Planes that dislike the runway

[Collin Dow]

So I'm working, in a stumbling, halting fashion, towards an SSTO. But for some reason that I'm unable to discover, my SSTOs like to turn off to either the right or the left while on the runway. They aren't improperly balanced, the wheels are the same distance apart, etc etc.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Edited November 9, 2013 by Collin Dow

[Whatshtisthis]

The wheels, generally, should be perpendicular to the ground. This should help with it a little.

[Collin Dow]

Oh crap, that was my problem!

Well, no, but I did just now figure it out...I didn't have quite enough space-tape, and the (what I thought was slight!) flexing of parts made the thing flip right on out.

[700NitroXpress]

I you have more than three wheels, double check the spacing and rather or not they all line up properly. Also, check your center of thrust and make sure it's in line with the center of mass. If there are parts on it that aren't perfectly symmetrical it could cause this. If you have tail fins, it could also cause this. Depending on what control surfaces you're using, those could also be a major cause. One last probable issue that could cause this to happen, is that the plane might not be properly supported on it's landing gear, meaning that the weight sags down on the wings and could cause the plane to tilt and then it goes off the runway. If you post pictures of your plane, everyone will be able to help you more.

[Seret]

Could be the landing gear sagging. Try sticking some more on or strutting the ones you've got.

[Mmmmyum]

I find it's due to the wheels going all jittery when accelerating... I find that just using two wheels in a bicycle layout like the U-2 works pretty well if you're able to keep it upright