Conference vmszoo::rc

    I have just started scratch building a 1/4 scale SE5a from a set
    of Bill Effinger plans (WE Technical Services). Just starting to
    profile the balsa and ply parts now and collecting the necessary
    building materials. This thing is going to cost a bundle just in
    balsa and ply.
    
    The color scheme that is suggested is olive drab all over with cream
    under the wings. The rudder is blue, white and red. The markings
    are those of a SE5a that was flown by Mick Mannock (sp) who had
    73 ( thats a big number) kills to his credit. There is a large
    white V on the fuse and stab. 
    
    There is a SE5a prototype on display
    somewhere in London (I can get where from my doc at home).
    
    You can get some more info from Jim Pepino's Scale Plans and
    Documentation Service in Greensboro NC (see the classified ads in
    R/C mags for more complete address). He lists about 5 entries for
    this craft, both original and restored. He supplies pictures 
    of aircraft, both B&W and color. Each pack contain 5-20 pictures
    for about $5-20. There are a few other references that I can quote 
    but don't have the info here at work. 
    
    Let me know if you want more info and I'll post it or mail it you.
    
    -TomR-

    Thanks Tom,
    
    	Sounds like the colour scheme you suggest is the same as the one in
    the documentation accompanying my kit, for interest it also mentions
    another, bright yellow(this is for civilian SE5a craft, obviously
    without guns & roundels.).
    
    	Looks like I'll go with the original scheme, just thought it might
    be nice to see what else was available...
    
    -Trev

    
    I am familiar with the Flair SE5a. One of the guy's I fly with,Bob
    Spear who owns the distribution rights in the USA for Flair Models,
    has one built and flying. The only problem is the motor has a tendancy
    to overheat. The fix for this problem is on the top front section
    of the fuse there are 4 holes drilled cut a strip in between the
    front 2 holes and the back 2 holes to allow more air for cooling.
     As far as the O.S. 48 surpass I currently have 2 of them and I
    would not trade them for the world. I don't know if you bought this
    model off of Spear Enterprizes or not but I can give you his number
    off line,he might be able to help you a little better than I can.
    
                                      Jerry E.

    Hi Jerry,
    
    	Good to hear the  .48's are treasured, I just started mine up
    the other weekend for the first time...and it was a bit noisier
    than what I thought it would be..I do have a question though on
    Bob Spear's SE5a , how does he route the exhaust and what type/model
    silencer is he using? I hope to drop mine out throgh some vent holes
    at the bottom, directly below the engine compartment, but not too
    sure on how or what to use for silencing, any help here would be
    appreciated.
    
    	For overheating, well I've not got that far yet, still building,
    but have already thought of this somewhat and have opened up a hole in
    the front just behind the prop, also have vents in cowling for letting
    heat go out backwards. These may not be enough, but I'll wait for
    trials before carving any more of the cowl away unecessarily.
    
    Thanks for your valued comments, and sorry for the delayed reply to
    them.
    
    -Trev

    
    Just thought I'd update this note, over a year has passed now since my
    last note, and I am now in the finishing off stages, I have hand
    painted the top set of roundels last night and will begin work on the
    bottom wing set soon. My plan is to have it 100% complete by end of
    October this year!  I overcame the exhaust problem by purchasing from
    OS the flexible 12 inch exhaust pipe, the supplied silencer screws on
    the end to complete the job. I hope this good weather holds for the
    maiden flight...
    
    I now have another Flair kit ready in the wings to build, this is the
    73 inch span CUB. Looks quite nice, and should be easy to fly! 
    
    -Baron Von Trev

    
     I can state from personal experience that the Flair Cub is
    an excellent flyer. I had one at the begining of the year
    but I had a mid-air with another Flair cub. My cub went
    spiralling in and my friends cub did a "B-17" type landing
    with one 3rd of it's wing missing. We were able to re-build
    his cub with parts from my un-repairable cub. 
     The only problem with the flair cub is those *#$% windows.
    If you find a neat way of installing them please let me 
    know. 
     As far as your SE5A using the flex pipe from O.S. is the
    way to go. I currently own and fly the Flair Barronette which
    as you probably know is a stand of scale of the DR1. I've got
    and O.S. 48 and it also needed the flex pipe for the exhaust.
     I currently have on the boards is the Legionerre (i think that's
    how it's spelled). Should have it done for the spring time.
    
    
                                 Jerry E.

    Hi Jerry,
    
    	Thanks for your note, nice to hear from you again. The Legionaire
    that you have looks quite good in the pics on the box, but I wouldn't
    fancy painting the roundels on that! looks like you may have 4 per
    wing... thats alot of extra work! Still, it maybe worth it. I also Know
    of someone in my area building/built the Legionaire, he has noted in
    this conference, his name is Brian Warwick, he may be able to offer
    some hints or potential probs etc..
    	The SE5a, well I am practising air brusing the lettering etc on the
    fuselage sides, just to see what happens..so far it saves me time and
    looks better, I just have to make sure the masking tape is well sealed
    to stop bleeding or leaks onto areas I don't want paint.
    	The Cub, windows,  a problem! tell me more...plus any other tips on
    it's construction...sorry to hear about your mid-air, what are the odds
    on that? also with another Cub??
    
    -Baron Von Trev

    Hi,
    
    	On about Flair kits, My brother has a Puppeteer...this is also a
    good Bi-plane kit. I saw a Baronette this last weekend, looked well
    made, but unfortunately didn't see it flying. The tail looked a bit
    dodgy, it waived in the wind whilst stationary!! There were several
    Magnatilla planes and they looked quite good.  
    
    	Can you reccommend any other Flair kit projects?

    Hi Trev,
      One good thing I might mention about that Cub is I'd be very
    surprized if it takes you more than 12 hrs. from start to finnish
    to build. Yes that includes covering and radio installation. Again
    those windows may take a little more time come to think of it. My
    friend and I can't seem to think of a neat way to put them on. It's  
    hard to explain but trust me you will experience it. 
      I've flown all of the scout series kit's from Flair and in my opinion
    I think the legioniare is the best first time bi-plane ship. All though
    to the experienced flier they all float like butter flies(with the
    proper motor). 
      Let us know how the SE5A does!
    
    
                                   Jerry

    Hi Trev,
      One other thing I forgot to mention is that Flair sells the
    decal sheet for the SE5A this includes the rondels and the
    lettering. Unfortunatly they don't sell the decals for the legioniare.
      Sorry I did not reply to the oter note about the engine compartment
    but I have'nt been read this conference for a while. But you are doing
    the correct procedure with the flex pipe,it will stick out the bottom
    if you drill a hole for it.
    
    
                                       Jerry 

    Hi Jerry,
    
    	I'll keep this note updated, with progress on the SE5a, as and when
    I can...I'll post a maiden flight story when completed as well..I have
    already fixed the exhaust, flexy looks like it was the right way to go.
    	I can't believe 12 hours...for the Cub build including covering and
    radio installation!! I must build like a snail! Still I'll log my build
    time out of interest, and to see how close to your 12 hours I get.
    
    Speak to you soon
    
    -Trev