I built a 40 size last winter.The only thing I changed was the outer rods on the wings,(cabanes),I made a set out of plywood.I had made the metal rods but I did'nt like them.I'm flying the plane with a 61 OS 4stroke.It flies beautifull and looks good too.
I made a new cowl also.I'm using a 3 blade prop,looks better on a bipe.In my humble opinion it is a very good kit aand plane.



THis thread was ment as a reply to SDM's question about the Pheaton II

Butchman; Is the fuse stick built or sheet balsa? Also does the kit provide
for ailerons on both the top and bottom wing? Or does it need
ailerons on top?

Thanks
Sam

SDM,the fuse is balsa plank.The ailerons are just on the bottom wing.It flies great with this set-up,to change to top and bottom ailerons would require a lot of changing,not worth the effort.The
plane flies good,is responsive and has that bipe look in the air.It's not a very aerobatic plane,but it is what it's suppose to be.
I thing you will be pleased with it, I know I am.

The Butchman

Thanks for the info. I ordered a kit yesterday and am looking
forward to getting it in the air. I am not sure what I am going to
use for power yet but I would like to use a 4st.

Sam

Sam, the only way to power a bipe is with a 4 stroke,the sound and the look of the plane floating can't be beat.Mine flys excellent with the OS61.

Good luck with it!!It goes together rather easy.

Butchman

The Pheaton 40 is a great flying plane but does do best with a .60 or bigger engine. Relative incidence between the wings is critical however. A slight change in the upper wing incidence can be the difference between a real dog and a great flyer. If your initial flights are not what you like, try changing the upper wing incidence a bit, this plane seems to like about 1.5 degrees less incidence in the top wing than in the lower wing. Also be sure to put in about 3 degrees right and 3 degrees down thrust; depending on the engine, it might even need more down thrust. Mine was one of two bipes I've had that you could roll upside down and fly hands off with no elevator trim changes.

Rodney:
Thanks for the tips. I will definitely pay close
attention to those issues.

Thanks
Sam

I had one many years back, and flew it in some basic IMAC type competition for a little while. It had a SuperTigre 90 on the nose though. (years back Bipes had a little scoring bonus in IMAC.. not sure if that's true today though)

It was a very nice flying bipe... the Pheaton II anyway

Rodney
Good info thanks. Couple of questions though. What incidence are you using on the bottom wing with referance to the horizontal stab. I am putting a Magnum .91 fs in mine. Hopefuly it two will be a great flyer.
Thanks
Roger

Iron Cross, I did not measure the relative incidence between lower wing and stab, just let it come out like the plans indicated, somewhat locked in by the construction technique I think. I only played with the upper wing incidence and thrust line settings. I no longer have the plane so can not go measure it.

Thanks, if I recall (been a few months since I have worked on mine :-[) the plans give no incidence or thrust measurements. The horzontal stab is more or less built in so I was using that as a refferance point..