RE: December Tower Talk ARF's
[quote]ORIGINAL: smithcreek [quote]ORIGINAL: gabarber But, for at least the next 13-15 years, ARFs are my way to go, unless I get some time during the cold Minnesota winter months! [/quote] I hope your right, but there's a good chance in 13-15 years we'll be the ones building the ARFs and the Chinese will be spending their time flying planes and having internet discussions about the quality of ARFs made in the USA.[:'(] [/quote] A guy I used to fly with said to me "I sure the Chinese don't judge us Americans by all the crap we buy from them".
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:44 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268688

RE: December Tower Talk ARF's
I don't think Tower would sell a significant more of kits if they dropped the price by half - past the first run on what they already had anyway. It's just flat out demand or lack of. They just don't sell. Go to a hobby shop that still stocks kits and you are likely to find some in there that have been on the same shelf for a couple of years at least. Some more than that. When people say they have no time to build kits what they really mean to say is building is just not a priority to them. I don't care either way but people act like suddenly in the last 10 years peoples lives are so much busier than they were 10+ years ago. They're not. They're just busy doing stuff they weren't doing 15 years ago.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:43 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268683

RE: Lado retracts would you ?
Wow. Apparently I need to move our shop into making stuff for the R/C crowd because apparently the demand for good customer service is zero if 50% of people would still do business them.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 6:16 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268324

RE: Kit Building Cool Tools
I stick build a fair amount. Fuses etc.... These come in handy even tho I have a full shop of power tools as well. Great for cutting a miter or sanding off that last little bit to get a perfect fit without using the power sander. Both made by fourmost. Miter Saw and Miter Sander. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&P=WR&I=LXG875 http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXG876&P=ML
Posted on: 11/19/2009 6:01 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9265889

RE: December Tower Talk ARF's
That includes FF and rubber band powered as well. If you look at a Tower sale about 5 years or more you would see a multitude of brands of not only kits but ARF's. Tower has turned into the outlet of Hobbico since then. Sure before they heavy Hobbico and it's brands like Top Flite and Great Planes etc...but now if you look thru the ARF's and kits it's down to the only companies that Hobbico owns and nobody else.
Posted on: 11/19/2009 5:02 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9265735

RE: December Tower Talk ARF's
If you find an interesting kit I suggest you just pick it up and save it. If you change your mind later you can always unload it. Even as little as 3-5 years ago Tower carried 3x as many kits in glow sizes as they do today. In 5 years the hobby has seen a 100% turnaround. 5+ years ago the nicer sport planes and scale planes were kits the ARF's were more boxy/non scale planes. Now it's about to be the exact opposite...especially at Tower most of their kits are beginner level or stick type kits or something similar.
Posted on: 11/19/2009 12:29 AM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264369

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
I still have not got a tracking number...still stuck at "ordered". I'm going to call them again this afternoon and see what the deal is. I've told them twice if I don't get a tracking number there's no way for it to be delivered and it shouldn't take 4 business days to ship a package.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 1:37 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9262955

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
And oh yeah. If these are like the old midwest kits which I imagine they are. You have to order the wheel pants and cowl from one of the fiberglass places.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 4:27 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260697

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
[quote]ORIGINAL: prgonzalez That's an interesting point you presented. I have no gas engines yet. The largest engine I have is ST-2300. So, I am very open to learning and keep experimenting. At this moment, I am finishing a US60 with a TH75 engine. My next build is going to be the Extra. I don't rush with my builds. I take my time to plant the construction and make some decision before starting. Then I tackle one problem at a time as they come not as planned. I need to keep reading and listening about gas engines, and of course, I need to consider what the final wing loading is going to be. Your point of view is highly appreciated. [/quote] Like I said a lot of people will argue. There's a reason you don't see many aerobatic 30-40cc gas sized airplanes. It's that magic spot of it may/may not work. Most 50cc planes nowdays have about 6" or more wingspan. Most 1.60 glow size planes have about 6" less wingspan. There is definetly a "break even" point when going to gas - on a plane that you are trying to keep the weight down. If you go glow definetly have a supplier of good FAI (0%) to 5% fuel handy. My old club buys it from the maker by the pallet and they let us mix/match bundles. So I buy a couple cases at a time. I pay just about $7/gallon for it and have paid a little less/more. When gas was $4.50/gallon + oil it was really getting close.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 4:22 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260690

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
I have several larger gas planes. A lot of people wil argue but to me to get a good flying aerobatic plane and be gas you need to step up to 50cc and for that weight you really need a larger wing of around 85-89". That's just my opinion. A lot of people talk of hassle of glow but I've never experienced. I pay just over $7/gallon for FAI fuel which the Moki runs great on. Cranks on the first flip by hand. I don't have to charge an ignition battery, don't have to have a choke servo, or an ignition cut off etc...When done flying takes 1 paper towel to wipe down the bottom of the plane at most. It's not like the .46 size planes you see guys run slobbering rich. And I know for sure a Moki will fit sideways inside the cowl on this plane with a pitts side mount muffler. If the wing was a little larger I would go gas. I guess it depends on what you expect. Some people don't mind flying 50cc gas planes that weight 18+ pounds or whatever it turns out to be.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 3:52 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260630

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
I just talked to her. Going to ship this afternoon I guess. I never even thought about someone thinking it would be an ARF. Nobody hardly makes kits in this size anymore. Not many ARF's either. They're either just a tad smaller for something like an OS 1.60 or bigger for a 50cc gas engine at around 86" wingspan. I have a Moki 2.10 that I'll stick in here. I always run straight 0% nitro in them and never had a problem. Hand crank on the first or second flip.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 1:56 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260386

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
I paid with a C/C on Friday and it's says "ordered". Now that they have the page taken down it's obvious they don't have anymore. We'll see who gets one and who gets a refund. That page was probably up forever and then they got 5 orders in one day.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 10:22 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9259158

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
Yeah I ordered Friday about 2 minutes after he posted that link and mine just says "ordered".
Posted on: 11/16/2009 9:59 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9259095

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
[quote]ORIGINAL: prgonzalez [quote]ORIGINAL: zipnsplat I called them on Friday and they said they are in stock. can't wait to get it! Dan [/quote] Hi Dan, Have you received yours? My order has a shipped status in their website and have my UPS tracking number. Woo Hoo. I also ordered their little CAP 232 today. For $70.00 is a great deal. I will order the 27% CAP next month. Pedro [/quote] When did you order the one that is listed as "shipped"?
Posted on: 11/16/2009 6:58 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9258612

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
That link posted above to the planes on their website is no longer valid. Same thing comes up when you click on the menu under airplanes.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 5:55 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9258480

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
If I get a tracking number on the Extra I ordered next week I'll go ahead and order the CAP. I hope it works out. I have a pair of Moki 2.10's that will fit right in.
Posted on: 11/15/2009 3:22 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9255546

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
I called them last year and specifically asked about their 80" Extra and Cap and they said they didn't have any so we'll see.
Posted on: 11/15/2009 12:35 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9255259

RE: Source for spar quality spruce for monster Warbird?
Already mentioned but SIG. I just got in some 1/4 x 3/8 x 48" from them. I have ordered from aircraft spruce in the past but normally it' easier to just order the exact size even if it's a bit more expensive. In the grand scheme of things in the price of a giant scale plane it comes out to be insignificant. Also when ripping and sanding down the spruce (I use a big belt fed drum sander) to get it down to size from larger stock sometimes you'll let some of the reaction wood go and wind up with a pretty good bow or even a crook to it.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 6:07 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9253726

RE: Profiling control surfaces
Bandsaw
Posted on: 11/13/2009 6:53 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251834

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
Since they are located in my home state I had to pay sales tax...but magically the price of the item was lowered and the sales tax made up the difference to bring it to the same price. I can't shake the feeling I'm going to get an email saying they don't have any.
Posted on: 11/13/2009 6:21 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251424

RE: Hostetler or Midwest Extra 300XS??
[quote]ORIGINAL: zipnsplat Hey guys, I already ordered the Midwest Extra 300XS, but then i saw the Hostetler Extra 300XS kit from kitcutters.com. Does anyone have experience with these models? Is one better than the other? I'm starting to second guess buying the Midwest. Thoughts?? Dan [/quote] Do they still make the Midwest Extra or did you find and old one in stock? IE where did you get it?
Posted on: 11/13/2009 2:07 PM by Author "Nathan_L" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251218

New Wren Turbines USA Forum
Click here to discuss and ask questions about Wren Turbines directly with Ron Ballard. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_509/tt.htm Be sure to add it to your My Forum selection if you want it included. Enjoy!
Posted on: 10/28/2009 1:11 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209358

Welcome Wren Turbines USA
Welcome to Ron Ballard from Wren Turbines USA. In this forum, you may discuss with Ron all your problems, comments and questions regarding Wren Turbines. Enjoy.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 1:09 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "Wren Turbines USA"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209350

RE: Oh boy, not very safe
If memory serves me, the url was blocked as the result of them spamming the forums with the URL.
Posted on: 10/14/2009 7:25 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "RC Helicopter General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9173647

OS Announces New Gas Engine, a 1st for OS!
[quote]O. S.® ENGINES GT55 GAS ENGINE with ELECTRONIC IGNITION Introducing the first gas engine from O.S.! The O. S. GT55 Gas Engine with Electronic Ignition is a real first for the O. S. Engine line. With a reputation for producing quality engines at an affordable price, O. S. takes the market by storm with the introduction of their first gas engine. Similar in appearance to other O. S. 2-cycle engines, the GT55 Gas Engine features a large number of extra-deep and thin cooling fins on the crankcase and head. A unique one-piece crankcase design eliminates gaskets and enhances strength and precision. Another performance benefit is the IG-01 Capacitive Discharge Ignition. Developed from specific O. S. technology, the IG-01 uses a microcomputer, programmed for optimum spark advance. Magnetic sensors on the crankcase and prop drive detect ignition timing. The IG-01 also detects and compensates for wet plugs – ensuring quick starts. Designed to accept a wide range of input voltages, the IG-01 requires minimal current in stand-by mode and features a low-voltage warning (intermittent engine operation). The front-mounted carb provides better cooling for more consistent engine runs and high performance, very simple, direct installation of the throttle and choke linkages and it requires shorter stand-offs, resulting in more secure installation and less vibration overall. A front-induction, rotary-valve crankshaft ensures that the valve is opened and closed for optimum timing. No oil seal is required, eliminating rpm loss due to additional friction. Massive front and rear bearings for longer life and maximum power output. A thin, high-performance piston ring and high-strength aluminum alloy piston for reduced break-in and high compression from the very first run. Specifications: Displacement: 54.93cc Bore: 41.2mm Stroke: 41.2mm Practical RPM: 1,500-8,00 For more information please visit: [link=http://www.osengines.com]http://www.osengines.com[/link] [/quote]
Posted on: 10/13/2009 5:05 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9170423

Welcome YD-Aerovate
I'm pleased to welcome Henry and the guys from RC Aero to RCU. They will be here to answer your questions about the YD-Aerovate engine.
Posted on: 9/30/2009 11:43 AM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "YD-Aerovate Support Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9135804

RE: For the Moderator: my email box has more than 500 messages from rcu
Click My Account at the top of the page > FORUM SETTINGS tab > THREAD SUBSCRIPTIONS link Notice you have at least 7 pages of threads to which you currently subscribe. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click CHECK ALL, the CLEAR ALL. This will remove all thread subscription emails. Next, click the FORUM SUBSCRIPTIONS link You are subscribed to one forum which sends you email as well. You can choose to remove that or keep it. Email me if you have any questions.
Posted on: 9/23/2009 1:32 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9118121

Flybarless Heli Forum: NEW!
Welcome to the flybarless heli forum. In the past year or so there has been more and more discussion going on about this system. As a result many people are looking for more information about it and experimenting with it themselves. Well here is your place to learn and teach all there is to know about flybarless rotor head systems. So let's see those pictures; what have you done and to what have you done it?
Posted on: 9/10/2009 8:15 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "Flybarless Helicopters"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9085256

Welcome
I'd like to welcome Chad and the gang from Sin City Jets who will be answering your questions regarding the EvoJet Booster line.
Posted on: 9/1/2009 7:11 PM by Author "Nathan" in the forum "EvoJet Booster Direct Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9062603

RE: Atlanta 60 has new home
[quote]ORIGINAL: hrrcflyer Vince, ...Not to mention if it's set up properly, I've heard it flies AWESOME. [/quote] Yes, it does. The only reason it isn't still competitive is size and speed. You really have to make your approach with a high angle of attack like a jet or she'll never come down.
Posted on: 8/26/2009 8:03 PM by Author "Nathan King" in the forum "Classic Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9047761