WINGTIP WEIGHT

Hello I'm new to the forum having just gotten back to building a kit after plus 25 years! I am now finishing a Brodak "Flying Clown" sized for the .15 engines and I'm not sure how much wing tip weight to add. I see the plans have a C/G spot but is that fore and aft balance with the engine mounted or is it all around balance. It seems that with the downward drag of the control lines that it would have to be weighted more on the outside to effect level flight? Thanks for all the neat info on this forum, its a veritable encyclopedia of airplane modeling. northshore Paul:)

Hi NS Paul,
Welcome back!!
For the Clown, the ideal thing would be a tip weight box but, I would just use about 3/4 oz tip weight. Lead sinker or rolled up solder. If it is too much, the worst scenario is it will drop the wing tip in squares, and the outbaird wing will be low upright and inverted. I don't think that would be a major concern on the clown.
Good luck!
Bill <><

I started mine with 1/2 oz. It still flys but I don't remember if I ever added more weight or not. I put a fox 19 on it. It is a bit too much engine but I didn't have a 15.

Gee guys, that was some quick replys to my question. I really like this forum what a great way to pass a dreary winter day although todays high is supposed to be in the 70's but in the 40's tonight. The only problem is its windy and can't fly! northsore Paul

Do a search in the archives for "Tip Weight Comparisons"

There is some good stuff in that thread...

I would suggest you grit your teeth and go ahead and install an adjustible weight box. I have failed to do this several times and have cussed myself for it each time. I use steel BB's and put in some multiple of 5 to start out with and the then add or subtract in multiples of 5 until it is right. If I were a better flyer, I would get down to putting them in or out one at a time, I'm sure.

Don't know your powerplant, but start with .5 ounce.

You in Chicago? Currell

Paul, for a quick and pretty accurate wieght determination, place the control wires with their reel about midway up on the inside wing. Add weight to the tip of the outside wing until the OUTBOARD wing just sinks to the table. This is about the weight needed and will get you into the air. Do very gentle climbs at first and if the plane hangs out on the lines, fine, but if it comes in at all, then it is obvious you need a tad more weight. Tight lines.
Another preflight do is to hang the plane from the leadout wires and see if the nose drops below the horizontal just a bit. If it does, then the leadouts are in a good starting location. If the nose is a tad high, then move the leadouts forward until the nose dips below horizontal. This is done with the plane ready to fly minus fuel.
Also, off set rudder is not always necessary and in fact can slow the plane down. So if you do put in rudder offest, use only a very little. The yaw produced can be counter productive and slow the plane down and induce slack lines. Speed keeps them tight along with proper trim. Keep them questions coming. You'll get a BS in flying here and flying gets you your Masters.

I have built several Clowns, including a great flying Twin Clown and all you need is 1/2 ounce.

Great Airplane, super-fun and flies good in the wind!

Got plans for a Circus King, so all I have left to build from PDQ is a Lion Tamer and a Clown. All these years and I've never had a Flying Clown!
Still have my original 1964 Circus Prince.

Bill <><

Bill you just gotta have a Clown! I have one that I built last year with a OS 15LA. I have a ton of flights on it, fun airplane!

Cheap too!

Yeah, IIRC the Clown and Prince have the same wing. I just liked the look of the Prince better 40 years ago. Flew it with everything from a 15X to a 36X! The 36X was a bit too much on Missle Mist, but the plane is still inone piece!
Bill <><

Hey Bill,
I have a PDQ Circus Prince kit I picked up at a yard sale a couple of years ago, Very nice , prime condition Think I paid $2.00 for, Thought about building for some serious OTS..

I would go with 1/2 oz tp weight ,if film covered make it accessable to add or remove thru small cut in btm of last rib bay.

Hi William,
I have mine under repair right now. When I get a break I am going to refinish it and put a good Fox 15 in it. It wasn't a bad flyer! Should do the OTS pattern pretty good. Mine was originally powered by a RH 19, but it was nose heavy. It will be lighter now.
I got a kit from John Brodak several years ago when he brought them out, and other than wing construction it is identical.
When all this ice, etc., melts we got to fly together some!
Bill <><