RE: Am I the first? Will I be the last or only?
Couple more phone calls and I'm in. Part of the problem was that I'm a 20th century guy. I've posted several places, so you should go there as quick as you can.[:D]
Posted on: 11/18/2009 7:57 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263925

RE: Polyspan with Japanese Tissue trim
Put some dope on your polyspan, enough so the tissue will stick. Cut out your tissue trim and lay it in place. Use thinner on a small brush and stick the tissue down starting at the middle and working out. Then put some more dope on the whole wing. After a couple of coats of dope, give the tissue a very light sanding.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 7:54 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263919

RE: help with non-planing shapes
Maybe a mechanical solution; to retract the plates and have them spring open and lock on impact.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 5:27 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260842

RE: Am I the first? Will I be the last or only?
Well, I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with AMA. Two different people tried to help me out. They transferred me to one of the computer guys. Left a message for him and hopefully he will call back.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 4:20 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260683

RE: glow plug re-thread
Give Fox a call. They may be able to fix you up with a replacement head.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 2:47 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260494

RE: Rant about getting started
supercubfanatic. I think you should try to get into control line. No equipment at the LHS, and no one there who knows anything. No nearby club, no place to fly. That will help you feel better about your RC experience. i'm just kidding, of course.
Posted on: 11/15/2009 3:55 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9255596

RE: Am I the first? Will I be the last or only?
Hey Hoss, that ain't nothin'. I'm a member and can get into members only, but I can't get into the forum. I'll give membership a call during business hours Monday and talk to someone in Bangladesh and see if I can get it straightened out.
Posted on: 11/13/2009 6:57 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251841

RE: Perfect Brand Fuel Tank Numbers and Dimensions
Fizzwater2, timing is everything![;)]
Posted on: 11/13/2009 6:39 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251796

RE: Perfect Brand Fuel Tank Numbers and Dimensions
My trick for popping the back off a soldered metal tank is to set it on my glass topped kitchen stove and use tongs and plieres to seperate the tank and back when the solder brightens up. Put it back together on the stove top as well.
Posted on: 11/13/2009 3:31 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251377

RE: Name the plane
I have a # 3 and two # 2's.[;)]
Posted on: 11/4/2009 10:17 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227436

RE: Crashing is NOT an option, M A article!
I'm puzzled, but not surprized, by the somewhat negative tone of posts on the article. I sort of skimmed it, as I don't fly RC, but I thought the major principles were well worth noticing. I doubt that your ratio of crashes per flight would go up as a result of digesting the article. In terms of advice; combatpigg's comment that you rapidly learn a lot of good stuff in competition is right on. I can't right off think of any one whom I regard as "expert" who has not flown competitively. On the other hand, I usually value my own experience over expert advice which contradicts it. In competition, you have a group of colleagues and you are all in agreement as to what is important. That is one of the things I like about competition. I'd also note that things which work for me may not work for others; and thus I might give bad advice.
Posted on: 11/2/2009 4:54 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9223106

RE: Where to mount landing gear?
If you are flying from a hard surface, draw a vertical line through the CG, Now draw another line through the CG angled 15 degrees forward. That is where your wheels should touch the pavement. If off grass, move them an inch forward.
Posted on: 10/29/2009 12:31 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9212281

RE: Modela Junior 2D RC Diesel Engine
I have two of them in CL configuration. Haven't flown them yet, but got 13,000 on an APC 8 x 4. That is useable power for my purposes.
Posted on: 10/29/2009 12:26 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9212269

RE: Fox problem
Your measurements figure out to a displacement of .38. Given the methodology, it could be a 35, 36 or a 40. [:D] It is not a stunt 35, which has three backplate screws. There were a couple of early Combat Specials @1959-60, and a later Rocket which should have a rocket on the bypass and a red head. There was a stunt 40 which was a really big clunky engine with schnurle porting. There was a later sport 36 which has a tall venturi and obvious bumps for the head screws to screw into. I burned up a Fox stunt 35 trying to fly CL stunt with crankcase pressure. It came back from Fox with an new piston and liner and a note that it was tight. It was just as you describe. I took it apart and fiddled with it and then decided to lap the piston and cylinder with Dupont white rubbing compound. I took the head and backplate off and put a bit of compound around the edge of the piston just above the exhaust port. Put on a prop and worked it up and down. Got it to where it felt OK. Cleaned it up and bench ran it several times like break in. It started and ran OK, and I think with a little more running in it will be fine. Anyway, if you want to give lapping a try, it might work. The engine is useless as it stands, so not much loss if you ruin it.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 4:58 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209954

RE: Testors and cox .049 glow heads
My wife got a half dozen Wenmacs cheap at an auction. I sold all but the two oldest ones for $5 each. I've bench run both of them. They took some break in before they came to life in the sense of being easy to start and running consistantly. I was thinking of putting them on little sport freeflight models, where I do not want a lot of power. Some years ago, I was at a swap meet in Chicago. Someone had a half dishpan full of WenMac/McCoy plugs, so they are out there somewhere.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 12:43 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209272

RE: If ama ever goes belly up
I note that particular individuals are usually distrustful, and think others are dishonest. (This is particularly evident whenever ebay is discussed.) I wonder if it is a reflection of their own character, or if they are informed by a history of bad experiences. Toolman, for example, has indicated that his thinking is informed by a stint working in county government.
Posted on: 10/27/2009 1:14 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9206138

RE: Silk Covering Techniques
DReigard, I'm flying control line Old Time Stunt Airplanes; designs from before the end of 1952. I haven't used an iron on in some years. Silk, slikspan and tissue depending on the airplane.
Posted on: 10/26/2009 11:52 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9203095

RE: New/Revised AMA Safety Code item:
I belonged to a CL Club of dedicated beer drinkers. After they lost a flying site because of the beer drinking, they became a bunch of blue-nosed teetotlers. To comment on KidEpoxy's comments on drinking and driving. It used to be legal to drink and drive in Texas so long as you didn't get drunk. I was in Ft. Worth one time during a heat wave and the public radio was pushing hydration. "Chase each beer with a glass of water." The law as changed to no open container some years ago.
Posted on: 10/24/2009 9:50 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9198132

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
I neglected to say, in my anecdote about building a wrong-way control line airplane, that it is an Australian design called the Demon.[8|] I read that one of the delivery companies has redesigned their delivery routes to avoid left turns across traffic. They realized a substantial improvement in delivery time.
Posted on: 10/24/2009 9:44 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9198119

RE: Line length for norvel pathfinder?
I used to fly TD 049 stunt airplanes on 42 ft. Maybe go a little longer and cut the lines back if too long.
Posted on: 10/24/2009 9:37 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9198110

RE: Fox 35 stunt eng setup issues
I tried a Fox miracle pug in a K&B 4011 and did not like it. Other folks swear by them. As said, I mostly run the Fox 2 volt plugs. The Fox 35 hemi head was designed by Marvin Denny. Most modern engines have a hemihead of some type. I think it provides more efficent combustion, thus more power, than the stock Fox head. With a modern ABC or ABN engine, you don't have to break it in like an iron and steel engine, and you can run some fuel you got at the hobby shop. I've flown a Tower 40 a lot and really like it. I'm building another airplane for it at the moment. The other Fox engines and the McCoy 35 will give you a lot of good use. I flew a McCoy 35 a good bit and perhaps liked it a little better than the Fox. But the Fox is still in production and one can get parts if needs be. I have several of the McCoy 19's and they have served me well.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 1:00 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9196148

RE: Fox 35 stunt eng setup issues
I had every intention of drilling out my Fox 35 intakes after switching to the ST NVA but never got around to it. I had a hemi head on the engine I am flying now, but I took it off because the engine was overpowering the airplane and flying it too fast for me with an 11 x 5 Taipan prop on 62 ft lines. For some one who understands them (and has good ones) Fox stunt 35's are fine engines; powerful and reliable. However, I would not advise a new flier to buy a Fox stunt 35 for a first CL engine.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 12:33 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195174

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
Most people worldwide fly control line airplanes in a counterclockwise (CC)direction. Teaching myself, I learned to fly clockwise(CW). I wanted to fly combat which requires flying CC. By that time I was flying inverted, doing maneuvers, etc. I tried to learn to fly CC with the up line at the top of the handle as everyone else in the world does. Crashed one airplane and then turned the handle over and flew with the down line at the top. Flew that way for over 50 years. Built a new airplane about three years ago. Had it finished and started making the metal fuel tank which slides in from the front. Something is wrong! The fuel tank is going to be upside down! I had built a CW airplane without realizing it. OK, such is life. Set it up to fly with the up line on top. Very cautiously flew it several fights before doing anything radical. Eventually started practicing the Old Time Stunt pattern. Had to think about what I was doing instead of just doing it. Now, a couple of hundred flights later, I can fly the pattern almost as well as I can fly it going CC. Who says an Old Dog cannot relearn an old trick?
Posted on: 10/22/2009 12:04 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9192516

RE: Storing Glow Engines (2 & 4 stroke)
Slosh them down good with Rislone and throw them in a drawer.[;)]
Posted on: 10/21/2009 2:29 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9191130

RE: Fox 35 stunt eng setup issues
My Fox 35's had the old style flat end Fox needle. I could not get a consistant run. Three flights in a row without touching the needle, and each was quite different. So I switched to an ST NVA. I meant to open up the venturi a little, but never got around to it, and decided it was not necessary. The Fox 35 I'm flying at the moment has a too long ST NVA, so it has a couple of the white plastic washers you get at Ace Hardware to make it fit. People will tell you other NVA's are better, and maybe so. However, I have run ST NVA's for over 30 years so I am used to their foibles.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 4:56 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9188789

RE: Fox 35 stunt eng setup issues
I'd go with the Hobby Fasteners ST NVA. You will have to drill ot the hole a little to get it to fit as it is a little larger in diameter than the Fox NVA. That is what I have done, and I see no loss in power due to the larger spraybar. Back in the day, I was asked a couple of times if I was running an ST 46. No, just a Fox 35.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 11:05 AM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9187942

RE: Penetration
If nothing is changed, the airplane has to fly faster to generate enough lift to fly the additional 1/2 lb.
Posted on: 10/19/2009 2:39 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9185589

RE: I'm Dumping The AMA To Save $38 A Year
If they start sanctioning control line contests, I would appreciate being notified.[8|]
Posted on: 10/18/2009 5:36 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183329

RE: Silk Covering Techniques
Sig markets one thinner for both their nitrate and butyerate dope. Randolph, etc. markets different thinners. If you want to experiment make a test piece to see if things work rather than messing up a model. I use the old Esaki type silk. (I have some packages which sold for $1.95. Guess how old they are.) You can get Esaki type silk, in colors, from free flight suppliers like Aerodyne, Campbell's Custom Kits, Peck Polymers, FAI Supply, etc. It is expensive, near $20/yard, but I'm worth it![:D].
Posted on: 10/18/2009 1:10 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9182862

RE: CG issues
I went out one day with a trimmed out freeflight model and a roll of solder. I added solder to the tail between flights. It went from a near vertical climb (under power) to a less steep climb to level fight and I even got it into a shallow dive by moving the CG back more and more. I did some calculation of free flight CG, tail volume, etc and came to the conclusion that there is about a 10% range of Mean Average Chord for Cg position ranging from marginally stable to really stable.
Posted on: 10/18/2009 12:59 PM by Author "Jim Thomerson" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9182837