Wolf Pitts S1-11B
12-10-2008, 06:41 AM
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Wolf Pitts S1-11B
I have been working on this plane for a while... it's a Pitts S1-11B that I modified from a Midwest Super Stinker kit. It is modeled after a plane modified by Wolf Pitts [link]http://www.wolfpitts.com/S1_11B.html[/link] and flown by Sean Worthington in CA.
The primary kit modifications to convert the Super Stinker to a S1-11B were: cowl intake scoop, extensive wing fillet, enlarged fin and reshaped rudder, and enlarged elevator. I used the green foam method to make the fillets and scoop.. this was the first time I used the material and it worked out great.
This is also my first time using the Stits process and it has gone fairly well so far. I don't have much experience with paint so I had to do a lot of learning on this project. As you can see, the paint scheme presents some challenges. Trying to figure out how to mask the pattern accurately and maintain symmetry almost drove me nuts... I ended up using a lot of frisket film and tracing paper.
As for the Stits paint, it has good coverage and comes out much lighter than the 2 part epoxy I used on projects long ago. I did have problems with color match between different cans of yellow.
I still have a significant amount of touchup, detail and assembly work to do... don't we always. Power will be OS200 four stroke.
The primary kit modifications to convert the Super Stinker to a S1-11B were: cowl intake scoop, extensive wing fillet, enlarged fin and reshaped rudder, and enlarged elevator. I used the green foam method to make the fillets and scoop.. this was the first time I used the material and it worked out great.
This is also my first time using the Stits process and it has gone fairly well so far. I don't have much experience with paint so I had to do a lot of learning on this project. As you can see, the paint scheme presents some challenges. Trying to figure out how to mask the pattern accurately and maintain symmetry almost drove me nuts... I ended up using a lot of frisket film and tracing paper.
As for the Stits paint, it has good coverage and comes out much lighter than the 2 part epoxy I used on projects long ago. I did have problems with color match between different cans of yellow.
I still have a significant amount of touchup, detail and assembly work to do... don't we always. Power will be OS200 four stroke.
12-28-2008, 12:44 AM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
It's looking good. How did you tint the canopy?
I've been trying to find the time to get going with a Hostetler 35% S1-11-B, so watching you with interest [sm=49_49.gif]
I've been trying to find the time to get going with a Hostetler 35% S1-11-B, so watching you with interest [sm=49_49.gif]
12-28-2008, 01:11 AM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
As you can see, the canopy is lightly tinted. I was really concerned about getting it too dark. I used black liquid Rit dye in hot water. Don't get the water too hot or the canopy could lose its shape. I recommend testing with a piece of scrap canopy material to get the concentration and time right BEFORE dunking your canopy in the bath.
I have been interested in the Hostetler S1-11b. I believe someone is making the cabines... which should save a lot of time. I don't know why the Hostetler S1-11b ailerons stop short of the wing tips. Most of the planes I've seen extend the ailerons to the wing tips.
I have been interested in the Hostetler S1-11b. I believe someone is making the cabines... which should save a lot of time. I don't know why the Hostetler S1-11b ailerons stop short of the wing tips. Most of the planes I've seen extend the ailerons to the wing tips.
12-28-2008, 02:12 AM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
I wondered if you used one of those hot water dyes but thought maybe not due to the distortion you may get. Oh well, I guess you've shown it can be done.
I've got all the parts I need for the plane but didn't bother with the cabanes in the end as it was proving too difficult to get a hold of them, and then decided that I didn't like the wing to cabane attachment method anyway, so I'll make my own when I get to that point. The plan says that the aileron's have been stopped short of the tips on the model for greater resistance to flutter. I'll be building them like the fullsize on mine.
Edit: Oh and the Hostetler ailerons also need to be extended in chord and increased in span inboards as well as to the tips. I base this on study lots of photo's of fullsize examples.
I've got all the parts I need for the plane but didn't bother with the cabanes in the end as it was proving too difficult to get a hold of them, and then decided that I didn't like the wing to cabane attachment method anyway, so I'll make my own when I get to that point. The plan says that the aileron's have been stopped short of the tips on the model for greater resistance to flutter. I'll be building them like the fullsize on mine.
Edit: Oh and the Hostetler ailerons also need to be extended in chord and increased in span inboards as well as to the tips. I base this on study lots of photo's of fullsize examples.
12-29-2008, 07:32 AM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
Stuntflyr,
Thanks for your support. Do you have any photos of your Pitts that you can post?
By the way, I am currently working on the blue outline for the AVATAR top wing graphic. I just have the "AR" left... it really makes a BIG difference with the outline.
Also, I shot a test of the clear coat over the rudder and it looks very good. Stits Poly is fairly dull out of the can. The Poly clear provides a high gloss for a "wet" look.
Thanks for your support. Do you have any photos of your Pitts that you can post?
By the way, I am currently working on the blue outline for the AVATAR top wing graphic. I just have the "AR" left... it really makes a BIG difference with the outline.
Also, I shot a test of the clear coat over the rudder and it looks very good. Stits Poly is fairly dull out of the can. The Poly clear provides a high gloss for a "wet" look.
01-02-2009, 02:42 AM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
You are doing a super job finishing this model. The top wing lettering is really nice.
I'm changing over to a new computer and will post a few pics soon.
Chris...
I'm changing over to a new computer and will post a few pics soon.
Chris...
01-02-2009, 07:08 PM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
Stuntflyr,
Thanks, this is the most work I've ever put into a plane and it's been fun. I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your Pitts.
Time to take a little break while the canopy dries.
Thanks, this is the most work I've ever put into a plane and it's been fun. I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your Pitts.
Time to take a little break while the canopy dries.
01-04-2009, 09:13 PM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
I finished clear coating and will begin final assembly this week. Wow, that was a journey! The scale Stits process is a LOT of work but it looks good, is easy to apply, dries very fast, and appears to be light. I'll post some photos after assembly.
01-10-2009, 09:53 PM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
Wheel pants and engine installed; radio and controls are next.
Balance is looking good so far. Most of the remaining weight will be close to the CG. All up weight will be very close to 13lbs which is at the low end of the range for this kit (12.5 - 16lbs). I'll take some outside photos tomorrow.
Balance is looking good so far. Most of the remaining weight will be close to the CG. All up weight will be very close to 13lbs which is at the low end of the range for this kit (12.5 - 16lbs). I'll take some outside photos tomorrow.
01-13-2009, 10:59 AM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
Wow!Turned out really nice!Congrats on a beautiful job.Post some inflight pics when ya can.I know it will look great in the air!
01-13-2009, 03:36 PM
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RE: Wolf Pitts S1-11B
Firstly that looks great!!!!!! magic colors!!! are you able to tell me the wing incidences setup????? as I have a 1/4 scale pilot kit Pitts and the CG is right and I am still flying with down elevator????
