Dumas Gee Bee Model E

[Grizzly Greg]

Hi guys, has anyone converted this plane to rc? If so, can you post details? Its on special at Quantum for $22.99.
Thanks, Grizz.

[RVanHorn]

Indeed I have Grizz. In Fact it was my first rubber power conversion. I used a Titanic Airlines Sp280 geared 3:1 with a 8x6 prop. It flew quite well although I don't think that motor was the best setup. I came out a bit heavy, I think. I flew it into a tree and that was the end of it. Since then I have converted a Herr Fokker DVII and a Pitts Special. I use GWS motors exclusively now, and these provide great performance on the DVII and ok on the Pitts. The Pitts needs more power. I say go for it, you won't be disappointed. BTW, this would make a great model for the upcoming NIMPRA indoor pylon racing championships!
National Indoor Micro Pylon Racing Association (http://nimpra.rcplanet.com) :cool:

[Grizzly Greg]

Thanks RV,
I appreciate the info, I would like to see pic's of your DVII and the Pitts too! Can you tell me your exact set up with those two? The fact that I don't know how to fly yet :rolleyes: shouldn't keep me from dreaming and building one,should it? Got a litestick coming,(my trainer)and a GeeBee E coming too...radio is next,I almost ordered the Focus 3SS system,but almost everyone here seems to think I would be better off with a separate Transmitter and a GWS Pico flight pack,so I may do that.I intend to build the GB during my training period,it'll give me inspiration to learn quicker :D .What was your RTF weight of the GB?
Thanks, Grizz.

[pease1]

Yes, please DO post photos and setup of your Fokker!!!

Al

[RVanHorn]

You'll have to wait about a week for pics of the Fokker, It's on display at the local airport, with some of my slimer scale jobs, and some plastic models.
I don't recall the AUW of the GB, I didn't keep notes on it, sorry.
Grizz if you need a tx, have I got a deal for you. I'm willing to part with my HiTec Flash 5X, Transmitter only, for only $100.00 only for you since you're just getting started and need a quality radio. Let me know if you're interested.
NIMPRA (http://nimpra.rcplanet.com)

[Grizzly Greg]

Hi RV, thats a very generous offer! I do appreciate it and am sending you an email.

Grizz.

[RVanHorn]

Grizz, here's some photos of my second Model E, currently under construction. The wings and tail sections are from foam board that I stripped the paper off of. The fuse is as it came from the kit. Power will be the GWS DX-A. http://nimpra.rcplanet.com/images/model_e_side.jpg
And here's how I bend the wings to shape. Place some wieght on the LE, place a dowel under the wing where the cusp of the airfoil is to be, and heat with a covering gun. About 1 hour of work, total, including applying the tissue to the wing for the scallopped pattern. http://nimpra.rcplanet.com/images/foam_wing.jpg http://nimpra.rcplanet.com/images/bending_foam_wings.jpg
Ailerons are to cut out next, then we're almost done!
NIMPRA (http://nimpra.rcplanet.com)

[Grizzly Greg]

:D Very Cool,have you used this wing construction before? What battreies are ya gonna use? When you cover the fuse with tissue in a 2 tone scheme like that,do you cover it with all white first,then add the red? What are ya gonna use for Landing gear?What glue did you use for the tissue covering? For the foam board?Where are ya putting the ailerons,scale location or wing tips?
Thanks for posting the photos...don't forget the Fokker pics when ya can....we really want to see them.
Grizz.

[RVanHorn]

Grizz,
Yes I've used that contsruction for models before, but this is my first attempt on a scale model.
I will fly this one with a Sanyo 9v (6C, 120mAH) battery as I am building it for the big NIMPRA event in Janesville. I will also try a 8C 270 mAH for outdoor flying.
I covered the fuse with the white just up to the point were the red starts, then made a pattern by hand and cut out 1 piece of red for the scalloped pattern area and nose.
The landing gear will be the stock plastic wheels from the kit, but I will only the use the outside pieces from the wheel pant/spat to save weight. Also the plastic dummy engine will not be fitted, but the cowl ring will, can't leave that off, it'd ruin the character of the plane!
I use Pica Aliphatic Resin thinned 50/50 for covering the fuse and applying the tissue to the foam wing. My lovely wife, who is an artist taught me how to decoupage the tissue on the foam. Look for an article on this technique soon on the NIMPRA site. There will be full span ailerons with the servo mounted on the bottom of the wing with direct pushrods to the aileron root ends. Hope this helps!
NIMPRA (http://nimpra.rcplanet.com)

[Grizzly Greg]

Thanks for sharing the info Robb,thats great!Very nice job with that tissue covering too,I don't think I could do that good.I have a 20yr old Guillows Zero kit that I am just starting on,I think I'll steal some of your techniques :o and practice on it before I attempt the Dumas or Herr Kits(which I have to save up for anyway)
Are you using just A/E/T controlls? What does it weigh now?
Again ,thanks for the info.
Grizz.

[KSU Flyer]

Hi all,

I'm happy to see a few people involved in rubber power conversion projects. I was inspired by the article posted on this site, showing a converted Dumas Bearcat. I'm currently converting my own Bearcat, but I plan to get mine lighter than the one in the article. I'll try to keep in touch and send some pictures of my ongoing project. The GeeBee looks good, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out. Anyway, for what it's worth... I'll be working along with all of you!

-KSU Flyer