VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
11-19-2010, 04:06 AM
#601
RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
SWORDSN:
Sloppiness in the flap linkages irked me, too.
I think what you mean by "reversed leverage advantage" is the flaps move a lot with relatively small servo movements?
That, and the inherent slop of bellcrank set-up, add up to an irksome amount of free play in the flap surfaces.
Ashamed to say, I didn't dive into the architecture of the set-up. I just set it up so that the "air pressure positions" of the flaps' TE's were consistent and bilaterally symmetrical at all flap positions. I simulate air pressure by gentle finger pressure upwards on the flap TE during set-up.
End Result: It flies just fine with that set-up! I only fly it 10-20 times per seaon, but I just finished my fifth flying season with the airplane and haven't even had any minor crashes. Had a cranky engine last year and survived 3 engine-outs with no damage! Admittedly, the flaps don't tame it for landing like those beautiful Fowlers on the VQ-38, but they do the job OK.
BTW: DON'T use any flap on an engine-out!
Sloppiness in the flap linkages irked me, too.
I think what you mean by "reversed leverage advantage" is the flaps move a lot with relatively small servo movements?
That, and the inherent slop of bellcrank set-up, add up to an irksome amount of free play in the flap surfaces.
Ashamed to say, I didn't dive into the architecture of the set-up. I just set it up so that the "air pressure positions" of the flaps' TE's were consistent and bilaterally symmetrical at all flap positions. I simulate air pressure by gentle finger pressure upwards on the flap TE during set-up.
End Result: It flies just fine with that set-up! I only fly it 10-20 times per seaon, but I just finished my fifth flying season with the airplane and haven't even had any minor crashes. Had a cranky engine last year and survived 3 engine-outs with no damage! Admittedly, the flaps don't tame it for landing like those beautiful Fowlers on the VQ-38, but they do the job OK.
BTW: DON'T use any flap on an engine-out!
11-20-2010, 08:26 PM
#604
RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
SWORDSN:
Kudos on surviving the first two engine-out's.
I think you will find the VQ-61 to be a sweeter flyer, but not as easy a lander as the VQ-38....probably has to do with the absence of Fowler flaps. Make sure the P-61's flaps go down exactly the same Rt vs Lt (remember the finger-pressure trick) or you will be fighting aileron on final and that can be disastrous (you tend to forget about everything else!)
p61widowrc:
O.S. 91 two-strokes....a nice power match for the VQ-61, but I've had more problems tuning them than I care to admit. With Bisson mufflers, they don't tune the same as other similar O.S.'s (like the O.S. 61's). Mix in some leaking fuel tank problems I didn't know about for a while and I had a completely unacceptable rate of in-flight engine failures this summer. Fortunately, 61's are a lot easier to fly than 38's engine-out, so I never lost it. I think I got it all figgered out and adjusted the last few flights before winter. I hope they will still be reliable next spring!
mt
Kudos on surviving the first two engine-out's.
I think you will find the VQ-61 to be a sweeter flyer, but not as easy a lander as the VQ-38....probably has to do with the absence of Fowler flaps. Make sure the P-61's flaps go down exactly the same Rt vs Lt (remember the finger-pressure trick) or you will be fighting aileron on final and that can be disastrous (you tend to forget about everything else!)
p61widowrc:
O.S. 91 two-strokes....a nice power match for the VQ-61, but I've had more problems tuning them than I care to admit. With Bisson mufflers, they don't tune the same as other similar O.S.'s (like the O.S. 61's). Mix in some leaking fuel tank problems I didn't know about for a while and I had a completely unacceptable rate of in-flight engine failures this summer. Fortunately, 61's are a lot easier to fly than 38's engine-out, so I never lost it. I think I got it all figgered out and adjusted the last few flights before winter. I hope they will still be reliable next spring!
mt
11-21-2010, 09:48 AM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
Thanks Kram,
I have had a VQ P-61 ARF for sometime trying to settle on what engines to put in it. I have two RCV 90 engines, but fear the lack of power and heat problem. I do like the ability to swing the big prop with the RCV engine. Now I'm looking at RCG 26 cc gas engine. I see someone else is looking at the smaller 15 cc or 20 cc gas engines. I think the gas engine is the way to go, but wonder if the 15 or 20 size engine is enough. What are your thoughts or anyone else that wants to jump in on this question?
Bob
I have had a VQ P-61 ARF for sometime trying to settle on what engines to put in it. I have two RCV 90 engines, but fear the lack of power and heat problem. I do like the ability to swing the big prop with the RCV engine. Now I'm looking at RCG 26 cc gas engine. I see someone else is looking at the smaller 15 cc or 20 cc gas engines. I think the gas engine is the way to go, but wonder if the 15 or 20 size engine is enough. What are your thoughts or anyone else that wants to jump in on this question?
Bob
11-21-2010, 10:11 AM
#606
RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
A 26 cc gas engine would be a nice powerplant for the plane, although perhaps a tough fit in the cowl (it would stick out some).
Personally, I don't much care if a good gas engine sticks out a bit (see these G-62's in my Z-61).
I don't have any experience with the next size smaller in gas engines (15-20 cc), so I can't advise you on that.
I CAN tell you my OS 91's swing 3B 13 X 8 props about 10,000 rpm, which is locomotion enough to make the plane impressive-fast, more than enough to just fly it.
That should give you some frame of reference
Personally, I don't much care if a good gas engine sticks out a bit (see these G-62's in my Z-61).
I don't have any experience with the next size smaller in gas engines (15-20 cc), so I can't advise you on that.
I CAN tell you my OS 91's swing 3B 13 X 8 props about 10,000 rpm, which is locomotion enough to make the plane impressive-fast, more than enough to just fly it.
That should give you some frame of reference
12-30-2010, 07:43 AM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
SWORDSH,
So with a couple of OS 91 4C engines, you have the power to fly the VQ P-61. Do you have retracts or should I ask, what is the flying weight of you model? I have a couple of OS 91 4Cs, but I thought they would be marginal with an all up weight of around 22 pounds. Are you using a 3 blade prop on your engines or something else? I really need to decide which engines to use. I have two 91 4C, I have 2 90 size RCV engines and I have started to look at the 26cc size gas engine. Would like anybodies thought on which enignes to use. Thanks.
Bob
So with a couple of OS 91 4C engines, you have the power to fly the VQ P-61. Do you have retracts or should I ask, what is the flying weight of you model? I have a couple of OS 91 4Cs, but I thought they would be marginal with an all up weight of around 22 pounds. Are you using a 3 blade prop on your engines or something else? I really need to decide which engines to use. I have two 91 4C, I have 2 90 size RCV engines and I have started to look at the 26cc size gas engine. Would like anybodies thought on which enignes to use. Thanks.
Bob
12-30-2010, 10:28 AM
#610
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
I think that the 91 4strokes should be fine. I used the same engines on a KMP B25 weighing about 19 lbs. I'm not sure of the weight of my p61 since I've just started assembly. I'm using the Spring Air retracts. I got it all as package deal from a guy that had lost interest.
Let me know what you use and how you mount them. I'm not sure which props to use at this time
SWORDSN
Let me know what you use and how you mount them. I'm not sure which props to use at this time
SWORDSN
11-18-2011, 12:55 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
SWORDSN
Glad to hear your Widow took to the air. Do you know what the final weight is fueled? It is time to get off the corn cobb and get something done.
Take care,
Bob
Glad to hear your Widow took to the air. Do you know what the final weight is fueled? It is time to get off the corn cobb and get something done.
Take care,
Bob
11-20-2011, 03:32 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
Say guys, I've had a VQ P-61 on the back burner for some years now and when I finally dug it out to get going on it again, I seemed to have missplace the top center section of the fuselage - the part that covers the center section over the wing after a move. I've tried contacting Tomas at VQ Warbirds to see if by chance any parts or pieces were left around still, but no luck. Anyone have any spare part that I could use or be willing to construct one using their own as a pattern? It would not have to be covered or even finished to covering state, as I purchase a full set of spare covering from VQ when I purchased the plane. I would gladly pay for time, materials and shipping. It's really the only thing holding me up from FINALLY completing this bird! Worst part is I had the retract and brake valves with servos mounted in it to! Oh well. Please PM me if you are able to help. Thanks.
11-29-2011, 12:20 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
How about if I scan mine and send you the files.
A Scan of each end gives you the former shape and size, you have the model for the length measurements, add stringers, skin, and done.
A Scan of each end gives you the former shape and size, you have the model for the length measurements, add stringers, skin, and done.
11-30-2011, 03:17 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
Here are a couple of scans of the ends plus some detail pics of the interior and exterior
May take a couple of posts to get all the pics up
May take a couple of posts to get all the pics up
11-30-2011, 11:07 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
Thanks, Mboland. I appreciate it. I'll give it a go, but I have to admit, might be over my head as I'm not much of a scratch builder. Oh well, just wood,if I don't like the way it turns out, start again!! 
12-01-2011, 04:46 AM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
It should be pretty straight forward.
Once you have cut the formers and cut the ply doublers to fit the top of the wings, tack them together then lay up the stringers.
Then sheet and cover.
The shape is very basic, just a box with rounded edges.
Even if it's not an exact replica, as long as the front and rear formers are the right size it should look OK.
Good luck.
Once you have cut the formers and cut the ply doublers to fit the top of the wings, tack them together then lay up the stringers.
Then sheet and cover.
The shape is very basic, just a box with rounded edges.
Even if it's not an exact replica, as long as the front and rear formers are the right size it should look OK.
Good luck.
12-02-2011, 02:26 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
I have been sitting mine for a few years now, same boat, dragging my feet and not getting him finished. One difference though; mine is the ASM and I was curious if the VQ was a better ship since the ASM appeared for a short time and went off the market.
12-02-2011, 03:52 PM
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RE: VQ P-61 CONTRUCTION
The ASm is a smaller model than the VQ.
The VQ also used the scale 'Zap Flaps' which I believe the ASM didn't (please correct me if I'm wrong)
This would mean other differences in the gear installed.
As an example, I purchased the Shindin Machine retracts for the VQ p-61 which were not cheap but great gear.
A pair of Saito 125's also went into mine.
This all adds up to a much more expensive plane in the air.
But the VQ p-61 does fly like a homesick angel.
The VQ also used the scale 'Zap Flaps' which I believe the ASM didn't (please correct me if I'm wrong)
This would mean other differences in the gear installed.
As an example, I purchased the Shindin Machine retracts for the VQ p-61 which were not cheap but great gear.
A pair of Saito 125's also went into mine.
This all adds up to a much more expensive plane in the air.
But the VQ p-61 does fly like a homesick angel.