[apalsson]

Since I flew my first Sbach 342 - a 30cc size - I have always been particular to this type of a plane becuse of it's sleek look, precise flying characteristics and also because until recently, they were a bit "different" in the range of available aerobats.
Everyone (including myself) had an Extra or a YAK but not many people had the Sbach.
My second one, an 87" Sbach 300 has the same nice characteristics so the two were my main planes to bring to the flying field each day.
I am by no way a 3D or an IMAC pilot but I love flying "my style of aerobatics" and I particularly like bigger RC planes, capable of scale manuvres.

A while ago, I contacted Tony from Pilot RC and enquired about the 107" Sbach 342 and after a few e-mails back and forth, an order was placed.
Approximately a week later, two rather sizeable boxes arrived in good condition.

Upon opening them, I was immediately impressed with the quality of packaging and found that everything had come through in a good nick.
I have now started gathering the necessary bits'n bobs to complete the plane.
As a dealer for MVVS in Australia, I am fortunate to have access to their range of engines at import price so I am aiming at using an MVVS116cc for power.

At this stage, the plan is this:
Engine - MVVS 116cc with MVVS canisters and headers
Servos - Hitec 7955, two pr aileron and two on rudder. One pr each elevator and a Hitec 5625 for throttle
Receiver - JR RD921 with two satellites
Power Distribution - Powerbox Competition

Because I have limited experience with the setup of 100cc and bigger planes, I'd be grateful for constructive feedback and suggestions from people with genune experience there

Pictures will follow

[apalsson]

Since I have been waiting for a shipent of engines and I didn't have a 116cc handy, I have mainly been tinkering with the plane. Fortunately, I am told the engines will be delivered today so I guess the fun part can start soon now.

I am looking forward to see Pat's mounting of the big 116cc in the 37% Edge because without doubt, I will shamelessly replicate his work to the best of my abilities

Here are a couple of photos though - fairly generic

[3dnfool]

nice plane,i had the 36% pilot sbach and after five flights the right wing ripped out and i lost my plane.check your plane well,i even went as far as using thin ca over all the formers and every joint in the fuselage.i was suppose to get a replacement but like every manufacture that sells rc planes, are reluctant to come through.i will never buy a pilot plane again.i,m in no way trying to hijack your thread and i hope you like your sbach.

[flying skunks]

block off the lower opening in the cowl , and make sure you baffle the engine ..Loved the plane , flew it for 1.5 years , then built an Edge ...We change planes every year or so , really Loved the Sbach ...my son Loves the Edge .

[apalsson]

Originally Posted by flying skunks

block off the lower opening in the cowl , and make sure you baffle the engine

My plan exactly!

Those engines arrived yesterday. A noce big box weighing some 60Kg full of goodies
On a different note, I did a quick measurement of the included firewall which seems to be a 12mm laminated plywood and because of the shape of the cowling is quite low
If I was to mount the 116 directly onto that firewall, the mounting holes would be less than 10mm from the edges - something I'm not necessarily comfortable with.
Because of this, I decided to make up my own firewall and modify the engine box to suit.
These are by no means extensive modifications. All they essentially involve is a firewall that is 10mm - 15mm higher than the original one and mounted between the sides of the box in a traditional way.
I had a few sheets of 5mm/10ply hard plywood, so I last night, I cut 3 pieces and will laminate them together with some 45min Epoxy

I'm being called to Sydney this morning and until mid next week, so further work will have to go on hold. Will try to post a photo of the firewall mods when I get back

[Super08]

sub

[cisco]

Hi Ari

looking good mate cant wait to see the mvvs mounted and see how the cg goes. it will be a rocket with that engine IMO mine is quite good with the mintor and a 29-10 prop since you will be able to go 30-12 I can image the difference

[apalsson]

I have been pretty slack with updates to this thread but I finally managed to find time to maiden the Sbach yesterday.
I had been waiting for the right day to arrive and also get access to a mate of mine who is a Heavy Plane Inspector to go through it and give me the sign-off
(in Australia, you have to get an inspection on any plane over 7Kg)
Under the rules, I can inspect my own plane under strict conditions (I am also an a Heavy Plane Inspector) but it sort of defeats the purpose of the inspection regime.

Anyhow, all went well and uneventful. The plane is a big pussycat to fly and hardly required trim changes.
Only issue I came across was a slightly nicked prop but not enough to abort the flight and I might also want to mode the CG rearwards by 10mm - 20mm

I ended up using one of Aussiesteve's original YD-A 112cc (the big MVVS was too wide for the cowl) and as expected, after some basic tuning there was ample power.
Now I need to find another airframe to suit the MVVS. I need approx 330mm width from plug cap to plug cap