RE: Tiger 60 Build Thread
Hi guys, I built my tiger 60 last winter and have been flying it since around May... I have a Thunder Tiger Pro .61 on it. I also had read it might come out tail heavy. It did not! It balanced perfect with the .61 on it. No additional weight required.. I had my battery up front under my fuel tank but have since moved it back into the radio compartment and even have played with stick on weights on the tail just to play with the CG a little. I added about 1.25" to the rudder when building. I turned the aileron servos so only the control horn sticks out of the wing, looks better. I had allot of trouble keeping the fuselage straight. My 1st attempt (following the instructions) resulted in a bowed fuse which I sent back to Carl goldburg and they sent me a whole new kit. The 2nd fuse I made a custom jig off the plans and used that to keep the fuse straight while gluing up. It came out great on the 2nd try. she's a great flying plane. The .61 is good but a .75 might be better? Good luck.. Pop
Posted on: 11/3/2009 2:05 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9225341

RE: I am now a nervous flyer?????
Sorry to hear about your Tiger. Was it a 40 or a 60? Pop
Posted on: 10/22/2009 9:35 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9193160

RE: Parkzone Super Decathlon Aileron upgrade
[quote]ORIGINAL: hugger-4641 I've got 3 of the J3 Bl, which is basically the same plane, and I've never had the gear rip out. The J3 gear is one piece, instead of two piece like the Decathalon. You might try using J-3 gear if you don't mind the different look. [/quote] I saw the J3 gear at the LHS and thought it would fit...or could be made to fit.. I'll probably pick them up next time I'm there. This wont replace my Tiger 60, Cherokee 40 or Easyglider but it will be nice to keep in the trunk for lunchtime flying.... Pop
Posted on: 10/20/2009 1:18 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9188266

RE: Parkzone Super Decathlon Aileron upgrade
A couple of quick flights at lunch today.. Flew fine but a little to windy to give it a good test. Much better that just the 3 channels. Next I think I will make a motor mount adjustment. Word is the firewall and the motor mount both have down thrust in them which doubles the down angle of the motor. This causes the plane to fly with the tail pointed down a bit. It did seem that way but again I'll wait for a calm day to better evaluate its flight. Pop
Posted on: 10/20/2009 12:41 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9188172

Parkzone Super Decathlon Aileron upgrade
I won this plane, in a pilots raffle at an event last Sunday. I didnt think much of it until I tried it out. Its the RTF version so everything was included. 35" wingspan, 370 brushless motor, 2s LiPo 800mAh, 3 channel radio. I tried it out in a field near work and it flew great! plenty of power. BUT, it needs ailerons.... I found a couple of builds where they put 2 ailerons out on the wings. I dont see the need for flaps and I want to save weight so I made this a 1 servo setup. photo #1: I cut a 1.5" x 12" aileron out of each side. I greased the 3 hinges then epoxied them into the wing. I poked a hole in the foam with a wire and these hinges fit perfectly between the skins of the foam. I used wire to make another hole for the aileron control tube. I epoxied the spray tube from an old WD-40 can into the wing. The angle of the dehidrile made the tube come out of the wing in just the right area. I slide the wire through the tube and bent to shape seen. Photo #2: Here I've epoxied one aileron onto the control wire and the hinges. After the glue dried, I used a strip of packing tape over all the hinge lines top and bottom. Seems strong and moves very easy with alot of travel. Photo #3: I notched out the wing and epoxied the micro servo in place. I replaced the RX with a spektrum 6100 and bound it to my DX6i. Photo #4: This will be my high rates, half of that for the low rate. Landing gear is useless on the grass, it rips right out. I have flown off a parking lot and it worked fine but most of my flying will be over grass. With my changes I still come in slightly under the 16oz posted flying weight. As soon as the weather is good I'll test it out. I havent had a calm day yet with this plane. Every flight has been in gusty conditions. I'm thinking the ailerons will help greatly... Pop
Posted on: 10/19/2009 9:17 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9186610

RE: Madien of my GP Cherokee
[quote]ORIGINAL: beachbrada U should get a 55AX, its not a nice power boost. [/quote] Would love to get more stuff but cash is tight ( wifes layoff!! ) So the question is, will the OS.46LA get the cherokee off the water? Otherwise I'll put float flying off until the money situation gets better.. Pop
Posted on: 10/13/2009 3:12 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9170132

RE: Madien of my GP Cherokee
[quote]ORIGINAL: *JCB* looks good! I put mine on floats... [/quote] I like your floats, I want to add some to my cherokee. What do you have for an engine? I'm running a OS .46LA so I'm a little short on power? Pop
Posted on: 10/13/2009 11:42 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9169546

RE: I broke my engine!
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner [quote]ORIGINAL: Popriv This is an older bush engine that I bought used. Runs great but not allot of power. Pop [/quote] Dittos to all the above Yes, the part is easy to replace at a price and no it does not need to be attached to the the engine and attaching somewhere else is a common repair, read cheap. Now on the your statement above and why it does not have a lot
Posted on: 10/13/2009 11:24 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9169510

Canablize this park flyer?
I won a parkzone RTF decathlon at a raffle yesterday. Is it feasable to build a stick and tissue scale plane over the winter and pull the guts out of this plastic parkflyer? It has a brushless motor in it and I now have 3 of the little 2 cell Lipos ( 2 from a toy heli ) I also have a Spektrum park flyer RX to put in it. So I guess I would just use the ESC, two mini servos, battery and motor from the decathlon... http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1400 Pop
Posted on: 10/12/2009 10:51 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166375

RE: I broke my engine!
Thanks. I see they now sell it as two separate items for $16 Should/could new bushings be put on this engine? or anything else to pep it up? If not, and if the break didnt cause a leak in the back plate I will probably just leave it... Thanks Pop
Posted on: 10/12/2009 10:39 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166356

I broke my engine!
Trying to tighten down the rear bolt on a clamp style mount, I put a little pressure on the needle valve and the plate that holds it snapped off. This is an OS .46LA. The plate on the back of the engine is also what holds the needle valve in place. This is an older bush engine that I bought used. Runs great but not allot of power. How difficult is it going to be to purchase and replace this part? While I'm at it should I do anything else to this engine? I used epoxy to reattach but havent started the engine. Seems like the needle valve would still function. The only thing holding it ( if not for the epoxy ) would be the fuel lines. I would like to fix it properly over the winter. Thanks Pop
Posted on: 10/12/2009 10:24 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166320

Moon Flyby!
We had our annual demonstration day with many spectators. One asked me to fly in front of the moon for some shots. A little windy but a great day.. with the glider and strong winds, I was able to just hang in front of the moon for pics... Pop
Posted on: 10/12/2009 9:58 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166236

RE: How safe are clamp style mounts?
I think I'll put this mount on my test stand and put another mount on my cherokee. pop
Posted on: 10/12/2009 9:52 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166223

How safe are clamp style mounts?
Old Cherokee with OS .46LA came with a clamp style mount. I want to put my Thunder Tiger Pro .36 on this plane. 4 screws or bolts through the engine mount seems more reliable? Any problems with the clamp style? I rather not change the mount. Pop
Posted on: 10/10/2009 7:53 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9162409

Setting front wheel hight?
I removed my floats and reinstalling the trike gear and I'm wondering what the rule is for setting the front wheel hight hight? Should you set the wing incedence to the ground by adjusting the wheel hight? Pop
Posted on: 10/9/2009 9:30 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9158823

RE: Water flight a success
[quote]ORIGINAL: brett65 A water landing is much more gratifying isn't it? [/quote] I agree, it was great skimming it down onto the water. and you can land anywhere, no overshooting the runway. Everyone else had no problems taking off. the challenge was making these undersize floats work. The takeoffs were not enjoyable... This Oktoberfest event was the 1st annual so we are hoping they invite us back next year as we were very popular with the crowd. That means we would have to use the pond for practice during the summer??? We are hoping.. Pop
Posted on: 10/5/2009 8:56 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9147726

Water flight a success
It wasnt easy but after 2 aborted attempts the plane flew. I learned quite abit about floats. While the step aligning with the CG is important, if the floats are to short (like mine) you have to have them forward enough to support the plane. On our 1st attempts the plane was nosing over and hitting the water. After moving the floats forward the plane sat in the water correctly. Probably because the step was so far ahead of the CG it was hard to keep it straight on takeoff. Like the test flights friday night it wanted to skid hard left or right. two things helped, More power from the OS .50sx and the water rudder I added to one float. The biggest factor was a breeze blowing right down the pond in the perfect direction. It made the plane weathervane into the wind and go right where I wanted it to go. The small ripple it caused on the lake help the floats brake free. This was at an Oktoberfest event in Hopedale, MA. They had asked if our club could provide float flying entertainment. After all the early morning attempts and adjustments our club pro got it to lift off and fly. Once off the water it required very little trim and flew great. So after about 30 minutes, I worked up the courage to give it a try. My water maiden with a poorly performing setup and about 100 people behind me watching. I aborted my 1st 2 attemps and brought it back and around. The guys suggested getting up on step and then add full power more quickly. I had a little better control at full power but still squirrly on those short skids. But I got the plane up and then I heard the round of applause from the crowd as they could see I was struggling with it. It helped having a couple of the club guys talking through everything. So many things going through my mind its easy to miss something. I made a dozen curciuts around the pond and one of the guys suggested to start bringing it down a little and setting up approches, OH YEH! good idea. After 2 approches I brought it down smooth and taxied it in to another round of applause. Thats when I could feel my knees shaking and the big grin comeing over my face! The 2nd flight whent even better with smoother takeoff and landing. The 3rd flight didnt go well. I think the problem was NO WIND. I lost my weathervane to help with direction and the water was smooth. It handled really poorly but I went for it and flipped it on takeoff. A big AWWWWW! from the crowd. So I got to use the canoe to go out and get it which also entertained the crowd. No damage to the plane , the float supports just got all bent up. OK thats it for float flying. Floats are already off. On to the next project.... Instead of putting the trike gear back on this trainer can I convert it to a tail dragger? Pop
Posted on: 10/4/2009 5:56 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9146286

RE: 1st attempt off water...
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner Is that last picture the final setup and only interested in the cg you are going to fly at, which is it? The whole idea is for the middle of the step to be behind the CG not in front? John [/quote] I'm going to add weight to the nose and fly at the forward CG line in that picture. Based on your info I would like to move the floats back another 1/2 inch but it would involve moving the rear attachment point on the plane... pop
Posted on: 10/3/2009 9:00 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9144409

RE: 1st attempt off water...
Busy day. I mounted the OS .50sx I have 11x6, 11x7, 12.25x3.75, 12x4, and 12x6 as choice of props. My actual current balance point is to far back. I'll add weight to the nose until the CG is at the recommended CG line. This is where the plane flys well with wheels on it. Is the rudder worth the weight penalty it brings? When I sit it in my pool the floats sit level and the LE is 1/2" to 5/8" higher than th TE. Sooo, changed the .36 for a .50 Moved the floats 1.5" back - (Probably should go back another 1/2" to put the step aft of the CG) Added a water rudder but I'm tempted to remove it so I dont have to add so much weight to the front. I still have to add weight in front to move my current actual CG forward to where it belongs.. If I need more incedence I could adjust the rear mount to lower the tail? Moving the floats farther back will be tough as I've run out of flange on the float. Its getting heavy? about 7.5 lbs now and still needing the nose weight added.. The right float looks a little nose in. Do you see anything else I can do to better my chances? One thing is, I'm going to have one of the experienced guys make the first flight... Pop
Posted on: 10/3/2009 8:36 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9144355

RE: 1st attempt off water...
Well the OS .46LA weighs about the same as the TTPro .36 So adding the .46 doesnt add weight to the nose like I need and I question how much more power it has than the .36. May look into borrowing the .50 engine.. pop
Posted on: 10/3/2009 10:21 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9143246

RE: 1st attempt off water...
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner Ok the reason for the apparent uncontrollable takeoff behavior is now obvious, the step is to far forward ahead of the CG and your installation is just like flying not only a taildragger but one that has the maing gear to far forward with all takeoff instability as well as the landing bouncys if you did get it off. First the Gee Bee floats are the only ones that ever used that horrible V shaped step design and that has cause endless heatache for Gee Bee users. You cannot consider the back point of that v the actual step position. Instead you must consider a compromise point half way between that rear point of the V and the point where the V reachs the side as the actual step point for float installation purposes. That point must be behind the actual flight CG (making it a tricycle gear if you will) for good takeoff behavior and in my opinion that point on that size airplane should be around 1/4 inch aft of the cg. You need to move the floats rearward. Sorry am leaving this early AM to fly can talk more latter if you like. John [/quote] That would be good news! It can be corrected. The original mount position on the floats will move the floats back 1 inch. That caused a tail heavy condition which I will now correct by replacing the .36 with an OS .46LA. I'm guessing the OS .46 LA will be heavier than the TTPro .36. Rainy day here so I'll start mounting the .46 and hear from you later? Pop
Posted on: 10/3/2009 9:18 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9143138

RE: 1st attempt off water...
[quote]ORIGINAL: safeTwire If I remember correctly...The CG of your totally completed airplane (If possible test flown and trimmed out with standard landing gear)[i]without floats[/i] is to be determined first. Then, the step of the float gets positioned with regard to your airplanes determined CG. It's a two part process: 1)Balance the plane alone (floats off) and find CG. 2)Mount floats with their ''step'' positioned correctly in relation to the CG location determined from step#1. [/quote] 1)I have been flying this plane with the CG at 3.125 behind the LE as recomended. 2)this is my question, where exactly on the float do I measure the " step " ??? In my photo the CG IS on the TIP of the step. Are the floats to far forward? should the CG be at the base or widest part of the step? Pop
Posted on: 10/3/2009 8:57 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9143105

RE: 1st attempt off water...
OK here are some photos with details. Wing span is 65" .40 engine recomended - I'm using a TTPro .36 with an 11/6 prop. I have a OS .46LA I can put in it. ( or friend has .50 I could use) Flying weight 5.5 recomended - It comes in at 6.6 with the floats. Hopefully the mounts on the fuse are OK as they would be the most difficult to move. I was a little tail heavy so I drilled more holes in the float and moved the floats forward by 1 inch. ( I didnt want to add any more weight to balance it) In the bottom view, where do you measure on the step? My CG is lineing up with the TIP of the step. We had no notice for this event so its been a rush job. I've gained a day today due to a rain out but still a rush. I didnt remember to even check the wing incedence which I know should be +3 degrees. It was a good Idea to make a test run Friday night.. I have a plan to mount a hinge to the back of one float with a 3"x3" rudder and run a cable to the rudder servo but time is short. I'm hoping that with proper float setup and moving up to the .46LA I could get this off the water without adding the rudder... Wadda ya think ??? Pop
Posted on: 10/3/2009 8:08 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9143046

1st attempt off water...
As we thought the TTPro .36 could not get the trainer off the water. I made the first attept. With no rudder in the water ( on the skids ) I had no problem steering the plane accross the pond. Problem was going straight. It needed alot of right rudder to maintain straight. Somehow I caught a wingtip and the plane nosed in. It stayed on the floats though. the engine died. Got the canoe off the truck, occasionally glancing back to see if she was sinking but she was fine. Brought it in and a quick check showed no problems so we started it up again. There was water in the muffler and engine but it blew right out and started up. This time I handed over the TX to the more experienced guys, who wanted to give it a try. They managed to keep it on its floats but it was very squirrely. The would almost get up to spped and it would spin to the left or right. Opinion was that it MIGHT work with that engine if it had a rudder on one of the skids??? Or just put a bigger engine on it and no rudder would be needed?? The event I was going to fly is postponed until sunday so I'm going to borrow a .50 engine and put that on tomorrow. Some water got in the plane but not to bad. I wrapped the electronics in disposable latex gloved and ties. I'm going to dry/clean up the plane now.. Try again Sunday Pop
Posted on: 10/2/2009 8:03 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9142129

RE: How difficult to fly off water?
[quote]ORIGINAL: jester_s1 I don't know if I would try to make that work. If those floats are too small, you'll have a tough time getting off the water. And if they are too short up front, you could tip over. I doubt that's what you are going for in the demonstration. At least test it before flying in front of people. [/quote] I would like to try this out before the show.. I wish I had more time... I'll try and find somewhere to test it out one night this week.. pop
Posted on: 9/28/2009 10:07 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9129644

RE: How difficult to fly off water?
This looks about right on the water.?...Step is on the CG. Floats are a bit small but its this or nothing! Nothings attached yet so havent test balance yet.? next I'll brace the fuse for the mounts.
Posted on: 9/27/2009 12:59 PM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9127442

RE: high speed needle assembly question
[quote]ORIGINAL: proptop It shouldn't make any difference, because (providing everything is machined/manufactured properly ) there should be an annular groove all the way around the inside (that piece w/ the fuel inlet nipple is known as a ''Banjo fitting'' ) so as to feed fuel no matter what the orientation of the fuel nipple is. [/quote] This is what I was thinking but was hoping it would fix a problem.. pop
Posted on: 9/27/2009 11:58 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9127293

high speed needle assembly question
I'm wondering if I may have found the reason for my poor running TTPro .36. Where the HSN screws into the carb. there will be a washer then a nipple that the fuel line attaches to. Underneath this nipple a hole is drilled through the main shaft of the HSN. When the HSN assembly is attached to the carb should I make sure the nipple ligns up with this hole? It looks like the assembly could be tightened up with the nipple rotated on the shaft so it does NOT line up with the hole under it. If I had done this could it cause a problem? I have not been able to get onto the web site to look at a manual / assembly. Pop
Posted on: 9/27/2009 8:13 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126937

RE: How difficult to fly off water?
[quote]ORIGINAL: MajorTomski Your floats are WAY too far forward in that second picture. The step, the notch on the bottom of the float should be no more than one inch BEHIND the CG of the plane. As you have it there you're going to have a very soggy tail. T [/quote] With the step under the CG the prop will be at or extend past the front of the floats. I understand putting the step at the CG, is there any issues with the position of the prop and the front of the floats? or just go for the step on the CG and it is what it is? Does this also indicate the floats are a little small? pop
Posted on: 9/27/2009 5:47 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126837

RE: How difficult to fly off water?
[quote]ORIGINAL: HighPlains I hope you haven't mounted the floats that far forward. The step of the float is mounted near the model's CG. What does the instructions say? [/quote] No instructions, just what you see in the picture.... Pop
Posted on: 9/27/2009 5:40 AM by Author "Popriv" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126828