I just got back from putting in the maiden and 3 other flights on my new Spitfire. Wow, what a beautiful flier! It's off the grass in only a few feet and has plenty of power. I am waiting for my graphics from Callie so I flew her naked. She flew so nice, that by the 3rd flight Jeff (CN_Iceman) and I were trying very loose formations. My third and 4th landings were so smooth even with a stiff crosswind by keeping the flaps up. Now to start using my new airbrush and practice first.
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Originally posted by slamdance64 View PostI just got back from putting in the maiden and 3 other flights on my new Spitfire. Wow, what a beautiful flier! It's off the grass in only a few feet and has plenty of power. I am waiting for my graphics from Callie so I flew her naked. She flew so nice, that by the 3rd flight Jeff (CN_Iceman) and I were trying very loose formations. My third and 4th landings were so smooth even with a stiff crosswind by keeping the flaps up. Now to start using my new airbrush and practice first.
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It was fun flying with two spits in the air at the same time. A little nerve racking but fun. I must admit this plane didnt seem to mind the wind either. Flight 17 in the books
We were going to try and take off at the same time but the wind gusts added to the pucker factory. Maybe next time we can get a video of the two planes at take off.
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Originally posted by CDN_Iceman View Post
It was fun flying with two spits in the air at the same time. A little nerve racking but fun. I must admit this plane didnt seem to mind the wind either. Flight 17 in the books
We were going to try and take off at the same time but the wind gusts added to the pucker factory. Maybe next time we can get a video of the two planes at take off.
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Here's another heads up about loose screws. Was making one of my usuall nice landings with the Spit yesterday when it suddenly ground looped, tore out a main gear and broke a prop blade. On closer inspection, I realized that the little screw that keeps the wheel going straight had worked it's way out. It goes through the lower part of the strut and slides up and down within a slot in the upper part of the strut. Normally it is the scissor that performs this function but, as with many other models, this screw/pin along with a spring sliding in the slot allows the travel up and down of the strut and maintains longitudinal stability at the same time. Any way, you might want to check those screw/pins and throw a little thread locker in there. Brad
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Originally posted by downwindleg View PostHere's another heads up about loose screws. Was making one of my usuall nice landings with the Spit yesterday when it suddenly ground looped, tore out a main gear and broke a prop blade. On closer inspection, I realized that the little screw that keeps the wheel going straight had worked it's way out. It goes through the lower part of the strut and slides up and down within a slot in the upper part of the strut. Normally it is the scissor that performs this function but, as with many other models, this screw/pin along with a spring sliding in the slot allows the travel up and down of the strut and maintains longitudinal stability at the same time. Any way, you might want to check those screw/pins and throw a little thread locker in there. Brad
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Originally posted by downwindleg View PostHere's another heads up about loose screws. Was making one of my usuall nice landings with the Spit yesterday when it suddenly ground looped, tore out a main gear and broke a prop blade. On closer inspection, I realized that the little screw that keeps the wheel going straight had worked it's way out. It goes through the lower part of the strut and slides up and down within a slot in the upper part of the strut. Normally it is the scissor that performs this function but, as with many other models, this screw/pin along with a spring sliding in the slot allows the travel up and down of the strut and maintains longitudinal stability at the same time. Any way, you might want to check those screw/pins and throw a little thread locker in there. Brad
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Originally posted by shocktrooper View Post
Speaking of ground loops...I am having nothing but grief with MY spit! So far...2 for 2! She rolls out long and smooth with gradual progressive power applied, gets about 3 -4 feet off the ground and rolls hard over to the left with no way to save it! So far...2 sets of broken props and now twice damaged the wing tip and leading edge...also...this time both of the mains ripped out! I am so very in the dark about what is happening with this bird. The first time, I thought maybe I lifted her off too soon and/or got into the power to sudden...today, I let her roll till she lifted off on her own, and BAM!...same thing as the first time and both times, hard roll to the left...suddenly. I ALWAYS do a tedious and spot on set up, CG 90mm with a Great Planes balance stand and control throws tool, etc, etc. I DO KNOW HOW TO SET UP A big or a small FOAMIE WARBIRD AND FLY ONE TOO...but I dang sure can't seem to even get this one around the pattern just once for a maiden flight! I will listen to all and anyone.
Jeff
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Originally posted by shocktrooper View Post
Speaking of ground loops...I am having nothing but grief with MY spit! So far...2 for 2! She rolls out long and smooth with gradual progressive power applied, gets about 3 -4 feet off the ground and rolls hard over to the left with no way to save it! So far...2 sets of broken props and now twice damaged the wing tip and leading edge...also...this time both of the mains ripped out! I am so very in the dark about what is happening with this bird. The first time, I thought maybe I lifted her off too soon and/or got into the power to sudden...today, I let her roll till she lifted off on her own, and BAM!...same thing as the first time and both times, hard roll to the left...suddenly. I ALWAYS do a tedious and spot on set up, CG 90mm with a Great Planes balance stand and control throws tool, etc, etc. I DO KNOW HOW TO SET UP A big or a small FOAMIE WARBIRD AND FLY ONE TOO...but I dang sure can't seem to even get this one around the pattern just once for a maiden flight! I will listen to all and anyone.
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Originally posted by CDN_Iceman View Post
Well I am sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time with your plane Shocktrooper. One thing you might want to check is the lateral balance of the plane. From everything you have written it sounds like a unique issue. While I have not done a lateral balance in a few years I do have one plane I was planning on checking. One of my larger cubs has a issue. I did trace it down the to the motor. You might want to look at the thrust angle. On my spitfire it looks like the center of the nose cone is in the center of the fuselage. Is your turned more one way or the other? I hope this helps or get others thinking of ides.
Jeff
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Originally posted by TiredIronGRB View Post
Are you running a gyro?
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Originally posted by shocktrooper View Post
No...not running a gyro. Considered it after the first crash, but decided maybe ; "It was just me". Anyone out there running a gyro on this Spit? I have not seen any bad reports that eluded to the possibility of needing one on this bird. Thx for your inquiry Tirediron.
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Originally posted by TiredIronGRB View Post
Just trying to figure out what's happening...she doesn't need a gyro...maybe you need more speed before rotation.
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Hello shocktrooper , I'm free to suggest a few objections, as TiredIronGRB said she need a higher speed, to avoid the stall, also control the thrust of motor ,right and down abt 2 dgrs, then it would be good had a tarmac runway ... i know ,I know... It's too much, but just my opinion.
Cheers
Mes
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I agree with the replies above. While extremely hard on grass ground speed is required. I did have the longest roll out yesterday and I was happy. I was able to maintain the tail up and rolled for a good 30+ or more before my take off. I do find the plane wants to take off early into the wind. Part of the challenge I have is holding it on the grass before the ground speed is there. On my big Extra I have enough power to take off in four feet so I am spoiled. I am up to my 21st flight now and still happy. Now if the rain would just stop here I would be happier.
Jeff
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I don't want to insult your intelligence shocktrooper but in the interest of isolating the cause have you checked that you don't have your aileron throws reversed? It's happened to me and pretty darn hard to get it back in one piece if you come off the ground. I of course , as I'm sure you do, check all throws before take off. It's just an easy one to overlook. One other thought, are both flaps equal up and down? Brad
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Originally posted by shocktrooper View Post
No...not running a gyro. Considered it after the first crash, but decided maybe ; "It was just me". Anyone out there running a gyro on this Spit? I have not seen any bad reports that eluded to the possibility of needing one on this bird. Thx for your inquiry Tirediron.
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