The Giles Alien...
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The Giles Alien...
Just finished mine; what a sweet bird. It's a bit heavy, but the build is pretty easy and it's a solid flyer. Here's my list of minor stumbling blocks.
One thing that wasn't mentioned at all in the directions is the need for a reversing Y for the elevator servos. I used an MPi miracle Y for the job; it has long leads that obviate the need for servo extensions.
The provided tailwheel assembly was way inadequate for this heavy sled, so I switched to a Chief aircraft CF unit.
I used a Du-Bro anti-vibe mount to settle things down up front.
I switched the hinges for genuine Robart units; much less slop and wiggle. I kept the hinge units with the control horns, used epoxy to ensure a solid bond.
Stock clevises and pushrods replaced with Du-Bro 4-40 rods and Great Planes locking metal clevises.
All in all, very minor stuff to do. Otherwise, this is a great airplane.
One thing that wasn't mentioned at all in the directions is the need for a reversing Y for the elevator servos. I used an MPi miracle Y for the job; it has long leads that obviate the need for servo extensions.
The provided tailwheel assembly was way inadequate for this heavy sled, so I switched to a Chief aircraft CF unit.
I used a Du-Bro anti-vibe mount to settle things down up front.
I switched the hinges for genuine Robart units; much less slop and wiggle. I kept the hinge units with the control horns, used epoxy to ensure a solid bond.
Stock clevises and pushrods replaced with Du-Bro 4-40 rods and Great Planes locking metal clevises.
All in all, very minor stuff to do. Otherwise, this is a great airplane.
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RE: The Giles Alien...
I'm using a GMS 1.20 - adequate for sport flying and classic aerobatics. A 1.60 or small gasser would probably be overpowered and fun, but the 1.20 is fine and relatively easy on fuel.