GeeBee Model D Almost Ready
 

I built the original Coverite version designed by Henry Haffke back in the 80's and was fortunate to find that a Canadian outfit "Spirit of Yesteryear Model Aircraft Company" had purchased the rights. Their kit featured laser-cut parts and clear plastic wheel pants (easier mounting), and all the fixings including cockpit coaming.

Wingspan=56"; Wing Area=525 sq in; Fuse=36"; Est Weight=4.5-5 lb; Actual Weigt=5.6 lb.

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RE: GeeBee Model D Almost Ready
 

The plane will house the HB 40 engine. I covered the entire plane with Super Coverite (light blue and cream), detailed with red stripping tape. Plastic cowl and wheel pants were painted with Krylon and Osh generic enamels, then clear-coated entire assembly with X-I-M 900 Clear Coat, a solvent-based acrylic protective clear. Clear-coating the planes structure was a breeze with wheel pants attached to wing. Only a small area of decal on wing developed a small crinkled look, but the material and wheel pants were superb. I was not as lucky with the cowling however. The clear coat began to crinkle and bubble the paint immediately. At first I thought this was due to the difference in plastics, but in retrospect, I think that I may have applied the clear coat to the cowl to soon. I have now let the cowl paint cure for two + weeks and will attempt to apply clear coat again.


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RE: GeeBee Model D Almost Ready
 

Nice looking Bee. Sounds like the clear just had a bad reaction with your base color. It doesn't take much to get Krylon to do such a thing when topcoated with a better grade of paint.

RE: GeeBee Model D Almost Ready
 

Struts and flying wires are not yet attached, and I plan on using hitec radio gear; 311, 425 and 635's where appropriate. Though not visible, the plane uses a tail skid and not tail wheel that most tail dragger fliers are familiar with. The previous model also flew with this configuration and offered no difficulties during take-offs due to the size of rudder, which engaged immediately. In fact, it was a great lesson in learning how to apply down elevator initially at take-off and easing back until the plane was ready to fly on its own. This was probably one of the reasons I came to enjoy the take-offs of my Corsair and Gee Bee Z.

There is one design flaw that was atavistic to the Coverite kit, and it envolved the wing tip ribs. Prior to constructing the wing tip ribs E, D & F take note that the instructions state that it may be necessary to trim and fit ribs E & F. I found that E is a couple inches short at the trailing edge. Having expierenced this before, I simply cut a longer E rib to reach the trailing edge piece.

The only other major concern is the choosing of an engine, as the engine compartment is tight. I will post a picture in the future of my HB 40 with Tatone muffler crammed inside. I don't think a muffler hanging outside would do justice to this plane, but hey, its only my opinion.




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RE: GeeBee Model D Almost Ready
 

I built one of these several years ago. Damn good flyer with an OS.46 SF. I ran the motor inverted and used a J-Tec muffler with a couple of exhaust diverters on the muffler stacks. I also have Haffkes 1/4 scale Model D, & R-1 patially built. Also has have the Page Aviation R-2 partially built. Love those Gee Bees[sm=thumbup.gif]

RE: GeeBee Model D Almost Ready
 

Very Nice! I have the coverite kit and I way thinking about tackling it this winter. I already have an OS .46FX I was going to invert. Aside from the wing rib issues, anything I need to be aware of?

Steve