[ogopogo]

For whatever reason you have parted ways with Sebart, I thank you for the 40% discount on this gem. The Sebart Pilatus PC-21 provides a larger than expected platform for a 50e size motor. I have chosen the OS 5025-375 and am in the process of verifying prop selection (16x12 ?). Lifting the canopy I find I can lay my arm in the bay. What a treat to set up. I was testing the front retract (no wing attached) when the motor snorted a couple of times and the magic white smoke came up from the CC ICE 75. That I will have to follow up. I replaced with my CC ICE 100 and there have been no further issues.
I took this to the field to maiden on Sunday but wind gusts of 33 kmh persuaded me otherwise. Hopefully this week will provide an opportunity after work (that may be moot ... BBY).

[ogopogo]

Back to the field last night for the maiden. taxied the strip a couple of times and lifted on second pass for 15 feet or so. The 16" prop is a bit of a lawnmower on this so I may have to experiment with 15". I would love a 5-blade scale prop for this reason. The Pilatus is eager to lift off and with power, the attitude changes quickly. Lawn mowing was not an issue after taxiing. Two rock steady circuits later I was down but I bled off speed too quickly and instead of flaring, dropped to the grass. I managed to damage one of the struts. If you look at pic1, you will note how small the wheel is for the wheel-well. This assembly is from Freewing and I have to assume it was the best readily-available fit.As the centre of the hub is not centre of the well, it is not a simple case of replacing the wheel. I have a full set of struts and wheels that I believe I purchased from Phil at PWRC. They are very close as you see in pic 2. I need to extend the trunion shaft a little for sturdy mounting and insert a stand-off to cover the gap. Maybe tonight will allow a test of these .....

[ogopogo]

Well, that was a lot of grass on the wings to clean! Al has run his calc program and suggests I can drop to 15x10. That I will try Saturday. While checking the options, I found an article in the UK about a Varioprop on this bird. His is pictured below. I would like to find one to try but can't really justify new price in hopes that I like it. It certainly ads to the scale look.