Hi there - from the shed

[Skypup95.10]

Hi all,

 

Looks like a nice place to hang out. I am from Sunbury and I am building a Skypup. If you would like to know more do a google search as there is good builder support on the web. Try 'Machnone' or skypup yahoo group.

 

I have the centre wing spar done and I am working on the main wing spars. All hardware and most materials are now bought. I don't think many people like to build in wood these days but I love it, it's just like a model plane only bigger.

 

Anyhow Best wishes.

 

 

[Guernsey]

Hi Skypup, welcome to the forum. I've just done a Google search as you suggest, wow! what a little ripper. I am like you I love working with wood.

 

It is really good to see you are trying to stem the decline in numbers of 95:10 aircraft.

 

Keep us up to date with your building progress, I hope it will encourage others to follow in your footsteps. Well done.

 

Alan a 95:10 devotee from way back.:thumb_up:

 

 

[Guernsey]

What engine are you planning to instal?

 

Alan.

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

An interesting little aircraft. There's some really nice looking ones in the slide shows you reference. There's nothing wrong with wood. Do you have to steam some parts to get the required shape?

 

Welcome to the forums. You should be able to get advice from other builders here, or just compare notes.

 

I guess that when finished, you will fly it out of Penfield? When in Melbourne, I often stay with family at Sunbury, not too far from Penfield, and one day I plan to fly in there.

 

 

[Ed Herring]

Hi all,Looks like a nice place to hang out. I am from Sunbury and I am building a Skypup. If you would like to know more do a google search as there is good builder support on the web. Try 'Machnone' or skypup yahoo group.

I have the centre wing spar done and I am working on the main wing spars. All hardware and most materials are now bought. I don't think many people like to build in wood these days but I love it, it's just like a model plane only bigger.

 

Anyhow Best wishes.

Hi Skypup

 

I checked out the MachNone website and i will follow this with interest. Good on you for choosing the project and i am sure you will have a lot of fun building and flying the aircraft. This is just what the 95.10 category needs is for more people to actually "just do it"....! keep us posted with info and of course photo's if you can.

 

Best Regards

 

Ed

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

What engine are you planning to instal?Alan.

Thanks to Guernsey (ah, its Alan) and Ed for the warm welcome and interest. You've put a smile on my face too. The engine choice is quite difficult for a lightweight (200lb empty) plane like this. Originally most were flown with cuyuna 210 single, 21hp and perfect. (now built by 2SI but unobtainable in Aus). Some have now got a rotax 277, 28hp and bit too heavy, vibrate, and also out of production. I think one of the best engines are the Hirth 313 or the MZ34. Both are similar 27-30hp and 17-23kg depending on options. I think I'll go for the MZ (lighter) but like the Hirth it has a radial mount and this will require some airframe modifications so that it can be mounted on a firewall. The Skypup is designed with a beam mount. At the moment I'm head scratching about that and the C of G because it will require moving the engine forward to preserve foot space. Change one thing and it has a domino effect. I'll deal with the details later, as there's plenty build in the meantime.

David asks about steam bending. No, but the upper fuselage longerons are 2 peices and laminated in place to help ease the bend. They are douglas fir. I'm using West systems epoxy throughout.

 

I will post some pictures from time to time when I work out how its done. I expect to be enjoying this for the next year or so.

 

Cheers and Thanks

 

 

[Bandit12]

What made you choose the Skypup? Gorgeous looking little aircraft, and I have considered it at times, but I just can't get my head around the lack of ailerons...!!!

 

 

[winsor68]

I would love to see photos of the build and info on costs... the Skypup looks like a perfect little fine weather flyer.

 

 

[winsor68]

Are these the plans you are building from?

 

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

The engine choice is quite difficult for a lightweight (200lb empty) plane like this. Originally most were flown with cuyuna 210 single, 21hp and perfect. (now built by 2SI but unobtainable in Aus).

Have you considered a Bailey 4-stroke ? http://www.baileyaviation.com/4v_200_engine.html

 

Cheers

 

John

 

 

[Neil_S]

Hi Skypup,

 

What an amazing little plane! Looks heaps of fun.

 

I fly out of Penfield, so am looking forward to seeing you and the pup flying there one day. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

Cheers

 

Neil

 

 

[Guernsey]

Here's another future possible engine, info sent by Gary Morgan from Morgan Aeroworks. www.maengtech.com

 

Alan Marriette.

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

Have you considered a Bailey 4-stroke ? http://www.baileyaviation.com/4v_200_engine.htmlCheers

 

John

Hi John, Yes, its a lovely engine and I did have a look at it some time ago. You were right to identify it as a "perfect fit" with the Skypup but at 3500 stirling pounds (about $9000 Aussie) I don't think so.

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

What made you choose the Skypup? Gorgeous looking little aircraft, and I have considered it at times, but I just can't get my head around the lack of ailerons...!!!

Hi Bandit12,

From all accounts the lack of ailerons is of little concern. Like the early Eiper's and many model aircraft, they just don't realize that they have none. The dihedral of 6 degrees under each wing panel creates a strong secondary roll effect when the plane is yarwed using the rudder. Its like co-coordinating both controls together. Having said that, there are limitations off course there is no ability to use 'crossed' controls like side slipping and cross wing landings and take offs are a no no. Its a very stable flyer by all accounts but not for windy weather. No doubt I'll find out for myself in good time.

 

Cheers

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

Hi all again,

 

Thanks for the interest, I had no idea that anyone else would care. I've been spurred on a great deal by the comments made. I took some photos today to upload. Unfortunately they are too large to be sent so I'll try again tonight.

 

In answer to some more questions raised above, yes Winsor68 they are the plans of the Skypup. They come with a construction manual of about 20 pages that you can't do without as the manual contains some vital details and information not drawn on the plans.

 

Cheers

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

Hi all again, Its raining so I'm back.

 

Success with loading the pics I took today. They are in a "Skypup" album in the Gallery.

 

Cheers

 

 

[Bandit12]

I've read the arguments for and against - I just struggle to get my head around the idea of not having ailerons. I struggle with the idea of a trike or hang glider with only two as well.....I may just have to try the idea one day! Good luck with the build, it is fantastic to see another 95.10 on the way!

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

I've read the arguments for and against - I just struggle to get my head around the idea of not having ailerons. I struggle with the idea of a trike or hang glider with only two as well.....I may just have to try the idea one day! Good luck with the build, it is fantastic to see another 95.10 on the way!

Hi Shane,

I'm an ex hang glider pilot as well, so all I can say is hundreds of people fly this way each weekend. Its no better or worse , just different. By the way I had no trouble jumping from three axis to weight shift and back regularly. Keep an open mind and just fly any way you can. Cheers

 

 

[winsor68]

Thanks for the photos... So I guess the spars are built around a foam former? I have read a bit about these aircraft and watched youtube clips and can attest to the fact that they appear to fly very well... there are a reasonable number completed and safety flown around the world judging by youtube popularity so that is a bonus... and for your dollar they have to have the best bang for the buck.

 

Have you considered some of the larger model aircraft engines for power? Or say two?

 

I reckon this will be a great little 95.10 aircraft....

 

 

[Skypup95.10]

Thanks for the photos... So I guess the spars are built around a foam former? I have read a bit about these aircraft and watched youtube clips and can attest to the fact that they appear to fly very well... there are a reasonable number completed and safety flown around the world judging by youtube popularity so that is a bonus... and for your dollar they have to have the best bang for the buck.Have you considered some of the larger model aircraft engines for power? Or say two?

I reckon this will be a great little 95.10 aircraft....

Hi Winsor68,

Yes, there is a lot of Blue Foam (Dow TM extruded polystyrene - not expanded) and it is used in compression between the spar caps of the Wing, Fin post, Rudder and Elevator spars. Also, in the fuselage sides between the upper and lower longerons and for the wing ribs, which also have wooden cap strips.

 

I have considered the large (210 cc) model engines but they offer no price advantage tho' they are very light. They tend to rev quite high and are not suited to turning a 50" prop at 2,500 rpm. I think the paraglider engines, that come with a reduction drive and designed for high thrust low speed applications are a better bet. The original 'blue light special' from which the Skypup evolved, was flown with 15HP.

 

I estimate I will spend under $1200 on the finished airframe. $3500 for a new engine and $300 on instruments. This is using all new materials and parts.

 

Cheers and thanks for your interest.