1/4 Scale Nieuport 28

[cooper998]

I am still working on a 1/ scale Nieuport 28 from a Balsa USA kit, expected all up weight should be around 15 pounds and will be powered with an AXI 4130/20 running off 24 nimh cells. So far the plane is built and covered just waiting on some warmer weather so I can put some paint on her. Attached is a pic when it was all framed but before covering. My web site has more details
http://home.comcast.net/~tnunez08/ERC/Nieuport.htm

cooper998

[staggerwing]

Cooper,
I like this new forum already as it brings out endeavors such as yours.

This is about my 2nd yr actively in elec (about 55 yrs in RC) & my goals are large scale w/ a successfull conversion so far of a 1/4 scale Eastborne Monoplane & a 85" H9 Taylorcraft. Near completion is a built up 96" Rearwin Speedster from an old Bridi kit.
What caught my eye in your post is the proposed Axi for power---I'm far from an expert on elec, but is that maybe going to be a bit on underpowered side for your bipe ?

Regds

Bob

[cooper998]

Bob,
I went on recomendations of the guys at BalsaUSA who have the same motor in their Nieuport 11. Theirs weights 15lbs and flys very scale like with plenty of reserve power for aerobatics. I also saw this Thread on a Balsa USA Nieuport conversion (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=396446&highlight=nieuport) which also uses the same motor. The 28 has more wing area and should be able to handle just fine. Of course the proof will be when I first try some short hops to test the power. If need be I can also go to Lipos to increase the voltage to the motor if more power is needed. As a last resort a larger motor can be swapped in pretty easily.

cooper998

[Ron]

I used the 4130/20 in a 1/3 sized Dr1 and it was more than ample power...I used a 2 to 1 belt drive reduction, 28 X 14 prop and 6S lithiums.
This gave lotsa of power and good duration.

[hermperez]

AXI 4130/20 can be run safely at 1200 watts continuous, at 15lbs it will come in at 80watts/lb.. a normal power level. Regarding the lipos, the plane may not balance afterward lol, keep that tail light!

Do you have any pictures of that axi belt drive?

[thunder1]

Your Nieuport 28 looks great. The Nieuport 28 is my favorite biplane. Did you do anything to lighten the tail? You're going to need as much weight up front as possible. The N-17 used 30 subC NiCDs which weigh a lot more than 24 NiMHs, right?

I'm not sure what size prop is scale for the N-28 but this motor will spin a really big one:
https://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2130

It's a lot heavier than the 4130/20 which would probably help out the CG.

I see on your web page you have covered the upper wing. Have you covered the rest of the model yet? You really won't know exactly how much weight it's going to take to balance until the covering and paint is on.

[Ron]

re the belt drive...Tom Hunt from Modelairtech made it for me...it's going into it's seventh season, and still is smooth as silk...I sold the model, because it didn't seem to look impressive size wise to me any more, and I have started plans for a 1/2 sized one....so I needed to make room in the hangar for building..the new one will be 142" span. I plan to start making balsa dust this next fall if all goes well, and I can figure out the logistics of getting it to the field.....i can taxi it from my house to my home field, but transporting it to other fields is the problem....possibly I'll need a trailer to pull behind the motorhome.

[thunder1]

Ron, you're going to need a full time pit crew to get the thing assembled as well;-)

[Ron]

I have a 12 year old grand daughter who is in love with airplanes, so there's my pit crew taken care of...I think I may need to buy a balsa tree and invest in monokote shares though :-)

[ElectRick]

I'm glad to see you resurrect this project. I followed it before, since I have a BUSA N28 kit I'd like to electrify one of these days myself.

I have a 4130/20 motor myself, that I also think would fly it well. I was thinking of going with a pair of 4S2P 8000 mah LiPo packs (which I happen to have on hand too) in series. That would give me 30v and capacity to fly for a long time per charge. The two packs together weigh 3 lb. (48 oz.), and mounted on the firewall, should help out a lot with nose weight for her.

Rick

[Martin Irvine]

I'm watching this thread too. I have a half drawn 1/4 scale N.17 and have always liked the N.28. I had thought about a 1/4 scale N.28 and am interested in the power systems people are considering. I have a pair of Astro 60s, one with a 2:1 belt drive - short noses aren't hurt by a little nose weight!

Martin

[cooper998]

Thunder1,
I built the plane mostly as stock, the tail is already very light with little material to actually remove. Right now the plane is completely covered and just waiting on paint. I will be trying Tamiya acrylics first to see how well they cover since the pigment is very fine, if its not covering well I will use latex house paints like I did on previous projects although the finish is heavier. I am sticking with 24 cells for now in order to swing a larger prop at a lower rpm, if I go more cells I would have to drop the prop size which while lower the amp draw also lowers the available thrust. You need to remember that the 28 has a large round cross section that the prop has to overcome unlike a N17 with a narrower squared off cross section and smaller cowl.

Electrik,
I would like to go with lipos only for the longer duration and now that 10,000mah cells are available I should be able to get 15-18 minute flights with them, even more paralled

cooper998

[thunder1]

About the number of cells, that's why I suggested the motor I did. It will swing a much larger prop on more cells.

The wood in Balsa USA kits is usually pretty heavy. Using contest grade stringers would save a couple ounces in the tail, I bet. I was just asking if you had done anything like that.

[cooper998]

Thunder,
For some reason my 28 kit had some very light wood, not like my Sopwith Pup which is a future build, most of that wood is going to the spares bin. I actually had to replace several stringers because I felt some were too soft. I already own several AXI 4130/20 motors and am saving up my "Hobby Money" for another future project which will require twin motors, if it looks like my Axi is too wimpy I can always upgrade later.

cooper998

[8kasl]

Cooper,nice project!I'm working on the 28 C1 from BUSA plans and it has a removable aft. fuse. for storage and transporting.I also have plans for the 1/3 scale Pup.I think these WWI planes are perfect for electric as they don't require much over 60W.lb. to fly scale.My AXI 4130/20s(3 of them) will spin a 20x13 APCE on 5s at 850W and pull a 10.5 lb camera ship around just fine and I'm not even pushing the motor at all.I'm going to use a 22x12 wood prop for the Nieuport and expect around 1100W.Here's a pic. of a 1/3 Pup from BUSA plans I built back in '93.Weight was 28 lbs. and flew very scale-like at around 25-30 mph.
Rich
"Zooming around @ 8000" in the Colorado Rockies" :eek: :D

[staggerwing]

8kasi,
When you say "your not even pushing the motor"---do you mean motors ?
I ask this because I'm not exactly sure from your post that is what your doing ?
If it is (3) 4130's in line, can you show a pic & explain how you connect them, what 5s batt you are using, RPM's w/ 20 X 13, & flight times w/ the set up ?

Thks
Bob

Excuse the dumb question above, but after re-reading your post several times,@ 10 lbs for the plane, you must be talking a single motor but the prop size & batt you mention had me thinking it impossible w/ a single 4130 on 5s

[8kasl]

Bob,I guess it is a little confusing.The big Kadet flies on a 6750 mah 5s LIPO turning an APCE 20x13 with a single 4130/20.This setup produces around 850watts and draws about46A.The 4130/20 is good for around 1200W. and 60-70A.bursts so it's not being pushed at all at 850W.I'll put a 21x14 on and get the power up to around 1KW and that's enough to fly the 1/4 Nieuport.The flight times so far on the big Kadet are about 8-9 mins. and have flown a couple of times to around12 mins or so just crusing around.Here's a pic of the camera ship.
Rich

[staggerwing]

Thks Rich, Nice looking Kadet !
I didn't realize a 4130 would turn that large of a prop effectively---but I guess that's the versitility of an outrunner. Still curious on RPM's which after so many yrs in the hobby is much easier for me to digest than watts.

Bob

[John Z]

If you read a few R/C magazines, you will notice that , at warbird fly-ins, there will be quite a few BUSA planes. Nobody else makes these kits in 1/4 and 1/3 scale unless you purchase from a custom kit cutter.
BTW the Fokker D VIII is my fave...I just love a "flying razor" decked out in lozenge. :D :cool:
Keep up the good work, oh yeah, what are you using for covering?
cheers JohnZ

[8kasl]

Cooper,is there any updates on your 28?

[cooper998]

Cooper,is there any updates on your 28?
Sorry, nothing yet. With the crazy weather around here I have not had an opportunity to get some paint on it, I am probably going to hold off until mid April.

cooper998

[8kasl]

Just curious about the final AUW before paint?Also,I wanted to mention that a few days ago,I flew the Super Kadet with a 21x14 APCE and although it took-off ok,it seemed that it was way down on power compared to normal.I had to keep the throttle at near 3/4 to keep a speed of around 25-30 mph.After I landed (2-3 min flight),I put the wattmeter on it and read only 440W!10.5 lbs=41.9 W/LB.The plane sat overnight with the 5s 6750 mah pack fully charged in my outside aluminum shop with no heat in it and in the morning it was around 40 deg. at 9:30 AM.So I'm guessing the loss of power was due to low temp pack.The good news is that the 42W/LB flew it like a full scale cub would fly--yery scale-like!Now the AXI 4130/20 with a 20x13 on the same pack was putting out 850+ watts and should have been at around 1100 or so with the larger blade.I now know that my 1/4 28 at around 14# will fly just fine on a mere 50 W/LB!I might mention I fly at 8000' ASL.These WW I bipes and monos are the PERFECT way to fly Giant Scale without the usual High$$ cost!!!!!!!!!!!I now know that the 28 would fly on a 4s pack with a 22x14.As you know,the larger the prop the more the thrust and thrust is what flys the plane.I'll be testing the output of the system with the 21x14 with a warm pack and see the real world watts static today.I'll let you know as the 21"prop is near scale size for a 1/4 size plane.Actually,the full sized fighters of the period had around 8-9' props and 24-27" is probably very close but 21 or 22" is close enough for our purposes I think.I'm going to fly my 28 unpainted for the maiden as I alwaws do with fabric covered models that are E-powered-no oil-just dust-off and paint.I always balance after testing for the best CG in the air and mark the CG on the underside of the top wing so after painting I can re-adjust the cg back to the "best CG"If something were to go wrong on the maiden and subsequent test flights,I wouldn't be out the time and paint.It also gets me in the air a lot quicker and I'm not as nervous on the 1st flight.Wow,too much coffee I guess.
Rich

[8kasl]

Coop,I tested again with the 5s fully charged a around 80 deg.F. and I only got 650 W. so I think the 2 yr. old pack is done.I just ordered some new 20-30c packs from United and will test again. You could fly the 28 without paint,get her "dialed-in" and paint it when the weather gets better---just a thought.Maybe not if there's a lot of wind.
Rich
PS,I'm going to fly mine before paint and details as E-powered leaves no oil to clean.

[R101]

Started a BUSA Nieuport 28 in February for electric power.

Weight at this stage is nearly 7 lbs.

Did you guys check your wing incidences?

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/Nieuport%20airframe.jpg

[Martin Irvine]

So... add another pound for covering and finishing? Add 3/4 for radio - say 9lb total. What power system and battery are you planning to use?

Martin

[R101]

Martin

I have an Axi 5330/F3a which I have offered up to the firewall.

Pretty tricky getting it centered with down and sidethrust.

Hoping that 8S or 9S on an 18x10 will do?

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/Axi%20in%20Nieuport.jpg

[Martin Irvine]

Any idea about current with that set-up? My understanding of how F3A planes are propped is that there is ungodly power available for verticals and that left stick discipline is vital for reasonable flight times.

I'm inclined, (mabe 'cause I'm cheap!:D), to go with lower current set-ups with biplanes on the theory that with a large draggy scale plane, I'll be at a pretty constant throttle setting for most of the flight. So I look for 30-40A setups that give me 65W/lb or better at full throttle and figure on 1/2 - 2/3 throttle for just flying around.

Martin

Martin

[KOMET 44]

Here you go guys, No. of cells 10s Li-Poly
RPM/V 235 RMP/V
Max. efficiency 91%
Max. efficiency current 23 - 57 A (>85%)
No load current / 10 V 1,8 A
Current capacity 72 A/20 s
Internal Resistance 45 mohm
Dimensions (diameter. x lenght) 63x64 mm
Shaft diameter 8 mm
Weight with cables 652 g
Recomended model weight 4800 - 6500 g
Recomended prop without gearbox F3A 10s Li-Poly 22"x12"APC-E

Martin I like to agree with your thinking. R101 problem is that he needs nose weight to get correct C of G.Most of B-USA planes are desgined fro gas engine. P.S. Looking great so far R101.

KOMET44

[Martin Irvine]

Hi Komet:
Hmmm... Is the efficiency reallythat high? And I would expect the 22X12 will pull 60A.

Sorry if that seems negative. Good point about nose weight though. Maybe some of those high capacity NiMh (4300 etc.) would be a good alternative.

Martin

[8kasl]

R101,You look a little young there to be into Giant Scale so soon!!!Really nice picture and the 28 looks so good in the bones!I ordered the aluminum cowl with the plans and it adds around 6-7 oz. I believe.I'm going with the 4130/20 and will be mounting the batts thru the firewall as far forward as necessary.I'll post some pics. soon of where I'm at with my 28 and now have the time to finish it.You did a real nice job framing your plane!
Rich

[R101]

Rich

I will be interested to see where you are fitting your flight pack.

I am still wondering about how to do that bit.

Did you check your wing incidences?

There is no mention of a fairing between the last lower former and the tailpost and it looks a bit daft without one to cover the tailskid.

I didn't get on too well trying to fit the ply decking, so used balsa.

Lew

[thunder1]

I ran a web motor calculator on the 5330 F3A with 10s and a 22x12 prop. The amp draw is 115! With a 9s and an 18x10 prop the amp draw is about 50. The static thrust is around 16 lbs at a pitch speed of 65 MPH.

The Master Airscrew wood scimitar props work very well on electric motors. They look great too.

http://www.masterairscrew.com/woodscimitar/

[8kasl]

A 22x12 on 6s might work---just a wild guess.65 MPH on a wwI fighter would be close to twice the scale speed and flight times would be around 3 mins unless you run car battery???R101,I have a tunnel just below the motor mount box that's 21/2" wide by 2" high and allows a long pack or packs to extend to the front of the cowl.I'll get some pics of it for you soon.Also,I can mount short LIPO packs to the front of the firewall on all 4 sides of the motor box.Pics, are worth a thousand words!
Rich

[8kasl]

Lew,Here's the pics.The fuse breaks just behind the cockpit--4 1/4x20 nylon bolts,the cowl is held with 5 3/16" neo magnets(works really good!!!,the hole below the motor box is where long packs such as IB3800-4200 packs go thru the firewall.Scratch-building allows for a lot of modifications and makes for an easier IC to E conversion.The main reason for breaking the Fus. in 2 pcs. is for transportation and ease of storage.The Rudder & Elevator servos will be cantilevered into the forward Fus. for balance reasons and ease of hook-up.Hope this helps. :D
Rich

[R101]

Rich

Thanks for the pictures - very informative.

I'll try to fix the packs alonside the motor box if I can.

Lew

[feathermerchant]

FYI I have had real problems getting real world numbers out of the cals programs when using LiPos or outrunners. So some actual numbers may help. I converted a CG Curtiss Hawk P6. They used a 1.20 4 stroke and 1lb of lead in the nose. Others are using small gas engines. I used a 5330/18 on 8S Tanic 4350 and an APCE 20X10. I actually have this setup on another plane as well and it draws the same - 65A 1700W
It is plenty of power on the 14.5lb bipe to fly it fast. If you want to slow it down use an APCE 20X8. You'll have ~17lb thrust.
On both planes I am using a Castle 45HV. They gave it the 45A designation before they had tested it to see how it would do so it turns out to be very underrated.
The motor weighs 23oz and the batteries a total of 32oz.
If you want to turn a larger prop you can use the F3A or 5330/24. I do not have any test data on either.
The reason I'm using 2 4S packs is that one by itself flies my 40 sized pattern planes great.

[LaxLife]

I just repowered a GP Super Stearman with the Axi 5330/24 on 10s with a 22" Mejzlik prop I'm getting 2100 watts at 55 amps through a Jeti90 ESC. My AUW is 17.0 lbs. I think you're on the verge of being overpowered at 12 lbs. Going to a smaller prop will help but it might be better to use a smaller motor (not what you want to hear at this late stage I'm sure).

[R101]

As pointed out above, 12lbs may be a conservative estimate on my part, so it's probably better that I wait and see what the final AUW turns out to be.

[8kasl]

At 60W lb which is all we need for scale like flight on these WWI fighters,all you need for a 14# plane is around 8-900W.The 4130/20 is good for 12-1500W.This is the motor I'm using in mine and if you need the nose wt. just use round cells or more LIPOs in P.
Rich

[R101]

Rich
I agree with your motor choice, but I have the 5330 spare so hoping to tame it to suit the power requirement.
Am in the process of covering the model.

[8kasl]

Cooper,are you still out there?Did you paint or fly yet?

[cooper998]

8kasl,
I am still here in building bliss (my shop). This past winter had me doing too many outside projects (I build large static planes for an ad agency) and I still need to do a couple of little things on the Nieuport before paint. Its just little things like machine gun mounts and flying wire attach points. The good news is I only have one plane to finish up before I can get back to the N28 and thats a Page Aviation Supercub to be used for aerotowing at my club field. Soon, very soon!

cooper998

[R101]

Nieuport now covered. Weight is 7lb 4 oz.

Incidences of both wings are +2 deg relative to the stab.

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/Nieuport%20Covered%20b%2022-04-07.jpg

[jimsz]

Looks great!

[8kasl]

R101,Is that Super Coverite?Sure looks good and is nice and lite!
Rich

[8kasl]

Coop,Nice to hear you will soon be finished!Do you have anyone who can shoot some video for you after you get it flying?Sure would like to see some video.It's too bad that you and R101 live so far apart.It would be great to see a pair of 28s in formation!

[Martin Irvine]

7lb 4 oz. is pretty good for an "overweight" kit. You shold have it completed for 8lb or a touch more. Add power and radio and you at, what? 12lb? 13lb?

Looks really pretty. What colour scheme are you planning to do?

Martin

[R101]

Rich

It is polyester tissue which I think is called Polyspan over there?

It is light and strong, but not as ding proof as Solartex.

Lew

[R101]

AUW, unpainted and no detail or rigging is 10lbs 12oz

I still need to add the spreader bar before test flying.

With the LiPos (8S 3250 Tanics) in the cowl the model is badly noseheavy, so I'll need to make provision for and access to them behind the firewall which means a hatch, something I hate doing because I find it difficult - any ideas?

[feathermerchant]

Depending on tthe cowl shape, You may be able to hide them on a shelf along the bottom of the fuselage but still inside the cowl.

As you finish the plane it should get more tail heavy right?
The 8S 3250's sound good for power BTW.

[R101]

Yes - the CG will go back as the paint etc is added, but the vbattery will still need to be rear of the cowl.
I had thought of cutting a big slot in the firewall and sliding the LiPos in from the front, but that big cut might compromise the strength.
Still thinking.......

[ElectRick]

I don't think it would, as long as it isn't a huge cutout. Remember that you're not dealing with the torque pulses and vibration that glow or gas engines make. Structure designed for wet power is overbuilt for electric.
What shape is your pack? If it's a long skinny one (or can be taped together that way), you'd be golden.

I cut a big hatch in between the cabanes on my Great Planes PT-17 for my 8S2P 8000 pack. I can't tell any structural loss of strength from doing it. If you keep the hatch between formers and stringers, the strength loss would be minimal. I needed a lot of weight up front, and the 2 4S2P packs on top of each other right behind the firewall balanced it perfectly.

Great job so far on the build. Nose heavy on a WWI subject is a good problem to have. :D

Edit: Just had a thought. Instead of moving the power batteries behind the firewall and cutting a hatch, why not just leave them in the cowl and mount a receiver/flight pack battery somewhere aft for balancing? A 1600 or 1800 Mah 5 cell pack should be heavy enough to balance out with that long tail moment, and you could fly all day with no worries on a single charge.

Rick

[R101]

OK - butchered a hole in the port side for the battery pack.

There are hatches on the full-size around here, so perhaps I can make up those for access.

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/Nieuport%20Battery%20Hatch.jpg

[feathermerchant]

I'd finish it a little more before committing to battery location.

[R101]

The model is almost ready to go as I usually test fly before applying the paint job, so I need to fit the battery somewhere.

[feathermerchant]

K
Good luck with the maiden.

[8kasl]

Lew,From the pic. it looks like your going to mount the ESC on the front of the firewall.Is that right?Anyway,good luck with the maiden and many happy flights.How's the weather over there?Here in the states it's pretty bad and where I live @ 8000' in Colorado it snowed yesterday and the wind has been blowing too hard to fly much of anything.
Rich

[R101]

Rich
Yes I intend mounting the ESC on the firewall. I can access the connections if I pass the wires through the firewall into the hatch area.

I checked the CG with the batteries in place behind the firewall and the model is now only slightly nose heavy.

Hopefully I can move the NiCd about to get a final balance after painting.

The maiden fright is on hold at the moment as I am having trouble getting a prop driver to suit the motor.

Weather here is spring like, but, being Scotland, if you don't like the weather - wait 20 mins and you'll get something different!

Lew

[John Z]

R101, Your weather sounds like ours over here in Northern Michigan. LOL

[feathermerchant]

I thought it was Texas...

[8kasl]

Lew,John,The first thing I heard when I moved from California to the San Luis Valley of Colorado was "if you don't like the weather here,just wait 10 mins."The weather here changes very rapidly I think due to the fact that we are around 8000' ASL and surrounded by mountains that are mostly over 13000'The mt. behind my place is Mt. Blanca and is 14,345'.It's just 3 miles to the base from here.Being closer to the jetstream is a factor I believe.
Rich

[8kasl]

Lew,John,The first thing I heard when I moved from California to the San Luis Valley of Colorado was "if you don't like the weather here,just wait 10 mins."The weather here changes very rapidly I think due to the fact that we are around 8000' ASL and surrounded by mountains that are mostly over 13000'The mt. behind my place is Mt. Blanca and is 14,345'.It's just 3 miles to the base from here.Being closer to the jetstream is a factor I believe. :rolleyes: BTW,here's a pic from my backyard.I live on 8Ac. and have a 700'x50' runway on the property.Can you say Giant Scale Heaven? :D
Rich

[R101]

Very impressive - how does the height ASL affect the models?

[8kasl]

I've seen more drag reduction than loss of lift.It's harder to get them down if they are relatively light in wing loading.Most mono wing planes seem to retain their speed more but bipes slow pretty good.
I have a question Lew;how much do your batts weigh and about how far forward of the CG on the plans does your 28 balance at?
I also have a 5330/18 laying around waiting to go in a BUSA 1/3 scale Sopwith Pup.I haven't started the Pup yet as I need to finish the Nieuport.The Pup will be built from plans like the 28 and should come in at around 22-23 Lbs.Here's a pic of a 1/3 Pup I built back in 92.It weighed 28 Lbs.with a Quadra 50.I used 2mm stainless stranded fishing wire used on trawlers for the flying wires because they were very close to scale in dia. but there was over a pound of wt. increase but the Pup was a floater at 28 lbs. since it had over 4000 sq.in. wing area--heck,it could have weighed over 50 lbs.and still good. :DAt the time the picture was taken it was unfinished and I was still dialling it in for ballance and trims.It was modeled after "N5180" at Old Warden museum in the UK and was said to be the only Pup still flying after the war and has been restored twice since 1925 or so.N5180 saw action and shot down German fighters so it wasn't just one that never saw combat! :eek:
Rich

[R101]

The Tanic LiPos weigh 1.5 lbs

The CG is about 3/16" in front of the plan mark.

All of my previous biplanes have relied on the rigging wire, but not this Nieuport.

[8kasl]

BTW,I spent over 11 mos. building that plane and around 900 hrs. but enjoyed every minute!Next year I plan on building a 40% version for a 15 Hp. gas thumper.It will have a span of 129.6" and weigh around 55-60 lbs. :eek:

[8kasl]

Thanks Lew,that helps--I guess I better get busy finishing mine.

[R101]

First flight of Nieuport this evening.

No problems encountered and it is easy to fly.

The power from the motor is more than enough and take off was at less than half throttle.

It flew for about 7 mins, but I still have to work out the duration.

Guess I had better order up some paint now.

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/28%20at%20field%201-5-07e.jpg
http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/28%20flying%201-5-07b.jpg

[cooper998]

Congratulations on a first flight, now I am getting jealous! I definitly need to get back to mi ne and finish it up

cooper998

[8kasl]

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!
Cooper,I need to get busy on mine too.Just been busy fixn my water well and it's damn inconvenient without water.
Rich

[8kasl]

Oh,Lew,I'd give my right arm to fly at a field like that!Even though I have a great runway on my property,it's dirt.Is that your place or a club field?
Rich

[Martin Irvine]

Very nice! Love those Nieuports.

What is you static amp draw?

Martin

[R101]

It is our local club field in central Scotland which is on an old landfill site.

I have still to measure the amp draw - I'll report back when done.

Here is a picture of a very nervous me opening the throttle for that first flight.

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/28%20take%20off%201-5-07.jpg

[LaxLife]

Congratulations on the maiden! Beautiful plane and the scale is awesome!

[8kasl]

Surely you guys must know someone with a video camera?

[8kasl]

Any updates yet on the flights?

[R101]

Sorry - weather been too bad here for flying - however, the model is now painted and a bit of detail added.
Awaiting the decals ordered from BUSA.

[R101]

Waiting for weather to improve before flying again....
http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/28%20painted%20e.jpg

[John Z]

Beautiful paint! What did you use?

[R101]

Liquitex Acrylics

[8kasl]

Lew,Looks great.How much weight did the paint add?The picture looks like the weather is fine--is the wind a problem?Just tie a string to the nose and fly it like a kite--hahaha.

[dottney]

Lew,
I hope the weather clears in Scotland soon. That plane looks fantastic.
Dave

[R101]

The weather here was better today, so managed 2 flights.

A short video was taken which I hope will be available to view soon, but in the meantime here are a couple of photos.

http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/Nieuport%20at%20field%202-06-07.jpg
http://www.weaver19.eclipse.co.uk/Nieuport%20flying%202-06-07b.jpg

[R101]

Short video of the take off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uY2Q94THh4

[John Z]

Beautiful plane there. But I thought electrics were supposed to be quiet.....sounds more like a big 2 stroke LOL.

[thunder1]

Yeah, It's nearly impossible to get the glow/gas guys at my field to keep their motors quiet, even for a few minutes. Shame, really.

That's a really short takeoff! What's the RTF weight?

[R101]

RTF weight is about 12 lbs

Today's landing shot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3XFs6a3ndE

[thunder1]

Wow, it sure looks like it floats right in. Terrific job!

[R101]

Yep - great flyer - hangs a bit though when turning right against the torque.

[ElectRick]

Beautiful plane there. But I thought electrics were supposed to be quiet.....sounds more like a big 2 stroke LOL.

That sounded like a big electric, with a four stroke running in the background. ;)

Absolutely gorgeous aircraft. It seems to be just a big kite. It's amazing that it came out so light as an electric. That's actually lighter than a gas version, isn't it? It gives me some motivation to perhaps finally begin on mine soon. :D

Rick

[viva_peru]

Hello guys,

I have been following this thread with a lot of interest because I have been considering building one of Balsa USA´s WWI planes. Seeing the finished product and videos convinced me that "I really need one". Now, I just hope that I can build one that will look as nice when finished...

The one that has caught my eye is the 1/4 scale Sopwith Pup, although I might also go for one of the Nieuports (11, 17 or 28). This would be my first attemp at a truly large electric plane and I had a couple of questions regarding the power system:

1) I already have an AXI 4130/16 which could probably spin a 17x8 or 17x10 inch prop on 18-20 cells (or 6S lithium). All in all, I am looking at about 1100 W of available power. I woulp prop the plane for about 50 amps at WOT. Would this work or is a higher voltage system and the 4131/20 a must?

2) I was curious to know what prop was actually used in the Nieuport 28. I have checked the website mentioned at the begining of the thread as well and have not been able to figure it out. I suspect it is a 20" prop, but do not know the pitch.

I have run the numbers through some of the Calc programs and it seems very doable with what I have, but given a choice, I would much rather use someone´s advice who has some experience in the matter. Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance,

Teo

[feathermerchant]

The 17X8 is doable on 6S. Just watch the temps. You probably won't be zoomig around at WOT anyway.

[8kasl]

Cooper,Any new developments on your 28?
Rich :confused:

[cooper998]

Rich,
No updates, I keep looking at it in the shop but too many other projects. Lately I have been bombarded with builds for other people as well as for one retail outlet not to mention the four 1/4 scale Lasers I need to build for an ad agency (I do tend to keep busy) I have also been getting into gliders more lately and even managed a first in novice class at a contest at our field.
As much as I would like to see it finished and flown, it may just be next winters work.

cooper998

[8kasl]

Boy do I understand the "busy" thing!I too haven't touched my 28 in about a mo.1/2.Just too many "must do" projects,but have decided to donate 1-2 hrs a day to the 28 in a Mo. or so.If I can finish the 28 this Summer,and I think I can,I'll start the 1/3 Pup this Winter from plans.See ya in the Spring and try not to build yourself to death.
Rich