MINIMAX Thoughts

[Griphon]

I just recieved a MiniMax that my grandfather had started, and the only thing left for me to do is build the wing and cover her. I was wondering if anyone has built/flown one of these, and had any suggestions for what I could do to improve her.

I'm thinking of putting in spoilers, which I didn't see on the plans. I'm also thinking of building a second fuse and putting on an electric motor, but that will be after I get the wing done first.

Thanks for the input.

[histarter]

I just recieved a MiniMax that my grandfather had started, and the only thing left for me to do is build the wing and cover her. I was wondering if anyone has built/flown one of these, and had any suggestions for what I could do to improve her.

I'm thinking of putting in spoilers, which I didn't see on the plans. I'm also thinking of building a second fuse and putting on an electric motor, but that will be after I get the wing done first.

Thanks for the input.
Minimax is a floater estreme. Great for Washington state where wind rarely gets above 6 mph. Even then it required ballast, so think in these terms. In my evaluation, it flys so slow that spoilers for landing control is not critical however, they tend to climb high rather abrubtly in lift, so spoilers would be a good idea, along with learning to fly it inverted.

[Wake Turbulence]

I had one, it could thermal on a fart. I would increase the size of the rudder. it turns like a wet sponge. I would hit the rudder and it might think about turning. Also, you might want to keep it up wind of you because it does fly
slooow.

Good luck
Charlie

[bobby legue]

The e powered motor will come in handy for pulling it out of a thermal. I lost mine to an agressive thermal where it just dissapeared.
Ballast was a non issue as it so draggy anyway. Draggy as in sssooo ssslllooowww.
Bob

[Wake Turbulence]

Maybe taking a couple of bays out of the wing will help it turn better and not thermal out of sight, perhaps fly a little faster. :confused:

[erich]

Didn't the Minimax come in 2 or 3 sizes? What the wingspan on yours? Would love to see some photos of plane when you get er done.

erich

[Griphon]

From what I can recall, there where three different minimax sizes. This is the ten foot wing. Glad to see that I should be concerned with the tiny rudder that my grandfather built. I'm hoping to start a build log of the wing once I get the SW II, and two others off the board (I miss my house).

[seanpcola]

I have a Minimax 1000E (10') kit unstarted. Have been promising myself that I will get to it someday but, you know how that goes. I have heard the same things as mentioned above about how it floats and how it turns poorly. I planned on building mine w/o the Ep setup, possibly add a little extra strength to the wing but intend on making it otherwise stock. Reading this thread through, I guess I better do some planning on the rudder upgrade too.

[jbeanelliott]

I would greatly like to read the build log too.

In case anyone is interested the MiniMax website is at
http://www.4fly.com/

Word as of Dec 30, 2007 was that MiniMax was finishing up their new building but were slowed by legal problems with the building contractor. They thought they would be back in business soon.

See also the recent thread titled "Minimax 1750" at
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8795129&highlight=4fly+com#post8795129

-John Elliott (Seattle)

[tinkrerpilot]

Wow! Glad to see you guys here.

Griphon, you could build a second fuse and put e-power to it. You would be surprised and how well it flys. Not to sure of the mods to the fuse for strength. seanpcola has the e version and may be able to help there. I have a 1000X standard kit ready for the building board.

Minimax offered them in three sizes with variances in each, the 750 (2m), 1000x and e version, then the big 1750 at 16 feet of wing. Hopefully Minimax will be up and running soon. The legal problems are really hurting them with the building. Recent e-mails said it would be soon.
one note worth mentioning, was at the last NW model Expo that they were there, in talking to them with the 750 version. They had a PeeWee .020 mounted on the front of the plane with a video that showed it climbing almost out sight before the engine quit. Pretty impressive for such and engine/plane cmbination. Think that was back in 2000. Thinking of doing a build thread when I get it going. I would say build it, fly it and enjoy it, you really can't go wrong with it, unless you lose it in a thermal.

Regards,
tink

[varoman1]

I still fly my Minimax 1000. It is probably a little heavy at 31 oz. Launches great with a small 2 meter highstart. Does not go searching for thermals. Wait for the thermal to come to you! When it starts getting too high, I usually spin it (full left and full up) but sometimes it continues going up nearly out of site. So large spoilers would be a good thing. A quick turn happens within ten seconds of stick movement. Seriously, the plane is a lot of fun.


Andy

[tinkrerpilot]

seanpcola

Can you post a picture of the nose section from the plans so that I may see what the difference is between the glider anad the "e" powered version is! Would be greatly apprecieated.

tink