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The Goldberg Staudacher S-300 GS is a continuation of the Extra 300 series of aircraft models. This is one neat model. As has come to be expected from Carl Goldberg, this is an excellent kit. The building instructions and plans are excellent. One word caution is in order and that is to not over power the model. The hardware is complete and the quality of the balsa and plywood parts is excellent. It has a rather large ABS plastic cowl. Construction is straightforward for a ply/balsa/plastic model. The tail group uses 3/16" stringers, sheeted with 1/16" balsa. Sanding and beveling tools are supplied. The plans show CA hinges but Robart Hinge Point hinges were substituted. The wing is built upside down over the plans. The ribs incorporate removable tabs to maintain alignment. The tabs are fragile since 1/16 balsa is used throughout the ribs and sheeting and care must be taken to avoid breaking them off during construction. The fuselage is built using the standard current key-lock construction. This works very well and yields a straight fuselage with a minimum of effort. A servo tray is included in the kit. The turtledeck is made of 1/64" plywood. It is easy to install and cover and it looks good. The wheel pants supplied with this kit are a problem to assemble due to not matching very well. Another set that was readily available was substitued on this model. The cowl is rather large so it was reinforced with heavy fiberglass and coating resin to avoid the inevitable cracking. This seems to be working fine at this point. An OS 61FX engine with a standard Pitts style muffler was used for power. A Dubro refuel valve to the cowl was installed in the cowling since the engine is fully enclosed. The first flight was almost a disaster. The Staudacher seemed to have a mind of its own. It was almost lost in a nearby tree line. The problem turned out to be that it was tail heavy. It had been given a quick CG check and seemed to be close enough. After the first flight, 14 ounces of lead was added to the nose. It now flies fine. It is recommended that a forward CG be used when flight testing a new model. Takeoffs and landings are as might be expected for this type model. The plans recommend 3/8" low and 5/8" high control throw for all surfaces. Those throws are plenty since this is a quick airplane. The Staudacher is a really a neat airplane. It is very quick and very fast. It will probably make good third or fourth model. It looks good on the ground and in the air. |
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