RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Has anyone tried putting in some right engine thrust to try to help offset the ground looping tendencies? The drawings show no thrust line offset but this would seem to be a proper corrective action or am I just missingthe pointsomehow?http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f.../msn/50_50.gif</p>

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Yes. It doesn't help the gound looping at all, but is worth while for trimming it out.

Just throttle into your take off slowly to keep her under control.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Thanks Bipes,
I have also seen a few posts which seem to suggest a need for some down el. to retard a tendency to climb. I wonder if this is a result of incorrect wing incidence or simplya need for some down engine thrust.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Probably both. I'd wait to change much until you get it in the air to see what your's does. No two airplanes will fly the same.

There is A LOT of lift in that small wingspan. Add that to a very light wing loading (...even when it could end up over 7lbs-which is very unlikely. It'll probably finish between the 5-6lb range), and there isn't much you can do but manage throttle to keep it from climbing.

The fact that it has a "virtual" (:D) flat bottom wing doesn't help matters either.

Brian

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Don`t know if you guys read my last report on the other thread, so ...

"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, post above...), 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 . 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
 

Hi Tiffoso,
Do you have any photos of your new SMP? I'm trying to figure out how Iwant to setup my fuel tank and lines. I plan to cover mine with Sig Koverall and Stix it but don't have a color scheme in mind yet.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Here's an idea for you:

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Hi Bipes,
I can't get your photos to expand to full size but from what I can see your SMP looks groovy!http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...sn/thumbup.gifGreat shade of blue. What did you cover it with?
Dave</p>

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Helo, Gentlemen...TCraft Lover, I have no PhotÔs right now, just those in my page...feel free to get a look at then...I`ll get more as soon as I can buy a new camera (photo cameras dislike wine... :( ).

Besides...I believe in free of mind when it comes to finishing your work of art, and believe me...finishing a Smith...Oh my...is sometinhg like finishing something no one has ever done before...at least thats what I felt. :)

Do as you please..do as you feel is up to your satisfaction...

Never mind comments, likes or dislikes...it`s YOUR PLANE. EXPRESS YOURSELF!!!

That`s how we do here in Brasil...and some does like what we do down here.. :D

The looks reflect its maker...think of it!!!

Do your best, f... the rest!!!

And post a few pics if you can...

Blue skis for all!!!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Hey Tiff,
I dig your attitude man. Rock on! http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...ades_smile.gif

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

I can't take credit for them. They are pics of the real Bipe.

I believe the blue is actually grey.

I found these pics on another Smith Miniplane thread lurking around RCU somewhere.

Brian

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Oops!! http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...ssed_smile.gif

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Planebuilder66, that is a beautiful Bird!!!! great job! I just this minute recieved my Smith Mini Plane, it is a true Vintage kit at least 20 yrs old but the plans are in great shape if a little yellowed... the decals are good too. I built one with a friend about 12 years ago and we powered it with a Saito .50 4-Stroke and that was plenty of power!! I have an OS .48 Surpass but I am thinking of a Saito or OS 4 stroke of around .60 size for this build, it has to be a 4 Stroke.I wont start it for a few weeks but I am watching this and the other SMP thread for input. I might have mentioned it before but our beautiful SMP was crashed by a friend of ours hard in from about 25 feet up inverted, pulled up elevator right after saying the now famous "Airplanes aint *****" well let us just say that he hears about it fairly often... I wont let my friend fly this one.[sm=shades_smile.gif]

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

HiTif,You are right about one thing, we should all be proud of what we make- no matter how it turns out. Whether it is an aeroplane, dolls house, whatever, you should stand back and say yo yourself "I made that".
I have recently built a model of the round the world yatch Volvo Open 70 Extreme. 3 foot overall lenght 6 lbs, radio controlled. winch sales. extensive rigging. I sail this with my local boat club. After making it Istood back and proudly said to myself "I made that"'.That is what modelling is all about.The smp can be difficult but boy do you feel happy when it is finished, even if the engine does drop off!

Just for those who think "who is this guy". Before joining Xerox ,systems &amp; applications div. in 1965. I am still with them, I spent 21 years in the aircraft industry working for Sir Frederick Handley-Page on the Halifax [ bit scary that was, we only took one bomb hit , no one hurt, and Victor bombers and HP Hastings transport plane, which incidently I serviced as a Leading Aircraftsman, on the Berlin Airlift, wow was that a tough assingment. The Germans loaded the coal! while I was with Sir Fred he asked me to model the Victor bomber for his boardroom. This I made in clear perspex, including laminated wings and drop off nose. To this day it is a trophy [Handley Trophy] for an inshore sailing club that I used to belong to.

Happy building and stand proud! Glen. ps, It is B......... freezing. Time for tea!

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Hi Daddy, The Smith Miniplane is currently available here from , www.pegasusmodels.co.uk @ &pound;122.oo. I may get another before they go, they are not in stock for long. . [I have had my cup of tea ,bit warmer now.] Glen.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Ps Go into,SIGkits,once you are in Glen.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

TCraft Lover, chelmer, tks for the comments, that's the spirit...be proud of what you acomplish is one of the goals for me...learning and improving myself is another.
chelmer I wonder what histories you could share with us...time for a book or at least a blog, what do you think?

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Tiff (kinda like that...:D)

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Hi Tcraft, Biplanes need a lot of breeze over the wings ,so use a bigger fan. All three engines I have had in in the mini were propped with 13/7 13/8 APC. The os 70, saito 72 and saito 82 were fitted inverted, but gave problems with fuelflow [ tank carb alingment on the mini] so I mounted my present engine [ os alpha 81] sideways to dramatically good effect. This is the motor with the APC 13/8. [Snowman,anybody out there with a shovel, I need to get out!] Glen.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Thanks Tffosso . Be back. Glen.

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Ps.Tcraft. A 13/6 APC would be fine, but I cannot meet the 82 Decibel UK limit with finer pitch. This why most of the club fly fourstokes. I have not had a two stroke for over 15 years because of the noise problem.</p>

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Glen,
Thanks for the engine / prop input. I've decided to use a .56 Saito and 12-6 MAS wood. I'm not really concerned with verticle capability but I am considering putting some lightening holes in the 1/8" sheeting on the fuse front. What say ye on that thought? We've had a little snow also but at times the blasted wind is a killer. I had a 4 foot drift across my drive 2 weeks ago.Current forecast is for snow tonight and all day on Thursday ending on Christmas day. White Christmas? Bah Humbughttp://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...humbs_down.gif

Best Regards,

Dave

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Dave, The Saito 56 will fly the mini nicely but I would take a 13/6 APC with you, you might be surprised. [not for vertical though]. I would avoid lightening holes at all costs, keep it strong. You should get an accurate c/g with 56 , try fitting flight battery loosley to balance, I often fit the flight battery on platform behind servos - no added wieght- on a lot of my models.

General. I have in past postssuggested engines and props for the mini, but I now realise that the UK and therefore me, is seriously constrained by the 82 db limit ,so will pull out of that help line. The usual practice is to power up and prop down the noise. Sorry Folks. I have started on Electric flight, but you need a wake up call now and then!! No noise problem though.

My town just got a snow news item on national tv 1 pm, so now we are famous! Glen.</p>

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Glen, thanks for the Prop / CG pointers. After better thought the front end lightening holes make no sense as, based on the drawings, it appears that I will probably need some nose weight anyway. Have fun with your new found weather related fame and fortune.

Dave

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Dave.I will say first off that this has worked for me on the smp for c/g. Even with an OS fsa 81 up front.

On the plan there is a triangle balance pointdraw a vertical line 90 degrees to datum through point of triangle up to bolt heads of upper wing , you will see that the line passes through rear wing bolt heads just forward of bolt centre [ or in your case center] THISISWHERETOBALANCE the mini. Ido this with tough steel ruler [ Idont know what you call a measuring tool in the States] under the bolt heads at the line point .

The plane is fully assembled MINUS the flight battery. You then balance the model with the flight battery along side the fuselage [ it will most likely rest on the upper surface lower wing next to fus]. The model should balance at this point 1 or 2 degrees nose down. Where the battery rests is where it is fitted inside the fuselage.

Even with my OS fsa 81, I have demosrated hands off sticks, low 1/2 throttlefly past, rocksteady.
hope this is of help, [Perhaps you could lendmea shovel!] Glen.
. Ps. if your engine is side mounted you will need lead Port lower wing tip [but Iexpect you know that! ]</p>

RE: Sig Smith Miniplane
 

Hi all. Following above notes on C/G those of you who are flying your smp please , just for sake of argument, place a forefinger under the two rear upper wing bolts ,engine facing you, and the model should balance slightly nose heavy. This is just for interest.

night night. Glen. Just having my bedtime ovaltine.