The kit flies well in its more or less stock shape ...so ... How about I build it with a "T" tail ( stock Stab ) ? and a little different shape rudder ?

For a better look on the Fin I am going to angle the LE back 1/2" to the top and reduce the weight a tad... the mounting surface for the stab on top when I use 3/4" Tri stock will be 2" which is more surface contact then the stock plate on the fuse.

Go for it. We need more kit bashers in the world. I added 30% to the rudder and it could stand a bit more fixed stab, too.

Fun plane. Solid as a rock.

Are you doing a full flying "T"? I seem to remember some rule-of-thumb for setting incidence in a "T" tail for having the control surface so far above the datum . . . but I'll be darned if I can remember what it was.

Charlie: Going with the stock elevator but full length ..full flying would be nice to try but will stick ( pun ) with the stock ... here is a pic of a Kit I bashed with a T tail flies great.

I have a idea for the rudder size and will post later in the build .. going with 1/2" wider ailerons as well

Looks good, Pete.

Wish I could join you in a build this winter but it just doesn't look like I will be getting around to anything. Just too small of a house and no working area.

I'll be following your build. Looks good so far.

Don

Well Don maybe you can use that Nice Trailer for a build shop ... I should have more pics after this weekend ... going to build the tail feathers first, fuse second then the wing ... seems a bit out of order but what the heck.

Hmmm...maybe! It won't be used over the winter. Food for thought.

Don

Here's a build thread that I did on my contender.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_34...tm.htm#3421799

Look at post #21 and you will see what I did to the tail feathers.
Post 106 & 114 shows some fuse mods.
Posts 219-222 shows the end product with nav and landing lights!
Small flight report on 293&298.

The whole build thread has good ideas and interaction with 3 or 4 other builders too.
[8D]

OverTheEdge: Yes I had taken the time to read the whole thread on your build very cool ...must say the wood in my kit is very heavy and will be using the hole method to lighten it up for sure... as a matter of fact I printed out your tail feather Pic and was considering the same ..but .. the T tail came to mind so will proceed with that for now unless after building the fuse I find it will not support it. I also like the idea of making the tip of the ailerons 1/2" wider.

I will also try to put the aileron servos on there sides and make hatch covers for them as well ( makes for a cleaner wing bottom ) The engine will also be mount sideways.

Have a few other mods that will be done ...but... will come out with them as I go along with the build

Check in often and let me know what you think.

A pic of the Stock stab and the elevator ...elevator has the LE/TE running full length and can be cut to stock size if the T does not work out. More later

I like your idea of turning the aileron servos on their sides... would make for a clean wing. I'm getting ready to bash my second somethin' extra and think I'm going to do a side mounted engine as well. Like you I'll be bashing away and releasing the ideas as I go on another thread.
I'll be watching.

OTE: What was your C/G at the time of the test flight? have you moved since then?

Can you see the possibilities Yet

I can !! Lol [8D]

Come on Don ...I know you waaaannnnaaa! just one more mode ...Plllleease [X(]

Other than carving some Horner Tips, what other modification could you do? The other thread shows a lot.

Drogue Chute? LOL
Spoilers?

Don

Hmmmmmm Horner tips eh Hmmmm Like that to ...With the BIG flap hanging down how about mixing in some Crow on the ailerons ? Hmmmmm that may work to

heheheh

sounds like a plan. Doesn't the Contender had a mid body flap that goes all the way across the bottom of the fuselage? That would be neat for crow flight.

Don

U bet it does Try flying it on G2 and drop the flap sure slows down then add a little power and put some crow in
D
O
W
N

I
T

Comes LOL --------------->

Mind you I can see using this

Graupner's hinge-style glider spoilers are less than 4mm thick

Each spoiler assembly is 10.7" overall, 1.1" wide and only 3.5mm thick for easy mounting in even very thin glider wings.

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/spoilers.htm

OOh what a blast ... the possibilities the possibilities [sm=bananahead.gif] hehehheheheh

That is Crrraazzzy man! lol can' wait to see what it looks like on the finished product!

Ref your CG question... I can't remember the exact numbers but I'm 95% sure I balanced right in the middle of the suggested range. Haven't moved it at all. If I get a chance in between building my SE and the silly season stuff I'll try to check it and give you the numbers.

Very good OTE thank you!

How about that rudder !![8D]

Before I get going on the fuse I want to change the Fire wall from two light 1/8" ply to a solid 1/4" ply ...I also wanted to use the Vibra mount and turn it sideways on the fire wall ...It just fits but had to drop the trust line to just over 1/8" but not 1/4" ...just need to drill in the fuel/pressures lines and the throttle rod.

Blade: What a great idea for this model. Now I have a good reason to build my kit that has been stored for a long time. Your mod's really are the way to go with this plane. Having the engine on its side will get the exhaust under the wing for dumping the oily exhaust. How are you going to do the nose gear steering, or are you making it a taildragger? Do you plan on installing 1/16" ply on vertical stab sides for increased strength? I am printing out your photo's to add to my file on this model. Do not want to miss this mod you are going.

THANKS FOR SHARING. [email protected]