RE: Biplane ID ...
It favors a Precident Bi-Fly, but not exactly. Are the wings sheeted foam or built up? The Bi-Fly did'nt have a cowl like that but it could have been added. Ed
Posted on: 7/26/2012 8:57 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11170798

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
Dodgers72, You could'nt be happier with the way the Kavalier flies, but understand that it is an old school "craftmans" kit. Lots of building and carving involved. Still not a hard kit to build, just a little more time than the later Sig laser cut kits. Ed
Posted on: 7/22/2012 8:56 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11165271

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
Dodgers72, Use the 45 or 46 on the Kavalier. The O.S. LA 40 is a bit anemic for an airplane capable of doing what the Kavalier can do. Ed
Posted on: 7/22/2012 3:25 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164804

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
I just ordered two new kits from Sig this month (4*40 and Something Extra). Been building Sig kits since the mid seventies and I can't imagine not having Sig to turn to. One of my favorite (and almost forgotten) Sig kits is the Kavalier. This thing is built like a tank and flies so sweet!! I believe if they lazer cut the Kav and gave it a fresh face for the box photo, it would become one of their biggest sellers. I've built more Sig kits than any other brand in my nearly 40 years of flying. For you guys who are strict ARFers, you need to do yourself a favor and build something like a 4*40. You will be hooked. Building is a hobby within the hobby. You can't understand the pride until you solo your first build! Ed
Posted on: 7/22/2012 2:44 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164745

Here's a long shot!
Does anyone have an instruction manual for a 40-60 size Precident Bi-Fly? Thanks David
Posted on: 7/3/2012 9:35 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141317

RE: Futaba FASST vs FHSS
Silent-AV8R I'm flying mostly 2 meter (non competition) sailplanes and a sixty inch Mini Challenger. If my 6J will control my models as far as I can see them, then I can't complain. I also wonder if range decreases much as battery voltage drops. My original alkies are down to 5.1 volts but the low batt warning does'nt sound until 4.2 volts. I wonder if I still have full range up to that point? Ed
Posted on: 6/16/2012 11:05 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11120281

RE: Futaba FASST vs FHSS
Well, Futaba says that it is "Full Range", yet also admits to lower power output. It's not unusual for me to ride thermals up to small speck altitudes. What IS full range? How does the 6J and 8J compare to other units? Should I only use my 6J for small airplanes or close in flying? I don't know the answers, and I don't want to find out the hard way. I would love to see some range test comparisons. Anyone out there taken a 6J up to the stratosphere? Ed
Posted on: 6/15/2012 9:13 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11119822

RE: Futaba FASST vs FHSS
I've been using standard alkaline AAs in my 6J, no problems and they last a long time. (still on the same batts since November) I AM a little concerned to find out that the 6J has lower power output. I'm wondering how that will effect me if I tried to use this system for one of my sailplanes! Ed
Posted on: 6/15/2012 7:57 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11119122

RE: help with sailplane balance
It has a slight amount of down trim at neutral stick, maybe 1.5 to 2.0 mm. I trimmed it for level flight with a very low throttle setting, like idle. With power off I generally Have to hold a little up elevator in it for level flight. Ed
Posted on: 4/16/2012 11:04 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11044321

RE: Flying sites on Kauai?
Sounds great, Mike. I don't remember what kind of vehicle it was, but I do remember one of the airplanes was big and red. I'll give you a shout next time I'm on the island. Mahalo Ed
Posted on: 4/16/2012 9:15 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11044170

RE: help with sailplane balance
Thanks guys, keep the answers coming. I'm trying to absorb all of this!
Posted on: 4/15/2012 8:02 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11043563

RE: Flying sites on Kauai?
I visit Kauai regularly. Never found a flying site but last summer, pulled up next to a car loaded with R/C planes. Seems like 20 or 25 years ago there was a hobby shop somewhere over around Nawiliwili. I almost bought a K&B 40 from them. Man, this got me to thinking about places like Dukes Canoe Club, I'm ready to go back! Ed
Posted on: 4/15/2012 2:45 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11043129

help with sailplane balance
I have an old AstroFlite Mini Challenger which I flew for many years with the 035 Cobalt brushed motor. After swapping to brushless power, I can't seem to get it balanced properly. Maybe it's just because it's much lighter now, I dunno. Anyway, here's the deal. I rebalanced it after the motor/ESC/battery swap but now, it porpoises badly with power off. I have tried a little nose weight and a little tail weight but it does'nt seem to help much. I don't know much about sailplanes, never had a problem with it before. Any ideas? Would that be a sign of being nose heavy? Please help me out if you can, I'm lost! Thanks Ed
Posted on: 4/15/2012 2:37 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11043114

Trexler tire question
So, after nearly fourty years of R/C, I finally bought a set of Trexler tires. They seem great except for one problem. I can't keep air in them! Am I doing something wrong or is this normal. Instructions say to wrap the fill tube around the hub. Maybe I should twirl or twist the tube first, I dunno. Maybe some sort of plug in the end of the tube? What do you Trexler owners do? Thanks Ed
Posted on: 4/8/2012 8:05 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11033828

airbrush question
I was recently given an old airbrush system. It has some Miller equipment and some Badger equipment. I believe I can play around with it and figure out how to use it, but I don't have any idea what kind of paints to use. Help me out here! What type of paint works best and where do I get it? I think my first project will be some light exhaust stains. Thanks Ed
Posted on: 2/20/2012 9:36 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967524

RE: Pushrod Question
Thanks for the answers, this little stuff is new to me.
Posted on: 2/13/2012 8:25 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10957912

RE: Pushrod Question
Don't know if I have room for pull pull. How do I attach ends to C/F?
Posted on: 2/13/2012 10:24 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10957036

Pushrod Question
I just finished building a Herr Starcruiser (42 inch, 17 ounce) 3 channel airplane. I'm interested in keeping the weight as low as possible and do not want to use the heavy steel rods sent with the kit. Most of the parkflier pushrods seem far too small and flexible. What do you guys use for strong, light pushrods? The ones with the kit are the same size that you would normally use for a .40 size airplane. Thanks Ed
Posted on: 2/13/2012 8:27 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10956858

Hinge question
I'm sure this has been hashed over many times, but I can't find the answers I seek by the "search" function. I normally build smaller airplanes, parkfliers and such, with .40 size sport planes being my upper limit. Finishing an UltraSport 40 with a strong Enya 45 2 stroke, I am wondering if my old standby EZ Hinge (CA hinges) will stand up to the speeds this aircraft will achieve? I have heard of them breaking in flight on larger or faster airplanes, although I have never personally seen this. For you guys who fly the big, fast ones, what has been your experience? What is your favorite hinge? Are EZ type hinges only for smaller aircraft? Educate me. Thanks a lot for your answers Ed
Posted on: 1/15/2012 1:47 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10908644

RE: RC Plane Hobby Is Not Expensive !
A friend once asked me how much money I had invested in my old .60 size bipe. When I told him "about $400.00" he had some sort of spasm/fit and could'nt believe that I would sink that kind of money into "a toy" (his words, not mine). Well, this is the same guy who has a $30.000 boat in his backyard which only gets used two or three times a year and a $40.000 SUV to pull it! I think I came out ahead in this deal!
Posted on: 1/13/2012 8:06 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10906720

RE: Extra Parts
Kinda hard to tell, but that rod looks to be bent. Could be the after-effects of a hydraulic lock. I've seen engines run a long time with a slightly bent rod, then finally let go when least expected.
Posted on: 1/3/2012 1:08 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10889817

SlowFlier VS E-props
What's the difference? I can look at a slowflier prop and see that it is much more flimmsy, but how do you know when to use a SF prop or an E-prop? Are there RPM limitations? Educate me. Thanks Ed
Posted on: 1/1/2012 7:14 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10886949

Futaba 6J question
So, what is the difference between S-FHSS and FHSS? I asked this question of Tower Hobbies and, although they answered promptly, their answer was muddy and incomplete. I've decided to take my question to the experts, the end users, you guys! Why would I choose one over the other? What would advantages and disadvantages be of each? (I know failsafe is only offered with S-FHSS) Why would they even offer a choice? I have switched back and forth and can't tell any difference in the way my model flies. Thanks Ed
Posted on: 12/30/2011 9:22 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10882930

RE: Help with servo selection
The HS225 was on my list, but I've heard a lot of bad reports on it. Any personal experience with it? I'm open to suggestions. Thanks again Ed
Posted on: 12/7/2011 7:19 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10848935

Help with servo selection
I'm looking for two mid-size servos to do dual aileron duty on a sport .40 size airplane. (Sig Kavalier with Enya SS45) I hope to find something one ounce or less with enough grunt to handle this aircraft without fear of stripping gears. Do you think Hitec HS85BB or Futaba S-3115s would do the trick? It seems there are not many choices in this area or maybe I'm overlooking some. I really do not want to use standard servos because of the extra weight. Any ideas? Thanks Ed
Posted on: 12/7/2011 4:57 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10848717

RE: 4 cell transmitter question
OK, I think I understand now, modern electronics can do the same job on less voltage. So I should'nt have any range problems? Anyone have experience with the Futaba 6J with its internal antenna? Thanks for your answers Ed
Posted on: 11/8/2011 6:47 AM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10802334

4 cell transmitter question
I've been flying for about 35 years and all of my transmitters have always used 8 cell battery packs. Now I'm seeing a lot of new models designed for 4 alkaline batteries. Can these put out as much power (range)? I don't know a whole lot about electronics but I feel like range would suffer. Are these units just for short range parkfliers and such? Some examples are Futaba 6J and Spektrum DX5e. What do you think? Or more importantly, what is your experience? Thanks Ed
Posted on: 11/5/2011 6:17 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10798541

RE: wanted: Classic Pattern kit and..
I have a Sweetater Deluxe kit from Southern RC Products new in box. I might be willing to part with it if You're interested, but I have no idea what it is worth. Ed
Posted on: 10/25/2011 6:12 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10782602

RE: Funny phrases at airflield
"It's so windy the birds are walkin'" "That was so fast its shadow was 5 minutes behind it"
Posted on: 9/25/2011 8:51 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10734122

RE: Chrome Enya .60?
Thanks for the answers, I didn't know for sure what I had here. I may be selling it soon and wanted to make sure that it was'nt some super rare engine. I assume that I should price it like any other Enya 60? It's mounted in an old pattern plane now. Thanks Ed
Posted on: 9/3/2011 8:14 PM by Author "Gypsy56" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10700291