Just-powering planes.
 

Let me get right to the point. I really like the Carl Goldberg Chipmunk, but the only engine I own is the OS .46FX.

According to the specifications, the power requirements for this plane is 45-60, so with my own engine, I'd be at the lower end of the power requirements.

Now here I am looking at all these other threads about the chipmunk (and any other plane for that matter), and getting discouraged as people only seem to be massively overpowering this plane using 90 sized engines (I think one person even mentioned a 1.20).

What can I expect from this plane if I use the .46fx? Has anyone tried this?

Keep in mind that I don't want to compete in aerobatics (or at least not yet), I just want to start practicing them (IMAC). Also, I'm not looking to placing the plane in orbit with unlimited vertical, or performing any 3D.

Just-powering planes.
 

This plane with a .46 would be very very under powered. You would have to build it very light. I wouldn't do it. I would put a good .61 in it. You can get a good used one in the sale forums for not a lot of money. It flies great on a .61, but I would not do it on a .46. It would not be worth flying if you got it in the air. It would have no vertical, and would probably have to dive to build speed to do loops. If you pulled up too steep on take off, it would likely snap. I wouldn't advise it.

Just-powering planes.
 

I agree with FLYBOY, I think you would be very disappointed with the Chipmunks performance with a 46.

A 60 or (better yet) a 4-stroke 91 is ideal

Just-powering planes.
 

See, just what I feared - engine requirements on kits are just like computer requirements on computer game packages - you can *run* on the minimum, but no garentees it will be enjoyable!

I am really hoping not to buy a new engine, in fact, the reason I bought the OS engine was that I was hoping to use it in my second plane. I'm currently on a Midwest Aero-Star, and I rarely ever go to full throttle, mostly cruising around at 1/3 to 1/2 throttle.

The reason I want the chipmunk is that I really like it's looks. Do you know of any chipmunk that might perform well with the .46fx? I did think of the airsail chipmunk (not quite the same variant), but the amount of information on it is lacking, couldn't find any reviews really.

Otherwise I may have to start settling for another good-looking sport-scale aerobatic plane.

Great Planes Super Sportster
 

I would get the Great Planes Super Sportster in the 40-50 size. It has a 55 inch wing. The 46 would be perfect for it. It looks close enough to the Chipmunk that you could do a little kit bashing with the fin, stab, elevator, rudder and get it even closer to the Chipmunk look.

Tony

Just-powering planes.
 

I took a look at the super sport, and true, it does look somewhat similar. But I finally did find some information on the Airsail Chipmunk, and I think I might very well go with that as my next plane. The Canadian version of course! I think I actually like it better than the carl goldberg chipmunk.

thanks for the info!

Just-powering planes.
 

The weight range on the CG Chipmunk is listed as 6-8lbs. If you can actually build it to come out at no more than 6 lbs then an OS .46FX will fly it just fine.

You would need to go with all light-weight components to keep it down to that weight though, such as mini servos on control surfaces, micro for throttle, small RX, small battery, lightweight wheels, etc. You would need to build it for perfect balance with no balast weight front or rear.

It would help if you have some experience building in "lightness". It's a way of thinking as you build where you ask yourself "how can I make this component lighter?" for every piece you put into it. For example, wire pushrods can be replaced with carbon fiber rods, or pull-pull cables. Choose lighter weight colors of covering. Go easy on the glue; this means don't build it with epoxy except where absolutely necessary like firewall and landing gear mounts. Weigh all the wood components and if some pieces are from too hard and heavy stock then replace them with appropriate lighter weight stock. As most of my models are electric powered, it has become second nature for me to become almost fanatical about weight reduction when I build. This practice still carries over when building glow powered.

Just-powering planes.
 

And it's a great habit to get into!
Too many glow flyers have gotten use to stuffing a bigger engine in an overweight plane. While the larger engine will provide the "pull" necessary to get it in the air, the wing loading starts getting so high that the aircraft becomes a pig. :(
Dennis-

46 in a 46-60 plane
 

I have a Goldberg Tiger 60 that weighs 7 lbs 3 oz. I have powered it with a MECOA .46 with Davis diesel conversion. It turns a 12x8 MAS simatar at 10K. Do I want a 60? Yes. Do I have any problems with loops, touch and gos and general flyin around? No.

I should have done a better job of building lightness in; but I'm still having fun.

Oily in Germantown
Francis

Just-powering planes.
 

There's also a big difference between a Tiger and a Chipmunk. (even though they both have stripes <chuckle>)

Just-powering planes.
 

Though my Chipmunk is heavy at 8.5lb, giving a high wing loading, it does still fly well.

I started out with a OS 61 FX in it, now a 91 FX.

To save weight, GeraldO hits the nail on the head. It was my fourth plane, so I did nothing to save weight, and probably added some, but would say there is plenty of scope to save weight if you are willing to work at it.

Great plane though.

Just-powering planes.
 

I've seen the Tiger, and it definately is rather different, a couple of guys at the club have been flying it, and it would have definately been a good choice, but I really want a scale (or semi-scale plane), with the chipmunk high on my list.

Now here's what I find funny:

the Airsail Chipmunk asks for a .32 to .46 sized engine:
- wingspan of 69 inches.
- length of 52 inches.

the CG Super Chipmunk on the other hand asks for a .45 to .60 (with most putting a .90 on it) sized engine:
- wingspan of 64 inches.
- length of 53 inches.

I know it's not exactly the same airplane what with the Super being a variant on the original, but it's pretty close! Must have different constructions. Keep in mind, I couldn't find the flying weight of the airsail version.

Can't hardly wait to have this yellow plane finished and sitting on top of my worktable.

Just-powering planes.
 

hmm, and about weight reduction. I have yet to weigh in my Aerostar, but being the first kit I built, it's probably on the heavier side, even it does fly well. Then again, can I really mess up a trainer? :)

I'll get around to weighing it, because I am curious to see how it does besides the expected weight written in the instruction booklet.

Just-powering planes.
 

world models t34 excellent plane for 46 fx. great low wing trainer and looks pretty cool to boot.

Just-powering planes.
 

pikebishop:

wouldn't be much of a winter project if I finished building it in a week :) I'm looking for a kit, but thanks for the suggestion. It did take me a while to find information on World Models, their website seems to be broken, each time I try entering the english section it just tells me something about a bad database.

Just-powering planes.
 

SaviCatses,
I have a GP P-51 Mustang that came in right at 7 lbs. 1lb over the suggested weight. I am powering mine with a Thunder Tiger TTpro .46 and although it doesnt have unlimited vertical, it gets way up there before it stalls. I can do loops, rolls, immelmans, split s's, snaps, spins, all without a problem. I fly it at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle most times and have power to spare. Wide open, low speed passes are still pretty impressive and the plane definately moves out. I also had a jamara super chipmunk that flew great on an ASP 65 4 stroke. If it were me, I would prob get an adjustable motor mount and give it a go with the .46 if you have it laying around anyways. It will fly it and you can make your own decision as to whether it is enough engine for you or not. Just my opinion.

Warren

Just-powering planes.
 

hmm, the Jamara Super Chipmunk is an ARF, and their RAF Chipmunk asks for a minimum of 8.5cc. Prices are somewhat more expensive as well, I'm trying to find something I can easily get in Canada. While Airsail is in New Zealand, they do have a distributor in Canada.

Anyway, thanks for all the help, I'll have to eventually decide when this fall, but right now I'm leaning heavily towards building the RCAF Chipmunk as my first scale(ish) model.