I need a winter project and am considering a GP Super Decathalon. Mostly because I can then retire my trainer and put its OS40LA in the new bird.

I'm concerned the Decathalon might be under-powered with this engine though. The manual says .40 to .46 will work, and I'm not interested in breaking any speed records. I enjoy taking-off and lazing about the field, then shooting a nice slow landing. I don't need any more power than it will take to safely manage the plane in the air. However, I've read here before you should never use the low end of the manufacturer's engine recommendation.

Anyone here have experience with this kit and engine combination? This will be my third kit. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

fever

Do a search on decathalon and there is a good forum started on this bird. Not an easy plane to fly as it is eratic at low speed and take off especially if under powered.

I just finished a GP Super Decathlon. O.S. .50 SX up front with a Pitts. I have set it up per plans, and added all the advice I've read on here through searches. Make sure you read what others have to say, I would not advise this plane for a second plane, but some have said it flies great, so we will see soon! I would not use the .40 LA, at least a .45. Mine balanced about level with the .50, I added a touch more weight to make it slightly nose heavy for the first few flights, I will judge after that, if I need it more snappy. I will let you know, if after today I post in the crash Section. I have 15 years Experience in RC Flying, but I am really nervous about this one!!


Here is a pic

The Great Planes Super Decathlon Flies Great! It is definitely not a good second plane, though. Mine does not exhibit any of the really bad characteristics some people have written about. I.E. Tip Stalling, etc. I set it up per the plans, and did build in some washout, about 2 degrees, control throws as plans said also, I did slow down the Elevator. That's about it. It balanced right on the money with the O.S. .50 SX , but I did add an extra oz in the nose.

Flying: The Ground handling is TERRIBLE! You have to advance the throttle slow and smooth and you can keep her straight. I did notice it does like to dip the right wing-tip a bit after you rotate, but not too bad, nothing out of control. It slows down quick on approach, and the controls get a bit mushy, but no tip stalling on mine, it actually is fun to land! But again watch the ground handling! It does like to spin and snap nice, and put her through some smooth manuevers, she really does nice.

You really want more than a .40 in this bird, the O.S. .50 SX really does nice with the pitts. Good luck and have fun!!!!

Good advice, thanks all.

This would be my third plane. I'm looking way ahead right now. I've got a PT40 that I'm training on, and an Easy Sport almost ready to go. That will be my second plane. I just need a project for the winter that makes sense as a third plane. I like the looks of the Decathlon, but I don't want an underpowered beast.

Any suggestions for a similar style craft that might be better suited to my OS 40 LA?

fever

Something that a 40LA won't underpower is a challenge. But I would definately stay away from the GPSD. That is a handfull of airplane. I think you'll really like the Easy Sport.

Now, as to a winter project....

You could go with something like the GP Taylorcraft. It has a 56" wingspan and is designed for a .20-.36. The 40 LA should pull that nicely.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXUJ25&P=0

Or this...
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXJ285&P=0

Or, if you're feeling cocky... Try this:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXX408&P=0