Rockwell International "Shrike"

[smittylube]

Ok so I have been fixing up a 25 year old Aero Commander Shrike released by bridi Hobby.

Have swapped the old wide band radio to current levels, servos, air retracts are all working now and even fired up one of the K&B .40 engines..

My questions is where do I balance the CG?

I slide the battery all the way up front and can get 4-5" back- I am close to the center of the fuel tanks- would that be a good reference point?




Thanks,
Steve

[easytiger]

I don't have a bridi shrike, but if you do a search, you can find the website for bridi models. He is closing up the company, but I am sure you can find his email and phone and ask him.

[smittylube]

Good call, I had found the site previously, but of course no mention of this airplane. I found it again and called and Joe Bridi answered gave me the full scoop! I think he even wants to be around to see it fly!

Steve

[easytiger]

He's a good fellow! Always stood for quality. If he has any kits left, ask him about them. He was selling off the last bridi kits for very cheap prices.

[Thomas B]

25% of the mean aerodynamic cord of the wing is always a good starting point for a model like that.

[smittylube]

Thanks guys. I also found it on the plans after my conversation with Joe Bridi.

[smittylube]

Update,

Both motors running now after finding the exhaust plugged solid on one engine and 1/2 on the other with mud from a wasp!

Had some help with siffening the linkage rods and other points,

changed the fuel lines, all new radio eqipment,
added 1lb or so to the nose to balance..

getting close!!

[t6driver]

Hello everybody,

I have been looking for a Twin Commander for a long time. Can anybody give me the Joe Bridi address, telephone no., any way to contact him?

In my experience the best way to resuscitate gummed up engines, which could be prevented by running abt. 3-4 ml. of marvel mystery oil through the carb and the spraybar, is to disassemble at least the backplate and the head, washing the whole mess with acetone, and reassembling everything using Marvel oil. One word of caution: wash the outside of the engine thoroughly with acetone BEFORE you disassemble it, and be very careful not to get any particles in the ball bearings, do not spin them if any grittyness is detectable, just let them sit on the side in a glass container full of acetone, on a suitable non magnetic stand so that they don't touch the bottom.

Bowden cable runs are best disassembled , degreased and reassembled using no lubrication.

Would love to see pictures of the resurrected Commander!

Cheers!

Gastone

P.S.: go take a look at the Park Fliers section, under "The most amazing Moth..."

[JohnRMontg]

Hi .... I have a brand new Commander Kit in the box that I have had for about 15 years now but just not able to build. It has a set of Rhom Air rotating retracts, plus a set of polished aluminum spinners, and I beleive, the scale exhaust headers (its been a while since I looked in the box). Please make me an offer!

Thanks...

John

[t6driver]

I would like to have a clue on what you would consider a fair offer...
E-mail me please at T6driver@hotmail.com