Adrian Smith 1

Just a bit of a debrief after flying the GW Slick 91" for 20+hours. Firstly the 26x10 prop works well with the Dualsky GA8000 motor. The vertical performance is excellent with good power. The larger diameter/low pitch allows for better slowing capabilities, not withstanding I need to keep more than my usual throttle on to stop the possible stall. I am still having to fly it with some up trim on the elevator, but I have just learnt to deal with it and this doesn't affect my overall enjoyment of just "getting out there to fly". 😀

Lots of examples on YouTube, Peter.

One footnote to finishing the assembly. I drilled out my other test prop this morning. As it's 23x12 the prop hub is understandably somewhat deeper than my "go to" 23x8. This means the prop driver bolts which come with motor are not long enough for safety at 45mm M5. In my bolts spares box I found four 55mm M5 bolts which fit the bill and will be used when I change the props. I will also have take a bit more off the spinner cone where the prop fits.

I managed to spend a little time in the work shop ostensibly to make sure everything is battened down ready for storm Ciaran. I did have time to drill out the spinner back plate and fit the prop. 24x8 is my starting point. I had to replace the spinner M5 bolt for a longer one which in this case was a 55mm length one. I have a 23x12 on the bench that the hub needs drilling out. Thank goodness for having a drill press - what a great piece of kit that is. When the storm had passed us by, hopefully I will be able make the final adjustments/checks and report back before the maiden.

I see. Just purely an observation the Capiche 50cc doesn't seem to be over-engineered compared to some I have owned (Pilot RC for instance), although I am trying to keep the weight down as much as possible. I accept that compared to the very modern 3Ders like Extreme Flight and SkyWing, the Weston Capiche 50cc comes out heavier despite having what I consider to be a narrow fuselage compared to some on the market today.

Crikey, Peter I don't know how I missed this thread. Very interesting from start to finish 👍

Thanks, Peter. My flight packs of choice (5.8A 6s x2) and weigh around 1.6kg. The one piece of latitude I have is the space to move them further back as the extended platform goes aft by some way. I know when I did my initial CoG check with the internals roughly in place I required another 4oz of weight within the motor box. whether this is the case will be seen when I do the final check. I am sure, given the nature of the model I will be able to get away with a rearward CoG as long as it not too much. As you say flight testing will reveal all! I will see if I can find you Anthem build on here to view your arrangement.

The Hobbywing ESC 160 HV OPTO I have weighs around 10 oz, and whilst not particularly scientific, leaves me with nearly 10 oz of shortfall in the comparative power plants.

In a navel gazing moment I thought I would compare the weights of the recommended 50 cc petrol engine (DLE/DA) including ignition & muffler and my electric motor set up. The petrol package weighs around 54 oz, which is what the Capiche was designed for, while my Dualsky 50 cc electric equivalent motor is 35 oz before ESC which is strapped under the motor box. I am not sure of the ESC weight (I will check it) , but it easy easy to see why I am having to load as much weight to the front as possible to get anywhere near the correct CoG........ That said I still think she is a good subject for electrification.

Same process for the throttle lead on the other side encased in protective tubing. Next I removed the choke and throttle servo cut out pillars and refitted the lipos. All good. Next I tested the motor again without the prop and all was well thankfully. Back on with the cowl and with me being a happy bunny. Really now I am not too far from thinking about the maiden. The only things left to do are to drill out the spinner base plate to accommodate the prop driver bolts re-check the CoG and if necessary slightly reduce the elevator throws if she is still a bit tail heavy.

At last I feel as though I have made progress! It was good I didn't rush into the wiring modifications as an alternative method revealed itself. It became clear I could just drill through F1 behind the left of the motor box to accommodate the power pack wires. I started by drilling a pilot hole to make sure I was in the right place. Next used a 12mm drill bit to make the final hole. I found the right size grommet and cyanoed it in after feeding the wires through.

I hit a problem with my new Apple Mac desk top relating to SD cards. They don't put in SD card sockets any more so you have buy an SD adaptor that plugs in to the PC to accept SD cards. 😒🙄

Yes, Peter that is a good option. I will have look at that next week. Normally I am a bit reticent to go the "whole hog" on modifications if I can avoid it, but in this case I doubt I have much option. I will report back.

I just had time to size up the modification before I went flying. Under the motor box there are two side holes that should lead to the side voids given a bit of judicious drilling. I should be able feed the wires through hopefully so they don't foul on the batteries. While I am about it I am thinking of removing the wood pillars between the choke and throttle servo cutouts thereby making securing with velcro strips easier. I don't think doing that will cause a structural problem. Hopefully not. I will it some more thought and tackle it next week.

My first outing since the maize was cut and back from holiday. Bright sunny morning early with a heavy dew. Virtually no wind at 9am which was a surprise as I was expecting +9mph. Anyway get on with it. Out came my 91" Goldwing Slick. Bit of a beast but fun to fly. I do hope that pilot bloke makes sure the cockpit de-misters are working as there's a lot of condensation about!

Thank you Philip. That's pointed me in the right direction! 👍

That's interesting Peter. Sounds like a good idea. Can you tell me where you source it from? Thanks.

All my Dualsky 50-60cc electric motors fly well with a 23x8 Foxy wooden prop. However, I thought I would buy a 23x12 Foxy prop to see what the difference is. I have found them darn good props at a reasonable price. The hub will have to be drilled out with four holes for the prop driver fixing. I will probably sort out the ESC wiring positioning first before embarking on the prop preparation.

Lights back on so down to business. I finished off the power pack extension platform and add velcro strapping. Test fitted the packs. Bit of a tight fit. However, there is another problem that needs addressing. The ESC wires foul on the power packs adding to difficulty in installing the lipos. Bit of head scratching here. The wires comes through the middle of the fuselage which is not ideal given where the power packs need to be to get anywhere near the correct CoG. I am thinking there may be a way of feeding them along each side of the fuselage sides as there is a void here. It would mean the cowl coming off and fresh holes to be drilled into the ply facing where the motor box is mounted. It might even mean changing the wiring lengths. I hope not, but it all needs to be done properly. In the mean time the RX battery will sit just behind the power packs.

Back after an extended holiday in warmer climes. Pleased to see the maize was cut down in my absence. Sadly, I only had a short time in the work shop because the trip switch to the consumer unit kept tripping. Bit of an occupational hazard in ancient farm yard buildings. An electrician is required. Anyway what I did get done was to sort out the alloy spinner and shape the cut outs. I managed to partially finish the power pack extension platform before the lights went out for good. I fitted the velcro strips and then put a small screw in underneath to keep the velcro steady. I had to leave it at that and clear up using my iPhone torch! Hopefully things will be restored in the near future. Possibly flying on Wednesday though.

me too!

Crazy! But skilful.

Funnily enough I had a loose spat today along with at least a couple of others on the forum! Weird.

Lovely plane, GG. 😀

Not a breath of wind first thing this sunny morning. Out came my little Pilot Slick 67" for once as she doesn't get too many outings. I had to towel her off after every flight (4) because the dew was so heavy. 😀😀 though all round. PS. It can't be long now before the maize is harvested 😄