Smith Super Special Questions
#1
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Smith Super Special Questions
I am about to start building an SSS from the RCM plans and have a couple of questions before I start cutting:
1) In several house moves I have managed to lose track of the construction article that came with the plans. Does anybody have a copy they could scan or mail to me?
2) What do people use for pushrods? The plans are pretty sketchy on this subject and this is the first boom type plane I have built. The plans show some plastic pushrod guides that look like they would support a 2-56 size metal rod. Is this correct? What about nyrods or similar flexible sheathed pushrods?
Thanks,
Mark
1) In several house moves I have managed to lose track of the construction article that came with the plans. Does anybody have a copy they could scan or mail to me?
2) What do people use for pushrods? The plans are pretty sketchy on this subject and this is the first boom type plane I have built. The plans show some plastic pushrod guides that look like they would support a 2-56 size metal rod. Is this correct? What about nyrods or similar flexible sheathed pushrods?
Thanks,
Mark
#3
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
I can't put my fingers on my building manual but I have one around. I used 4-40 pushrods for the elevator and the ailerons.
Do you have any more pics of your SSS? I can see one push rod guide, is there another closer to the stab?
Thanks for the reply,
Mark
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Mark my memory is not what it used to be.....I used a control horns as a pushrod guide at the rear of the boom. The ring on the boom between the ailerons held the tuned pipe in place and was a guide for the pushrod. I got a Menace and stripped the Smith sold it to a neighbor where it sits today.
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
I have just finished, yesterday, a SSS. I will post pictures of the construction of it in a couple of days. My camera has been loaned out and the chip is in the carring case.
The control rods are 4-40 or a 2-56, use the heavier rod, and those are guides for the rod to pass thru. There should be 2 of them.
Fred420
The control rods are 4-40 or a 2-56, use the heavier rod, and those are guides for the rod to pass thru. There should be 2 of them.
Fred420
#7
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Thanks for the pics, Fred. It looks great and is giving me some inspiration. I plan on a rudder, as well.
How are you mounting the receiver and battery?
I love the danes, they are a cool dog. Great taste all around!
Mark
How are you mounting the receiver and battery?
I love the danes, they are a cool dog. Great taste all around!
Mark
#8
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Hey Fred,
One last question - what size is that fuel tank and how do you find the vertical mounting position to work? I was thinking of something like that to get a 4 oz tank to fit but I wasn't certain on how that would work out near the end of the tank.
Mark
One last question - what size is that fuel tank and how do you find the vertical mounting position to work? I was thinking of something like that to get a 4 oz tank to fit but I wasn't certain on how that would work out near the end of the tank.
Mark
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Hey Mark .... I am running a 4oz tank. I have not flown it yet so I do not know if there is enough pull to get the fuel out. I will let ya know after the weather stops pissing on us here in the Ohio Valley.
Fred
Fred
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
I started with a 4 oz fuel tank in the wing and it worked well. I wanted to see the fuel in the tank so I took it out and used the same 4 oz tank. I had to place the fuel tubing out of the way of the prop. I'm interested in hearing how Fred's fuel tank setup works.
At the other end of the Ohio Valley the weather is good for flying today.....
At the other end of the Ohio Valley the weather is good for flying today.....
#11
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Thanks, Fred. I look forward to reading a flight report soon. Do you happen to have a weight for your SSS? What engine are you using?
Mark
Mark
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Hey Mark ........ I am using an old Enya .30 SS with a 11x4 or a 10x5 APC prop. Mine weights in at 1678gm's or 3.11lbs.
Did you find the building plans?
Fred
Did you find the building plans?
Fred
#13
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
I am using an old Enya .30 SS with a 11x4 or a 10x5 APC prop. Mine weights in at 1678gm's or 3.11lbs.
Did you find the building plans?
Did you find the building plans?
You've got a weight conversion issue there, 1678g is 3.70lb or 59.1oz. I believe the 3.11lb number, given the light weight the SSS will build to in a competition version. Do you happen to know how much your Enya weighs?
I have not found the building article (I did pull the plans out, though). After reviewing the plans and looking over the Mojo and Burrito build manuals (they are very similar in construction, if not shape) , I figure I am going to be fine without the article.
Thanks for all the info,
Mark
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Mark ... it is the 3.11 lbs. My scale is real touchy and I was under a ceiling fan.
The Rx and battery are mounted to the side of the flat part of the fuselage. I used 5 min epoxy on the battery and Velcro for the Rx.
Went to the field , started it up and it ran well on the bench. Good draw from the tank. Did a ground check, and a gremlin bit me!!!!!! [X(]BAD servo ...............[:'(] All of a sudden it went crazy and would not hold a center point. It then became real sluggish. That will teach me to use a recycled servo from my pile of "extras" So, to the LHS for a new servo and a roll of Circus Pink. My wife is going to flame , that $18.00 servo with "extras" became $42.50 Gotta love it.
I'll get this thing up in the air yet.
Fred
The Rx and battery are mounted to the side of the flat part of the fuselage. I used 5 min epoxy on the battery and Velcro for the Rx.
Went to the field , started it up and it ran well on the bench. Good draw from the tank. Did a ground check, and a gremlin bit me!!!!!! [X(]BAD servo ...............[:'(] All of a sudden it went crazy and would not hold a center point. It then became real sluggish. That will teach me to use a recycled servo from my pile of "extras" So, to the LHS for a new servo and a roll of Circus Pink. My wife is going to flame , that $18.00 servo with "extras" became $42.50 Gotta love it.
I'll get this thing up in the air yet.
Fred
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
Well ....... I did the maiden flight today. Great flyer. The high rates are set at 80 degrees and it will just twist and tumble. It is really kool. Tried the APC 10x4 and 11x4, I think the 10x5 is going to be the best.
Down side .................. can not fly inverted with a vertical tank. It will not suck when the fuel is at the top and the clunk cannot reach. So .... I am looking for a 3 or 4 oz horizontal tank that will fit.
Fred
Down side .................. can not fly inverted with a vertical tank. It will not suck when the fuel is at the top and the clunk cannot reach. So .... I am looking for a 3 or 4 oz horizontal tank that will fit.
Fred
#17
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RE: Smith Super Special Questions
ORIGINAL: Fred420
Mark .... have you started your Special yet?
Fred
Mark .... have you started your Special yet?
Fred
Hey Fred,
Not yet. I was looking to use the SSS to get back into flying after a long layoff (less control travel and slow flight = gentle plane) and have decided to build a kit first, then start scratch building again afterwards. I was noodling away looking at the SSS plans and I think I am going to try adding a top and bottom fuse piece on the boom, like the Menace or Mojo to get better knife edge performance. The joys of scratch building! Do what you like, it will be OK.
I will post a build thread when I get into the SSS a bit. Thanks for your help and info on your SSS.
Mark