I've seen a fair amount of talk about doing an x-tail Prodij, but has anyone actually done one yet? Care to share pictures, describe the outcome?

I've got one on the way from Tom Copp of F3X and while it's a ways down the build queue, I'm toying with the idea of a conventional x-tail, including functional rudder. Would love to see if anyone has done this so far.

Steve

That sounds like a great idea Steve, but also sounds like a lot of work. I'm sure someone in euroland has done it?

I don't think it would be too bad at all, actually. I could use the same tail arrangement as on the Fish and so long as I keep the decalage the same as what's molded in the fuse, all should be well.

I'm sure it's been done before, just trying to find out who's done it

Steve

Thought about doing one on mine too.
Shouldn't be that hard using the V-tail mount as a reference.
Would you use glassed balsa? Bagged foam?

I've been schemeing a full flying stab, but will fly it V-tail first.

I haven't found the build very bothersome, although I found many complaints about a Prodij build out. Only reason mine is still not done is the number of projects I have going! Mine's all sanded- didn't care for the stock paint job. I made a sliding tray for the servos. V-tail folds flat for shipping.

Look at the nice install Dave Hauch did on a Prodij.
tricky to find- here ya go- http://www.rc-builds.com/newsmgr/tem...id=22&zoneid=1

Hope to see some x-tail solutions- good thread idea.

What material do want to use--custom molded glass or reinforced balsa?

I'd probably make mine from balsa and then glass it, because that's pretty easy to do with the materials & technology I have on hand

I've attached a quick & dirty drawing of what I'm thinking of... shouldn't be that hard to implement, right?

Steve

If you do it, you should license it

Wow Steve that looks good!

I've also got a Prodij on its way(allegedly in 2 weeks time).
I've always kept to X-tails which I prefer (better rudder authority, nicer looking).

Could well go down the road of X tail construction.
I would assume setting up the decalage for 0/0 degrees would be correect?

It'll be interesting to see if anyone posts a mod. thread.

If mine works out I'll post one.

Ps. Thanks Wingbeat for that excellent thread on servo installation

Cliff

what's the "end game" on this modification Steve? More rudder power? If you look at the way the tail is moulded it has a v-shape where the V-tail slots in. I guess you could fill this in with some triangle hardwood (or whatever) and mount the tail on top of that. Whether that would be enough of a platform for the tail, I'm not sure. but you could widen the platform either side of the fuse. Although the fuse is round at that point.

Running a pushrod through the fuse for the rudder shouldn't be that hard. I'm not sure how much rudder you could actually get if you ran the elevator pushrod out the back of the fuse as well. The horn would have to be fairly near the rudder, limiting it's movement. (the hole is the back of the fuse is a fairly small circle.

I say this assuming the Prodij is pretty much the same as the Miraj. i.e hole at the back of the fuse.

What i'm saying is hard to put down in words, but i know what i mean

Originally Posted by satinet

Running a pushrod through the fuse for the rudder shouldn't be that hard.

Tom - won't you be doing this anyway, to give rudder control on your upgraded(expensive!) V- tail?

I reckon I could utilise the hinged V-tail supplied as the horiz. stab/ elevator, and just build a similar sandwiched vert stab/rudder.

I've modified quite a few two axis models to give rudder control- I think it's a great idea having an X tail Prodij, and I'll definately be 'avinago

No news yet from South Coast Sailplanes?

Cliff, I'm not moding mine. Quite happy with a V-tail. but Steve obviously is well into his aerobatics.

the Miraj has pretty good rudder authority, but that's a larger plane altogether, so it's hard to compare.

Originally Posted by satinet

Cliff, I'm not moding mine. Quite happy with a V-tail. but Steve obviously is well into his aerobatics.

the Miraj has pretty good rudder authority, but that's a larger plane altogether, so it's hard to compare.

No, what I meant was, I'm sure you will be having a two servo system for your v tail to include rudder control- be a waste having only 2 axis control after the dosh we've spent thro' Mr Payne

Should be a great addition for the stronger winter winds- can't wait to get ballasted up and out to Rhossili

Cliff

Aye, he's not cheap.........

Yes i'll be having 4 axis control hopefully. although i need to work out a way to use my left stick for 4th axis (on a return spring), while still being able to put crow brakes out under a degree of control. No prob on the evo9 but the slider isn't that ergonomically friendly.......

Anything for a rudder, eh?

T

yeah planes do get a bit boring without..........