What were the improvements that the Focus 2 had over the Focus 1? I am considering purchasing an Focus 1 or 2 for practice and eventially sportsman class.

Would a YS 140 Sport pull either of them well for sportsman? I've noticed an intersting thread using a gas motor on an Imapct, any thoughts on this using a Focus?

Can either of them balance with rear mounted elevator servos?

Thanks,
Mitch

Mitch,

If you are just starting out in Pattern I would suggest you stick with what has worked for the rest of the guys and gals. By that I mean use a pattern engine, the YS is an excellent choice, in a known airframe and don't modify it with servos in the horizontal stab. unless it was designed to be built that way. You will keep yourself out of a lot of trouble and in Sportsman all of the trains, bells and whistles are not needed.

When I flew pattern in the mid 80's a fellow who was a lot better flyer than I was always had to screw around with this model. He had nothing but problems and I always beat him. Like I said, he was a better flyer but he always had problems with his plane and would have to land dead stick or the enging would not make power or a servo went inop. or who knows what. He quit flying pattern because of the frustration. Don't get yourself into that situation. Simple and proven is the way to go - especially in the beginning.

Sam
Oxai.us

Mahoo, go to Don's link under this same section and ask him about the differences. He is a Focus pilot.

Focus II has full length ailerons and elevators, thicker horizontal and vertical stabs, new cowl design, removable canopy, carbon fiber gear, new covering scheme on ARF. Overall a better package than the Focus I.

Don't hesitate to call or e-mail Lee at [link]http://piedmontmodels.com[/link] for more info.

It also flies better :-)

I've owned & flown about 100 flights on the the original Focus design and have 200+ flights on my Focus II. The II is superior, although the Focus I is a fine bird. I found that the II snaps cleaner, spins more surely, is almost bulletproof in hammerheads, rolls a little more cleanly and with slightly less pilot workload on slow rolls. Sure the YS will pull it. However, I can recommend using an O.S. 1.60 with a VP30 pump. Others just use pipe pressure, but I like having the pump. Absolutely flawless performance, spins a Lockhart modified APC 3 blader at 7800 (more vertical than pull than need), costs about $250 and has much less to break, wear out and nothing to adjust except the carb. This combo gives me 14 minute flights with a 20 oz tank of 15% (2 full trips through the '05 Masters) and very consistent speed throughout.

Thanks all for the replies. Since I have started my search for a Focus, I was considering a Focus 1 ARC that is available on RCU classified ads. The only problem with this one is it is only $75 dollars less than a similar new Focus 2 from Peidmont. It sounds like the new Focus 2 is worth at least that much. Even to me a novice pattern flier who probably not notice the subtle differences. Plus there seems to a bunch of support here on these links for the Focus 2.

Ed, which motor mount do use with the OS and what is modified on the APC prop? Did you have to replace the rear bearings?

The gas option was sure appealing. 30 minutes of flying time on 16 oz fuel, low cost of fuel, etc.

Mitch

I have the Hyde ARIA mount, which is kind-of overkill. I am using a regular Hyde A mount in the next project, which is what I would suggest using. I had the Hyde A in the Focus II while I struggled through the first half of the eason with a Webra 1.60 (or 1.45, depending on which wasn't broken at the time). Anyway, the A mount is a fine choice, no nose ring needed.

The Dave Lockhart mod is just a re-pitching of a 3 blade APC 15.75x13 to 11. It's about the same load as a 2 blade 17x13 std APC. Actually, depending on the pipe, the OS 1.60 will turn this prop anywhere from 7700 to 8200 and the needle setting is just not critical or touchy at all. It's extremely user friendly, great throttle response for a so-called "non- pattern engine". I don't think there's much else around that will touch that and they are super reliable. Best header is a Karl Mueller wrap around, which he custom makes in about 2-3 weeks for $40 each. You can also get a Hatori wrap-around header and grind out the opening to fit the exhaust opening sized of the 1.60, but it's better to just send Karl $40 and get one perfectly fitted.

BTW, that 15 min on 16 oz, not 30 min! I do two trips though the Masters in the same flight, filling a 20 oz tank and have about 1/3 tank left at the end.