Guys,

I am sure I am not the first to think of this but how hard would it be to take a dead firebird and put a flight pack in it? The only major obstacle I see is the stearing is a mix of elevators rather than elevators and rudder.

I liked how it flies but I don't want to buy one because of the proprietary electronics.

It's been done before (not by me, though) - I'm pretty sure you'd have to sacrifice the circuit board inside, but beyond that, just provide some kind of platform with cut-outs for servos that you can stabilize in there.

As for the control surfaces, you could axe the V-tail, and construct your own conventional rudder/elevator setup (that, I have done) if you don't want to fool with mixing, but to tell you the truth, I think as long as you connect one servo to each flap on the V-tail, your transmitter should be able to take care of the rest. Even my low-end, basic, Hitec Focus 3 has mixing and elevon switches on the back...

Dan.

Thank you BykrDan,

If I get a wrecked Firebird that I want to put a convensional tail and rudder - What material do I use to get the approximate sizes? Basel Wood? Or where can I find thin foam I can cut out?

I've made fine specimens of tail setups, using both foam plates (about three dollars for a lifetime supply from Kroger), or even better, slightly thicker to-go boxes. I reinforce the edges, and make hinges with clear packing tape. A 1/8" wood dowel epoxied in place makes a good pull-pull control horn. I usually assemble mine on a scrap of poplar wood, just because I always have some handy in the garage. That way, I can drill it out and use the tailwheel screws to mount the whole thing in place.

Do make sure you note the proper center of gravity with the stock equipment first, though, and keep it in the same place after all your modifications! Found out my first tail setup was too small and light when the plane went skidding into the ground from a shallow dive off a good slope!

Dan.

Someone posted photos of putting a pair of servos in a firebird and converting it to three channel in the process. If I find it I will post the link.