My Boy's First Airplane

LAST EDITED ON Dec-27-03 AT 07:58 PM (CDT)
 
Here is a pic of my son’s first flying model airplane. This Baby Flite Streak is a Brodak kit. We have not yet had a chance to get it in the air but plan on it for early spring. We are also both trying to finish up a SIG Banshee. Up until now he has tried flying a CG LIL Satan that was just too sensitive for him. He has successfully made it approx 5 times around the circle but not a full flight yet. One good thing though, is that he seems to have more fun building than flying.
Chris

Nice airplane and cute kid.
It's good he likes building, he'll build up an arsenal
and will fly them all.
Have fun.

A kid after my own heart! Good plane choice for starters. Smooth flyer, great airfoil, solid construction. If it is too fast, go to an APC 6x2 prop. Tons of pull, limited top speed.

I hope he sticks with it. If not, don't lose heart, both my kids are coming back after a 15-year hiatus (they're 27 and 29 now).

Of course they are hooked on RC. Where did I fail? Woe, oh woe!

Do I see a future world champ?

Thanks for the nice comments guys.

Hey Larry, You make mention of “If it’s too fast. . . “
I have a TD .051 on it. Not too much engine I hope. What would be a good prop for this TD .051 8-1/8 oz. combo? Line length, type? I’ve always used the same old oil soaked lines from an old Cox kit. I know there is better.

Try the Cox 6x3 grey if available or the APC 5.7x3 to begin with. The plane should fly around 45mph with one of these which is a good speed for 45' lines (a policeman caught mine on radar at 42mph when the engine was a little rich). To go slower try the black Cox, nylon TF, or nylon Grish 6x3 props these flex more so will waste some of the engines power(also bend more and break less).

The best lines are naturally .008 wires, however they are so easy to break wouldn't use them with a child. Try Spyder Wire fishing line, lot thinner than what Cox sells and doesn't stretch as much. I'm using 12lb 35ft lines on a plastic PT-19 I use to introduce people to the hobby with no problems so far.

As others have said you might want to add an extra head gasket or two to further slow the plane down.

>Do I see a future world champ?
>
>Ion

Do they make white slacks that small?

Chris: Had you considered using an Elevator Restricter? This is a piece of .006" piano wire, bent 180 degrees around the Leading Edge of the Stab, Inboard side, close to the fuse; it is then gently twisted about 1/2" behind the trailing edge of the elevator. Keeps overcontrol in check, does the same with "whippersnappers". FWIW...

>Chris: Had you considered using an Elevator Restricter? This
>is a piece of .006" piano wire, bent 180 degrees around the
>Leading Edge of the Stab, Inboard side, close to the fuse;
>it is then gently twisted about 1/2" behind the trailing
>edge of the elevator. Keeps overcontrol in check, does the
>same with "whippersnappers". FWIW...

Good idea, I think I'll try that.