 947 Watts is not enough power. My own 1/4 scale Tiger Moth has 1500 Watts of power, which is more than enough for scale flight, but is barely enough for scale-like loops etc. I'm looking to increase my power to around 1800 Watts this year, which should be enough. BTW, my Moth weighs 18.5 pounds.

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

Hi, For your info I have many hours in a full scale Tiger Moth and in reality it is a very slow, plodding primary trainer. If I can recall loops in the Moth took a little bit of work. In fact like many low powered trainers were never meant to be looped in primary training. Evasive training, not called aerobatics, were done during basic training. Eventually most military services upgraded their training fleet and combined primary, basic and advanced with the same aircraft. Our military first used PT-17s, BT-13s and then AT-6s then they went direct to the Texans. I am sure the Brits did the same. We used to loop the old Moth by diving with full throttle up to red line and then pulling back on the stick. the loops were not round if I can recall but egg shaped. When the plane reached the top the stick was pulled all the way back and the top of the loops was pretty sharp then when the plane started down the throttle was reduced and recovery was initiated. We used the same technique in looping the lousy PT-22 as well. PT-17s and N3Ns weren't bad but the loops were not big beautiful maneuvers of beauty. I once stalled a Ryan PT-22 on the top of a loop that I tried to make really round and fell inverted for many 1,000s of feet before I could recover. I ripped the wing fabric in several places but got it back on the ground in one piece. I like to power my scale planes as close to the power to weight ratio as possible so the model will not only look like a "Cub" but fly like a Cub. Have fun with your scale but remember to investigate what the real airplane really flew like. I have flown all military trainers up to and including the Texan and T-28. I love them and love scale models. Norm

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

Gtarling,
Thanks for your comments, here's another one from Hobby Lobby for the same airplane. This is probably more in line with your ideas.


Setting the end points for the throttle to mimic "scale speed" could probably handle the excess power and extend flight time.

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

Hi, I would have suggested the exact same system. I love my AXis and they work flawlessly. A funny thing is happening at my club. Guys have been putting huge glow engines in their ARF cubs and flying them like Extras. I have an AXI 2826-12 with 11.1 volts in my GP 81 inch Cub and I fly it like the many full scale Cubs I have owned over the years. They love it. They finally admit that my Cub looks more real than any other there because I fly it like a Cub and do not do any maneuvers that the full scale Cub can't do. It is sinking in that scale means more than looks. I have thousands of hours in every imaginable aircraft yet have more fun flying my scale models. Norm

RE: Electric 1/4 Scale Tigermoth
 

FWIW, my 1/4 scale Moth has probably about the most realistic flying speed of any large Moth that I've seen. So many people seem to overpower them with huge IC engines and fly them round like pylon racers! At 1500 Watts, mine IS overpowered, BUT I normally take off at roughly 1/2 throttle and it will cruise around for ages at around 1/3 throttle. The extra power is required for my aerobatic attempts, however, and also comes in very handy for a last minute go-around. Mike - that 1700W system sounds like the right one for the model, but I would doubt the wisdom of using Lipo's in it. It think you'll find you'll need lead to balance if you use them, which is why mine flies on Nicads.