Some guys who build the Li\u2019l Esquire have noticed that the plane climbs too much, floats around, and is hard to control. \u00a0After a lot of head scratching and theorizing, a comment that was left on Outerzone clued me in to the real issue. \u00a0The plan shows the center of gravity in the wrong place. \u00a0The mark is 3.25\u2033 behind the leading edge, which is 39% of the chord. \u00a0If you put it there, get ready for some really terrible flying.<\/p>\n
Common practice dictates a position between 1\/4 and 1\/3 of the chord, with most people settling on 30%. \u00a0On the Li\u2019l Esquire, this would be 2.5\u2033 behind the leading edge. \u00a0Take some good advice and set your CG at 2.5\u2033. \u00a0The plane will fly a lot better that way.<\/p>\n
My short kit is made from a modern CAD plan that I found online. \u00a0The plan is a replica of the original plane as originally designed, which means it would be great for a single channel radio with a metal torque rod for control. \u00a0The nose section is shown with extra balsa webs that you don\u2019t see in modern planes.<\/p>\n
My kit doesn\u2019t follow the plan exactly. \u00a0It has parts that you would use to build a modern airplane. \u00a0The bulkheads have big holes in the middle for your push rods and your fuel tank or battery. \u00a0I don\u2019t include a chin plate, so you can decide whether to attach a plank of balsa or build a hatch. \u00a0The modifications are what I would expect you to do as a 21st century model builder. \u00a0You also have the option of ordering the standard wing ribs and dihedral braces with 5 degrees on each side, or the aileron modification with 2 degrees per side. \u00a0If building with ailerons, use a 3\/16\u2033 balsa stick at the trailing edge.<\/p>\n
If you want an elevator on your plane, just add one behind the stabilizer. \u00a0I would suggest 1\/8\u2033 balsa sheet, about 3\/4\u2033 wide.<\/p>\n
A big thanks to Jim Houston for providing photos of a couple of Li\u2019l Esquires built from my kits. \u00a0One is a new fuselage for an orphaned wing, and the other is a completely new plane. \u00a0The yellow one was built by Bob Kelner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some guys who build the Li\u2019l Esquire have noticed that the plane climbs too much, floats around, and is hard to control. \u00a0After a lot of head scratching and theorizing, a comment that was left on Outerzone clued me in … Continue reading