New to me Decathlon

[Sinkhappens86]

When I picked up my trailer down in Harrisburg, I finally took possession of Len's Hangar 9 Decathlon that Jim Dolly so graciously modified, stored and delivered! Finally making some progress on getting it ready for towing duty for Cumberland.

Been a bit of a learning curve between the new Taranis radio and deciphering Len's wiring! ;-) But it's alive!

[stevekremer]

looking good Kevin

Steve K

[stevekremer]

Len or Jim,

What did you use around the hole you cut in the cowl for the ignition? Some kind of tubing?

Thanks

Steve K

[lenb]

Either one of these will work,
I'd get both and see what you like.

Glue it from the inside of the cowl after its installed with a small drop of thin CA, let it wick around the edge letting gravity do the work.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXG860&P=SM

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXG861&P=SM

[JimD]

I used this "U" trim on the Porter. It fits perfectly over the edge of the fiberglass and bends around the tight turns nicely.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXG852&P=M

[Xroadie]

I forgot about Foremost products! Great repurpose for the ignition wire openings!!

[lenb]

Yes,
I like the U trim also... It has become a favorite of mine. They have it in different sizes too. Some of each in nice.

[stevekremer]

Thanks Guys

[Sinkhappens86]

A couple questions about the Decathlon.

I've read Jim's thread on his issues with the combination of the DA 120, canisters and the 27x12TH prop. Are these the same canisters that Jim had and will I have the same issues with this combination? Should I invest in a new prop?

Second, does anyone know what size the wing bolts are? SOMEONE didn't include them, and I haven't been able to find the size listed anywhere in the manual or on the website.

Thanks all!

[JimD]

Wing bolts are 1/4-20...I switched mine over to socket head steel bolts with neoprene backed washers under the heads. I have plenty, so I will give you a set next week.

As for the prop and canister combo, yes it is the same as what I had trouble with (although it took 70 hours of flight time to show up). The 3-blade will be perfect on your DA-120 powered Hangar 9 Extra 300...😎

So far, the best prop for aero towing with the DA-120 is the Falcon 27x11.

[lenb]

There's a reason you didn't get the wing bolts, that way I get to see it fly.

lol
Sorry about that Kevin, I have the parts in a nice plastic case sitting in the trailer.. I'll have them for you at the event,

[Sinkhappens86]

My Dad and I took the Decathlon out today up at Harris Hill. Had a very good first couple flights, just needed a bit more expo to get it flying smoothly. After that Dad pulled out his Blanik and we had 2 successful tows.

It does fly, and especially lands very different than the Porter does, and unfortunately I got a bit behind it on the last landing... carbon fiber does not like asphalt! But overall I'm very happy with it and looking forward to putting some more time on it!

[JimD]

Good job guys...now you can get that Falcon 27x11 prop you've been wanting!

[Sinkhappens86]

And some videos for proof!

[lenb]

Congratulations Kevin, glad you're happy with the plane. You're flying it very well already!!

[Sinkhappens86]

Took the Decathlon out again yesterday. Absolutely beautiful day, sunny, warm and little to no wind. Put probably 15-20 landings on it and really started to get the hang of it.

Last week at Harris Hill, we noticed the engine surging at 1/2 throttle, but it cleared up as I flew it a bit more. This week is was consistently doing it and didn't get better. Great at full throttle, great at idle, but surges at 1/2. Took a video to document it. Any thoughts?