Advanced Scale Models Pitts

[Darren 0]

but this Sunday looks sweet ........

 

Couldn't decide what to do about the needle valve extension, so just cut a hole on the top of the cowl.

 

So, it should be ready for engine runs and who knows what might happen

[Darren 0]

 

and time to draw this thread to an end.

 

The weather was good and no excuse for putting it off any longer. Until I arrived at the field, the OS hadn't seen a drop of fuel so we'd have to see how it goes.

 

I should have known better, a bit of fuel, needle valve open 2.5 turns as it says in the book and a reverse flick against the compression and it sprung into life.

 

Throttling and running didn't miss a beat and after 3/4 tank Jimbo and I agreed that it couldn't be put off any longer.

 

So after a quick refuel and waiting for an appropriate slot (Roger's ultimate and Steve's panic seemed right) we went for it.

 

Unsure of what the ground handling would be like I opened the throttle slowly and by half throttle and half the strip it was in the air OK, full throttle and a gentle climb out. It needed a click of left and a few of down. With the OS 120AX purring away a few slow handling circuits to build up confidence and check the stall it was going great.

 

A few practice approaches and it was time to land. Jimbo was saying "you'll need plenty of elevator on the flare to stop it nosing over" as it touched down and I didn't give it the elevator it needed. Oh well, I'll know for next time.

 

So in conclusion, the model goes together quickly, looks great and assembles into a very light Pitts. In the winter sun the Yellow and Black colour scheme really comes to life. The OS 120AX 2 stroke has bags of power, is really quiet and even in it's rich running in state does the job well. With a few more tanks of fuel through it I'm sure it'll get even better - I might have to go up from the 16x8

 

PROS: I like the plastic bodywork, the OS120AX, it's looks and the final weight

CONS: Still not convinced about the interwing link horns and the pushrods provided by the kit (but I am very fussy about these and think that all kits should have fittings from Pete Tindal )

 

Thanks to Jimbo and Nutz for the pics

Edited December 17, 2006 by Guest

[Nutz 0]

I am glad the pictures came out OK and that you had a very nice & might I say impressive first flight.

 

I like the touch down pic, it clearly shows you need a bit more up elevator. As always the OS always provides more than enough power for the job.

 

Did you settle on the 90° exhaust converter and the PBOX silencer?

Because the sound was very smooth.

[Darren 0]

Yep, the standard Powerbox silencer and the 90 twist adapter.

[Darren 0]

LOL Joe, I think it has the potential to become my regular hack - it was that good.

 

I have a couple of ideas for simple mods to help making rigging a bit simpler and as long as those horns stand up to frequent use. I think the carbon fibre versions are going to be needed for the future.

[Jimbo 0]

Well done Darren - an almost perfect first flight (more up!!!).

 

As everyone says, she looks great in the air - I can't wait for us to do some circuits together!

 

(Nice pics Leon)

[Lofty 5]

Looked nice and sounded nice....

 

Can't wait an-till you and Jimbo do some paired flying