August 2009 3

FROM THE EDITOR by Gordon & Mina Banks

THE MODELER’S CODE I don’t believe that anyone who knows me well considers me a mean person. I loan tools, props, and glow plugs. I’ve even “loaned” my last few ounces of glow fuel. I lend a hand when asked. I don’t hog a frequency pin. I often overlook rudeness and personal offenses from others. I try to give the benefit of the doubt at least once, sometimes twice. But don’t push me too far. I have my limits and I can get mean when someone deserves it. I’ve So why am I not ashamed The Code, after all, is our hidden more than one glow- of all this? Because... I live by equivalent of the Samurai’s plug battery. I once dumped a “The Code.” If I’ve Bushido. The Code is what modeler’s box of spare nuts intentionally offended makes it possible for two or and bolts into the bottom of his someone, they deserved it. I’m more modelers to share the flight box. I’ve removed a not the iceberg to your Titanic same pit area and flying space model’s wheels and left them just for the fun of it. And if I without involving the local sitting on the wing with no unintentionally offend homicide detectives. Without wheel collars in sight. I’ve someone, I’ll apologize and/or The Code we’d be constantly filled a few trailer receivers fully accept that they may use updating the beneficiary’s with mud, so when the modeler The Code to get even. name on our life insurance. We drops the hitch onto the ball of What? No. Uh uh. Forget it, live by The Code, we honor his car’s trailer hitch, the mud Charlie. Don’t even try to snow and respect it, and... well, we shoots out onto his shoes. I’ve me on this. You know The sometimes mess up and suffer poured a few ounces of fuel Code. You know, I know, and its wrath. under a model’s nose, just to we all know that we all know. Oh yes, I’ve been there too. send the pilot scrambling to An R/C modeler with few I screw up now and then. I’ll find the leak. And without finger scars who doesn’t even admit having violated The telling the borrower, I’ve taken realize yet that he’s addicted Code. And I’ve had to endure back more than one of my tools may not know, but you and I its vengeance. I’ve called a that were “borrowed” last know. The Code has been certain modeler friend at 3:00 month (or last year). Shoot, I’ll around ever since Lenny made a.m., for example, to ask a admit it, I’ve even done a few charcoal sketches and wood question that seemed vitally things that weren’t very nice. carvings of flying things. As important at the moment, but Some folks might even say I modelers we live by The Code. actually could have waited was “playing dirty.” But I don’t The Code is old. The Code is until noon. And I’ve paid think so. tradition. The Code is sacred. dearly for it. Sometimes twice. 4 RC REPORT ONLINE

Since The Code is generally Editors and writers have a share shrinks as the numbers of unwritten for the most part (I code too, however, and one of pilots grow, we need to act have one of the very few copies that code’s rules of the highest accordingly. If I’m the only in existence), so are its rules. In order is that we’re obligated to pilot at the flying site, then it’s fact, there’s even a rule that tell our readers what the hell all mine. But as more and more says we’re never to reveal all we’re talking about. So alright, pilots show up, my share the rules. Making such a list I’ll go ahead and explain a few shrinks accordingly. I don’t public would open it to rules of The Code, but this is have to explain this any personal interpretation, and we by no means an attempt to further. It’s simple, common can’t have just anyone cover them all. sense. But once we’re down to interpreting the rules any way I’ve never been to a flying a minimum reasonable space, they see fit, now can we? But site that imposed rules on how new arrivals have to find their even though the rules may be pilots and spectators were own, even if it means setting secret, their basic reasoning is supposed to dress. The Code, up some distance from the not. It’s 99% common sense, however, covers this and it normal pit area. Common sense common courtesy, and mutual strictly prohibits pilots and any and courtesy still apply, but respect. In short, you show male visitors wearing speedos “first come, first serve” is respect for me, and I’ll do the at the flying site! Even going always an important aspect of same for you. Written or not, topless is highly discouraged. The Code. known or not, understood or Do you know the number one We never mess with not, the rules are and ever shall form of birth control for people another modeler’s stuff, and be sacred. The Code has over 50? Nudity. never ever without his consent. always been in effect. It’s not We don’t hog more than If your stuff is in my way, I can new. our share of pit area. And if our ask you to move it, but I’m not August 2009 5

allowed to move it without for years on end, it’s more guy in line as quickly as your knowledge. This includes like... well, it’s kinda like... No, practical. autos, tents and shelters, chairs, I guess it’s exactly like holding Once I’ve informed you coolers, tools, accessories, and an old grudge. that I’m waiting for the pin, especially model airplanes. If I We don’t hog the frequency then I have to inform you if I think you’re taking up more pin. This rule is far more leave active area. I do not than your share of space, I can complex than it seems on its expect you to roam all over the ask you to consolidate, but I seemingly smooth and simple flying site looking for me when don’t touch your stuff without surface. Many pages could be you’re ready to surrender the your knowledge (i.e., written on this rule alone, but pin. permission, or at least like most rules, it’s all based on We don’t break-in engines immediate presence). If you common sense. in the pit area. This not only have an interesting something During an open flying ties up the frequency pin or other that I’d like to fondle, session (but not during events needlessly, it creates noise and then I’ll ask. Otherwise, it’s when other rules may apply), if an air blast propeling ground strictly off limits. I take the frequency pin from debris that no one appreciates. Okay, I said “never”, but the frequency pin rack, then If you don’t want to break it in there are many exceptions here, that pin is mine all day unless during flight, and your flying all based on simple, common someone lets me know they site doesn’t have an engine sense. Our closest friends, for want it. If the pin I want is break-in area, then break it in example, usually know when missing when I arrive, it’s my elsewhere. If it’s too loud to they have our implied consent responsibility to find and break-in at home, then it’s to act on our behalf. I’ve inform the holder that I’m probably too loud for the flying returned to my little corner of flying on the same frequency. site too, Another rule is not to the pit area to find one of my The pin’s first user is not use an offensively loud engine models turned completely obligated to constantly poll and muffler combination around. Why? Because a friend every pilot present to see if anyway. It not only bothers or even a nearby stranger saw anyone else wants that pin. If people in the active area, it my model nearly blown away you want the pin I have, you often endangers flying sites. by the wind, so he repositioned have to let me know, and tell When it comes to money and it to protect it. And when I got me where to find you when I’m models, more is better. But back he immediately explained finished with it. noise is like taxes and body why he’d moved it. This falls Once I know that someone fat... less is better. under The Code too, because else wants the pin I have, I We don’t fly when all the modelers are required to look must never leave the active pilot stations are occupied. out for other modelers. This area (pits and flight line) This is probably covered in the guy, stranger or friend, has not without offering the pin to the flying site rules as well, but if only acted properly, he’s next guy in line. I don’t go to not, then consider the sky full earned points that can be used the porta potti, I don’t go to the when all the designated pilot to avoid retaliation the next snack shack, I don’t stand stations are full. Don’t go off to time he violates The Code. Oh around shooting the bull, and I one end of the flight line and yes, The Code includes rules don’t make time consuming create your own, additional on accumulating good and bad repairs while others are waiting pilot station. Flyers get used to points, and the tally can hold for the pin. Make one seeing no more than the its value for many years. It’s reasonable length flight, and prescribed number of planes in not like we hold an old grudge then offer the pin to the next the air, and it rattles some 6 RC REPORT ONLINE people when an extra airplane before returning it. If you keep said promise. Show the suddenly shows up. damaged it, offer to buy him a other person respect by letting Additional pilot stations are new one. If you borrowed 8 oz. them know that you can no allowed when appropriate of of fuel, return 10 oz. If you longer do whatever you said course, but as individuals, we accidentally took the item you would do, and it’s wise to do not take it upon ourselves to home without realizing it, then let them know why when create them. take it to him or at least call practical. We should never be too and offer, and don’t forget a We don’t get downright quick to laugh at another’s sincere apology. petty about most flying site mistakes. Once the hapless We don’t break promises rules. Go with the rule’s intent pilot makes fun of his own (this is sometimes known as more often that its exact error, or a very close friend “lying”). If we promise to buy a wording. I once had a field goes into “burn mode”, then by For Sale model, and ask the safety officer verbally abuse all means roast him! But watch seller to hold it for us, then we and embarrass me because my for the pilot’s response, and act buy it. If we promise to meet foot was on the pilot box line, accordingly. Insults that hurt someone at a certain time and when the rules clearly say the people’s feelings are strictly place, then we keep that pilot has to be “in” the box. forbidden, and not every pilot appointment. If we borrow That same safety officer also wants our sympathy, either. something with an implied once called a safety infraction Well intended words are promise to return it, we return when a modeler landed his sometimes misunderstood, and it. There’s no end to possible “dead stick” model down wind. even if done accidentally, by examples here, but the bottom Club rules rarely include hurting another pilot’s feelings line is simply that we keep our written allowances for every you may be accruing bad points word. Be trustworthy. Make it conceivable situation. First, it without even knowing it. When mean something when you give would add more pages to the in doubt, take every your word. rules than any reasonable opportunity to keep your mouth Reasonable people, person has time to read. shut. Few things will get you however, usually allow a Secondly, common sense safety on a pilot’s “S-list” quicker major, major escape from well dictates that mature people are than making fun of his bad intended promises. It may cost supposed to do what they think fortune when he feels rotten us a few bad points under The is best in an unexpected about it. Unlike most of The Code, and repeated escapes emergency. I was at a giant Code’s rules, this is one of the accrue points faster than rare scale fly in once in UCLA few that are very “personal.” escapes, but a proper escape (Upper Corner, Lower We don’t “borrow and usually prevents hard feelings Alabama). That club has a very steal”. This is what many and open aggression. To reasonable (I think) rule that people call it when we borrow escape a well-intended whenever possible, models something and don’t return it. promise, call. Simply notify the must be landed on the runway. Ths is another one of those other person(s) as soon as Well, at this event a big J-3 “personal” affronts, so if you practical. Let them know that Cub with a gas engine caught must borrow, then consider you meant what you said when on fire in flight. The pilot still that item pure gold until it’s you said it, and that you had full control, but he decided back in its rightful owner’s sincerely feel bad about not to land way out in the field, hands. Suggestions: Regardless keeping your word, but well away from people. This of its state of cleanliness when something has made it meant a greater likelihood of you borrow it, clean it well impossible (or unreasonable) to loss to him, since it would take August 2009 7

longer to reach the model and Another AMA rule emergency landing. The tower extinguish the fire. But he prohibits a modeler from informed him that a B-52 with didn’t want to risk bringing the attempting to “hand catch” a a dead engine was already on model in on the runway, since powered model. I’m told, final approach, but then the a total loss of control might however, that it’s already been F-15 would be given priority. occur at any second, successfully argued that if the “Ah yes”, replied the F-15 endangering people and other power was off during the catch, jockey, referring to the crippled models. It caused a small grass then it wasn’t a powered model B-52. “The old dreaded seven- fire that took nearly 20 minutes at the time. I often see people engine landing!” to extinguish, but I and many hand-catch powered gliders, other pilots applauded his but only after the power has We don’t park our cars concern for safety. The field been turned off. where we shouldn’t. Our local safety officer, however, Some flying site rules allow flying site has what I think is a apparently incensed by the beginners to make their first very reasonable rule: Park near grass fire, announced that the solo flight (obviously), while the pits only if you intend to pilot would be banned from prohibiting even highly skilled fly. If you’re not going to fly, further participation in the pilots from making low, then don’t take up one of the event, since he had violated the inverted passes. Such a rule is limited parking spots close to field safety rule by landing off obviously personal preference, the flight line. This could force the runway, where the grass and not based on safety at all. If a flyer into lugging all his gear fire would not have occurred. it was approved by the club, to the flight line from a distant Yeah, I know... You have got then it’s a valid rule that should packing space, needlessly. to be kidding me! Well, in this be observed, period. But Again, common sense and instance there was such an please, don’t try to justify it common courtesy, should be uproar from the other pilots, under the false umbrella of more common than it is. We the safety officer was pressured “safety”. The most dangerous shouldn’t even need this rule, into reversing his decision, but flights of all are the maiden but it’s clear that we do. such is not always the case. flights of new and newly Okay, had enough? Is it An AMA rule says that no repaired models, and they’re really necessary to list any part of a model other than its certainly allowed. more examples of The Code’s wheels can touch the ground We mustn’t occupy the unwritten rules? Somewhere except during a landing. I runway without an near the top is one we’re taught interpret this to mean that announcement. This includes very early in life, yet many of touch n’ goes are okay for a take-offs, landings, touch us tend to forget it: “Do unto model with its wheels down, n’goes, over-the-runway low others as you would have them and it’s okay to belly-land a passes, and walking out onto do unto you.” We want others model that has no wheels. I the runway. We should always to show us courtesy and also think this means that it’s let other pilots know our respect, right? So let’s show not okay to drag a rudder or fin intentions ahead of time. And them the same. during a low inverted pass, and just like real airports, that it’s not okay to do a touch emergencies should be given AFTER THE CRASH n’ go with a model that has no the right of way. I’m not a great pilot. Shoot, wheels. Personally, I’m going I’m reminded of the story I’m not even a good pilot. At to remain silent and continue (probably just a joke) in which least not when compared to admiring pilots who can safely a USAF F-15 pilot with one some of the truly great pilots in do such stunts. dead engine called for an our club (Art, Gary, Jon, Tony, 8 RC REPORT ONLINE

Wayne, and others). I am a and it survived many high by trained radio technicians good builder, though, and in speed passes. whenever it endures a bad my own mind at least a very The second failure occurred crash. I agree that this is a good good builder. Once secluded in just last Saturday (July 18). My idea, but I don’t agree that it’s my shop I take the time to do new Top Flite ARF P-47 always necessary. It can’t hurt, things the best way I know Thunderbolt was completed right, so why not? Well, party how. I’ll do something over just two hours before its first because it’s costly in terms of and over as many times as it flight. And you guessed it, I money and down-time for the takes to get it right. I like doing allowed myself to be rushed. radio. My personal rule is that it right. I like showing up at the The new model was flying if an item checks out “good as field with a model that’s ready beautifully on its second flight, new” as far as I can test it, then to fly, and fly safely (assuming when the radio system I consider it good as new. If it I have a good pilot with me). apparently lost power. Well, at acts at all weird, though, then it And I usually accomplish that. least that’s our best guess at isn’t used again until it’s been I’ve built and/or assembled what happened. Every single given a clean bill of health. over 40 R/C model airplanes in item of radio gear, to include So please, take the my new workshop, which is the battery, checked good after following suggestions and not yet three years old. As I the crash. Builder’s error... my descriptions as nothing more figure it, that’s over 40 models error, my fault. An accident, than “food for thought”. This is in 33 months. Some of them, yes, but unavoidable, no. I not outright advice on what I mind you, were electric RTF’s somehow failed to ensure that think everyone else should do. that took maybe ten minutes to the connections between the I just happen to have more make ready to fly. Some, battery and receiver were crashing experience than most however, took well over 40 properly secured. Sure, I’ll be people, that’s all. hours to complete, and one more careful in the future, but Anyway, I consider an R/C took nearly 60 hours. And of I don’t really have a “lesson model airplane to have three all those models, only two learned” here, since I don’t major components; airframe, crashed due to builder’s error. know exactly what failed... power plant, and electronics. The first crash occurred which connection came loose. because I souped-up an Anyway, kits usually Airframe Electrifly L-39 Albatros include instructions on how to Most models crash nose electric ducted fan jet by assemble the box’s many parts first, so I begin there. I remove installing an oversize motor into a flying model. Where, the spinner and look for any and battery. We wanted it to fly though, are our instructions on signs of damage beyond 100 mph, and the second one how to properly disassemble a cosmetic. I won’t toss it out came pretty close to that. But crashed model? How do we go just because of scuffs, the first one crashed because about separating the good parts scratches, and dirt. But if it’s I’d given it 100 mph power from the bad, what do we save, broken, cracked, or bent, the without strengthening its 75 and how do we evaluate their damaged parts are discarded, mph airframe. At top speed, the continued worthiness? and the undamaged parts, if elevator fluttered so violently it Sadly, I don’t believe there any, are saved. tore itself right off the airplane. is just one, simple, iron-clad Examine the prop carefully. The result was a long line of procedure that everyone should Some scuffs, scratches, and pretty foam fragments. follow. Some people think we chips be sanded smooth to Builder’s error, my fault. I should have the entire radio make it reusable. Cracks and beefed up the second version, system thoroughly checked out breaks, however, send it to the August 2009 9 paint mixer box. If it looks anything that might be used Plastic and fiberglass pieces good and whole, but has a again some day. When a like cowls, canopies, air crack that makes it unsafe to model’s remains go into my scoops, cockpit details, etc. are fly, I’ll sometimes save it to use trash can, there’s very little left saved if they’re good, and even as a static display prop, thus of any value at all. if they might be useable once saving a good and useable prop Now don’t get me wrong. the damaged areas are cut from being painted and I’m not so concerned about away. I held onto a cracked decorated for display use only. saving a few pennies when I Pica 1/5 scale Mustang canopy Cracked, broken, or bent save screws, washers, and for a long, long time, before engine mounts are discarded, greasy control horns. I’m more cutting it down to fit a .60 size of course, but I’ve seen many interested in having a lot of sport model one night. that were worth saving. good parts on hand so that Good plywood of Fuel tanks with obvious when I need something at 3:00 significant size is cut from the cracks and punctures are a.m., I don’t have to wait until damaged areas and saved. The trashed. Those that look okay the hobby shop or hardware center area of a mangled giant are given a pressure test. If it stores reopen. With a $10 parts scale firewall may yield a passes the pressure test, then it organizer drawer unit, you can perfectly good firewall for a goes into the fuel tanks drawer. save and store a lot of little smaller model. I don’t even attempt to repair a pieces that seem insignificant... Examine the wing panels punctured fuel tank. until you need one. How much and tail feathers carefully. The wheels are examined does it cost just in time and gas Even if they require some for damage. Those that look to drive to the local hobby shop repair or shortening, might they fine are given a simple spin test for one lousy blind nut, or be useable again for some to see if they wobble. I will because you’re 1" short on future project? Consider your repair some wheels, but those having enough fuel line? You friends with similar models. If that come in most ARF’s may also find, like I have, that you have undamaged pieces usually aren’t worth the having a lot of stuff on hand from an overall non-repairable trouble. serves as preventive insurance. model, maybe a friend would The landing gear is There’s a cosmic law that says like to have the good parts as inspected for bends, breaks, you don’t need what you have, spares. and cracks. The good ones and you’ll only need what you Once you’ve stripped the those easily repairable are don’t have. And since I have so airframe of every good and/or saved. The same goes for most much stuff stored away in reusable part you can think of, hardware items, like wing boxes and drawers, I seldom give it one more long and bolts, all sorts of screws, nuts, need anything! Except, of thoughtful examination before bolts, washers, wheel collars, course, what I don’t have. casting it out forever. What setscrews, and more. If a clevis Look me in the eye and tell me about the wing mounting looks perfectly good under a you don’t wish you’d somehow blocks and blind nuts? What magnifying glass, I’ll attach it saved those Mickey Mouse about the landing gear blocks to a pushrod and control horn watches ($1.99 new in 1955, (fuselage and wing types)? to give it a firm push-pull test. now worth $800 to $1200), Don’t overlook a good piece of Those that pass the tests are 10¢ super hero comic books wood just because it has saved to fly again. Likewise (many now selling for around broken edges that can be cut with control horns, pushrods, $10,000), and old Elvis Presley away. I usually even rip out the servo arms, special servo 45 and 72 RPM records (don’t pushrod guide tubes and save mounts, etc. I save almost even ask!). the undamaged portions. 10 RC REPORT ONLINE

The Power Plant As a last resort, a clearly satisfies me one way or the Now we’re talking money! damaged engine with mostly other. Oh I’ll replace servo If it’s clearly destroyed, of good parts can be sent to an cases, gears, external wires, course, then it’s clearly engine service center, where and connectors. I may even destroyed and that’s it. But they will usually give you a replace a simple toggle switch before tossing out the entire professional estimate on what in a transmitter. But that’s as thing, check to see if any small the repairs will cost. I know of far as I go. If I have a parts are still good, like the at least three instances in transmitter, receiver, or carburetor, needle valve which badly damaged 1.20 size expensive servo that acts assembly, muffler parts, 4C engines were returned to weird, it goes to Tony Stillman cylinder head, valve covers, “like new” condition for less at Radio South. Cheap servos pushrod tubes, a separate than $200. (those costing $25 or less), crankcase, or whatever. If you feel unqualified to switch harnesses, and servo Disassemble the engine and determine a damaged engine’s extensions, however, either save the good pieces. I put odd- future or potential value, ask pass my tests or they go in the ball stuff like this into a clear for advice from fliers with trash (after I strip off the good plastic sandwich bag, along more experience. Just don’t be stuff). with a note describing what it too hasty in throwing out an Since my primary is. I once saved the crankshaft engine that looks bad. Here transmitter is used with many from a demolished YS .60 2C again, consider your friends. different models, I can test the engine, and had it for years Someone may need the few transmitter by range testing it before trading it for a perfectly remaining good pieces you with a known good model. If good Futaba 7-ch receiver. have. that checks out okay, I’ll go If the engine was not ahead and fly another model. If destroyed, and it appears good The Electronics that too goes well, I then accept or repairable (my 1987 O.S. Ah, more big money, mixed the transmitter as good. FS-91 Surpass now needs an with even greater mystery. Next comes the crashed entire carburetor by the way), Again, I don’t argue against receiver. First I get out a then set it aside until you have the policy of many modelers to magnifying glass and give it a time to work on it. Use some simply clean up and send a thorough visual inspection. If common sense here, because crashed radio system to an all looks well, I’ll connect a quite often the engine needs authorized service center. It known good battery, servo, and little or no attention at all. In may cost you more than wiring, and test every channel other cases it may require full necessary in terms or money on my work bench. If all seems disassembly for cleaning and to and down time, but the well there, I’ll take it outside make sure there’s no ingested resulting confidence and peace and perform a regular range debris inside. If you’ve never of mind may be worth it. After check. If it passes that, I take it disassembled a model airplane all, this is the very same line of back in and connect known engine, ask around for help thought that drives our good servos to every channel, from someone with more insurance industry. We pay in and make sure they all work in experience. They’re usually not advance for something we try unison. If any of the above tests as complicated as they seem. In very hard to never need, but we gives me any indication other fact, they’re usually very easy enjoy the peace of mind that than normal, then off it goes to to disassemble. The trick is in results. Radio South. If it passes all my putting them back together My “radio gear insurance” tests, however, it goes into a properly. takes some time, but it usually “less than favorite” model for August 2009 11

Here I’m using two Y-harnesses to connect a battery and eight 70 oz. torque digital servos to a 7-ch receiver. Using the Servo Test feature in my Futaba 10C transmitter, all eight servos are cycled back and forth between their travel limits. With the receiver switch turned off (as shown), current flow is 0 ma and the battery voltage reads 5.2 volts (four 2000 mah C-size NiMH cells). With the switch turned on and all eight servos at idle, the current draw jumps to 120 ma at 5.18 volts (approximately 10 mah per servo, and 40 ma for the receiver). With all eight servos cycling (but not under load), the current draw is 740 ma at 5.00 volts, with each servo now drawing about 88 ma. Completely stall just one servo, and the total current draw jumps to 1315 ma (up 575 ma), and the battery voltage drops to 4.8 volts. Stall two servos and the current draw is 1890 ma (up another 575 ma), and the battery voltage drops to 4.63 volts. If all eight servos were stalled, the receiver would attempt to pull over 5 Amps, until the battery voltage dropped so low the receiver would temporarily cut off! For this many high-power servos I should use even more battery.

flight testing. Then if it’s flown Stick design using an old for me, my Futaba 10C has a several times without showing DuraPlane foam wing with Servo Test feature that drives any signs of unusual behavior, added ailerons, and an even every servo attached to the I accept it as good and ready to older Enya .29 engine. Oddly corresponding receiver, from use in any model. enough (or not), ol’ Scraps has one end of its travel to the My radio gear test model, never been crashed! other. While the test servo is named “Scraps” to describe the Every servo from a crashed being cycled I use my fingers source of its parts, is a .25 size model is bench tested. Luckily on the output shaft to impose a 12 RC REPORT ONLINE heavy load. Then I listen and out heating. A switch harnesses test results that do not instill feel for any roughness, may even be tested to make total confidence, then that item hesitation, or jerking. If I detect sure it carries enough current is not flown again until its anything that might be to power four to eight digital somehow given a clean bill of attributed to bad gears, I’ll take servos being driven all at one health. But if an item does pass it apart and use a magnifying time by the transmitter’s Servo all my tests, then I consider it glass to inspect every gear. If I Test feature. By forcibly stall- good as new, and ready to fly find gear damage in a servo ing some of the servos, I’ve in another model. that costs $10 or less, I put it seen as much as a 5 Amp draw. But that’s just me. Your aside for “spare parts only.” If Although I’ve seen batteries mileage may vary. Do what you it costs more than $10 to that wouldn’t handle that with- think best for your models, and replace, I’ll order and replace out dropping in voltage to less for your own peace of mind. the gear set (unless I have a than 4 volts, I’ve yet to see a -Gordon Banks good gear on hand in my heavy duty switch harness that [email protected] “spare parts only” collection). didn’t take it in stride. But if the servo acts weird in You know, as I sit here ed- WANTED: Old back issues of any way not attributable to the iting and polishing this article, “R/C REPORT” magazine. gears, cheap servos are I’m wondering why I’ve never Please send list of prices and replaced, and costly servos go tested any brand new items this condition for what you have, to to Radio South. thoroughly. Maybe I should Donn Noble, 936 Cooterneck The switch harness and all start doing so. Road, Heber Springs, Arkansas servo extensions and So that’s it. I’ll test every 72543. He’s already bought Y-harnesses are carefully ex- electrical item taken from a copies of everything I still have amined under a magnifying crashed airplane, pretty much available, but even that still left glass for damage to the wiring as described above. If I get any a lot of holes in his collection. or connectors. Even though they may work fine on the bench, I don’t trust obviously damaged wires and connectors. If I see no dam- age, however, then I’ll test each item, checking for a firm con- nection to other connectors, and using my Hangar 9 Digital Vari- able Load Volt- meter to make sure each item will carry a 2 Amp load with- Since birds often drive away many insects and other pests that get into our work shops and models, having bird feeders in the back yard is always a good idea. August 2009 13

THE BIG PICTURE by Dick Pettit

It’s time again for another installment of “The Big Picture.” Like Forrest Gump once said, “Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.” That’s about how I feel these days, so I hope that roll just keeps on spinning a while longer. I’ve been busy working on several new projects, and you may be reading one of those reviews in this issue. It has been a renewed learning experience building all these kits over the past year or so, Piper J-3 Cub. Don said he’d original weight was 15.25 lbs., and I hope my work has seen photos of my L-19 Bird but the military paint scheme generated some interest for Dog, so he wanted everyone to added another pound. He used many of our readers to try a see his version of the popular Krylon Camo green and Build It Yourself (BIY) kit military observation aircraft. Minwax polyurethane semi soon. They’re fun and you’ll Don’s plane began as an old gloss paint. The markings came definitely learn from the Hangar 9 Piper Cub with a from Major Decals. The radio experience. Next time you‘re 100" span, two-piece wing is a Futaba 9C with a Spektrum looking for a new project, using two metal spars and 2.4 GHz module, driving Hitec consider a BIY kit instead of functional wing braces. Its 425BB servos. Power comes another ARF. This month I’ll show you some photos sent in from readers, and I’ll delve into the electronics world to introduce you to a fairly new battery technology. So, without further delay, let’s get started.

CUB IN OLIVE DRAB Don Overfelt, an employee at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC, sent Photo 1 showing his military version of the popular Photo 1: Don Overfelt and his O-59 Grasshopper 14 RC REPORT ONLINE from a Saito FA-150 swinging style cockpit. I read the following at the a Master Airscrew Classic “Anyway, I’m proud of the A123 Systems website: 18x6 prop. way mine turned out, and I can “Founded in 2001, Don went on to say, “Even use it for Cub and war bird A123Systems’ proprietary at 16.25 pounds it flies great, events. I think Cubs look good NanoPhosphate™ technology and at a very scale speed with dressed in military green. is built (using) new, nanoscale the 18x6 prop at about 3/4 “We’re real busy these materials initially developed at throttle. I’ve always heard that days producing U.S. currency the Massachusetts Institute of Cubs like to ground loop that we all want and need each Technology. during take-offs if not attentive and every day. So remember, “A123Systems is now one to the rudder. Well, this Cub use all you want, we’ll make of the world’s leading has no such problems at all. It more! suppliers of high-power taxies without any issues, and “Have a great day and lithium ion batteries, using our I just need to add some right keep on flying.” patented NanoPhosphate™ rudder as I increase the Thanks Don. By the way, technology designed to deliver throttle. Then straight down do you folks give out any free a new combination of power, the runway it goes. Once samples? safety, and life. flying, the rudder also needs to “Based on new nanoscale be used for a proper turn. SOMETHING NEW IN materials initially developed at Otherwise it drags its tail low THE BATTERY WORLD MIT, A123 Systems’ low in the turn, which is not a I recently needed receiver impedance Nanophosphate pretty sight. batteries for a new project. I’d electrode technology provides “I used a lot of paint been using NiMH batteries for significant performance because being bright yellow at quite a while without any advantages over alternative first, it took two good coats failures or problems. I’d high power technologies. Our before the green looked green. already heard about a new cell and electrodes are This came at a cost, adding battery technology available for designed to deliver low over a pound of weight, but the portable power tools, etc., and cost/watt and cost/watt-hour big slow flyer doesn’t seem to a number of R/C modelers have performance. They have higher care. I used the U.S. stars with been experimenting with them voltage than other long-life the red dot from Major Decals. in planes, cars, and boats. This systems, enabling lower pack The red dot was removed in new “A123 battery” has been cost. Their long life leads to May of 1942, but since the discussed before, both by Tony reduced life-cycle and system Army did testing of the J-3's in Coberly and Peter Young, but costs, resulting in greater early 1942, I believe the it still seems to be the latest overall price-performance. inclusion of the red dot is thing, and right on the leading As I said before, A123 correct for my aircraft. I edge of battery technology. Its technology batteries excel in modeled mine after the U.S. claim to fame features include several key areas: Army designation O-59, the more power per ounce, “Power: Nanophosphate is first lot ordered for U.S. Army superior charge and discharge a positive electrode material of evaluation. Piper supplied the characteristics, a longer life remarkable rate capability, Army over 20 of these aircraft expectancy, and perhaps most critical to high power systems. that were regular, commercial important, it’s easier to use Our high power products are J-3's until painted olive drab, safely than some of the lithium able to pulse at discharge rates thus without the greenhouse based cells available today. as high as 100C and deliver August 2009 15

superior power by weight or volume in a cost effective solution. With their low impedance and thermally conductive design, A123 high power cells can be continuously discharged to 100% depth of discharge at a 35C rate, a marked improvement over other rechargeable battery alternatives. “Safety: A123’s Photo 2: Homemade A123 batteries with output and balancing leads Nanophosphate™ technology is designed to be highly abuse without damage, and it may instructions on the website, and tolerant while meeting the most even last longer while doing all built five 2-cell, 7.2 volt demanding customer this. batteries with cell balancing requirements of power, energy, I came across another taps, for a total cost of $114. operating temperature range, website, one developed by my That’s less than $23 for a 2300 cycle life, and calendar life. friend, Sid Kauffman, of SLK mah battery, and the Multiple layers of protection Electronics, that tells us about instructions at the SLK website are employed at the chemistry, the basics of choosing and make it easy to do. Photo 2 cell, and pack level to achieve using Lithium NanoPhosphate shows some of my homemade an energy storage solution cells for R/C applications. Take batteries using 20 gauge wire with superior safety and abuse the time to read and digest this for the output leads. The two- tolerance compared to metal information, because it wire connector provides power oxide lithium ion. explains a lot about why R/C to the radio system, while the “Life: A123’s modelers are gradually moving three-wire connector serves as Nanophosphate™ technology toward this technology. the tap for cell balancing. delivers exceptional calendar www.slkelectronics.com/De Since Tony Coberly and and cycle life. At low rates our Walt/index.htm Peter Young have both already ANR26650M1 cells can deliver This website also shows the discussed A123 cells, I don’t thousands of cycles at 100% potential A123 user how to plan to do any long-term Depth-of-Discharge (DOD), a build batteries from testing or research. But I do feat unmatched by most commercially available want to dig a little farther to commercial lithium ion cells. cordless power tool batteries. see what other modelers have Even when cycled at 10C While not inexpensive yet, the learned about using these cells discharge rates, our cells standard 36 volt battery from in model aircraft. deliver in excess of 1,000 full DeWalt contains ten 2300 mah One important thing to depth-of-discharge cycles.” A123 cells in series, along with remember is that A123 cells What does all this mean to some electronic circuitry that produce 3.6 volts, not 3.7 volts R/C modelers? It appears to isn’t needed in our like Lithium Polymer cells, so mean that this battery applications. So, I went out and they need a suitable charger. technology is lighter, able to be bought one of those 36 volt There are a number of A123 charged and discharged faster batteries, followed the chargers available today, and 16 RC REPORT ONLINE

Photo 3a, the Blinky simply plugs into the balancing taps connected to each battery, and can either allow the charger to balance the voltage on each cell while charging, or it can be used to discharge the cell with the higher voltage while the battery is not being charged. Another good balancer for Photo 3a: The Astro Flight A123 Blinky battery balancer at work the A123 and other lithium batteries is the “plug and play” TME Xtrema Balancer seen in Photo 3b. It uses jumpers to select the proper operation for a wide variety of lithium chemistry cells. It can be used as a stand-alone balancer that automatically compares the voltages of two to six cells, and discharges the higher voltage cells to match the lower voltage cells. Or it can be used in unison with the TME Xtrema charger to monitor the charge current status of each cell, to Photo 3b: The little TME Xtrema Balancer, shown with the Xtrema keep them balanced during charger and an optional cable adapter. Razor shown for size reference. charging. For more info on the many provide the option of TME Xtrema lithium battery Xtrema charger and cell extremely fast charging cycles. charger for up to ten cells.) balancer, point your website When I say “fast”, I mean fully Since all cells connected in browser to www.TMEnet.com charging a totally depleted series tend to charge in direct I mentioned balancing taps 2300 mah battery in less than relationship to their internal and how they’re used, but you 20 minutes! Yes, you can resistance, it makes good sense may not know what they are or charge an A123 battery at 10 to attempt to balance the how they’re connected. For a Amps without damaging the charge equally, using external 2-cell battery I use a standard, cells. (Editor’s Note: Since the electronic “balancing” devices. 3-wire servo connector, as A123 Systems cells, also Many Lithium battery chargers seen in Photo 4. The black known as “M1 cells”, have already have internal or wire is connected to the been available for some years external balancing circuitry, negative battery lead, while the already, quite a few popular and such devices are also other two wires are attached to chargers have A123 capability. available for A123 technology. the positive ends of each cell. I’m using the Hobbico Accu- One is called a Blinky The servo connector fits the Cycle Elite charger for up to A123, and it’s available now terminals on the Blinky three lithium cells, and the from Astro Flight. Seen in balancer perfectly, and makes it August 2009 17

remaining charge, but it involves charging the battery fully, exercising it to drain off about half its rated capacity, and then recharge it, noting how much charge is needed to bring the battery back to full charge. There are a number of variables in this method that may or not happen during any one particular flight, so it should be used only as a reference. According to the “Radical R/C” website, if we merely want to know if our A123 battery has enough charge Photo 4: This battery is wired with a balancing tap and output lead. remaining for another safe easy to wire up a home-made capable batteries. Be sure to flight... leave the model turned battery. upgrade appropriately when on after a flight, and connect a Now that we have our using such powerful batteries if loaded voltmeter directly into battery charged and balanced, your flight pack needs all that the pack balancing plug. Then how fast can we pull the energy power. while holding the load out? These batteries are Another consideration is engaged, switch the model off. capable of 30C constant that the terminal voltage on Then allow the pack to drain discharge, with a 10 second A123 batteries will actually into the meter for 5 to 10 burst rating of 60C. If you do increase a bit when the load is seconds before taking your the math, a 2300 mah battery removed. This is true of other reading. If using a 1 Amp load, can be discharged continuously battery technologies too, but if don’t fly below 5.35 volts. If at 69 Amps, with short bursts you merely plug in your loaded using a 0.5 Amp load, don’t fly as high as 138 Amps. Granted, Expanded Scale Volt (ESV) below 5.72 volts. Meters with the battery’s stored energy meter into your charge switch lower loadings should not be won’t last long at that rate, but or battery lead, the battery used for this. it’s there if you need it. voltage may give you false Now quoting, “The most The battery itself used to be sense of security. The stable and repeatable readings a limiting factor when it came discharge curve of A123 cells are taken in this fashion. The to supplying enough current to is extremely flat, meaning that idea here is to preserve the our modern, high-power the terminal voltage remains existing condition that the servos. With the newer, high very constant during the battery has been loaded for current cells, however, the discharge cycle, and cannot be some time prior to your taking limiting factor shifts to used to give the user a the reading. Pilots are something else. Now we’ll meaningful reading on the accustomed to taking readings need heavier gauge wires and meter. Several noted battery prior to a flight, and thus the switches to cope with all the experts agree that there is a reason for the often printed power available from such way to determine the myth that these cells cannot be 18 RC REPORT ONLINE

load for an approximately 6 volt battery, 18 Ohms is perfect. As you can see in Photo 5, I soldered the three resistors together and connected them to a pair of banana plugs. These will plug into my analog volt meter, which also has a built-in load resistor. I’ll keep the internal load turned off, and only put a 1 Amp load on the battery. A fully charged A123 2-cell 2300 mah battery measures 6.93 volts unloaded, as seen in Photo 6. It then measured 6.85 volts with the 1 Photo 5: Homemade 1 Amp load resistor for checking an A123 Amp load connected. battery’s voltage under load I kept the homemade load resistor connected for one hour, which removed 1000 mah (or 1 Ah) from the battery. I recorded data every 15 minutes, and you can see how gradually the battery voltage drops over time. After this discharge period, the battery measured 6.46 volts. Since the battery voltage only dropped a slight amount in that hour, I feel that the 1 Amp load was constant enough to give me accurate readings. I put the battery back on charge and recorded that 1141 Photo 6: This battery is being load checked over a 2 hour period mah was used to fully charge load checked. Check them could not find a suitable the battery, indicating again immediately after your flight resistor with a high enough that my data was accurate. and recharge if they fail the wattage, so I used three 18 There’s probably a much test.” Ohm 5 Watt resistors in easier method to ensure that Taking this a step further, I parallel to make a 6 Ohm 15 our A123 battery is sufficiently made up a little add-on for one Watt resistor. Using Ohm’s charged for another flight. of my digital voltmeters to Law, where current equals Since we can fully recharge an place a 1 Amp load on the voltage divided by resistance, A123 battery very quickly, just A123 battery after a flight. I and since we want a 1 Amp recharge it after every flight or August 2009 19 two, and it will always be ready charging and checking A123 from the transmitter. Unless I to go. You can also use this cells for R/C applications, visit obtain a larger vehicle than my method to determine how www.hangtimes.com/a123rxs Ford Excursion, however, I much capacity was used during etup.html can go no bigger!” (Photo 8.) the previous flight(s). Then “My 38% Extra 330S base your future flights and SECOND TIME, weighs 40.2 lbs., has a 110" recharging on those results. BUT BIGGER wing, uses two complete radio In my May 2009 column I systems with ten servos, and is Battery voltage...... 6.93 showed a photo of Jim Meyer, powered by a DA-150 engine (no load) of Raleigh, NC, and his Great (see Photo 9) with a Mejlik Battery voltage...... 6.85 Planes Extra 330S. Jim was as carbon fiber 30x12 prop. That (1 Amp load) proud of that plane as any engine, by the way, sounds like Recharge time ..... 68 mins modeler could be, and he really a really gnarly Harley! Recharge current . 1141 mah loved it. Now Jim recently took “The radio is a DX-7 possession of the beautiful running two AR7000 receivers I’ll keep you posted on 38% Great Planes Extra 330S and JR heavy duty switches, anything else I learn about seen in Photo 7. Jim wrote... with a 4200 mah 6 volt battery A123 batteries, and if you hear “I flew the largest R/C on each side. The engine anything new, please let us plane I’ve built to date this ignition battery is 2000 mah. know. evening. It flew really great, “I’m running eight Hitec For more info about with hardly any trim needed 7955MG servos (four on the

Photo 7: Jim Meyer, Raleigh, NC and his Great Planes 38% Extra 330S 20 RC REPORT ONLINE

ailerons, two for the elevators, and two on the rudder), one JR 821 on the choke, and one Hitec 5645MG on the throttle. “So far I have seven flights on the model, and am still breaking in the engine. It’s very easy to fly, being even more stable than my 27% Extras, but landing a 40+ lb. model requires a little more runway. “The Great Planes 38% Extra is the most complete and best kit I’ve ever built. All the Photo 8: Jim’s Extra 330S shoe-horned into his Ford Excursion parts fit perfectly and were very well made. The test flight required two clicks of right aileron because the left wing was a little heavier than the right.” Thanks for the letter and photos, Jim, and good luck with that beautiful plane.

TIME IS NOT ON OUR SIDE Like so many modelers, I made the switch from glow to gas engines long ago. I came to realize that glow engines, while easy to maintain and operate on smaller models, are not particularly well suited for most true giants. Added to the fact that glow fuel is ever increasing in price and it is really messy to remove from the airplane after flying, I’ve come to prefer gas engines. I recently had the opportunity, however, to assemble a small, glow Photo 9: Here’s the a big DA-150 twin that powers Jim’s 38% Extra. powered trainer produced by a Is that a beautiful sight or what? major model manufacturer. It was to be a project for my August 2009 21 grandson and me to put Actually, we did get the our engine probably would together over a weekend, and plane into the air three times, have run just fine, and we fly it soon thereafter. Before and completed all three flights might have enjoyed the day a my grandson arrived, I took the with the engine running. But it lot more. But no, I had to try engine from the box, mounted took four hours to complete everything except the one true it on a test stand, and prepared those three flights. We finally solution, which only got me to run it for a while to polish decided to pack up and go deeper into trouble as I off its “rough edges”. home, where we’d dig deeper proceeded down the path of First, however, I needed to into the problem. We’d already self-destruction. find some glow fuel! I knew I tried everything we could think The bottom line here is that had some in a corner of, though. So what were we to old glow fuel may not be a somewhere, and finally located do? good thing to keep around. For several almost empty jugs Back in the work shop I that matter, gasoline gets stale sitting on the floor behind my noticed that the jug of fuel and useless too. work bench. I also found one we’d been using was getting When disposing old or nearly half full. I’d used it not empty, so I decided to buy contaminated fuel, do so in a too long ago, and it worked fresh fuel at the local hobby safe and environmentally fine then, so it should work shop. Well, what can I say? friendly manner. Then shake fine now, right? What a difference that fresh the cobwebs out of your wallet, Wrong! I filled the tank on fuel made to our engine! Now and buy new fuel. It may save the test stand, started the .46 it ran perfectly again. you a lot aggravation later. size ABC sport engine, and It turns out that I’d bought And when you get that new allowed it to run at about half hat old fuel nearly four years jug of fuel, write the purchase throttle until it emptied the ago, but had used only half the date on the jug with a bold tank. After ti cooled off I gallon at the time. The permanent marker, to remind repeated the procedure, and remaining two quarts sat in my you how old it is, and more again it ran fine. During the shop ever since. The jug was importantly, when you should third break-in run I began tightly sealed with one of those get rid of it. dialing in the mixture red plastic stoppers under the That’s all I have this month. adjustments. It ran fine the screw-on cap, but even those Next time I hope to have more entire time, so once we had the things can’t protect the fuel for photos from local flying events airplane ready, we installed the years on end. It looked okay, and readers. I’m also working engine and took it out to fly. but it sure didn’t run like fresh on some new projects for more Well we ran into all sorts of fuel. reviews in the coming months. problems, and everyone who Sometimes you have to step So, until next time, happy stopped by offered an opinion back and consider the obvious flying and see y’all at the field! on why the engine was running possibilities before diving too -Dick Pettit so poorly. We tried new glow deep into a problem, no matter 5704 Dedmon Ct. plugs, the carburetor was what you’re working on. Look Durham, NC 27713 adjusted every which way at the simplest possibilities [email protected] imaginable, all the screws were before you go hog-wild checked for tightness, and all attempting to correct a (Editor’s Addition: I too have the fuel lines were checked and problem. In my case, had I seen bad glow fuel cause an rechecked for holes or other simply borrowed a tank of fuel engine to run poorly. damage. from another flyer at the field, Personally, though, I still think 22 RC REPORT ONLINE

and providing glow fuel to our Huntsville resident writers, we were ordering anywhere from 48 to 100 gallon bottles of fuel at a time. And to make a long story short, we never noticed any performance difference between freshly opened bottles that were one or maybe six years old. We did learn, however, that an old bottle holding a half-gallon or less was not to be trusted until tested. What I think happens is that the half-gallon of fuel absorbs all the moisture from the half gallon of air in the half-empty bottle, and then it’s The problem (a less than full bottle of fuel containing moist air) and the water that gives the engine one possible solution (an air tight and fuel resistant Zip-Loc storage bag from which air can be easily expelled). fits. To help prevent this problem, we developed the easy habit of minimizing our store of “less than full” fuel bottles. We always preferred to use one freshly opened for engine tests, but not many engine tests used an even gallon or two, so we often had some “less than full” bottles on hand. Since our fun flying doesn’t require a specific fuel, we often consolidated the contents of several opened bottles, regardless of the nitro content or fuel type (2C or 4C). The less air in the bottle, the less moisture and the less often our old fuel was bad fuel. To minimize this problem when you have only one half- After pouring the fuel into the bag, nearly all of the air was released empty bottle, simply pour the from the bag, and the empty bottle was prepared for the next step. contents into a clean, smaller it has more to do with fuel Report” magazine was container. Smaller bottles are contaminants (water, etc.) than reviewing one or more glow often more convenient to carry the fuel’s age. Back when “R/C engines almost every month, to the field anyway. But the August 2009 23

barrels of oil every year. After all, how would he know that hardly any cars produced in the last 20 years need tune-ups more often than once every 100,000 miles? And while under-inflated tires do waste fuel (and wear out faster), the fuel mileage difference is very small. According to one of our own government’s websites, if all four tires on the average car were 10 psi under-inflated (not very likely because they’d bulge so much you’d quickly The fuel bag is now placed inside the plastic ‘can’ to help protect the bag from puncture. Even if the bag does leak, it stays inside the can. notice), you’d see only about a The cut off top at right can be saved as a funnel, or discarded. 3% decrease in fuel mileage. real point here is to minimize there’s no oil mixed with the So, if your tires should be the air in the container, thus gas. When I rode KTM two- inflated to 30 psi, and your car minimizing the moisture stroke bikes, however, I and normally averages 20 mpg, content as well. And like good other riders noticed that raw you’d still get about 19.4 mpg commercial fuel bottles, any gas often went bad in six to 12 even if all four tires somehow container holding fuel should months, but pre-mix (gas with dropped to 20 psi (again, be sealed air tight. I sometimes oil mixed in) often lasted twice highly unlikely). Overinflating store fuel in Zip-Loc food that long! The oil seems to your tires, however, appears to storage bags. Pour in the fuel, somehow serve as a stabilizer result in even less difference. squeeze all the air out, and for the gasoline. Anyway, now According to tests performed then slip the bag into a topless when I find that I have raw by a major car magazine, fuel bottle (which is then what, gasoline on hand that’s over running the tires at 40 psi a plastic can?) to help protect six months old, I pour it into instead of 30 resulted in less the bag from punctures, and to my car where it mixes with than a 1% improvement in gas capture any leaks. Stored like fresher fuel and runs fine. (A mileage, while producing a this, the fuel should remain modern car’s computer- noticeably harsh and perfectly good for a long, long controlled fuel and ignition uncomfortable ride, and time. Although I’ve stored fuel systems handle stale fuel much causing premature tire wear. like this for over seven months better than older cars with Tire manufacturers, of course, without a problem, I still don’t carburetors.) are a major consumer of oil know the long, long term life themselves, so in the long run span of the plastic bag. And while we’re on the it does pay to keep your tires Although I rarely use subject of cars and gasoline, properly inflated, but it’s not gasoline engines in my models, please forgive our President’s going to save millions of I do keep several 5-gallon gas automotive ignorance when he barrels of oil each year. cans on hand for my ATV and said in a speech that frequent Gasoline production is not the dirt bikes. My current rides are tune-ups and proper tire largest consumer of crude oil all four-stroke Hondas, so inflation could save 50 million anyway.) 24 RC REPORT ONLINE

The Oily Hand by Brian Winch

WHO’S THERE? The following is part of an inquiry from a modeler who flies control line models, but the problem and information applies just as well to R/C fliers, and I have had similar questions from them over the years. Joe is from a hot and humid tropical state where the general weather is hotter and dry or hotter and humid, depending on the season, and these conditions are just the ones to set up the problem in question. You constantly hear an engine more thoughts on the subject. Like many fliers using 4C running somewhere (unquali- Joe, it might be the engines, his choice is a Saito. I fied diagnosis, mostly BS), but knocking of opportunity! Your don’t know why these engines other fliers are aware of sounds knocking is also called “ping- are particularly popular with you can’t hear. Joe is running a ing” and “pre-ignition” due to CL fliers when there are a Saito .72 with a 13x5 3-blade using 20% nitro in an engine number of other brands avail- Eather prop (custom made) with too much compression, able, so don’t pre-empt my which is quite a load for that and such a light weight pro- conclusion since I don’t have engine to spin, even though the peller (lighter even than most one. I like Saito engines as well propeller is extremely light wood props) that provides as many others, but I still weight. He uses an O.S. F-type almost no flywheel effect. As wonder why Saitos are so com- glow plug, and fuel containing far as the engine running mon in CL circles. Anyway, 20% Coolpower oil, 20% nitro, cooler, this is a characteristic Joe asked my opinion about a and 60% methanol. RPM at of using higher than normal knocking noise heard by others launch is between 8,800 and nitro, but it’s not the nitro that outside the circle while he’s 9,000 with a slightly rich does the cooling. The nitro flying. He claims to have good setting. Joe said the critical actually increases the fire, hearing, but he doesn’t hear it. point of successful CL is to which is why we use it. What “Hey Joe! Your engine is have the engine running as happens is the higher oxygen rattling. What kind is it?” cool as possible, and he’s content of the fuel (due to the “Oh, about 2 o’clock I found the engine to respond nitro) requires you to run a guess, judging from the sun. very well on hot days using the much richer mixture. A richer Haven’t you got a watch?” high nitro fuel. Joe also mix means more fuel, and more This happens to many model- mentioned an anti foaming fuel means more lubrication, ers, and is called “exhaust ear”, additive in the fuel, and asked hence the cooler running. a particular form of tinnitus about different glow plugs. My Another point often missed that often strikes modelers. reply follows, to include a few by many model engine enthu- August 2009 25 siasts, is that a richer mix bit of heat you built up. For one Okay, now back to Joe’s means more methanol as well. inexperienced in the black art engine. The knocking heard by Oil is great for general cooling, of engines (modelers who the other modelers was pre- but the addition of more know only that the engine is ignition (aka, pinging) caused methanol plays a big part too. supposed to swing the pro- by the load of the lightweight I’m going to move away peller), this situation is bloody propeller, and the changing from the main path here for a frustrating and so it surely must RPM as the engine was loaded minute, because this is a good be a warranty problem. My and unloaded during flight. opportunity to explain some- simple solution was (and still Many Saito engines are right at thing. This is something that is) to give the top of the engine the top of the compression applies to many non-ringed a good blast with a heat gun readings, and often too high for (ABC, AAC, and ABN) en- until it’s uncomfortably hot to an unusually high amount of gines, but I will use an Enya the touch (burns fingers), and nitro. Straight nitro ignites by .40 as a prime example. A few then apply an electric starter itself at 6:1 compression, so a years back when these engines for an instant start. I ran the very simple calculation indi- first came on the market, I had warranty engines hot and cold cates that this is increased to quite a few of them come in for several times until they loosen- 16.8:1 when the nitro is diluted warranty checks from modelers ed enough for an electric start- to 20% of the fuel mixture. An who couldn’t start them. I must er cold start, but no priming! engine with high compression, admit that they were very tight, For your information, these a big prop load, running a bit making it difficult to flip the types of non-ringed engines lean, and using a hot, long prop past Top Dead Center (get (ABC, AAC, and ABN designs glow plug could easily reach the piston past the top of its can also be ringed engines) are this figure, so the combined travel). Some electric starters never to be run overly rich. A factors would lead to the even balked at the job. If you tad on the rich side for a start is pre-ignition condition. A little gave the prop a couple of okay, but never run them richer on the needle might help really determined flips, they slobbering rich as one might some, but because of the large would loosen slightly due to run a ringed engine. If you do, prop load and the high nitro the friction-generated heat of the rich mixture keeps the fuel, I’d at least lift the glow the piston in the liner causing engine too cool, so the top of plug a little by fitting an extra the liner to slightly expand, just the liner does not expand, and plug washer or two to retard as it’s designed to do. Okay, the piston keeps getting the timing a little. If this was you actually got to flip the prop pinched and wearing rapidly. not effective, my next move and it was feeling a bit easier, The connecting rod and would be to fit a shim under so let’s give it a choke to crankshaft are under severe the cylinder, something I do introduce a drop of fuel, and strain by the pinched piston, so quite often for modelers flying then we can surely start it. you often wind up breaking scale aircraft and wanting their Nope, not on your Nelly! something, or the tightness has Saito engines tamed a little for They were bloody obstinate, gone completely away due to larger props and smoother tight as a cheap wedding ring, the piston having worn out its running. The metal shims I with the piston stuck partway required fit. The engine will make range from 0.015" to up and not moving. What’s then turn over easily, but 0.026" generally, but I have wrong? What happened is that probably still won’t start due to gone as high as 0.032" to really the incoming fuel, mainly being totally knackered, worn tame a big Saito 1.80 for a methanol, quickly cooled the out in the piston and liner fit scale model application. As a engine and took out that little area. side note here, the later ver- 26 RC REPORT ONLINE

much lower ratio shows how easy it is for the fuel mixture to be upset by things like atmos- pheric conditions. As an aside, this is also partly why the Australian government fuel watchdog is on the lookout for petrol suppliers using too much ethanol in the fuel. Ethanol (with a 9:1 ratio required for combustion) is an okay fuel ingredient, but the engine’s fuel system must be designed (or modified) to use it cor- rectly. Otherwise you’ll find Photo 1: Saito base shims made from very hard gasket card on the the engine running terribly left, and bronze sheet metal on the right. lean, usually with disastrous sions of Saitos are generally a can stay in the race. results. It appears that gas with little lower on compression, Now closing Joe’s story, for up to 10% ethanol (technical and thus smoother running. readers who want every point name for alcohol) can be Regarding Joe’s questions of the answer, the following handled safely by most cars, relating to anti-foamers and goes just a little deeper into the but any higher could be a real different glow plugs, Cool reasons for tuning changes. problem without proper modifi- Power oil already contains an As Joe said, the engine cations. (There are other prob- effective anti-foaming ingre- responds well to the extra nitro lems using ethanol, such as dient, as do most synthetic oils on hot, humid days. The reason well, such as reduced power, these days, I’m sure. The prac- for this is simply that humid air less mileage, and corrosion tice of using foam packing ma- contains less oxygen than dry problems, but this isn’t a car terial around a fuel tank seems air. Joe lives in a tropical article, so you can check that to be slipping into the past, but atmosphere where his engine is out elsewhere.) don’t discount its value yet. often oxygen starved. This is Back to Joe’s fuel. Due to On the glow plug question, why you tune leaner on humid the air’s lower oxygen content I’d rate the O.S. “F”, the YS days (less oxygen needs less on humid days, Joe’s engine “F”, and the new Saito 4C fuel) and richer on hot, dry responds to the higher nitro plug as being so close and days (more oxygen needs more content because it enriches the equal, it would be hard (and fuel). A gas engine is not so mixture with oxygen. Nitro is a pointless) to chose between critical of the oxygen content fuel oxygenator. them. The O.S. plugs have due to the air fuel ratio of 14.5 Having mentioned ethanol always been winners for me parts air to one part gas requir- in gasoline, I’m reminded of over many years, but I have ed for combustion. That’s a lot the concerns by many modelers been noticing a growing sim- of air, and the very reason about using gasoline with ilarity between them and the petrol engines use less fuel ethanol included in their gas others I mentioned. Time will than one designed to run on model airplane engines. provide the answer, as the O.S. methanol. The ideal methanol Although I have not encounter- “F” plug is a long lifer, and fuel ratio is closer to 6.4 parts ed any problems, many model- only time will tell if the others air to one part methanol. This ers have, so I’m not saying that August 2009 27 there aren’t any. I’m not too By the way, if you or a done by email or an expensive concerned about gaskets and friend comes up with the bright phone call, and the shipping diaphragms in gas engine idea to freeze the mixture and cost both ways is a horror. And carburetors, as these carbs have then pour off the petrol from frankly, I really don’t want to also been used with methanol the frozen lump in the bottom, be taking work away from your fuel for many years. Ethanol, of forget it. You might get water local model engineers, of course, is different, but the jury out this way, but ethanol which I am sure there are quite is still out for me. But if you’re requires -115º C (-175/F) to a few. What we want is to hear really concerned about using freeze, while water turns into from any or all reputable and ethanol in your gas engine, you ice at 0º C (32/ F). The dilution capable modelers who will might try this at your own is the factor. For example, contract to carry out engine expense and risk. I am not around 1% of ethanol in water repairs for other modelers. If recommending this, but I’ve as a mix will freeze just below you want a free plug in this done it and, apparently it 0º C. From this you can work column, let me know all your works. (I said ‘apparently’ out how much water you would details and capabilities, such as because I have no laboratory need to freeze a 10% ethanol any glow engines, 2C, 4C, gas facilities to check the result.) mix in your home freezer, engines, any engine at all, ser- Pour about cup of water into a which might get down to -18º vice and repair, maybe you’ll clear container containing a C (0/ F). Since my lovely manufacture unavailable parts, measured amount of petrol. metric system beats your weird and so on. If you’ll repair Note that you should know the old imperial system hands model airplane engines, then exact amount of petrol, but the down, if you have one liter of let’s hear from you. (Editor’s exact amount of water is not petrol with 10% ethanol, you’d Note: I’d like to add model important. Now give the water need to add 10 liters of water airplane engines parts sources time to settle to the bottom. to be able to freeze the as well, for modelers able to Later on, siphon off the petrol methanol/water mix, and a very repair their own engines.) until you get almost to the level tolerant wife or mom to allow of the water at the bottom. The you to put 11 liters of water BREAKFAST water, you see, should absorb and gas mix in the freezer! OFF THE MENU the ethanol and take it with it “Mommy, this fish tastes If it must to be known, then to the bottom of the container. weird.” “Yes, sweetheart, it’s I am not in the best of moods So if you’re really smart, petrol flavored because your today. For one thing I missed careful, and accurate, you pea brain father’s container breakfast, which is one of my could go right to the level of split open when the contents favorite meals of the day (the the water, and then stop froze. But if you think the fish others being morning tea, siphoning. Now measure the is bad, wait until you taste the lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, amount of petrol you took out. corn.” supper, and in-between snacks If your petrol contained 10% and nibbles). I like rolled oats ethanol, the volume of the ENGINE REPAIRS and bananas for breakfast, but petrol you took out should be Who does engine repairs in this morning I had already 10% less than you earlier put the U.S.? I’ve had several in- poured the oats into the bowl, in... maybe. This is not rocket quiries from readers wanting to and added slices of banana on science or laboratory standard know if I will repair an engine top before going to the front testing, it’s just something to for them. Sorry, but no. It’s door for the milk, which is try on an off day if you’re way too messy. Communicat- delivered fresh daily by our inclined. ing with the modeler has to be friendly milkman in his horse 28 RC REPORT ONLINE

drawn milk cart. (A side bit it, and the harder the bite Biter.” He progressed rapidly benefit of this is that his lovely the louder the squeak, he loved through his early years, biting horse often leaves a free pile of it! He drove everyone crazy Lipizzaners, Appaloosas, fertilizer for the flower with the constant squeaking Arabians, Orloffs, Suffolks, garden). Anyway, as I and his chuckling. He was just and eventually on to big stuff approached the front door I barely walking when he came like Clydesdales, Percherons, heard a horse yell (an eerie in contact with a real horse, a and Shire horses. He was very sound that rattles your ears) Shetland Pony at a fun fair quick on his feet, too, as many and a lot of rattling, clanking, where kids were given pony a poor Trotter or Pacer learned glass breaking and swearing rides. Now, Shetland Ponies the hard way. Horses began to from the milkman. The horse are not known for their tremble when they saw him, was bolting up the hill, the milk outward display of love for often a case of “once bitten, cart swaying and flinging mankind. They’ll bite you just twice shy.” Around the race bottles of milk in all directions, for the fun of it! Well, Arando tracks many a tired old hack and the poor old man was was absolutely beside himself ran away from the field right struggling with the reins. with joy when he saw his first after, or sometimes trying to Instead of a couple of bottles of real horse. With arms avoid, getting a sound and milk on my doorstep, there was outstretched, he ran (or painful bite by Arando. none other than Arando T. wobbled) to the pony, looked But when horse racing Phoggwissel, Horse Biter, with up into its lovely, soft brown enthusiasts learned of this, the a stupid smile on his kisser and eyes, and then bit the hell out demand for Arando’s unique a goodly size patch of horse of one leg! That pony was service grew, and he was soon hair in his mouth. This whacko really upset at having the making good money. Arando, is a cousin of Log Head (my tables turned and seeing however, had his sights on a current nickname for that someone bite him, plus the bite bigger prize... rodeos! And stupid assistant of mine), really hurt! He threw off the soon he was well known in who’d invited him to spend a hapless kid on his back at the those circuits too, as the week or so here. He’ll be lucky time, squealed loudly, and took absolute best performances to last a week if I have my way. off across the fair ground, came from wild horses he bit This oddball started his bowling over a clown as he just before their release. It’s a weird ways as a mere babe in ran. Arando was so overjoyed rare rider who could stay the the cradle. His grandpappy at this he peed himself... twice! saddle on an Arando bitten bought him a little stuffed Thus his future was set. Mustang. He even chewed on a horse toy that squeaked when Unlike the so called “horse few rodeo bulls, and due to the you squeezed it. When the whisperers”, “dog whisperers”, aloof look they gave him, he knucklehead discovered that and “cat counselors”, Arando chomped a few camels as well. the toy would squeak when he became the famous “Horse August 2009 29

Anyway, to get him out of my house I’m sending him and my batty assistant to this really big dressage event way across on the other side of oz. I even bought an old jumping horse (but with no jump left in it) for Log Head to ride in the event. My plan is for Arando to give the nag a really good bite, after which it will jump all the logs, and then the fence, and hopefully continue running into the far distance, taking Log For Brains with it. Then Arando will find a new home biting Photo 2: The beauty of using a hinge is that the mounting holes are horses that balk at jumps. Then already drilled for you. Make sure you oil the hinge pin so it works freely. I’ll have some peace (and hopefully some milk) for a section is decent, authentic, or What about slowing down or while. wholesome... other than me, of stopping on tarmac strips. We course. have no reverse pitch! Think of Now it’s time for... This month I bring you my an impending mid-air collision. APRILWUN perfect engine mount! With all Even if you go up or down, the DOT ROT DOT CON the great R/C gear we enjoy other pilot might do the same, This section is devoted to these days, just about every- so you’d still crash. So weird ideas, strange stuff, and thing on a model is adjustable wouldn’t it be great if we could mental interventions from my and trimable. send the model vertically up or underground workshop. (Editor’s Note: Hold it down without forward Warning! Be fully understand- right there, Mr. Word Butcher. movement, sorta like a ing that these ideas will incur a There’s no such word as helicopter? Well, the good major risk to your sanity, your “trimable”, even in Oz slang!) news is... now you can! Now family finances, your elm trees, (Brian’s Note: No? Well we have the magnificent Oily and maybe even your pet real why not? We have fixable, ad- Hand Controllable Engine estate agent. Before even justable, moveable, stoppable, Mount. And more good news is considering any of these ideas, etc., so why not trimable? that you don’t have to buy it, you should discuss the matter You’re an editor... fix it!) But you can make it yourself, in with your mental health pro- okay, “able to be trimmed”, any size you need! The only fessional, or somebody else then. One aspect over which item you need is a door hinge, who might be stupid as we have no control when the using the proper size to suit the yourself if you think these model is flying is the engine engine you’ll use. Photo 2 ideas are real. In other words, position. If we want more up or shows see how simple it is. All this is a joke, and not a project down offset, it has to be done I’ve done is cut out a section anyone but Gordon should on the bench. Another problem from one leaf of the hinge (the actually attempt. Believe noth- is take-off and landing when two main parts of a hinge really ing you read here or see below the model has very little ground are called ‘leaves’), and drilled this warning, for nothing in this clearance for the propeller. it to suit my engine, which you 30 RC REPORT ONLINE

Photo 3: Other than the movement up or down, it’s no different from mounting your engine on any type of engine mount. can see in Photo 3. Using a hinge leaf and how far you can Yes, it’s just one more method of your choice, fit a pull it up before being stopped absolutely spiffing idea from control connection to the leaf by the engine, but vertically Winch th’ whatsit wiz. (And with the engine attached, and down movement is instant- Banks, if you even dare men- connect this to a servo con- aneous, and the model won’t tion “spiffing” not being a trolled by a spare channel. move forward one inch as it word, I swear I’ll give your full When the model is taking off drops like a lead ball. Imagine home address to my assistant or landing, you nose the engine the fun landings you can make, after telling him how desper- up a bit to increase ground flying toward the landing zone, ately you need his help!) clearance and pull the nose but then at the halfway point, -Brian Winch upward. In flight, if the model drop the engine down for an 33 Hillview Parade needs more up or down thrust, instant vertical drop until Lurnea, NSW you can adjust it in flight to the you’re about 3" off the ground. Australia 2170 perfect angle! With extreme up Then level the engine again [email protected] movements it will be possible and land right on the spot, or A radio message from the to have the model perform the fly back up after the greatest Landing Signal Officer (LSO) to tightest loop ever seen, even touch-and-go ever performed! a carrier pilot after his sixth spinning on the axis of its CG! Don’t wait! Make your own unsuccessful landing attempt: Rapid up movement without Hinge Mount today and be the “You reallyneed to land here, forward movement will be first at your club with this great son. This is where the food is.” dependent on the length of the new invention! August 2009 31

HERE'S HOW... by Walt Wilson

Share your best ideas and building tips with others. Send your “Here's How...” ideas to... Walt Wilson, 3000 Persimmon, St. Charles, MO 63301 or by e-mail to... [email protected] Please include your full name and mailing address. The first submitter of any idea used here will win a one year subscription or renewal to RC REPORT ONLINE. If the subscription or renewal is to be a gift to someone else, please state this when submitting the idea.

had a bottle of clear dope on hand, so he applied the dope into the seams from the inside of the fairing. The dope seems to soften and “weld” the plastic seams, and the fairing became a solid, single piece. He finished up by filling the seam with putty, sanding it smooth, and painting it. 1. Raymond Lefrancois, of Garner, NC, for years has used inexpensive sponge paint brushes from 3. (No illustration) From Edwin Hawk, of home improvement and craft stores, for painting Smithville, OH. When installing fuel lines in a and spreading. He once ran out, however, so he gas powered plane, it can be rather difficult to scavenged (a modeler’s technical term for get the Tygon yellow fuel line to slip onto the “stole”) some “Cosmetic Wedges” (aka, makeup grooved ends of the fueler, clunk, or brass sponges) from his wife. He found them to be tubing. Edwin’s method is to heat the end of the even better than what he’d been using! They’re line with a heat gun, so the softened line will slip denser and impervious to most of the paints and into place easier. As it cools it conforms to the solvents that sometimes attacked the sponge grooved edges, making an even better seal. Use brushes. Now Ray uses a reversed clothespin as the heat carefully, though, and don’t melt it! a handle, and frequently cuts the sponges in half to make smaller brushes.

2. Cecil Collum, of Fort Smith, AR, was building a Sterling Kits PT-17. While assembling the plastic gear fairings, he tried a couple of 4. Mark Immonen, of Ann Arbor, MI, likes to different adhesives, all to no avail. Then be protect fuel lines from chaffing when run recalled a trick from many years ago. He still through a firewall or plywood former. For 32 RC REPORT ONLINE

individual lines, cut a 3/4" length of a drinking began color coding the proper transmitter to its straw that’s just barely larger in diameter than airplanes... red tape on the transmitter, and red the fuel line. Slip it over the line, center the tape on its models, etc. Now it’s easier to select straw in the firewall, and glue it in place. He the matching combo! says it also works well wherever the fuel line Walt’s Note: All of my 72 MHz radios are on touches any part of the engine. A second method Ch-54, making it very easy to grab the wrong is useful when several lines pass through a large transmitter. I’ve done it! So I started labeling opening. Cut a section out of an old bicycle each airplane to identify its transmitter. I use a inner tube, slip it over the bundled lines and labeling machine, but you could simply write the position the inner tube at the firewall or former. info on plain white tape. Mark feels that it doesn’t pay to throw away (Editor’s Note: Due to having all of my anything that has even a remote chance of being models assigned to the same transmitter, I don’t useful in the future! (Editor’s Note: Amen!) have that problem. My trouble was trying to remember each model’s special setups for flaps, retracts, engine kill switch, electric throttle arming switch, mixing switches, etc. My solution was to create and carry model info sheets in my transmitter carrying case. Each model has its own info sheet, which I briefly review before 5. Don Fitch, of St. Charles, MO, has an crash... before flying that particular model.) application for those tiny little stirrer straws often found in bars and coffee shops. The short, small diameter antennas on our 2.4 GHz receivers must be correctly positioned relative to each other to provide maximum signal strength. To hold them in the correct positions, fasten short sections of the straw (with the antennas inside) inside the fuselage. The antennas will then remain in the correct positions, but are easily pulled free when necessary. Without some 7. From Earl Acker, of Fenton, MO. Heating kind of retainers, the antennas sometimes irons used for covering materials often come become bent or move out of position. Gluing or with a stand that is equally often lost. When in taping the antennas directly to the plane presents use, however, the iron is too hot to simply sit on the danger of damage when the receiver is a workbench surface, so Earl makes and uses a removed (sometimes unintentionally!). wire stand attached to the iron’s screws as shown. Simply bend loops in each end and then 6. (No illustration) From Mark Klein, of New bend the wire into shape. The screws are usually Hyde Park, NY. In the “good old days”, long enough to hold a thin wire. Then when the transmitters displayed their frequency numbers. iron is set down, simply turn it upside down. If your P-47 was on Ch-27, you knew which transmitter to take if the airplanes had 8. (No illustration) Jack DeLisle, of Saint Clair, corresponding numbers. With today’s 2.4 GHz, MI, once ran out of CA, and the nearest hobby transmitters, however, there are no channel shop was far away. To save time, he went to the numbers so it’s all too easy to take the wrong local Wal-Mart and bought a small bottle of transmitter. After this happened to Mark (he Loctite Super Glue Precision Max, which Jack didn’t reveal how many times it happened!), he says works great! He’s has used it often, and August 2009 33 says its applicator doesn’t clog. It’s a medium The plane I’m holding at the top of the viscosity CA, which is what Jack uses most. column this month is a Top Flite P-40 that I built about 30 years ago. It’s fiberglassed and finished with Chevron Perfect Paints. All markings and insignia are painted. It has a SuperTigre .60 up front, and flew very well until I retired it.

Help! We need more “Here’s How...” tips and hints! They come in so slowly during the summer months, I’ve been digging through my archives for ideas. But surely not every good 9. Here’s one from me. Kit hardware usually idea in the modeling world has been covered! comes in one or more sealed plastic bags. To What’s your helpful hint? avoid losing parts and to make them easier to see -Walt Wilson and sort, I dump the parts into an empty metal (see addresses at top) tin. Such boxes are a convenient size, and make it easy to find specific parts. They can also be closed and set aside without fear of losing anything. They also make great storage boxes for long term use.

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU!

Joe was driving through highway. Scared stiff, he began listen, all about the frightening southern Georgia on his way to to pray, begging for his life. experience he’d had. At first a big scale contest in Florida. And then, just before he they all thought Joe was drunk, During a terrible storm with reached the curve, a hand but they became increasingly hard rain and stiff wind, his car suddenly appeared through the quiet as, one by one, they was blown off the road and window, grasped the steering gradually came to realize that into a ditch. Unable to free the wheel, and steered the car Joe was crying from his experi- car, Joe began hitchhiking to safely around the curve. Still ence, and wasn’t drunk at all! the next town. No cars stopped paralyzed with fear, Joe Pretty soon two more guys for hours, and the storm was watched in awe how the hand came into the bar, both every growing worse, so he was appeared every time the car bit as soaking wet as Joe. They excited when he finally saw a approached a curve. came to the bar, ordered car approach and stop. Without Finally too terrified to drinks, and then looked even thinking about it, Joe remain in the strange car, Joe around. When one of them jumped into the car and closed jumped out and ran to the spotted Joe, his eyes grew wide the door. Then he was both nearest town. Soaking wet and as he turned to face his friend. shocked and frightened when still in shock, he went straight “Look Pete,”, he exclaimed, he realized... there was no one to the first bar he saw, ordered “There’s the selfish and un- else in the car! But then the car a large coffee, and tried to grateful idiot who got into your started moving again, and soon settle his nerves. Then he car while we were pushing it to Joe saw a curve ahead in the began telling anyone who’d the gas station!” 34 RC REPORT ONLINE

The Webb Scale by Gary Webb

Hello everyone. I hope you’ve been out flying your latest scale model and showing off your handiwork. Last month I was asked to join a good friend of mine, Ted Stickler, to attend the Giant Scale Warbirds Assoc. fly in at Mac Hodges’ field down in Anderson, GA. Mac has flown at the D.O.G.’s fly-in on numerous occasions, so I thought it would be nice to return the favor. I’d heard he had a great hobby store right on the premises, and I looked Anyone fortunate enough to sits on 1200 acres. Got the forward to seeing it. have already been there knows picture? Mac’s farm is twice Yes, I’d already heard that what’s coming. Mac and his that size. To me this was the Mac had a great hobby shop. family own over 2400 acres. Ponderosa of the South, and I What I’d heard, however, No, I didn’t inadvertently put kept looking around, expecting sounded an awful lot like fond too many zeros in that number, Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright exaggerations based on fond either. Wait, to give more of to come riding up at any admirations. Sadly, this left me you a better idea of what I’m moment! It’s a big place. Big. totally unprepared for what I talking about, the AMA The R/C runway? Oh well, was about to encounter. headquarters in Muncie, IN, that part’s only about 1000 feet

Hodges Hobbies, the store. August 2009 35

One room inside the Hodges Hobbies store long and 200 feet wide! And it largest golf green! The grass is smooth. The runway is looks a lot like the world’s short, thick, and unbelievably orientated east and west, which makes flying available all day without having the sun in your face. I overheard one pilot saying, “If you can’t hit this runway, you might want to think about taking up a new hobby.” The tree line is a good half mile out in front of the pilot stations, with clear approaches at both ends. To this Mac added a huge, all metal sun shelter that must be around 150 feet long and maybe 40 to 50 feet wide. And oh yeah, it has a smooth, asphalt floor! I hear it often gets awfully hot down there in Another room inside the Hodges Hobbies store 36 RC REPORT ONLINE

Yet another room inside the Hodges Hobbies store. Did I mention it being big? the summer, so the shaded though. It was hot while I was that line again... I said the shelter is much appreciated. there, and I personally felt that aerodrome rest rooms are air There are picnic tables and the air conditioned rest rooms conditioned! Man, I’d have assembly tables galore, too. were a little on the cool side. stayed in there all day had the I do have one complaint, Yeah, maybe you should read rude banging on the door not

Huge covered shelter with paved floor for the pilots. But they’re not spoiled... much. August 2009 37

Check out that wind sock! It’s an old, experimental home-built!

This shows the east end of the runway. Disgusting, isn’t it? been so annoying! “Hey fool, world, it’s just the biggest I’ve help you?” you gonna stay in there all day even seen! Picture a major “Yes, thank you, I need or what?”, asked Ted. department store with specific some covering material.” Mac’s place is big, it’s nice, areas dedicated to certain “Plastic or fabric?” and I’m already collecting product lines. There’s this one “Plastic, please.” business cards from Anderson, room reserved for nothing but “MonoKote, UltraCote, GA, real estate agents! iron-on covering materials! or...?” The hobby shop? Oh, it’s Can you imagine that? “MonoKote, I believe.” probably not the biggest in the “Good morning, sir. May I “Opaque or transparent?”

August 2009 39

Some of the crowd early Friday morning. Some had been here before. The rest were in awe.

The highly energetic Cape Coral Seahawks gang, staking out their spot in the shade. in over 26 states. What’s more, lives in Florida during the found that they’d reserved a they really know how to run a winter and Ohio come summer, spot for us as well. They were a class-act event. Gentleman, I joined a great club called the great bunch of guys, and we thank you all for your hard Cape Coral Seahawks. He and enjoyed hanging out with them work and well earned success. a lot of his Florida friends all weekend. There were approximately came to this event early to There were vendors there, 80 pilots in attendance. My stake out a spot under the large too. Aero Accessories and buddy Ted, a snowbird who shelter. When we arrived, we Meister Scale Kits were both 40 RC REPORT ONLINE

present. Dino Di Giorgio put in some great flights with a Dauntless Dive Bomber, a P-47, an L-19, and even an F-4 Phantom powered by turbine jet. It was great seeing this Top Gun winner out flying just for the fun of it. And man can he fly low! The Dauntless was framed-up by Dino’s father before he passed away, and a friend asked to finish it in his honor. He did an excellent job throughout, with details befitting Dino’s dad. Frank Tiano was there, with two beautiful airplanes. Also present was a well known figure no stranger to the “R/C Report” gang, Frank Tiano. Frank flew a great looking Corsair, and a twin engine Tiger Cat. There was Scott Prossen with his super T-28. I told you last month that Scott took 4th place in the AM side of the Pro-Am class at Top Gun 2009. Scott flew his contest model, one with which he is (obviously!) very familiar, as me made it appear very, very Allen Yendel with his amazing Sopwith Tri-plane, “Binky”. real! As the photos show, there were war birds present from all eras, WWI to modern day jets. Flying began early and lasted well into the night with guys bringing out their LED equipped models. Models other than warbirds could be flown at night, but Dino was out there with a great looking twin engine DF767 jet, complete with navigation lights and a bright landing light that really This beautiful razorback P-47 was awesome! lit up the runway! He must have flown it once for over 20 August 2009 41

minutes! Dino, what kind of batteries are you using in that thing, anyway? One fellow had a really fast delta, and there’s just no way I could have kept up with it in the dark! Another really cool model was a big Sig Kadet with clear-covered wings and LED’s inside, so the entire airplane glowed! That was really cool in the dark! In between taking pictures and interviewing pilots, I got in some fun flights with my trusty Mike Stevens did a great job with his German VB 237. Wow! “C” model P-51 Mustang, L-4 Grasshopper, and my new KMP Skyraider. They all flew well, and they all made it back into the trailer in good flying condition! And yes, I managed to hit the runway every time, so I guess I don’t have to look for a new hobby. The food? Oh, it was pretty much like everything else there, plentiful and excellent! There was pizza and barbeque on Friday, hamburgers and hot dogs on Saturday. Ted Stickler's beautiful OV-10 has an incredible scale cockpit. There were some unusual aircraft there, too. One was a big Dornier 335 built by John Nizelski, and flown by his grandson Matt. John, in fact, brought several great models, like the VB237 flown by Mike Sterns. Byron Sauriol, one of the event hosts, flew a truly magnificent Skyraider. He said it was a model of the plane he piloted in Vietnam, in which he flew 122 combat missions “up North”. He even wrote a book about his experiences, titled Byron with a great looking Skyraider like he flew in Vietnam 42 RC REPORT ONLINE

The entrance to Moton Field, at Tuskegee, Alabama, home of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.

“122 Trips Up North”. I’ll be looking for a copy of that. It’s not every day you get to meet a real war hero. Thank you, Byron, for your brave service to our country.

While planning our trip to “Mac’s Place”, I realized that we’d be only about 70 miles from Tuskegee, AL. Naturally, we had to make a side trip Moton Field hangar with control tower there to see where the Tuskegee Airmen had trained where they were trained in a Stearman and a J-3 Cub like at Moton Field. It was a AT-6's. Moton Field was for the one in which Chief sobering experience to walk basic flight training, while the Anderson took Mrs. Roosevelt the hollowed grounds where second field was for advanced for a ride. Some of the small history had been made that trainers. rooms flanking the main helped change the way people Most of the old buildings hangar were classrooms. Back look at one another. We also are being restored now. We then, there were very few men learned that there’s a second were able to see inside one in each class. field about 12 miles away hangar, where they’ve restored August 2009 43

Dino Di Giorgio and his father, with his award winning Mustang After that tour we headed north, homeward bound. It was a great and memorable trip that I’d highly recommend for anyone with a passion for war birds or military aviation history.

Now, as promised, here’s my first interview with a high- profile scale modeler, this one with my good friend, Dino Di Giorgio. I asked the questions, and Dino filled in the answers. Dino winning at Top Gun with his outstanding P-51 Mustang I’m also including some photos he kindly provided. took an interest in model flying giant scale war birds aviation. I was five years old! ever since, and I continue to Dino Di Giorgio Interview For a long time I was limited to expand my fleet of war birds. Occupation: President of cleaning my father’s models, Meister-Scale Models, but I managed to solo at age Q: Did you begin in R/C, or Aero-Accessories, and a seven. Age ten brought some something else, like control licensed insurance broker. new aircraft and new line or free flight? challenges. I flew pattern for a A: I started off in control line Q: How did you get started in few years until I discovered my for a short time. My first R/C modeling, and at what age? true passion and part time model was a 2-ch Cox Hobbies A: It was 1976 when I first career, giant scale! I’ve been Sportavia .049. I had my first 44 RC REPORT ONLINE solo flight with that model, a day I’ll never forget.

Q: Did someone introduce you to modeling? If so, who? A: My late father was involved in the hobby ever since he was a kid. Luckily for him, I was the only child who took to the sport. My brother Marc has a passion for music.

Q: What motivated you to build scale models vs sport models? A: There’s just something Dino’s first R/C scale model was this Ace R/C T-34 Mentor, built special to me about a heavy for the 1986 WRAM metal war bird, their looks, size, and power, but most important is their place in history.

Q: Did you have a mentor to help you get started in building scale models, or did you learn by trial and error? A: My father and many of his friends were involved in the Dino built this Byron Originals Pitts Special in 1991 for practice. hobby during the 80's. I watched them almost every T-28 Trojan, T-6 Texan, Beech 1986 WRAM show in White night in the basement building T-34, Boeing PT-17, Fairchild Plains, NY. room. My uncle, Ed Ajamian, PT-19, and a Dehavilland from Eddie A. Aircraft, was DCH1 Chipmunk. The civilian Q: What was the result? Did one of the most inspirational planes include a Christen you place well? modelers I’ve ever met. He was Eagle, Extra 300, Piper Cub, A: I won first place in the a model designer and ex-air Cherokee Comanche and Colt, junior division. force pilot. Cessna 150, 172, 182, and 206, Myers OTW, a Maule (of Q: What motivated you to get Q: Have you flown full scale Maule-Air Inc.), and a Beech deeper into competition? aircraft? If so, what types, and Baron twin. I do not currently A: In 1986 I went to my first do you currently hold a pilot’s hold a GA PP license. U.S. Scale Masters with my license? father to watch our friend, A: My private pilot experience Q: Can you remember the first George Leu, compete with his consists of approximately 200 scale model you built with Monocoupe. That’s when I first hours of single engine time. which you competed? met Charlie Chambers and saw Military aircraft I’ve flown A: That was an Ace R/C T-34 his P-51 Mustang, the “Big include the North American Mentor which I built for the Beautiful Doll”. Charlie was al- August 2009 45

In 1991 Dino flew Bob Pickney’s Ziroli Beech D-18 twin at Top Gun. This was Dino’s first appearance there, and they took first place in Team Scale! ways a pleasure to talk to. He’d Gun for the first time in 1992, passed away. They were my give you all the time you and we somehow won First closest building buddies. needed to answer questions Place in Team Scale! The rest Also, free time has been about anything you threw at is history. I’ve won Top Gun as lacking since I took over him. He was a huge icon for a pilot five times since, but I’ll Meister Scale Models, as we’re me when I was growing up. never forget that first time1 always working on new ideas In 1991 I was asked by Bob That’s a special feeling I wish and future designs. I do, Pickney to test fly a Ziroli every modeler could however, love to do finishing Beech D-18 twin. It would be experience and enjoy. work. Scale detail finishing is my first twin ever, but not my my favorite. I just love to last! After the flight Bob asked Q: What’s your favorite era recreate battle scarred and if I’d enter with him in Team and type of scale aircraft to weather beaten aircraft. Scale at Top Gun! I was both model? shocked and honored, so we A: That’s hard to say because I Q: When preparing for a decided to go for it! I’d never really love all types of aircraft. contest, what’s your procedure flown in competition before, I fly WW1 model and modern and how much time do you but there I was, going to the jets alike. Still, I’d have to say dedicate to preparing yourself world famous Top Gun! I that my passion centers on and getting confident with your decided to build a Byron Pitts WWII war birds. model? Special for practice, and began A: I must admit that I really going to different scale events. Q: How many hours a week do don’t spend much time Competition experience was a you average in building and preparing for competition. I requirement at the time for Top flying models? realize, though, that practice is Gun pilots. Q: I’ve not been building much vital for the best results. Back Anyway, we entered Top since my father and uncle in the early 80's my father and 46 RC REPORT ONLINE

Dino and Wayne Fussel at the Hodges Hobbies flying site in Anderson, GA. uncle always made me practice over a model and pre-flight it involved in whatever it is you emergencies. I had a .60 size in my mind before I even take love. Ask questions, and ask Aeromaster biplane that I flew off. It’s a strange feeling that’s their advice. I think you’d be for hours and hours. They’d hard to explain. When I’m surprised at how many people put me in all sorts of odd focused on flying a particular are willing to help. Also, watch situations where I needed to model, I put myself inside the and learn. Learning is the fun make it back to the field or cockpit and then it just comes part. Then set a goal and so for runway.... without power! They natural to me. It’s really not it. No goal is modeling is out of stood behind me, pulled the like flying a model anymore. reach. throttle back to idle, and then It’s like I can feel the aircraft’s yelled “Emergency!” Then I weight and movements through Well guys, that wraps it up had to make it back to the the radio’s sticks. for me this month. We’ll talk runway in one piece! For years again soon, and don’t forget to all I did was take off and land, Q: What advice would you send me your questions, and over and over. But all that time give a newcomer to scale some photos with details of and those experiences were competition? your latest scale projects. Until well spent, as it really helped A: My advice would be to find then, fair winds and blue skies improve my overall out what excites you. Find your to you all. -Gary Webb proficiency. I’ve been real passion, and move forward [email protected] lucky through the years. I seem with it. Don’t be afraid to www.giantwarbirds.org to have a natural ability to look contact someone who’s already www.hodgeshobbies.com August 2009 47

Two Old Scale Guys by Dick Watz & Bill Hurt

DW: This month we’d like to continue our discussion about selecting a subject for scale. We touched on selecting a plane we like, then talked about documentation, and agreed that it should have a lot of wing area to provide good flying characteristics. Your choice should also reflect your building experience. For example, don’t pick an AT-6 if you’ve never done any surface detailing. Begin with a fabric- covered model. Sure, you’ll have rib stitching to contend with, but an AT-6 has tens of thousands of rivets, which spending a lot of time with this moaning and groaning, Bill? require a lot of practice to get plane, and you need to stay BH: Yeah, but how many right. Rib stitching is labor focused and enjoy working on scale Cubs have you actually intensive, but at least it’s not it. This helps keep you seen that are truly correct? I difficult to master. interested and improves your think maybe I’ve seen three BH: Easy for you to say! enjoyment, which is why we that are close, but only one that My current build required 296 build scale models in the first was right on the money. That rib stitches on the horizontal place. So keep it fun and you’ll was the one built by Octavio stabilizer and elevators alone! get it done. DePaulo, and it was actually an And you don’t even want to Remember to plan your Army Observation variant. But hear about the fuselage, wings, time, too. We get only 24 hours talk about a great Cub! vertical stab, and rudder! My a day, so allocate your time to DW: Yeah, but think about fingers will be dead tired by the whatever is important to you. If it. The venerable Cub is fairly time I’ve cut all those little building scale is really easy to build, there are an bitty pieces of thread and important to you, then you’ll endless number of kits out doped them into position! find the time you need. there, documentation is DW: Maybe so, but war Besides, who’s imposing a plentiful and easy to find, and birds also require a smooth deadline for completion? Cubs fly scale-like. Or, any metal surface like fiberglass Now, about subjects... If high wing classic airplane will and resin, silk and dope, or silk you’re new to scale, keep the do just as well. What about a span and dope KISS principle in mind (Keep Porterfield Collegiate, a C-7 But let’s recap: I think it’s It Simple, Stupid). You may Champ, a Cessna 195, or a very important to select a plane even want to start with a kit, Silvair. They all have some you really, really like. Why? like maybe a J-3 Cub. very good features in common, Well, think about it. You’ll be Oh oh. Do you hear all that with large wing areas and slow, 48 RC REPORT ONLINE

Gary Mills entered this outstanding Corsair F2-G for his first appearance at Top Gun. All the detailing was there, but it wasn’t overdone. Very nice model. gentle flight characteristics. must have been damaged by was (and “was” is the key These things will help you the stroke or something. I do word here) just the ARF kit. improve your early flight know the “two wings and a You can read about it in the scores and make practice flying round engine” rules. review elsewhere in this issue.) a joy. Yes, I said flight scores, And speaking of round No matter what experience because you will have to fly engines, if you haven’t seen you have in flying or building, your creation. Figure many one of Bill’s scale round I prefer the Corsair. The practice flights into your engines, you’re really missing inverted gull wing makes overall plan, and allow plenty something Show ‘em, Bill, you construction a little more of time for it. have pictures. challenging, but it’s worth it. Let’s say your tastes lean But I digress. All the classics I And yes, I said “inverted” gull toward the classic biplanes. mentioned would do well for wing. Take a close look. A Let’s say maybe a Stearman, a someone new to scale but not gull’s wing does not go down 1930 Fleet, or my all time necessarily new to model at the shoulder and then up like favorite, nearly any Waco. building. Maybe you like heavy the Corsair. I talked with a What do you think about that, metal war birds like the P-51 or Corsair pilot at Oskosh several Bill? P-47. My favorite war bird is years ago, some guy named BH: Yeah yeah yeah, Waco the F4U Corsair. Top Flite’s Pappy Boyington. He said the Waco. He said Waco, didn’t 1/5 scale Gold Series would be Corsair pilots loved their he? Yeah yeah yeah... Waco! a good starting point for a war machines, but never referred to DW: Or maybe even a bird, or even their P-47. them as “gull wings.” It was Great Lakes or a Pitts, although Oops, sorry Gordon. Maybe always the “bent wing bird” or the Pitts could be a real handful I shouldn’t have mentioned a the “hog nose bent wing bird.” to fly. But sorry, Bill, I didn’t Top Flite P-47, huh? (Editor’s BH: Say, here’s a nice F2-G mean to put those other planes Note: Oh, so you’ve heard, by Gary Mills. This was his ahead of the Waco. My brain huh? But no, that’s okay. Mine first trip to Top Gun, but what August 2009 49

and... and... Well I just like it, so there! What’s your favorite war bird, Bill? And don’t tell me a Waco with a jet engine and a tail hook! Actually, the UPF7 was a military trainer with the best of them, very tough, easy to fly, and not hard on the eyes, either. I built several houses for my family doctor over the years. He flew the UPF7, the Stearman, and an AT-6. He liked most but loved the Waco. Say, Bill, do you know where one can get good plans for a 1/5 scale UPF7, or even a 27% YMF5 for that matter? What’s my favorite Waco? I’m glad you asked! It’s the Waco QDC. By the way, Waco (wock-o) stands for “Weaver Aircraft Co.”, not the town in Texas (way-co). I’m currently building a Nick Ziroli Corsair for Eric, in between a Silvair for Wendell Hostetler and a Champ for another good friend. I’m not yet flying my 1/5 scale P-51, but I’ve checked out on a 1/5 scale Cub, a Stearman, and a small Champ. I’ll keep you updated on my a nice Corsair he brought. All and some racked up more kills building projects, and we’ll get the detailing was there, and not than others, of course. The F6F to some building techniques overdone. comes quickly to mind, but you soon in future columns. DW: Pappy Boyington also must consider where they flew. I haven’t gotten any email said it was the best damn Their’s was a very target rich about your projects, though. fighter the U.S. ever had. Of area. Come on guys, this is your course, he was in the bag at the It also matters who you ask. column too, and I especially time, but still an amazing man If you flew P-51's, your favorite enjoyed your questions. Bill to talk to. He said there were a would not likely be the Corsair. and I are ready to help in any lot of great fighters, and he’d But I like the Corsair because it way we can. flown them all. Some were has a lot of wing area. It’s a For health reasons I haven’t tough and some were deadly, large bird with large flaps, attended any air shows yet this 50 RC REPORT ONLINE

to show us more pictures from Top Gun. Take it away, Bill! BH: “Take it away,” he says. Slick war birds, talking with world famous WWII fighter pilots... Dick is always a tough act to follow! I mentioned earlier that the Waco I’m building has a lot of rib stitching, and it does! The reinforcing tape goes on first, then the small pieces of thread ( I use 50 denier thread cut to 1/8" lengths), and I affix these pieces to the reinforcing tape with Nitrate Dope. Finally, the pinked tape will be doped over the stitching to complete the task. Now, Dick mentioned that I’d built some dummy radial engines for Wacos, and I have. year, but I do plan on going to Anyway, I’m sure Bill will In fact, there was even a build some. First I need a shoulder have some comments about sequence in an earlier column replacement! Man, if I’d stuff I mentioned this month, in the printed magazine. Below known I was going to live this and you can bet your last bottle is a photo of the finished long, I would have taken better of glue that they’ll be worth engine, right beside a photo of care of myself! reading. Maybe we can get him the real thing. August 2009 51

While I’m going on about assembly with chrome They were then fastened my current build, I thought I’d aluminum paint by Dupli-Color through the cockpit floor. include a little information (Auto Zone to the rescue!). An interesting item came to about the seat in the cockpit. I The Waco YMF was a light while researching the was looking at the original fairly luxurious airplane for it’s cockpit. The full scale cockpit drawings of the YMF, and saw day, and as such I decided that floor actually rests on the spar an outline of the seat. I decided the instrument panel needed to joiners for the lower wing, so to make one that looked real, reflect that level of luxury. I there’s no room to install rather than trying to make one used a few scraps of laminate control rods between the from wood or plastic. Using (by Wilsonart, but I’m sure that cockpit and the lower wing. 1/8" aluminum tubing, I first any brand of laminate is There’s no way to build a formed the scale outline of the available in the appropriate shallower cockpit that still seat frame. This required type), and laid out the looks correct, so the four joining two pieces of the instruments. Then using a servos for the tail surfaces had tubing, so I used some smaller Forstner drill bit, I cut the holes to go into a special servo bay tubing as joiners, with thin CA in the instrument panel and the built just aft of the wing saddle. glue to hold them together. instrument holder insert. The The throttle servo is ahead of Next I made the back and sides panel is a gunstock cherry the cockpit, and the baggage from card stock (I think it was wood grain, and the insert is compartment is where I hid the a display card from a sanding oak. I think it works nicely. switch and charging harness belt), and inserted them into The floor of the cockpit is for the flight pack battery. This the seat frame so that it balsa covered with aluminum model got really full of wrapped the entire inside of the foil and then painted semi-flat equipment, really fast. The frame. I tacked it into place black. The area where the challenge is to build in all the with medium CA, and then pilot’s feet would wear away gear without building in too trimmed the length to what I the paint was buffed lightly much weight. wanted the seat to look like. I with steel wool, just enough to So, that’s all we have this added a balsa bottom and a pair let the base metal show month. Dick, have you any- of mounting tabs with through. The rudder pedals thing to add? Oh, he’s asleep. stiffening ribs to stand the seat were made from thin-wall brass -Dick Watz & Bill Hurt off the cockpit floor. Once tubing soldered together to [email protected] completed, I painted the make the proper shaped pedals. [email protected] RCReportOnline August2009 52

temperature with the provided The temperature sensor is Well hello again hardware. The Oracle records designed to be screwed or everyone, I have been a very, voltage, watts and current bolted onto the item you are very, very long few months and through the Deans Ultra measuring the temperature of, I have had little time for flying. connectors, but the sensors plug like a motor or battery mount. I have several items lined up for into the pins on the end the With all provided sensors the next few months, so get recorder itself for the other connected to the data recorder, ready. data. you are left with three sets of Once again I will say pins not in use. First, you have that I am a data junkie; so my latest item continues to fuel my habit. The Oracle onboard data recorder from Medusa Research is my newest and perhaps neatest gadget yet. The Oracle data recorder is designed to be installed in an aircraft, primarily electric, and record several different data options. Sensor input end

The RPM sensor is designed to plug into one pole of a brushless motor. To facilitate connection, here they have installed a 3mm male/female bullet connector to Temperature Sensor act as a pass through. an option for a second Oracle 100Amp temperature sensor. Second you The Oracle data recorder have a set of three pins that you has two versions: MR-DR- can plug the throttle into to 60100 for up to 100 Amp record the position of the current rating or the MR-DR- throttle stick while flying. The 60200 that is capable of 200 third set of pins is not used Amps! I have the 100 amp during flight, but rather to talk version with Deans Ultra to the recorder with a laptop connectors preinstalled for me. RPM Sensor computer for download the The recorder can record current, recorder data. Okay, that’s the watts, voltage, RPM and general info about the Oracle. RCReportOnline August2009 53

Now let’s get into the data and RPM sensor type, number of programming side of things. poles in a brushless motor, RPM resolution, and finally settings for the aux port. The aux port is open for additional sensors under development.

PowerPro View The Oracle comes with software for your PC computer Oracle Recording Settings to setup the recorder and retrieve the data from it. With are putting a canopy on! the software installed, and the Raising this number, the recorder will not actually start recorder plugged in to the USB Oracle General Settings adapter; I can start the recording when you plug it in; PowerProview software and The recording tab is but rather when you run the have a look. First thing I see is where I choose the data that I motor up to full throttle prior or basically a blank page with a want to capture. The name can during takeoff. Okay, bunch of buttons near the top, be set for saving everything is set, so its time to not really what I call a intuitive configurations’ of multiple go fly and get some data! oracle units. The data averaging interface. I do notice in the The Oracle recorder is is the rate at which the data is bottom left corner we have a small enough to fit in most any captured. The one setting is the green icon indicating that I am size plane. After all the total maximum sample rate and will connected, but now what? weight of the sensors and the yield a sample every .229 recorder is only .8 ounces! I Well, with a little seconds. This setting means that usually just strap it on top of mussing around the screen, I we can store up to 18.3 minutes my battery packs with an find the button to bring up the of recordings. The last item is additional piece of velcro type configuration area of the recording trigger. This can be fastener. If you remember the Oracle. (Notice the bright red helpful if you have a larger setting indicated that I could arrow!) Now I can see the more complicated battery have up to 18.3 minutes of settings for the recorder itself. installation on your plane. recording time, but that doesn’t There is no reason to record The general settings tab mean I can only fly once. Each data while you are waiting to screen allows me to choose our time we plug in the Oracle, it take off, or perhaps while you preferred temperature format, RCReportOnline August2009 54 will create a database set, so if I make three flights that are five minutes long, I will have three data sets to download later! Now let’s have a look at that data, shall we?

Once again I plug the recorder into our computer and start up the PowerPRO view software. This time we need to click on the blue magnifying glass to get out data.

vertical axis and it will show the time during flight on the bottom. Now I’ll add another meter that shows wattage. By pressing the play button I point to the file I saved on my computer and the play back starts. I have a good smooth voltage and about 800 watts of power out of my Twister on six Two datasets on the recorder cells!

A screen pops up and I I like the functionality of can see that I have two data sets the Oracle recorder, even if the to choose from, and save to our computer interface could use a computer. Okay I have my file Now I am getting bit of tiding up. One thing about saved on our computer, so I somewhere, I have options for interface being basically blank need to play it back, but there is different objects, graphs and is that you are left with many nothing to see yet. We have a meters to display the recorded options for personalization! blank canvas on the lower part data. Just drag and drop the Until next month! of the screen and I need to add meter or graph to the screen and gadgets to display our recorded your almost there. Once the Tony Coberly data, so I like to say when in graph is on the screen I get to [email protected] doubt “Right Click”. A right choose what data type I want it mouse click in the lower screen to display. Now this graph will 10017 Strong Dr gives the option for design show the voltage of the battery Huntsville, Al 35803 view. during our flight on the left August 2009 55

Bird on a Wire by Terry Dunn

The concept of aerial photography has always interested me. In case you’re confused, I’m not talking about traveling the globe to take photos of various and sundry antennae, either. I’m referring to the art of using R/C models to carry cameras for taking photos from the sky. Like so many other aspects of our hobby, aerial photography, or “AP” for short, has seen sweeping technological chang- es in recent times. For several years now I’ve scanned the online R/C forums to get a glimpse of the current state of AP, always looking for a good time to jump in. When I first started looking, a common set- up involved a disposable film camera with a servo rigged to mechanically push the button. bite of the AP pie. Now, I’m With standard AP you send This setup was then somehow just getting started, but I your plane up with a camera attached to a large plane that thought I’d dedicate some and do your best to capture would carry it aloft. Though column space to share some good footage from your remote cheap and functional, the one “lessons learned” during my perspective on the ground. You photo per flight ratio really startup efforts. won’t see the results of your hampered the odds of capturing Let’s begin by getting the handiwork until you’ve landed. good images. basic definitions out of the With FPV you have a real- More recent voyeuristic way. From what I can see, most time link between the camera trips to the AP forums blew me guys that are into AP these and the ground. By looking at away! Now folks are shooting days are shooting video, not the transmitted signal via spe- high definition video from little just still photos. So you’d think cial goggles or a monitor, you park flyers! And best of all, the that the lingo would change to see just what the camera sees. equipment is relatively cheap “Aerial Videography”, but it Any by the way, the AMA and easy to use. Eureka! hasn’t. It’s still called AP. And requires you to have a partner “Good, cheap, and easy” were within AP there are two (using a buddy-box) with eyes the three main ingredients I distinct categories, standard AP on the plane if you’re flying an wanted before taking my own and First Person View (FPV). FPV mission. 56 RC REPORT ONLINE

From my perspective as an such as R/C airplanes and frames per second (fps). Once AP beginner, it seems that toddlers on the playground. again, more is better. Frame standard AP is all about the art Once you’ve seen clear action rates of 20-30fps are common and skill of capturing beautiful shots, you just don’t want to on many TV-quality cameras, images from the unique look at those fuzzy ones while the better HD cameras airborne perspective that our anymore. Carry that same can typically shoot up to 60fps. models can provide. thinking over to AP and it’s I did a lot of research before Conversely, FPV appears to be obvious that you don’t want a buying my AP equipment and about using (or developing) crummy (notice that I didn’t was a little surprised by what I new technology to enhance the say “cheap”) camera. I’ll admit found. Like many of you, I’ve visceral feeling of flying our that there is some novelty to seen numerous ads from hobby models from an onboard watching video taken from vendors hawking onboard perspective. They’re very your airplane, regardless of the video cameras. I just assumed different ideas, but equally image quality. So there you that the AP gurus used that appealing to me. The may be tempted to strap on a stuff. As it turns out, most folks difference is that FPV has not 2nd-rate camera. But once the are using small video cameras yet reached the “good, cheap, novelty wears off (and it will), that can be found at your local and easy” hat-trick that I then you’re stuck with a bunch electronics store or pharmacy. require. So, for now I’ll focus of video that nobody wants to The mass market cameras on standard AP while keeping watch. Now that good cameras generally give you more for tabs on FPV developments. are less costly, using a sub-par your money over the R/C I’m no photography expert, camera just doesn’t make good specialty units. Another thing I but as I’ve built my portfolio of sense any more. noticed is that most of the R/C magazine articles these past When it comes to getting cameras are smaller and lighter few years, I’ve learned that good video quality for AP, two than you normally find capturing good images on a very important factors to elsewhere. But once I factored consistent basis requires two consider when choosing a in the video quality, I was things: have good equipment, camera are resolution and willing to accept a few more and know how to use it. My frame rate. Resolution tells you ounces of weight and sacrifice recent escapades have shown how many pixels (dots) make some onboard real estate. me that the requirements up each image. This value is Whatever camera you remain exactly the same with usually given in horizontal and choose, don’t get a camera AP. Of course, the means of vertical pixels, with 720x480 with auto-focus, unless that satisfying those requirements is being one example. If only one feature can be turned off. Auto a little different when the number is given, it’s generally focus tends to “search” in AP camera is strapped to your the vertical value. Anyway, use, with poor results. A airplane. much like still photos, the more camera with fixed or selectable I learned the value of good pixels you have, the sharper the “infinite focus” is the better camera equipment when my image will be. Once you get up option. Also, don’t worry about family upgraded from a to 1280x768, then you’re in the zoom capabilities. Most of the “point-and-shoot” digital hallowed arena of “high smaller cameras offer only camera to a digital SLR definition” (HD). digital (electronic) zoom, camera. The difference in Frame rate tells you how which I personally think is photo quality is tremendous many images the camera takes worthless in any application. when shooting small fast things each second, measured in With AP, it’s definitely worth- August 2009 57

qualify as HD. The Flip is set at 640x480 at 30fps. Both cameras are about the same size, comparable to a pack of cigarettes. The Flip weighs 5 oz., the Aiptek 6 oz. Their size and weight makes them suitable for medium size park flyers and larger. However, I would soon find that mounting them is no trivial thing. There’s more to AP equipment than just the camera. There’s also the airplane. Technically speaking, Photo 1: The Flip Ultra 30-minute camcorder on the left produces any plane capable of lifting the TV-quality movies, but is less than half the price of the high-definition Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P camera on the right. Small mass-market camera should work, but there camcorders like these are popular for shooting video from R/C models. are some desirable features that less since you probably will I write this, $120-140 is will help you get better footage. never use zoom anyway. considered a good price for the First you need a plane that’s (Editor's Note: I totally agree. Aiptek. I bought mine from stable enough to provide a Digital or electronic zoom is www.Amazon.com for $140 solid camera platform. not a “true” zoom. The camera with a free 8 Gigabyte memory Secondly, the camera needs a merely crops the image (makes card and free shipping. clear field of view. The it smaller) and then blows it up (Editor's Note: On July 22 the Multiplex Easy Star is a larger. “True” zoom that’s price was $140 w/o the 8 GB popular AP platform, but none done with a lens, is like a card, or $155 with the card). were available when I was telescope that pulls the image I spent a lot of time, shopping for it. So, I’m in closer, without cropping and however, searching for a working on modifying one of sacrificing a lot of detail and non-HD camera. When you get my existing planes for AP duty. image resolution.) just below the threshold of HD I’ve already been able to strap For the sake of comparison, video quality, the price really one or both cameras to several I decided to buy both HD drops and the selection is planes for testing. camera and a TV-quality unit. overwhelming. I found some Now that I’ve filled you in For me, choosing an HD promising units for as little as on my AP equipment, let’s talk camera was easy. Tons of folks $40, but in the end I chose the about that other all-important are happily using the Aiptek Flip Ultra 30-minute. A lot of factor, knowing how to use it. A-HD+ 1080P, so that’s what I reviews touted its video quality When it comes to AP, using the got. Just be aware that Aiptek and ease of use, so I forked camera is a more than just has many very similar cameras over another $60 to knowing which button to press. with very similar part numbers. Amazon.com for the Flip. It’s a combination of several Others may also do a good job, The Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P skills involving making the but the Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P has several resolution and camera work, mounting it to is specifically and highly frame rate settings to choose the airplane, and then flying recommended in AP circles. As from, including those that the airplane appropriately. 58 RC REPORT ONLINE

Photo 2: My first AP flights were made with my trusty old Zagi-400 flying wing. Although not an ideal (or attractive) platform, it helped me determine some of the traits I need to incorporate in a dedicated AP aircraft. Note the abundance of tape and rubber bands that hold the Flip camcorder in place.

Photo 3: The Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P wasn’t so easy to use on the Zagi. It fit my homemade mount just fine, but the rubber bands would invariably squeeze one of the buttons on the camera and foil the filming. I eventually gave up and used the Aiptek on different airplanes with less anaconda-like mounts. Both of my cameras are red button. In fact, when not no-brainer too, but it does take mass-market items, so they’re performing my AP duties, I a few more steps to “roll film.” designed for ease-of-use. True keep the Flip in the house, Mounting the camera to an to the reviews, the Flip Ultra is ready to catch impromptu airplane takes a bit of planning super easy to get going. You performances by the kids. The and patience. You have to just turn it on and push the big Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P is a factor in the weight of the cam- August 2009 59

Photo 4: This photo is a snapshot from my first AP flight with the Flip Ultra. That’s Rocket Park at Johnson Space Center off to the left. Yeah, it’s a little fuzzy, but I’ve learned that getting quality aerial video is all about good equipment and good piloting. era and how it might affect the Instead of the slightly blurred when mounting the camera is airplane’s CG. You must also image you might expect, you’ll to keep it secure. It should be consider the shape of the actually get wavy lines across fairly easy to remove so you camera and how its the screen. It’s as if you need to can upload your files after the aerodynamics might affect the adjust the Vertical Hold flight, but you don’t want it to model’s flying characteristics. Knob…only there isn’t one. remove itself during a rough Perhaps that’s why you don’t You also want to mind the landing or an impulsive snap- see many cameras stuck way relation of the camera to the roll! So far I’ve used a out on a wing tip. horizon. A camera aimed combination of rubber bands Equally important is the straight down that never shows and strapping tape to secure my camera’s field of view. It’s nice the horizon will provide a cameras. If your plane is to capture some of the host pretty narrow field of view, and electric powered, vibration airplane in the frame for a will likely yield boring video. shouldn’t be an issue. Using a reference point, but you want Likewise, lots of blue sky and wet-engine motor will probably the landscape to dominate the clouds will put you to sleep in a necessitate adding foam, or image. Shooting through the hurry as well. something to isolate the spinning propeller is a no-no. A critical consideration vibration. 60 RC REPORT ONLINE

Lake back there!” “Where is our house?” “Mom, the baby is drooling on the remote control again!” Clearly my AP footage struck a cord with them when it gave them a new view of the things they see from their earthbound perspective every day. I too enjoy watching the landscape roll underneath my airplane. Because part of the fun of AP is sharing your footage with people who probably won’t appreciate your great piloting skills, I’m now enjoying the challenge of cap- Photo 5: Another snapshot from my first AP flight shows Rocket Park turing smooth, pleasing aerial while halfway through a roll. This kind of flying degrades the image quality significantly, so watching such video is probably fun only for footage while I stand on the the pilot(s) involved. ground. It’s not all that easy, Now we come to the photo circle that ended with the Zagi and that’s a good thing. Like airplane. I’m certainly not right over the runway center- many of you, something has to qualified to coach anyone on line. What I got was “Gee, challenge me before it interests their flying techniques, but I that’s neat Dad. What’s for me. I’ll probably still shoot can pass along one big secret dinner?” My wife may have aerobatic footage, but I’ll likely I’ve learned. Perhaps the most even become a little nauseous be watching it alone. important thing about flying from watching the spinning the photo plane is that smooth horizon on the TV. At least that Well, that’s all for this flying makes a world of dif- why she said she left the room. month. Next time we’ll discuss ference! My first few AP But I got a different reac- some of the differences I found flights were done with my 48" tion when they watched the in video quality between the span Zagi flying wing. Other part where I flew high and Flip Ultra and the Aiptek than a few lazy circuits of the slow over Rocket Park at John- A-HD+ 1080P. And with any pattern at high altitude, I flew son Space Center. (Now before luck I’ll have my dedicated AP the Zagi in my normal, aimless you make those concerned plane completed by then. I’ll fashion. I was slightly more citizen calls to the nice, also offer a few words about reserved because of the camera friendly folks at Homeland what to do with these videos hanging out in the breeze like a Security, please know that once you’ve captured them. barn-storming wing walker. Rocket Park is right next to my As always, please write and As I watched the video with club’s flying site.) tell me about your electric my family later that day, I was “Wow! Cool! Look, there’s airplane projects or questions. surprised by their reactions to the Saturn 5 rocket!” -Terry Dunn the different types of flying. I “Hey, you can see the 15510 Penn Hills Ln. expected them to be impressed longhorns grazing!” Houston, TX 77062 with my well-executed rolling “Look, Dad, there’s Clear [email protected] August 2009 61

FUN AEROBATICS by Ed Moorman

MANEUVER OF THE MONTH Reverse Outside Square Loop Over the past few months we’ve covered the Reverse Outside Loop, the Outside Loop, and the Square Loop. Now it’s time to learn the Outside Square Loop. But, just as we did for the Outside Loop when we learned the Reverse Outside Loop first (because it starts out going upward and is thus easier for beginners to do), this month we’ll first tackle the Reverse Outside Square Loop. from inverted level flight, maneuver are 3D planes, fun You’ll recall that the followed by four, fairly tight, fly planes, and Sticks. Most reverse maneuver is where we down elevator outside corners. Stick models have a shoulder first roll inverted and do the You complete the Reverse wing and a low stab. This outside loop going upwards, a Outside Square Loop back in combination gives you greater lot less stressful direction for inverted level flight, and then control authority in the down newcomers to aerobatic roll upright to finish. elevator direction than in the maneuvers. So this month time up elevator direction. If you we’ll first cover the Reverse KEYS TO THE MANEUVER have a Big Stick, Ultra Stick, Outside Square Loop to get the There are two keys to doing Super Stick, Lucky Stick, Joss feel for an outside square a Reverse Outside Square Loop Stick, or anything like them, corner, before we get into the well. The first is to have a you’re good to go. Sticks were maneuver than begins plane that won’t stall, snap, or born to do outside loops. Take downward with the first leg. roll out during a down-elevator it up and do a full up loop, and square corner. The second is to then a full down outside loop. DESCRIPTION acquire confidence in your If you have equal up and down The Reverse Outside plane and yourself while doing elevator movement, the outside Square Loop is basically just a the outside square corners. loop will be tighter. The reverse outside loop with stabilizer tends to block the square corners. It’s an outside, AIRPLANE SETUP disturbed air flow coming off square cornered loop, begun The best planes for this the rear of the wing, leaving clean air under the stab, which gives us greater control. The top side of the stab is in disturbed air, so we get less control authority. The reverse is true for a low wing plane 62 RC REPORT ONLINE

WHAT TO DO You should have already done a few round reverse outside loops to get the down elevator adjusted, but if you haven’t, try a few to get the roll to inverted and the direction firmed up in your mind. After you’re comfortable with the round reverse outside loops, then give the square one a try. The Start: Roll inverted and stabilize. Don’t just roll and suddenly jam in the down elevator. Roll inverted, pause and get stabilized, and then start the square corner. Corner Number 1: Use about half down elevator to make a square corner to a vertical leg, and try to be smooth. This corner isn’t critical, so start with a nice, easy, slightly rounded square corner. Using too much down elevator will scrub off a lot of speed, making your vertical leg with a high stab, one up on top DOING THE MANEUVER and the second corner harder. of the fuselage. Let’s begin start with the The Vertical Up Leg: Fly Take your plane up and try standard set-up. vertical a comfortable amount a few reverse outside loops... 1. Full power for your plane, and be careful first roll inverted, and then 2. Fly parallel to the runway not to run out of speed. Low loop upwards using full down 3. Fly one mistake high power planes will have to do a elevator. Repeat until you find Okay, maybe two mistakes tighter loop with shorter legs. out just how much down high at first, but don’t start out High powered and 3D planes elevator you can use to somewhere up in the can climb higher. There’s a complete a full outside loop stratosphere! Remember, this definite downside to making without snapping or rolling out. maneuver begins by going the vertical leg too long, You won’t be using full down upward. Start at a comfortable though. The downward vertical during the maneuver, but for altitude for you, and then bring leg needs to be the same the first few tries you’re likely it down little by little as you get length, and if you don’t reduce to overdo it. Once you can hold more confident. power on a long down leg, that amount of down elevator The Reverse Outside you’ll build up a lot of speed, through the loop without Square Loop should be started making the timing on the last snapping, you’re all set. flying into the wind. corner much harder. August 2009 63

Roll to Upright: After the coffin corner, you end up level and inverted. Do a nice roll to level upright flight, pause (for the applause), and pull up into a victory roll! You’ve done it!

Now here’s how I want you to modify your first few attempts. Make the vertical down leg short, and pull out high. Just do a brief “down, release, down, and release” to execute corner 3, the down leg and corner 4. You’ll finish level and inverted, but you’ve completed the loop, so roll back to upright. That wasn’t so hard, was it? Yes, you’ll wind up higher than you started, but the main focus right now is to complete the maneuver. Then the more you practice it and gain confidence, you can adjust the corners and legs as necessary to make it all look better. Corner Number 2: Make an The Vertical Down Leg: Progress Lower: Once you easy corner here. Your speed This one goes by pretty fast, so get the feel for doing a square will be slow because of the get ready for corner 4. corner, get a little bolder and vertical climb, so make level Corner Number 4: I call this try making Corner 4 a little off slightly nose high. If you one the “coffin corner.” lower. Don’t just do a blip-blip don’t, the plane will tend to (Editor’s Note: Have you that of down elevator twice real descend and you’ll have to little confidence in us, Ed? Tsk fast, do it like “down, pause, correct with up elevator to keep tsk tsk!) Push down elevator for down, pause, roll upright”. it level. this corner. I could tell you to Forget the exact entry altitude The Top Leg: As I use half down elevator, but at first. just work on getting mentioned above, you may you’ll use more at first. This Corner 4 a little lower as you need to hold a little up elevator corner is the reason you went progress, and learn how to on this leg to keep from losing up and tried full down elevator control it. The real key here is altitude due to the plane’s loops and adjusted the amount building up confidence in slower speed. until the plane didn’t snap. If yourself and your airplane, that Corner Number 3: Don’t you’ve done the testing I you can and will complete rush the third corner. Use suggested, and set your Corner 4 without getting grass about half down elevator to elevator accordingly, you stains on your propeller. pitch the plane straight down. won’t have any trouble. 64 RC REPORT ONLINE

Photo 1

The main thing to work on enough to give yourself turnout than our first float fly when flying square loops, confidence about the safety of of the year. The results were a inside or outside, is the timing your plane, and then practice, lot better, too. The first float fly of the bottom corner. Even practice, practice. comes after the winter layoff, with an inside square loop, on which may explain why that the last leg, you dive at the FEATURE OF THE MONTH event has more... uh... mishaps ground and time the pull-out to It’s summer and we’ve just than all the rest of the events level off at the same altitude had our second float fly of the all year. It seems to take at least you started. With the outside year. Seaplane and float plane one event for our guys to get squares, the pull out is an fliers from several clubs in the their “sea thumbs” back. You inverted one, which makes area try to get together every know what I mean. many pilots nervous. Ending month at Lake Jackson on the Photo 1 shows Jim Giffard the maneuver inverted also Florida-Alabama state line. with his new and great looking adds to the stress factor, but if (Editor’s Note: I think he Sig Four-Star 120 on floats, you start out making a high meant to say the “Alabama- using an O.S. 1.60 for power. Corner 4, and then work it Florida” state line.) Due to This excellent float conversion down lower and lower as you weather, however, the dates flies great. A 1.20 will power get more comfortable with the vary. But this time the weather the airplane very nicely, but maneuver, you’ll soon be doing cooperated, with sunny skies Jim’s big 1.60 really hauls it it like a pro! and very little wind. It was along, even with the extra drag You can learn outside simply great for flying off and weight of the Sig 1/4 scale squares! Just follow the water. floats. described procedures for We had 10 planes and one Photo 2 is a great shot of setting up your plane, start high boat, which was a little better Jim’s red Four Star in a vertical August 2009 65

Photo 2

wasn’t really that close to the buoy. Mark has been flying that SeaWind for several years, and handles it well. It took him a few flights to learn the correct take off and landing techniques, but now he has it nailed. The SeaWind is particularly popular with the spectators at our float flies. Mark also has the smaller, electric SeaWind, which he says handles a lot better than the big one! Both are Great Planes kits. Mark also flew his electric PBY Catalina. You Photo 3 might think that electrics wouldn’t be very good for wa- climb. Plenty of power there! Photo 3 shows Mark ter flying, but we see them all Does that look fantastic or Pfeiffer’s O.S. FS-91 powered the time now. Flaps and I might what? SeaWind. Don’t worry, he have to try one some day. 66 RC REPORT ONLINE

Photo 4 Photo 4: Here’s my Sea flying planes, both on land and his glow powered models, but Stinger 40 with Saito .72 on water, so it’s too bad they this little guy just keeps on power and tri-floats. The quit making them. humming! His ST .40 powered engine quit right after takeoff Photo 5: Frank Liberatori trainer has Gee Bee floats that and I somehow managed to flip has a great time with his don’t seem to like releasing it over on the dead stick electric powered flying boat. themselves from the water. landing. Stingers are good He’s had some bad luck with

Photo 5 August 2009 67

Photo 6 Photo 6 shows Joe It’s a great combination. Looks though!) Shearer’s tried and true Sig nice against the clouds, huh? Photo 7 shows my Saito .56 Kadet Sr. With O.S. FS-70 (Editor’s Note: My setup was powered Sea Roar. I got some power. Joe has been flying this very similar, with a quiet K&B good stick time and at least 15 float plane for years, and at Sportster 65 in the nose, until I landings with this one (an least ever since we started electrified it with an E-flite “Uproar” on floats). This flying at Lake Jackson in 2003. Power 32 motor. It’s still quiet, Uproar was originally built

Photo 7 68 RC REPORT ONLINE

Photo 8 from a kit by Ugo Ferrari, but good planes, good pilots, and After having dug to a depth of he tired of it and gave it to me, good spectators, who seemed 10' last May, scientists in New after changing the ailerons to really enjoy the flying. Guys, York City found traces of a copper-wire system dating back from funky-looking to the nice, if you haven’t tried flying from 100 years, and came to the straight taper. The Plane Fun water yet, you’re missing out conclusion that their ancestors Floats are pre-sheeted foam on some good.... great fun. already had a telephone network with a hard back installed, and -Ed Moorman at least a century ago. they come with all the 85 12th Street Not to be outdone, California scientists dug to a depth of 20' in necessary mounting hardware. Shalimar, FL 32579 June. The following day, a front They work really well, too. The [email protected] page article in the “L.A. Times” struts I used are two sets of (Photos by Doug Burge read, “California archaeologists U-Can-Do 3D landing gear, and Mark Pfeiffer) found traces of a 200 year old cop- ordered from Tower. The per wire system, leading scientists to conclude that Los Angeles had spreaders are fiberglass arrow (Editor’s Addition: I don’t an advanced and complex, high shaft pushrods with a short know how to explain it either, tech communications network at piece of dowel epoxied in each but when I fly off water, I want least 100 years earlier than New end so they could be fastened to take off and land, take off York!” to the floats. and land... over and over, all In early July, the “Redneck Photo 8: Ah, the pretty one! day long. There’s just Rebel Gazette” in North Alabama reported, “After crashing his Buddy Shuman flew his dad’s something about the visual model airplane deep into an old Zenoah G-26 powered 1/4 impact of seeing the model lift cotton field near Madison, Ala- scale Cub. What a beautiful from and then return to the bama, Bubba Ray Twilley, a model, and the G-26 pulls it glistening, rolling liquid self-taught body and fender re- very well. runway. Great fun, but terribly pairman, reported that he’d found absolutely nothing, proving It was a great day of flying addicting, too..) that 300 years ago, Alabama had off water, with good weather, already gone wireless!” August 2009 69 RC ENGINE REPORT TEST ONLINE REPORT

Engine ...... Aviastar AV-46 Recommended RPM Range 1,900 to 16,000 Manufacturer ..... Aviastar Engines, China Advertised HP ...... 1.66 at 16,000 RPM Importer/Distributor .... Sig Mfg. Co., Inc. Schnuerle Ported ...... Yes 401-7 South Front Street ABC Design ...... Yes Montezuma, IA 50171-0520 Ball Bearings ...... Two List Price ...... $49.99 Engine Weight ...... 13.6 oz. Warranty ...... One Year Muffler Weight ...... 4.6 oz. Muffler Included ...... Yes Recommended Props . 10x6 10x7 11x6 11x7 Glow Plug Included ...... No A. Overall Length ...... 4-7/8" Tools ...... Several Allen wrenches B. Overall Height ...... 3-9/16" Accessories ...... None C. Overall Width at Mount ...... 2-3/32" Bore x Stroke ...... 0.886 x 0.756" D. Overall Width at Carb ...... 2-15/16" (22.5 x 19.2 mm) E. Firewall to Prop, minimum ..... 3-1/2" Actual Displacement ...... 46 c.i. (7.53cc) F. Firewall to First Mounting Hole . 17/32" 70 RC REPORT ONLINE

G. Crank Center to Outermost Point 1-1/8" Maximum Measured RPM (muffler not included) Propeller RPM H. Mounting Beam Width ...... 10x6 Master Airscrew ...... 14,270 I. Mounting Hole Centers, Side to Side .... 10x8 Master Airscrew ...... 12,350 1-23/32" 11x7.5 Master Airscrew ...... 11,250 J. Mounting Hole Centers, Front to Rear .. 12x4 APC ...... 12,250 11/16" K. Propshaft Diameter ...... 7mm CHEERS - No major leaks; excellent distributor L. Propshaft Length ...... 1-5/16" support; good power; relatively low noise; easily M. Muffler Length ...... 5-3/8" handles all recommended propeller sizes; an N. Muffler Diameter ...... 3-3/8" impressive overall value. O. Muffler Side Projection ...... 3-3/8" P. Muffler Rear Projection ...... JEERS - Comes with no glow plug; the original Q. Muffler Screws Centers ...... carburetor had to be replaced. Fuel Used ...... Unspecified 15% nitro Glow Plug Used ...... O.S. #8 It’s been a long time since I’ve run an engine this small, so I hope my earlier experiences will NOTE: All Test Props are as indicated. suffice for running and reviewing this one. The Aviastar .46 is distributed by Sig Mfg. Co., and sells for the low price of only $49.99. It Minimum Reliable Idle comes a robust muffler that looks large enough Propeller RPM to suppress a lot of engine noise without killing 10x6 Master Airscrew ...... 2,750 off too much power. Several Allen wrenches are 10x8 Master Airscrew ...... 2,550 provided as well. The two-needle carburetor has 11x7.5 Master Airscrew ...... 2,200 to be installed by the user because a larger box 12x4 APC ...... 2,100 would be required if the carb was pre-installed. Sadly, at this price there’s no glow plug Maximum Measured Noise @ 10 feet included, but any medium heat range plug can Propeller dB(A) be used. 10x6 Master Airscrew ...... 99.0 I can’t remember the last time I bought a 10x8 Master Airscrew ...... 98.0 glow plug, so the first thing I did was order 11x7.5 Master Airscrew ...... 97.0 several at my local hobby shop, and while there 12x4 APC ...... 97.0 I picked up a gallon of liquid gold, also known as glow fuel. (When did the price get this high?) August 2009 71

Next I had to find my old glow plug battery logical, except when they’re cold, some ABC- and charge it. type engines are so tight it’s almost impossible After reading through the supplied to turn the propeller by hand, even with no glow instructions, I fastened the engine to my engine plug installed. And this engine just happens to test stand. Then I formed a one-man safari to go be one of those “some”. back into the jungle I call my work shop, and After squirting a few drops of castor oil hunt for some suitable size props. Avoiding the through the glow plug hole, I turned to my 12 finicky and often poorly sized wooden props, I volt engine persuader. This got it turning, and it finally found some composites that would work soon became easier to spin. So I installed one of well within the engine’s recommended sizes. my shiny new glow plugs, filled the fuel tank Now the fun began. The Aviastar .46 is an with 15% nitro fuel (and I thought gasoline was ABC engine, so the cylinder bore diameter is expensive!), connected the glow plug battery, slightly smaller in at the top than at the bottom. and engaged the electric starter. So that’s what This is done to allow the top of the combustion it takes to fire up a glow engine! chamber to expand more when heated by the Okay, now it’s running, but roughly at best, burning fuel mixture. As it heats up it expands to due to the still tight piston-to-cylinder fit. It approximately the same diameter as the lower seemed to be taking all its power just to keep end of the cylinder. But that only happens when going, but I patiently stood by and gave it time to we get the engine hot, and to get it hot we first break in a little. Well sure enough, as the have to get it running! This sounds all good and minutes passed the engine ran better and better. 72 RC REPORT ONLINE

After the original about ten carb may minutes I have been began intended experiment- for a larger ing with the engine, and high speed was mistak- needle enly in- valve. This stalled on allowed the .46 (not leaning the verified). mixture, With which is the new good be- carburetor cause we’re installed, never sup- the engine posed to started eas- run an ily, and ABC en- with a few gine sloppy rich, even at break in. Remember, minor tweaks of the needles, the Aviastar .46 getting the upper cylinder bore to expand to its was reliably idling at a very respectable 2000 normal size requires allowing the engine to RPM for several minutes at a time, and would warm up to its normal operating temperature. still accelerate cleanly and quickly to peak RPM. I let three tanks of fuel run through the Now that’s more like it! engine before I began to adjust the high and low I don’t have a great variety of propellers speed needles in earnest. The high speed mix- suitable for this size engine, but they’re enough ture was easy to dial in, but even when the low to get a good idea how well the engine performs speed needle was fully seated (screwed all the in normal use. After each prop was installed, the way in), the mixture was still too rich! So I said engine was re-tuned for peak performance to myself, “Self, this ain’t right!”, and myself before the test measurements were recorded. agreed, suggesting that I contact Sig Mfg. about I was especially pleased at how well the the problem. So I did, via an email the very next muffler silenced the engine. It’s not overly large, day. Well, at first they suggested I try a new mind you, but it did its job well without choking glow plug and fresh fuel. Since that’s all I had the engine to death. anyway, what’s your next guess? They finally In the end, Sig’s Aviastar .46 performs very asked me to remove and send them the carbure- well with the propellers I used. Once broken in tor, but that they’d go ahead and send me a new it starts easily by hand, and I noted no major one right away. And they did. leaks from the front bearing or muffler joints. While waiting for the new carb to fall off the The replacement carburetor was easy to adjust, big brown model airplane truck, I decided to and it seems to handle props large and small poke around online and see how other modelers equally well. It may not be a record setter in any were faring with their Aviastar .46 engines. And area of performance, but its combination of low it didn’t take long to discover that I wasn’t the price, excellent distributor support, and more first to experience the very same problem. And than adequate power leads me to conclude that their “fixes” was the same one Sig proposed... the Aviastar .46 ABC is a very good buy. replacing the carb. Several people opined that -Dick Pettit, [email protected] August 2009 73

Model ...... Vec-Jet PF Fuselage Length ...... Advertised: 17" Airplane Type ...... Electric Aerobatic ARF Measured: 17.75" Park Flyer Flying Wing Recommended Controls ...... Four Manufacturer ...... New Directions RC (Ail, El, Rud/Yaw, and Throt) www.newdirectionsrc.com Motor Included ...... 100 Watt brushless Regular Price ...... $169.95 outrunner Wing Span ...... Advertised: 30" Motor Mount Installed ...... Yes Measured: 30" Battery Included ...... None Wing Area ...... Advertised: Not stated Recommended Battery ...... 3-cell LiPo, Measured: 272 sq. in. 800 to 1400 mah Advertised Weight ...... 10 to 11 oz. Speed Controller Included 20 Amp brushless Airfoil ...... Not stated Recommended Wheels ...... None Wing Structure ...... Multi-layered Assembly Instructions ...... None Depron foam Hardware: Metric or SAE ...... Metric Wing Joiner Method ...... None needed Hardware Included ..... Everything but the Fuselage Structure ...... Depron foam receiver and motor battery 74 RC REPORT ONLINE

Items Needed To Complete . . . 4-ch mini Rx Last year I was given the opportunity to and a 3-cell 800-1400 mah LiPo battery review a neat little flying wing called the VecJet. Covering Material ...... Adhesive vinyl As it turns out, the makers of the VecJet, New Estimated Skills Required ..... Experienced Directions R/C, are also residents of Houston. Drilling Required ...... Yes During the course of writing my review I was able to meet one of the owners, Dale Mayer. COMPLETED MODEL Dale and I have kept in touch ever since, and Finished Weight ...... 10.8 oz. we’ve even managed to fly together a few times. Wing Loading ...... 5.72 oz./sq.ft. Dale recently called to ask if I could help him Motor Used ...... As supplied shoot some flight photos of his newest design, (100 Watt brushless outrunner) the VecJetPF (PF for Park Flyer). We met at a Propeller Used ...... As supplied local park where we swapped camera and flying (4.5x4.1 APC Electric) duties over several flights. By the time we left, I Speed Controller Used ...... As supplied had already decided that I was going to buy a (20 Amp brushless) VecJetPF for myself. Now, after numerous Battery Used ....1100 mah 3S LiPo (2.9 oz.) flights with my model, I decided that this Power to Weight ratio ...... 138 watts/lb. airplane is too neat to keep secret, hence this Flight Duration ..... 10 minutes when using review. (Editor’s Note: Hence? Hence? Who the above battery says “hence”? You weirdo, you’re almost as Radio Used . . My Spektrum DX-7 (2.4 GHz) bad as Brian “th Wiz”, hence the comparison!) transmitter and AR6100E receiver, and my Before I go any further, I think a few motor battery, with the provided 20 Amp disclaimers are in order. Some of you may think Brushless ESC and three Esky micro servos. that it’s an obvious conflict of interest for me to Covering/Finishing Used Comes pre-covered review a plane sold by someone I know. Well, Special Items ...... None okay, I understand that. But I assure you that I’m not getting any kickbacks from Dale, monetary CHEERS & JEERS - None submitted or otherwise. If I were, I think he’d owe me August 2009 75

about six zillion dollars for all and truly attention-getting that’s laminated between the the sales of the original VecJets maneuvers. layers of foam. that resulted from my flights at The VecJetPF is essentially Altogether this makes for a various flying sites! Come to a Ready-To-Fly model airplane. light and elegantly simple think of it, Horizon Hobby The airframe comes completely airframe. I’ve also found this would owe me my cut of a few assembled (made in the USA) design to be quite durable. No, dozen Park Zone T-28 sales, and decorated with adhesive I haven’t crashed my PF yet, too (a truly great flying RTF vinyl. The airframe itself is but someone has crashed my electric fun scale airplane). But mostly Depron foam sheet. If similarly-designed original alas, my financial stake in the you’re not familiar with VecJet countless times, and it’s R/C industry is purely literary. Depron, it’s basically the same still going strong. The most Heck, I even paid full price for stuff that your grocery store complex repairs I’ve had to the VecJetPF reviewed here. uses for meat packaging. make so far have been to tack (Gee, thanks Dale!) (Editor’s Note: Meat comes down a few areas of If you’re still reading these from grocery stores? And here delaminated foam, and to words with a skeptical eye, I was thinking that Mina was flatten out an accordion-like that’s fine. Simply ignore my the world’s greatest hunter!) nose. Both repairs were easy subjective opinions and view The wing gets its airfoil shape and quick with foam-safe CA the objective data and photos from internal laminations of or Gorilla Glue. (Editor’s Note: as a sneak peek at a very cool Depron that fill out the external “Someone”, huh? Let’s come little airplane that you probably sheeting. The wing’s trailing back to that later.) didn’t know about. What’s so edge has a hard balsa spar, You can buy the VecJetPF cool about it? Well, like all of while the motor mount is a in different levels of the airplanes in the VecJet simple hardwood stick. The completion. Most folks go the lineup, this one uses vectored elevons are hinged to the wing same route I did with the “Fly- thrust to perform some crazy with a thin sheet of plastic it-now” package. When I re- 76 RC REPORT ONLINE

made a set of 6” extensions for the three motor leads. With that complete, the ESC easily fit in the battery compartment ahead of the servo tray, with ample room to spare. I used a Spektrum AR6100E receiver in the VecJetPF. It fit nicely right behind the servo tray in the left side of the wing. The upper and lower wing sheeting gently snuggle the receiver and keep it in place, so no Velcro is necessary. (Editor’s Note: You ceived my airplane it already a little more, I decided to move have got to be kidding me! had the brushless motor, prop, the ESC ahead of the servos to Men in Texas, where guns are and Electronic Speed Control help consolidate the onboard as popular as beer, use the (ESC) installed. It also had weight. This would provide word “snuggle”? I think I’m three Esky 8-gram servos with two benefits. First, moving the gonna throw up!) pushrods already in place. If ESC forward reduces or I’ve already mentioned that you prefer mainstream brand eliminates the need for nose the cornerstone of the names, you can get Hitec weight to balance the model. VecJetPF’s appeal is its servos and/or a Castle Secondly, having the ESC (and vectored-thrust. This basically Creations ESC for a slightly other good stuff) closer to the means that the thrust line of the higher price. CG lowers the model’s VecJetPF can be altered in All I had to do to get Moment of Inertia. flight to provide more airborne was to install my Right about now you may directional control. In this case, receiver and a 3S LiPo battery. be asking yourself why that the motor mount swivels in the I took a detour with the ESC, “bonehead Dunn” is talking yaw axis. This is accomplished however, just to satisfy my about Milk of Magnesia. No by mounting an off-the-shelf preferences. As supplied, the no, it’s “Moment of Inertia.” brushless motor mount on a included ESC was mounted Just sit tight and I’ll get around hardwood stick that’s narrower behind the servos, and the to explaining why it’s an than normally used in a mount three motor leads plugged important factor with the that size. Then a single, vertical directly into the bullet VecJetPF, or at least one worth screw secures the mount in connectors coming from the considering. (Editor’s Note: place while acting as a pivot motor. To reach the battery, the “Moment of Magnesia”? Now point. A nylon control horn ESC’s battery wires had been I think I know who’s really fastens to the mount, allowing extended a few inches and behind that old phrase, “In a single servo to control both capped with a JST connector. Houston we have a problem!”) the rudder and motor mount Since I don’t like (or trust) the To facilitate moving the simultaneously for insane yaw small JST connectors, I ESC, I removed the existing authority. replaced them with Dean’s extension on the battery leads, As I set up the control Ultra Plugs like I normally use. and soldered a male Dean’s throws on my VecJetPF, I Then, as I thought about it plug to the stock wires. Then I found that I wasn’t getting as August 2009 77

single-input travels, the elevons will move further when you apply a combination of aileron and elevator input at the same time. That’s just the elevon mixing doing its job. For the rudder and yaw vectoring, I set the high-rate throws to the maximum I could get without pushrod binding, and set the low-rates to about half that. I didn’t use any exponential on the rudder channel, even though the manual reco- much vectoring as I wanted. It that prevent the wire from mmends it. This is just another doesn’t take much throw to flexing very much. The personal preference of mine. have a very dramatic effect, but looseness of the tubes makes Keep in mind that the I could tell that I wasn’t getting them rattle somewhat during VecJetPF requires a little reflex as much as I should. There was ground handling, but the sound in the elevons for level flight, binding somewhere in the disappears in flight. as do most flying wings,. Just motor mount. I removed the To fly the VecJetPF you’ll set both surfaces a few degrees motor mount and quickly need a transmitter with elevon above center, and that should discovered the source of the mixing, or you can use a small do the trick. You can also problem. The end of the on-board mixer. Anyone who’s adjust this in flight with the hardwood stick was still flown a flying wing before elevator trim tab. squared off instead of being should be familiar with this The power source for my rounded. This restricted the setup. For the rest of you, VecJetPF is a 3-cell 1100 mah motor mount’s range of “elevon mixing” simply means LiPo from Falcon Batteries, motion, because the sharp that the control surfaces on the rated for 10C (11 Amps) con- corners of the stick were trailing edge of the wing tinuous output. With this 2.9 contacting the inner wall of the provide both pitch (elevator oz. battery Velcro’d just in motor mount after only slight function) and roll (aileron front of the ESC, my VecJet deflection. A few passes with a function) authority. Most balances at 8.25” behind the file and sandpaper took care of computer radios, like my nose, exactly where it should! that, and provided the range of Spektrum DX-7, have a built-in The ready-to-fly weight is a motion I wanted. I also soaked elevon mixer. bantam 10.8 oz., resulting in a the end of the stick with thin- For high rates I programm- wing loading of only 5.72 CA, hoping to strengthen it. ed the DX-7 to provide 5/8” of oz./sq.ft. The VecJetPF’s pushrods travel in each direction when As I was installing the strip are rather unique. They’re using aileron input only, and of Velcro in the battery com- basically music wire with a the same for elevator-only partment, I noticed two neatly Z-bend on the ends that mate input. Low-rate throws on the cut circles in the wing sheeting with the control horns and elevons were set at 75% of the near the nose of the plane. I servo arms. But they also have high-rates, and I added 30% had not noticed them before free floating, small-diameter exponential for both rates. Note because the vinyl trim had tubes (carbon fiber, I believe) that once you’ve set these covered them over. I used a 78 RC REPORT ONLINE

sharp X-Acto blade to cut away may put the airplane in a bad one of the things I really like the vinyl, and was rewarded attitude from which you may about the VecJetPF is its very with two nice air inlets to help not have the altitude or time to wide speed envelope. You can cool the battery. The warmed recover. Imagine that you’re keep the power to it and make air then exits through the gaps throwing a softball from the your maneuvers really big and around the perimeter of the pitcher’s mound to second smooth, or you can throttle Depron hatches that cover the base, and the runner is a fat back and do the same things in battery and radio compartments guy with an ankle brace and a a much smaller box at a much behind the servos. full mug of beer. There’s no lower speed. You have to slow At full throttle the little rush! I grab the left leading it way, way down before the outrunner motor spins the tiny edge right about where the “T” VecJetPF will stall. 4.5x4.1 prop with 93 Watts of in my “R/C Report” sticker is. I do most of my flying on power. This equates to a power Then, with half-throttle and the high-rates, which makes the loading of 138 Watts/lb. If wing level, I loft it straight VecJetPF a spunky little you’ve been reading my forward, but not with a stiff- airplane. Rolls are nice and column in this magazine (you armed arcing motion, and just fast, and you can “yank-and- do read it don’t you?), you’ll slightly nose high. Bada-bing, bank” for some really fast know that any power loading it’s flying! It’s probably a good direction changes, too. With over 100 Watts/lb. promises idea to have a buddy launch for the amount of elevator throw plenty of excitement. That rule you the first few times, but I’m using, even maximum certainly holds true with the you’ll soon see that it’s no big input won’t make it snap out of VecJetPF! deal. maneuvers, but the higher drag The hardest thing about The VecJetPF is a clean will kill your speed. Lower flying the VecJetPF is the airplane that accelerates momentum is the trade-off for launch, and success depends quickly. I wouldn’t dare to the benefits of the light wing on understanding that “less is guess its maximum speed, but I loading. Still, with so much more”. With such a light wing doubt that many of us will motor power on tap to regain loading, this plane doesn’t crave much more. Point the the lost energy, it’s not much of need a meaty heave to get it nose up and it will climb until an issue. airborne. An overzealous throw you stop such nonsense. In fact, August 2009 79

Note the force it takes to twist the stick back and forth rapidly, accelerating and stopping it each time. Now repeat the same exercise after moving the wheel collars out to the very ends of the stick (see Photo 2 below). Feel the difference? Even though the assembly weighed exactly the same both times, it was far more difficult to accelerate and stop the stick when the wheel collars were way out at the ends. When the collars were centralized, it was much easier to accelerate and Photo 1: Low Moment of Inertia stop. Since the close-in weights Now let’s recall that the a strong 1/8" balsa stick or moved slower and along a VecJetPF is not your ordinary hardwood dowel about 12" shorter arc, they carried less flying wing. Remember that long, and mark its center point. inertia (easier to start moving, swiveling motor mount in the Then fasten two identical but and easier to stop). When back that sets it apart from the good size wheel collars about positioned out at the ends of main herd? Most flying wings 1" on each side of the center the stick, they moved faster and don’t even have a rudder, and point mark, as seen in Photo 1 along a longer arc, thus thus have zero yaw control. above. Now grab the dowel at building up more inertia, The VecJetPF, however, has the center point between your making them harder to gobs of it, and that brings us thumb and first finger, and accelerate and stop. back to the topic of “Moment twist it rapidly back and forth So what have we learned of Inertia.” That mouthful is like helicopter rotor blades. from this? Well, aside from really a simple and intuitive concept. Basically, the moment of inertia is a measurement of how readily a body will change its rate of rotation, and it all boils down to the distribution of mass within that body. As the majority of mass is moved closer to the center of the axis of rotation, that body will start, stop, and change it rate of spin more easily than if that same amount of mass was widely distributed, and farther from the center. Here’s a simple experiment to make the concept clear: Find Photo 2: High Moment of Inertia 80 RC REPORT ONLINE looking really dumb sitting difference it made to the spinning, the heavier model there twirling a stick with spinning qualities of the may take a full revolution or wheel collars on it, the prin- VecJet, but I know it helped to two of opposite yaw input to ciple applies to the VecJetPF, some degree. (Editor’s Note: make it stop. and all aircraft. And thanks to This same trick (actually a law The VecJetPF’s lower its vectored thrust, the Vec- of physics, but I won’t tell if moment of inertia allows us to JetPF is often a spinning body. you don’t) is sometimes used in use the vectored thrust much In fact, the “signature move” of the opposite manner to achieve more casually, since it’s easier all three models in the VecJet a very smooth flying airplane and quicker to stop spinning. I lineup is a whirling flat spin when aerobatic maneuvers are might start a Spin Cycle while called the “SpinCycle” (our not desired (such as many non- only 30' high, and abort after apologies to Whirlpool and aerobatic scale models). By just two revolutions. Stopping Maytag). Now, I don’t know distributing the weight widely, usually requires only one quick how fast the model is spinning and sometimes even adding jab of opposite yaw. One of my during a SpinCycle, but I do weight to the wing tips, the favorite tricks is a low altitude know that the wingtips become model flies more “heavy” and loop with a single-revolution a blur! Add in the “wah-wah” more smoothly.) flat spin at the top. That sort of Doppler-effect of the prop Although it’s a strictly maneuver really showcases the noise, and you have an im- subjective evaluation, I’ll pinpoint yaw control of the pressive, attention-stealing compare the VecJetPF to the VecJetPF. It’s definitely a lot maneuver that’s as easy to do original VecJet. Both airframes of fun to play with and explore as applying full rudder and full are exactly the same size, but the many still unnamed throttle. But I digress. Let’s get the older version is about 7 oz maneuvers that are possible. If back to the science lesson. heavier. Most of this weight is you pick up a VecJetPF of your (Editor’s Note: Terry lives not because of the heavier motor in own, let me know what crazy far from NASA’s Houston the back, and a heavier battery antics you can come up with. Space Center, and I suspect in the front for balance, both -Terry Dunn that some of the genius brain being about as far from the CG [email protected] waves there may have effected as they can get! Therefore, the (Flight photos courtesy of his mind.) difference in this “Moment of Fitz Walker and To maintain more precise Inertia” between the two David Bacque) control of this spinning airplanes is very significant. capability, it makes sense to The difference really shows Wife: Do you want dinner? keep the moment of inertia as itself when performing Husband: Sure, what are my choices? low as possible. This means spinning maneuvers. Wife: Yes and no. positioning as much of the The original VecJet has the airplane’s weight as possible, yaw authority of ten regular Wife: What are you looking for? as close to the center of airplanes, but its greater Husband: Oh nothing. rotation as possible. By moving Moment of Inertia requires that Wife: Nothing? You've been staring at our marriage certificate the ESC closer to the center you use vectored thrust more for an hour! (the model’s CG), I was also methodically. I always make Husband: I was hoping it had an able to keep the battery close to sure to start Spin Cycles (and expiration date. the CG, both of which other yaw maneuvers) at high contribute to reducing the altitude to provide more Cook: Hey, Gordo, it’s noon! model’s moment of inertia. I altitude (and time) for Want a pizza?” Gordo: “Sure, but stop me after can’t quantify how much recovery. Once it gets one... no, make that one-thirty.” August 2009 81

PART I: THE KIT REVIEW (Part II: The Step-by-Step Construction, will appear next Month)

Model Reviewed ...... Giant Stick 50 (450) 677-4694 Type ...... Giant Sport Model Distributor ...... Direct from mfg. Manufacturer . . . Aircraft Modelers Research Suggested Price ...... $365.00 1175 Frechette Wing Span ...... Advertised: 106" Longueuil, Quebec J4J 1G9 ...... Measured: 106" Canada Wing Area ...... Advertised: 2780 sq. in. www.amr-rc.com ...... Measured: 2564 sq. in. 82 RC REPORT ONLINE

Airfoil ...... Symmetrical RC Ignitions, with a J’TEC side-mounted Fuselage Length ...... Advertised: 80" muffler. Total weight 75 oz...... Measured: 90" Propeller Used ...... Vess 22x8 wood Recommended Controls ...... Five Propshaft to Ground .... 13.5" (held level) (Ail, El, Rud, Throt, Flaps) Fuel Tank Used ...... DuBro 24 oz. Recommended Engine ...... 50 to 80cc gas Radio Used .... Spektrum DX7 radio system or equivalent with seven JR Sport ST126MG servos, one Recommended Weight ...... 20 lbs. Hitec HS-425BB servo, two 2-cell 2300 mah Basic Materials ...... Laser-cut plywood A123 radio batteries, one 2-cell 1100 mah and balsa A123 ignition battery with homemade Instructions ...... 62 illustrated pages voltage regulator, and three Radical R/C Plans ...... None supplied or needed heavy duty charge switches. Hardware Included ...... 5" DuBro wheels, Covering/Finishing Used Hangar 9 UltraCote wing mounting hardware, formed aluminum Special Items ..... Robart Point-style hinges, main gear and mounting hardware, leaf and DuBro control linkages, heavy duty spring tail wheel. servo arms, and fuel system materials, plus Items Needed To Complete ...... Spinner, as Tru-Turn Cub prop hub. propeller, engine, engine mount, fuel tank with plumbing, all control linkages and Cheers - Excellent laser-cut parts; all parts connectors, point-style hinges, screws for clearly identified with exact fit exactly as servo and main hatches, seven heavy duty designed; quick assembly despite the high part metal gear servos, one standard servo, a 5-ch count and overall size; excellent flight radio system, covering, adhesives, etc. characteristics, from slow and gentle to moderately fast and aerobatic; literally lands at COMPLETED MODEL a walking speed! Finished Weight ...... 23.5 lbs. (376 oz.) Wing Loading ...... 21.17 oz./sq.ft. Jeers - Several parts missing; measured wing Engine Used ...... Zenoah G-62 Lite from area is significantly less than advertised (by 216 August 2009 83

sq.in.!); completed model is Stick”; “Phil Kraft pioneered control throw. And it was so 18% heavier than advertised proportional radio control and good-natured and robust that (by 3.5 lbs.); engine’s length he designed Das Ugly Stik as a it really had a chance to was not included in the adver- simple and robust test bed. In survive the learning curve of tised overall length; sparse in- 1966 he published the plans in its pilot from the beginnings to structions for installing the the Grid Leaks magazine, and the last stage.” engine, radio, fuel system, his friend, Jim Jensen, brought Phil Kraft needed a large control linkages, wing, etc.; out a kit. Both the design and number of easy to build and elevator servo wire tube in the the kit quickly became famous, easy to fly models that would fuselage is blocked at both and many model flyers had one be used to test new and ends (see text); more rein- or more of the originals or the repaired radio systems. He forcement needed at the land- several variants coming up even enlisted several friends to ing gear mount (see text). soon and (ongoing) today. build a number of them all at “It’s not only the simplicity one time. I read that when one In Part I this month we’re but also the effectiveness of the of them didn’t make it back to presenting the model’s design that made the model the field, they took the engine measured specifications, and attractive for so many. In those and radio out, put it in another the results of the completed early days, models and equip- plane and continued testing. model’s flight tests. In Part II, ment were quite expensive and Do you know how the coming next month, we’ll both had to be simple to just be original name came about? present the detailed step-by- affordable. Now the Stik When Phil took the first one to step construction sequence, wasn’t only that, but also very the field to test fly, someone along with my building notes. versatile. The same one model passed a comment from that There will also be lots and lots could be used as a basic old ‘60's punch line, “That of construction photos. trainer and then converted to thing looks like it was hit with an intermediate and full an ugly stick”. When Phil According to a website aerobatic trainer, only by settled on the pseudo-German describing the first “Das Ugly adding engine power and WW1 fighter color scheme, he 84 RC REPORT ONLINE

called it “Das Ugly Stik”, and new sport models (they also assembled the plane for ground the name stuck. produce a 40% Waco biplane photos. I filled the tank with Over the last 45 years or so kit, but that will have to wait fuel and started the engine to there have been dozens of cop- for some other time),including make sure everything was still ies, knock-offs, shrunk ver- one they call the Giant Stick in good order. The big Zenoah sions and stretched versions, 50. I examined the manual G-62 fired up just as Rick high wing, low wing, two online, studied the photos and arrived with his perfect timing wings, two engines, and just requirements for radio and (i.e., after the model has been about any configuration you engines, and made arrange- assembled). A few more photos can think of. It has to be the ments to get one for review. were taken, another radio most copied and cloned RC Once the kit arrived, I range check was completed, plane ever designed. I’ve built wasted no time in getting to it. and it was time to fly. and flown several Stik kits, and I did encounter some problems The first takeoff was made even an ARF or two. A while that had to be overcome, but all at no more than half throttle, back I built one of the fine laser in all, the AMR Giant Stick 50 which was plenty to get the -cut kits from AMR (Aircraft was a pretty good kit to build, Giant Stick 50 into the air. Modelers Research) and I was and I enjoyed doing so. The Only a bit of right rudder was very impressed with the quality detailed, step-by-step instruc- needed to keep the plane of the laser cutting and the ease tions will be examined next straight down the runway, and with which the kit was assem- month during the building por- it lifted off smoothly and bled. There are no plans as tion of this review. So now solidly. Turning to come back such, but rather the builder re- let’s move on the flight tests of across the field, I later needed lies on the precision cut parts the newly competed model. two clicks of elevator trim to and a flat building board. achieve hands off, straight and When put together properly us- FLYING level flight. Simple turns in ing mostly wood glue, it comes the AMR Giant Stick 50 either direction required no out straight and square. I asked Rick Cawley to rudder input, but they looked a I received an email from meet me after work for the first lot better when rudder was AMR saying they had several flights. I arrived first and added. I tried a roll to the right August 2009 85

and a roll to the left, and both shot from a gun! There was into a spin at very low airspeed, were as axial as I’d ever seen plenty of power available for spun a few times, and then for a plane of this type and nearly unlimited vertical, but stopped immediately after the size. Up at a safe altitude full power was never needed in controls were relaxed. It sure (roughly half of Gordon’s safe straight and level flight, even looked good spinning so altitude), I cut power and during maneuvers. Even very slowly, almost hypnotizing the began gradually feeding in large loops didn’t need full pilot in the process. Somebody more and more up elevator. power... but I often used it wake me before it makes a hole The model slowed, then slowed anyway, heh heh. It was fun! in the runway, okay? some more, then slowed a lot Then I tried the flaps, at Well you know how time more, and then it finally just both half and full down, to flies when you’re having fun, quit moving and hung there! which I had programmed a and all too soon it was time to Well finally the nose dipped little down elevator mixing. At land. I’d been flying well over just noticeably, after which the low throttle settings and full 12 minutes and had only a 24 model slipped forward and flaps, the Stick 50 could be oz. tank. I lowered the flaps resumed flying with absolutely flown across the field at a and reduced throttle to a high no indication of a wing tip walk, and with no lack of idle. The model slowed nicely, stall. So okay, maybe the 33% control. Half flaps provided a but it didn’t come down! This CG was good after all. little slowing, and still with full thing is a Big Glider 50! Since I flew around a bit more control. Here again, the flaps that approach obviously wasn’t and then asked if anyone aren’t necessary, but they sure going to work, I added a little wanted to see how the Stick 50 are fun! power and circled around for would perform with more than Before I landed I wanted to another try. This time I cut the half-throttle I’d been using. see if the Stick 50 would spin. power to a low idle, and the But without waiting for an But even more importantly, I model actually began to answer, I slammed the throttle wanted to see if it would come descend. Finally back at the full forward and watched as the out of a spin. Well, the answer runway, the Giant Stick 50 Giant Stick 50 took off as if is yes to both concerns. It broke made one little bounce before 86 RC REPORT ONLINE

rolling nicely across the neatly power.”The he began looping, immediately led to a renewed cropped grass (I’ll have to rolling, stall turning, tail effort to tear the model in half remind Gerry about this). I chasing, back biting, and I during more looping, rolling, made a mental note to chop the don’t know what all. I loudly and anything that would fluster throttle next time, about a day mentioned how much I poor Dick Pettit! Remember and a half before the landing. appreciated his “being gentle”, when I said that Rick was my Rick’s turn came next, so but all he did was smile. I can’t friend? Now I’m thinking, not just before take-off he asked say for sure, of course, but the so much! what I wanted him to do during smart money says he was Rick flew for more than 15 the flight. I told him to be having fun. minutes. When I voiced my gentle but go ahead and do Soon he dropped the flaps, concern about gas mileage, whatever he wanted. I think saying this would give him trying to hide my concern for that was Stupid Mistake #287 some practice for flying his the tortured airframe, his only for me this year. new Corsair, which was just response was to say that this Rick immediately bent the about ready to fly. He dragged was one of the most fun test throttle stick forward, made the Giant Stick 50 across the models he’d flown for me in a about a 20' take-off run into a field even slower than I had, long, long time. And since he’s vertical climb that may have and slower, in fact, than I even flown nearly all the test models lasted longer had I not begged thought it would even fly! This I’ve reviewed for the last five him to fly it where I could see brought on Stupid Mistake years or so, that’s saying a lot! it! He finally leveled it out, #288, when I said, “Now that Well it’s about time! Rick’s murmuring something about is being gentle!”, which served now lined up with the runway, “Yeah, it has enough as a switch to his brain, and the engine is idling, and the August 2009 87

this year! (Mess with me and my model, will ya?)

SUMMING THINGS UP...... the AMR Giant Stick 50 was a pretty good kit to assemble, but an absolute blast to fly! Even though the instructions abandoned the builder early, leaving him out in left field after the game was canceled, the information that was shown was excellent and complete. I think even a first- time kit builder could assemble the model with a little help from someone more Giant Stick 50 is about to settle model, also getting his first experienced. All the parts fit down on the runway. Now it’s look inside. “Good grief! beautifully, and the quality of rolling and... what th’...? He There’s room in that fuselage the laser cutting was just as took off again! That was a for my lunch! Or maybe even good as I’ve ever seen. I touch ‘n go, Rick, not a someone’s cat!” Now don’t get wouldn’t recommend using a landing! your panties all in a knot! Trust much smaller engine on this And he got me again, too. I me, I would never allow plane, but it certainly doesn’t thought sure his next touch anyone to put a cat in one of need a full 62, and anything down would lead to taxiing my airplanes! Never, ever, ever larger would be totally wasted. back to the pits. It was another again! If the engine you choose will Touch ‘n Go, though, carefully Rick and I both were turn a 22x8 prop at least 7500 designed to fade what little hair impressed by how well the new RPM on the ground, you have color I have left! engine had pulled the 24 lb. all you need for great flying. Rick eventually landed (and model straight up. Since it was My AMR Giant Stick 50 without bouncing, the show his engine, though, I guess it will be flown again and again off!) and brought the Giant was okay for him to babble on (with Rick’s G-62 as long as I Stick back to the pits. When I and on about it... until I finally can hold him off), and then asked for his overall opinion, threatened to smack him with a with a new engine that I hope he slowly shook his head and prop! It had been a great will arrive soon. When that said, ”You know, I’m really not evening of flying, and neither engine is installed and flown, sure. Say, why not top off the of us wanted to see it end in the I’ll let you know the results. In tank and let me try again.” emergency room, so he the meantime, I’ll be the one Now granted, I know Stupid clammed up, helped me put the with the silly grin on my face, Mistake #289 is coming, but model back into the trailer, and while Rick watches and begs this wasn’t going to be it! left with a big, almost evil grin for his engine back! Man I love I flew the Giant Stick 50 on his face. I began making aeromodeling! several more times before the and memorizing as many -Dick Pettit sun quit on me. Rick helped me excuses as I could, on why I’d [email protected] clean and disassemble the be unable to return his engine... 88 RC REPORT ONLINE

Model Reviewed ...... P-47 Thunderbolt Advertised Weight ...... 9.5 to 10.5 lbs. Airplane Type . ARF Scale (approx. 1/7 scale) Airfoil ...... Semi-symmetrical Manufacturer ...... Top Flite Models Wing Structure . . Built-up balsa and plywood (Made in China) Wing Joiner Method ..... Hardwood joiner (217)398-8970, ext. 5 Fuselage Structure ...... Built-up balsa [email protected] and plywood Distributor . . . Great Planes Model Mfg. Co. Fuselage Length ...... Advertised: 56" (Made in China) Measured: 56" P.O. Box 9021 Pushrod Type ...... 0.07" mild steel in Champaign, IL 61826-9021 pre-installed plastic tube guides (217)398-3630 Pushrods Installed ...... No www.greatplanes.com Hinges Included ...... Yes (see text) Suggested Retail Price ...... $399.99 Hinges Installed ...... Some, but not all Typical Street Price ...... $319.98 Recommended Controls ...... Six Wing Span ...... Advertised: 63" (Ail, El, Rud, Throt, Flaps, and Retracts) Measured: 62.75" Recommended Engine ...... 60-.90 2C, Wing Area ...... Advertised: 730 sq.in. or .90-1.20 4C Measured: 725 sq.in. Engine Mount Installed ...... No (Calculated by cardboard template) Engine Mount Type . . . Two-piece composite August 2009 89

Fuel Tank Included .... 420cc (14.2 fl. oz.) and connectors (to include clevises, Landing Gear Installed ...... No FasLinks (aka, swing-keepers), and EZ Wheels Included ..... 3.25" mains, 1.1" tail, connectors), nylon control horns, two 1/4x28 lightweight hard foam nylon wing bolts, CA-type hinges, black Assembly Instructions ..... 36 page booklet plastic tubing for wing guns, pre-formed (8.5x11") with many illustrations steel wire elevator halves joiner, numerous Hardware: Metric or SAE ...... Mixed plastic scale details (scoops, etc.), complete Hardware Included ...... Spinner-nut with cockpit kit with pre-installed gauge faces, 5/16x24 threads (fit O.S. .61-.91 2C and three large decal sheets offering three O.S. .91-1.20 4C engines), beautifully different markings schemes (“Eileen”, “No painted and detailed fiberglass cowl, a black Guts, No Glory”, and “Top Hat”), and a plastic dummy radial engine (with pre-cut generous bag full of miscellaneous hardware. aluminum tubes for pushrod covers, and a Items Needed To Complete ...... Propeller, 12" length of red wire for spark plug wires), engine, fuel lines, fuel filler, 6-ch radio with two-piece composite engine mounts with eight servos (50 oz. minimum, with one hardware, 420cc (14.2 oz.) fuel tank kit, four retract servo recommended), an appropriate 5" lengths of 3/4" Velcro, clear plastic battery (at least 1000 mah), servo extensions canopy with pre-painted framing, built-in (two 18-24" for ailerons, and one short servo tray, fiberglass belly pan, two Y-harness for flaps), optional pilot figure, mechanical retract units with 3/16" struts, and nose weight for final balancing. pre-painted fiberglass main gear covers with Covering Material ...... Not stated mounting brackets, two 3.25" and one 1.1" Drilling Required ...... Yes wheels, main wheel axles and wheel collars, Soldering Required ...... No white nylon tail wheel bracket, pre-formed Fuel Proofing Required ...... No tail wheel wire with steering arm and Estimated Assembly Time ... Assembly time hardware, all necessary pushrod materials is advertised as 15-20 hours, but I think they 90 RC REPORT ONLINE

may have meant 15 plus 20 hours! I put Covering/Finishing Used Comes pre-covered about 42 hours into mine. Special Items ...... Great Planes pilot bust Estimated Skills Required ..... Experienced Assembly Tools Required . Normal modeling CHEERS - Helpful instructions with many good tools, to include an assortment of SAE and photos and illustrations; numerous fiberglass and metric ball drivers, various drill bits, an 8-32 plastic scale details; no reversed servos required; tap, and a Dremel Moto-tool (or equivalent) although described as 90/ retracts, which would with assorted bits. look weird hanging from a wing with dihedral, Adhesives Required .... Thick and thin CA, the supplied retracts actually have the proper 5- and 30-min epoxies, thread locker, canopy angle for the wing’s dihedral; the pre-painted glue, and micro-balloons. fiberglass wheel covers are not simply flat pieces, but are nicely curved to match the wing’s COMPLETED MODEL contour; totally useable hardware; good overall Finished Weight (RTF, dry) ...... 170 oz. appearance on the ground and in the air; good, 10 lbs. and 10 oz. solid flight characteristics, with a slow landing Wing Loading ...... 33.77 oz./sq.ft. speed that belies its 33+ oz. wing loading. Engine Used . O.S. FS-91 Surpass (22.2 oz.) Propeller Used ...... Master Airscrew 14x6 JEERS - Numerous minor dents and dings in (Weight 1.94 oz.) the wing panels; no optional spinner nut for Fuel Tank Used . . . As supplied (14.2 fl. oz.) engines with metric thread crankshafts; no pilot Radio Used . Futaba 10C on 2.4 GHz, using a figure included; the left hole in the fuselage for Futaba R617FS receiver, eight Futaba servos the wing’s leading edge dowels is 1/8" off- (S3001 on throttle, S136G on retracts, and center; numerous errors and oversights in the six S3152 digitals for flight surfaces), a 6.8 instructions (see text); the supplied 3/4" control oz. 4-cell (C-size, not AA) 2000 mah NiMH horns are too short for the suggested control receiver battery, and four servo extensions surface throws (see text); some of the stickers (two 24" for ailerons, one 6" Y-harness for came loose overnight; very little guidance for the flaps, and one 6" Y-harness for the final detailing. battery and retracts servo). August 2009 91

On June 12, 2009, Tower Hobbies’ prices were fighters of this type dispatched against the as follows: enemy were lost in combat. As a testament to the Top Flite ARF P-47 kit ...... $319.98 survivability of the P-47, it should be noted that O.S. .61FX engine ...... $179.97 the top ten aces who flew the P-47 all returned O.S. .75AX engine ...... $209.97 home safely.” O.S. .91FX engine ...... $229.98 “Before the was over, a total of 15,579 O.S. FS-91 Surpass engine ...... $299.97 Thunderbolts were built, about two-thirds of O.S. FS-120 Surpass engine ...... $379.98 which reached operational squadrons ($419.97 with pump) overseas.” Futaba S3001 servo ...... $19.99 Futaba S3152 servo . $34.99 or two for $67.48 I’m going to assemble my Top flite P-47 Futaba S136G retract servo ...... $49.99 using Zap CA’s and Pacer epoxies. I’ve always had great results with both, and now’s not the According to some interesting “Did You time to experiment with something new. When Know...” notes in the instructions booklet... using any modeling chemicals (adhesives, “Built in greater quantities than any other paints, solvents, cleaners, etc.), be sure to US fighter, the P-47 was the heaviest single- provide adequate ventilation to help prevent engine WWII fighter to go into production, and respiratory problems. I like to set up a small fan the first piston-powered fighter to exceed 500 that blows air gently across my face, which mph. The Thunderbolt performed (over) blows away most fumes before they reach my 546,000 combat sorties between March of 1943 eyes, nose, and mouth. and August 1945, and is considered the real When I opened the box and inspected each forerunner of today’s multi-role fighters.” piece as I examined the kit contents, I was “P-47's... destroyed 11,874 enemy aircraft, thrilledtofindsomanypre-paintedplastic and some 9,000 locomotives, and about 6,000 fiberglass scale details. Included too are the armored vehicles and tanks. Only 0.7% of the retracts, engine mounts, fuel tank, wheels, and 92 RC REPORT ONLINE

much, much more. Although my experiences. Note that this spent very near 42 hours on my wing panels had numerous kit is not recommended for mine, and I wish now that I’d dents and dings and one small beginners, or any builders with taken a little more time in some crush spot on the right panel, little experience. Modelers areas. I spent a solid hour none were serious enough to with considerable kit and/or assembling the dummy engine, warrant asking for replace- scratch-building experience, and a bit over two hours care- ments. I was also disappointed however, will have very few fully fitting it and the cowl on- that no pilot figure was problems. In fact, there were to the fuselage with minimal included. just enough challenges to make cuts. The instructions are good, this a fun and interesting pro- The assembled wing panels with tons of helpful photos and ject for me, and I thoroughly come with the flaps and sketches, and all the enjoyed it. ailerons pre-hinged, and the information I needed. There On the other hand, accord- retractable wheel wells already are some errors and oversights, ing to the box top, this kit in place. The fuselage, with however, one of which I should take 15 to 20 hours to integral fin, is built up from consider critical, which I’ll assemble. In retrospect, I do lite-ply formers, crutch, and describe in detail. I’ll also offer not believe those figures are servo trays, and then sheeted some builder’s tips based on accurate or even reasonable. I with soft balsa. The wing bolt August 2009 93

backwards. The text is correct, but the drawings are not. This is no big deal, of course, I just don’t want to be criticized for overlooking it. I can go back in the house and be criticized, y’know. I have a wife, so I don’t need your criticisms too! 2. Minor: The instructions leave a lot unsaid about installing the aileron and flap servos, but it has been clearly pointed out that this is not a kit for inexperienced builders. If you follow the instructions on pages 7 and 8 to the letter when installing the flap servos, plate is already installed, screws. The 3-line fuel tank kit you’ll just have to turn right complete with blind nuts for includes an aluminum stopper around and remove them on the wing bolts, as are the guide for the fill and drain line. page 9 (step 5) to correct the tubes for the elevator, rudder, The one-piece horizontal servo arm positions. (See and tail wheel pushrods. The stab is airfoil shaped, not just a Builders’ Tips #2.) wing saddle even has wide and flat slab, and fits snugly into a 3. Critical: When joining beautifully finished fairings. pre-cut slot at the tail of the the wing panels, step 4 on page Only the rudder and elevator fuselage. The recommended 9 says to mix up 1/2 oz. of 30- halves require hinging, but all method for installing the min epoxy. After looking at the control surfaces need control horizontal stab with epoxy is surface areas of everything that horns installed. The elevator pretty messy, but it works well. needed to be “painted” with halves use a stiff wire joiner to Also, the pushrods for the tail epoxy (the root ribs of both operate as a single piece wheel, rudder, and elevator are wing panels, the wing joiner, requiring only one pushrod. truly friction-free, with long and the two wing joiner The very cleverly mounted tail pushrod wires in installed over- pockets), I decided to double wheel assembly is located in size guide tubes. that and use a full ounce. And the scale position instead of If you decide to build the before I was done I had to back being simply fastened to the Top flite ARF P-47 up and prepare another 1/2 oz.! rudder, and uses its own Thunderbolt, I hope you will Joining wing halves is not the pushrod attached to the rudder read through the instructions time and place to scrimp on servo. A simple cover allows book and this entire review epoxy! Also, see Builders Tips steering adjustments without before you begin. I believe the #4. having to remove the wing. following notes will prove 4. Moderate: Step 8 on The two-piece engine helpful. page 11 tells us to install the mounts are self aligning and retract units, but not until step very easy to use and install. INSTRUCTIONS 9 are we told how to align The large and roomy cowl is BOOK ERRORS them. See Builders’ Tips #6. fastened to six pre-installed 1. Minor: The drawings of 5. Minor: Step 19 on page mounting blocks, using short the screws on page 4 are 13 tells us to connect the re- 94 RC REPORT ONLINE

tract pushrods to the retract I found no other errors 2. I realize that experienced servo, but there should be a serious enough to merit builders already know this, but reminder to first use the radio mention or elaboration. (Oh I’m going to suggest it anyway, to make sure the servo is in the cool! I don’t recall ever using even if just as a reminder, since retracted (full up) position. the word “elaboration” before!) the instructions are a bit sparse 6. Minor: Step 1 on page 19 in this area. says to install the tail wheel BUILDERS’ TIPS Before drilling the screw wire nylon support beneath the 1. Mark the positions of the holes for the aileron and flap steering arm. As the photos aileron and flap servo hatch servos, place a temporary 1/32" show, however, it goes above covers before removing them to 1/16" spacer between the the steering arm. from the wing. This will servo and the hatch cover. This 7. Moderate: Step 1 on eliminate any confusion later as will ensure than when the page 19 also says to install the to where they go. (The aileron spacer is removed after “brass screw-lock connector” hatch covers have white and installing the servo screws, the (i.e. EZ-connector) to the tail silver covering material, while servo will not be resting wheel steering arm. That’s the flap servo covers have only directly on the hatch cover. fine, except what they fail to white.) Each pair are Leaving a small gap allows the mention is that the steering arm interchangeable until the rubber servo mounting is too thick to allow the EZ- servos are installed. (Note too grommets to isolate the servos connector’s nylon retainer to that this kit has been from some of the engine lock onto the groove in the EZ- thoughtfully designed not to vibration. connector pin. See Builder’s require any reversed servos. Aileron Servos: Before Tip #16 for one possible cure. Thank you, Top Flite.) installing these two servos, use August 2009 95

your radio system to make sure place before drilling the holes wheels on the axles, using their the servos are centered, and and inserting the screws. Your fit into the wheel wells to help then choose a servo arm that mileage may vary, so do it align the retract units. The can be installed perpendicular however you like. wheels must move in and out of to the side of the servo. Do this 4. When joining the wing the wheel wells with rubbing before cutting off the unused panels, the instructions on page against the sides. arms of a multi-arm servo arm, 9 are fine (except they 7. Before attaching the flap so you can choose the output recommend using only 1/2 oz. pushrods to the flaps servos, arm with the best centering. of epoxy!), but I have a use the radio to make sure the Then, when installing the suggestion that I think helps. If servos are in their middle or servos onto the hatch covers, you’ll do step 5 on page 10 half-flap position, and then set position the servos to have (install the nylon dowels into the flap throw to 7/8". Why? their output shafts at the end of the wing panels’ leading edges) Because we can easily use the the hatch cover closer to the before joining the wing panels, transmitter’s End Point wing’s trailing edge. you can then stretch one strong adjustment feature to set the Flap Servos: Before rubber band around the two servo’s precise position at each installing these servos, use the dowels, and two more rubber end of its travel (i.e., full up radio system to make sure the bands around the temporarily and full down), but it’s harder flap channel and flap servos are installed wing bolts (one each to adjust the precise mid-point in the middle or half-flap on top and bottom of the wing) (half-flap). So we set the mid- position (not full up or full to hold the wing panels firmly point (half-flap) position down). Install the servos onto together while the wing joining mechanically (physically?), and the hatch covers with the epoxy cures. then use the transmitter’s End servo’s output shaft toward the 5. Step 3 on page 11 says to Point adjustments to set the full rear of the hatch cover’s servo remove “the” set screws from up and full down positions. arm opening (i.e., toward the both sides of each landing gear wing’s trailing edge). Then retract unit so you can reinstall IMPORTANT REMINDER! choose a servo arm that can be them with thread locker. Once the flap and retract installed perpendicular (at a Although each of the four holes servos and pushrods have been 90/ angle) to the side of the has two set screws, one on top installed, be sure to use a servo. And do this before of another, I agree with the current meter (I use a Hangar cutting off any unused arms, so instructions. If you tighten the 9 Digital Servo & Receiver you can choose the arms that inner setscrew, and then lock Current Meter) to make sure provide the best position match the outer screw in place with the servos are pulling zero cur- for both servos. thread locker, it effectively rent when in the full up and 3. I have a hard time locks both screws in place, so full down positions. Don’t let holding nylon control horns in we don’t really need thread your flap and/or retract servos place on the control surfaces locker on both screws on each drain your battery in flight! while I mark and/or drill the side of each gear. Locking all two screw holds. This may eight screws could come back 8. As we near the wing’s have something to do with to haunt you later if removal is completion we’re told to glue having gorilla-size hands and necessary for adjustment or the eight gun tubes into the fingers. I find it easier to repair. wing’s leading edge. I propose position the control horn with 6. Before installing the putting this off until the final one hand, and then apply a retracts (page 11), I think it’s finishing stage. There’s no drop of thin CA to glue it in best to temporarily install the sense in having the tubes in 96 RC REPORT ONLINE

place now, when they might adjustable-width mounts make 16. Also in step 1 on page get in the way or get damaged them easy to position off- 19, when installing the brass in handling while we’re still center. Once I had the engine screw-lock connector (aka EZ- working on the model. You installed on the mounts, I used connector) into the tail wheel don’t even have to consider the cowl to center the engine steering arm, you’ll find that their effect on CG since the before tightening the engine the steering arm is too thick to total weight of all eight pieces mounts’ firewall screws. allow the EZ-connector’s nylon is only about 1/8 oz. Also, 12. The instructions say to retainer to lock onto the groove when you check the model’s install “a” 12" plastic tube in in the EZ-connector pin. With side-to-side balance later on, place for the throttle pushrod. the EZ-connector loose in your the gun tubes are a convenient The only loose plastic tube in hand, first pop the nylon spot to add weight (lead shot) my kit was 19.75" long, so cut retainer onto the pin and make to the lighter side. from that whatever length you sure it locks into the pin’s 9. The very first step in the need. groove. Now you can see the fuselage assembly (step 1, page 13. We’re never really told maximum allowable thickness 15) is installing the horizontal when to install the throttle of the steering arm, so carefully stab. I find that having the stab servo, but it magically appears carve or sand only the bottom installed so early leads to in the photos, so use your own side (I’ll explain why soon) of unnecessary dents and dings judgement here, after establish- the end of the steering arm to from turning the fuse this way ing the proper throttle pushrod the appropriate thickness. Once and that many times while for the engine you’re using. it fits into the gap between the installing the fuselage servos, 14. Although the supplied EZ-connector’s body and the fuel tank, engine, and cowl, so throttle pushrod wire will work nylon retainer, then remove the I usually skip ahead and come once you make numerous nylon retainer and assemble the back to the HSTAB later. bends to minimize its drag in tail wheel assembly as per the 10. Before installing the the guide tube, I simply replac- instructions. rudder servo arm (page 17, step ed it with some Sullivan Why carve or sand only the 1), see step 8 on page 18, NyRod scraps for a smooth, bottom side of the end of the where we’re told to remove the friction free pushrod. steering arm to make it fit the rudder servo arm, install a ball 15. In step 1 on page 19 EZ-connector? This will help link for the tail wheel steering, we’re told to install the tail provide more clearance and then re-install the arm. wheel steering arm onto the tail between the EZ-connector and Also, the instructions say to wheel wire, and lock the set- the fuselage when the tail install the ball link in the center screw against the flat spot on wheel assembly is installed. hole of the servo arm, so I did. the wire. Fine, but make sure Even then you may have to But later I had to remove the you install the steering arm at carve on the inner fuselage a ball link and re-install it in the the very bottom (the end nearer little to get an interference- free inner hole, to leave proper to the wheel) of that flat spot. fit. At first I thought an EZ- clearance for the rudder We need at least 1/4" of the tail connector with a slightly pushrod. This still provided wheel wire protruding through shorter body would do the more than enough tail wheel the upper wheel collar that trick, but the protruding steering, too. holds the assembly together. setscrew still interfered, so I 11. When installing the That extra length fits into a had to carve a little extra engine mounts, the instructions support bearing already in the clearance into the fuselage say nothing about centering the fuselage, and we need a good side. engine left-to-right, and the 1/4" length for that. August 2009 97

Next, when installing the though, and sure enough the full body pilot (CJMQ9038, tail wheel assembly into the tubes prevented the cowl from $29) or pilot bust (CJMQ9036, fuselage, I recommend using going far enough over the $26), both of which require slightly fatter screws than the engine. I had to grind off the assembly and painting. I chose #2's provided in the kit. I tried excess lengths after they were to use one of the pre-finished using the #2's, but they installed, which was messy. 1/6 scale Great Planes pilot wouldn’t tighten well in the All in all, my dummy busts that came with the Great holes already there. engine never did fit well into Planes ARF PT-17. I trimmed Finally, when cutting the the cowl, so as the instructions the shoulders a bit and glued it 36" tail wheel steering pushrod suggest, you’ll likely want to in place on a 1/2" thick piece of to the prescribed 27-3/4", mine use a generous mixture of scrap balsa to achieve the came up a little short so I had epoxy and micro-balloons to height I wanted, omitting the to replace it (I could also have secure it. I spent about an hour pilot’s seat altogether. (When I turned the servo around to assembling the dummy engine, reviewed the Great Planes ARF shorten the required length of and just over two hours PT-17 in May 2005 (for the the pushrod). I suggest cutting satisfying myself that no matter July 2005 magazine), those the pushrod to 28-1/4" to get it how long I pestered the cowl pilot busts were selling for $5 a in place, and then cutting it and dummy engine combo, it pair. That’s right, two for $5! I again after determining the was never going to fit any considered them to be an precise length needed. better than it did. outstanding bargain, so I said 17. When it came time to I was later pleasantly so and ordered several more install the battery and receiver surprised to see how little of pair. Bargains like that don’t (page 20, step 1), I decided to the cowl had to be cut away to last long, and soon they were postpone this task until it’s clear my engine’s standard priced at $5 each, which was time to check and set the muffler. Note, however, that still a good deal. But even that model’s CG. I see no sense in mine is an old, 1987 version of was too good I guess, because installing them now since I the O.S. FS-91 Surpass, so on July 16 of this year, I was may have to relocate them later your mileage may vary. unable to find them at the to achieve the necessary CG. If With the cowl, dummy Tower Hobbies website. They the recommended position is engine, O.S. engine, fuel tank, don’t even have a part number fine, then I’ll still only have to fuselage servos, and tail wheel any more as replacement items install them once. (As it turned assembly in place, it was finally for the PT-17 kit!) out, my battery had to be time to go back to page 15 to installed in the engine install the horizontal stab. The If you have a warbird meet compartment!) only problem I encountered coming up soon, and you need 18. When installing the here was that the ball link for a quick and easy, heavy-metal fake pushrod tubes and spark the tail wheel steering pushrod warbird at the last minute... this plug wires onto the dummy interfered with the rudder ain’t it. I put in over 40 hours engine, I should have measured pushrod, so I had to move the on mine, and in some places I the tubes first, but I didn’t. I ball link from the center hole in wish I’d taken even more time. highly recommend shortening the servo arm to the inner hole. Nor is this one of those rare, all 18 tubes by 1/8" first!. It This still provided enough tail perfect kits where every line of would have been cleaner and wheel steering. the instructions falls right in easier to do this before they For the pilot figure, the place with the parts and pieces were glued in place. I didn’t instructions recommend the of the kit, making it an think far enough ahead, Century Jet Models 1/7 scale “anyone could build this” kit. 98 RC REPORT ONLINE

No, in fact, there were just two versions, and only on the the inverted model with my enough challenges involved to left sides of the wing’s top and fingertips at the suggested CG make this a fun and interesting bottom surfaces. point on the wing (4-1/8" project. I love building models, When applying the “stars ‘n behind the leading edge, right and I thoroughly enjoyed this bars” to each side of the next to the fuselage), the first one. fuselage, we have to cut each thing that crossed my mind was After using the radio marking to fit on and around a 250 lb. swimmer wearing a system to set the flaps to full the air outlet. If you’ll align the thong at the beach. (Go ahead up, and all other control markings carefully with the and try erasing that image from surfaces to center, I roll-tested plastic outlet, the forward part your mind!) Even with a 2 oz. the model on my driveway to of the “bar” will fit right into composite propeller installed, make sure the tail wheel was the vent. I discovered this too and my oversize 6.8 oz. battery centered (it was very close). late for my left side, but I took positioned right at the firewall, Then I installed the tail wheel full advantage of it on the right my model was very tail heavy! cover. side. I swear, if I’d had one on hand Now it was time to remove Oh no! I took a break for I’d have immediately swapped any wrinkles and bubbles from that terrible habit of mine out the FS-91 Surpass for a the covering (there were very called “sleeping”, and when I heavier FS-120. I have an idle few), and to apply the stickers. came back the next morning, Saito FA-115, but it’s no We’re given stickers for three all four “stars ‘n bars” stickers heavier than the FS-91, and it different choices of markings had loose edges that had curled won’t accept the kit’s special schemes, “Eileen”, “No Guts, up and away from the model’s P-47 spinner nut! Hmm... is No Glory”, and “Top Hat”. I surfaces! And before you even that old rule about checking the chose “Eileen” for two reasons. ask, yes, I had cleaned all the CG with an empty fuel tank First, because it’s the most appropriate areas with rubbing really important? colorful of the three alcohol before applying the Now regretting having possibilities, and second, stickers. With little other already installed the 2.1 oz. because the remaining stickers choice, I just pressed the loose pilot figure 6.5" behind the CG, are more likely to be usable edges back down, but they I began working on making the later on some non-scale came loose again, although to a nose heavier. First I wrapped model(s). much lesser extent, the the 6.8 oz. battery in foam, The drawings in the following day. I’ll keep an eye stuffed it into a plastic bag, and instructions for placing the on them to see if their adhesion used four zip-ties to fasten it to stickers are more like continues to improve. the motor mount, a full 3" caricatures, and are not even Not only do the instructions ahead of the firewall. Since close to scale. Nevertheless, give recommended control their combined weight of 0.7 note that on the sheet of “stars surface throws for all four oz. seems insignificant, I ‘n bars” stickers, the two surface types, they’re given in conveniently installed the largest are marked “Bottom”. inches, millimeters, and receiver and switch. Then, with These are only for the “Top angular degrees! Cool! everything put back together Hat” version, which uses two With the model now again, I started pouring lead oversize markings, one on each completely assembled except shot into a mixing cup taped at side of the wing’s bottom for the battery, receiver, and the firewall while constantly surface. The two “stars ‘n bars” receiver switch, it was time for monitoring the CG. When it stickers marked “Top or that ever critical step, checking finally balanced properly, I Bottom” are used on the other and setting the CG. As I lifted moved the weight cup to my August 2009 99

postal scales and read 206 oz., the total weight would manufacturer. We’re given grams, about 7.25 oz. If using a have been 2 oz. under the short little control horns (3/4" normal size battery like that maximum recommended in this case), and we’re told to shown in the instructions, weight of 10.5 lbs. As it is, use the outer holes in our servo and/or had I installed the however, I’m 2 oz. over. arms. This almost always battery where the instructions I’ve also noticed an results in far, far more control suggest, I’d be looking at unsightly little problem. Even surface travel than adding well over a half-pound though both are locked in the recommended. In this kit, for of dead weight. Man I wish I’d fully retracted position, the example, even after moving the had an FS-120 on hand! In fact, retract unit in my left wing elevator pushrod connection to with that big, 7.5" wide cowl, panel allows the wheel and leg the innermost hole on the even a 1.30 or 1.60 twin would to drop about 3/16" inch. This elevator servo arm, to achieve be nice! is going to create more drag on the recommended control Okay, now balanced and the left side in flight, but we’ll surface throw (1/2" high, 3/8" complete, what does it weigh? just have to wait and see what low) I hadtouse the My postal scales indicated 170 happens. transmitter to reduce servo oz. (10 lbs. and 10 oz.). Since Now here’s a complaint travel to 50% for high rate, and the 2.1 oz. pilot figure required about something I see time and 35% for low rate. And it was an equal amount in the nose for time again with today’s ARF’s, even worse while the pushrod balance, if we subtract that 4.2 seemingly from almost every was attached to the servo arm’s 100 RC REPORT ONLINE

outer hole! This means I’m using only 1/2 the servo’s travel in high rate, and only 1/3 of the servo travel in low rate. This also means I’m losing a ton of servo resolution! Instead of 1024 possible servo positions, I now have only 512 (on high rate) and 341 (on low rate) possible positions. Since more servo travel and more servo resolution improves control response, control surface centering, and servo life, reduced travel and resolution mean exactly the opposite! In this kit’s case we can’t use the inner holes on the rudder and aileron servo arms due to pushrod interference, so Note how the wires from the wing can fall into and jam the fuselage servos and/or linkages. See the next photo for a simple fix. the only solution to this problem is to use longer control amount of elevator travel. Thunderbolt was then ready to horns. We’ll test fly it like it is, Okay, now I’m re-setting the fly... until I saw an old problem but if I keep this model for recommended control throws that needed a new fix. The myself, the aileron, elevator, (1/2" on high rate, and 3/8" on wing has four servo leads (one and rudder control horns will low). Well sure enough, now for each aileron servo, one for be replaced with longer I’m using 90% of the servo’s the two flap servos, and one for (probably 1-1/4") control travel on high rate, and 60% of the retract servo) that have to horns. its travel on low rate. That’s an be connected to the receiver. No, wait. I’ve changed my 80% improvement on high, and This mess of wires could easily mind. I’m going to go ahead over 70% better on low! Much fall onto the three fuselage and replace the elevator control better! And the only cost was servos and linkages (see photo horn right now so I can give the difference in price between above), possibly causing a you the resulting figures. I’m a 3/4" and a 1-5/16" control pushrod to jam. To prevent that removing the 3/4" control horn, horn. But is there a downside from happening, I cut a 7" whose outer hole is only 21/32" to this? Only that the longer square “shield” from a thin from its base. Okay, done. Now control horn is more visible cardboard file folder (weight I’m installing a 1-5/16" tall and thus somewhat more 0.2 oz.). Now as I install the horn, and I’ll connect the unsightly than the shorter horn. wing on the fuselage and plug pushrod to the outer hole Paint it gray to match the in the four connections, I tape which is 1-1/4" from its base. surrounding area, though, and the cardboard shield onto the Okay, done. Now my elevator that problem would disappear. wide wing saddle, directly over control horn “lever length” is It pains me now to realize how the fuselage servos (see photo 90% (19/32") longer than easily I could have made so on next page). The wing’s before, so the servo will travel many ARF models fly better. mess of wiring then rest son a lot farther to get the same My Top Flite P-47 the cardboard shield, safely August 2009 101

was a long pause, during which I imagined him double- checking the shell count in a large caliber pistol. He then informed me that I had not justified living past noon, which was roughly what time he’d be there. So then I reminded him that we had to complete the new P-47's maiden flight before the sanctioned event began. There was another long pause. Then, “Yeah, okay... be there soon.” I’m guessing that he swallowed at least one Red Bull on the way, because he was alert and smiling when he arrived. Even more important, he wasn’t carrying anything that might conceal a large The thin cardboard shield keeps the wing servo wiring out of the caliber pistol. fuselage servos and linkages. As usual, I prefer to make a separated from the fuselage probably had an hour’s sleep new model’s maiden flight servos and linkages. by then. Well, the phone rang a without its cowl if it restricts long time before it was access to the engine, and FLYING answered, so I’m assuming that especially if it’s a tail dragger THE TOP FLITE ARF P-47 he was deep in REM. You and that might nose over and spoil The Rocket City Radio I might dream about Anna said cowl. So that’s how the Controllers’ annual Warbird Faris in a bikini, but Tony’s maiden flight was made. And Fly-In was to begin at 9:00 a.m. more likely to dream about again as usual, it went well. on July 18. This not only meant putting an extra cell (or more!) The model’s ground handling that I had to have the model into each of his LiPo powered was fine, and the take-off run ready to fly by 8 (to complete models. Instead of the normal, was straight and good. Tony its maiden flight before being warm and friendly “Hello” we even eased it off the runway flown at a sanctioned event), I expect when someone answers much like the real P-47 would also had to telephonically drag the phone, what I heard was a ease it’s tonnage into the air. I Tony out of bed by 7, in order mumbled warning that unless had to remind him twice where to bring him to full the city’s emergency the retracts switch was, but consciousness and get him to evacuation routes were already then the wheels disappeared the flying site on time... clogged with vehicles fleeing and the model looked great hopefully dressed. (When some terrible disaster, I’d be during a fly-by, even without awakened, Tony is no rocket facing a disaster of a much the cowl. P-47’s always have scientist, trust me.) So naturally more personal kind. First I an impressive profile on fly- I called him at 6:30. Knowing reminded him that the warbird bys, and it always reminds me Tony’s work habits, he’d event began at 9:00 a.m. There of the old war movies when the 102 RC REPORT ONLINE

WWII American ground sol- the paved runway into the tion. I don’t recall any loops diers cheered like crazy when short-cut grass. Its minimum during that flight, but rolls and the Thunderbolts arrived to flying speed was certainly less sustained inverted flight drive off the German tanks. than we’d expected from a appeared effortless. It was Tony doesn’t share my model with a wing loading partly Tony’s skill as a pilot, of preference for making maiden over 33 oz./sq.ft. And he course, but I was still impress- flights without the cowl, hadn’t even used the flaps yet! ed with how smooth and real- however, so once the P-47 was A post-flight inspection istic the model appeared in trimmed and proven flight- revealed nothing in need of flight. I’d still have used an worthy, he brought it in for its attention, so I installed the FS-120 for its extra nose first landing. That brief, first cowl (with dummy engine) and weight, but it was abundantly flight was very satisfying, and topped off the fuel tank. Tony clear that the smaller and more than a little nerve settling. made another perfect take-off, lighter FS-91 had more than Nevertheless, there were three and while he merrily rowed the enough power for the model, noteworthy results. First, the transmitter sticks, I labored at now weighing over 11 lbs. with elevator required a substantial pressing the shutter button on its full fuel tank. amount of up-trim to maintain the camera (poor, poor me). level flight at roughly 3/4 Sadly, at this early hour, the Later that evening as I was throttle. Steeply banked turns sun was on the other side of the removing the engine and radio also indicated that it was runway from us, leaving the gear from the sadly mangled noticeably nose-heavy. Second, model in its own shadow. I and grass-stained remains, I Tony said it flew heavy and made a mental note to get bet- recalled standing right beside rock solid, with all controls (on ter flight shots later in the day. him when Tony loudly called high rate) offering good au- Tony continued wringing out that he no longer had con- thority all the way to touch- out the new model, with many trol. I’d glanced at the trans- down. And third, his first positive comments on its mitter and saw him shoving the landing was surprisingly slow honest and solid handling. His sticks around, and then glanced and long, actually resulting in only complaint was the maneu- back at the airplane as it dove the model rolling off the end of ver-robbing nose-heavy condi- uncontrollably into the ground. August 2009 103

Both blades of the propeller loose in the cockpit, but the E-flite AT-6 disaster wasn’t were sheared off. The engine undamaged canopy was still due to a builder’s error, but it mounts broke right behind the intact, as was all of the was my fault because I kept engine, and the oncoming fuselage behind the wing urging Tony to fly it slower and firewall crushed the carburetor, saddle. The two-piece wing slower into a stiff wind, hoping perhaps aided by the 7.25 oz. was fine too, unless you count for a full hover about two feet lead nose weight. The battery the 87 piece center section. off the runway, when the wind and fuel tank were way over The poor retract servo was suddenly changed direction there, both unharmed except lying all alone, having pulled and snap-rolled the model over that the battery’s connector free of its connections and and into the ground. pins had been ripped clean mount. But as I sat there at my The other two crashes were from their plastic connector, workbench checking out the builder’s errors. The first which was still solidly taped to radio gear, every single piece, souped-up Electrifly L-39 the receiver switch connector. receiver, switch, battery, Albatros crashed because I’d Since the main gear had been servos, and servo extensions, given it 100 mph power fully retracted at the time, the all worked perfectly. without beefing up the 75 mph wheels and retract units were This is my third model to be airframe. When the elevator fine, each in their separate totally destroyed (i.e., beyond fluttered so violently it tore wing panel, one over there and reasonable repair) while Tony itself off the airplane, the one over here. The cowl and was flying it. And as if that resulting foam litter looked like dummy engine were shreds. doesn’t hurt enough, I have to a yard sale for foam fragments. The entire nose of the fuselage, insult my own injury by The second version was in fact, was in shreds. The nat- acknowledging that all three strengthened, and it flew fine at urally upset pilot figure was crashes were my fault! The the higher speeds. 104 RC REPORT ONLINE

And now... I didn’t actually will unavoidably be even more good in-flight control surface ask Tony to fly the newly careful in the future. authority. I wish we’d complet- completed P-47 directly into Okay, we made only two ed a full stall test to see what the ground. But I might as well flights with the new Top Flite happens when the model is have, by installing the radio P-47, but the only thing we forced into it, but at least we gear in such a way that the really failed to test was the observed a surprisingly slow battery somehow became flaps. Both take-offs were landing speed, even without disconnected. At least that’s good, the ground handling and using the flaps. the only explanation we can in-flight control were solid, but Tony suggests starting out come up with. Minutes after with a pronounced indication with the CG 1/8" to 1/4" the crash, the C-size 4-cell that the model was nose-heavy. behind the suggested point, but 2000 mah NiMH battery I would have temporarily I think it would be better to use checked good, holding at least added little stick-on tail the recommended point first, 4.8 volts for over two minutes weights to gradually move the and then gradually move it during a 2 Amp draw test. The CG rearward until Tony was back until you’re happy with Futaba 10C transmitter was happy with its new balance the results. Just keep in mind proven good by checking it out point. Then, once we knew that the nose constantly gets in another model, plus it was where we wanted the CG, the lighter during flight, as each used to fly two other models tail weights and nose weight ounce of fuel is burned. later that same day. In fact, would have been removed, and I apologize for the later that night every piece of a new nose weight formed to incomplete flight testing and radio gear pulled from the achieve the new, flight-proven the few, poor photos. I take full wreckage checked out good. CG position. responsibiulity for the failure. The battery’s connection to Even without using the Nevertheless, I think we had it the receiver switch was good. flaps, Tony’s one landing indi- airborne long enough to prove That much I know. The plastic cated nothing but admirable its merit, and to recommend the connectors were still taped handling, with a much slower model if its size and design together, even after the than expected landing speed. interests you. It is, after all, a battery’s wires pulled the metal The recommended control Top Flite kit, and how many of pins clean from its plastic surface throws were great for a those have long-remembered connector. The only logical scale model, although certainly flaws? -Gordon Banks explanation left seems to be a less than “Wild Man” Tony [email protected] loose connection between the would have chosen. switch and the receiver. Just So there you have it. The A Sunday school teacher was how that came to pass will assembly process was not free discussing the Ten Command- remain a mystery, because this of glitches, but nothing was en- ments with her class of five and is the first (and hopefully the countered that would frustrate six year olds. After explaining last) time this has ever an experienced builder. I high- the commandment “Honor thy Father and thy Mother”, she happened to me. I’m usually ly recommend replacing the asked the children, “Is there a very careful to make sure the 3/4" tall control horns (except commandment that teaches us connections are complete, and maybe for the flaps) with how to treat our brothers and that there’s at least a little slack 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" tall pieces for sisters?” in the wire to prevent tension reasons already explained. Without missing a beat, one that may pull the connector The completed model flew little boy, the oldest of four loose. So even though there’s very well, solid, and with ade- children in his family, replied, no clear lesson learned here, I quate ground handling and “Thou shall not kill.” RCReportOnline August2009 105

 I recently received a HangOrStand ™ aircraft stor- age system designed and pat- ented by Product Concepts and distributed by www.HangOr- Stand.com. The HangOrStand ™ is an aircraft storage system that is designed to store models vertically in your garage, base- ment or shop. The HangOr- stand freely or hang from a ceil- tions, drill holes and install the Stand ™ is built from 1 1/4” ing support, thus the sheet metal screws. Now for PVC pipe with specialized Hang”OR”Stand namesake. The the neat, as a friend of mine HangOr ™ brackets and bolts HangOrStand ™ kit comes 90% would call, “Rinky Chinks”, that allow a nearly infinite ad- assembled with very few steps to the HangOr’s ™. justment along its 91” vertical make useful. PVC tubing. A standard Han- The HangOr’s ™ are an gOrStand ™ will allow for the The HangOrStand ™ in- interesting strap system that storage of three different mod- structions consist of a single attaches to the vertical mem- el levels depending on size and 8.5x11in sheet that covers every- bers of the HangOrStand ™. weight. This storage capacity thing needed for stand assembly. These straps seem simple, but I can be extended with the pur- Our lower legs are attached to think they are boarder line gen- chase of additional HangOr the lower assembly and can be ius. These straps have a rubber depending on model dimen- glued together, or alternatively grommet around the edges to sions. The HangOr’s can be screwed together with the pro- allow it to grip the PVC as the adjusted up or down the verti- vided sheet metal screws. Our screws tighten to secure it to cal PVC assembly as needed upper assembly attaches to the the PVC. The straps have a nut for your particular needs. The lower assembly the same as the built into them to allow for a HangOrStand ™ can additional legs with glue, or per instruc- 10 inch long carriage bolt to be RCReportOnline August2009 106

basement to secure the top of our HangOrStand.

The HangOrStand ™ is a very useful aircraft stand that can support up to 50 pounds of aircraft in a minimum of shop space. The price tag for this stand from www.HangOr- Stand.com is $69.95 plus ship- ping and I think this is a good value. I have built several stands and storage options in my shop, but I think this stand is a great choice, and consid- erably better than anything I have tried in the past.

Tony Coberly [email protected] PRODUCT CONCEPTS PO Box 921 Dublin, Ohio 43017 Tel.: + (614) 652-6510 productconcepts tightened into. A simple water Finally the HangORStand pipe insulation covers the bolts ™ namesake allows it to be @columbus.rr.com and this allows the wings to set hanged from the ceiling rafters if “I like persons better than on the HangOr’s ™ without you would rather it not stand un- principles, and I like persons damage. We receive three sets assisted. We are provided with with no principles better than or HangOr’s to store our mod- two straps that can be screwed anything else in the world.” els. into rafters or floor joists in a Oscar Wilde