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Stuntin' Ringmaster Balance Question.

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Stuntin' Ringmaster Balance Question.

Old 12-13-2017, 07:19 PM
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CLBetten
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Default Stuntin' Ringmaster Balance Question.

I am finishing an old Stuntin' Ringmaster .35 kit. I planned to use an ST .34 with a tongue muffler. That would require 3.35 ounces of tail ballast. Is that typical for this model? I assume it was designed around a McCoy or Fox .35. I have both of those also but would still need 2.25 ounces to balance. I'd prefer using a muffler if at all practical.

Last edited by CLBetten; 12-13-2017 at 07:21 PM.
Old 12-14-2017, 06:49 AM
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JohnBuckner
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Not sure which Ringmaster you have but I do have and actively fly a Jr. Ringmaster (it is the .20 sized profile version) and an S-6 Super Ringmaster (that is the .35 sized full fuselage version). In addition not to long ago I did refurbish and fly a friends S-1 Ringmaster (that is the .35 sized profile version).

There also was the Baby ringmaster, Imperial Ringmaster as well as several others.

Anyway it is my opinion that the three versions I have been involved with are best operated at about 10 to 15% MAC not the typical 25% of the RC airplane. This is actually quite close to the leading edge. Both of my rings are quite aerobatic at this position. Also both of mine have RC engines (in fact all my controlline airplanes do) the Jr has an OS .20 with muffler of course and the Super has and RC .25 Hirtenberger.

John

Here is my little Junior:
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Old 12-14-2017, 02:40 PM
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Clean
 
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I'm running an LA 25 with muffler on mine, I added a Dubro Heavy hub too. I don't know where the balance is but its now a little too stable. With just a normal hub it was twitchy as a mug. Also have an oversized control horn on the elevator not that real close to the center stock Ring horn. Still, if in level flight it's always hunting for a new home, it's too tail heavy. Weight to the tail of such a short nosed plane? But yes, CL planes generally have their CG's farther forward. Looking at a Magician and the plans show 16% for CG. That's a pretty active stunter, least the one I flew. I bet my Ring is closer to 10-11 right now. I can get squares out of it, not triangles.
Old 12-14-2017, 05:14 PM
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CLBetten
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Thanks guys, I think you nailed it. The measurement in the instructions is in distance from leading edge and is exactly 25%. At 10-13% it's perfect with no tail weight. I've never flown a CL larger than 1/2 A. Stable is good!
Old 12-14-2017, 06:20 PM
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Don,t forget the rest of the equation when you are talking about control geometry and that's what you hold in your hand. For your .35 powered Ring using sixty foot lines (and I do suggest sixty footers) use or make a handle with a line spread at the handle of no more than about 3.5 inchs. Don.t be sucked in to the big is better routine for your handle.

John

Last edited by JohnBuckner; 12-14-2017 at 06:23 PM.
Old 12-16-2017, 04:57 PM
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CLBetten
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This is the kit I built. I haven't seen another. Looks like the S1?
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Old 12-16-2017, 09:33 PM
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Looks like a fairly modern kit. It didn't have a CG listed on the plans anywhere? Was that one laser cut?
Old 12-16-2017, 10:54 PM
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The box says 1998. Described as razor cut. No laser burns on any parts. The only mention of CG was 2 1/4 inches from the leading edge in the final paragraph of the instructions. Root chord is 10". Span is about 43"
Old 12-19-2017, 08:38 AM
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Heres the Matt Kanai plans on outerzone
https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=3501

Doesn't look 2.25 to me.The leading edge is 3/4 I think. 10 inch root chord, this looks close to 12 15 percent
Old 12-19-2017, 11:16 AM
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Those plans show a CG of 1.75 inches at the fuselage. I just measured my S1 Ringmaster which is a VERY good flying plane and easily would do a 475-500 point pattern if the pilot were capable of it - its 1.6 inches at the fuselage. Clean is correct - the root chord is 10 inches. Mine has an open face Fox .35 Stunt and weighs 26 oz. with an empty tank - though total weight doesn't have much to do with optimum CG. A heavier plane may require slightly more rearward CG, just to get it pointed in the right direction while it wallows through the corners.

I would not recommend initial flights with anything more than the 1.75" and for some, that would be too much.

Last edited by mikeainia; 12-19-2017 at 11:20 AM.
Old 10-26-2023, 01:59 PM
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AJ Sun
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Old post but worth discussing. When I was 13 I built my first Ringmaster. S1 and a Stunt Fox 35. I wrecked it several times. Always rebuildable. An AF Sgt made several S-1 fuselages out of scrap Balsa from the Base pallet shop. I bought one. And salvaged my original S-1 and used the four inch longer Ringmaster fuselage. One inch in front of the leading edge, and three inches aft of the trailing edge of the wing. Installed a tail wheel and it really flew great. I don’t thinkI added weight in the tail but my outboard wing had one and one half ounces added. 58’ Sullivan lines .015.AJ
Old 11-12-2023, 11:57 AM
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Hey John Buckner you still there? I see your in Arizona and were flying a Super Ringmaster? That was many years ago. I am building a Super Ringmaster it’s not a Sterling kit, but I also fly a 35 Ringmaster Fox Stunt power and yes more balanced just aft of the leading wing edge. I drilled the tail and installed a small tail wheel and filled the hole with BBs. A little nose heavy, but very controllable. Is Your Super Ringmaster balanced about in the same area? Around the leading edge of the wing? AJ
Old 03-06-2024, 04:59 PM
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I sold my old S-1 Ringmaster to a nine year old he hung it in his bed room right above his bed. He is nineteen today. I had bad remorse and ordered a Brodak S-1A Ringmaster. It’s done and it’s flown once. Real squirrels so I redid the weight and balance and moved it to the down control lead out just a tad behind it.The plans If I recall had it on the leading edge of the wing just about an inch which was right on the rear of the fuel tank. Now it needs 3oz in the nose. And no weight in the tail. I broke off the tail skid and at the same time broke the elevator wood piece that attaches the control rod. Needless to say the madden flight did not go well. Not many Brodak S-1A RingMasters are discussed. What about it, what is your experience?AJ

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