Seagull DHC-2 Turbo Beaver query

[John Bisset]

Hi.

Has anyone got the Seagull DHC-2 Turbo Beaver model? If so, any comments?

I am tempted by it, but am surprised by the weight quoted. If I understand the adverts, this model is about the same size as the E-Flite Beaver (sadly no longer available) yet the Seagull is quotes at an AUW of around 11.5 lbs against 5 1/2 to 6 lbs for the E-Flite.

Both are apparently built up wooden kits with lightweight covering rather than foam formed; I wonder why the Seagull is so heavy.

Presumably that affects flying characteristics, meaning fast landings and long take-offs.

[Denis Watkins]

One supplier lists this one at 80 inch wingspan John

Which does put it in the 120 glow range and 11.5 lb

Yet others have it listed around the 64inch span ?

Some confusion here as in the price range you would expect the 80inch

Here you go

DHC-2 TURBINE BEAVER  20 - 30cc gasoline engine.
Wingspan ...................................  80.0 in (203.2 cm)
Wing area .................................. 727.0 sq.in (46.9 sq.dm)
Approximate flying weight .......... 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
Length ....................................... 56.5 in (143.5 cm)
Recommended engine size ....... 20 - 30cc 

Edited By Denis Watkins on 26/10/2017 15:42:08

[Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator]

What a nice looking model! Looking at Seagull's website they seem to only list the 80"/11.5lb version?

BEB

PS Bit tempted there - you're a naughty man John!

[DaveyP]

No help at all, but I'm currently building the Airsail DHC2 Beaver 61" span and would really like some photos/ build blogs of this as the photo instructions aren't that clear.

I'm also going a bit off piste by giving it a steerable tailwheel and flaps, which I've never done before and of course there is no help from the plan.

[John Bisset]

Thanks Denis - so it's not just me !

I found some sites quoting 80 inch span (2032 mm), some 62 inch span (1600 mm ). Are there two variants of this kit available I wonder or has someone mistranslated metric dimensions? The manufacturer does seem to quote only one kit - SEA 268 or possibly SEA268F - and seems to specialise in larger kits. I suspect the smaller values are translation errors.

Would be interesting to know if anyone on here has one. or knows of it.

True BEB, that is more or less what my partner has just said ! Given my backlog and hoard of unbuilt and part built kits she is right in asking why. Greed ? It is a bonny beastie, and with all the hatches and twiddlly bits it's much better than I could ever make. Rather a weak justification, and even 'Christmas is coming' isn't fair either. Sigh...

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

Beaver.

[John Bisset]

I hadn't heard of the Airsail Beaver before, DaveyP. Having had a quick look around the internet, it looks good, though I gather out of production now. If I understand the comments I found on a Facebook page for Airsail UK, at least the plans plus some parts might be available soon.

I do have a copy of the Westwood plans for a 70" span Beaver which I haven't yet started. Not sure how I am going to produce a cowling yet. The type is something of a theme with me; good backwoods aeroplane, tough and fun to fly, though I've never flown the Turbo. A good radio control version will be fun, especially if its structure is as tough as the real beast!

[John Bisset]

Thanks John s. - that advert is one of several showing a 1600 mm wingspan. I now suspect that is a translation or conversion error; the same wording appears in a number of places.

[John Stainforth]

I have the Black Horse 88.6" Turbo Beaver for 20-30 cc, with a specification weight of 5.5 kg (12.1 lb). So 11.5 lb for 80" span does sound somewhat on the heavy side.