First Flight of ARF Nobler

I finally got the airplane assembled and made the first flight today. I built it as kitted except for .032 solid leadouts and a Brodak 3" nylon bellcrank. Engine is a L&J Fox 35 with a RSM tongue muffler, and I used the kit tank on muffler pressure. Due to its size, I had some trouble getting an accurate weight, but it is about 37 oz. CG was right on without adding tail weight. This is a great flying model! With a 10X6 BY&O prop, the Fox has plenty of power and runs about 5 minutes with the stock tank. Line tension is significantly higher than my Ringmaster which has 3 degrees engine offset. It will need a slight tweek to the flaps since the inboard wingtip is a little high upright and a little low inverted. Other than that, I can't wait to get some time on the airplane.

I will come to hate the cowl which I think is the weak point of the kit. The nut that holds the needle valve position (ST needle ass'y) came loose and it is a major disassembly to tighten it. The spinner, muffler, and needle have to be removed to get the cowl off, then everything put back together.

I did make one other mod to the kit. I covered the bottom of the tank compartment with Monokote. I'm glad I did, this area is covered with castor residue. At least this way it is not inside the tank compartment.
Steve

I added a panel of balsa (2 layers of 1/16 grain crossed for rigidity) at 45 deg angled to the rear from the firewall to fit the cowl interior to to force the engine compartment air out the hole in the bottom of the cowl. There was some fuel residue inside the cowl, but none got up into the tank compartment in 5 flights. I may yet grease the cowl with vasaline and use silicone seal to make a really tight fit there. Probably reduce cowl vibration and fatigue too!