stangflyer
I like 'em "BIG"!
With the Rebuild of the 40% Pilot Yak done and once again flying, I am going to get started on a project that I have been putting off for quite some time. I mentioned this build way back last year if I remember correctly. Ah but other irons in the fire took priority. The weather here is just amazing for late September and plan to take advantage of it for as long as it allows. But alas, I know it won't last. So getting geared up now is as good of a time as any.
My building confidence and skills have not been tested in many years until the big Yak. It came out so darned pleasing I figured why not? Right? I have had this JTEC Pitts stored away like a secret in a safe for far too long. I have yet to build a JTEC or even fly one for that matter. And being a Pitts Bipe, I figure this could be a lot of fun. Besides, this is kind of off the beaten path of my normal size and character of planes. There is still quite a list of items that need to be purchased to make this plane happen, but for now the basic short kit is here.
I have not decided completely what setup I am going to do on it. But I don't figure a 50-60cc size plane really offers too many challenges. So here is my pre-decided upon selection of goodies.
I have a brand new 62cc single that would fly this thing with authority. But I still have a 3W 70cc twin that is waiting for a home. I have measured the width of the engine verses the width of the cowl. Oh heck yeah, it will stay completely inside with room to spare. Including the plug caps. If I remember correctly, most bipes need a little nose weight like a warbird. That is why I am leaning towards the "dub" twin. Besides, I think it would be really cool with that beast up front.
Of course I will do my normal Taildragger RC wiring and harnesses like all other planes. Multi-plex plugs will also be used I am sure. Along with a sexy TDRC clear fuel tank.
For radio equipment, I will be using my Hitec Aurora 9X with Optima 9 channel receiver atop a Smart-Fly Power Expander Pro with fail safe Pin and Flag switch. I do not plan to use an ignition battery on this plane. As I will draw ignition voltage straight from the Smart-Fly and redundant Fromeco LiIon Relion 5200 7.4 packs. The other option I am considering is twin Pulse 3600 mah Lipos. As I said, not completely sure which way I want to go yet. But either of these setups will be more than sufficient.
For control surface command, I will be looking at a variety of options. Savox is making some really good servos. As is MKS. But with all things being considered, I am actually still pretty loyal to Hitec and the HS-7954SH servos have proven themselves to be incredibly reliable. Throttle management will be handled however with a Hitec HS 5665. Again, darned loyal and not out of this world on prices.
SupaTim at Northwest RC is carrying some pretty bad ass wheels now, so mains as well as the Falcon CF prop will be acquired from him. More than likely a hella-cool spinner also. Oh and the new RC Pilot busts he is carrying would be a great addition to this. Maybe a personalized one with my name on the jacket sleeve or collar huh? White Rose has some darned cool tailgear assemblies so that will be my choice for tail gear.
That pretty much covers the basic idea for now. I did snap a couple of photos to get this thread rolling. I actually was just tinkering this evening at the kitchen table looking at the pile of lazer cut wood. I found myself an hour later with a "dry" fit roughly fit together partial fuse. I think that is what stoked the fires to really get on this.
I like the fact that all the lite ply wood seems to be of very good quality and that everything fits very nicely. Just like my big Pilot Yak, this thing should be a breeze to assemble. I can't see any reason why it would not come out just as straight and true. Another thing I like very much is that even though this is a 50-60cc size plane, it has a wide fat body and really is not at all small.
I have many rolls of brand new unopened covering and I believe I have already decided on the colors. Just not sure of a scheme yet though. All UltraCote covering.... Orange, Pearl Purple, Silver, Black and of course base color will be White.
Many of you very seasoned builders out there are seriously encouraged to help me out along the way with this one. I would love to hear your ideas, thoughts and opinions. Especially on glues and other things. Nothing is set in stone at this point so "anything" can change.
I don't expect this build to go fast at all. As I mentioned, there is still a lot of items to acquire and an entire winter to get through.
Ok, so that is about it for now. And away we go.....
My building confidence and skills have not been tested in many years until the big Yak. It came out so darned pleasing I figured why not? Right? I have had this JTEC Pitts stored away like a secret in a safe for far too long. I have yet to build a JTEC or even fly one for that matter. And being a Pitts Bipe, I figure this could be a lot of fun. Besides, this is kind of off the beaten path of my normal size and character of planes. There is still quite a list of items that need to be purchased to make this plane happen, but for now the basic short kit is here.
I have not decided completely what setup I am going to do on it. But I don't figure a 50-60cc size plane really offers too many challenges. So here is my pre-decided upon selection of goodies.
I have a brand new 62cc single that would fly this thing with authority. But I still have a 3W 70cc twin that is waiting for a home. I have measured the width of the engine verses the width of the cowl. Oh heck yeah, it will stay completely inside with room to spare. Including the plug caps. If I remember correctly, most bipes need a little nose weight like a warbird. That is why I am leaning towards the "dub" twin. Besides, I think it would be really cool with that beast up front.
Of course I will do my normal Taildragger RC wiring and harnesses like all other planes. Multi-plex plugs will also be used I am sure. Along with a sexy TDRC clear fuel tank.
For radio equipment, I will be using my Hitec Aurora 9X with Optima 9 channel receiver atop a Smart-Fly Power Expander Pro with fail safe Pin and Flag switch. I do not plan to use an ignition battery on this plane. As I will draw ignition voltage straight from the Smart-Fly and redundant Fromeco LiIon Relion 5200 7.4 packs. The other option I am considering is twin Pulse 3600 mah Lipos. As I said, not completely sure which way I want to go yet. But either of these setups will be more than sufficient.
For control surface command, I will be looking at a variety of options. Savox is making some really good servos. As is MKS. But with all things being considered, I am actually still pretty loyal to Hitec and the HS-7954SH servos have proven themselves to be incredibly reliable. Throttle management will be handled however with a Hitec HS 5665. Again, darned loyal and not out of this world on prices.
SupaTim at Northwest RC is carrying some pretty bad ass wheels now, so mains as well as the Falcon CF prop will be acquired from him. More than likely a hella-cool spinner also. Oh and the new RC Pilot busts he is carrying would be a great addition to this. Maybe a personalized one with my name on the jacket sleeve or collar huh? White Rose has some darned cool tailgear assemblies so that will be my choice for tail gear.
That pretty much covers the basic idea for now. I did snap a couple of photos to get this thread rolling. I actually was just tinkering this evening at the kitchen table looking at the pile of lazer cut wood. I found myself an hour later with a "dry" fit roughly fit together partial fuse. I think that is what stoked the fires to really get on this.
I like the fact that all the lite ply wood seems to be of very good quality and that everything fits very nicely. Just like my big Pilot Yak, this thing should be a breeze to assemble. I can't see any reason why it would not come out just as straight and true. Another thing I like very much is that even though this is a 50-60cc size plane, it has a wide fat body and really is not at all small.
I have many rolls of brand new unopened covering and I believe I have already decided on the colors. Just not sure of a scheme yet though. All UltraCote covering.... Orange, Pearl Purple, Silver, Black and of course base color will be White.
Many of you very seasoned builders out there are seriously encouraged to help me out along the way with this one. I would love to hear your ideas, thoughts and opinions. Especially on glues and other things. Nothing is set in stone at this point so "anything" can change.
I don't expect this build to go fast at all. As I mentioned, there is still a lot of items to acquire and an entire winter to get through.
Ok, so that is about it for now. And away we go.....
.
