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-   -   Sig Smith Miniplane build (https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/kit-building-121/4870668-sig-smith-miniplane-build.html)

rc_wings 01-06-2010 08:17 AM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
I've seen the first one....the second seems to have some encoding issue and is not viewable.

RICKSTUBBZ 01-06-2010 06:41 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 


ORIGINAL: rc_wings

I've seen the first one....the second seems to have some encoding issue and is not viewable.
OK. I did it all over again and this time I think it is working. By no means it is anything spectacular[:o]. Just a little bit of this and that. I figure what the heck. If y'all like it, maybe you'll watch it twice:). I also edited the link in post 450.

http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/Smith...I12-20-2008-WM

rc_wings 01-07-2010 12:06 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Cool! I need the occasional SMP or other fixed wing motivational video to keep me focused on airplane building! Been putz'n around with a couple smaller collective pitch helis lately for flying in a gym when I should be building. Man, if I had crashed planes as many times as I have crashed two helis in about two years, I would have long given up the hobby. Beginning to really hate helis....or maybe helis just hate me!!!

I_Fly 01-07-2010 12:50 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Looks nice so far. Looking forward to weekly updates.

warbird2 01-07-2010 01:26 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
RC, That little airplane is a test in airplane building. You build that, you can build anything.
Keep the faith. it is a bit a challenge. The resu;lt is worth it.
I bought an heli, and I flew it on my front lawn. Not easy. Low 10'. Then I sold it. Of course my neighbors think I am a nut.
Ray

sgtmonte 01-07-2010 02:19 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Hello to all,

I'm new to the Univers but I've been building and flying for about 5 years now.

I built a Mini Plane while I was stationed in Iraq as something to occupy my downtime.  I flew it once I got back home and simply LOVE it.  Originally it had an Evolution .40 on it but I replaced it with an OS 46AX.  Both engines had plenty of power.

I'll post pics when i figure out how :)

rc_wings 01-07-2010 03:17 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Welcome sgtmonte! We look forward to the PICS.

rc_wings 01-07-2010 03:27 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 


ORIGINAL: warbird2

RC, That little airplane is a test in airplane building. You build that, you can build anything.
Keep the faith. it is a bit a challenge. The resu;lt is worth it.
I bought an heli, and I flew it on my front lawn. Not easy. Low 10'. Then I sold it. Of course my neighbors think I am a nut.
Ray
Ray,

Definitely one of the more challenging kits I have built to date. Not great for my style of building as I work on it a bit then leave it. By the time I get back at it, it takes some time to figure out where the heck I left off. At least this is the only one on the building table at the moment, so not too too bad. Once she is framed up though, will get another one started. Yes...I am a nut too! Always about two planes ahead of myself.

Marko

warbird2 01-07-2010 03:42 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Marko, the SMP is a little plane that has character. There is a pretty good feeling to see it up flying the first time. At times you have to kik yourself a little. In the time it took me to finish I could have build 2 P51.
Ray

rc_wings 01-07-2010 03:58 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 


ORIGINAL: warbird2

Marko, the SMP is a little plane that has character. There is a pretty good feeling to see it up flying the first time. At times you have to kik yourself a little. In the time it took me to finish I could have build 2 P51.
Ray
Ray that character made me take a real liking to that little plane. It was a gift from my wife (well girlfriend at the time - guess she knew how to snag a man!!). It may have been in storage close to 20 years or there abouts. I figured it was going to be a bit of a head scratcher, so left it for the right time. My wife was thrilled to see another one of her presents to me starting to take form. Might be a good anniversary gift....whada think? Maybe not...she may get violent and use the SMP as a bat and my head as the ball. Shame to see a SMP go down that way!

Take care.

Marko

warbird2 01-07-2010 04:20 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Marko, No problem with your wife. the SMP and you are very safe. Tell her that you married her because she gave you the kit in the first place. Then insist she goes with you for the first flight. Take her out to dinner to celebrate. Talk about a new kit, maybe she will buy it for you. Tell her Raymond said that ! I am trying to help.
Ray

rc_wings 01-07-2010 05:11 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
I like your way of thinking Ray! I was just kidding...she IS great. She is usually at the field for all first flights and takes the pictures, as are the kids. I have all girls, so they are not too interested in building or flying, but do come out to the fun flys and I have an old trainer/buddy box that I take them up on at times. Then it wears off and they want to go shopping with mom. That is OK though....we all get to have some fun one way or another.

warbird2 01-07-2010 05:36 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
I knew you were kidding. Where do you get your rc stuff? Midland Barrie? or the beautiful city of Toronto. I lived there till 93, when I moved south to the sunshine state and became a US citizen Flying here is 12 mos a year.
Ray

rc_wings 01-07-2010 10:33 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Glad you brought the point up of hobby stuff! We have a couple hobby shops in Barrie, and a few in Toronto. I usually have to go to the city often for work, so easy to stop in at different places. Couple nice ones in Toronto that I go to when I have time. We are planning a trip south to Orlando, and Redington Beach in May. So living in tight quarters for two weeks with 4 women can take it's toll on a guy, so need to escape for an hour or two and was thinking of visiting a hobby shop or two while down there. I hear there are some really large ones, like Graves and I think there are others but not sure. Any recommendations for a good spot not too far from Disney?

warbird2 01-08-2010 09:58 AM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Hi, Orlanda is a big RC center in Florida. There are about ten RC shops out there. Graves is one major, also Hobby Magic. You cannot miss, Yellow pages will give you addresses. prices are good too. Take your women to the water park and go rc shopping.
Ray

rc_wings 01-08-2010 10:07 AM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Thanks Ray!

Cheers,
Marko

bcurrie08 02-01-2010 12:46 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Hi Guys!
I am starting my SMP, and it will be my second kit build!! I like a challenge, what can i say!;) I love this thread and will try to post some pics of my, im sure slow, progress. I am going to mount a Saito 56 on it i think. i read a little bit about incidence, but i know the plans don't call for any, any thoughts? Also, any suggestion or changes from the kit build plans? thanks guys!

RICKSTUBBZ 02-01-2010 01:04 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
bcurrie08,

Good luck with your "Smith". I remember it being a pretty strait forward build. Lots of steps and more detail than a balsa box stick plane but very do-able.

If I were to suggest nothing else, and there is little to suggest, I would add a degree or so of positive incidence to the stab. There are many references in this thread, including mine that down elevator is needed for level flight.

It is debatable as to the need of thrust and that varies between engine and propeller choice. If you decide for down and right go small as in 1 degree. Make provisions in your motor mount to change later if you can. Build the rest of it as Sig suggest and you will be fine.

The plane can be a blast to fly. It’s small and it will teach you to be a better pilot;). Practice using your rudder:D..........

rc_wings 02-01-2010 02:01 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
bcurrie08,

I am in the process of building one, and have made some of the mods Rick and others mentioned throughout the thread. I cannot comment yet on the flight characteristics, but can on the build. It is not difficult, but then again I have built a number of planes over the years. What I have found is the instructions are not as clear as a beginner kit may be, so ensure you read the manual a couple times prior to starting the build and continuously reference both the plans and the book before fitting, cutting or gluing anything. I am enjoying this build, but it is a little more work as I expected and why it has been shelved until recently, as now I have a little more time and not in a rush to complete it. I hope to fly mine this spring. Good luck and welcome to the SMP forum.

Marko

ckangaroo70 02-01-2010 04:17 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
bcurrie08

I look forward to following your progress. As you know....the SMB has always been on my short list of planes to build someday. Perhaps after you get yours built you might let me borrow your plans for a month or so?LOL:D Good luck on the build and have fun. Take lots of good pics.

Ray

Tiffoso 02-02-2010 01:14 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Perfect comments, "RICKSTUBBZ"!!!

My DSA-01 is exactaly as described...(lots of ) down elevator, a bit of down/right thrust, 'learn to use the rudder' (oh yeah, by all means!!!).

I could add just two comments...

1-the landing gear...I couldn`t get mine ok, so I switched to a Cessna type with loads of toe-in. Now the Smith can track straight both on t-off and landings.
2-It deserves a set of two independent servos for ailerons. The original set-up develops a lot of play with use and eventualy will lead to flutter. I`m doing this mod this week, maybe I`ll test it next weekend.

Blue skies for all

Tiffoso



ORIGINAL: RICKSTUBBZ

bcurrie08,

Good luck with your ''Smith''. I remember it being a pretty strait forward build. Lots of steps and more detail than a balsa box stick plane but very do-able.

If I were to suggest nothing else, and there is little to suggest, I would add a degree or so of positive incidence to the stab. There are many references in this thread, including mine that down elevator is needed for level flight.

It is debatable as to the need of thrust and that varies between engine and propeller choice. If you decide for down and right go small as in 1 degree. Make provisions in your motor mount to change later if you can. Build the rest of it as Sig suggest and you will be fine.

The plane can be a blast to fly. It’s small and it will teach you to be a better pilot;). Practice using your rudder:D..........

Tiffoso 02-02-2010 01:16 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Oh, about the bulding...

MAKE IT AS LIGHT AS POSSIBLE!!! Pay special attention to the tail weight!!!

:D

and post some pics!!!

blue skies to all

Tiffoso

bcurrie08 02-02-2010 03:36 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
Thanks guys! I really appreciate the comments, and i cannot wait to get this plane flight ready! i will def post pics too!

bcurrie08 02-05-2010 08:06 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 
alright guys i have an issue, i bought the kist with the fuselage already assembled. Everything is top notch up until i start to assemble the landing gear wires to the fuse. if i go according to the prints, the landing gear blocks are about 3/4" too close together, which of course affects how my main landing gear wire and the support wire line up...also, keep in mind that if i line up the front landing gear block with the print loc, then the entire nose is perfectly where it should be....but the entire rear portion of the plane is too far forward. Vise-versa, if i line up the rear of the fuse so all of the spars are in perfect order, the nose of the plane and the front landing gear block are about 1/2"-5/8" short of their print locations[:o]. Any ideas?

RICKSTUBBZ 02-05-2010 08:17 PM

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build
 


ORIGINAL: bcurrie08

alright guys i have an issue, i bought the kist with the fuselage already assembled. Everything is top notch up until i start to assemble the landing gear wires to the fuse. if i go according to the prints, the landing gear blocks are about 3/4'' too close together, which of course affects how my main landing gear wire and the support wire line up...also, keep in mind that if i line up the front landing gear block with the print loc, then the entire nose is perfectly where it should be....but the entire rear portion of the plane is too far forward. Vise-versa, if i line up the rear of the fuse so all of the spars are in perfect order, the nose of the plane and the front landing gear block are about 1/2''-5/8'' short of their print locations[:o]. Any ideas?
bcurrie08,

Sounds like you have a mess[:o]. If you did not pay much for it, you could box it up for parts and buy a new one. Or you could pick up some wood and cut/build a new fuse. There is no doubt in my mind you can make what you have work. Just going to take some good thought. Good Luck....


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