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Q-talk 97 - Q-Terms

Quickie: The single seat, 18-20 HP Onan powered tandem wing design that started it all.

Q2 Revmaster engine (VW derivative) ~ 64-75 HP

GU 25(5)11-8 canard airfoil Builder-constructed spar. Bad in rain and when dirty/buggy. Critical manufacturing tolerances.

Q200 Continental 0-200 engine 100 HP Higher gross weight, mainlv to accommodate heavier engine. Faster tiian Q2.

LS(1)-0417MOD canard airfoil Factory carbon-fiber spar. Original spars scarce, some were pre-broken at the factory. New spars now available from Australia or New Zealand. Good in rain/bugs. Not so critical manufacturing tolerances.

Tri-Q Anv Q2 or Q200 fitted with tricvcle landing gear: Tri-Q2; Tii-Q200.

Q85, Q235, Q-baru. Suby-Q, Q-vair Builder modifications from "stock" using different engines (C-85, Lycoming O-235. Jabiru, Subaru, Corvair, etc....)

Anything with 2 seats is NOT a Quickie, although it probably started life as a Q2 or Q200 kit from Quickie Aircraft Company. So. calling a Q2 a Quickie is like calling a Jaguar a "Ford." Yeah, yeah. Ford makes Jaguars now. but I sure wouldn't want to tell my neighbor I just paid $65,000 for a "Ford!" You should respect your Q2 or Q200 or Q-vair the same way. :)

Level line The most reviled term in die Quickie lexicon. Also, the principal alignment device for die construction and assembly of all the parts. Level lines are typically drawn onto templates, so they do not directly become part of the airplane. That's a shame, because it is usually LONG after die templates have been chewed up in a nasty lawn-mower accident that the hapless builder realizes that he NEEDS those templates in order to transfer the level lines to his airplane parts for alignment. Too bad. because chances are that die paper patterns that came from the plans were sacrificed in the manufacture of the by now long lost templates, never to be resurrected. Then the hunt begins. Level lines replace the ancient art of airplane "rigging." Sometimes, the ancients knew far better than the moderns. Moral of the story: Treasure the paper plans book and patterns (templates) and guard them from damage. DO NOT CUT THEM OUT! Use tracings or photocopies instead, then compare the finished part to the original pattern before use. Transfer level lines to actual airplane parts whenever possible, or find reference points on the airplane as you go and WRITE THEM DOWN. Keep a "builders' log" or equivalent for such important tidbits.

Quickie Builder's Association (QBA) An absolutely essential adjunct and resource. Must join, must order the complete back issues and spend months reading about all the hardships of the early pioneers. Bow and be humbled in their presence. (I'm not one of them, yet, but I'm hoping to establish a protocol for when I'm old.) Wear armor against the inevitable wire-bmshing you'll receive at least three times before you fly, but return always to the fold.

Reflexor A late addition to the plans, considered by most to be a "must have." Factory plans were available, as were builder-designed variants. This mechanism moves the ailerons in unison to act as a pitch trim device. May also help cruise speeds and landing controllability.

Speed brake Another late addition to the plans, considered by most to be a "must have." Helps with final approach steepness, over-the-nose visibility and landings.

"Jim-Bob Six-pack" A collection of "must haves" including the speed brake, reflexor; independently-actuated hydraulic disk brakes ("toe brakes"), the "LaRue brake mod" to make the Hurst/Airheart brakes work better, a different rudder control-cable circuit including a tailcone-mounted belcrank and separate control cables to the rudder and tail-wheel. a different tailwheel spring (adapted from the Drag-onFlv airplane) and a different tailwheel assembly. Hmmmm. that's seven. Oh, well, I can't count. Highly recommended as upgrades from "stock."

"Gall Alignment" An alternate method of aligning the main landing gear, intended to tame the otherwise erratic ground handling of stock Q2's and Q200's. Easier to apply during initial construction than to retrofit, requires minor deviation from the plans. Highly recommended, but not complete without the Jim-Bob Six-pack.

Canopy Various canopy opening mechanisms Start shopping now and don't just settle for "cool." The factoiy offered a front-hinge as a retrofit (the original was side-hinged).

Large rudder Jury is still out on this one.

Large tire option Two issues here. The "large tire option" from the factoiy used 5:00x5 wheels and tires, whereas stock used a smaller wheel and tire that may no longer be readily available. There are lots of wheels and tires available in sizes similar to the original factory "small" tires, but they might be slightly larger requiring slightly larger wheel pants. Research this one before you build your wheelpants (and don't make the pants too "tight").

Sparrow strainers External auxiliary airfoil surfaces extending aft from the elevators on the LS(1) canard. MANDATORY for flight.

Vortex Generators A row of small "tabs" affixed to the top surface of the GU canard to make it insensitive/less sensitive to rain and bugs.

Fuel system Stock sucks! Consult with other QBA members on alternatives.

 


You can order a printed copy of Q-talk #97 by using the Q-talk Back Issue Order Page.