Hempel 38% Decathlon

[Len]

Typically between around 45lbs +- if I remember right. We don't weight planes much, I think we just don't want to know, lol

 

[jymster]

Hi Len, we are currently setting up a Hempel 38% Decathlon and we have chosen the DA150 for power. I wonder if you could please tell me what size canisters and headers you have used?

Cheers,

James.

 

[dhal22]

This thread went dormant over 2 years ago...........

 

[jymster]

Thanks dhal22, though I had hoped someone would still receive notification that a message had been posted, which it looks like you have. I presume Len would also get notification?

 

[pawnshopmike]

Thanks dhal22, though I had hoped someone would still receive notification that a message had been posted, which it looks like you have. I presume Len would also get notification?

According to Len's profile, he hasn't been on GSN since August of 2015. You could try and send him a PM.

 

[jymster]

Ok, thanks. Will do.

 

[Gianni]

Next up now that the tunnel is extended is to get the motor mounted so we can get and exact fit for the canisters. The DA 150 is a perfect choice for this plane, given its mission.
Once bolted on, we figure out exactly where to mount the cans and supports. I've used both front dump and rear dump canisters on different ones, so I'll speak to both.
The front dump cans are good, but leave the possibility of getting gunk on the gear. The rear dump are a good option to help eliminate that issue. In either case, figure out where the holes need to be and cut them
The modifications for landing gear is next.
The Decathlon by design has spindly gear, add to that China metal and a 4o some odd pound plane, constant take-off and landings on rough grass... What do you get? Bending gear.
To fix this I made a quick call to TNT and we designed a different gear for the Decathlon. The new gear is as wide as the seat area, then tapers down to the bend where the axle bolts to. While not 100% scale, I think it actually looks better and definitely performs better. To make this all work, you need to make a spacer for the gear to sit on since the strut mounting tab is also bolted in this location too. A 1/8 or so plywood piece was cut to fit the gear seat area and then a notch made for the strut bracket. Carbon fiber was added for good measure ( if you're going to do it, over do it, that's my motto)

Drill the new gear to match and you're all done with that

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[Gianni]

Hi everybody, hi Len
I just regisered in , from Italy. I just happened to read about cannister tunnel length,so I thought i'd write something regarding my BH 38% Super Decathlon. I did the same mod a you did for my DA150 with KS cans and home made headers, I will post some pics maybe tomorrow, the other thing I am about to get done is the landing gear mod, A friend of mine has a machine shop and is about to mill down and cut from a piece of 6082 T6 aluminum a new gear that as you said , the supplied is very weak, I was just wondering how did yours work out? Isn't too rigid , I mean so wide and appears to be thicker also.
I designed mine to be only 5mm wider and 6.6 mm thick ...do you think it won't make much difference.
I will appreciate any advice... I got 7 inch wheels also so it will look awesome.
thank you all, hope to read something about this or anything about this plane which is something special , (I've already told Bill about this)
Gianni