| < RE: Note 840.0 by TARKIN::HARTWELL "Dave Hartwell" >
I've built two Kougars so I guess i'm qualified to answer this
(I got a third one this christmas, still in the box).
Paint is DEFINITELY the way to go. I monocoated my first one but you're
right, the turtle deck is a real pain. The only thing that you can do
if you're going that route is to pop the bubbles with a straight pin
as they occur and iron them down. I did fiberglass & paint on my last
one and it came out VERY nice.
About the only thing that you can do about the turtle deck & vertical
stab is to keep filling and sanding til it looks right, I don't have
an easy out there.
It sounds like your balance problem isn't really a problem. Since the
Kougar is low wing and doesn't have a bunch of dihedral, the CG is
ABOVE the wing. When you tip it forward the CG rotates to the front and
when you tip it backward the CG rotates to the rear, causing the "wierd
balance problem" that you're seeing. The way around this is to balance
it with the plane inverted (wheels up). I used a FOX .45 for power and
wound up adding two or three ounces of lead to the tail. Since the FOX
is rather heavy, your OS might come out just about right.
!
--+--
G. Schrader o___<0>___o CSS::SCHRADER
* * *
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| Dave, I've built two Kougars in my modeling career.
A couple of suggestions.
1) Balance the plane for CG at the leading edge of the wing tip.
Don't go by the plans.
2) Change the rudder position. Move it back and make a new rudder
that extends all the way down to the bottom of the fuse.
3) Item #2 will require that you go with a split elevator.
4) Use a "Y" pushrod for the elevator.
5) When you join the wing set it up so that the top of the wing
is flat. you will be reducing the dihedral but what called for
isn't necessary.
6) Mount the engine upright or side mounted. the 45 degree
mounting usually pushed the oil right onto the wing.
7) Run a Rossi 40-45,Pico 45,Supertiger 45 ABC,
In other words cram the most HP you can into the ship.
8) Use Epoxy to glue the wing skins to the foam.
9) Build it STRAIGHT.
10)Use a different mount that what is supplied in the kit.
That's enough for now.
Tom
P.S. I think SS planes are over priced. A Balsa USA Smoothie flies
as well but for 1/2 the cost.
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| I balance all of my low wing planes inverted to get the cg below
the support point. I put a small level on top (a little plastic
one) right near the correct cg and adjust until the fuse is level.
I made a little balancer that has 1/4 inch dowels with v shaped
pencil erasers on the top sticking out of a board. I set the plane
on this upside down to balance. This is more accurate than using
your fingers. It's also easier if you don't have help. I try to
do this before determining the location of servos, battery, receiver.
Charlie
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