Here's a Biplane!

GUS THE I.A. Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:13 am

This little Dakota, my interpretation of a BMJR plan, was initially powered with a COX SureStart engine. The glue bottle, wood selection and coats of dope and radio, caused it to be underpowered. I couldn't get it off the runway.

The one I built for my brother, just like this one, but blue tissue where mine is purple, he let me borrow and install an electric motor on it - finally flew! It was a handful, however.

Well, along comes Ron, and he cleaned and assembled this little beauty for me. I had the parts, but he had the know-how, and says this one is a QRC. Woo Hoo! Now I have a good engine that will probably get this little cutie flying like I wanted. I can't do much about the weight, but I think the power issue has been addressed! I do have a smaller, lighter battery than the one seen through the windscreen. In this Dakota's first incarnation, it did have a pilot. The many attempts at hand-launching and runway cartwheels, have taken their toll on the appearance of this model. My brother's is unscathed, because it actually worked like it was supposed to, minus the COX powerplant.

The weather has been so poor here, that nothing has been outside for weeks! Now it's windy, windy, windy! I'm taking it outside, to the driveway, to run the engine, and get an idea if this engine has more power than the one I removed. I will experiment with propellers, too.

Enjoy the pictures. Comments welcome!

**Cribbs74** Sat Apr 20, 2013 4:47 am

Cool Doug!

I hope the QRC gets it off the ground. Make sure you use 25% nitro and 20% oil mostly or all castor.

Remember what I said about tank air leaks.

Ron

GUS THE I.A. Sat Apr 20, 2013 5:20 am

Um, remind me. It seemed to run fine tonight - topped at 13500 on 10%, so it should do better with new fuel.

**Cribbs74** Sat Apr 20, 2013 5:35 am

Did you fly it?

It should be running around 15K or so. More nitro will help. 6x3?

The ball socket in the piston requires castor or it will wear prematurely. If the engine sputters and surges in the air you probably have an air leak. Common places for leaks are venturi,backplate to tank, backplate screws, crankcase to tank.

Also it would be a good idea to remove the NV spring and use a piece of tubing.

Ron

GUS THE I.A. Sat Apr 20, 2013 5:44 am

Didn't fly today. Windy, windy, windy. Oh yeah, on the potential leaks. Ran the engine in the driveway. Good, solid performance, and it started on the first flip - Good job Ron, on the assembly! I tried a cornucopia of props, and always, the 6x3 did better. Just need to bump up the nitro, and go for it!

microflitedude Wed May 22, 2013 5:26 am

Nice bipe.

What brand are the wheels?

mitchg95 Wed May 22, 2013 5:53 am

microflitedude wrote:Nice bipe.

What brand are the wheels?

i think they might be dubro

GUS THE I.A. Wed May 22, 2013 8:11 am

Hi! Well, of all the things that I haven't stashed away for each airplane I own, I didn't keep the wheel package! Strange! (not really) The wheels are Sky-Lite brand. They really are lightweight for their size, too. They have a plastic hub, and a good quality foam tire: firm and soft at the same time. Weird. I like them.

microflitedude Wed May 22, 2013 6:01 pm

Yeah, they are great. I have a pair on my cub and wanted to get more, but didn't know the brand.

Thanks!

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