Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

I will be starting to build a Dynaflite Chipmunk this fall. I have not as yet determined what engine to put in it. I would like to install a gas engine in it but due to the limited width of the cowl a Zenoah G26, even with a Slimline wraparound muffler might be too wide. A Zenoah G38 would fit because it has a rear exaust, but i'm concerned about the extra weight it might add to the nose.

If anyone has built a Dynaflite Chipmunk please respond and let me know if it was tail heavy and had to add weight to the nose to balance.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

I have one with two piece sheeted wings and fully glassed. I used the G-26 and a custom made maniford/muffler setup. I'd do the G-38 without a spring starter if I did it again. It flies what I'd consider very scale like. I really enjoy it. Mine is kind of heavy, but its my trainer for an even heavier warbird, so thats ok.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Thanks for your input, I am leaning toward the Zenoah G38, because it has a rear exhaust. I will also fiberglass mine, the full scale had a all metal body and the leading edge of the wings were metal, the rest of the aircraft was covered in fabric. I will also be using latex paint. I would expect the final weight to be about 15-17 lbs.

Frank

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Hi Goldenage1, I have a friend that recently, about a year ago, finish his Dynaflite. He used a ZDZ 40 in his plane and it did very well. If I am not mistaken that engine has a rear exhaust. It fit in the cowl very nicely. Unforuntately the batteries went bad during a flight recently and he lost the right half of his wing in the floowing crash. He currently looking either for a new kit, a wing or a finished plane. Good luck with you engine.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Thanks for the info. Too bad about your friend loosing his Chipmunk.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

I heard that the Ryobe conversion works real well in the Dyna Chipmunk 31 cc rear exhaust leaves the cowl intact something to think about

Steve

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Thanks Steve, I have also been thinking of putting a Saito 180 in it, I still have about a month to make up my mind.

Frank

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

What engine did you end using?

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

What engine did you end up using?

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

I decided to use the G 38. It seems to fit all my needs for this plane.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Anyone have experience with the Ryobi 31cc in the chipmunk?

Hey goldenage what modifications did you make that prompted you to go for all that power.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

I am fiberglassing the body and modifing the kit to scale lines. All scale detail will be added, panel lines, rivets, cockpit details, air intakes, struts and fairings. Then primed and painted with latex. Dynaflite says the kit should weigh 18 pounds and I would expect around 20 pounds. At this weight I think a G38 will do ok.

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

I used a us 41c.c. in mine. I had to mount the sevos in the tail for balance. Great power for this plane. Mine came in at 17 lbs.

Wes

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Goldenage1:
Fiberglassing the body sounds like a good idea, how did that go? Did you sheet the wings as well like fwman1? I'm trying to get some ideas before I start building.
Also does your G38 fit nicely in the cowl, this will be my first gasser? I also ordered the struts and fiberglass cowl.
Cheers,
Tom

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Hi Tom & Wes

The Chipmunk is not completed. I'm still in the framing stage. I had to modify the plans to scale lines. As you know the full scale had a metal body and the leading edge of the wing was also metal. This is why I'm fiberglassing the body and going to fill the weave in the fabric on the leading edge of the wing to give it a metal look.
Using fiberglass cloth is not difficult I've used it on other projects, it just takes a lot of sanding to get good results. The G38 has a rear exhaust allowing it to fit in the cowl with only the carb exposed about a 1/4" on the side.

Frank

RE: Dynaflite Giant Chipmunk
 

Has anyone ever converted one of these to the Super chipmunk? I have a kti partially built, but could still incorporate the necessary changes. I have had trouble finding the Super style cowl.