RE: The Old Poop is still alive.
Welcome home GB.
Posted on: 2/24/2012 4:49 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10974411

RE: Gray Beard needs our prayers
Really great news GB. You take good care of yourself-we'll all be here when you're back up and running. I miss you!
Posted on: 2/22/2012 2:59 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10970324

RE: The sad future of aeromodeling...
Don't panic guys. Besides R/C aircraft I enjoy building wooden sailing ships men of war. Aint seen any of those lately! But there are plenty of fine models out there and folks still crazy enough to build them :) Some of us like bipes and 44 gunners. Others jets and who knows-maybe drones. There will always be modelers.
Posted on: 2/17/2012 7:11 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963030

RE: Gray Beard needs our prayers
Sorry to hear the news. My wishes for a full recovery.
Posted on: 2/13/2012 5:35 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10956620

RE: Gray bearded old poop slid to the dark side!
The Mayans were right....the world ends in 2012! A build thread!!!!! Great idea. Please let us know if we need both slot head and phillips screwdrivers.
Posted on: 1/13/2012 9:53 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10906891

RE: Do you always follow Top Flite manuals?
I always read the manuals before I start. It gives me a good idea of the flow of things and also allows time to think of where modifications might be appropriate. I usually find a mistake or two in the manuals but the 'good guys' like TF, BUSA and Sig do a very good job and issue addendums if needed. Some kits (I won't say which) come with very poor manuals or none at all....just some notes on the plans. In those cases you had better plan carefully before breaking out the glue.
Posted on: 12/31/2011 8:57 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10884487

RE: SIG Hog Bipe Tips??
[quote]ORIGINAL: raydar Was flying mine yesterday, plenty power with a 91 fs, highly recommend this set up. Built mine stock, but with the two aileron servo modificaion that should come with a new kit. Instructions where spot on with no hidden issues that I can think of except that if you are going with the two aileron servo mod it would be a good idea to read the extra page of instruction supplied and mark the point of deviation in the original build manual. The fuel tank is built into the fuse and is inexcessable, some make a tank hatch for future plumbing repairs also I have heard it is good to have the landing gear a half inch forward to stop nose overs on the ground, although a bit squirly on take off I have not had any issues with nose overs with the landing gear at the factory position. Fun plane and has a nice presence in the air, enjoy [/quote] They are great flying planes. Had one years back and just built another 2 years ago. Although I was satisfied with the original using an OS .91 FS I put a Saito 1.00 in the new one and it's a perfect combo (up here at 5400' elevation). Checked my notes on both builds and didn't see much as far as problems or signigicant mods. But like any bipe, pay close attention to alignment and incidences. Flying off paved runways I've never had a problem with noseovers.
Posted on: 12/21/2011 4:38 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10870578

RE: Balsarite for Fabric
I use acetone. Takes a while to mix in if the Balsarite is really thick but it works.
Posted on: 11/19/2011 3:56 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10819904

RE: Flying unfinshed models
I've talked to some really good scale guys and yes, some do like to fly a new airframe before all the time-consuming details are applied. But I also worry about paint adhesion and the effect of oil on the overall final finish. One fellow had what to me was the best answer. If you're that worried about flight characteristics of an unknown airframe, build one that is basically unfinished (but the right weight and balance), fly it and then build the second one as your masterpiece. I know it sounds time consuming. But in thinking back, several times I've built something and if I really liked it eventually went back and built a second with some 'tweaks' to make it better.
Posted on: 11/17/2011 7:00 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10816264

RE: Sig LT-40 or Great Planes PT-60?
[quote]ORIGINAL: repirazz [quote]ORIGINAL: soarrich No contest LT-40 wins. [/quote] ^^- +1 Can't really go wrong with either choice, but my vote goes to the LT. [/quote] Ditto on that.
Posted on: 11/17/2011 5:30 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10816125

RE: Using a sock on monokote iron
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner Cotton T shirts John [/quote] John has the right idea. You can't use too thick a material. What I did was order a commercial TopFlite sock and my wife matched the material (somekind of muslin/cotton) and then she matched the sock pattern. Now she makes them for me so I always have 'clean socks' :) Never need to turn the iron above the 2.5 setting for mono, 2.3 for 21st Century fabric and about 2.1 for Solartex
Posted on: 11/17/2011 5:28 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10816124

RE: New Saito 100 Won't Start
Sullivan also makes a NiCad screw-on unit for the Dynatron that has an output of 14.4V. Although not as powerful as 24V it makes the unit completely portable and easier to use. I've used it for years to start everything up to my Saito 1.80's.
Posted on: 11/11/2011 6:45 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10806908

RE: Century Jet Retracts
I bought a set of CJ's for a Top Flite GE kit but didn't get to installing and testing the retracts for about 14 months. I contacted CJ and they informed me the guarantee period had been exceeded but they would repair them for about $100. I discarded them, purchased a set of Robarts and have been happy ever since.
Posted on: 11/2/2011 5:25 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10794121

RE: warbird engine sizing? 4 stroke
[quote]ORIGINAL: kahloq [quote]ORIGINAL: naval flight officer kahloq, You live in Ft. Collins Co. I think your altitude above sea level has more to do with the size of engine needed. There is no doubt you need bigger horse power to fly as high as your do. Charlotte NC is much closer to sea level and would probably allow those originally mentioned aircraft to be flown with much less horse power. [/quote] The altitude is higher yes....and since Im using a 180 in a 73'' ME-109 I said to the OP that he should use the 125 or 120. I did not say go buy a 150 or 180. I can also attest that I have flown at close to sea lvl in NY and the plane I took with me showed very little difference in how it handled compared to here. Theres no way I myself would put a 91 4stroke on a 72'' 12pound me-109 no matter where I was flying. A 91 in a 12 pound 72'' piper cub is another story. But i also prefer being able to loop without diving and having some fashion of vertical climb. I dont mean unlimited, cuz even the 180 powered 109 is not even close to unlimted...but the bigger motor does allow for a larger more scale size prop. [/quote] Although I somewhat disagree with kahloq on the effect of altitude on flying characteristics, I agree with his recommendation on a 1.20 or 1.25 on the ME-109. 'Up here' I usually go with the maximum size engine recommended.....sometimes plus one size for truly good performance. And I know that bringing my planes down to sea level results in better vertical performance regardless of the design (Cub or warbird). Planes at sea level just fly as if they had a much lower wing loading than at 5000 ft. +
Posted on: 10/19/2011 3:51 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10772682

RE: What glue do you use most?
[quote]ORIGINAL: davidgeorge212 I mainly use CA glue for general balsa wood gluing, I use epoxy when I want to strengthen certain areas, and I use wood glue for laminating together sheets or planks of wood. [/quote] Same here
Posted on: 10/12/2011 5:11 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10761201

RE: Vintage builders - which type of glue?
It was Ambroid for me back in the day. Couldn't beat the color and the smell! Believe it or not they still carry it in my LHS.
Posted on: 10/11/2011 6:41 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10760650

RE: Great Planes plan protector warning
[quote]ORIGINAL: jessiej [quote]ORIGINAL: JNorton 2nd what Rodney said. Buy name brand wax paper. I use Cut Rite. John [/quote] That's what I use. Works as well as the others.[:o] jess [/quote] There is no other brand : )
Posted on: 10/10/2011 4:48 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10758706

RE: Saito 100 or 115?
It was my impression that the Saito 1.00 actually has a displacement of 1.10? I'd like to hear more from those who have both the 1.0 and 1.15. I've got 2 1.00's and they run very well and a 1.25 that I know is more powerful but I am curious about the 1.15.
Posted on: 10/9/2011 5:46 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10755896

RE: Inverted saito 150
Ditto on the advice to use the OS 'F' four stroke plug and particularly on the tank line suggestion. I have Saito 1.25, 1.5 and 1.8's all mounted inverted and they run very well. In the event you cannot get the tank centerline down far enough the engine will run fine but may not idle slow enough for you. In that case any of the good on-board glow drivers will easily solve that issue and also make starting more convenient.
Posted on: 10/9/2011 5:41 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10755890

RE: Solartex Questions??
I'll tell ya mac....it's a mystery. Sure, I can use a rattle can and do a decent job on a cowl or wheel pants but that's about it. I did have some luck brush painting with the Nelson paint line and had one job come out really well on a set of Sig 1/4 scale floats. Tried painting some roundels once and they came out looking like a frozen pizza on a fuzzy blue background. If I can't do it with covering-over-covering or striping tape I just call 1-800-Custom Graphics!
Posted on: 10/4/2011 11:09 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10748265

RE: Solartex Questions??
You have my sympathy GB. I'm in the same boat. I keep saying someday I'll take the plunge and buy a compressor but it never happens.
Posted on: 10/4/2011 10:20 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10748173

RE: Gyro on Warbird rudder ?
[quote]ORIGINAL: dasintex I use Gyros as do many others on Warbirds to control the rudder; usually, it's to control the Rudder and tail wheel on Takeoff to eliminate ground looping on rollout, then after the Plane is in the air you turn the Gyro off; I've not heard of too many using it for landing; I have tried it for landing but had all kinds of problems and this is because you have to turn the Gyro on when the Plane is perfectly lined up straight and center to the runway, and standing in the Pilot's Box or Station, is next to impossible to judge this; on take off, its fairly easy because you merely line your plane up straight and center on the Center Line, then turn on the Gyro and a way you go. [/quote] Ditto that experience. I don't use a rudder gyro but I did spend a lot of time setting one up on a friends Ziroli Stearman. It truly aided the pilot on takeoffs resulting in amazingly straight takeoff runs but no success on landings for the reasons mentioned by dasintex. I'd really be interested to hear how you make out.
Posted on: 10/4/2011 6:42 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10747844

RE: Your average / longest build
A tough question depending on size, complexity and the amount of detail as everyone has mentioned. I tend to keep track in actual hours rather than 'years on the bench'. A nice job on a sport plane like a Hog Bipe takes about 150 hours whereas a good scale effort on something like a Spacewalker will take about 300 and a really nice WWII bird 500+. I'm retired so I tend to build about 25 hours a week including routine maintenance. I may not be any good but I'm slow :)
Posted on: 10/4/2011 6:35 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10747835

RE: Solartex Questions??
[quote]ORIGINAL: OldScaleGuy Some soiling and staining actual adds character to some of the planes, i.e. the Fokker Dr1 is a prime example and other war birds for sure. [/quote] Not to mention a rib-stitched Cub !
Posted on: 10/4/2011 6:18 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10747816

RE: Solartex Questions??
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gray Beard How many people clean a plane right away after flying?? If it isn't clear coated then it will stain sooner or later and it makes clean up a bunch easier. I have tried it with and without clear coating. The coating makes it an easier clean job. We all make our own cleaner. ST does not require any coatings or primer to paint. Mater of fact the paint clings very well without any type of coatings. Due to the weave sometimes the paint will flow under the mask though. Great stuff!!! [/quote] Maybe it's just me but I've seen very few folks not clean a plane after a day of flying. That's what makes crashing less traumatic you save a step (and some paper towels) :)
Posted on: 10/3/2011 4:39 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10746017

RE: News from Sig.
I'm with Gary in hoping they continue to provide good quality kits. I've got a brand new Spacewalker II almost ready to go and was just thinking it would be nice to have a spare A-Hog and Hog Bipe on the shelf as back-ups. I've always been pleased with Sig.
Posted on: 10/1/2011 5:49 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10743323

RE: winds 15 mph to 40 mph which type of plane
[quote]ORIGINAL: crispinchurch well some great comments many thanks for that what about deltas any good i got Extreme Flight outlaw and a biplane D. and B. Sport SESQUI PLANE on a 40 that does well upto 30mph but when i can fly again going with you guys and get my 60 size extra and cap out and try them [/quote] Personally, I leave my bipes home with winds above 20mph...but they are all lightly loaded WWI types. My favorite 'wind plane' is the delta wing BUSA Northstar with an AX .55 two stroke for power.
Posted on: 9/19/2011 3:47 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10723617

RE: Watcha Buildin'?
Going to finish up my Spacewalker II and start a TF .60 Corsair kit. "Building season" starts out here around Thanksgiving.
Posted on: 9/16/2011 5:12 PM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10720130

RE: Sky Bolt engine choice, input requested...
We've got 2 GP kit built skybolts at our field, both nicely detailed. One uses a Saito 1.00 four stroke ( which has an actual displacement of 1.1) and the other an OS 1.20 2 stroke. Both fly well (we're at 5300 feet) but in my opinion the Saito flys and sound better. The 2 stroke 1.2 is a bit much.
Posted on: 9/14/2011 5:26 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10715934

RE: Bare-bones beauty
I really enjoy looking at my planes 'in the bones'. So much so I almost hate to cover 'em. In fact a few years back when I was getting ready to move back to the US, I filled a month building a Herr Engineering J-3 Cub which I left uncovered (except for the rudder/vetical stab), stained and it hangs over my desk. I generally take it out when we do a seminar to a willing group and folks really get a kick out of seeing the 'skeleton' along with some of our finished models.
Posted on: 9/10/2011 8:55 AM by Author "Augie11" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10710042