Sig Ryan STA
 

Like many others before me, I started in this wonderfull hobby in the early 70's. Having a very limited budget then left me with the hopes of someday building the planes that I wanted during that era at some othertime in the future when funds were more available. Fast forward to today, where did all that time go (not to mention my funds)?

I've always admired the Sig Ryan STA plane, and recently I had the good fortune to buy oneon E-bay for a tidy sum of $225.00. Now buying a NIB kit from 1971 makes one wonder if all that money that you are spending will just be for the plans and instruction booklet, after all, the wood in the kit is 41 years old! My kit arrived recently and I was eager to open it and check its contents.It was like a time capsule. I found the wood to be of the highest quality with no warping, twisting, splitting or hardening of any kind! I really couldn't believe it....

My intentions for this rather hard to find kit is to bringit out of the 70's buildtechnology and bring it into today's technology standards without changing its looksor flight characteristics. There isn't a whole lot of information out there for this type of plane for me to reference. My thoughts are to power this beauty with a DLE20 engine and get rid of all the bellcranks and install individual servosfor all the ailerons and flaps along with a pull-pull set-up on the rudder. So that's it in a nut shell, hope you enjoy the process.........

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Looking forward to it. I am subscribed.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

By the way, if you want a fiberglass cowl and pant's they are available here. http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/catalog.htm

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

I am subscribed as well and can hardly wait to see the progress. This plane has been a favorite of mine but I have never owned one. good luck. batdog

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Will a DLE-20 fit in the cowl? Would be a real shame to hack it up. The plastic parts with the sig kits are high quality, actually usable compared to other kit makers.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

VincentJ, put a .60 in it! If you still need a little more power consider a .75 or a .90 which in a lot of cases share the .60 crankcase. Remember the .60 the designer put in his airplane back in the 70s had a lot less power than a new .60 you buy from your LHS or mail order. You don't even need to get the top of the line OS Max .60 AX to get extra power! I'm sure some of our resident RCU engine experts can quote the hp ratings if we give the time to post. This is a scale Ryan STA trainer do you really need to 3D it like a modern pattern plane and hang it vertical from the propeller?

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

One more thing you lucky dog! The STA is on my short list. I just need to get my scratch built twin Ryan SC-M/W finished first. Yes i'm green with envy!

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

I got the same kit, same condition, and for the same reasons ;)

However, and probably most will disagree with me (even though my approach has proved successfull many times), when I build such a kit I try to remain faithful to the original e.g. use same or similar type of power (a DLE 20 is way overpower and out of character of this model) and I usually even use bellcranks where they were used on the original model. Keep in mind most real full size light aircraft use bellcranks so why can't a model use them successfully? of course they need to be installed and connected properly, and there are ways to do that.

Good luck and please do post a build thread with lots of photos!

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Thanks Robert for the linkI will be sure to use them in this build. Welcome, Acerc, FlyerInOKC, Smithcreek, EFand batdog!

It is true that the engine I am installing is overpowered for this model but with some of the modifications that I am planning <u>and</u> the throttle stick I will still be able to fly it "scale" and do it much cheaper than by usingglow fuel. The question of the DLE20 fitting inside of the cowl is a good one, and one that I will answer in just a moment.First thing thatI did however was to take the plans to a copier and have them duplicated, I did this for acouple ofreasons one which is obvious and the other being that I hate to build on folded plans, I much prefer rolled plans. Having done that- with plans on the work table I was able to come tothe conclusion that the DLE20, mounts and exhaust will fit under the cowl with no problems.

To fit the engine/mount combo, the firewall will need to be moved 1-5/8" back.(Pencils on the plan show original mount and future mount locations)Doing this will also solve an inherent weak point in the original build sequence which I will show in the next batch of photos to follow.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Photo 2

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Photo #3

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Looks like the DLE 20 will fit. I'm glad they designed the 20 to beam mount instead of stud mounting like the bigger engines.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Sound's like you have a good game plan VJ. Whatever you do don't drill, file, sand, or anything to that engine mount. I have seen three aluminum mount's break because of such. I personally use a compareable glow composite engine mount. For my 20cc's I use this. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...LXATG7&amp;P=0

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

I have built a lot of older kits, and I have only encountered 1 issue with them. The wood is usually much drier than normal, so CA glue may not cure. If the kit was stored in a controlled environment, this may not be an issue. Just test a few scraps with CA before you start, if you plan to use CA. It's not a problem for me as I don't use it lot anymore.;)

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Thanks for the heads up on the aluminum mount Robert. I too have used that same mount on some of my other planes.

TLH101, I don't use much if any CA either. My glues of choice are Titebond II wood glue for most building and 30 minute epoxy for higher stressed areas.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Great mind's think alike.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial","sans-serif"; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">What a strange turn of events, finding this thread. I remember looking through the old Sig catalogs and LHS dreaming of flying the Ryan STA with its bold front end and bright colors. Two weeks ago I went to a small swap and found not one but two models that have been on my "to build" list since my start in this hobby sometime in the mid '80s. One was the SIG Ryan STA special. The other was the Sig Liberty Sport biplane. I remember visiting the local shop and looking at both of these. Something about them just called to me but as a teenager I didn't have the money, time, or skills.

Truth be told I may not be much better off today. My last kit build was a Sig Aqua Star about four years ago and really enjoyed getting back to actual building. But I purchased both kits at bargain prices which put a smile on my face. I look forward to your thread and sharing my eventual build with my two boys ages 7 and 9. So I have been looking for information online trying to decide which kit was going to be the project for this winter. Part of the choice will depend on power. I'm thinking a Satio 90. The power and sound just seem to suit this model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>My other concern is proper covering and finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">   </span>So please include details of everything you plan to do!

</p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial","sans-serif"; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Count me as subscribed!

</p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial","sans-serif"; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Carl

</p></span></p>

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Well to say the least this is an exciting thread. I just happen to have a completely built Sig Ryan STA I built and flew in 1982. I am at work currently, but rest assured pics will follow this afternoon.

Jimmy

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Vincent, by photo #2 you might need a pitt's with a taper on the outlet. I bought one from J-Tec made with that taper. Cost a little more but worth it vs cutting the side open on the cowl.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Welcome Carl and Jimmy! Carl the twokits that you found were they started or not? Nice find. I know what you mean about the Ryan bringing you back in time.

Jimmy can't wait to see some pictures of your model.... The Ryan has been a plane that many have remembered and admired, to that end why hasthere been little information on such a wonderful airplane? Hopefully through this thread we canresurrectthe Ryan and give itthe attention it deserves!

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Subscribed,
I always liked the Ryan.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">Vincent</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">The two kits I found were not started.The Liberty sport is still wrapped in plastic.Someone opened the Ryan but it looks to be complete.The box is yellow from age but the wood, hardware, and plastic parts all seem to be there and are in good shape.Balsa is an amazing material and can last for many years when properly handled.That same seller had another Ryan that was started and someone else grabbed it as I walked up.Latter we compared what we purchased and only the tail had been worked on.Fortunately I found the second one and quickly put it under my arm.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt">I can't wait to start one of them but it will be a month or more before some of my household responsibilities are taken care of.</div>

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

For all you fellow Ryan fans the aviation museum in San Diego has uploaded their Ryan factory photo collection with lots of STAs, STMs, and the harder to find SCs if you are interested. I downloaded every photo I could find for my SC-M/W project and plan on going back for more photos. Use Google search and you will find them.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

I have found leaving the box lid off indoors during humid weather will let old balsa absorb a little of the loss moisture and acclimatize to the indoor environment. Patience is the key and something I want right now! :D

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Hi there,

I love this plane ! I live just outside San Diego and when I go to the Aerospace Museum I always spend a lot of time in front of the Ryan they have on display. My Ryan "build" is a Great Planes "ARF Bash". Ready for paint but can't make up my mind. I want something BOLD in color rather than the military scheme. Enjoy your build ! I too will be following your progress. :D

Don

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Don,

On my Ryan Sports Cabins I have been considering using Flite Metal to get the polished aluminum look. Or the two tone silver/green job on N18900 (see attached) using metallic paint for both colors.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

And where is the muffler ?

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Today I decided to actually start to cut some balsa! I decided to start with the left and right fuselage sides which are made up of a framework of 1/4" square stock which is sandwiched betweena 1/4" thick cresent shaped outside balsa sheet and 1/16" plywood doubler for the inside.There is also a 1/4" front fill-in piece which will ultimately be secured to the firewall. This is where I would like to focus your attention to (Pencil A in photo).Instructions will have you glue up this whole assembly flat on the building table, when in fact the plans clearly show that they are angled in toward each other. This seemed odd to me so I studied the plans some more and still came up with the conclusion that the instructions must be wrong. Reading well ahead the mystery was then revealed...After the fuse side is assembled you are to then take the firewall and<u>bend</u> the front fill-in piecesso that both sides can be epoxied in place to the firewall. Now far be it for me to criticize but my gut is telling me that this is not going to bend but crack and break! I would highly recommed that these pieces be glued up inthe shape that is shown on the plans and not bent. I did neither as you should be able to see in the photos that by moving the firewall back I was able to keep these fill-in pieces flat and far enough away from the inside of the cowlmaking this area much more secure.</p>

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Sorry had to break up the photos.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Photo #3

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

here VJ...gonna restore it one of these days and will go with the English military camo colors when I do

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Robert no need to get the exhaust tapered like on your Cub, this one fits with plenty of room to spare!

Granpooba, here are the photos you wanted to see.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Different view.

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

here are some more

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Jimmy looks like a project worthy of restoring!

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

last ones

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

It was powered by an inverted Supertiger .75 mounted with an Edson adjustable mount, which I never had any trouble with....they are made form aluminum. The model had plenty of power but if you wanna gasoline, and I would, you might look at the NGH 17 from Agaperc. Looks to be a good engine. :D

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Ya I called Sig nine years ago and purchased all new fairings, cowl, flying straps (they are not wires that it come with), and decal sheet. I have everything original to go back on it

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

BTY...the bellcranks will go into the garbage can;)...thats all we had 30 years ago

RE: Sig Ryan STA
 

Have fun cutting out the wing saddle....[:@]