I just received a GP Skybolt kit (isn't father's day great). I've searched the forum for some building tips, and the two things I've seen the most are overweight and tail-heavy.

I would greatly appreciate any info that you might have as far as building tips for this plane. This will be my 5th kit to build (aside from the 9 ARFs), so I don't have a great deal of experience for saving weight, building out tail weight, etc.

Thanks

This is my first post to this very interesting site. I also am on about my fifth kit although mine have been stick kits. I started building as therapy after a heart attack and found that I really do enjoy it. However, the front cowling on this skybolt with a 120 os Surpass engine may give me another heart attack. The rest of the plane looks pretty good, even if I do say so myself, but this cowling looking like the plane has already crashed a couple of times. The instructions do indicate that it is not a one fix does all but I am obviously doing something wrong. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance
Dave

Dave,

This hobby is a therapy in itself (unless you're already obsessive-compulsive like me...)

I only know of one way to make the cowl appealing... Replace it with a fiberglass replacement (Fiberglass Specialties, etc...)

If you've got access to a digital camera, post some pics of the work in progress.

See ya

I do have a camera but being a newby, I have not learned all that I need about this posting ect. I will try to get some pics together. Your address says Dallas, believe it or not, I'm in Plano. I will check into the fiber glass area.

Actually I'm in McKinney, but my folks are in Plano (Los Rios CC). I haven't started the Skybolt yet, but I will order fiberglass parts when the time comes. Life's too short to build plastic cowls.

As far as posting pics, hit the reply button, then at the bottom of that screen, browse and attach your photo.

I built my Skybolt about 10 years ago, (where does the time go?)

Anyway, while GP gives you fabulous detailed instruction, it's not a beginners kit. But it's no reason to give anybody a coronary.

The plane IS on the heavy side, and I didn't do a thing to lighten mine, nor would I try. Mine was originally built for an OS 90FS (The old style, before the Surpass) and I had no problem with it being tail heavy.

I recently brought it out of mothballs and put in a YS 91AC, and had to move the battery pack to the rear of the servos to balance. So with a 120, you shouldn't have any tail heavy problem.

PS I even used the original cowl. Here she is!

Smoke ON!!!

Videos can be downloaded at:
http://12.31.143.32

I just finished building the skybolt, and it's definatly not a beginner kit. LOTS of sanding...but it was really relaxing....I was in no hurry to finish it and it took me about 2 months to get it to the covering stage. I'm putting a Saito .91 in the nose, and Futaba 3001's everywhere. It sure is a pretty plane. Minnflyer, where did you locate the smoke system, which one did you use, and what would you recommend about installing it? Also, what size smoke tank did you use?

I've got the TME Simple Smoke Pump. 10 oz tank supplies plenty of smoke with the Ultrasmoke oil.

The pump is located under the Tank Compartment. The oil tank is in the fuel compartment, and the fuel tank is behind the oil tank and extends into the fuse.

Did you install the smoke system when you were building the plane, or did you add it afterwards? I cringe at the idea of cutting into the fuse and damaging my beautiful plane.

I did it afterwards, but then, My plane is 10 years old, has had one side of both wings sheared off in a story titled "Dead stick landing meets the Sapling" and numerous tails of landing gear being ripped off. But you can easily do a little surgery and (being a little more careful that I was) make some nice hatches to access everything. I took some pics last night to show you how mine is...

Here's the smoke pump under the tank compartment...

(Note the homemade restrictor valve that I made)

And here is the Battery compartment (Note* There are 2 battery packs, 1 for radio, 1 for smoke pump. There is only one visible in the picture, but there is one on each side of the fuse)

Thank you for the pics...they will be invaluable if I decide to put smoke on mine. The wood in that area on the plane is pretty thick.....I believe I could make a hatch right there no problem.

Yea, making a hatch there would be a piece o' cake

I am still working of the picture of the skybolt, but as a test, I am trying a pic of my texas slowpoke. Great movies of the skybolt in action and some great flying.
Dave

Ok Bear you asked for it, I haven't really settled on a color scheme but the tail and under wings are pretty well set, the rudder is a pull pull system the rear wheel is a spring assembly, and Captain Eddie is at the controls. Please forgive the mistakes and picture problems, I am very new to this forum. I'm sure you will let me know if I am going beyond prodocol.

second picture, can you post more than one at one time?

Hey Bucco!

I hate to tell you, but you've got your landing gear on backwards!

Now Mike,
I just did that to see if anyone was paying attention. Looks like it is time to go back to the plans.
Dave

Hey guys ,
Thought you might like to take a peak at my skybolt.She has a 120 saito engine and the CG worked out great with no added weight.
enjoy.

Gary Thomason

there's a build of this plane in progress in this forum under "first bipe"