Who has built a Phaeton II?
08-21-2008, 06:34 PM
#2
RE: Who has built a Phaeton II?
The one I've been around had Nylon screws holding the wings on. There were tabs on the cabanes to bolt the top wing on and the bottom wing was conventional bolt on.
Somewhere along the line they have updated the kit. I have no idea if it was an early or late model
Somewhere along the line they have updated the kit. I have no idea if it was an early or late model
08-24-2008, 04:00 PM
#3
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RE: Who has built a Phaeton II?
I have one of each (early and later version). The early version had the wings attached with rubber bands. The later version has wire cabanes and bolt on wings. I haven't built the later version yet. The early one I have that is built is very stable both on the ground and in the air.
Bud
Bud
08-24-2008, 06:35 PM
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RE: Who has built a Phaeton II?
I built several Phaeton II's in the 1980's. The kit today is quite different but I don't have any experience with the new kit. However, I can say that Balsa USA kits are excellent. I remember the manual in the earlier kit were simple text with no photos. Also, the older kits had a flaw where the hardwood for the wing hold downs were not large enough and required larger wood area to be secure. The upper wings would often break at the hardwood and the top wing would either break off or simply the front struts would break and the wing would go vertical. I had two kits fail. Later kits had a modification documented. But, as I've said, the current kit is completely different.
The Phaeton II is quite a performer. I've been looking for a winter kit project.....maybe the Phaeton II is it.
Best,
Brian
The Phaeton II is quite a performer. I've been looking for a winter kit project.....maybe the Phaeton II is it.
Best,
Brian
08-25-2008, 02:16 PM
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RE: Who has built a Phaeton II?
Well, its ordered!!
What have you guys had for power in them?
I cant believe they can recommend up to a .91 4 stroke for a 52" wing span!!, but if it fits, I'm puttin' one in!!
What have you guys had for power in them?
I cant believe they can recommend up to a .91 4 stroke for a 52" wing span!!, but if it fits, I'm puttin' one in!!
08-25-2008, 02:43 PM
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RE: Who has built a Phaeton II?
Don't forget that it is a 52" bipe. You'll need more power than a monoplane at the same ws.
I had an OS 60 Gold head in mine and it flew well. My phaetons did everything in the book. I was thinking of putting an OS55 AX in one if I build one this winter. It should be a quick build though.
Best,
Brian
I had an OS 60 Gold head in mine and it flew well. My phaetons did everything in the book. I was thinking of putting an OS55 AX in one if I build one this winter. It should be a quick build though.
Best,
Brian
07-17-2013, 06:50 AM
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RE: Who has built a Phaeton II?
I know this is an old thread but have any of you that built the Phaeton II either swept the top wing or both wings?
I would like to kit bash it into looking like a pitts wiht a swept top wing but I don't know what needs to change.
Any thoughts? or suggestions for other kits/ARF's this size that fly this good?
thanks!
Steve
I would like to kit bash it into looking like a pitts wiht a swept top wing but I don't know what needs to change.
Any thoughts? or suggestions for other kits/ARF's this size that fly this good?
thanks!
Steve
08-15-2013, 11:49 AM
#11
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I have had two of the smaller Phaetons and two of the larger ones. My last large one I modified to take a Quadra 72CC gasoline engine. Set the firewall back about two inches and beefed up the landing gear as the engine weighed 7 pounds. It still flew exceptionally well and would slow down nicely for three point landings. On all my Phaetons, I did enlarge the rudder a great deal (about double the original) as the effect of the rudder was pretty weak until I enlarged it. The Phaeton is one of my favorite bipes, either size flys great.
08-19-2013, 03:59 AM
#12
There are four of us at our club that have the Phaeton II, and they all fly very well. I put an O.S. 70 FS in mine based on suggestion of another Phaeton owner, and I think it is perfect for this airframe. I was able to balance it with no ballast at all, battery mounted on top of fuel tank. I mounted my engine inverted to get the fuel tank centered with the carb. I can knife-edge for most of the length of the runway, but it falls out due to small rudder area. Inverted flight is nearly hands off, nearly no input needed to stay level. The wire landing gear looks kind of dorky, but works fine.
Last edited by FlyingPilgrim; 08-19-2013 at 04:02 AM.
08-19-2013, 08:52 PM
#13
I have had two of the smaller Phaetons and two of the larger ones. My last large one I modified to take a Quadra 72CC gasoline engine. Set the firewall back about two inches and beefed up the landing gear as the engine weighed 7 pounds. It still flew exceptionally well and would slow down nicely for three point landings. On all my Phaetons, I did enlarge the rudder a great deal (about double the original) as the effect of the rudder was pretty weak until I enlarged it. The Phaeton is one of my favorite bipes, either size flys great.
