DLYONS
Dec 07, 2004, 02:00 AM
!Introduction
| spec2
| @911515
|> <b>Wingspan:</b> |< 49"
|> <b>Wing Area:</b> |< 324 sq. in.
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 22.7 oz.
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 32.5"
|> <b>Wing Loading:</b> |< 10.88 oz/sq. ft.
|> <b>Engine:</b> |< NORVEL .061 B6R
|> <b>Receiver:</b> |< Hitec Feather
|> <b>Servos:</b> |< 3 GWS Pico
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.sigmfg.com>Sig Manufacturing</a>
Sig has introduced the Rascal ARF in a Nitro 1/2A version, and it proves to be no exception to their attention to a good, quality product. It has that nostalgia look, coupled with great flying characteristics and great gas mileage -- about 60 flights per gallon of fuel. That makes it an ideal aircraft for anyone, from a novice to an experienced pilot.
Additionally, Sig is importing a really HOT little line of engines, the Norvels. This review will visit with both the Rascal ARF and the ideal power plant for it -- the Norvel .061.
@911516:The box depicted an overview of the aircraft along with its specs and additional info.
@911517: After opening the box my 1st impression was, "Very well done."
@911518: Every part was individually wrapped to prevent damage during shipping and handling, and all the hardware was individually bagged for its use in each phase of construction.
!Assembly
Before beginning the assembly of the Rascal, I read through the assembly manual to identify any construction sequence questions I might have had. The manual held a wealth of information in it and was written in easy-to-understand terms.
!!Wing Assembly
The wing consisted of three major parts, the left and right wing section and the center section that joined the wing halves together. One wing joint that was so tight that I sanded the face of one of the joiners so it would not present any problems during the wing's final assembly.
@911519: The wing came in three parts, and was quickly and easily assembled.
NOTE: Since the manual gave no dihedral measurement, I blocked up the wing tips 3" -- where the panels joined perfectly -- and allowed the epoxy to cure overnight.
!!Fuselage Assembly
@911520:Radio gear consisted of 3 GWS Pico std servos, a Hitec feather light receiver and a 700mh AAA Ni-Mh battery pack.
@911521:After seeing the small size of the servo and their torque spec, I had my doubts about them, but after 30 or so flights they earned my trust.
@911522:The pre-formed wire just slid into a groove. I made sure to add a few drops of CA to prevent the wire from sliding down during flight, which could have created a much lower movement arm on the gear.
@911523:As with all models, I was careful to measure the stab's position from both wing tips to ensure proper alignment.
@911524: I also made certain the fin was properly aligned prior to epoxying it in place.
@911525: Installing the elevator control surface was a snap with CA hinges. The only critical thing here was that the holes for the control horn were on the right side of the fuse.
@911526: I installed the tailwheel then rudder with ease.
@911527:The wheel pants installation was as simple as shimming the rear of the aircraft up 3" and inserting the wheel pants on the main gear.
@911528:The supplied 2 oz. fuel tank was a nice addition. Thanks, Sig!
!!Engine Installation and Breakin
@911529: The distance between the plates was perfect for the Norvel. There was just enough pressure on the engine to hold it in place.
There was one thing I wish I had done differently at this step -- I should have used 2-56 or 4-40 blind nuts and Allen screws instead of the wood screws furnished with the kit for securing the engine. Even though I used CA on the screws they still vibrated loose after 25 or so flights. I had to remove the engine and reinstall with the blind nuts. At 30 flights all is well.
@911530: Even the alignment of the control rods coming out of the back of the fuselage were spaced the right distance from the control horns.
@911531:Fully assembled and ready to go.
@911532:The Rascal sits in good company with other Sig kits, ready to fly!
The Norvel broke in with ease, and was a good running, strong, reliable little engine with tons of power!
!!Flying
On takeoff, in trying to get the required airspeed, the Rascal drifted to the left where it began to get in taller grass, at which point it came to a slow stop. After restarting the engine, I moved a little closer to a dirt spot on our landing strip. After releasing the Rascal, about 2' into the dirt area it was airborne.
The first few flights were simply just getting to know the flight characteristics of the aircraft. I wasn't met with any surprises at any time from the first flight through the thirtieth flight. Similarly, this learning time for the Norvel was also uneventful and pleasant.
@911533
Loops where the first aerobatics I tried, and the Nitro Rascal did them with ease. From a 30' radius to a 4'-0 loop, I simply pulled back on the stick and watched her go. The Norvel provided plenty of power.
Next came rolls. Well I never really tried them before with a 3 channel aircraft let alone a 1/2A sized one, the Nitro Rascal ws confidence inspriing. I decided to try about 3 mistakes high. I applied full up elevator and full right rudder, and the Rascal completed the roll. In watching the roll, it appeared to be in slow motion. 2 in a row? not!
Next came inverted flight. Now this proved to be challenging for a flat-bottomed wing, but it can and did fly inverted just as long as I put in the effort to hold it.
Next came hovering. We found a weekend where the wind was about 20mph so what did we do? "We went flying". The Rascal didn't get left out of this session. With high wind and small planes, the main thing was to not let it get far off due to visibility. With no more than a gentle toss, it just went up ... and up and up. Not much power was required for this at all and I was constantly having to input down elevator with the power on. It just sat up there in one place riding the wind. That was fun!
As far as stalls for this design they where just non-eventful. With the elliptical wing plan form this design just tended to drop down a few feet in a level fashion instead of having one wing tending to drop during a stall. Many World War 2 aircraft use this plan form.
Landing where completely predictable. On final I just came in at 3/8 power in the wind and held it until about 25' away at about 10' high. I cut the power to idle and it floated down to land right at my feet.
@911534:The Rascal performs...
@911535:a nice low flyby.
@911536
@911537
@911538:Nice landing. A bit short of center, but nice.
+911539:The Nitro Rascal performs well!
+911540:The Nitro Rascal's maiden flight.
!!Conclusion
After assembling and flying this aircraft, I am convinced that Sig has again produced an excellent model that would make a great trainer, as well a great addition to anyone's stable. And the Norvel, what a nice little power plant!!! As mentioned earlier, I flew thirty, ten-minute flights on a 1/2 gallon of 60% fuel. This alone is one of the reasons I love to take this plane to the flying field. Especially since it is usually the first and the last to fly every trip....It flies first to gear myself up for the speed planes and then the last flight to wind the nerves down. Nice job, Sig!
| spec2
| @911515
|> <b>Wingspan:</b> |< 49"
|> <b>Wing Area:</b> |< 324 sq. in.
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 22.7 oz.
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 32.5"
|> <b>Wing Loading:</b> |< 10.88 oz/sq. ft.
|> <b>Engine:</b> |< NORVEL .061 B6R
|> <b>Receiver:</b> |< Hitec Feather
|> <b>Servos:</b> |< 3 GWS Pico
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.sigmfg.com>Sig Manufacturing</a>
Sig has introduced the Rascal ARF in a Nitro 1/2A version, and it proves to be no exception to their attention to a good, quality product. It has that nostalgia look, coupled with great flying characteristics and great gas mileage -- about 60 flights per gallon of fuel. That makes it an ideal aircraft for anyone, from a novice to an experienced pilot.
Additionally, Sig is importing a really HOT little line of engines, the Norvels. This review will visit with both the Rascal ARF and the ideal power plant for it -- the Norvel .061.
@911516:The box depicted an overview of the aircraft along with its specs and additional info.
@911517: After opening the box my 1st impression was, "Very well done."
@911518: Every part was individually wrapped to prevent damage during shipping and handling, and all the hardware was individually bagged for its use in each phase of construction.
!Assembly
Before beginning the assembly of the Rascal, I read through the assembly manual to identify any construction sequence questions I might have had. The manual held a wealth of information in it and was written in easy-to-understand terms.
!!Wing Assembly
The wing consisted of three major parts, the left and right wing section and the center section that joined the wing halves together. One wing joint that was so tight that I sanded the face of one of the joiners so it would not present any problems during the wing's final assembly.
@911519: The wing came in three parts, and was quickly and easily assembled.
NOTE: Since the manual gave no dihedral measurement, I blocked up the wing tips 3" -- where the panels joined perfectly -- and allowed the epoxy to cure overnight.
!!Fuselage Assembly
@911520:Radio gear consisted of 3 GWS Pico std servos, a Hitec feather light receiver and a 700mh AAA Ni-Mh battery pack.
@911521:After seeing the small size of the servo and their torque spec, I had my doubts about them, but after 30 or so flights they earned my trust.
@911522:The pre-formed wire just slid into a groove. I made sure to add a few drops of CA to prevent the wire from sliding down during flight, which could have created a much lower movement arm on the gear.
@911523:As with all models, I was careful to measure the stab's position from both wing tips to ensure proper alignment.
@911524: I also made certain the fin was properly aligned prior to epoxying it in place.
@911525: Installing the elevator control surface was a snap with CA hinges. The only critical thing here was that the holes for the control horn were on the right side of the fuse.
@911526: I installed the tailwheel then rudder with ease.
@911527:The wheel pants installation was as simple as shimming the rear of the aircraft up 3" and inserting the wheel pants on the main gear.
@911528:The supplied 2 oz. fuel tank was a nice addition. Thanks, Sig!
!!Engine Installation and Breakin
@911529: The distance between the plates was perfect for the Norvel. There was just enough pressure on the engine to hold it in place.
There was one thing I wish I had done differently at this step -- I should have used 2-56 or 4-40 blind nuts and Allen screws instead of the wood screws furnished with the kit for securing the engine. Even though I used CA on the screws they still vibrated loose after 25 or so flights. I had to remove the engine and reinstall with the blind nuts. At 30 flights all is well.
@911530: Even the alignment of the control rods coming out of the back of the fuselage were spaced the right distance from the control horns.
@911531:Fully assembled and ready to go.
@911532:The Rascal sits in good company with other Sig kits, ready to fly!
The Norvel broke in with ease, and was a good running, strong, reliable little engine with tons of power!
!!Flying
On takeoff, in trying to get the required airspeed, the Rascal drifted to the left where it began to get in taller grass, at which point it came to a slow stop. After restarting the engine, I moved a little closer to a dirt spot on our landing strip. After releasing the Rascal, about 2' into the dirt area it was airborne.
The first few flights were simply just getting to know the flight characteristics of the aircraft. I wasn't met with any surprises at any time from the first flight through the thirtieth flight. Similarly, this learning time for the Norvel was also uneventful and pleasant.
@911533
Loops where the first aerobatics I tried, and the Nitro Rascal did them with ease. From a 30' radius to a 4'-0 loop, I simply pulled back on the stick and watched her go. The Norvel provided plenty of power.
Next came rolls. Well I never really tried them before with a 3 channel aircraft let alone a 1/2A sized one, the Nitro Rascal ws confidence inspriing. I decided to try about 3 mistakes high. I applied full up elevator and full right rudder, and the Rascal completed the roll. In watching the roll, it appeared to be in slow motion. 2 in a row? not!
Next came inverted flight. Now this proved to be challenging for a flat-bottomed wing, but it can and did fly inverted just as long as I put in the effort to hold it.
Next came hovering. We found a weekend where the wind was about 20mph so what did we do? "We went flying". The Rascal didn't get left out of this session. With high wind and small planes, the main thing was to not let it get far off due to visibility. With no more than a gentle toss, it just went up ... and up and up. Not much power was required for this at all and I was constantly having to input down elevator with the power on. It just sat up there in one place riding the wind. That was fun!
As far as stalls for this design they where just non-eventful. With the elliptical wing plan form this design just tended to drop down a few feet in a level fashion instead of having one wing tending to drop during a stall. Many World War 2 aircraft use this plan form.
Landing where completely predictable. On final I just came in at 3/8 power in the wind and held it until about 25' away at about 10' high. I cut the power to idle and it floated down to land right at my feet.
@911534:The Rascal performs...
@911535:a nice low flyby.
@911536
@911537
@911538:Nice landing. A bit short of center, but nice.
+911539:The Nitro Rascal performs well!
+911540:The Nitro Rascal's maiden flight.
!!Conclusion
After assembling and flying this aircraft, I am convinced that Sig has again produced an excellent model that would make a great trainer, as well a great addition to anyone's stable. And the Norvel, what a nice little power plant!!! As mentioned earlier, I flew thirty, ten-minute flights on a 1/2 gallon of 60% fuel. This alone is one of the reasons I love to take this plane to the flying field. Especially since it is usually the first and the last to fly every trip....It flies first to gear myself up for the speed planes and then the last flight to wind the nerves down. Nice job, Sig!