Successful Test Flight Giant Scale Fokker Triplane

Successful Test Flight Giant Scale Fokker Triplane

So it’s all history now! We had a fantastic test flight for the giant scale 33% Fokker Triplane built from the Balsa USA kit. It too 500 hours to build spread over 10 months to complete. We have many, many “Build-Along” posts on the Modelairplanenews.com website shot in my workshop showing all of the details and techniques involved in this exclusive project.

Giant Scale Fokker Triplane

The Triplane is powered by a Zenoah GT80 twin cylinder gas engine and it is guided by a Spektrum DX18 with dual receivers installed in the airplane.

Giant Scale Fokker Triplane

Take off takes about 2 clicks above half throttle and the Falcon 26x 8 prop provides amazing power and thrust for the 30 plus pound WW1 triplane.

Giant Scale Fokker Triplane

Our first landing was a little less than perfect in that the throttle trim was not pulled far enough back. But we did test the sturdiness of the landing gear and the Spoked wheels from Arizona Model Aircrafters. All are still in perfect working condition.

 

On a scale of 1 to 10, our test flights (a total of 8) score 9s and 9.5s.

Recommendation

  • The elevators (with 30% Expo) were set at the 2 inch throw indicated in the instructions and the pitch response feels a little sensitive. I will add 16oz. of ballast to the nose and see how that helps the response.
  • Need to find a better adhesive to keep the tires on the rims, is all that’s required.
  • Of course we need to add Machine Guns and a 1/3-scale pilot figure.

Giant Scale Fokker Triplane

Getting in the Spirit of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome’s “Cole Palen” Triplane with my A-#1 Caller and daughter Rebecca!

 

Updated: July 27, 2015 — 10:25 AM

6 Comments

  1. hi Gerry, triplane Looked Great was ther saturday seen the tire mishap I had heard and tried liquid nails (home depot etc) seems to work at my end with a 20 pound biplane 18 flights no rubber separations yet (metal rim/rubber hose tire)

    1. Hi Jim! We had a splendid time at the Dawn Patrol! Yes, the one wheel/tire takeoff was a bit exciting but as you saw, the landing was uneventful! I have cable ties attached now for the “Rhinebeck Aerodrome look” but will have to come up with something. The suggestion of “Liquid Nails” adhesive I heard a couple times. Thanks for your comments
      Gerry

  2. Congrats Gerry!

    Looking forward to seeing you and that Fokker in Kingston – Hey When pigs fly! are a welcomed sight in Canada anytime

  3. Thanks Ken! I will be there with Fokker in tow! I am excited and happy with the Triplane’s flight performance!

  4. Outstanding job, Gerry! Really great to see this outstanding model come together. Lots of time to finish up the details like the pilot. For now, enjoy it!

    As for the tires, maybe PFM? It even stuck the little feet back on my laptop.

    1. I found Shoe Goo to work pretty good for the rubber and aluminum

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