Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
I did the decals last night and checked the CG. Just a tad nose heavy at 5.5 inches. The bathroom scale gave 13 pounds so I'm less than 14 pounds dry. Very pleased with the plane. I will try a APC 16x6 on the 120 Saito. I don't need speed but would like big loops.
Carl
Carl
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
If any of you guys are at a point before you mount the engine, could you weigh the airplane without the engine (and radio if possible)?
Carl, is 13 lb with or without engine? I am wanting to do an electric conversion of this plane, and I need some semi-accurate airframe weights minus engine/radio to plug in to my power calculator. Just minus engine is OK, since I can estimate what the average radio weighs easily. I would convert the elevators to a split dual pushrod setup and cable actuated pull-pull rudder, if it were me. No joiners needed for the elevator halves, and a measure of safety built in if an elevator clevis or pushrod fails.
Rick
Carl, is 13 lb with or without engine? I am wanting to do an electric conversion of this plane, and I need some semi-accurate airframe weights minus engine/radio to plug in to my power calculator. Just minus engine is OK, since I can estimate what the average radio weighs easily. I would convert the elevators to a split dual pushrod setup and cable actuated pull-pull rudder, if it were me. No joiners needed for the elevator halves, and a measure of safety built in if an elevator clevis or pushrod fails.
Rick
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
I used a bathroom scale which is just pounds. My weight is less than 14 pounds but I don't know accurately what the weight is. The Saito is 30 ounces so the plane without my engine is less than 12 pounds.
Carl
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
I just took the supplied decals over to a lady that does vinyl graphics and she just makes copies of them. They look real good and are fuel proof.
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
I just ordered a PT-17 from the Tower scratch and dent. NIB except missing the manual; dummy engine; and dummy pilots. Manual is online and already downloaded. Cost was $266 minus the current $15 coupon so got it for $251. Plus the Super Saver Club freebies of a Hobbico socket driver set and Hobbico screwdriver set.
I love Tower Hobbies!
I love Tower Hobbies!
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
Now you can get two different pilots! Way to go. I will take mine to the field tomorrow a give it a through check out may be maiden if the wind is not bad.
Carl
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
the vinyl just gives the model a cleaner look. You don't have the extra clear backing on the vinyl graphics and they don't yellow.
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
I got my maiden today between rain showers. What a big P cat to fly. Loops, Cuban eights, slow rolls, wing overs, inverted, slips, a bit of a knife edge on accident and touch and goes. CG right at the mark with the Saito 120. Nicely done Great Planes.
I should have pics soon.
Carl
I should have pics soon.
Carl
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
Good job Carl, looks real nice. So you think the Saito 120 is the ticket? I'm still wondering if the 120 or the 150 is the way to go. Personally I would like to go with the Saito 120 myself.
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
It all depends on your flying style and what you want the plane to do. GP says a 91 four stroke flys it and I believe it will for scale flight. I think the Saito 100 would be nice replacing one of the seven cylinders like I did with the 120 but its 8 ounces lighter, would need to make the tail lighter. The 120 flies it very well and I am real happy with it but its not a 3d machine with this motor. Keep it light and you could use a smaller motor. Pull pull on the rudder would remove about 18 grams from the rear. Moving all the servos forward would help also. I think its possible to get this under 13 pounds with some work. Note my battery pack is on the top of the motor mount and I didn't add lead.
Carl
Carl
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
ORIGINAL: Hellcat716
Just finishing up the Stearman. Have only spent a couple of weeks putting this airplane together and the process has gone really well. Installed a YS 91 and a five cell six volt battery over the engine and the plane balanced perfectly at five and one half inches from the leading edge of the top wing. I have ordered some vinyl graphics which should be done by next friday then she will be ready to fly. Will let you all know how the maiden flight goes.
Just finishing up the Stearman. Have only spent a couple of weeks putting this airplane together and the process has gone really well. Installed a YS 91 and a five cell six volt battery over the engine and the plane balanced perfectly at five and one half inches from the leading edge of the top wing. I have ordered some vinyl graphics which should be done by next friday then she will be ready to fly. Will let you all know how the maiden flight goes.
Who did you order the vinyl graphics from, what did you order, and how much did they cost?
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
Had the maiden flight yesterday and flew awesome with the YS 91. The vinyl decals were purchased from a local signmasters shop here in Las Vegas. Cost about $20.00 for a double set. I think that they came out real good. I had the battery over the engine mount, but I am going to move it inside under the receiver for more tail weight. Seems to run out of elevator when I get slow in the flare. I have nothing bad to say about this plane except for the covering job. TERRIBLE!
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
hellcat, who did you order the vinyl graphics through? I am thinking of ordering some also, and if someone already has them setup...
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
I have this kit as well and have been very pleased with it so far. The only overall complaint I have is how puny the dummy radial engine looks in comparison to the full scale version.
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RE: Great Planes PT- 17 Stearman ARF
The store name is SIGNMASTERS here in Las Vegas, NV. There phone number is (702) 456-5177. Ask for Kelly and tell here Greg had these vinyl decals made a couple weeks ago for the PT-17 Stearman and she should be able to pull them up on her disc. Mention the three color numbers(white,black and red #830 on the fuselage side and she will remember what set it is.
There address is 3514 E. Tropicana Ave
Suite 4
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Fax# (702)456-2917
There address is 3514 E. Tropicana Ave
Suite 4
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Fax# (702)456-2917