First flight went bad. Finger holds collapsed during launch Me109 

You can just hear the crack of the wood as I Launched.

Stucture of finger holds is balsa not ply  see pics.

So to the damage, Spinner ,prop smashed  and the motor mount, slight damage to the front of the cowl.

Few hours with the epoxy should fix it. Oh hum   . 

Kelvin, Not nice on a first flight, I had similar problems with the Mustang, I put hard foam behind the finger holes as even replacing the balsa with ply it's still possible to break the finger holes, I have done it. I now fly it with a lower reving motor which gives more low end grunt to get it away (it's turning a 12x8 prop), this has helped the launch problems but I still don't trust it. A club mate has the Spitfire and it just flies and climbs straight away. 

Thanks Shaun.

Hi David,

No, elevator was ok, checked out all controls/settings the night before, range check before flight.

Few clicks of up elevator and right aileron( as per the Spit).

Lots of thrust from the motor (more than the Spit) so reduced power slightly, as I launched my fingers went  through the hand holds on one side, lost my grip squeezed harder,fingers crunshed some more wood  , considered not letting go, grip all but gone all this in a split second .

Looking at the vid, bad angle on launch, not enough speed ,stalled and crashed in other words lack of airspeed at launch due to stucture failing.

I have found with the Spit the best launch is to keep it as level as possible and a smooth throw, some videos of launch show almost javelin like throwing or running then launch creating some interesting flight attitudes.

No bad damage 

If you have one ,  beef  up the finger holds.

Kelvin

Hi Yakmad,

I have tried to fit a larger prop, not enough thread left to fit the spinner. seems to have a lot more thrust than the Spit.

Thanks for the tip will give it a go.

Might have a go at a take-off dolly .

My Wife (ground/film crew) has volunteered  to launch it for me  

Cheers

Kelvin

With a little bit of TLC.

When not crashing the 109, I have been playing with this.

Cheers

Kelvin

Nice bits of ply, passed the sqeeze test ok.

The wood originally used for the finger holds is  soft balsa sheet ??  

If you are using the finger holds to launch the 109 reinforce them with ply.

Test flight Number  2 , this weekend.. 

First flight attempt number 2

Me109 second attempt

Almost

Well for what its worth, I think it is a lack of thrust. What prop are you using? - maybe a little more diameter on it may help? - or perhaps it is the type of model that just needs a little run up before launching?? I would try that personally, and of course ensure the COG is not slightly rearward?? - throw it dead level, and try to leave the elevator alone until a little more airspeed is reached. I couldnt find any static motor /prop test results anywhere within your thread Kelvin and wonder what power you are getting versus AUW.

Still think its lacking sufficient speed for clean getaway

Just my 0.02 p worth

I agree.

CG is slightly forward. 

The prop broke so I will be trying a  APC 12X8 the recommended size for the motor . Will try the next flight with a bit of wind(not my wind).

Hand launching is a bit like full size aircraft carrier take offs.

The plus side ,I walk to the site from my house (1mile approx) so it keeps me fit .

I will soon have enough clips to do a compilation of how not to launch a Me109 .

Cheers

Kelvin

Looks like lack of forward speed to me, too! As you said, try it into a breeze next time, and as Timbo said, maybe a bigger prop?

It looked like MY first attempt at e flight with seven cells and a speed 600 geared! (before brushless and lipo, Timbo!) Only mine made a bigger crunch at about the same distance! 

Hi Eric,

I did the same with my Ripmax Spit second flight,that had a 600 series brushed motor.Launched in nil wind ,no chance.

Now has a TT Ripper brushless,flys away everytime.

I did manage to level off before the last crash,as Yakmad said it needs more grunt (bigger prop) and maybe a bit of wind.  

I've just caught up with this thread, superb work Kelvin. I'll certainly beef up the finger holes when I get mine in a few days.

It's a nice touch having the videos, hopefully you'll get her sorted and get some air time with her. Keep us posted.

No not yet, ground/film crew (wife) not available.

May have a go tommorow or over the weekend.

£53 thats a good buy, anymore up for grabs on the old eBay?

Will a re-paint be in order?

 I've jazzed mine up a bit , if I get another , I would be tempted to do a different colour scheme.