Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / November 2003

Hi
New to the group, and fairly new to RC flying.  I've built two kits over the
last three years or so.  Has anyone used Pica kits?  I'm looking at their
1/6 Waco.  Any input?
Thank you
Kevin
=================
One of our members is building their 1/5 Waco.  He says it has been a good
kit to build.  He's almost to the covering stage.

Pica's Wacos have been around for a long time -- and every one I've seen
flew great. Their kits have a lot of lumber, and as such are 'builder's
kits', but are well designed with good plans and good wood. Go for it! Just
be sure you have some taildragger experience before the first flight.

Cheers --  \__________Lyman Slack_________/
                 \______AMA6430 IMAA1564___/
                   \____Flying Gators R/C______/
                     \__Gainesville FL _________/
  Visit my Web Site at: http://www.LymanSlack.com

I built this plane last winter.  It is a fantastic flying plane and
looks great in the air.  The kit is definately a builders kit, lots of
sticks and sanding.  I did quite a few mod's to mine.

1. I put two aileron servos in the wings instead of the bellcrank
system supplied.  
2. I trashed all of the nylon parts and replaced with metal.
Especially important with the N struts.  The rinky-dink setup that
comes with it is a disaster waiting to happen.  I used hardwood blocks
in the wing, silver soldered rings on the n-struts, and screws to hold
it together.  Much stronger.
3. I used ball links on the connecting rod from the upper to lower
ailerons.  The angle is so sharp that the supplied connectors don't
work very well.
4. Replaced the plastic cowel with fiberglass.  
5. Pull-pull system for the rudder and elevator.

There are a few other minor mods that escape me right now, but if you
do a google groups search you will find some more.  Good luck and
enjoy the build.  It is well worth the time spent.

David

I built a 1/6 scale Pica WACO over 12 years ago, and still have it.  The
Pica WACO is one of the lightest best flying biplane kits I've ever built.
It is definitely not a beginner project though........it is a big "box of
sticks".  I covered mine in fabric and paint, and it looks nearly as good
now as it did 12 years ago.  I've had 3 different engines in it over the
years, but like the Enya 90 that is in it now the best, even though it is
over-powered.  It would probably fly well on a 70 4 stroke, and I've flown
it on a 60 2 stroke (which was also over powered).   I believe that this kit
is now being laser cut, so the quality is probably even better.  I have a
1/5 scale Pica WACO kit in my stack of future projects............maybe one
day.

Martin
AMA  240487

I'm building a 1/5th scale Waco and I'm really enjoying the process but you
should have a few kits under your belt before you tackle this one. Everything
isn't spelled out like the Sig or Great Planes kits .Pica has been very helpful
answering  my questions the few times I was stuck. I'm very happy with the way
it's coming out.
Jeff