midwest citabria build thread
 

Hello everyone.
i am starting a build thread of a midwest citabria 1/5 scale. this is my first kit build. its going pretty good so far! I have
completed horizontal and vertical stabs. Rudder and elevator. I am about 2/3 way on wing. I am learning a lot and have
help from building friend NCIS. I would appriciate any tips hints from other builders of this kit. I will power it with os 91 surpass.
iI have attached photos of progress thus far. will try to add mopre as build goes along. thanks in advance for any tips,suggestion
ect. andrew wisc.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

sorry did not get all pics that post.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

Wow! Dude! Looking good! Not bad at all for your first kit! Is there an instruction manual or is it just plans?

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

I have this kit also; not built yet. Have read on other threads that say the aileron servo's are better off mounted some other way than recommended in the manual. Sorry, don't have details. Do a search for tailskid's (Jerry Festa) comments on this kit. I imagine he recommends you mount them on their side on a hatchplate.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

hello,
thanks for the nice comments rwright142. i am really enjoying building. yes it has instructions. theyare pretty good but lacking
somewhat in detail. the plans are excelent. they answer most questions the instructions dont. ihave help from good friend ncis.
who is an excellent builder. i have seen the post you are talking about and definetly going to make servo hatches or large bay
hatch for access to screws and am going to use allen head servo screws. i want to go with different tailwheel also. maybe a great planes scale tailwheel but not sure yet. thanks again for comments and tips. andrew wisc.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

Looks good.
I built my wing flat with 3/8 washout in it also clipped it by one wing rib. The sevos I used 3.8 spruce between the ribs and mounted them so they were horizontal. Makes it easeier to install then just used scrap balsa and reinforsed the other rib around where I had to cut the rib to except the spruce square stick, then sheeted it around the outside so I had a place to attach the covering, the clipped wing is about 72" and has a OS 91 surpass on it. Plenty of power and flies super. Kind of plane a guy needs a chair so you can just sit down and relax. here is a few pictures, the wing stuts are not in the picture but I would suggest that you make them. The pictues are from maiden flight I then installed them afterwards GOOD LUCK YO WILL LOVE THIS PLANE!!!!

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

onewingglow,
Nice job like that makes me want to go get started on mine. Especially since the high today is 38 with a wind chill of 26[:@]. Anyway, very nice airplane you have there. Thanks for posting the pics.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

looks sweet onewingglow. hope mine turns out this good. i will definetly go with your wing servo mounting plan. much easier than
trying to utilize factory mount. im planning on using os 91 four stroke w/ 14 x6 prop. did you use factory tail wheel set up?
if you did how did it work. i will be flying from somewhat rough grass field. also did you go with std wood pushrods or other.
i havent gotten much time to work on lately with holidays . am married w/ 2 daughters 10 and 6 . the 6 year old is full of spirit
a good quality but not condusive to model building.happy holidays! thanks for comments. hope to be posting more pics soon.
andrewwisc

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

I built mine stock all the way and put a Saito 91 up front - great combo....I loved this bird! Got fiberglass cowl and wheel pants and THAT was worth it!!! Too bad I built it before digital cameras were invented :)

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

hello everyone .
well the wing is finally done ! here are some pics.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

Looking good Andy,

Keep it up,

Gibbs

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

Looking VERY good. One thing that I see is the plywood hatches for the ailerons. How are you going to get the covering flush but still allow the hatch to be removed? Usually there is a bit of sheeting on either side that remains attached and allows you to attach the covering over the rib. Your plywood looks flush in the image.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

hello charliep.
you are right . i have the single piece mounted over ribs. i have yet to mark from other side where hatch outline will be.
this will be cut out thus leaving plywood frame for covering to attach. additional blocks will be added to sink hatch down slightly to
make flush. i went with factoryu servo monting in the rib . this hatch is for acsess to servo screws and servo is not attached to
hatch. this is my first kit build and learning a lot. this is what i came up with and i think it will work. what do ya think.? thanks
for comments greatly appriciated. have you built the midwest citabria any hints tips more than welcome. thanks andrew wisc.

RE: midwest citabria build thread
 

A comment on the engine for this. I have a Saito 91 on mine. It's OK for 'normal' flying, but a 1.2 size (or a YS enigine of the same 0.91 displacement) would be better. When I fly mine on floats I would like to have more power.