The proof is in the flying and after 500 hours of build time spread over 10 months, the new 33% Scale Fokker Triplane built from the Balsa USA kit proves to be a solid and enjoyable flyer! The Zenoah GT80 turning a Falcon 26×8 props is ideal for the triplane and the first few flights we great. We will be tweaking the model a little and will continue to see how we can improve its performance, but for now, it is a very well behaved giant scale flyer.
Mike Gross Sr. (left) helps Gerry with the first test flight of the Giant Triplane at the LI Sky Hawks field.
Enjoy the video!
Specifications
Kit: 1/3-scale Fokker Triplane
Mfg./Dist.: Balsa USA
Wingspan: 94 in.
Wing Area: 3,260 sq. in.
Weight: 34 lbs
Wing Loading: 24.03 oz./sq. ft.
Length: 74.5 in.
Time to Build: 500 hrs./10 months
Gear Used
Engine: Zenoah GT80 80cc
Radio: Spektrum DX18 w/9 ch receiver
Aux Receiver: Spektrum AR7010 7 ch.
Servos: Protek RC 330T x6 (A-Main Hobbies)
Servo Arms: Hangar 9 Aluminum Rudder
Hangar 9 Aluminum Elevator x2
Mufflers: Slimline Smoke twin set
Propeller: Falcon Beech 26×8
Pushrods: Dave Brown Carbon fiber
Batteries: NoBS A123 2300mAh w/switch x2
Smoke Battery: LiFE 6.6V 2100mAh
Fuel Tanks: Sullivan 24oz x2
Smoke Pump: Sullivan Sky Writer
Bomb Drop: E-flite
Wheels: Arizona Models Aircrafters 40-spoke kit
Machine Guns: Arizona Models Aircrafters Spandau x2
Adhesives: Pacer Technology ZAP CA, Epoxy and Finishing Resin
Covering
Stits Lite Poly Cloth: (13yds)
Poly Tak Glue (1pt.):
Poly Brush (1qt.):
Poly Spray (1qt.):
Poly Tone (1qt.) each of Red, Black and White
Reducer: (1qt.)
Rib Tapes: CVS brand cloth Bandage Tape and Paper Hair Styling tape
Watched the entire build project, great conclusion! Now, for the good part…..ENJOYING it and showing it off!
Very nice job, congratulations!
thanks Rich. I appreciate your comments! Let the flying commence!
Congratulations Gerry! It looks great and it was fun following your build! Happy to see her fly!
Hey PJ. thanks for the comment. The Balsa USA giant triplane was a fun project and it is a great flyer! I still have little things to sort out for for them most part, it went together nicely!
Gerry
It flies really nicely, which is always a problem for smaller triplanes with their short nose moment. Looks a bit odd up in the sky with no pilot, but I guess that will come once the testing phase is done.
Looks great! Just in time to get it all dialed in before Rinebeck…