New Great Planes 1/3-scale Pitts Special

[Gerryy]

I have just finished testing and flying the new 1/3-scale Pitts Special. Powered with a Fuji 50cc gas engine, performance is WOW!:) Anyone else build and flown this ARF? Love to hear comments. With about 10 flights on the model now, I think it is one of the best flying biplanes I have had. I have noticed some weakening in the firewall glue joints and I plan to reinforce his area with 1/8 inch plywood and screws before my next flight. Other than that. Very excitng model!
GY

[phuffstatler]

Having owned two of the Byron Pitts in the past, I agree that this airplane at this scale is a very good flier. I notice you put a Fuji 50cc on it. Do you feel this over-powers the airframe too much? You say the firewall is pulling out, is that from vibration (prop, etc.) or just too much engine? I believe the plans call for a 35cc or so, or a big glow engine. I ran my Byron's with a Quadra 35cc converted to glow, so it was light and very strong (18x8 @9000) and would hang on the prop until out of fuel.

I'm very curious, because I'm looking at getting one this year, but I'm one of those guys that doesn't like to put too much engine on a plane.

Also, can you give me a quick run down on the servos you used, and any assembling quirks the plane may have?

Thanks,
Phil in Austin

[Gerryy]

Hey Phil, looks like we are the only ones in the Giant Scale Forum so far. :( Any way, some might think that the 50cc engine is too much for the airplane. But As I built it, the airplane came out 17 pounds 1 ounce weight ready to fly and balanced exactly on the 5 inch CG mark (forward limit) without any ballast. :) I have heard that some are flying the model with G-62 in the nose and I do think that that is too much power! I spin a 20x8 Menz prop and it pulls the model vertical at full throttle (about 7600 rpm) and it slows down nicely on landing. My thinking is if you use too big of an engine, you will have trouble landing even at idle because of the big prop disc. Jut my 2 cents worth.

I believe that the firewall problem was just a lack of proper glue, as this was an early release kit. I have already reglued it and will either pin the sides with dowels or add some ply doublers with screws. But since the glue joint has only let go (no physical damage or deformation) I am sure that just regluing will be fine!

I used Futaba digital servos (90 ounce torque) all around except throttle. And a 1500 mAh battery pack. Using a Super 8 TX. Nice set up. I also installed a seperate servo for tail wheel steering instread of tieing the rudder and tail wheel pushrod together as in the instructions.

FLight performance is a blast:D I do not consider it over powered with the Fuji 50cc engine. If you were to use, a G-38 or a G-45, I think you would have to add ballast weight to make it balance properly so, you get to chasing your tail. The Fuji is a nice fit also, no shims or spacers required. I did add the optional prop hub to make the length exactly 6 1/2 inches.

I will check my upper wing for the cabane attachment alert. As warned on the Great Planes home page www.greatplanes.com

Other than these points, I love the plane, I seem to remember my old Byron Pitts being about 20 pounds with a sick old Q35 in the nose. A big difference!
GY

[autotecart]

hi guys I am new to this website, but I too am building a great planes pitts, stripping off all the livery and replacing it with new stuff. I will be looking at getting some top information from you guys who have built one of these very soon so hope you dont mind if i drop you a line or two in the next few weeks

tony

[Mark R]

Sounds good!

Welcome to the website :wave:

[firey]

Hi guys
I am wanting to purchase a gret planes pitts special 1/3 ARF kit.
Towerhobbies.com no longer stock this model.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks Allan.
I am new to modelling.

[firey]

Hi Gerry
I am also building a Great Planes Pitts 1/3 and using the Fuji 50 EI
Does the fire wall box need to be strengthened for bolting the engine to and if so can use advise me what I need to do.
The kit said the fuel tank was unsuitable for gas,what fuel tank did you use?
I also want to use an easy fueler but not where to place it.
I am using servos on all control surfaces,4 aileron,2 elevator,1 rudder,1 throttle.Do you have a picture of your set up back to RX and position of batteries etc.
Sorry about all the questions but are new to RC.
Thanks Allan.