NMPRA

I recently received a pair of Proudbird kits from Karl Harold. The kit is based on Jimmy's model.

This thread shows a the radio location and many other items needed for a successful model.

I used the provided servo tray to size the one used in my model. It places the servos as far back as they will go. The switch is located in front of the servos. The battery is located under the servos.

My model was provided with carbon fiber rods to join the sides of the horizontal stabilizer.

A Nelson Q40 engine system was used and I found that some tail weight was needed to balance the model. I was told to replace the tubes with 3/16" and 5/32" steel rods. This adds about 1 ounce of tail weight to the model. My model balanced about 4 1/4" back after using the metal rods.

I removed the horizontal tail surfaces to show the metal rods.

The engine and needle valve assembly were installed as per the pictures.

My engine kill (no picture) is based upon pulling the fuel tubing into an aluminum tube. This compresses the fuel tubing to kill the engine. I typically use a piece of tubing with a 1/4" ID hole.

I used a 6 ounce Tettra tank. Double sided Velcro was glued to the top of the fuselage. A piece of foam was added to the top of the fuselage to level the tank. Tubes were routed to the engine. I wrapped the tank with paper towel. The Velcro was pulled tight and the tank was then held in place.

I used rearward holes for the wheels. The gear was attached with #4 x 1/2" screws.

A skid was installed using a piece of metal pushrod and rubberized CA glue.

A carbon fiber pushrod was used for the rudder. Metal rods are used to attach the horns.

A carbon fiber pushrod (not shown) was used for the elevator.

The aileron servo was installed on the bottom of the wing. Note that the horns should lean back toward the trailing edge of the wing. This is to help insure that the aileron throw is roughly equal throw in up and down directions.

My model uses a two piece wing.

The picture shows one way to mount the tray.

My two models were test flow at the Goddard field.

I found each model to be both fast and stable.

I use aileron mixing on my model instead of tip weight. It applies approximately 14% of the elevator throw to the ailerons when going through the turns.

Thanks to Jimmy and others for details on how to setup the model.