RE: advice for motor choice mick reeves spitfire scale 1/4
[quote]ORIGINAL: alanc Friend of mine has flown one of these with a zenoah 38, and tony clark reduction gear,    but sorry, i have no more details,   [/quote] Hi Alan, Any report on how this plane flew with a G38? That doesn't seem like much engine for this plane. Thanks, -Ed B.
Posted on: 5/22/2013 9:27 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11519881

RE: Warbirds Over Livermore the Movie
Thanks Ronnie. Great movie and it was nice to have you there. You have a special talent with video! This was only the second year of the event and it will be even better next year. I have a lot of ideas! -Ed B.
Posted on: 9/17/2012 9:28 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231934

RE: Warbirds Over Livermore 2012!
Randy, it was great to have you as always. There is a thread over in the Warbird forum that has more information and some pictures. -Ed
Posted on: 9/16/2012 10:37 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230660

RE: Warbirds Over Livermore 2012!
The event went very well yesterday and was even better than last year. We had 28 registered pilots, beautiful weather and a lot of fun. Thanks to those pilots who came out to fly. There were lots of different planes, of all sizes, from large gassers to small foamies. All are welcome at our event and we want everyone to be able to participate. There was [u]no[/u] pilot registration fee, a free BBQ lunch for everyone, and free giveaways for pilots, including gift certificates, epoxy and six bottles of French wine. Some pictures are below. More pictures can be seen at our club's Website at http://www.lferc.com/PhotoAlbum/ More photos will be added to the photo album as they come in. -Ed B.
Posted on: 9/16/2012 10:49 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230018

RE: Warbirds Over Livermore 2012!
Hi, Those look like fun planes to be sure. You are welcome to come and enjoy the BBQ lunch and fly later in the afternoon after the event winds down, but during the day planes need to have a military color scheme and military insignia. Sorry, but we have to draw the line somewhere. -Ed B.
Posted on: 9/11/2012 9:35 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11225094

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
I am almost done with the detail on the bottom of the wing. Over 1000 rivets and some aluminum tape for panels. Here are three pictures. Next I will add some detail to the wheel wells. -Ed B.
Posted on: 9/9/2012 10:13 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223361

RE: Warbirds Over Livermore 2012!
Hi Randy, Our club members are excited about the event and I am trying to make it better each year. I think having no landing fee and a free BBQ lunch for pilots is a good start. We will also have some free giveaways for pilots that I think they will enjoy. See you there. -Ed
Posted on: 9/9/2012 9:31 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223338

RE: Warbirds over Livermore
Very cool and unique airplane! -Ed B.
Posted on: 9/5/2012 9:57 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11218344

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
Ken, congratulations on finishing your spitfire. It's nice to see another one flying. They are great planes, aren't they? So, I have been making slow but steady progress on my build. Here are two pictures of my tail wheel area. The first picture shows the reinforcement that I added to the tail. I glued in a piece of 6 ounce carbon fiber cloth. I wiped down the area with acetone and then roughed up the fiberglass with some 60 grit sand paper before gluing in the cloth. Total weight was 17 grams, 3.5 grams for the cloth and 13.5 grams of epoxy resin. That will require about 70 grams up front to balance, but it secures the stabilizer to the fuse and it is stiff and strong. The second picture shows the tail wheel installation. I used the dimensions for the actuator arms that someone else had posted on this thread as a starting point and that worked great, so thanks to all those who have contributed! The second picture also shows that I chose to use two separate carbon fiber rods for the elevator, one controlling each side driven by a separate servo. I would have preferred to have a single internal rod for looks, but I personally prefer to have each half driven separately in case a servo or linkage fails. The carbon fiber rods are so light that there was no weight penalty in the tail, given the weight savings of not using the center joining rod. There is an extra servo up front, but that is close to the cg. Lots of ways of doing this, depending upon personal preference. -Ed B.
Posted on: 8/26/2012 7:21 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206349

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
Moving on to the wing. Pics 1 and 2 show the wing ready for primer. I used 1/32" Chartpak tape for the panel lines. I have tried 1/64" before and prefer using the 1/32" size. It is easier for me to work with and I think makes better looking lines on a plane this size. The 1/64" size may be closer to scale, but I think the 1/32" looks better. Again, personal choice. I am using SEM high build automotive primer. Good stuff, but it is toxic, so remember to apply it outside or wear a paint filter, or both. Pics 3 and 4 show removal of a section of ChartPak tape. Pic 5 shows one area where the tape has been removed to make nice panel lines. The last pic shows my "test panel" that I built to try different finishing materials. I have been experimenting with different rivet tools and aluminum tapes to add details. I've been using this test panel all along, since this was the first time I used West systems resin and micro balloons, so it has been very useful. You may recall that I used micro balloons on one half of the panel and did not use them on the other side, so I could see the difference in sanding and finish. The side of the test panel with micro balloons was easier to sand and otherwise has been the same with respect to primer and paint, so I will use the micro balloons with the West System resin in future builds. I am also using KlassKote paint for the first time, so lots of reasons to have something to experiment with. Cheers, -Ed B.
Posted on: 8/26/2012 7:21 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206370

RE: Warbirds over Livermore
I will be there with my 102" bf109G. I think Randy from Fresno is going along with some guys from SCCMAS in Morgan Hill. As Ron mentioned, this is the second year for this event and we would like it to grow. So, NO landing fee and a free BBQ lunch for pilots. We will also have awards for best WWI, best WWII and Pilots' Choice. Just come out and have fun flying warbirds! Our club is a very friendly group of guys. Any type of military aircraft can be flown as long as it has military colors and insignia. Gas, glow, turbine, electric airplanes and helicopters are all welcome. There is a sticky at the top of this forum that has the flyer, which is also attached here. -Ed B.
Posted on: 8/21/2012 2:42 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11201276

RE: Warbirds & large gas engine/props
I am flying my 35lb Meister bf109G with a FPE 5.8 (95cc) engine and am currently using a Mejzlik 26 x 10 propeller. This is not the exact same engine as yours, but it is close, although I would think your ZDZ 90 would have more power. I have also used a Mejzlik 24 x 12 and the plane flys faster compared to the 26 x 10, but I think the vertical is not quite as good. The brand of propeller makes a big difference in noise and I have found that the Mejzlik propellers are quieter than some wood props, for example Xoar. I have also tried a Bolly wood 26 x 10 with this plane and prefer the Mejzlik 26 x 10. The particular plane also makes a difference because of the differences in drag. The Meister bf109G (not the Platinum version) has a fair amount of drag compared to other planes. For your engine, I think a 26 x 12 might be worth a try. What plane will you be putting this engine in? -Ed B.
Posted on: 8/14/2012 1:11 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11193367

Warbirds Over Livermore 2012!
The Livermore Flying Electrons are pleased to host a Warbird fly-in event in Northern California near San Francisco, to be held on Saturday, September 15th, 2012 All types and sizes of military aircraft welcome (fixed wing, helicopters, gas, glow, turbines, electric) - current AMA required Awards for Best WWI, Best WWII & Pilots Choice No landing fee and free BBQ lunch for pilots! See flyer for details.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 4:26 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186511

Warbirds Over Livermore 2012!
The Livermore Flying Electrons are pleased to host a Warbird fly-in event in Northern California near San Francisco, to be held on Saturday, September 15th, 2012 All types and sizes of military aircraft welcome (fixed wing, helicopters, gas, glow, turbines, electric) - current AMA required Awards for Best WWI, Best WWII & Pilots Choice No landing fee and BBQ lunch for pilots! See flyer for details.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 10:54 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186509

RE: Yellow Aircraft (YA) Spitfire build by Kenair
Ken, Congratulations! Now that you have the maiden done, you can start really enjoying the plane. -Ed B.
Posted on: 8/7/2012 9:05 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11185090

RE: Is This a Good Test?
[quote]ORIGINAL: richrd [quote]ORIGINAL: Flyfast1 [quote]ORIGINAL: guver For anyone to give an estimate or guess the current would you please share at least the size/capacity of the cells? Thanks. Some EE can probably figure this out on paper if the capacity and resistance of the circuit and voltage differential is known. I'll bet one can guess pretty close. I'd be willing to do
Posted on: 7/26/2012 10:40 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11170118

RE: Is This a Good Test?
[quote]ORIGINAL: P-40 DRIVER The cell construction and durabilty of the A123 cells and hobbico/zippy cells are completely different. The A123 will take alot more abuse in all forms such as vibration, overcharging etc. I would pay the extra money and get the A123 batteries. I would be happier running a single A123 battery setup then dual Zippie/hobbico setup. The A123 is a much better battery. Just my opinion [/quote] Hi P-40, The packs I have from Hangtime hobbies have the A123 cells and those are the packs I plan to use in my plane. For purposes of the experiment, I wanted to save some money and use the less expensive Hobbyking packs. -Ed
Posted on: 7/26/2012 10:35 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11170116

RE: Is This a Good Test?
[quote]ORIGINAL: guver For anyone to give an estimate or guess the current would you please share at least the size/capacity of the cells? Thanks. Some EE can probably figure this out on paper if the capacity and resistance of the circuit and voltage differential is known. I'll bet one can guess pretty close. I'd be willing to do it with a pair of lipos. That's as close as I can get. [;)] What is the capacity and size and brand of cells? What is the length and size of leads? How many connectors? type? ect? [/quote] Hi Guver, I am thinking of using the Zippy Flightmax 2100mAh 2S1P 30C LiFePo4 Pack from Hobby King (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21121__ZIPPY_Flightmax_2100mAh_2S1P_30C_LiFePo4_Pack_USA_Warehouse_.html), since they seem to have similar specifications to the Hangtime hobbies LiFe packs that I have and are only $9.52 each. For leads and connectors I would use 18" 22 gauge servo extension wires and a heavy duty ultra switch from Hangtime Hobbies, since that's what I plan to use in my plane. -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 9:58 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168659

RE: Is This a Good Test?
[quote]ORIGINAL: P-40 DRIVER I really am beginning to wonder if a dual battery system is all that important. I see alot of people running high dollar planes without them with good success. I think alot of it, is good battery management. I can definitely see the dual battery leads, dual switches thing though. [/quote] Hi P-40, Yes, I am thinking the same thing. Like you said, if using one receiver battery on a large gas airplane, at a minimum I would want two leads and two switches with good battery management. -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 9:46 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168639

RE: Is This a Good Test?
Hi P-40, I have seen some tests done with two NiCd or NiMh packs and even if a cell in one of the packs shorts, leaving one pack at 6.0 volts and the other at 4.8 volts, the discharging of the good pack into the bad pack is very slow and there are no major events, such as melting of wires, fires, etc. I think the small difference in voltage of 1.2 volts and the higher internal resistance of the cells and the lower C rating of the packs means that not much current flows from the good pack to the bad pack. I believe that Red Schoefield (spelling?) talks about this on his Website and he believes that there is no need for diodes or other power management systems when using dual NiCd or NiMh packs with separate switches into a receiver. But, with LiFe packs, the situation may be very different because of the greater difference in voltage and the construction and chemistry of the cells that allow them to deliver much higher current. This is the one scenario I am curious about before I start using them in my big birds and I haven't seen anyone address this particular issue with LiFe battery packs. Perhaps using diodes would be the way to go? -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/24/2012 5:41 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167917

RE: Is This a Good Test?
Hi P-40, I am thinking of testing the shorted cell scenario because in the situation where one cell in a packs fails open, then that battery pack will not conduct any current, so I would basically be flying on one pack. It would be the same as turning off the switch for that pack, or that pack or simply disconnecting the lead for that pack. Of the various failure modes I can think of, e.g., switch failure, cell failing open, cell tab failing open, battery lead disconnecting, etc., the only mode that seems harmful is if one cell in one pack fails short, causing the nominal voltage of that pack to drop to 3.3 volts. Then I have one pack at 6.6 volts and one pack at 3.3 volts connected to my receiver. -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/24/2012 4:29 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167814

Is This a Good Test?
I am nearing completion of a new large warbird project for which I plan to use two LiFe packs from Hangtime hobbies to supply power to my receiver. I have always used NiCd and NiMh battery packs and this will be my first plane with LiFe battery packs. With traditional 5 cell NiCd and NiMh battery packs, if a cell in one of the battery packs shorts, then the nominal voltage of the battery pack with the shorted cell drops to 4.8 volts, while the good battery pack remains at a nominal 6.0 volts. According to various accounts I have seen, the draining the of good battery pack (the one at 6.0v) by the bad battery pack (the one at 4.8v) is fairly slow, presumably because of the small difference in voltage and the internal resistance of the cells. If I want to test the scenario where two LiFe battery packs are used and a cell in one of the battery packs shorts, is the following a good way to do it? I am thinking of purchasing two inexpensive two cell (6.6v) LiFe battery packs, making one into a single cell pack (3.3v), charging them both and then connecting them together with a multimeter in between the battery packs to measure the current draw. I would also measure the voltage at specified times over one hour to see what happens. One hour is several times longer than I would ever fly in a single flight and I always check my battery packs before each flight, so I don't I would need to test longer than one hour. Since I don't know the internal resistance of the cells, what would be the expected current draw? Is there anything for me to be concerned about or any precautions to take for the experiment? What is the best way to do this? Thanks, -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/24/2012 11:53 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167449

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
Hello to All: I have been making slow but steady progress on my spitfire and all the basic construction is complete. I have a few questions I hope someone can answer: 1. I will soon be adding flush rivet marks to the wings using a heated brass tube, like others have done. I have never made flush rivet marks before, so what size tubing are you guys using? 1/16", 3/32", etc.? Also, how do you make the flush screw heads for the access panels on the top of the wing. These are larger than the standard rivets, so I would need to use larger tubing, but how do you make the line across of the screw head where the screwdriver would go? 2. I plan to use Klasskote paints with an airbrush. Can anyone give me an idea of how much paint I should order for the three main colors (medium sea gray on bottom; ocean gray and dark green on top)? They sell 1/2 pints, pints and quarts. 3. From a book that I have on spitfire camouflage and markings, it appears that sky the correct color for the spinner and fuselage band. But see this>http://www.klasskote.com/military_colors This sky color appears too yellowish/greenish to me. Thoughts? Cheers, -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/13/2012 1:21 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11154093

RE: sealing up the top of a Robart air tank?
I realize the original poster is replacing the tank, but I am curious if anyone has ever tried JB weld to fix this particular problem? -Ed B.
Posted on: 7/5/2012 1:04 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144260

RE: Warbirds and Classics over the Midwest 2012
That Fokker Dr.I is beautiful. Some nice flying there as well. I really enjoyed the spin and don't see too much of that with WWI planes. It looked great. Nicely done! -Ed B.
Posted on: 5/16/2012 11:15 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11083180

RE: In line 60cc
Pretty cool. I do wonder about locating the carburetor on the bottom of the engine. That would protrude out of most cowls. A little strange in that respect, but perhaps this is just temporary for the prototypes? -Ed B.
Posted on: 5/1/2012 12:30 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11064269

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
Ken, Looks great! The colors came out real well. You are going to love how this plane flys! -Ed B.
Posted on: 4/1/2012 10:40 AM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11023744

RE: Life Battery Discharge Question
Jeremy, Sorry to hear about the loss of your plane. That's an awful feeling. Hope you can rebuild it and get it in the air again. I am a new user to LiFe batteries, but couldn't help but notice your comment: "We checked the battery after the crash and it was showing 6.5v." Based upon some of the discharge plots for LiFe packs that I've seen, isn't 6.5 volts on a two cell LiFe pack indicative of a pack that is mostly depleted? Perhaps someone can answer this. -Ed B.
Posted on: 3/28/2012 6:37 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11019267

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
[quote]ORIGINAL: Peter_OZ sierra do some extra long ones [/quote] Thanks Peter. I think I would like more travel, so I will look at that this weekend. -Ed B.
Posted on: 3/23/2012 1:32 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11012189

RE: The complete YELLOW AIRCRAFT SPITFIRE thread.
[quote]ORIGINAL: vasek That is some handy work Ed! What is the travel for the canopy cylinder? Thanks V. [/quote] Hi Vasek, It is a 2.5" stroke cylinder from Robart that for some reason provides 2.75" of travel. It's the most travel that Robart provides in this size cylinder. I think 3.25" would be ideal, but I didn't want to wait for a special order from Robart. I will post some pictures or video of the canopy mechanism. By the way, my wife and I have been to Prague twice and really enjoyed it. -Ed B.
Posted on: 3/22/2012 1:05 PM by Author "Flyfast1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11010864