Paragon optimum weight

[wingsnapper]

Yesterday I came across a steal that I could'nt pass up... A ready to fly Paragon that is wonderfully built and covered for $125. Needless to say I bought it on the spot. When I started really going over the plane at home I realized just how much weight is in the nose. The builder had made the whole tail section removable by using clasps and bolts. One can also completely unhinge the rudder and elevator by removing two long wires. While a great novelty, this seems to require a pound of nose weight to balance it.
The builder, who has been flying saiplanes almost as long as I have been breathing air, said that it was a great thermal ship so I am inclined to just leave it as is and fly it "pre=ballasted". After all the winds here in the DFW area of TX avarage 10-15 all summer. My question is: What is the typical weight range for one of these old birds, and should I go thought the trouble of " slimming 'er down" ? JS

[SoarNeck]

I fly a reinforced Paragon, which has a "dry weight" of 61 oz including a vario. It's too light in 10mph winds. I would think that 70 oz would be about right for that windspeed.

[evan_s]

I can't remember how much weight is in the nose of my Paragon--but it took a lot to make it balance. Neither do I know how much the whole thing weighs, but it's heavy. Flys great. Overall weight isn't everything, I've been told.

[Magna]

Hi Wingsnapper

I just finished building the Paragon and thinking of build in the removable tail as it is bulky for transport. Are you able to snap some shot on how the removable mechanism like?

BTW, my empty covered weight is about 30oz.

[wingsnapper]

Sorry not able to snap pics ... The tail is removable by bolting the stab down to a plywood plate that has inbedded nuts. This plate is in the same position that the stab would have been glued. It just makes the stab sit 1/8 " higher. This will not effect flight becaues the angle of attack is the same. This is a simple and smart design.. I just wonder how it's gonna do in a cartwheel landing. Let me know your auw when you are finished. JS

[Vince inTX.]

I too aquired a Paragon second hand. although not beautifully built or stylishly covered, it did have 2 futaba servos and only cost me $40 dollars. I was also equally astonished at the amount of weight in the nose used to balance it. There was a solid block of lead which weighed in at a whopping 15.2 oz. The plane flew great with all that lead in the nose. I have since played with the C/G somewhat by replacing the solid block with split shot in epoxy. I have been able to reduce the nose weight by almost half and the plane stil flys great. I still have the solid block and use it for balast on windy days.

At this point don't worry what it weighs, since there's not too much you can do about it without a rebuild of the tail section. A member of my club once told me, " It weighs what it weighs.....balance it and fly it and stop worrying how much it weighs.". Btw my "canopy" is a solid block of balsa.

Its a great floater....even heavy......enjoy it

Vince

[Magna]

I planned to epower the Paragon, so with the weight of 8 RC2400, mega 30/3 with GB and 16x10 or 18x10, plus controller, I'm looking additional of 40-42oz. AUW no more than 72oz. ie 4.5lbs. With power estimated at 250-260w, I will get very good climb at 55w/lb.

[wingsnapper]

Thanks for the replys. Now I just have to aquire a suitable hi-start. Thinking of a Pinnical L... what do ya think? JS

[rdwoebke]

Magna,

I built my Paragon in 2003, and I decided to build a removable tail. This was partialy for transport reasons, but also because I have aspirations to build a second fuse for electric use. Attached are some photos of the method I came up with. Probably not the world's most elegant, but effective and light.

Basicaly, I took 2 sheets of fiberglass preformed sheet (plywood would work also) and 2 small bolts to help secure the tail post at the rear of the fuse, and then used a wood screw to keep everything aligned at the front.

Ryan

[ejett]

Thanks for the replys. Now I just have to aquire a suitable hi-start. Thinking of a Pinnical L... what do ya think? JS


The pinnacle L should be fine. I have launched my BOT, Spirit 100 and Legend off of a Pinnacle standard which is not quite as strong as an "L".

I currently use a Hollyday 3m highstart. Currently being sold by Aerofoam as Hosemonsters. This would be a good choice as well.

EJ

[the bone]

SoarNeck:

Paragon questions

What did you use for rudder and elevator throws left/right and up and down? Also could you recomend what Hitec servos would work well for rudder, elevator, and one in the fuselage for spoilers. Also I am a beginning pilot.

Thank you The Bone