Cardinal Done

The Cardinal (NOT ARF) is completed.
OS LA 46, pressure wedge tank, covered with cloth and painted with Sig, 11X6 prop ( this may change as the engine breaks in). Tip weight 1-1/2 oz, balances at 1-1/2" back from wingtip,total finished weight is 45 oz.
Hangs slightly nose down when holding the leadouts.
There are no wheel pants as the grass we fly off would rip them off.
Wish me luck.

Norm,

Cool paint scheme idea.

Thanks Randy...here's another shot from above.

Looks Great, well done!

Hi NOrm; Congratulations.you've got a good one there,I like the new direction in your paint scheme,instead of just a disguised copy job.NOw theres no reason not to compete with it next summer,you've got till mid may to get it trimmed out for the regionals .You"d certainly enjoy the experience,and you,de be surrounded by the best in this part of the world.MY own personal experience with the 46 LA is that its much happier on an 11x4 or an 11.5X4 . IT still does a wonderful 2/4 and runs a lot smoother than on the higher pitch props.Keith V.

Hi Keith,
Thanks for the confidence and the info re: props.
I was thinking an 11X5 after I break the engine in.
I've run two tanks through it on the ground. I did what the instructions told me..."11X6 prop and run rich for 10 seconds and then fast two cycle for 10 seconds, continue until the tank is empty".
You may have to wait quite a while before you see me entered in the competition. I'd hate to become like those Pampa guys on here.
I'll let you know how it trims out.

I have a question on leadout spacing. I hope you have used an individually adjustable guide and that they were just set that way for the picture. Still, most people say to put the leadouts as close together as possible, which is what I have found. A single slider thus becomes much easier to adjust. But I am curious.

Hi,
I was waiting for someone to pick up on that.
The leadouts are fixed at 1-1/2" apart.
The slider that came with the kit has been a problem as the leadouts are so close together that they hook up on each other or the line attachments causing us some hairy moments in the past.
I know that individual adjustments might be best but I decided to go with the spacing you see there which, as I said is 1-1/2" apart. It may appear wider than that in the pic but it isn't.
I still don't fully understand why adding torque to the wingtip by making the leadouts narrower than the bellcrank is a good thing.

Norm,

VERY NICE!!!!

I like the Red Bird.

Thanks
Paul

Good looking plane Norman. My card weight is 45ozs flys great with a la 46 uniflow on pressure 11x5 prop 1/2 oz tip weight fling on 62FT eye to eye do not have lap time. but I happy with the speed. Good luck with yours. ALAN

Alan

Cardinals rule.....even tho people say they are ugly, they fly real good.....your one look great...

change the prop tho....11 x 6 is a bit much....go for 11 x 4 or even APC 12.25 x 3.75.....I have that set up now and it cant be beat.

you'll the to way that thing flies....believe me!!!

Wow....what a great plane! It took off and was on rails. I'm still excited. I flew it twice.
I completed the whole pattern except the 4 leaf as I chickened out when I heard the engine burp. ( I'm thinking a clunk tank will work better).
Best first-time performance I've ever had from a plane. Vertical 8 was solid. wow. Squares were smooth and no bounce. I'm a Cardinal fan. Way to go Windy!
Thanks everyone for the tips and suggestions.
The 46 LA was amazing. What a solid performer. I sound like a salesman but I'm not! I'm just enthusiastic.
Norm

Nice action photo! Good looking plane too.

Try a Brodak Uniflow 4.5 ounce tank on the LA. After the engine breaks in, IF you have the ground clearence and if you are flying a 4-2-4 STUNT BREAK use a 12/5 Zinger prop. The difference will be unbelieveable.

I think I can get the ground clearance if I adjust the tailwheel.
It takes off now with the 11" so it won't take much.
I'll give the 12" a try. Thanks. I sure like this plane and engine combo so far.

Norm,

Glad you're happy. Those first flights on a new plane are always fun and exciting. Especially if it more of less flies off the board. At least you know you can bench trim.