Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Has anyone built one of these? Just wondering how difficult the kit is. (I have enough experience, but I'm wondering about the time commitment.)

Although on the lower end of their engine recommendations, will an OS 70 Surpass pull it okay, or should I use a 91?

Any tips or recommendations welcome. (Or if you have one built you're thinking of selling, let me know. ;) )

Thanks,
Dennis-

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Im not sure on the time to build I guess it would depend on your skills as a builder ,I know a guy at our club flys one with a MDS68 in it and it pulls it pretty good.I think the 70 would work but the low end of the power .good luck, Dave :cool:

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Thanks Dave,
I suspect that the 70 Supass would be marginal, but am hoping otherwise. I have a YS 91 AC, but it's been committed to my 81" Cessna.

Now I suppose I'll have to buy another engine. :rolleyes:

Any other input on this kit would be greatly appreciated. Is it comparable to other Sig kits, or is it slower to build because it's an older design?

Thanks,
Dennis-

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Dennis:

I'vve not done the BUSA one, but I had the smaller one kitted by Airtronics many years ago. There are a lot of small bits and pieces, on the order of the Sig "Craftsman" kits, like the 1/6 Cub.

So be prepared to spend a fair amount of time, be careful with it, and you'll end up with a nice airplane.

And yes, a 91 4c seems aboutright.

Bill.

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Thanks Bill.

I'm hoping that the kit has progressed beyond the older stuff. Here's a link to a recent spec page I just found earlier.

I think I may have to go for it. My wife thinks it's cute, so that helps ease the sticker shock of yet another plane and engine. ;)

http://www.balsausa.com/kits/kit.htp?id=33&shopperid=

Dennis-

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Dennis:

They say it's "New and Revised," (How can it be both?) and the price isn't bad for the kit. So long as the Mrs. sees the kit price and you manage to keep the cost of the new YS secret all things will remain calm at the Cherry house, no?

BUSA generally has nice stuff, I hear almost no complaints on them.

You should enjoy its building and flying.

Bill.

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Dennis,

I built one more than 15 years ago and I still have it. It was the second kit I built and I did not find it to be difficult. There were a lot of hours involved, though. That is a plus to me, as I like building.

The 70 will be submarginal unless you spend quite a bit of time holding weight down. I flew mine on an Enya 120 and it was great - over powered, just like I like it. It now has a small gasser in it.

I made a number of mods to the design when I put the gasser in. I shortened the nose by 3 inches to account for the higher engine weight. The design can stand a much shorter nose, but if you are planning to use a 70 or 90 4-stroke, I would leave it. I also added ailerons to the top wing. This made the world of difference to the flight capability. As designed the aircraft is soft on aileron. With them on both wings it is very crisp and nimble. If your intent is to fly scale-like, stay to the design. If you plan to fly aerobatics, modify. It is a very easy mod.

Have fun with it!

Bedford

Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Bill,
Yes, all will be calm here. The Mrs. is actually quite supportive of the hobby. (I think she knows it keeps me outta' trouble. ;) )

Bedford,
Thanks for your input. I've decided to go with a 91. I will certainly consider the added ailerons. My current bipe (sportster) is 'soft' on ailerons as well. I'd prefer more.
Dennis-

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Bedford, you mentioned you had a "small gasser" in your 1/4 scale EAA Bipe. I've got this airplane kit on my list of wannado's and I have a Ryobi 31cc (I think) conversion. Would this constitute a small gasser in your opinion. I know next to nothing about gas engines at this point but do want to build a scale model that flys scale. [sm=confused.gif]

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

flylow,

The gasser I have in mine is a 21cc Echo. This engine is lighter than the 31cc you have. It also does not have as much power. The Ryobi has a rear carb, which will complicate an installation. You could give it a try ... why not? Do shorten up the nose to compensate for the heavy engine. I think you can shorten it more than the 3 inches I did without a problem.

Good luck,

BP

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Have the plans of this EAA bipe,
was planning to scratch build it..
Think will be using a gas engine for this one,
guys do you know where I can find a FiberGlass cowling??
Cheers
Hisham

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

I believe the cowl is available from one of the fiberglass suppliers. I am building my own.

Bedford

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Will do a bit of searching....
Maybe I will cast one myself.!

beepee do you have the construction manual of this bipe???
I need a copy if it is possible...

Guys do post some nice pix!

Regards
Hisham

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Hisham,

I think so. I will check. Can you take it as scan on email?

Bedford

RE: Balsa USA - 1/4 scale EAA Bipe
 

Yup
No problem, can take it as a scan,
thanks a lot beepee..
Cheers
Hisham.