Re: Breaking the seal on a Scientific Kingpin

GallopingGhostler Sun Aug 27, 2023 8:59 pm

Thanks, Eddie for the inputs and your experiences with the KP. I thought it interesting that the KP of the 1950's, Scientific ads in magazines don't state wingspan, only it had 50 sq. inches wing area. Yet Bob's box states 62 sq. inches. This may account for Jim's recollection of 14 inch wingspan, so may be Walt Musciano redesigned it a touch, or Scientific's design staff made some changes for better "kit-ability"?

I was thinking that if the design was upscaled to say a 100 sq. in. wing area, then it might be suitable for a Babe Bee, which would also help to resolve the nose heaviness. Upping it to 140 - 150 sq. inches, then perhaps a hot Medallion or a Tee Dee .049 would power it.

Anyway, just some back of the envelop thoughts. As a recall, think Walt had the larger King Pin for .35 engine. I don't know if anyone kits that these days.

NEW222 Fri Sep 01, 2023 6:43 pm

Wow. Very neat little plane. After looking at the pictures had me wondering about fuselage strength. Seeing as it is a built up wing, I do understand the fuselage being in 2 pieces, presumably to make it easy to install the wing, followed by gluing in/on teh lower fuselage below the wing to complete it. Now I wonder if this would be a future 'weak spot'? Or is there a doubler of some sort on either side to hide the 'joint'?

Ken Cook Sat Sep 02, 2023 6:11 am

The lower section that is glued in later is known as the belly pan. It is a weak spot. Not so much on small 1/2A's , practically all large stunters use the same method. In order to combat any cracking issues, 1/32" ply tabs are installed. The tabs are usually about 1" long and extend into the opening to receive the belly pan. This is then followed with a strip of lightweight glass over the joints. Failure to do so even using silkspan over the joints will yield cracks due to wing flexing and vibration. This leads to oil migration and failure. This area typically sees a lot of residual oil and really needs the most attention next to the nose. Mostly because of oil that finds itself onto the wing root runs off the leading edge and trailing edge.

rsv1cox Sat Sep 02, 2023 7:56 am

Miffed fellow never did get back to me on the open box Kingpin so I'm just letting it die. However he does have a couple of interesting vintage kits.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305080153932?hash=item470831b74c:g:K9MAAOSwU7xk4NK4

I always wanted one of these but hate seeing a Jet with a prop sticking out of it's nose. However I do have a Jetex engine...................

Anyone buying one of his auctions, I would not recommend mentioning my name. Smile

Breaking the seal on a Scientific Kingpin - Page 2 Panthe11

Jet (F-100) Scientific kit much modified with a propeller sticking out of it's nose. Smile

Breaking the seal on a Scientific Kingpin - Page 2 P1016125

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