I was thinking of building a bi-plane in the near future and was wondering if anyone has built a Balsa USA EAA kit...?

I understand Balsa USA provides awesome kits.....although the Citabria Pro is not a bi-plane I was also leaning towards it
as my next winter build....

I know winter is on its way out but I am thinking ahead....for a change

its a builders kit lost of scapine and sodering

Our club president is currently building this kit. He is very happy with B-USA's quality so far.

I built one a long time ago, maybe mid to late 1980s. It was a good kit and good flyer. As I remember, I think it wasn't difficult.

it's a lot of work... things don't fit too well. I re=cut a lot of parts to get them to fit.

it's a good flier, but with a flat bottom wing. If you want a great flyer, easy to build.. get a Sig Hog Bipe.

I built one about 15 years ago. It's a beautiful airplane, lots of building, good kit.

What kind of flying do you enjoy? It's not a hot aerobatic plane. If that's what you want look towards the Skybolts or the Ultimates. If you want more scale flying the EAA is nice if you keep it light. I wish I'd added ailerons on the top wing for a higher roll rate.

Dave

Thankyou all for your input....
I really enjoy building so hearing it is a builders kit is music to my hears...
I have never built and/or flown a bi-plane so this one sounds like it's what I am looking for.

Thanks again

Joe,

Build it. Put ailerons in the top wing. If you use anything bigger than a 90 4-stroke, move the firewall back. It can take 3" movement easily. I put a 22cc gasser in the nose and moved it back that much. Still looks fine.

It's a good bird and fits (with the shortened nose) in my SUV fully assembled!

Bedford

beepee,

I will more than likely install a 1.20 4-stroke. Maybe an RCV...

Thankyou for the information

Joe

if your worried about the e.a.a. build you might want to try the phaeton 90 first...it goes togeather a lot easier and is less expensive, flies great with a supertigre g90

I built one. I didn't like the way it flew, but it was easy to build. I wouldn't say it was a builder's kit because of the wood.

It really helps if you are a very good solderer. Wing struts and landing gear can be a pain.

I had a ST 90 in it, and it was too much. Flew much better with a .60 two stroke.

if you only use the bottom ailerons, make sure you have a bunch of travel, and can fly with rudder.

Bill.

Bill,

Thanks for the heads up on the EAA kit.

I don't mind soldering (plumber by trade)...I've been hearing a lot about the ailerons (or lack there of) and plan on putting ailerons on the top wing as well

As for the engine I am leaning towards a 4-stroke (like the sound) and it will be a 1.2 (maybe a 1.3 RCV)


Joe

Wolfinwisconsin

I considered the phaeton 90 but I prefer the looks of the EAA....

[8D]


Joe