I just picked up a framed up Ultimate bipe at a swap meet. It looks like a good build job at first blush. It still needs some filling and sanding then assembly. Are there any recommendations as to deviations from plans or extra gussets needed? I plan on using an Enya 1.20R or YS.91AC that I have lying around.
This unit has the ABS cowl so does anyone have a fiberglass cowl lying around to sell?

Your best bet for fiberglass parts are from Stan's. www.stansfibertech.com
As for the model look over the plans, if you have them, and just make sure that the assemblies are complete.
Good flying model. Your power choices are good as well.
[&:]

Stan's does do a rather nice job on the glass replacements. I just built a cg Ultimate and bought his work. I did the cowl, wheel pants and his carbon fiber gear. Nothing short of marvelous work!!

Pay close attention to the stab joints. It may not be a bad idea to use tailplane flying wires for some added strength back there if you are unsure. I beefed up the firewall with larger tri stock and made all of the recommendations from Higley's "Bipes" book. All up it weighs 8.5 lbs with an OS 1.08 and slimline muffler under the cowl. I will fly it Friday - (20 Feb)

Regards

The build was accomplished by the book but the wings are able to be twisted. My wings, even on small planes seem more rigid. Does CG expect that monocote will stiffen the wings or will the interplaners fix this?
It looks like the cabane mounts in the fuse need some extra gusseting.
I think I will complete the build and finishing except the cowl then decide which engine will balance the plane without adding balast.

Your right. I added some 3/32 aircraft ply to the cabane mounts for added strength. As far as the wings are concerned, mine came out very strong. In addition, I reinforced my center sections with 3" glass. It added a little weight, but I believe it is a fair compromise given the added strength.

I've built 3 of these over the years and still have the last one I built 9 years ago. I used 1/16th aircraft ply as doublers where the cabane struts attach inside the fuse (don't know if you can retro fit that after the sheeting is on) and on the wing ribs where the outer struts are attatched. The wings are a very light build and seem kind of flimsy but after they are covered and the plane is assembled they become very strong. I've been flying mine with a YS 120 the whole time and is one of the most fun easiest flying planes I've ever had. Good luck.

How did your plane balance out with the YS 120? I have a YS FZ 91 and a YS FZ 140 and I not sure which engine to go with, I'm not sure if the 91 would have enough power or if the 140 would be too much power and too heavy for the plane?

I have a Saito 120 and the battery all the way back in the tail. The recommended C.G. is WAY too conservative.

I also did most of the mods mentioned above. Even with the reinforcements, mine came in at 8.75 lb ready to fly. It's a great kit.

I'm confused by the torsional stiffness question. With D tube sheeting and shear webs, these wings are pretty stiff.

I made a hatch that fits into the first open section on the bottom of the fuse and put all the servos and battery behind the wing. I also used 2 elevator servos. With everything moved back several inches it balanced just fine with no lead, I just move the battery back and forth. The nice thing about the YS was being able to slide the tank back close to the CG. The 140 would not be too much weight and a lot of fun with all that power.

I just finished my CG Ultimate and posted some pictures. I didn't do any mods. I used a Saito 100. Haven't flown it yet but it all came out straight and true. Scared to death to fly it.

parkerspop, My first Ultimate was over 10 years ago. I brought it to the field and all the old grumps told me that trying to fly it would be a disaster. Not only was this my first bipe, it was also my first tail dragger. I was about 20 at the time. I promptly ignored them, lined up my airplane, and pushed the throttle forward. Perfect takeoff. By the end of the day, I had several excellent flights and was making the grumps look bad.

The Ultimate is really quite easy to fly. The only thing to watch is landing with some throttle. Other than that, it's a piece of cake.

I know it's an old post, but where did you put the two elevator servos?
Thx