Top Flite SE5A - 50 year old (partially built) kit

Michael · April 25, 2024, 07:50:51 PM

Attaching the top wing is next.

Michael · April 26, 2024, 05:32:32 PM

Wire rigging is done, and the wings are very strong now.

Aileron linkage (from bottom to top) and tail rigging done.

Michael · April 26, 2024, 06:16:03 PM

Decals and the upper machine gun added.

davidk · April 26, 2024, 06:26:03 PM

That's a very pretty plane!

sihinch · April 27, 2024, 09:09:01 AM

Looks absolutely stunning, Michael. 👍🏻

Gregor77 · April 27, 2024, 10:14:33 AM

Amazing!

Michael · April 27, 2024, 05:11:25 PM

Thanks, guys.

Battery compartment.

Michael · April 27, 2024, 05:14:42 PM

Dual (triple) rates set, stabilizer/gyro working in the proper directions, plane balanced, and 14/7 propeller installed.

Full throttle draws 50 amps on 14.8 volts.

All done; waiting for a nice day to maiden; maybe this coming Wednesday afternoon, if the forecast is suitable.

GuyOReilly · April 27, 2024, 05:22:39 PM

Looks FANTASTIC!!
I hope you car is big enough to carry it all rigged-up!

sihinch · April 29, 2024, 06:35:11 PM

Congratulations Michael. A fantastic model.

msatin · April 29, 2024, 09:11:18 PM

Beautiful Michael- congratulations!

Michael · April 30, 2024, 09:03:17 PM

Successful maiden and second flights today. Thanks to Glenn and David for their help. Both flights had good landings.

The photo was taken after the flights.

davidk · April 30, 2024, 09:36:55 PM

Too funny... photo taken after the flights...

There are some maidens you come to expect all will go well, and this was one of them.

She just lifted into the air... both times... lovely. A bit of trimming and all was good.

Michael kept the power on for landing or else she'd just drop... and she settled down beautifully.

Nicely done.

Gregor77 · May 08, 2024, 12:15:28 PM

Lots of rudder?

Michael · May 08, 2024, 07:30:57 PM

The model does not need lots of rudder in flight.

While it needs constant attention, as do most biplanes due to drag, it flies well.