Tri Eagle has flown

[Steve]

SkyPup is coming along nicely.
This site is the best.
I wonder how Wilbur felt? Bet I got close.

Bill: It's time for some SkyPup build photos and the wood working you have done on the fir spar caps... One of the great decisions of the SkyPup is what engine/redrive/prop and how will the fuel be carried - your musings will be of interest...Steve

[bill utt]

I like that" your musings will be of interest"  
No problem though, get some together soon.
Amazing how strong the spars are.
engine will be a modified Honda GX390 direct drive. Under 63 lbs.
Don't care for two strokes unless they are on a boat or cycle.
4 gal tank in center section, rudder control will be with the stick
Should be able to trim it buy moving my feet
Bill

[bill utt]

Steve, decided to try and find the bottom of the mess in the barn. So, as requested, here are some pics of the Pup.
That's 200+ lbs. on that spar without the gussets. Amazing!

[Steve]

Steve, decided to try and find the bottom of the mess in the barn. So, as requested, here are some pics of the Pup.
That's 200+ lbs. on that spar without the gussets. Amazing!

I like it ! ! !   Good looking workmanship...

[bill utt]

Thanks.

[Steve]

engine will be a modified Honda GX390 direct drive. Under 63 lbs.
Don't care for two strokes unless they are on a boat or cycle.

Been thinking about that engine going direct drive on a one cyl... Seems there might be  a favored clocking position of the prop in relation to the piston travel... Do you plan to retain e-start?... TroyBuilt now offers a Cordless Drill based external starter on some of their machines... Have you tried CraigsList following to locate one of the formerly available GX390 redrives from China?...

[bill utt]

Plan on using rope start. no elec. You may have something there about the prop[/piston relationship. Haven't been looking for a redrive at all.
I am adding a third bearing to the shaft externally for torsional and trust loads. the engine has an internal balance shaft. You noticed that the engine was torn down. Sending it out soon to be punched .020 over and then start tricking out some other areas. I'm pretty sure I can make the thing work. I  am after simple and light as possible regarding the engine.
Thanks for the input Steve,certainly food for thought. Will keep looking into it! May be forced to some type of redrive. Yuck!