[sparkysrc]

I have an AT6 and I also have a set of Sea Commander floats. I'm thinking..... Why not! Any hint or suggestions that could ease my ever thinking, abstract mind would help. Thanx people.

[micman]

Well "to each his own", to me putting floats on a classic like that would be like putting 33 inch mud tires from your truck onto a wickedly nice 1968 red Camaro

[sparkysrc]

This is an " experienced " airplane and easily replaced. The mock up looks pretty cool. This plane I aquired with other stuff on a deal, and I have had these floats just sitting here.... You do the math.

[sparkysrc]

Greetings again. I might add that my AT6 looks like the FIRST 10 minutes of overhaulin' rather than the last 10 minutes.

[Wayne22]

qs long as you get the floats set up properly, why not? I've seen some pretty improbably float planes like an extra 300, Chipmunk, GeeBee, etc...

[micman]

I ment no disrespect it is just that an AT-6 is such a classic, I should probably be more open to change. If you look at the old planes that use to race the scnyder cup. Your 6 could look like that and that would be cool. When it is done post some pic's

[Frequentcrasher]

Hey Sparky,
This sounds like an awesome idea! Floats can go on anything you want. Forget tradition, it's all good. I have been float flying a lot over the last couple of years, since I leave a float plane at the cabin and just go down to my beach to fly when the kids nap. Points to ponder: Line the step of the float up about a 1/2" behind the CG. Build in 2 degrees of positive when comparing the wing to the top of the floats. I've found this to be pretty important. Make sure you have strong, reinforced (glassed if you can get in there) attachment points. You'll need a water rudder on at least one of the floats. Ernst sells a good one. You can hook it up directly to the rudder servo, or a curved pushrod from the rudder control horn. You can also be creative and use a mini pulley system using fishing leader (coated steel cable) running along the fuse, down the attachment struts and down the float to the water rudder just like pull-pull. Water proof everything as best you can. Put your electronics in plastic bags and wrap electrical tape around the leads. Same for the battery. I have a receiver on its way to Airtronics for service right now cause I got cocky this summer and didn't waterproof it... You also should have a chase boat ready to go. Glad to hear the plane is expendable. I've been through three float planes just because of the rigors of float flying. It's tough on planes, engines, props and covering. One more tip is to attach the engine to the fuse. I use a picture hanging cable crimped and soldered to two car electrical leads. One end is bolted under a back plate screw on the engine and the other end runs through the firewall, past the tank and is screwed to the servo rail. This way the engine stays attatched to the floaty bits in the case of a boo boo.
Lessons I've learned:
1.) Water is really, really hard
2.) People love to see float planes
3.) Water is really, really hard
Please post some pictures of your project. I have a defunct P-39 and a spare set of floats and you've really got me thinkin'!!!
Have fun!
Jeff

[Canhos]

33 inch mudders on a 68 Camaro would be cool too!

[Wayne22]

probably go better in the snow too!!

[sparkysrc]

No offense taken. Opinions are what this forum is all about, and everybody has, and are entitled, to their own. Sometimes critisism stops people from making mistakes.