Smooth Controller

I just got the Sig Smith Miniplane. I liked the looks of the plane...I wanted to know what size engines everyone is using, also would like to know how it handles. I only seen the plane in photos. Any info would be great.

Thanks!

Barnowl

My Feedback: (2)

I have had one for a couple years now, with a Magnum 61 FS installed. The engine is more than adequate, since the Smith is not a great acrobatic airplane. Rolls slow, easy to handle and lands great. Looks wonderful doing a low pass or taxiing.

CafeenMan

OS .52 is a great choice for the model. I wouldn't even consider putting a 2-stroke engine in it. When the model was designed 4-strokes were in the distant future. The .60 4-stroke would be a good choice as well.

Try to keep it light and you'll love the plane. On my last one (I've built 3) I swapped out some wood to save weight on mine and built up lighter tail surfaces using laminated outlines. The main reason being I didn't like the thick outlines as designed.

swooper

Mine flew powerfully with a .52 Magnum 2-stroke. No cowl hole needed for the cylinder head, it looked great. Came in at 5-1/2 pounds.
Beg to differ with barnowl, but the Smith can be set up as snappy and "hot" as you like. Mine rolled way quicker than "scale" and snapped like crazy, great looking inverted flat spins. It also handled solidly and landed easily. One of Sig's wonderful designs. Lots of building for its size. The Harry Higley "Bipes" book features the Smith kit, showing some helpful building and setup techniques, well worth the price to any biplane builder. Take your time and do a good job. You'll love this airplane!

ho2zoo

My Feedback: (5)

I bought one at a swap meet already built. I put a Saito .50 in it, seemed to be plenty of power. Pretty easy to land and take off, but I didn't like the way it tracked around turns. Probably could have used a little coordinated rudder input. Cute little bipe. Flew it for about a year and then sold it to help pay for a jet...

But then I got married instead...

Smooth Controller

So, a .46 OS with a 11 x 6 prop would not be a great way to go?

swooper

I think you'll be fine with that setup, considering mine was pretty hot with the .52 at 6300 ft. elevation.
Yours will be more powerful than that.

Smooth Controller

THANKS!

What size prop are you using on the .52? Who sells the Harry Higley "Bipes" book? I was told that book is great. I looked at Tower Hobbies, but they do not have it.

Paul

JNorton

My Feedback: (2)

Smooth Controller,
I did some double checking for you about Higley Bipe book because I remembered it being sold at Tower. You are right it is no longer in stock... So I went to Harry's website and that book is no longer listed. It looks like it is out of print. I knew I should have ordered one last year!

http://members.aol.com/harryhig/Books1.htm

John

swooper

The .52 2-stroke seemed to like 11x6 APC's.
Try Sheldon's or Hobby Barn (Arizona) for the Higley book. Somebody's got to have it on the shelf still.
http://www.sheldonshobbies.com/