Electrified DHC-2 BEAVER ( #305 LC )

[SpiceMan]

Hi Chris,
Looks like your planning on building the Beaver also. She's an EXCELLENT laser cut kit, and a pleasure to build

I was thinking that you might be interested in seeing how I did my tail mods. Here are a few pics:

The last photo shows a piece of "push rod" ( .032" ) that has its matching "guide tube" in the middle. This provides a way to link the two control surfaces together, while being able to attach the SF5 assembly to the front section of the stab..

Seems to have worked for me.

IMG_1076 (640x480).jpg

IMG_1075 (640x480).jpg

IMG_1094.JPG

[davidchoate]

Thanks for posting that. That is basically how I do mine. Yes I am doing The same kit soon So thanks for offering help.

[davidchoate]

I have been using if at all possibl spektrum receivers because I have a spektrum DX6 transmitter, and can bind it to their products. The motors any vrand is ok, but what I do is look an the web site, or go to the Lhs, and see what they got in stock, and on brushlesss motors they have specs that tell you whats a good application, and even ( espescially E-Flite will give you the recommended prop to use for what type of plane ypu want to use it in, and also what ESC, and etc. Like I said I started flying with foam RTF trainers, and when I crashed them to the point they could not be repaired I salvaged the radiio gear, and used it in a similar weigh, and design plane that I built. And also go on RC forums, and get Electric Flight magazine. I think the hardest part about converting these planes, except or the 400's and land larger, is the hooking uo of the control linkages so they move freely and line up with the servo/ rec. board. The micro stuff is not very strong and the smallest amount of binding will jam the servo. I used to try the common flexible tubing with a cable inside, but even the friction of the cable is too much resistance for the little servo motors in a board type sero-rec. combo. . I favor the tiny 3.5 g mini servos now when at all possible to use it. But if your doing an super small one like my 900 P-51 this is harder due to lack of space, and the power limit is about 50 g's. I am at 70 with mine, and so am in the process of adapting it to a brushless motor. I will xplane in in my thread as I go along when I post it. I just got the rest of the parts from the hobby store yesterday.

[SpiceMan]

BREAKING NEWS ...

I finally got the opportunity to maiden the Beaver this morning.

What an EXCELLENT flying little airplane she turned out to be
The wind condition was practically "dead calm", and I took off from a concrete surface. She lifted-off in about 6 feet, and with very little "up elevator", climbed out straight as an arrow. Plenty of power to spare with the motor I selected! I put her into a left turn, and leveled off ( at about half throttle on the stick ), and proceeded to leisurely fly her around in a figure-8 pattern, and circles.

With the rudder and elevator adjusted straight and level for center-stick position, I was amazed to find out that she required NO TRIM adjustments on my transmitter. Looks like I got lucky with the balance ... and the wings must be in proper alignment.

My flight timer was set for 5 minutes. After my time was up, I brought her down ... and to my surprise, she touched down with a very nice 3-point landing.

Turns out that the Beaver flew very much like a HobbyZone Champ ( 1.3 oz, 20.3 inch wingspan ) RC airplane ... only better. The Beaver turned out to be much more stable, and did not have the "twitchy" characteristics that the Champ can have.

I plan to take a video of my next flight as soon as possible ( when the weather is in agreement, and I can find someone to operate the camera ), for posting on YouTube. After I do, I'll post the link here.

P.S.
It's apparent that Guillow's really knows there stuff when in comes to airplane design.
SWEET

IMG_1154 (640x480).jpg

[davidchoate]

I Leatrned to fly with a Champ. I Know what u maen about the "twitchyness",and mine tends to go into a stall when turning too tightly with rudder of course. I now have an Ares Taylorcraft upgraded to a sport trainer.I'm going to master that before attemting my maiden on my Zero, and Edge, which are both ready to go after 2 yrs of building,and figuring out the motor ,batt, and servo,formulas. I have been reading too on the floght characteristics of sport planes(which is very similar to a Warbird) so I will not destroy my built models. I will always Love my little Champ trhough.cant wait for ur Beaver video.

[Bill Gaylord]

Good that it flew well Spiceman and looks beautiful! You may get me back on mine. It's a little weigtier with the floats, but I think it will be flyable with the rudder mix. I had an issue turning with the relatively small ailerons and large chord of the Beaver, but again it's got a bit of weight with floats!

[davidchoate]

Awesome.Thanx for showing us yor tail modification. I cant wait to do my Beaver. I plan to add aelearons.