New Spencer design progress

[Bob S.]

Tom....all of Spencer's info on his new bird is delivered on a 'Need to know' basis....and you don't need to know....yet...

He's still building....

[rockiedog2]

>>>What if we raise the seat-bottom by another 4 to 6 inches.
Would it not increase all-around visibility without moving the CG longitudinally...

raising the seat 4-6" would drastically alter the design
the roof would have to be raised a like amount(i got 1-2" headroom now). raising the top 4-6" of course means more weight, more frontal area, much larger windshield which means go up a w/s thickness which means more weight(its already too thin), some tubes possibly upsized cause of the increased dimensions, slower plane due the increased frontal area and weight, reduced climb due same reason, altered vertical cg which i think may already be a little high(the gear is narrow and moving 24 gallons 6" higher wud probably have to widen the gear so more weight and drag)...and it goes on and on.
the thing is designed pretty close and 4-6" height increase is a big deal...the domino theory.
yes the viz on the ground is terrible...eyelevel strikes about the mags on the back of the motor and its pretty wide up forward. we'll have to fly it like the little biplanes with no forward viz forward when 3 point. peripheral vision out the sides with eyes straight ahead is enuf to keep it straight. shortening the gear would have helped that and decreased the drag and weight but then it wouldn't have "the look" so we accepted those disadvantages. and blind adds to the challenge. will probably go mostly wheel landings. if i ever get it finished.
thx for the thought
Spencer

[weasel]

The design looks visually pleasing, over-all.


What if we raise the seat-bottom by another 4 to 6 inches.

We cant do that it would detract from the overall theme of the machine.

Ya gotta ride kina low and let the seat back some around here so that ya sit rite lined up wit da door post man!

might even put some spinners on it.  See  

[Poorman2]

Hey Joe, Have you started coverin this new design yet?

[rockiedog2]

a few new pics. took as long to do the nosebowl and cowling as to do the basic fuse. well, maybe cause i had to do both twice. spent the afternoon cutting the fuse up and moving the top longs down to the leading edge of the stab. it looked too heavy and fat back there. should be better. i'm in the semi-burnout stage right now...need a week on some beach drinking beer.  but will keep soldiering on.
Spencer

[weasel]

Good

[bill utt]

OH! How sweet it is.

[rfeenstra]

Interesting setup for the gear suspension.  Is that original?

[Poorman2]

She's looking good Joe!!!:)  Great work. Looks like Rookie Dog approves as well. Thanks for the update. Randy from Flora.

[Tom H]

Nice nosebowl and fit-up of the cowling and windshield.  Making really good progress, too.
Tom H

[weasel]

hey spenser, if your burned out come over here.  after helping us out for a week you would be glad to get back to that thing.

hey we would even put ya up for the nights and feed ya

[rockiedog2]

you guys building a cabin eagle of some sort might be interested in this
its a door based on the Zenith 701 door very light and strong. if i was building it for an Eagle i wud cover it with 1.7 oz fabric stead of AL. a light duty AL piano hinge at the front pop riveted to the door and the airframe vertical. Avex 4 pop rivets for all structural apps. hardware store AL for the lexan window.
weighs 2.5# with the map pocket about 2# w/o the pocket and covered with fabric. it's a good door...

[rfeenstra]

Some nice racks up there.  Could use one as a hood ornament.

Door looks good.  I'll have to do something like that on my cabin.  A project for next winter.

Rob

[weasel]

That things lookin rite

[rockiedog2]

before and after of lowering the top longeron 4" at the tail. did away with that heavy clumsy look at the tail.