A Pine Stearman C-3B

[simpsd]

The last time I posted here [before the site went down for a while] I was working on a Stearman C - 3B made of pine. Below is a picture of it after about its third or fourth flight. I repaired it [looks good as new now] but its poor flight characteristics persist. I have several theories on why. It is a bit nose-heavy so it needs to fly faster than ideal for its undercamber wings. it is a bit heavy also making it need more speed. My current plan is to take out the e flite 370 and put in a smaller lighter motor  this will alow for a smaller battery. Also following Konrad's advice about limiting weight behind the CG, I will move the two servos forward. I had them much further aft than I usually put them. I'd put them back there to balance out the relatively heavy motor and battery. I'll let you all know how this plan works out.

[OZPAF]

What exactly was it like to fly? Too touchy and sensitive in pitch combined with too fast in normal flight or too sensitive on landing approach ?

Glad it is back in one piece!

John

[simpsd]

Yes it was "Too touchy and sensitive in pitch combined with too fast in normal flight "  So do you think my planned changes will improve things? I figure it almost never hurts to shed some weight and the plane had more power than it needed.

[OZPAF]

Moving the CG forward and reducing the power would help - perhaps dialing in dual rates or expo on the elevator would also help. Sensitivity of control is a personal thing to a large degree.

Happy flying.

John