RE: DA 85 Mounting Hole Diameter...
[quote]ORIGINAL: Super08 It uses 1/4'' bolts. [/quote] Thank you Super!!!!!
Posted on: 11/7/2010 12:16 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10119786

DA 85 Mounting Hole Diameter...
Anyone know the diameter of the mounting holes for the DA 85? Been to DA website and they have other dimensions but not the mounting holes... Thank you!
Posted on: 11/6/2010 5:17 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10119136

RE: DA 85 Install in Aeroworks 85cc Yak 54
[quote]ORIGINAL: gregman50 Are the holes in the spacers and DA-85 the same? If so drill them the size of the mounting holes in the DA, you don't want any room for it to move. If the holes in the template are smaller just drill them first then remove the template and use them for a pilot hole, then drill them out to size that you need. Hope this helps, bottom line is you want the same size hole as in the DA. [/quote] Hi Greg: I agree completely. I do not have the DA yet, so I was hoping to get a heads up on which size is correct...but...as soon as I do have the engine, then I will make the holes the same. Come to think of it, I downloaded the DA 85 manual. That may have a layout of the holes? Worth a shot...but...it is better to wait for the actaul engine, just in case they made a manuafacuring change ;) Thank you for your response. I will tell you this much...this plane is big ;)
Posted on: 11/5/2010 7:48 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10117716

DA 85 Install in Aeroworks 85cc Yak 54
not have the actual engine yet. Thank you, Smacka
Posted on: 11/5/2010 5:00 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10117426

RE: Another great LHS is closing/UPDATE
It all depends on why they have closed. If the owners of the shop wanted to retire and just sell off their inventory, then I am very happy for them. If they were forced to close because of a continued economic decline, then I wish the best for all the owners, and hope they do okay. So far, this economy has started to turn a corner for the best. I had laid off 20-employees since the first of the year/end of last year. I have called back 15 of those employees. From a business prespective, there are other economic factors that indicate we are on the mend and our sales forcast looks strong for the 4th quarter. I am excited!!!!
Posted on: 8/26/2009 10:20 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9035425

RE: Is this normal
[quote]ORIGINAL: psb667 The weirdest things keep happening to me at the park across the street from my house. A big guy(and im 6ft) hekled me while i was flying when I told him to mind his own business he came over while I was flying and tried to bully me. this isnt a normal occurence plus the guy had to have been at least 30. Please tell me this isnt normal for park flyers. [/quote] So, what is "normal", anyway? A group of friends that get together and decide what they "think" and "do" is normal? I have always had issues with someone asking "is it normal...blah...blah...blah" when normal has yet to be defined...well, outside of Black's Law Dictionary anyway. And, if you think Lawyers are "normal"??? Hoo boy...right CTDALE?! Some will tell you "normal" is what ever is socially acceptable! Now, that right there is funny. I don't care who you are!! :D
Posted on: 8/20/2009 8:26 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9029193

RE: Is this normal
[quote]ORIGINAL: psb667 Sarcasm is apparently a lost art and the last group who tried to have there way with went home with there brown eyes blue(metaphorically speaking) As for the topic its meant to reflect on the if in do rc geeks(if you are on this website you are one) get picked on. Its fairly obvious most pick on each other. [/quote] Okay, I will give it to you straight without the humor, or sarcasm, as you call it. What you have been posting on this sight is not normal. Your reaction to the "park bully" is not normal. To purposely try to escalate aggression is not normal. You are lucky the "park bully" did not shut your mouth for you permanently. The situation that you have described became mutual combat as soon as you escalated the confrontation. Once you had the initial negative contact, you should not have went right back to the park to fly. One could surmise you were looking for trouble, to even the score because you were upset. I have seen a lot of situations like this in 15-years of Law Enforcement. Grow up and be the better man and walk away. Do not return to the scene and perpetuate trouble. Lastly, I am not "picking" on you. I am trying to give you thoughts that will keep you from making a grave error in the future. Do with it what you will... Best of luck to you! ;)
Posted on: 8/20/2009 6:13 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9031854

RE: Big Bird dimise
[quote]ORIGINAL: Live Wire I think I will join your club [;)] It's just a short drive[:D] Larry K [/quote] Yeah, well...since I love the snow, I may even survive in CO. It would take some getting used to setting my engines up for the altitude but doable... When I am rich and famous, my better half and I are going to fly all around the US of A...RC flying, that is. We already have the trailer. Boy, if that did not sound like a redneck...
Posted on: 8/19/2009 8:51 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9029389

RE: Big Bird dimise
Aw, you guys have got to get away from the "car shows" in Scottsdale and fly out her in Western PA...no noise restrictions...no bickering about who's more valid (ARF's...Kits...scratch builds, etc...)...no nonsense...just kick arse flying, frienships/fellowshipping...with a few BBQ brats to cram down your gullets...oh, and a few beers (when the flying is done) and Hornsby Crisp Apple Ciders! Now, that's the "good life"...
Posted on: 8/19/2009 7:25 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9029177

RE: An ARF Nation
I hope I do not speak out of turn when I say this but...here goes... The Moderators and I have been in contact. The flavor of the conversation was extremely upbeat and positive. As it was explained to me, they are trying to let threads run their course and just watch from the cheap seats. If, in their opinion, it gets too out of hand, they will step in. Else they will let it ride. Maybe there was a time that this approach was not used at RCU. Okay, well it is the current approach and it seems to work just fine. I hope posters like Cub will continue to share because I can learn anything, from anybody. I'm sure there are some things he has to say that I want to hear. I hope he can come to terms with it and hang out awhile... Peace out,
Posted on: 8/10/2009 12:17 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9003809

RE: An ARF Nation
Hi All: Wow, what an evening/night. Somewhere around 4:30 PM a long line of slow moving severe weather hit our area. We had two confirmed tornados touch down, with hail the size of golf balls, high winds and driving rain. Our power went out and just came up moments ago. Damn kit builders caused this mess, I tell ya...*snicker* Well, I have read some very good posts since I was away. Also, the flavor has turned to tolerance of others views (myself included here). Someday I want to draw up my own design and build it from scratch. I wonder though, since I still have to abide by physics and general Aerospace laws how different will my own design really be? I mean, to fly correctly there are rules that still have to be obeyed...thrust lines...dihedral...wing loading...stab and main wing locations...etc... When all is said and done, maybe the biggest difference will be the color scheme(?). Is that enough individuality to warrant such a time investment? I am not sure... I know some companies have their test pilots who do a lot of flying to scrub out their ARF designs. Sure seems like a lot of qualification testing to undertake in order to build my own. Hmmmmm...
Posted on: 8/10/2009 12:05 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9003774

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: Red Scholefield ARFs, kt build, scratch build. What would you call this ARF rescued from a very high tree with damage to wing and fiberglass fuselage broken in half. I don't know what your skill level is but I would challenge anyone to put this Bird of Time back in the air after it was essentially abandon to the trash. I'll post the finished result later, just wanted to show what was involved. [/quote] I know who could do this, in a heartbeat. Check out the rebuild of the Aeroworks 1.20 Yak 54 Thread and follow a "Master" at work (Ralph White). I was very impressed with the repair. I definitely would have thrown the bird in the trash.
Posted on: 8/9/2009 4:28 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8995479

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: planebuilder66 I don't attack ARF builders, I just state why I like to build and if it were a simple task of glue this to that, it would be easy and it is, but the last kit I built required quite a bit of extra work to make it fit and finish well, much more than just gluing parts together, infact I recut a bunch of parts due to poor quality of parts. So I guess to each thier own, if you have time for building then great, if not, that's fine, as long as the hobby still exists and people enjoy it. I don't believe that CEO's deserve the money they get, nor do I agree with rush's pay either, but some fool was talked into paying that much for his over the top pay. They say that health care profit is 1%, and it doesn't sound like much but on a large scale, that is billions,......yup 1 % is billions in profit, some say that it should be lowered to less than .5%. There should be a cap on CEO pay I believe, but keep it reasonable. Funny how the Big Three went to get a bail out and they got chastized for flying in on private jets?! and now the current administration just O.K.ed the purchase of three- $65 million dollar lear jets, funny huh? You make the decision of what seems fair and right, obviously if you don't someone else will for you. Outsourcing jobs is a $ decision, companys can make more money by building overseas, and we tolerate it to an extent, because we are a comsumer nation. The only area we excell in at technology and development is the medical field, we find and do more for the medical field than the entire world combined, the last 10 years of major research awards has been handed to the good old USA. [/quote] Good points but do not sell us short. We are very techincal in many Engineering fields and hold our own up against the best of them. For example, Germany does very well at Powder Metallurgy. USA can, and does, hold our own against Germany in this arena, just to mention one. We are a very technical nation.
Posted on: 8/9/2009 4:26 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9002540

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: ctdahle Too many people WANT to believe that my original post was intended as a personal attack on ARF flyers.[/quote] [b]Not necessarily you. Have you read all of the posts in this thread? Others have certainly made that argument on your behalf.[/b] [quote]As a nation we are losing our technical abilities, despite the technical excellence displayed by a small number of R/C flyers, and Kit or ARF builders. The ARF, the TV dinner, the IKEA bookcase are all SYMPTOMS of the loss of our technical abilities.[/quote] [b]I understand what you are saying here but I do not think it is entirely on track. It is not that we are losing our technical abilities. It is that "others" no longer accept our abilities as payment for services rendered. For example, I have the ability to weld proficiently. I used to trade trades with people...using the barter system, if you will. I had a friend who could build furniture, and I could weld. He wanted a trailer for his four wheelers and wanted kid furniture. We traded trades and a bargain was struck...win...win. I have tried to use welding to trade trades a year ago and you would have thought I was trying to steal from a blind man with the response I was given. You are not completely off base here but slightly skewed. [/b] [quote]We cannot economically produce things of tangible value any more so we produce credit default swaps, sub-prime mortgages, and collateralized debt obligations instead. Each of these financial instruments are ways of saying ''we have nothing of tangible value to trade, so instead, we will give you a promise that our children will produce something of value in the future''. Coincidentally, by making it uneconomical for our children to participate in the finer technical points of building model airplanes, cooking real food, reading instead of watching television, playing videos instead of programming computers, wailing on Guitar Hero instead of learning a real musical instrument, we are depriving them of the very abilities that they will need to pay off the debts we have promised they will pay.[/quote] [b] again, I do not think we lack technical expertise. It is just not a margetable commodity anymore. Others have to want our expertise before it can serve as payment, or to swap trades. [/b] [quote]Our inability to create tangible things of lasting value is our national tragedy and it is why we are the worlds larget net debtor nation, a debt which we owe largely to the worlds two most rapidly expanding creditors, India and China, each of which, cooincidentally are very good at building the things that we used to build.[/quote] [b]It is not that simple. American Foreign Polices have more influence on topic than what you mention here. Most, if not all, is out of our control. Thank our Government for this. [/b] [qoute]In the end, debtors sink into drugs, crime, and dispair, and sit around waiting for someone to bail them out. Creditors just shake their heads and say, ''sorry dude, but you still owe me. Since you can't produce anything of value, I'll just take your house.''[/quote] [b] Sometimes this happens BUT it has nothing to do with the debtors technical ability. He has no MONEY to pay his bills, so he loses his house, car ,etc...because creditors do not accept chickens as a debt paid. [/b] [quote] We find it anathema that a union firefighter, sanitation worker, electrician, plumber or cop is unsatisfied with his salary of under $50,000. Yet we are happy to pay Keith Olbermann $7.5 million, Bill O'Reilly $10 million and Rush Limbaugh $33 million. We call Rush's work valuable and worthy. We say the carpenter is overpaid and we outsource his work to India. [/quote] [b] Huh?!?! I do not pay any of those people a solitary dime. What are you talking about? I do not even know who Rush Limbaugh is, let alone thinking he is valuable, etc...Heck, I do not even attend sporting events because I believe altheletes are way over paid. You completely lost me on this thought[/b]
Posted on: 8/9/2009 4:16 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9002523

RE: On a lighter note........
[quote]ORIGINAL: outdoorhunting This is a hard call. I try to keep 5 or 6 planes ready to fly. ( Mostly kit built) 1ARF & A Hots (60) that I built from plans. My favorite; probably my 40 size Hots Hots that I bought the airframe from a buddy & stuck a junk engine in. It'll aileron-roll faster than Superman !! [/quote] Superman is over rated, always has been. Now Wonder Woman...ummmm there is a piece of work :D I will edit later to add my planes. I had to get something in writing because this site times-out too soon for me to complete the post...;) I have the following planes in my hangar: Hangar 9 Twist 60 Hangar 9 ¼ Scale J-3 Piper Cub RTF Hangar 9 27% Cap 232G PT-40 Kit Aeroworks 1.20 Yak 54 3DHS EBT Trainer Hangar 9 Alpha DMS/2 RTF Hobbico Superstar 40 Aeroworks 85 cc Yak 54 Five small yak kits unbuilt…I use these as give-aways to kids at our club fly ins… I think there are more but they are hidden in all the crap in my basement hangar ;)
Posted on: 8/9/2009 3:12 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9001675

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: triadairbiscuit Minus the fluff, the real point (which I'm not missing by the way) that many, but certainly not all, scratch builders try to make against ARF builders is that they are somehow better because they build. How would you feel if you were Christian and I said I felt sorry for you because, in your ignorence, you did not embrace Buddhism(just an example to illustrate a point), and thus miss out on all sorts of enlightenment? You would likely tell me to take a hike. Perhaps I enjoy this hobby just as much as scratch builders, but in different ways. Perhaps I wouldn't enjoy building even if I had the time. The point that becomes clear to me is that many scratch builders seem unable to see, or accept any point of view but their own in terms of this hobby. You seem to be able to see both sides of the coin, which is great. The OP takes great pains to not directly insult ARF builders, but does so discreetly. To paraphrase the way I read it; ARF's are a sign of the end times for our nation, and their lazy and unskilled propenents are to blame. You may not intentionally do so, but there is an underlying tone of superiority to your post as well. Thats just how I interpret it, and I'm certainly not trying to pick a fight. Actually your second post confirms to me that you're really just hoping others can find the same fulfillment you do in building, which is a noble intention. Just be careful how you classify those who don't feel the need for that kind of fulfillment. Perhaps I'm a bit sensitive because this is not the first thread I've seen that takes a swipe at ARF builders. Why are ARF's such a threat? In fact, I'm just trying to point out that we all participate in this hobby on different monetary, time, and interest levels. ARF builders are people to. [/quote] Yep..and just to highlight a single point...arguably (sp?) you do NOT "assemble" an ARF. That seems to be the overwhelming written opinions of "ARF's" displayed by Kit builders. They still need to be carefully "constructed". The same gross exaggeration can be stated about kits...you have a manual that tells you EXACTLY how to assemble the kit. You even have wing jigs to get the correct dihedral, and fuselage jigs...etc...So why is Kit building such an art and ARF's are frowned upon?! Again, this argument is not valid. If you build from plans or from scratch, then you have some true bragging rights, only in my opinion. If you kit build, congratulations. You have more time on your hands than ARF builders BUT you certainly DO NOT have more skill, so stop bragging already. :D I see the point in this post. Maybe it is unintentional but I, too, am tired of the kit builder swagger displayed in this thread...and maybe that is what is helping to fuel the "energy". The good I see is everyone wants to enjoy this hobby/past time. It beats the heck out of doing drugs and shooting each other on the streets. That is what I dealt with for 15-years as a Reserve Sheriff for San Bernardino County. Fun to all....
Posted on: 8/9/2009 2:46 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9002350

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: SCALECRAFT I was going to post a long opinion of my thoughts. But I just want to say, I can scratch build/fabricate if I want, or buy an arf. I can play the piano and dig a trench. I teach my kids to rely on no one, government or individual. Unions, only if you have lost all hope in yourself. Steve [/quote] Hey, that's right. I need to add that to my resume. I can dig a trench, too. My wife states that it is so she does not have to do it when she lays me to rest for one more long weekend at the club *snicker*
Posted on: 8/9/2009 11:04 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9001864

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: weezle I am a union worker, and I don't see how unions are the problem. the union and the company both agree to a contract, so if you think unions are the problem then the company is at fault too. [/quote] Companies do not go on strike for higher wages, more medical and higher retirement pay...unions do. Like you pointed out, they have a contract. Rather than abide by the contract, unions strike for more. It is a slippery slope that has caused the decline of America being able to remain competitive in a Global Economy. Are unions the only problem, heck no, however, they have had, and continue to have, the biggest impact on our economy for the past 20-30 years. There is no denying that GM Management royally screwed up by letting their union become so strong. GM wasted dollars after dollars, the biggest money hole being that of paying union workers their entire salaries/paychecks to STAY HOME. So yes, Management shares in the blame, no doubt! But the heart of it is greedy unions that have no more place in American culture. In the early 1900's, when immigrants were forced to work under horrific conditions in the meat packing plants, the union was God sent, and very necessary...for health reasons for the general public and to help workers under dire conditions. This is just not the case anymore. Management Teams can (and do!!) successfully bargin with employees WITHOUT the need for Union intervention, and without the need to drive up the cost of American products to the point that they are no longer able to compete with a Global Economy. Products in the Good Ol' US of A are just too damned expensive for the wages I currently earn. If I were a Doctor making 300-600 thousand a year, I would buy more American products. But that still would not "fix" what is broke...greedy workers!! [quote]is the problem that americans are over paid or factory workers from other countries under paid, probably a little of both. I don't see why tempers have to flare so much, fighting over the internet is kinda dumb[:-]. [/quote] I Agree that factory workers in other countries are underpaid, no doubt. The reasons for this are so diverse that there is not enough room on this site to discuss them all. Suffice to say that underpaid factory workers from other countries will not change in my life time, so what is the answer? One answer that would help is to have American workers accept lower paying jobs and do the best job they can! I have actually heard a worker state, "Well, if they are only paying me $XX.XX...I am going to work at an $XX.XX pace. How sad is that?!?! When the sun sets, the only thing a man is left with is his own intergrity. Why would someone demean themselves in that manner?? I fired that worker on the spot and hired another who was talented enough to hit the ground running and take right over in his place, and he welcomed the wage. Would I love to be able to afford to pay all my workers Doctors wages? You bet! Because almost 100% of my workers earn every dollar I pay them, and some! The world where you can hold out for more and more money is fast shrinking. [quote]there is a really good documentary called Walmart the high cost of low prices. It really stirred my emotions, first i was really angry with myself, my friends and family, co-workers, just for shopping at wal-mart. then I came to my senses, who am i to tell people how to spend their money, I am fortunate that I have a great paying job with health benefits ( thanks to my union). others are not so fortunate.[/quote] DO you mean to tell me that you could not find a decent paying job on your own, and thank God your Union came to the rescue? Come on...I do not believe that for a minute. People have come to rely on Unions much the same as RC folks rely on ARF's (said tongue in cheek). It is a matter of convenience, not necessity. If you tried hard enough, you would have been just as successful WITHOUT your Union. I did it, and fluorished extremely well! It can be done! [quote]the fact of the matter is all the out sourcing that is done by american companies is never going to stop until foreign workers wages catch u to ours or american workers take a pay cut.[/quote] Yeah well, that is not going to happen in my life time. I agree but only to a point. I submit to you that there is a far greater cause on the horizon...American Government!! Greedy Government is taxing the crap out of local companies...to the point that they can no longer afford to operate in the USA. California kills industry with their enviromental BS!! They tax companies out of existance and force them to move their plants to PA. Then Governor Rendell does the same thing after offering tax exemptions to lure companies here in the first place. After the exemptions wear off, the tax burden then forces companies to move to China, Spain, Mexico...etc... it is horrific what our Government does to companies...and to start your own small business? Just try to keep up with all of the taxes and liabilities...unemployment, medical, dental, disability, state, local and Federal taxes, liability insurance...on and on! We have to pay to have a 4-million dollar insurance poilicy to cover us just in case we ship a defective part to an automotive company. What a crock!! Now, back to RC Stuff... I have built two planes from kits...a trainer and a Sig 1/4 scale clipped wing cub. The trainer took 6-months to complete, and the cub took over a year. I am glad I did it, and I did feel a sense of satisfaction BUT that was back in 1985/1986. I now build ARF's. Understand this, though. It still takes me an entire winter to complete an ARF. I am very detailed and I make it my own. All of my ARF's are one-off. I also have one RTF...it is not a one-off. It is a Hangar 9 1/4 Scale Piper Cub. I bought it for the sheer fun of flying a slow lazy aircraft that had some resemblance of a scale aircraft. I choose not to build kits because it takes ME so long to complete them, and I want to fly what I build...before I die. ;) That is all...[8D]
Posted on: 8/9/2009 10:57 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9001501

RE: An ARF Nation
Reincarnate: Honestly, I feel you do not owe me an apology. You said how you felt and your post did not really seem too over the top, in my opinion. I am very passionate when it comes to "politics", which is one reason I tried to be "funny" in the beginning with references to pass the doob, etc...I was trying to keep emotions from taking over. To be honest, I feel that (going way back to the original post) there was way too much doom and gloom expressed over RC enthusiast choosing to build ARF's over Kits, scratch builds or plans. Tying those choices into a "Dying Country" and "Moral Decline" just seemed too extremist to me. I wanted to keep it more about RC kits, Scratch Builds and ARF's discussion but I let my emotions get the better of me and the whole thread became a political quagmire. I loved it when I built my own plane from a kit BUT did that really accomplish all that much? Someone else designed the kit and precut the wood. Building the kit was as easy as reading a receipe and baking a cake. It just takes much longer because it is tedious work. I learned to hate monokote in the process. I learned to use CA sparingly, as I must have glued my fingers together about a gazillion times. I learned patience from kit building. But I am still missing an important step...to design and build my own plane from scratch...using what I have learned in the aerospace arena and applying it to wood aircraft. I want to cut all of my own wood, etc...maybe someday but in the mean time, I really like flying and enjoying my family and friends at the flying club. We are headed to IRCHA this Monday morning at 5am. Monday through Wednesday, they have some international flying championships, so that is why we are going early. I only wish it was NOT going to be in the high 90's all week with a real feel of over 100 (Muncie Indiana). I have a question for all the Ham buffs. Do they still make crystals and tubes? If not, how can you really build your own Ham radio anymore? I was in a Ham radio club at my high school in Riverside, CA. All high schools had them back then (maybe they still do?), 1975 graduate. I liked doing that stuff but fail to see a dying country more so than highly technical electronics that have taken the place of tubes or crystals. BTW...KG6LMX. Many posts have bits and pieces I agree with but there are those that I just do not get...like why pick on ARF builders? I have built somewhere around 10-ARF's, and each one took months for me to build. Is that because I am a goof or could it be that I am really maticulous about what I build. I think some people seem to feel that a great flying ARF is a given, like snapping LEGOS together. That thought is way off base. You can screw up an ARF in an instant during the build. I know, I did so and had to start over! It was not fun at all. I am proud to be able to say that my last 4-ARF's required zero radio trim to fly hands off. You cannot get that out of a Betty Crocker cook book ;) I guess I saw a more logical debate waged between scratch builds and RTF's but...but...but...not to beat up RTF pilots. Just to say that there is a lot of therory tied into aerospace (flight) that anyone should want to absorb at some point during his/her RC fun. This therory goes a long way toward explaining why the aircrafts respond the way they do when you move the flight controls. Kind of like my Math Professor once stated...put down your calculators and learn how to do this stuff long hand. How else will you know when the answer on your calculator seems plausible or not. To that degree...I agree with respect to the RC world... Have fun...
Posted on: 8/9/2009 9:11 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9001650

RE: Is Tower Dumping Sig?
Yep, Sig aircraft are all but impossible to get anywhere. It really sounds/smells like Sig is going under...My wife tried to get replacement parts for a bird they have had in production for years. It was a motor and cowl. It took her 3-months to get a reply from Sig as to if parts were available. It took another 3.5-months to get the parts.
Posted on: 8/9/2009 5:41 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9001468

IRCHA 2009?
Why no mention, other than a passing in the XFC 2009 thread, about the upcoming IRCHA 2009 Jamboree at Muncie, IN? Did I miss the posting?
Posted on: 8/8/2009 8:10 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "R/C Helicopter Event Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9000645

RE: Rocco and Mark Dennis
Hi Mark/Rocco: Knowing you are pretty busy with all your projects, have you had the chance to fly the Cessna? What do you think? Thanks Guys, Smacka
Posted on: 8/8/2009 3:30 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9000138

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: Red Scholefield [quote]ORIGINAL: Smacka Red wants back his higher pay, high retirement benefits and medical/medicare. I say BS!!! While companies struggle to cope with how to continue to pay full salaries and benefits to jackarses that retired 10-years ago and contribute absolutely nothing toward the USA margetability or the gross national product. [/quote] Red only expected
Posted on: 8/8/2009 2:15 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9000003

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: ctdahle We cannot leave technical skills and creativity to the readers of Make, the Steampunks, or to the dwindling population of crusty old craftsmen that still scratch build model planes. If it is no longer economically feasible to engage in technically creative hobbies, we better be coming up with some other way to teach these skills. Our competitive future as a nation depends on it. [/quote] ...and here is where we (you and I) continue to disagree. Your position is the same thing as stating "NEVER" and "ALWAYS". Your debate is rot with conjecture and suppositions. I have an Engineering discipline in Areospace, Electronics and Powder Metallurgy. I can, and do, run circles in any technical arena. I have extensive experience in highly technical and critcal thinking. I teach critcal thinking courses when asked to do so. I see extremely able students graduate each and every year from Penn State University that can and do understand triangular structures such as bridges and cranes, etc... This country is not suffering from lack of capability. It is suffering from not enough room for the talent we do have. Where I live, we have engineers working at Wal-Mart as fricking greeters. I see it day in and day out. And why? One reason is that some people who should retire are staying at the job longer because of economic fears. Gee, what will happen when I retire? How will I survive? And why? Because these idiots felt that Corporate America owed them a guaranteed salary for life!!! And why? Because they paid their so called dues and deserve the lap of luxury as compensation until they die. This evil mindset does not allow companies to have the money to invest in new workers; fresh set of eyes with which to help us continue to be "World Class" producers and to remain on the technical cutting edge. Instead, greedy American workers are keeping the new talent asking "Would you like fries with that, Sir?", while companies struggle to cope with how to continue to pay full salaries and benefits to jackarses that retired 10-years ago and contribute absolutely nothing toward the USA margetability or the gross national product. Sorry (not really, but it sounds good), your "broad brushed" posts just do not cut it. You need to bring more to the game than what you have, thus far. Later [8D]
Posted on: 8/8/2009 2:09 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8999902

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: gboulton I think I'm glad I got my posts in when I did. [:D] [/quote] Funny...remember, I tried to respond with a little humor, rather that allow myself to be dragged into this politcal quagmire. Someone, or several someones, cried to the Moderators that references to "pot" was hurting people's feelings...so my posts were removed. You guys got what you asked for...a politcal debate. That said, I have shared my thoughts on topic and do not believe that constant/continuous repeats of my position will have any positive reflection on this thread. In the spirit of what this site is and of, I will refrain from further comment on topic and get back to enjoying posts related to RC stuff. You are all welcome to join me in any RC discussion. As for politics, I am politely/respectfully backing out... Thanks,
Posted on: 8/8/2009 1:53 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8999962

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: reincarnate Smaka, you should do more to inform yourself of unions than watch TV and listen to Rush. A sad, uninformed post indeed. [/quote] Extremely well thought out and presented. You are a living icon...
Posted on: 8/8/2009 1:17 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8999905

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: Red Scholefield My take is that corporate America owns our government. Here is a corporate America that use to provide its employees with good retirement benefits and medical care. Now with self directed IRAs, mostly dependent on the stock market, corporate America has shunted any responsibility for employees retirement to the stock market which they manipulate with absurd stock swings. [/quote] Okay, I'll play now because I am tired of reading some of this absurd drivel... You want to know what has absolutely killed this country?[size=7] UNIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/size] Red wants back his higher pay, high retirement benefits and medical/medicare. I say BS!!! What do you think drove GM into the crapper?! They were paying 100% of workers wages to retire[size=7]..."FOR LIFE". [/size]What makes you greedy Bast*rds feel you deserve a free lunch!?!?!? Unions have driven our counrty into the toilet! We want more money[size=7]...LETS STRIKE!!! [/size]We want more retirement...[size=7]LETS STRIKE!! [/size]I want to sit home and get paid to build airplane kits...[size=7]LETS STRIKE!!!![/size] If you are going to waste my RC hobby forum time talking politics, at least get it straight and call a spade a spade... [size=7]GREEDY AMERICAN WORKERS HAVE CAUSED THE COUNTRY'S SITUATION YOU SEE TODAY!!![/size] Now, my statements have been simplified for sake of discussion. Yes, corporates have tried (and succeeded) to maintain a profit margin they deem acceptable. That is why you start a business in the first place; to make money!!! That said, every time a Union worker goes on strike and demands more money, companies increase their per product price to maintain the same profit margin. So, greedy union workers get more money BUT they also pay more for their goods because their strike costs were rolled up into the equation. What is worst than that, those same greedy union pukes in order to pinch a dime and increase their spending capacity (finally realizing they only screwed themselves by going on strike in the first place), are the ones pulling into the Wal-Mart parking lots and further securing the demise of the good ol' USA!!! When I say Union Workers, I am including the entire Union...Shop Stewards, Presidents, Committee Folks, actuall workers....all of you!! The only necessary union was the meat packers union at the turn of the century. The working enviroments were horrid!! Unions have outlived their usefulness. Currently, they are destroying what is left of our fragile economy. I hope Obama does to the unions what Regan did to the air traffic controllers when they went on strike[size=7]..."YOU'RE FIRED!!!!"[/size] Now, back to ARF's versus kits...You never mentioned RTF's! I would still not agree with you BUT at least you would have made a tad more sense comparing kits to RTF's!! I spend a lot of time building ARF's to make it my own and to make sure it flyies correctly without the need to fix my sins by using electrical trim in flight. There is still some talent necessary to build an ARF. With an RTF I grab the charger and hit the flying field. I still maintain that this sport has catered to the following people: 1) People that have talent enough to build from scratch. Hobby shops have wood. 2) People that have talent enough to build from plans. Hobby shops have wood. 3) People that have talent enough to build from kits. Hobby shops have accessories. 4) People that have talent enough to build from ARF's. Hobby shops have accessories. 5) People that have talent enough to transport their plane and themselves to the flying field. Hobby shops have RTF's. Bottom line, hobby shops have a wide variety of products to cater to all people's desires and pocket books so we can ALL enjoy this hobby. Roll your own and enjoy the hobby, any way you so choose...You know, there was a time when this hobby almost died! Now, with the explosion of ARF's and RTF's, many, many young ones are catching the fever, and I love that fact!!! God, I hate it when I stoop so low as to talk politics in a non-political arena...[8|] Later....[8D]
Posted on: 8/8/2009 10:54 AM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8999625

RE: Tower hobbies leaves a bad taste in my mouth
[quote]ORIGINAL: ohnoucdat I agree with w8ye, I've placed orders that I want and neeeded now, and thats when it seems it takes the longest to get to my door. I placed an order last Fri. morning and wasn't really in hurry, guess what, it was out the door that day, with confirmation and tracking number Friday afternoon. I can wait a few extra daysfor shipping, because the pay off is, if you have any trouble with your items, Tower will make it right. Tower goes above and beyond with there customer service. [/quote] Come on, guys. You know you are a bunch of "clock watchers" waiting for the bell to ring so you can run out of the plant and be the first one home. The clock NEVER moves when you sit and stare at it. :D Seriously, I really never give it a second thought. If I need anything, I order it and when it shows up, it shows up. I have been spoiled. The United States Postal Disservice takes more than 10-days to deliver ANY package sent to my house out here in Weedville, PA. Whenever I see a package of mine shipped via USPS by the online hobby shops, I just sit back and forget I placed the order. [8|]
Posted on: 8/7/2009 3:52 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8997957

RE: An ARF Nation
At what point is a thread closed because the participants are adding no more value? This is becoming post after post of repeated debates. Speaking strictly for myself, I believe the intent of the author, who threw this grenade then split, has been covered ...many fold over...and over...and over...and over...and...well, you get the message :D
Posted on: 8/7/2009 1:18 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8997668

RE: Cabbage Soup Diet
[quote]ORIGINAL: Dirty_Vinylpusher [quote]Eating a cabbage diet has zero nutritional value and you WILL die of starvation after 7-weeks. [/quote] If you were to eat nothing but things of zero nutritional value I don't think you would last 7 weeks.[8|] Click the link to the eating plan I posted in the original post you'll see that it's not just cabbage. Also it's only for one week. The aim of this excercise is not to lose lots of weight, more a test to see how we'd manage to follow an eating plan and also to give us a head start on cutting down on the everyday consumption of beer, wine, blue cheese, sugar and other things we probably eat/drink too much of. As for replacing lettuce with cabbage in your salad... well.... that's never gonna work [;)] I love all kinds of vegetables and fruits and prefer to eat the majority of them raw or slightly cooked so this is no big deal for me. I think with most people (mainly men) it's a mental hurdle to get over when it comes to eating no meat for a couple of days. Obvioulsy not saying that applies to everyone, as people like different things. Guess I'm just lucky that I eat everything. [/quote] Obviously my post was taken way out of context, with one line set aside that changed the entire meaning. My post was in support, and meant only to help. That said, best of luck to you.
Posted on: 8/6/2009 8:04 PM by Author "Smacka" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Cars, Trucks, Buggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8996035