RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Oscar,

The stencils I created for the lettering and Fleet logo are missing. The font for the lettering was called "Wanted". I will keep looking and will let you know if I find them.

David

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

This is a frame job and is ready for cover and engine

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Seems like you guys no a lot about Biplanes. I have a 1/4 scale i got from a garage sale and i just got a gas motor for it at the local swap meet. I was wondering if there is a secret to finding the CG on a biplane?

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

rstump, my Concept Fleet 1/4 scale plans show the acceptable CG range as 6-3/8" to 7-3/8" aft of the leading edge of the top wing. I'll try to upload pictures of a Concept 1/4 scale Fleet that was completed in Nov. -2008.I think it' a great kit that builds into a great scale aircraft. Mine weighs a little over 20 lbs. with a Quadra 42 for power.

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

another picture

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

thought I would jump in , I have a 1/4 scale concept fleet bipe that I just finished framing up, finishing the little details and getting ready to cover. I am going to power mine with an O.S. 5 cyl. radial. will try to post pics. as soon as I figure out how.

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hi, very nice job on the blue & yellow Fleet.. I have a couple of them my self, both have Quadra's.. they are great airplanes.. AL

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

here's a few more

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hi shotgun1,Looks good! Nice Radial!! they sound so good... keep us posted on your progress... AL

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hi, this is my 1/4 scale Fleet scratch built from Jerry Beherns plans. both wings are 1 piece, G38 for power, Futaba Radio... I hope these pics load...ALex

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

pictures worked!

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Nice Thread. Am not as experienced a pilot as you fellows. Am interested in your experiences comparing the flight characteristics of the Concept Models ¼ scale Fleet bipe with other bipes you have flown. Would not want to spend time building the Concept Models Fleet Bipe, only to get out to the flying field and find its flight characteristics disappointing. For example:

How would you compare the Fleet bipe with say Chuck Cunningham ¼ scale, Flair Tiger Moth, Flair Stearman, ¼ scale Flybaby, Balsa USA, and others?

Though of different sizes, flying-wise, how does the Fleet bipe compare with the Hog bipe?

Would you say that Fleet bipe is as stable in the air, and as easy to land as other bipe choices (a little worried about porpoising)?

Don’t find aerobatic stunts particularly rewarding. Stability, smoothness is paramount. And a little forgiveness on landings. In this light, is the Fleet bipe as good a choice as possible for a DIY bipe?

Any and all comments and advice appreciated.

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

FIGURED It out pictures in first post... Alex

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hey Alex, your fleet is looking very nice. your pics. reminded me I need to make my landing gear next, after I finish the hinges on the tail. I would like to put some sort of spring suspension like yours on mine also, the concept ones are just solid. post more pics as you make progress, it helps to keep me motivated seeing how others are coming along. Steve

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hi Steve, This is one of my brain storms! little springs with J hooks that hold them... the concepts fleet is solid,that's OK! all you need is some big 6" tires they work fine... I never had a problem with the concepts solid gear, big tires & smooth landings... here's a shot of those springs, on my Jerry Behrens fleet, they should be fine... ill find out.... Alex

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Here's more, bottom wing almost done, of course It don't go there!! I wonder if It would fly like that.....Al javascript:void(AddText(':)',''))

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Alex, finally made a little progress. Got the tail hinged, made the servo mounts and soldered up the linkages, and got the landing gear made . I just decided to make the gear like on the plans. here's a few pics.

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

here's a few more pics. I would like to start making the cockpit pieces but I can't find any good pics. of the seats, or the side walls. going to make complete cockpits. and pilots head will turn with the rudder, couldn't resist!

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Shotgun and Bassbug, Hang in there guys, These 1/4 scale Fleet builds are not for the faint of heart. Lots of work, but i think you will be rewarded with a great flying aircraft.

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

hi, geoardsog. I hope it does fly good , I'm really looking forward to it. your fleet looks very nice also. is your fleet emblem a decal, or a stencil, or did you make your own?.... steve

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hope these will help.

Jim

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Thanks Jim, that helps alot. If you any more pics of fleet bipes, would love to see them.

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hi Steve, those are some nice instrument panel shots on the full size... Here's a couple shot of my concept fleet, Q42, BUILT IN 1986... just recovered & painted... all taken apart right now...I will send some more pictures when I put It back together... ALEX

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Hey Alex , your concept fleet looks SWEEEEEEET, yes please do post more pictures. as you get it back together

RE: Concept Fleet Biplane
 

Dick,

If you are still monitoring this thread, I thought you might like to know a little history about the Fleet you modeled. It was owned by Richard Bach (Johnathan Livingston Seagull) and sold to my friend Stan Swichart in the early to mid '80's. Stan flew it to all the EAA Antique Classic Chapter 3 flyins. You may have seen it at the Burlington Flyin during that period. Stan used to dress up in jodhpurs and a leather trench coat and give rides. Then, on the way to Oskosh (in 1988 or 89), he experienced carb icing and had to put it down. It seems the carb heat only came off the lower cylinder of the radial. That cylinder stoped firing while the others were still producing power. Then, as they say, the rest is history.

Stan put it down between two trees, saving not only himself, but the fuselage mostly. The wings were totaled, and had to be rebuilt from scratch. The ribs were of formed aluminum on wood spars. Since the ribs aren't listed at "ribs-are-us.com" he had to come up with a method to replace them. He actually found the original form used by Fleet and formed the ribs from annealed aluminum. Then, he used a chemical hardening process.

I used to see Stan at least twice a year and my first question was always: "How in the Fleet comming along?" I've lost trach of him for the most part. I did see him last year, but forgot to ask him sbout the Fleet. Stan still flys to all the Chapter 3 flyins in his Cessna 195. If you can attend the Burlington flyin this May (always the same week as the Kentucky Derby) you should take some pictures of your model. He would get a kick out of seeing them.

Bill Francis