jetpilot

My Feedback: (48)

I recently aquired an Avonds 104 and want to replace the soda bottle with some kevlar tanks. What tanks are you using? What gear, struts, wheels and brakes also? I want to put my P80 in this. It looks like any tanks will have to be very far forward the CG.
Thanks for the help.
Scott Marr

Darryl Usher

I sorry to say the fuel tanks need to be on the CG.
Darryl Usher

Vincent

My Feedback: (61)

Scott,

I cut up the intake a bit where they come together and slid a 50oz as far back as possible. The intakes are DF size so stuffing the tank inside the intake a bit is no problem, also used the two DF saddle tanks and a UAT. Robart makes a set of gear and struts for the 104. The P-80 will be perfect power plant.

Vin...

I-NAV

My Feedback: (3)

Scott,
Avonds sells a set of (25oz ea) tanks made from fiberglass. I have a set left from mine. 50 oz in the saddles plus 50oz foreward of the intakes works fine with no CG shift problems.

Vincent

My Feedback: (61)

Phil told me me he stopped making those tanks. Also they only fit if you were using the smaller spring air gear.

Vin...

CJ2002

Scott,

I had a 50 oz DuBro tank (as supplied by Phil Avonds) sat between/forward of the intakes, in my 104 (never cut into the intakes). Took the CG well forward when full but made absolutely no difference to the model's handling or stab authority...and I didn't find too much of a trim change during flight either. Mine only had the plastic 11 ounce saddle tanks (plus the 50 ounce and a 4 ounce hopper) but I could get 5-6 minutes with my RAM 1000, usually at between 1/3 & 2/3 throttle during normal flight...max thrust set to abt 19 lbs, and a couple of overshoots if I screwed things up on finals! Super aeroplane - you'll enjoy it!

Cheers,

Dick
England

jetpilot

My Feedback: (48)

I cant fathom where any saddle tanks will fit. The ducted fan intakes are huge and the gear come up too high. The previous owner had a 1.5 liter(51oz) soda bottle laying through middle of the intakes. I dont think i would feel confortable with 51 oz. fuel. I believe he had cut into intakes. The only place there seems to be more room is in front of intakes. Im going to see if Muller can make a tank like the soda bottle, but stretch it out. Philip did email me and said he had a smaller turbine intake that I would bet would open up some room.
Scott

Vincent

My Feedback: (61)

Scott,

The curved DF saddle tanks fit in those formers that make up the landing gear assembly. A little finnicky to snap them in but they fit.I would also go with a 50oz dubro in front of the intakes Dick has lots of experience with this setup so don`t worry about custom tanks, the two df tanks will put about 22oz close to the cg.I emptied the 50 first, then series to the others with the uat being last.

Vin...

jetwash

My Feedback: (8)

I got 2x 40 oz tanks stack on top of each other infront of the intake. Didnt affect take off or flight trims, so not to worry about the forward cg

jetpilot

My Feedback: (48)

I just got off phone with Gary Mueller. He is going to make me a tank 3.5 diameter 16" long that will replace the soda bottle and give me 82 oz of fuel. The soda bottle was about 14" long but the extra 2 inches and no taper will give me the fuel i would like and save me the birds nest of hoses. He has a 14" that holds 72 oz.
Scott

six shooter

Scott,

We haven't had an update from you on the F-100 in a while. How's that plane coming along? Have you flown it yet?

jetpilot

My Feedback: (48)

Rich,
I stare at it almost every night. Im about half way done with hand rivits. I am a single father now and finding time to finish it has been hard. I think I have decided to keep it more simple and go with the thunderbirds. I was planning to do something more exotic with all the bells and wistles..OH well...I think a Thunderbirds in Flight Metal is going to be sharp. Waiting on the motor has demotivated me. When i get the motor, things will start moving. Almost all of install is done except motor. I expect to fly it by the T38 Jet Rally. I would love to cover this 104 with the Flight Metal and shine the hell out of it....Maybe one day....I better fly it before investing that kind of work.
I hope yours is still going strong!!
Scott

six shooter

Scott,

Thanks for the update. I know how much effort it is get these planes to look nice. Hang in there. The Thunderbird scheme is a good one.

My F-100 is doing great, I've been logging a large number of flights on it at events out here in the west here. It is an excellent flying plane, and you'll really like too. I've worn out one set of main tires already, and they've been replaced with much effort. Getting the new tire on the rim is tough.