RE: Minnflyer (AKA Mike Buzzeo) has unexpectedly passed away
Wow. I have been on a little break from the hobby while I focus on some other things and I was shocked to hear this. Mike was one of the few real experts out there who genuinely liked to help people and wasn't full of it. What a sad, unfortunate thing. He has helped countless people discover and grow in this hobby. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Posted on: 4/11/2012 8:01 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11037510

RE: big stik 40 arf help
Most GP ARF's have a sealed firewall from the factory. If it looks a little shiny then you are good. If you want to be sure then you can get brush on epoxy or just use the 30 minute stuff thinned with a little acetone or denatured alcahol. You want it to be brushable and have enough working time so it goes on smooth.
Posted on: 1/3/2012 10:07 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10889530

RE: Reducing weight 4*60 tail
I stick built the tail pieces once on 4-star .40. The result was a nose-heavy airplane that needed the battery placed way back in the fuselage to get a good CG. I would leave it alone.
Posted on: 1/2/2012 11:32 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10887927

RE: Any experience with electric retracts?
I haven't used the E-Flite retracts but i have used Lado's with outstanding results. i will never use pneumatic or mechanical retracts again unless I have no other choice. The electrics are the way to go in my opinion. The only ones I have had any trouble with came with a cheapo foamie from Nitro Planes. Those were worth exactly what I paid for them: very little.
Posted on: 5/17/2011 7:14 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10526509

RE: What to do with my .049
Check the 1/2A forum. Those guys likely know of all sorts of plans and kits appropriate for an .049.
Posted on: 5/17/2011 1:34 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10525797

RE: Will the engine mount melt?
Yep, it will be just fine.
Posted on: 5/16/2011 6:07 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10524207

RE: IS ASP 52A 2 STROKE GOOD?
[quote]ORIGINAL: fishinpole i THINKING ABOUT ASP 52 FOR MY ULTRA STICK 40. IS THIS A RELIABLE ENGINE AND HOW DOES IT PERFORM... THANKS [/quote] I have owned the Magnum version. While it wasn't quite on the same level as something like an OS as far as overall construction, power and reliability is was very close and the price was hard to beat. I had no complaints. It performed much better than I would expect for an engine in that price range. I would definitely consider another one.
Posted on: 5/13/2011 7:46 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10517427

RE: 4 stroke from 2 stroke fuel
I run Coolpower 15% in everythign whether it is 2-stroke, 4-stroke, YS, OS or whatever and have had zero problems. I liek the 15% in 4-strokes but I have ran them on 10%. There is a little bit of power loss and you have to be a little more careful about the idle mixture but most will run on it.
Posted on: 5/12/2011 9:19 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10515734

RE: Fiji
I will volunteer for a fact finding mission to Fiji.
Posted on: 5/9/2011 12:46 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10510326

RE: Rx Battery Placement.
I usually use the Rx battery as ballast and put it in a convenient place that helps achieve the proper CG. If that happens to be right next to the RX, it isn't an issue at all. I would run 6 cells with that Spektrum receiver.
Posted on: 5/8/2011 6:21 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10508981

RE: Interference Engines
Sometimes I think just the engines themselves are more interesting than the airplanes. Have you ever gone on youtube and looked at some of the miniature engine videos? There are people building tiny flat-head Fords, V-12's, you name it. Very cool stuff.
Posted on: 5/8/2011 10:35 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10508233

RE: Interference Engines
I thought I remembered seeing an RC engine with a timing belt somewhere so I did a search and found this: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10100630/anchors_10100630/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#10100630 Looks like it uses an overhead rotary valve system though and not an overhead camshaft.
Posted on: 5/7/2011 8:44 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10507479

RE: Interference Engines
I have never had to find out. Even if there was a chance of valve to piston contact, the camshaft would have to be installed way out of time for it to happen or a cam gear would have to break while running. I also wonder if the skinny pushrods would bend first on an RC engine? Regardless, not likely to ever be an issue.
Posted on: 5/7/2011 9:23 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10506551

RE: ys f-120 (messy?)
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gray Beard When I get one I first check and replace the diaphragm and gasket. [/quote] Same here here. I also go through and try to figure out everything the previous owner did so I can undo it. It is amazing how many people struggle with these engines and try all sorts of voo-doo recommended to them by some "expert" when all they had to do was plumb the thing right in the first place.
Posted on: 5/7/2011 9:21 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10506549

RE: ys f-120 (messy?)
Number 41 on the list: http://www.centralhobbies.com/Engines/parts/YS120FZEX.html
Posted on: 5/6/2011 2:30 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10505365

RE: ys f-120 (messy?)
Agreed. You will get some oil out of the exhaust but that's it.
Posted on: 5/6/2011 11:56 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10505125

RE: What's the name of the airplane ?
I have seen a kit before. It was at an estate sale so I'm sure it was older and no longer in production. I also know a guy who bought an ARF online that was made by a German company but that's about all I know about it. I have seen the Great Planes Slow Poke covered to look like a Flivver too. It isn't exactly a scale replica but it does look pretty convincing.
Posted on: 5/5/2011 9:33 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10503014

RE: What's the name of the airplane ?
At one time Henry Ford was very interested in aviation. From what I understand the Fliver was an attempt to bring flying to the average citizen just like Ford had done with the Model-T car. They abandoned the idea though. I saw one of these in the Henry Ford museum. Definitely a unique airplane.
Posted on: 5/5/2011 9:17 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10502979

RE: New kit
[quote]ORIGINAL: kitfox man Almost done with my new revolver kit hope to use my magnum 91 motor. Any tips what to look for on my first flight. [/quote] It is a very high quality, nice flying airplane. I have had zero issues with mine. I would set up the controls throws and CG as specified in the manual for the first few flights. I find that it slows down much nicer than the smaller Revolver and lands easily if you flare it enough to let the tail wheel lightly touch down first before relaxing the elevator and letting it gently drop onto the mains.
Posted on: 5/4/2011 3:15 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10501665

RE: DLE20 discontinued?
You also do not need a choke servo unless there is just no other good way to do it. If there is access throught the cowl opening to reach a choke rod, that is the simplest, lightest solution. The firewall may not necessarilly need glassing eaither. The DLE-20 is nothing like a 50cc or larger engine either. Then again, if the firewall is questionable to begin with, it might not be a bad idea. The DLE-20 will be a slightly more complicated install than the glow engine for sure and it will be easier on some airplanes than others.
Posted on: 4/28/2011 12:17 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10489895

RE: Great Planes p-51d
The 2-blade props don't look quite as odd if you spray them black and add some yellow tips. I top-coat them with flat Lusterkote clear. Sometimes I rub some flecks of aluminum colored paint on the leading edge and tips for a more realistic affect. Just be sure to use light even coats so you don't distort the prop shape and check the balance when done. It isn't a perfect solution but it does help a little.
Posted on: 4/27/2011 3:25 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10488474

RE: DLE20 discontinued?
If you think the airframe can handle the gas engine without any major instalation headaches and the small amount of extra weight won't be a problem then I would go for the DLE-20. It is compact and easy to mount in place of a glow engine and even expensive gasoline is cheaper than glow fuel. I am in the process of installing one in a 70" revolver right now and I have another one wating to go into a Top-Flite P-40.
Posted on: 4/27/2011 9:00 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10487923

RE: Zip Ties in Gas tank
Actuall the nylon zip ties do very well in gasoline. They harden and get brittle over a long period of time but so does the gasoline fuel line. There is a lot of nylon and other plastics used the fuel systems of cars, small engines and other applications. Gasolines with high ethanol content may be an issue but I doubt it since it seems to affect mainly rubber-type materials. I just don't like using a zip tie as a hose clamp. There ends up being a small unclamped area at the head of the tie. Chances are it will never be an issue though. Still, a purpose-made clamp or twisted wire as mentioned works well so long as it is not so tight that it cuts the fuel line. I like the barbs though; no clamps needed.
Posted on: 4/27/2011 8:56 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10487906

RE: Top Flite released an F4U Corsair 61 ARF !!!!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Kostas1 [i]GreatPlanes[/i] [color=#CC0000]&[/color] [i]Top Flite[/i] have been left behind from other mfg's on scale or near scale airplanes! [/quote] Actually I think Top-Flite is doing a much better job than the other manufacturers. There are some brands ont he market that look nice but the quality, design, hardware, documentation, support, flight characteristics and everything else is not on the same level as Top-Flite.
Posted on: 4/27/2011 8:44 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10487887

RE: Zip Ties in Gas tank
I use the solder barbs too. They are easy to install and work great. I know a lot of people use zip ties and I know that they probably work just fine but I just like the barb better.
Posted on: 4/26/2011 7:33 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10487048

RE: DLE20 discontinued?
[quote]ORIGINAL: ameyam OK, I get it. Point is Tower is very expensive. One of these sites had the DLE20 for $190 odd where as Tower is offerring for $279. BTW, Tower list them as available in limited quantities. Ameyam [/quote] I would be very careful with a price that sounds too good to be true. There are a lot of fake DLE engines coming out of China. It may look real on the surface but it necessarilly a genuine DLE. I can see how buying from Tower could be expensive due to the international shipping costs. You might inquire with DLE and see if they have an authorized Indian distributor or at least one that is geographically closer to you. http://www.dlpower.net/custom.asp?id=7
Posted on: 4/26/2011 9:49 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10485993

RE: Servo connecting
Something like this is what you need: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD929&P=0 It attaches to the servo arm then the cable passes through a hole and is held in place with a set screw. You might want to find someone at your local RC club to help you out and/or check things over. You don't want to have the first flight end in a crash due to improper assembly or setup.
Posted on: 4/24/2011 9:40 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10482047

RE: Hobbico on a roll with new ARF releases...
Already have the foamie Super Sportster on order. Have plenty of batteries and the spare receiver and it looks like a simple, fun little airplane.
Posted on: 4/21/2011 12:35 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10476834

RE: Top Flite 60 size P47 being converted to Razorback
I like it. This is one of my favorite airplanes but I always wished it were a razorback. The pilots may not have liked it in WW-2 of course but I just think it looks cool.
Posted on: 4/14/2011 8:07 AM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10462176

RE: SIG Four Star 40 Build Questions/advice
I scratch built a sheeted wing for one and it worked great. What I did was cut new ribs that had their outline reduced by 1/16th". That way the addition of sheeting and cap strips didn't affect the overall size of the wing and it fit the fuselage good without any hassle. The wing was very stiff and it flew great. Was it necessary? Probably not but I like to do stuff just for the experience sometimes. I didn't have to deal with taking out any warps in the wing that I introduced with the covering though. In the pics you will also see that I stick-built the tail. That was a mistake. It made an already nose-heavy airplane worse. My receiver battery was almost back by the tail to balance it. I should have just used the tail pieces supplied in the kit or made some new ones from sheet if I wanted a different shape. I also reduced the dihedral. Another mistake. Bruce Tharpe put it there for a reason.
Posted on: 4/13/2011 10:07 PM by Author "ChuckW" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10461655