RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Flew mine again yesterday, and I'm going to leave the CG at the factory setting. I put in a little more aileron differential, and turns look a lot better. The best landing I made was preceded by a shallow, power on approach, not cutting the motor until just above the grass. Then I held it off in the glide until the nose was only slightly high. Nice straight roll out. I think the issue on these is that if you let the tail get low while still carrying a lot of speed, the wings blanket the fin and all directional stability is lost. Then it darts one way or the other followed by a noseover. The trick is to slow it down as much as possible while still level, and then let it touch down on the mains. I've noticed, compared to my BUSA DR-1, that this airplane has very little stability in roll. It needs constant aileron input to stay upright. I'm sure this is due to having a scale size fin and rudder, combined with a very short tail moment. I've had other airplanes with this "dutch roll" tendency, and increasing the size of the fin or rudder cured them. The full size Camel was noted for its instability, which is why it was so manueverable. Part of the fun, I guess. [:D]
Posted on: 9/16/2012 5:55 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229863

RE: prop size
Nice to hear from the source!! I'd go with the 12x6 MAS 3 blade, then. I find that the 55s in my bomber run a very long time on 11 oz of fuel with that prop.
Posted on: 9/14/2012 10:22 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228448

RE: prop size
It's hard to find a lot of info on the Laker, it's an old Laddie Mikulasko design from RCM Magazine. The listing on RCM plans calls for a 40-46, and I'd bet that Laddie put that engine pod down low so that an 11" prop is probably as big as you can go. You might want to think about a 46AX, or even electric power. I used a Turnigy G46-670 turning an MAS 11x7 3 blade on five cells in a Mikulasko "Arrow" flying boat, and it wails. The nice thing about electrics in "pod engine" flying boats is that the battery pack makes it a lot easier to balance the dang things. They really want to come out tail heavy.
Posted on: 9/14/2012 7:54 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228295

RE: prop size
What's the biggest prop you have room for? I have a pair of 55AXs on a B-25. I finally settled on 12x6 MAS 3 blade props. These let the engines turn about 10,500 rpm on 15% Cool Power, good for around 60 mph and gobs of thrust. They never liked any of the various two blade props I tried, including the ones recommended by OS.
Posted on: 9/13/2012 4:41 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227703

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
The best takeoffs I've had resulted from being dead into the wind, on level ground, and pushing the throttle open to about half very quickly. The tail comes up right away and then it is easy to steer with the rudder and keep the wings level with the ailerons. If there's the slightest slope left or right, tho, it gets real interesting.
Posted on: 9/13/2012 12:26 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227461

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Joe: great idea with the weight. Getting it low like that should also dampen the ground loops somewhat, as the bird likes to get one wing low after landing, depending on the wind and other factors. I'm still evaluating the flight characteristics of mine, with the lifting tail and the factory CG. I think it might need a little more weight in the nose, and I still have the heavy hub in my pocket just in case. I rarely have a noseover at the current CG, so I'm reluctant to change it unless I have to. I am going to experiment with the Futaba GYA 430 rudder gyro when they are released sometime this month. The biggest problem I have is trying to keep it straight on initial acceleration to takeoff. I fly helis a lot, and am sold on electronic stabilization (when needed).
Posted on: 9/13/2012 4:42 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227029

RE: Futaba GYA430
It would be great to see some testing results. I'm especially curious about how well these would do on a glow powered aircraft. After dealing with gyro vibration issues on electric powered helis, I'm a bit sceptical. I have a series of airplanes that I want to use the rudder gyro on, but only two will be electrically powered- F4H-1 (EDF) (not finished) 60 size Camel (outrunner) 1/4 scale DR-1 (1.20 glow) 60 size P-51 (.95 glow) 88" B-25 (.55s glow) I can do OK on grass strips with all of these, but I find that I can't keep up with any of them on paved runways in a cross wind. My reactions are just not fast enough, and in any event, when I'm 50 or 100 feet away, by the time I see what's happening it's already too late. I'm going to start with the Camel, as it is purely goofy on takeoff unless it's on a perfectly flat surface and dead into he wind. My takeoffs usually consist of 3 consecutive ground loops followed by a takeoff. [:'(] Lands pretty nicely, though.
Posted on: 9/11/2012 5:43 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224842

RE: Futaba GYA430
Yeah, it seems like they thought this one out pretty well. I realized after getting into the manual that the 430 is for rudder only, and the 431 can be used on either aileron or elevator. To get 3 axis stabilization, you'd need (1) 430 and (2) 431s. The manual appears to be a "pre production" item, as a lot of the stuff makes absolutely no sense. Probably translated from the Japanese by a Frenchman.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 6:07 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224384

RE: Futaba GYA430
Found the manual on the 431. It can stabilize two axis on an A/C.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 12:33 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223995

RE: Seaplane debate
I started flying seaplanes about 10 years ago, and have tried a lot of different designs. The one in the pic is my favorite. It's a Laddie Mikulasko Arrow. The plans are available at rcmplans.com and a lazer cut kit at http://lazer-works.com/rcm.html. It is very fast and aerobatic with an OS 46AX. I'm planning on swapping that out with a Sport Jett 40 some day to get a stronger vertical and more speed. This one always draws a crowd at the lake. Most people think it's a jet until I bring in it close. There are some issues with the design as printed, so if you're interested in it, PM me before starting. (Biggest is the need for 5 degrees downthrust on the engine mount) As far as the various designs with the engine on a pylon above the wing, I developed a real distaste for them. Unless they have a lot of upthrust in the engine pod, they are buggers to get on plane, and the upthrust makes them handle weird in the air. The Herr Aqua Star is the worst, and I wouldn't even consider it as a project.
Posted on: 9/8/2012 6:38 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221648

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Allright Mike!! She looks great. I've found since my last post on this bird that you have to walk a tight rope between nose/tail heavy. I've got mine set at the recommended CG, and it is a little goofy in the air. However, it slows down for landing real nice and is very stable on final approach, and doesn't nose over. I'm going to try adding just a little weight to the nose and see what happens. It kind of looked, on your last landing, like it wouldn't slow down for you very well, so I'm thinking yours is a bit nose heavy. They do take a lot of practice to get the landings right- I've found the best final approaches are power off, nose down about 30 deg from around 50 feet altitude until within 10 feet of the ground, then level off and just glide in a level attitude until touchdown, being careful to add power if necessary if she gets too slow. Wheel landings in a level attitude are mandatory, trying to flare results in bounces and nose overs. I just try to hold it off as long as I can without getting the nose up. Once she touches I just let the tail come down by itself on roll out. Have fun! They are great birds. WWI stuff is a challenge, and not many guys have the motivation to learn how to handle them.
Posted on: 9/7/2012 5:44 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11220528

Futaba GYA430
Stumbled on this today. Couldn't find any posts on it, so thought I'd start a thread. I have a Dan Savage F-4 (90mm EDF) on the boards that should fly next spring, and I just can't hold anything straight on a hard surface, so I want a gyro for the rudder/nose wheel. This is listed at Tower, with no information as it's not available until Sep sometime. $70 http://www.rc.futaba.co.jp/english/gyro/index.html I'd like to put a yaw gyro on my TF B-25, too, but I don't know if the GY430 can handle analog servos or not. No problem to use a digital on the F-4 at this point.
Posted on: 8/30/2012 1:02 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11211772

RE: OUTLAW from EXTREME FLIGHT
I don't wanna know. Actually, he doesn't say, so I don't know. Should be some way to contact him, tho. Maybe he's on the verse?
Posted on: 8/24/2012 3:28 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Extreme Speed Prop Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204811

RE: OUTLAW from EXTREME FLIGHT
sodbuster: I played around with it, using a lot of the different Hackers, and couldn't get anywhere either. Everytime I got some good speed numbers with fairly low amps, the program said the prop was turning too fast and would stall. Here's one that works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMOIMsTRIiI "Incredible brushless electric conversion of an Extreme Flight RC Outlaw flying wing by Dan Malone with a modified Scorpion Motor with extended motor shaft mounted on a nylon block with an auxilary shaft bearing. 6S, 5000 mAH lipoly battery, Graupner 9X6 nylon prop. Dan says he's flown this plane as fast as 189mph since this video was made in June, 2009 at the Buder Park RC Extravaganza."
Posted on: 8/24/2012 1:41 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Extreme Speed Prop Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204735

RE: OUTLAW from EXTREME FLIGHT
sodbuster: I've been using Makus Muller's ecalc with great success. http://www.ecalc.ch/motorcalc_e.htm His numbers have been so good that every time I complete an application, I send him fifteen bucks. If you need any help with it, let me know.
Posted on: 8/20/2012 11:19 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Extreme Speed Prop Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11199797

RE: Review Scams?
TNSTAAFL
Posted on: 8/14/2012 1:22 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11193375

RE: Review Scams?
That was my reaction on reading it.
Posted on: 8/14/2012 3:52 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11192735

RE: Top Flite '.60 size' P-51D Mustang ARF: Building & Modifications
Good going, dude!!
Posted on: 8/12/2012 12:47 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190569

RE: Review Scams?
What's a senior member? Some kind of sexual reference?
Posted on: 8/4/2012 6:21 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11181127

Review Scams?
Somebody named "woola", who has a member profile with no info to speak of, sent me this pm, keyed off my DR-1 post in the User Reviews. When I asked for the url of their company website so I could check them out, I got no reply. I think it's a scam. Anybody else been getting anything like this? From: woola To: Mustang Fever Date: 8/2/2012 11:17 PM Subject: can you make a review
Posted on: 8/3/2012 7:51 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11180281

RE: M1 Abrams in a battle with congress
We always ran diesel in ours, and the TM was quite clear that using any of the "jet" grade fuels would result in loss of power.
Posted on: 7/31/2012 3:33 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11176371

RE: M1 Abrams in a battle with congress
If the wind is right, an Abrams can sneak up behind you and nudge you in the butt. It happened to me in the tank park at Grayling. One of my TCs having some fun. I'd take the turbine over the diesels anyday. No starting problems in cold weather, instant torque at low speeds, and quiet. Also no smoke signature, which was a real problem with the 551s, not so much with the 60s, but it was there. This is a good thread, but makes the basic mistake of expecting the politics of weaponry to make sense. I can't remember a time when it ever did. Look at the A-10. GE designs a 30mm cannon. They go to Fairchild and ask them to design an airplane around it. Between the two companies, so much pressure was put on various representatives that it got built. It's about the most worthless project ever rammed up the USAFs ass. It's too slow to be used unless all enemy AAA units have been eliminated. The original P-47 Thunderbolt is faster in level flight.
Posted on: 7/31/2012 11:46 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11176090

RE: The Tanker's Lounge
Signing on. I don't have any rc tanks. My experience is limited to full size M551s, M60s, and M1s. The way the weather has been around here, tho, I might just get into RC tanks. If I can find one heavy enough to not get knocked around by the effing wind like my planks and helis. Either that or I'll totally cave in and get a sail boat.
Posted on: 7/30/2012 7:59 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11175367

RE: TF P-39 Aircobra Tank Buster, Gold Edition
There is a lot of fascinating info online regarding the Airacobra's service with the Soviet air force during WWII. Much of it was released fairly recently after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In comparison to what we have today, not much was known during WWII or recently because of the Stalin's paranoia. The P-39 was a deadly air to air fighter in the hands of Russian pilots. At the low to medium altitudes where most combat took place, the "Little Cobra" could out turn a Spitfire, and had no problems with the Bf-109. The statistics aren't real clear, but it appears that the P-39 probably shot down more enemy fighters during the war than any other single allied aircraft. The second top scoring Soviet ace had most of his victories (57) in a P-39. The P-39 as a "tankbuster" is mostly myth. The U.S.A. refused to supply the Soviet Union with the armor piercing ammo for the Oldsmobile cannon, and in any event, the cannon's muzzle velocity was too low for effective use as an anti armor weapon. The 39 excelled at medium altitude air to air combat, and was a formidable close air support platform for Soviet troops. The "Kobrushka" was much loved by Russian pilots because of it's well armored cockpit, heavy firepower, serviceable radio, and the fact that the fuel tanks were in the wings instead of the fuse, which meant a crash landing wasn't followed by death in a fire.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 5:47 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168394

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
MHO on oleo struts is that they are too heavy and too expensive, BUT, adapting the Robart struts to the wire ones on the Eflites is probably the best compromise. The main reason for this is that the TF P-51 wheel wells are designed so that the strut has to sweep radically forward from the retract. They did this to cure the nose over blues that these models get. The Eflite strut can be bent so that the Robart and the wheel will end up in the right place. You'll want to use the 85 degree ones, too, so the bird will look right on the ground.
Posted on: 7/23/2012 1:23 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11166122

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Have you looked at the Eflite 60-120 size electric retracts? I've used the smaller ones, and had good results. Kinda pricey, but I hate pneumatic even more than you do, if that's possible.
Posted on: 7/21/2012 2:09 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163758

RE: Laddie M's Arrow - 2nd Attempt
Took the electric Arrow on our annual pilgrimage to Manistique Lake, and was able to fly off the dock eight times, as the wind was calm and the lake not too stirred up every morning. Great vacation airplane- with the wings off it takes up very little room in the Traverse so the wife can bring her usual tons of stuff without any hassle from me. Hadn't flown the glow Arrow in quite awhile, due to the winds in Cadillac being very bad 24-7 for most of the last 30 days. Last night the lake calmed down and with a moderate south breeze I could go boil some water and punch some holes in the sky. I am once again reminded that the glow Arrow is my favorite sport plane.
Posted on: 7/14/2012 7:09 AM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11154802

RE: Where should the step be?
Step in front of the C.G., around 1/4". Ask any powerboat.
Posted on: 7/13/2012 6:34 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11154398

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Mike: I've had this bird so long, I think I must have used the stock mount for something else. I don't even remember it. I'm sure that it would not have fit between the packs, tho, as there is very little space between the motor and battery boxes as it is. I chose those packs for their size and weight (for balance). The last time I took old Snoop out, I made two takeoffs, flew for maybe 7 minutes total, did some loops and stall turns, and when I charged them up they still took only about 1000 millis each (3000 packs).
Posted on: 7/6/2012 7:18 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11145961

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Thanks, guy, but I must confess I got the idea from reading about the Telemasters on the hobby-lobby website. Figured they used it for the same reason I did- that flat bottom monster wing. I know they didn't need it to hold the airplane up.
Posted on: 7/5/2012 12:57 PM by Author "Mustang Fever" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144251