Walter D

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Thought scale builders would enjoy my finished version of the Caudron Simoun C 635. (I only saw pics by one French modeller, but have never seen this aircraft modelled anywhere at any time)

Approx. 1/5 scale, 82" wingspan, total weight of 17 1/2 lbs. powered by a Zenoah G38, all wood and fiberglass, covered with Supercoverite and doped, then painted with enamel car paint, shock absorbing landing gear, flaps, etc.

Pictures didn't come out to good, they don't show the finish detail well enough, need to take new pictures.

Maiden flight went very well (albeit engine was way too rich), very good landing on a strong crossed wind.

After resetting the engine for another takeoff, the left flaps hinges all broke in the middle (these were the CA type), so that put an end to any other flights.

Never had these hinges snap like this, but it was a cold morning and gasoline engines do put a lot of vibration on the airframe, it's all fixed now and every
surface has been sealed tight.

Awaiting better weather.

Walter D

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more pics.

Walter D

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2 more

FlyerInOKC

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Nice looking bird Walter! Are those wheel paints built up or fiberglass? I have a 1938 Ryan SC with similar pants and I'm curious how you made yours.

Thanks!

Walter D

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Thanks Flyer! The pants were made of balsa wood and plywood on the sides, then they were fiberglassed, both inside and outside, the part that goes on the top were made of fiberglass and carbon fiber, this gives it strength and rigidity. The entire airplane had to be scratchbuilt.

FlyerInOKC

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What kind of internal strut used and how were the pants attached? Do you have any pictures taken while building the pants and covering the struts?

KitBuilder

Very Purdy... love the older vintage planes and the the color combo. Like seeing an old caddy with all the fins, grill and chrome...Lots of style.. not rounded plastic eggs like we drive today.

Yes... I'd be interested in the shock absorption details too.. purchased, or home made arrangement?

FlyerInOKC

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You can't beat Golden Age Aircraft!!

Walter D

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The struts are Robart's, the kind that fits the landing gear wire (1/4 inch) into, secured by hex bolts.

Sorry, I don't have photos of the pants while they were being made. The pants are attached with screws to the gear fork, two per side to stop any movement.

I'm a sucker for vintage everything too!

FlyerInOKC

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I have a set of custom gear being built with a fixed mount similar to a retract. I think I'll check to see if the cast metal fork can be drilled and tapped for mount screws.

ARUP

Very nice airplane of a seldom modeled subject. Plus, it's a great looking airplane to boot. Get rid of the CA hinges and put real ones on there, dag-nab-it-all! It would be terrible for you to lose such a nice airplane because of those.