RE: Wanted...T.F. P-39 kit.
[quote]ORIGINAL: Bob Paris Hi Guys, I'm looking for a Top Flight P-39 kit. Any one have one they want to let go with...? Happy New Year, Bob Paris [/quote] Been carting one around since the eighties HOWEVER it has probably been stripped of some balsa (maybe not). It's raining cats and dogs right now so I'll wait until tomorrow to dig it out from the hobby shed. I'll get back to you. Don
Posted on: 3/2/2010 8:54 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9549843

RE: magnum engines
[quote]ORIGINAL: ChuckW I stick mainly to OS 4-strokes with a few YS's in my fleet. They are always my number one preference. If I were given a choice between Magnum and Saito though, I'd pick the Magnum for most applications. Why? They may not be the best thing out there but they sure aren't the worst either, especially considering the low price. I've gotten just as frustrated with Saitos so why pay more for a prettier rocker cover? I know I will likely get slammed on here for saying that but that's my opinion; everyone has a preference. I've owned both a .52 and .70 Magnum 4-stroke in the past. Both performed to my expectation. [/quote] SLAM SLAM SLAM You just insulted my favorite engine SLAM SLAM SLAM (:-) Acutally all my engines are four stroke O.S. or Saito but my Saitos [seem] to run better at idle. Never had a YS but thought about buying one recently.
Posted on: 2/16/2010 7:56 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9510475

RE: magnum engines
[quote]ORIGINAL: carrellh Everyone has their favorite. Some are almost ''rabid'' in their enthusiasm for one brand versus another. I've never owned a Saito. My brother has a 125 and likes it so far (bench run only - not flown yet). I do own four strokes from OS and Magnum. I think they run pretty close to the same but the Magnums do seem to be more touchy on needle settings. I do not know if the threads on the Magnum needles are more coarse or if the taper of the needle is different, but, one click of the high speed needle ''can'' take the Magnum from 'too rich' to 'too lean.' The OS, and my brother's Saito, seem to have a broader range of needle adjustment. If I had unlimited budget I would probably go 100% OS mostly because of user friendliness. It's a personal preference. Since my budget is not unlimited I have mostly Magnum. [/quote] My brother bought a Magnum 52 and had to return it immediately (no compression at all). The replacement will run but only when it's in the mood. Like you,,, the needle seems to be the big culprit.
Posted on: 2/16/2010 7:50 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9510456

RE: Opinions please, warped wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gray Beard I straighten out small warps with the covering. I quit using wood glue for sheeting too, it seems the water in the glue causes warps?? That's what I'm seeing anyway, as soon as I started using the wood glues I started getting warps, I went back to CA and all is well again. [/quote] The only problem with that (in my case) is that even a minute amount of CA in the air causes the sniffles, itchy eyes, etc. I wonder if Ambroid (from the world of ancient people) would cause warps? I can't remember, been too long ago. Don
Posted on: 2/16/2010 11:10 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9509138

RE: Opinions please, warped wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: KitBuilder what glue did you use - waterproof?? And I believe a quick dunking would work. I have used a spray bottle and just misted the top and bottom which worked well. [/quote] I use Titebond III. When it gets right down to it I'll probably revert to the old tricks (such as your water bottle idea since it'd be safer).
Posted on: 2/15/2010 11:19 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9508244

Opinions please, warped wing
Building my Sig Spacewalker II wing again after it had been sitting on the bench partially completed for the last two months. I noticed I picked up a couple of pretty good warps in the outer areas of one wing. I usually weigh down the wing then thoroughly wet down the leading and or trailing edge skin with alcohol and let it dry (it works) but thought I'd try something different this time. Think I'll soak the outer 1/3 of the wing in a bucket of water for ten or fifteen minutes then weigh the wing down on a flat bench til dry. Crazy? That'll work? or some other idea? Thanks
Posted on: 2/15/2010 8:53 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9507835

RE: titebond II vs titebond III
[quote]ORIGINAL: Scratchie I'm weaning myself off of thin CA. Is titebond III the strongest non-CA glue? Maybe go with titebond II or Elmers Wood for sheeting and areas where the glue might be on the surface of the plane? [/quote] I have used Titebond III for several years and have found it quite easily sanded but then again that is subject to personal technique and tastes. You might want to consider the final cured color of II vs III but otherwise I think you'll be just as happy with either. As to strength,,, I have many planes kit built, most in the 90 to 125 class, and none have ever had a glue joint failure.
Posted on: 2/13/2010 7:52 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9501805

RE: Time to stop using CA/CA+ - breathing problems
[quote]ORIGINAL: Scratchie I'm not sure I can build without my thin CA - it's a miracle glue. Anyway, I think I'll still use it to ''tac'' parts on with, then try titebond. It's hard for me to belive that an Elmer's glue product could set up as tightly as a CA. Do yuo guys think a fan and a dust mask will do much about teh CA issue? [/quote] As you can see from the varied opinions, the CA adhesives affect everyone differently. Personally,,, I went from having CA not bother me at all to the point that I can get the itching nose and sniffles even though I have a fan blowing it away from the work area and out a window. Even the expensive mask I bought that was supposedly designed to protect against such fumes failed to solve the problem. Now THAT'S a sensitivity (:-). You CAN do without CA. Titebond III works great, just takes longer (use more pins and clamps). As to the hold, I have built a lot of planes in the last three years and I have yet had one suffer a failed joint. Judging by the ever more crowded work area in my shed it might be better if some of them would fail.
Posted on: 2/12/2010 7:59 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9499381

RE: Extra-500 paperwork confusion
[quote]ORIGINAL: christopheraaa Hi DON41, I am christopheraaa My wife bought me the same model for me for my birth day.I am having some trouble with it all so.I have built some models myself but they were all Grate Planes kits .I got used to the way they had two sets of (paper work) One blue print with tags ,a complete parts list and instruction book that told you exactly where to put every thing
Posted on: 1/1/2010 1:12 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "NitroModels Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9376839

RE: Here today, gone tomorrow
[quote]ORIGINAL: TripleDeucer I suppose allot of stuff is made from balsa. I wouldn't think those blades were though. We have a ton of those windmills on the hills around us and I see those blades going down the road all the time. [/quote] Well no wonder there's a shortage. Every blade that escapes by running off down the road has to be replaced (:-)
Posted on: 11/23/2009 8:32 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9275674

RE: topflite elder 40 build
[quote]ORIGINAL: michel gravelle Hi Guys I have been following youre thread for some time now , and if I may , make one suggestion . I have been using vinyl coated Kevlar for my pull-pull systems , would this work for the wire ? http://www.thunderboltrc.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=113_124&products_id=581 Michel [/quote] I think the elastic line is used because it won't sag over the plane's lifetime. Guess it depends on how much the framework moves? Don
Posted on: 11/21/2009 12:22 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269970

RE: topflite elder 40 build
[quote]ORIGINAL: hatnikman3 BUMP! Hi guy's, where are you finding the elastic chord that doesn't come in a roll of 1000 ft?? and what size. Looking good, lets keep it up. N Pockets. [/quote] My wife picked it up for me at a store that supplies dress making material. It comes in small spools. I'll dig it out tomorrow and forward a brand, etc. I drilled small holes at each frame intersection and threaded it thru, terminated with CA. Didn't take any time at all. Don
Posted on: 11/20/2009 10:53 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9269005

RE: I can fly, now I want to build...
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer [quote]ORIGINAL: Don41 You can't go wrong with a Sig kit. [/quote] I hear this quote so often and it just makes my skin crawl. Maybe not with Sig's NEWER kits, but their older kits haven't been updated since the 60's and are ''Builder's Kits'' in the truest sense of the word. [/quote] I recommend Sig because, like any â
Posted on: 11/19/2009 11:53 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9265109

RE: I can fly, now I want to build...
You can't go wrong with a Sig kit. Just follow the instructions and take your time. The wood and instructions are always first rate. I build an occasional TopFlite, good but not as good as Sig. Sig's Spacewalker II is a kit with tons of sticks and pre-cut parts yet not too difficult to build. It has a 7 foot wingspan and will require a fairly large engine. You just need the basic set of hand tools and sanding sticks to build it. The 1/5 scale Cub is also a great kit but I think it's more complex and you'll end up with a gentle high wing plane. I suspect you want something more. Of course, the Cub is a pretty plane and it will fly just fine on a 52 size four stroke which might be attractive, depending on the engines you own. BTW: Depending on which ARFs you have built I'd say you are probably a better builder than you think. If you have ever correctly assembled, and corrected the problems of a piece of cr*p that someone like NitroPlanes sells then you have to have something going for yourself as a builder. Regards
Posted on: 11/18/2009 11:47 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264305

RE: Tail Wheel Recommendation
[quote]ORIGINAL: chuck l I'm looking for a good tail wheel for my 3D type planes. The ones that came with the planes were junk, so I replaced them with Sullivans which are only slightly better. After landing, the rudder/stabilizer loading from a cross wind overpowers the small diameter tiller arm, making it very difficult to steer the plane down the runway. My luck with tailwheels using opposing springs hasn't been any better. (Yes, I do use up elevator while taxing.) Any recommendations would be appreciated. Chuck [/quote] I had several Sullivans with the springs and had so little control that I ended up dumping the springs and replacing them with rigid wire. End of ground control problems. Regards
Posted on: 11/1/2009 1:13 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9220203

RE: Two Stroke Question
[quote]ORIGINAL: da Rock When you've got a cowl in the way, try blocking the exhaust with your finger and turn it over a couple of times. The muffler pressure will quite nicely fill the delivery hose. Test to see how many turns that engine likes. It might not need anything but a full fuel delivery tube. It might want a bit more. Over the years it's been obvious that engines care about how they're mounted and plumbed. A buddy's 46AX won't start the first time each session unless he plugs the exhaust while hitting the spinner with his starter. I got a couple that hand crank with one choked turnover. And one that starts without any fooling around at all. All of them 46AX. Don't expect one answer to your question, [i]''Is the need to choke common on the larger two strokes?''[/i] Heck, one specific engine doesn't have a yes or no answer to that question. [/quote] Thanks. I hadn't thought of just blocking the exhaust. One of those DUH moments (:-). This particular engine requires a pretty good jolt of fuel to get started. I'm so used to the opposite it surprised me. Regards
Posted on: 10/23/2009 9:42 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197258

Two Stroke Question
I just replaced my Saito125 with an O.S. 91FX (Four Star 120). To start the O.S. I have to choke the engine even with an electric starter. The Saito is just the opposite. I have to disconnect the fuel and spin it a couple of seconds to clear the cylinder or I get a backfire. Is the need to choke common on the larger two strokes? I never had the problem with my smaller O.S. 46 two stroke. Since the engine is fully exposed and upright there is no problem but it would be if there was a cowl to deal with. Regards
Posted on: 10/23/2009 7:57 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197023

RE: fuel tubing size
[quote]ORIGINAL: tree [:D]What size tubing should be used for glow engines over 60 size? [/quote] Supposedly 1/8" I.D but I use the same 3/32" I.D. on all my engines. They range from 52 thru 125 four strokes and one 91 size two stroke. I have never noticed any over stretching when using it on the larger engines. Regards
Posted on: 10/23/2009 10:20 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195776

RE: Which Trainer kit ?
[quote]ORIGINAL: huck1199 You could get a 40 size tower trainer arf to bash. They are a great deal at about $80. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS2&P=7 or a 60 size for $120 http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS1&P=7 I have built a Kadet MKII and LT-40 kits and both are good, but at the prices of these ARFs why bother. I bought the Tower 40 size on sale last spring and the quality of the ARF is very good. [/quote] It actually costs you more to build the kit. Of course the kit will allow you to strengthen and make changes (such as wing bolts) as you build. We flew a LT40 converted to a tail dragger and a O.S. 46 two stroke for power. Really nice flying plane. Regards
Posted on: 10/21/2009 8:01 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9191854

91 FX muffler
I hear that an E-4010 muffler, even though it fits the engine, will overheat my 91 FX. I was given a used E-4020 muffler but when I took it apart I found the 4010 and 4020 seemed to be identical. Is there a big difference in the baffle, etc between these two? I haven't used a mic yet but they certainly seem to be identical. (Of course it may be that the used 4020 is a composite of parts and not really an E-4020.) Regards
Posted on: 10/20/2009 1:38 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "O.S. Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9188309

RE: what engine for spacewalker2
[quote]ORIGINAL: cloudancer03 I decided to finish a 1/4 scale project I began over a year ago and it was a sig 1/4 scale spacewalker 2..I want to install a motr that will move it around somewhat agressively.I was going to install my os 1.20 but I also have a satio 1.50 not being used currently and thought that might be even better.would be interested in anyone who has use a 120 or a 150 four stroke in this plane. I am going to use a fabric covering and the weight of the plane according to sig will be around 12 pounds or slightly less. [/quote] I have the same plane underway. I presently use my Saito 125 in a Four Star 120 and for my style of flying (not very aggressive) it is a good combo. The two planes are quite similar in specs so I intend to move it to the Spacewalker II when ready. The 150 would probably be a better choice for you,,, sounds like your plane will be heavier than the Four Star 120 arf. Regards
Posted on: 10/17/2009 4:43 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9180850

Prop Strength
I read an interesting tidbit in a motor manual the other day. The recommendation was to use a wood prop for high rpm engines because it is less likely to come apart. This struck me as odd. It would seem nylon would be far superior in this respect. Comments? Regards
Posted on: 10/15/2009 6:46 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9176253

RE: Who builds high quality ARFs
[quote]ORIGINAL: airbusdrvr Hangar 9 and Top Flite. SIG DOES NOT. I just had to completely reglue and recover a SIG Four Star 120! It would have fallen apart on the first flight or two if it had not been repaired. [/quote] Probably depends on what day and who built it. My Four Star 120 has held up well. What was aggravating however was finding out that the plane is covered in material meant for small light weight airplanes. I never met an ARF that didn't have covering issues of some sort.
Posted on: 10/11/2009 9:48 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9165106

RE: Things to ponder
[quote]ORIGINAL: airbusdrvr Isn't the 125 a ''bored out'' Saito 91? Have they bored it even more to make a 150? [/quote] I haven't dug into it but I believe the 100 is the one you're thinking of. Not sure though. I have my eye on the Stinson Reliant kit and apparently my 125 would be a good engine for it. The 150 would be better yet but I'm not in the mood to pay that much for a slightly larger engine. I'd just go for a much larger engine but the kit maker warns against overpowering the plane. I have a two stroke O.S. 91 that I can fit into my Four Star 120 instead of the Saito 125. I suspect that will give the plane a slight performance boost. Time will tell. Regards
Posted on: 10/11/2009 2:57 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9164092

Things to ponder
I was browsing thru the price lists for my favorite engines (Saito). If a Saito 150 is nothing more than my 125 bored out, then why does it cost $45.00 more? Since there's less metal after the boring shouldn't it cost less (:-)?
Posted on: 10/11/2009 11:38 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9163668

RE: How does your wife deal with your RC airplane hobby?
[quote]ORIGINAL: mirwin My wife is an 18 year old redhead and I'm 62. She says I'm so handsome and hot that she can't bare to be without me for a minute. But I manage to drag myself out of bed once a week to go fly - and to get some rest. It's awful being able to fly only once a week. Just awful. [/quote] Hmmmm,, Did I ever tell you about the 350 pound trout I once caught?
Posted on: 10/10/2009 2:01 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9161043

RE: Extra-500 paperwork confusion
[quote]ORIGINAL: outdoorhunting Hi Don. Pardon the pun but you're not from around here are you ? This has been a long ongoing discussion on not only Nitro Planes, but just about all other Chinese ARFs. If you don't have much experience putting planes together, you'll find yourself in a real pickle. If you go real slow & study, study, study the ''instructions'' it will gradually come together. Just have patience, & enlist any of your flying buddies help you can. [/quote] Being a kit builder I guess I'm living in a sheltered world. It's not that I can't build the plane it is more that I'm shocked and annoyed. I'm already on blood pressure medication (:-). To be fair I will say that this particular ARF by CMP seems to be fairly well put together. Given some complete instructions aimed at beginners it might be a very good plane. So far the only truly annoying glitch (other than the manual) is the two missing dowel holes in the fin. To place these holes accurately I had to create a template. Regards
Posted on: 10/8/2009 12:19 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "NitroModels Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9100469

RE: What's on your building table or next in line?
Spacewalker II by Sig. Actually I have already started it but the build should last until early spring.
Posted on: 10/1/2009 12:35 AM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9137701

RE: Your favorite part of building
[quote]ORIGINAL: ppkk Don, If I could fit a 120 in my car that's what I would have bought instead. In fact, I just picked up a SIG 1/5 CUB as the winter (winters?) project only because the wings are in two pieces. I look forward to that build - or at least the beginning of it [;)] [/quote] What I noticed about the Cub is that setup at the field could be extensive. I'm looking at ways to simplify the wing strut installation. Regards
Posted on: 9/26/2009 9:11 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126233

RE: Arf Review in the Kit Build Forum?
[quote]ORIGINAL: GaryHarris [quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer I have often said, ''Flying is a sport, building is a hobby'' There's no reason someone who doesn't have the time, or desire to build can't enjoy flying. For those of us who enjoy building, we just get twice the enjoyment. [/quote] I built probably 30 planes before I ever decided to fly, 19 years later. I have a couple of ARFs though. I call them ''Sacrificial Balsa''! [;)] [/quote] Chuckle. I'm a kit builder but bought the Sig Four Star 120 ARF to increase my skills before risking my kit built 1/4 size Spacewalker. The ARF is a fun plane but I have no attachment to it. It's just considered my "Sacrificial Balsa" as you call it. Regards
Posted on: 9/26/2009 7:51 PM by Author "Don41" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126084