RE: Colors?
I've never seen a pilot [i]put[/i] a scale military model in a maneuver that would cause them to loose orientation. Seriously. Low fly-bys and flat race-track circuits are pretty easy to recover from. [:)]
Posted on: 11/14/2009 10:29 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254313

RE: Motivation
[quote]ORIGINAL: iflircaircraft What motivates you guys/gals? Tom [/quote] Lack of anything better to do? Pretty sad, really. [8|]
Posted on: 11/14/2009 10:25 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254305

RE: Rant about getting started
If you are in the Broome County area I can recommend the AGS Club. They have a student pilot school and will have instructors ready on the days the class/group meets at the field. The man who trained me was one of the most cantankerous and gruff people I know. And he was always there, always got me set-up and running, always made sure I knew the maneuver and could perform it in varying wind conditions and directions. Not what some would call a "good teacher", but he made sure I was taught and I appreciate his efforts in getting me airborn. Other students avoided him but I saw it as a challenge and I like challenges. Oh, he's also an international competator in FAI and IMAC. I can't imagine what his time was worth if he were to go pro as an instructor. The AEROs that I belong to in Chenango Bridge are less formal and have no "official" flight school, so you should introduce yourself at a meeting and ask for help ahead of time. Not just appear at the field when guys are eager to fly their own planes after shuffling their schedules to do so. But we do require an interest in 1/4 scale and IMAA membership. Someone who has the time and initiative will likely volunteer to help you. Not a bad deal getting free help from someone who would normally charge $30 to $75 for an hour of his precious free time, or even more seeing as this would be time-and-a-half overtime.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 9:34 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254203

RE: New addition to my flight box, cool huhh
I guess that's nice?? I could play solitare while I was waiting for the frequency pin. [:)]
Posted on: 11/4/2009 10:48 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227501

RE: More misc newbie questions
The only reason the switch direction matters is that a glancing blow will turn you off with the "ON" position forward. This can happen when someone unfamiliar with your model helps hold and launch it at take-off and it bumps his hand when he lets go. You'll know right away. Airflow cannot trip the switch. There is also a boundry effect on the flat fuselage side and the airflow is further "confused". I wouldn't sweat the switch unless it confuses you or others who handle the model. You are correct in the fuel route. No, it won't (shouldn't!) get hot enough to bother the fuel. In fact - the pre-heat might help with the fuel diffusion/atomization at the carb jet and give you added performance! (Well, it could.) Some charges switch to trickle. Most "wall wart" variety don't - but it is low amperage and not an issue. I have never had a servo pull out in flight - except once in a mid-air and with the wing gone it wouldn't have helped much. [:@]
Posted on: 11/4/2009 10:26 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227454

RE: BE careful w/ chinese generic servos
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. When flying cheap servos you are courting with disaster. I occasionally cheap out on the throttle servos, but never a flight control. PS - cheap metal geared servos are worse than good polymer gears. If the gears don't mesh they can stick and drain your battery (as well as lock a control surface). They are also prone to vibration in frequencies that may interfere with a 72 MHz receiver.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 10:17 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227434

RE: first kit build question / problem
If you built the leading and trailing edges on and to the plans it won't make a gnat's a$$ of a difference. If, however, the chord of that wing (total width) is compressed because the ribs were angled it will make a tiny difference (less lift vs. the opposite side). Once trimmed in flight you'll never detect it because of the dihedral built in . . . unless it was a major difference. The LT-40 is a very forgiving and self-correcting design. I helped an Explorer post build four of them and you never saw four differently constructed versions of the same kit with no intentional bashing. There must have weighed a full pound different between the four (one group used two bottles of Titebond and another only half of one bottle!). But they all flew very well and it was really hard to pick the heavy one unless you flew it immediately after the lightest. Great choice for a trainer and first build.
Posted on: 11/4/2009 9:52 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227386

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
[quote]ORIGINAL: cappaj1 [quote]ORIGINAL: Charlie P. A few years back my wife got me a ''stocking stuffer'' type gift that is a pack of ''50 War Classics'' on DVD. All kinds of ''B'' war movies but, treasure of treasures, a flock of War Department documentaries, most by Frank Capra, all for something like $9.99. The box says ''
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:17 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9226696

RE: WANTED: Warbird movie suggestions
A few years back my wife got me a "stocking stuffer" type gift that is a pack of "50 War Classics" on DVD. All kinds of "B" war movies but, treasure of treasures, a flock of War Department documentaries, most by Frank Capra, all for something like $9.99. The box says "Mill Creek Entertainment" and I found their website but not the exact boxed set I have. Memphis Belle (1944) The Battle of Britain (1943) The Battle of China (1943) The Battle of Russia (1943) Prelude to War (1943) Divide and Conquer (1943) The Nazi Strike (1943) Desert Victory (1943) Thunderbolt (1947) (Great wing camera footage of the P-47) Appointment in Tokyo (1945) And several more . . . ( I sound like late-night TV) For $10 or $12 it's worth it just for the Memphis Belle documentary. Can't imagine getting into a bomber day after day knowing 50% of the squadron wasn't coming back. Some of the war movies are hokey, but some I had never heard of are surprisingly good. All the documentaries are B&W, but at least the Zeros aren't AT-6s. [:)]
Posted on: 11/3/2009 11:06 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224978

RE: does anyone use nylon bolts from grainger?
I get mine at Lowe's, also. In the hardware section in the "glory box" sliding drawers. They have 6-32 on up to 1/4-20. I use the 6-32 on the landing gear on some models. I have a metal detector that uses a Nylon bolt on the coil head and the company will gladly sell you a $7.99 replacement for the 49¢ Lowes bolt & wing-nut.
Posted on: 11/3/2009 10:37 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9224913

RE: Good looking covering scheme
[quote]ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS (and I hate when people don't tell others this and they crash it due to orientation issues) use the darker colored covering on the BOTTOM of the plane!!! When you're staring at your plane up in the sky, no matter what backdrop or sky color (exasterbated against bright sun) [b]your plane will always look dark on the bottom because it's basically a shadow beneath the plane[/b]. If you put light on the bottom and dark on top, you wont be able to tell very easily by the color which way is up! (Though I nearly always look at the wheels, canopy, etc anyway). [/quote] Most scale warbird models are darker on top. But if it's dark on the top, as you recommend, and the bottom ALWAYS looks dark, then how do you tell when it is or isn't inverted? [:)] Usually when I lose orientation it's not flying level inverted [b]or[/b] right side up. It is in a tumble or spin and as long as I know which surface is what color it helps me correct faster. Another great aid in orientation is to fly closer in.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 12:12 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219050

RE: Converted from Tri cycle to tai dragger
I take a bunch of pennies and see how much weight I am needing by adding them a few at a time. As daRock said, the conversion shouldn't shift much weight towards the nose. You're removing a large nose wheel and adding a tiny wheel way out on the tail. Before you add anything try moving the battery and receiver back. Anymore you won't gain much with the receiver . . . but it all helps. Sheet lead between the tailwheel bracket and the fuselage is a good spot. The further back the less you'll need. And lighter always flies better.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 12:00 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219022

RE: When should I consider myself not a beginner?
[quote]ORIGINAL: beachbrada You're no longer a beginner when people ask you for help, then you are a novice flyer. You are no longer a novice when people stop flying to watch you fly, then you are a expert. [/quote] I like that definition. Though there are exceptions. [quote]when people stop flying to watch you fly, then you are a expert.[/quote] There are a few pilots at our field that create an audience when they lift off . . . partially out of self-preservation so you know when to duck and partially out of curiosity - like not being able to look away dfrom a car crash. NOT because they are exerts. [:)]
Posted on: 10/30/2009 10:15 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216538

RE: Looking for ideas to keep oil off my planes
Two of my favorite methods of reducing oil on the airframe are four-stroke engines (half as much oil exhausted) and mounting the engine so that the muffler blows the exhaust down between the wheels.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 10:02 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216508

RE: Good looking covering scheme
Until you get some practice in covering - K.I.S.S. Best designs have a large contrast between top & bottom so you can regain orientation quickly. My Contender is plain orange underneath and the Hot Stik is fluorescent green with orange & yeppow stripes near the wingtips. Both have black or at least darker panels on top and tinted canopies to add to the contrast. If you go with a checkerboard use one with large squares. 1" and smaller tends to just look gray from any distance. There is an article on the Tornado in Model Airplane New's archives: [quote] Global Tornado ARF (model airplane) Article Abstract: The Global Tornado ARF model airplane is well-constructed and can be easily assembled. It uses the Magnum XL-.46 engine which is easy to install. It requires 150 ft. of runway and right rudder is required for the takeoff run. author: Trachten, Craig Publisher: Air Age, Inc. Publication Name: Model Airplane News Subject: Hobbies and crafts ISSN: 0026-7295 Year: 1996 Global Tornado ARF (Model airplane) [/quote]
Posted on: 10/28/2009 1:52 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209458

RE: Boy!!!! Dumb Thumbs
Heck with the "down trim" suggestions (I never use it) [quote]ORIGINAL: goirish Way to slow and full up. the plane was really to far away. I was at a field that I was not familiar with and the runway was very narrow. So on my downwind leg I flew over the trees. I cut the power just as I started to turn base. [b]I think with the wind behind the plane it just didn't have enough airspeed[/b]. However, the ground speed looked OK. But, they don't fly by ground speed, do they? It was really one of those dumb moments. [/quote] DON'T LAND WITH THE WIND BEHIND THE MODEL - - - EVER! If you must - don't - but in that case use twice as much speed as you are comfortable with! Keep your nose to the wind and your tail to yourself.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 1:40 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209432

RE: Giant Stik control throws
A.M.T.A.P. (As much throw as possible). Low rates would be about 20º and high rates 45º. Put 60% exponential on the high rates and you should have a great flying ship.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 1:26 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209398

RE: What kind of airplane did I just buy?
Agree it is no Kaos, U-Can-Do or Four-Star. Wings and tail like a Bruce Tharpe Venture but the wing is high instead of low and the canopy is wrong.
Posted on: 10/24/2009 11:35 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9199717

RE: What attracts you?
I never learned to golf so I have to have something to do. I like building them in the winter. Flying them year round. Hanging out at the field with buddies. Challenging myself with flying some or just relaxing and boring holes in the sky with others. Making the engines run right . . . whether they seem to want to or not. Putzing around in my shop trying different things. Or just rearranging the shop. Wondering about models I haven't tried or remembering models I have. Getting airborne in the morning light. Greasing that last landing of the day. Hanging around on RC Universe sharing thoughts.
Posted on: 10/24/2009 10:39 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9199607

RE: How to avoid the rubber ring on the spinner
Yeah! Gimmie that throaty propped chainsaw gasser sound any day. [:D] Even the little glow engines sound like they're accomplishing something. Who wants to have a low pass with a big warbird zip by going "[i]bzzzzzzzzzzz[/i]"? That'd be just humiliatin'
Posted on: 10/24/2009 12:01 AM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197542

RE: Do people ever ask if they can try your airplane?
Never been asked - but then I don't fly in public parks. [;)]
Posted on: 10/23/2009 11:55 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197534

RE: Two Stroke Question
Two-strokes got chokes? Did the Saito have a fuel pump? Most two-strokes rely on exhaust pressure to get the fuel to the engine, so you may be trying to start a fuel-starved carb. Put your finger over the carb intake and hand spin the prop three or four revolutions (with no glow starter on, of course) to draw the fuel up into the jet/spray bar. Then light up the plug and hit it with the starter motor.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 11:17 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197444

RE: How to avoid the rubber ring on the spinner
[quote]ORIGINAL: KWJ48 Go electric... no starter needed. [:D] [/quote] No! Don't fall under the power of the Spark Side of The Force. Then you're just trading the marks on the spinner for the burn marks on your worktable from combusting LiPos. Or your car, clubhouse and home if you caught the District X article in Model Avaition this month.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 10:42 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197384

RE: How to avoid the rubber ring on the spinner
Here are images of the plastic spinner on my Hot Stik that has well over 100 starts on it and the silicone starter cup on my Sullivan Hi-Tork. I didn't even wipe off the spinner for the shot. A plastic spinner does not have to be buggered up.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 10:27 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197356

RE: I am now a nervous flyer?????
Don't feel too discouraged. We all get "the shakes" from time to time. Sit and watch a few other pilots until they pass. Deer hunters get buck fever. Target shooters develop snap shooting (releasing a bow or pulling a trigger before you're anchored). We all have "slump" periods in whatever physical or mental activity we choose that takes concentration and focus. Just a mild variation on battle fatigue. You get over worried or stressed and it builds and bilds upon itself. Relax. Don't worry. This is for fun, remember. The Stik is a great solution. Do some simple take-offs and landings on low rates. Don't push it or force it. Just enjoy yourself.
Posted on: 10/22/2009 10:28 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194833

RE: balancing a mid wing plane ?
Midwings I have balanced right side up. I get it close by fingertip method (up to 15 pound models) and then fly it to determine where it [b][i]really[/i][/b] should be. Because of building variations, wood weight differences, equipment outfitting differences and flying styles the plan balance point is rarely right where I like it so a complicated Vanessa still wouldn't be my last stop. The plan C.G. is just a ballpark estimate that the prototype flew well at. Trim for level flight at 3/4 throttle. Pull up in a 45º climb. Roll to inverted and then let the sticks go neutral. Nose heavy falls off and tail heavy noses up. Continues straight - OK. Then trim for level flight and bank it 45º in either direction and then center the controls (keeping the bank angle). Nose drops - nose heavy. Nose pitches up - tail heavy. Flies level for at least a few seconds - OK.
Posted on: 10/22/2009 10:15 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194802

RE: Co2 motor help
Peck-Polymers used to sell CO2 motors for peanut scale. I think they're still around. May have some info and recharging fittings.
Posted on: 10/22/2009 9:58 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194766

RE: gas eng looking
Zenoah G-26
Posted on: 10/21/2009 12:41 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9190861

RE: Transporting a plane in a Car
I keep two wool "yard sale" army blankets in the car for the wings. I put the fuselages in cradles so they don't roll around. PS - you can fit a Great Planes Ultimate (27%) and a Contender 60 in a VW Jetta Sport Wagon at the same time . . . just.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 10:44 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9189699

RE: Landing with Crow
[quote]ORIGINAL: jptonks Theoretically, this set up will allow the airplane to be pointed straight down without building up airspeed. [/quote] No. Not on a planet like earth with gravity. It adds tremendous drag but not [i]that [/i]much. I have crow/airbrakes set up on my Hot Stik with split ailerons. It does slow the vertical descent, but it does pick up speed if nose down. From a level flight it will drop in like a Harrier. Be sure to trigger it at very slow speed when making the first attempts. At any throttle at all mine tends to nose down instantly at a right angle! And I assure you with not much drop in speed initially. Took the gear off once when I caught the crow switch by accident when flipping the dual rate switch beside it. I pulled out at about 6" off the ground a heartbeat after I had been at 30 feet or so!
Posted on: 10/20/2009 10:39 PM by Author "Charlie P." in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9189688