In theory this should be a fairly quick build thread since I'm starting with an ARF that already has most of the work done (servo installations, pull-pull for the rudder, and power switch). I picked this plane up a couple months ago for a price I couldn't resist. It was never flown, although it did have a glow engine installed and appeared ready to go. In my opinion, the Rascal is one of the best looking planes on the market and I never thought I'd end up with the big 110" version (I'm cheap). Below is a generic pic I found to give you a size reference. This plane just barely fits in my work van, with maybe 1/2" to spare.
The glow engine was removed and sold, which helped cut my total investment in this project. The first thing I need to do now is strip out all the misc. pieces that need updating for a gas engine - engine mounts, fuel tank, and some of the original 72 mHz electronics. The wing struts are sitting next to it and still in their original bags.
The original owner went through a lot of effort to protect the receiver, having made a nice ply box with carpet and foam padding.
This is the engine I'm planning to use, an XYZ 26cc gasser. It's going to take a little effort to get it mounted as the original mounting base for it is long gone, and I haven't been able to find a stock replacement. A new mount won't be too difficult and the process may help people in the future. I'm not thrilled about the big muffler and carb that will be sticking out the sides of the cowl. Some engines have the carb rear mounted between the engine and firewall, but my experience with those is that they're a pain to tune due to limited access.
So far the biggest problem I'm having with the disassembly is getting the dang fuel tank out! I had to pull the tank to get new gas lines installed, and it appears that I'll have to break or at least modify (cut) the ply plate to get the tank out. I've already removed the windscreen and dashboard and still no love. Oh well, it'll have to wait till later in the week as I'm going to be on the road for the next few days.
Another project that will need to be done for this plane is making wing bags. With this project, my only real concern is the engine. I bought it used and have never run it, so hopefully it doesn't have any hidden problems.
The glow engine was removed and sold, which helped cut my total investment in this project. The first thing I need to do now is strip out all the misc. pieces that need updating for a gas engine - engine mounts, fuel tank, and some of the original 72 mHz electronics. The wing struts are sitting next to it and still in their original bags.
The original owner went through a lot of effort to protect the receiver, having made a nice ply box with carpet and foam padding.
This is the engine I'm planning to use, an XYZ 26cc gasser. It's going to take a little effort to get it mounted as the original mounting base for it is long gone, and I haven't been able to find a stock replacement. A new mount won't be too difficult and the process may help people in the future. I'm not thrilled about the big muffler and carb that will be sticking out the sides of the cowl. Some engines have the carb rear mounted between the engine and firewall, but my experience with those is that they're a pain to tune due to limited access.
So far the biggest problem I'm having with the disassembly is getting the dang fuel tank out! I had to pull the tank to get new gas lines installed, and it appears that I'll have to break or at least modify (cut) the ply plate to get the tank out. I've already removed the windscreen and dashboard and still no love. Oh well, it'll have to wait till later in the week as I'm going to be on the road for the next few days.
Another project that will need to be done for this plane is making wing bags. With this project, my only real concern is the engine. I bought it used and have never run it, so hopefully it doesn't have any hidden problems.