RE: Great Team Trials!
Thanks for the kind words Bryan, good luck to you and Brett at the World's. Glad I was able to help the team again. Randy Team Talon
Posted on: 7/31/2012 4:36 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11175648

RE: F3a The Future
Alejandro, I don't know you and I don't want to offend you, as you are probably a nice guy, but you are not understanding what we are talking about. we don't want bigger planes, we don't want bigger engines and most all we don't want planes that weigh over eleven pounds. I just don't want to be forced to spend extra time and money to stay under eleven if it is close. If someone can just buy any plane out there and all the latest and greatest equipment, I can see where this weight limit would be a non issue. It can be done fairly easy with the almighty dollar. Try designing and building it yourself with new ideas and things that will hopefully make it fly better and also try to make it look like a work of art, with light balsa getting harder to find now you have a problem. And your friend Bryan H. is also my friend and I promise you he works ten times as hard as he should on a new design, just to make weight. But hey, he enjoys it. Randy Hicks Team TALON extreme
Posted on: 6/30/2012 10:39 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11137710

RE: F3a The Future
Freddy, It doesn't matter whose rules they are , if it makes no sense, it makes no sense. If the planes are restricted to the current size and all other rules in place, what precisely will get out of hand. And by the way, did I say I wanted a bigger plane, I like everything about pattern except the weight rule that causes confusion at the nats and added cost to the pilots. And I also think that " get out if you don't like it attitude" works very well considering our boom in membership. Randy Hicks Team TALON extreme
Posted on: 6/30/2012 5:37 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11137485

RE: F3a The Future
I don't think you have to regret asking that question at all. That is a very logical question and one that I have been wondering about myself for several years now. I have remained silent on this topic in the past because I have only been flying pattern for a few years and thought maybe I just didn't understand, but now that I have successfully designed and built two 2meter pattern planes I understand just how useless this rule actually is. Think about it, if your plane is deemed over weight you will be disqualified because you are at a disadvantage. A minimum weight limit makes perfect sense, if your plane is too light you would be disqualified for having an unfair advantage. I hear people say the planes will become larger and more expensive if we remove the weight rule especially the biplanes. Well maybe the size rule needs to be fine tuned to keep the planes like they are now. And what about my cost to keep a prototype plane under the limit, not only money but countless hours doing questionable things in order to save a gram or two. and yes I know if I covered the wings and stabs I could have saved several ounces but I have heard that pattern planes are the Ferrari's of R/C planes and I want my planes to look like it. Back to the weight rule, can anyone give me a common sense reason why we have a maximum weight rule in the first place. Randy Hicks Team TALON extreme
Posted on: 6/29/2012 8:44 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11137253

RE: TALON EXTREME by Randy Hicks Designs
Thanks Guys for the kind words. The plane does look every bit as good as I imagined ten months ago. Today was it's maiden flight and it flies as good as looks. I'm sure Brandon will chime in and give some detail of the flights, as he was the one behind the transmitter. It is a good feeling when all of your hard work goes up in flight. Randy Hicks Team TALON extreme
Posted on: 6/27/2012 12:55 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11134100

RE: TALON EXTREME by Randy Hicks Designs
Thanks Luis for the kind words. I have spent a lot time and effort in this plane and I am looking to seeing it fly. Randy Hicks Team Talon
Posted on: 6/21/2012 8:33 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11127284

RE: NSRCA Candidate Rules Proposal Survey is available
int. pilot Designer of the Talon and soon to be Talon extreme
Posted on: 3/15/2012 10:28 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001196

RE: Jetero Pattern Shootout - June 4/5
Count me and Brandon Landry in. Thanks, Randy Hicks Team Talon
Posted on: 5/31/2011 2:42 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10550370

RE: 2011 Houston, TX Spring Pattern Classic 4/30-5/1
Glen I'm looking foward to attending your event, I had a really good time last year. Randy Hicks
Posted on: 2/9/2011 6:48 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10324763

RE: post some pictures of your pattern plane!!
Here is a photo of my new pattern plane. It's my own design and it's called the "TALON". I'm really enjoying it.
Posted on: 11/10/2010 5:25 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10127269

RE: My first pattern plane build
is the plane out performs the pilot, I will try to work on that during the off season
Posted on: 10/25/2010 9:25 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10094179

RE: My first pattern plane build
It's time to get back to work on the Talon project. I put that project on the back burner in order to repair a crashed Shinden. If you would like to read about that project, go to Bryan Hebert's website (hebertcompetitiondesigns.com) and look under Shinden rebuild. That plane came out very nice and now I know how a really good pattern plane flies. I have a good bit more progress made on the Talon, so I should get some current photos posted in the next couple of days. Randy
Posted on: 9/21/2010 11:49 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10007149

RE: My first pattern plane build
A few photos of the latest progress. The wings and stabs are mounted and the cowl and canopy are fitted. Almost ready for a lot of sanding and fiberglass.
Posted on: 9/20/2010 4:34 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10015367

RE: My first pattern plane build
Astropuppy, I used Dupont Chroma Premier paint and clearcoat. The white on the fuse is singlestage and everything else is base/clear. The reason for that is the singlestage is 100% fuel proof, the base/clear is not completely fuel proof. If fuel were to leak it would likely be on the bottom so I should be ok. The base/clear makes the striping so much easier, faster, and lighter, even with the clearcoat . Gregg The final weight of the Shinden is 4997gms. That's with a 20oz tank and a 2600mah battery. For the Nats next year I will use a lighter tank and a lighter battery, I may even build a set of wings for it. The wings seem to be a little on the heavy side before I started the rebuild, as they were not damaged in the crash. So i'm sure I can save several ounces here. Thanks for looking Randy
Posted on: 9/17/2010 9:06 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10008344

RE: My first pattern plane build
Well the weather has been really nice and my honey do list has been pretty long. After kinda catching up on my household projects, I'm ready to get back to work on this plane. I finally got my wings sheeted so here are a few photos.
Posted on: 4/6/2010 4:01 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9641951

RE: CA Models VISA
Yes it is.
Posted on: 3/17/2010 4:29 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9590370

RE: CA Models VISA
Thanks Chip That's what I wanted to know. I've used 7776 clear before it is a very nice product especially if you need it to dry quickly. Randy
Posted on: 3/17/2010 2:33 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9590109

RE: CA Models VISA
Onewasp I own a body shop and have been painting cars for 30 years. I know all about isocyanates. I didn't think my question was that difficult. I wanted the Part # for the "new" clear that Chip used, maybe it's new to the west coast and I haven't seen it yet or maybe I have used it already. My "color" question was meant to ask what was applied under the clearcoat: Dupont ChromaBase basecoat, ChromaPremier basecoat, Chroma single stage urethane or something different. Randy
Posted on: 3/17/2010 9:16 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9589343

RE: My first pattern plane build
The two recesses on the side are air vents. It looks pretty cool but it was difficult to layup. I really didn't have too much trouble with it releasing.
Posted on: 3/16/2010 2:13 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9587058

RE: My first pattern plane build
I finally finished the chin cowl process, here are some photos. The final part came out pretty good but I think I might make another one. This was by far the most difficult layup so far. I learned a lot so I know the second one will come out even better.
Posted on: 3/16/2010 10:51 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9586570

RE: CA Models VISA
Chip What is the part number of the Dupont clear that you mentioned also what are you using for your color. By the way those new planes look awesome. Thanks Randy
Posted on: 3/11/2010 11:24 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9574703

RE: My first pattern plane build
A few more photos including installing a nose ring a more work on the canopy.
Posted on: 3/11/2010 12:10 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9572941

RE: My first pattern plane build
Dave I guess I have an unfair advantage in the paint department because I own a auto body shop. So I know nothing about any of the hobby paints. If you used automotive paint it can be sprayed outdoors on a nice day. I sanded my plugs with fine sand paper and polished them to a very smooth finish, so if you got a little dust in the paint it would be removed in this step. I wouldn't attempt to paint an entire plane outdoors but just a plug should be fine. Randy
Posted on: 3/11/2010 10:46 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9572724

RE: My first pattern plane build
David the cloth that I used was 3.1 oz. and I used 3 layers. Your cowl is smaller so you would probably be fine with two layers. I thought about using CF but I think it's a little more difficult to work with but I will give it a try soon. Randy
Posted on: 3/11/2010 12:36 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9572045

RE: My first pattern plane build
David This is my first atempt at making composite parts and they seemed to come out great, but I may not have the experience to answer your question correctly. Maybe someone with more experience will join in. In my opinion you need to support the plastic in a way to keep the heat of the resin from altering its shape. I also think I would attach the two halves to make the complete cowl then make a two piece mold. The black mix that you are referring to in post 20 is West Systems resin and graphite powder mixed to a thick creamy consistency. It is spread over the plug about an eighth of an inch thick or so. It dries to a hard very slick surface which makes it easier for the mold to release. And yes I use the same wax on the plug and the mold. I also sprayed a coat of PVA release agent on both the plug and mold. I didn't have any problem at all with the parts releasing. I also didn't use any type of vacuum device. I hope I have helped you a little at least and good luck with your project. Randy
Posted on: 3/10/2010 11:43 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9571949

RE: My first pattern plane build
kochj The tutorial is on the cstsales.com website. I think their site has a problem because I have trouble getting to it also. I didn't use gelcoat on my mold or the final parts. Actually I have never used gelcoat at all.
Posted on: 3/10/2010 8:38 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9569568

RE: My first pattern plane build
Paul, It's just Dupont single stage urethane.
Posted on: 3/9/2010 7:17 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9568242

RE: My first pattern plane build
A few photos of the chin cowl plug and the nose and canopy molds.
Posted on: 3/9/2010 2:26 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9567535

RE: My first pattern plane build
Joe I started construction right after the first of the year. The wings are ready to sheet so I should be able to do that in the next few nights. I'm still working on the chin cowl mold, when that's done I'm ready to start a lot of sanding and glassing.
Posted on: 3/9/2010 12:48 PM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9567323

RE: My first pattern plane build
Kochj I'm using the green plugs to make a female mold. it is this mold that I use to make the final part. I'll try to get some photos of the molds posted today. Randy
Posted on: 3/9/2010 8:19 AM by Author "ROOKIE PILOT" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9566713