GP Super Skybolt?
 

I have a brand new Saito 120 and would like to put it on a Super Skybolt 60 size. Any thoughts on the combo or the plane with a different engine would be appreciated. I plan to take all winter to build it, my second build but I think I can do it.

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

My good buddy bought one, and for that reason, he had an OS Surpass III 120 that was looking for a home.

There is an extra instruction sheet that cam with his, for fittin the 120.. special warnings about 'being overpowered', 'watch for flutter' and such.. You'll need a new engine mount. (And the one they reccomend is pricey!!)

There are some tricky parts / proceedures to the build, that you might not expect. And being a bipe, it'll be a good idea to have an incedence meter: as a bipe's two wings usually have slightly different incedences, and need to be set accordingly.

Did he compalin about a few things? Yes. But he is still builsding it, and does love how some parts do go together. It's GP kits, so you nkow it'll be well complete, and the manual well written. If you're confident, go for it!!

There was a thread on this plane a while back. search for it..

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Ditto to everything Dr Wogz said. I fly mine with a YS 91AC, and I love it!

It's not an easy build, but it's a great kit. They also build pretty heavy, But with all that weight behind it, I can fly mine in any weather.

PS, If you don't have an incidence meter, plan to buy or borrow one. It's a MUST.

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

I've built and flown 3 G/P Skybolts, all with 1.2 four strokes. The plane usually comes out tail heavy, so the 1.2 helps with balance. Build the aft section as light as you can.

I have NEVER experienced any type of flutter, or loss of control response. But then again, I never use CA hinges.

It's a major pain in the butt to build, but if you build it straight, and get everything aligned and balanced properly, it's a GREAT flying airplane. Re-calculate your C/G by finding 25% of MAC. The plan/instruction C/G is too far forward and makes it almost impossible to land like anything other than a fast brick. Correcting the C/G to 25% MAC makes it a lot better.

May I help you spend your money and suggest 3 incidence meters plus a copy of Harry Higleys' book called BIPES? You'll be way ahead of the game, and happier in the long run if you go that route.

Pat

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Silversurfer may I ask what you found the CG to be?:eek:
Floater.

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Hi,

I completed my Skybolt back in May. I just got around to flying the maiden a couple of weeks ago. Since I'm still quite new to this hobby I couldn't justify the cost for a nice 4 stroke at the time, which I really wanted for this plane. Instead I opted for an affordable GMS .76 ringed. It had no trouble pulling around my 10.5 lb skybolt, and seems like a very nice engine for the price. The plane flew very well IMO and only needed two clicks of UP trim. I hope to get out to the field a couple of more times before the snow begins to fly, so I can really try her out.

You can see a short video clip of the maiden flight here:

http://www.rcsites.net/wydah/skybolt...he%20Movie.wmv

Also I have a site with some pics of the build here:

http://home.maine.rr.com/wydah

-Enjoy

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Hi

I am building one right now. I am using a YS 110 that is lighter.
I eliminated (didnt place) the two spars that have to be glue and sand at the bottom aft of the fuse, in order to save some weight, but I keep the central bottom piece only. I am also planning to open four quite big rectangular holes at the aft fuse sides,but very carefully, to do not weaken the whole structure, that way, I should eliminate that extra weight at the aft of the plane (and the whole plane in general).
I am finishing it so fast, that I need the S. stinker I am posting before you for the real winter.
Landing gear? ... going to use a lighter, resistant and little higher, carbon fiber LG from Bolly Prop. mgf. They are not so cheap...but will give me more prop clearance.
I hope I can finish a lighter and good performing plane that way. Of coarse, I am just doing it that way, and can not assure you the final results.


Good luck.

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Thanks all for ypur input. I'll try to find that book before I start that should help. Afew questions for silversurfer- What is MAC, and does the kit come with ca hinges, if so what hinges did you use instead? Thanks again all for your help Can't wait to get started!! Steve

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Wydah,

What a great job you did on your SkyBolt. I have sent you notes before and have enjoyed your replys. I am at the point of construction where I am about to fit the cowl to the fusalodge, and was wondering how you, did it? The pictures "098 & 096" show a job very well done. I have a single piece cowl I bought from fiberglass specialties. Is their is a special way you achieve your "fit"? Would you mind sharing it with me? That is if you have the time.

JOe

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your compliment. I am still rather "new" at this hobby as I've only been doing this for about 4yrs now. The Skybolt was my third kit, but I have done a few more since then. I also bought a fiberglass cowl for my plane. I did however assemble the ABS one that was included with the kit. I used it as a template to know how to cut the holes for the final fiberglass cowl I had purchased. The ABS one actually did not turn out too bad and I have kept it as a spare in case anything should happen.
One techinque you can try is to attach a few strips of light cardboard to the fuselage sides and perhaps the top and bottom extending forward off the nose while you have the engine and spinner all attached. Then you can mark the cardboard strips where you will need to make the cutouts in the cowl for things like the cylinder head, needle valve and muffler. After you have all the pieces marked you can easily transfer the cardboard strip measurements onto the actual cowl. I found that a conical shaped grinding bit for my dremel rotary tool works great at removing the fiberglass and making the necessary holes. Just take it slow and steady and check your fit often. Make sure you have a dust mask since the fiberglass is nasty stuff to inhale...

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Thanks Wydah, I looked at your video, very cool. I might say, the build on this kit, doe's require a lot of forthought. I have relied on your photo gallery many times. You do good work "Charlie Brown" lol

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

wydah

just wondering were you got that template for designing the color scheme for your Skybolt. I am building a skybolt and can't decide on colors so I think that would be a big help;)

Thanks

rcpilotgb

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Wydah, I hope you don't mine but I'm usimg your scheme, maybe one day we fly a formation, ja, ja, ja

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

Hi,

No problem.... I like the scheme very much. Very easy to distinguish top from bottom. Only wish I could have used larger squares for the bottom of the wings. I used the prefabbed Yellow/black Ultracote with 1" squares. At the time I purchased the covering, it was the largest squares they sold. Now I see they sell a 2" square size which I think would be much easier to see. The 1" size tends to look a bit grayish when the plane gets up there a bit.
Be sure to post pics when you get her finished!

RE: GP Super Skybolt?
 

I did the bottom of the wings with 2" yellow and red, and I'm planing to get a wasp or something like that and stick it on the tail.