3 meter Cessna C188 Agwaggon

[Henryk]

Hi Guys,

Thought i would update on this airframe now we have managed to get some hours on it. (its been a very wet Autumn / Winter here)

We looked for an airframe that had a glass fuse and a longer tail moment than the pawnee.

Initially we were thinking of making a mould for a RV8, but then we found this airframe and decided to give it a looksee.

US link:
http://easytigermodels.com/index.php...558800ae9a1a89

In Australia:
http://www.austars-model.com/dispdet...02031505438081

Overall impression of the kit.

This is a nicely built kit overall but needs some attention for towing duty. We upgraded the mounting points for the undercarriage and changed the strut mounting points for easier access during rigging.

We removed the original servo mount plate (that took up most of the interior) and make specific mount points for all the internal items.

The tail feathers were modified for quick rigging and a mechanical latch system was made for the main deck which makes it easy to check fuel etc.

We also reinforced the canopy by making an internal frame to support the blown canopy. This was probably a bit of an overkill, but some of the rougher places we fly have been known to flip aircraft.

The glass fuse is quite nice quality, but most of the internal formers are quite thin and need reinforcing at points where you will use them to mount things like the fuel tank.

The built up wings need little to no work except, after some use, we did have to beef up the strut mount points.

We installed the DA120 and it has more than enough power for this airframe.

Flying

She is a pussycat!

Compared to our pawnee (ours is a glass fuse version - much heavier wing loading that the Hanger 9 ones) the agwaggon is a trainer! The longer tail moment makes it very sedate in both the tow and landings.

Towing

Because of the big removable deck, we decided to go with a bridle system on the thrust line and just aft of the CofG.

So far we have easily towed sailplanes to 19kg with no issues at all. The plane is very responsive on the tow, and there is little adverse affect from the glider on tow.

The big flaps and stable plan form make it a doddle to land.

So, if you are looking for a good stable platform and would prefer the longevity of a glass fuse at about the same price as the Hanger 9 airframe, this can be a great alternative.

cheers
Henryk

[yyz]

Great review! This should be the template for future such reviews.

Mike

[Henryk]

Hi Guys,

Spotted this just now - Place in Texas has these airframes for sale at $995:
http://www.texasrcplanes.com/giscce188.html

Now that's a bargain!

[Josh in VT]

Ya that place seems cool. Has any one delt with them ?

[Lunns]

As a regular customer (tugee?) I can comment that this aircraft is very stable, very capable and has a wide envelope such that Henryk can tow from a small woodstock to the 19Kg glass beauties all comfortably and at a rate that is suitable for the gliders.

Steve

[Len]

Thanks for the review, I'm looking forward to seeing one of these in person. Anyone?

LEN

[eajbrian]

HenryK,

IS the attachment point of the L/G to the fuselage well supported? The L/G looks so narrow on the top. I like a wider base to mount to the fuselage. We tow at pretty rough ground.

Brian, an EAJ

[Henryk]

Hi Brian,

The original airframe is quite ok. There is a recess in the fuse that creates a nice rigid and flat mount point for the undercarriage. Internally there are two formers that take the load from the fuse up the sides.

Given we also have the same issue with most of our strips being rather rough, we added some black balsa to reinforce the glass around the mounting points. Across the width of the fuse we added two L shaped Aluminium cross members to assist with load distribution on the bolt down points. See image.

We have also added our usual spring loading. This is now pretty much standard on all our tugs now with rigid U/C's. It really makes a huge difference on the wear and tear of the U/C. Pick attached.

[Henryk]

Mucking round last night I added a little vinyl to the airframe.

one needs to amuse onself...

[JimD]

Henryk,

If you keep posted pictures and information about the Agwagon, I am going to start liking it!!

Have to say that it has a certain cuteness factor...in a sort of Porterish way...and they really do use them as tow planes in real life.

Jim