RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Glen, do you agree with me that the Smith MP is a test of building skills, and that you also need patience to build her successfully. Soldering, wood work, thight spots, lot of parts in the wings. And even the covering ( in my case ) was a lot a cutting. At the end I was quite please. MY only painting was the cowling and the spats.
Have a nice day!
Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Ray, Got your message- will reply soon. Glen.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Finally I tamed of my Smith...

The 'galinha louca' (crazy chicken) behaviour on the ground I solved by installing the Cessna 180 type landing gear with the wheels with heavy toe-in plus training the rudder control and the tyming to acelarate. T-Offs now area breeze, even with crosswinds...she wants to face the wind but with litle (VERY LITLE) rudder input she tracks straight up.

In the firts weekend (6 flights), with some 450gr of lead glued to the firewall to keep the CG as per plans I had a slightly touchy Smith and couldn`t trimm to perfection...fun but far from perfect.

I ripped of the lead, instaled a new engine mount, placing the engine 4,5cm (that`s nearly two inches, I believe...) ahead of the original position and placed the on board battery fixed to the Firewall, beside the engine [X(] . The Battery was isolated from vibration and fuel, of course. This way I have perfect CG and a much lighter Bipe.

With less 450gr my Smith became another plane. T-offs are 1/4 shorter, she climbs like a rocket (I told you guys the old .46FX was a good choice...), does anything but 3D...

I couldn`t be happier with this plane...

Now I just need some touch`n go training to get perfect 3 point landing...wich I almost did a couple of times...almost!!!

Just one word of caution...when landing tail up with tha high degree of toe-in she likes to nose down...solution...3-Point landing...besides...3-points are much more impressive...:)

Blue Skies for all!!

Tiffoso

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Ray ,This a test post. My last post was denied,Glen

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Glen, sometime if you take to much time to write, or your internet disconn it wont go. It happened to me also. Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Ray,Thanks You have raised some interesting points on issue of smp build. Ido agree that the smp is a test of skills and those that have completed this model to the standard of design can truly call themselves CRAFTSMAN. We all know there are many very complex biplanes out there, for example : a four cylinder inline all wired up feathers Gipsy Moth.But we are not going there are we!
Above all the smp is a test of the utmost patience. You need the patience of a Saint over a very long period - if things are not going well drop tools and go get a cup of tea, or if your in the States Coffee!
My approach, having need of a more challenging project, was to build the smp over two winters 02/03 . I set aside part of my workshop just for this project. The model was just left over long periods and indeed the whole of summer 02 , finished spring 03 , and flown all that summer ever after.
So I say to those building or contemplating building an smp go ahead and persevere - the rewards are up there in the big blue sky.Well not here its snowing!
Footnote;
This my personal opinion, I feel that the choice of engine size by Sig should be brought up to date. The kits here always say .for instance, 60 two / 90 four stoke. Having fitted an OS alpha 81 Istill feel theSaito 72 is the ideal engine for the smp WITHNOADDED WEIGHT. Avery slight shift of the flight battery will give corrct c/g. Better go before I run out of time. Glen

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Glen,

If you have a long post to write, do it in your word processing program and then hit the reply button, cut and paste your response in the reply space and you wont run out of time. And the WP will do a spell and grammer check for you if those features are enabled.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Glen, In my case I built the SMP over a period of 3 months full time. My son was doing a giant sukhoi with an 80 gas on it. We use a big work bench 8X4 walk around. I used one end and I also helped him a lot. He was working evening and week end. I could have built two of his planes with the same time. Anyhow there is a satisfaction for the job well done at the end.
I am doing now a forty years kit which was my first RC plane. You can look at my build here in RCU. The forum is called " The Original Falcon 56 is back" it is a three channels, 19 powered plane by Goldberg. Silk and dope. Go see it, you will smile.
Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Warbird2,

You forgot to mention that your Falcon 56 build is over in the Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC section:D. Nice job so far and I like the silk and dope covering.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

John, If you read the post, you will see that I have obtained a Skylark kit ( first version - narrow nose ) and got a vintage OS 15 to power it. I will build it , name ( the Original Skylark 56 is back ). Silk and dope is a pleasure not found in Monokote or paint.
Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Ray,

I was just pointing out where to find the build thread. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_36..._1/key_/tm.htm

The OS and your Falcon should be a good combo with light weight radio gear and Kraft TX. I hope you hit your goal weight.

PM sent

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

I must add that the SMP is one of the more challenging kits I have worked on to date. Not that it is overcomplicated, just that it keeps you on your toes to read the book, study the plans then double check as instructions can be vague at times. Since it is an older design many things are more complicated than they could be. I don't mind as not in too much of a rush to complete it.....stretching out the enjoyment. Not much progress since last post. Have the fin and rudder framed...hope to get some work done on it over the holidays. Been busy on a couple micro heli's that have me "spinning" ;) so a relaxing evening working on the SMP is long overdue!

Cheers guys...and all the best over the holiday season!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Hi all..... Couple of weeks back I purchased a 'well used' SMP, it currently resides with my father who is giving it the once over and freshening it up a bit. With all the comments here it will be interesting to see what she weighs in at! There are no doubt plenty of engine choice available. For the moment though, I was considering an Evolution 46 (two stroke). It of course does not have the sound track of a FS but I guess you have to start somewhere. Any tips on first flight? Not flown a tail dragger before!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Capri, you are in luck for your first flight. Contact Chelmer in the upper posts, he lives real close to you. Tell him Warbird sent you.
He has a SPM, he knows the charecteristics of that plane.
Enjoy the UK snow!
Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Tail feathers are completed and nicely sanded. Just need to hinge them up. Hopefully tomorrow will start wing construction. Chugging along slowly without any issues so far. Will post some more pics once I get something more substantial to show for my efforts. :eek:

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

In my stocking was an Evolution 40, assuming that this engine will have enough power, what prop size would be best? I have just weighed the model which is subject to a small amount of balancing (CofG) and comes in a 5lb 12oz. A little bit fat me thinks compared with other weights listed in previous posts. If more power is needed, I do have an Evolution 45 trainer engine I could swap with. Anyway, looking forward to the nicer weather now that my SMP has now been spruced up.......

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Am not familiar with the Evolution engines, but you should be good with a 10X6 prop as is pretty standard for a .40 size engine. I like the APC props, but may good ones out there. Check the instruction manual for the recommended break-in prop and then go with whatever they recommend to start with. Your .40 should fly it nicely. I am bolting in a .51 ST, and am told it will yield great performance.

Good luck and keep us posted.

SMP Build Progress - Top wing has spars and ribs pinned down. Hope to have the top wing completed this weekend.......slow as usual as did not get to work on it as much as would have liked.

Happy New Year to ALL!!!!!!!!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

rc_wings

Happy New Year to you as well.

Good to here you are making progress with your Smith. I finally decided to retire mine. It is/was a well earned retirement. I wanted to do it while the thing was in one piece.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

RC, I have an OS SF 40 bolted on the nose of my SMP, my prop is 10X5. The plane weights around 5 1/2 lbs, and the engine flies it with authority, and vertical is pretty good. The SF is new and has great rpm.
Have a good new year, (first day ) evening!
Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

I am not concerned with my Super Tiger .51 for the SMP, was more commenting for capril1600 asking if his Evolution would suffice...now that construction is well under way, and from comments prior, suspect the Evolution .40 should be a good match for his plane.

I had an OS SF .40 awhile back and it was a great little engine. Provide many years of reliable strong performance in many different aircraft. Would still use it today but unfortunately it was involved in a bad crash and the engine did not fare so well. Too much damage to make it worth repairing. If I happen to find a new (or like new) one for a good price at a swap, will not hesitate to scoop it up!!!

Got a little more done on the top wing last night. Hope by the end of the weekend it will be completed. :eek:

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

RICKSTUBBZ,

Sorry to hear you decided to retire the SMP. But can understand that it may be time to make it a hangar queen. Is there another SMP planned for the future? Possibly after the Citabria Pro.......

Please keep an eye on this thread as your advice so far has been much appreciated! Same goes out to all that have supported this thread!

Cheers.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Hi, you may be in luck I have a OS FX 40. It was tagged to go racing in the 500. The engine is new or like new and I replaced the bearings with better quality bearings, not because it was needed but to get 17000 rpm with a 9X6 APC ( the limit) Finally that project remains in a kit box to this day. If you plane is light it is plenty of engine. I have the blue box and the paperwork for it. If you want it email me.
Years ago, my hobby shop said they found three SF one 40 one 46 and a 61. I bought the three. The 40 is in the SMP the 46 in a Great Planes ARF Cherokee and the 61 will power a King Kobra with retract now under construction.
Larger engines add weight and more often than not eleminate the benifit of the larger engine and create more problems in case of a minor mishap. Something to think about.
Ray

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

rc_wings,

I'll keep an eye on this thread and comment when appropriate as long as people are posting about the Smith Miniplane.

Over the years I had a blast with the one I have and it maintains a lot of sentimental value, hence the reason for retirement while it is able.

I have to admit that there are no plans in the near future for me to build another Smith. In the biplane department; I have some WACO building to do as well as a couple Balsa USA EAA Bipes which I expect to be much like the Smith except a little larger.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Cool then!

BTW - Have always like the BUSA EAA Bipe. May consider it once I get a few of the planned projects out of the way. I do have a BUSA Phaeton 2 which is just a dream to fly!!!!!! I did not build it, but recently (earlier this summer) acquired it for a song. Has an old Como 40 in it which has more than enough power. One of my favorites to fly as it has this nostalgic look about it. My other Bipe in progress is a Midwest Stearman (partially completed and purchased from same guy as the Phaeton). Too many projects and too little time.....

rc_wings

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 

Back on 12-13-08 I posted this video of my Smith and posted a link in this thread.
http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/Sig-S...ne12-07-08-WMV

About three weeks later this video was taken and I never posted it until today.
http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/Smith...I12-20-2008-WM

The second link has been edited. It should work now