RE: How to trim without subtrim
I haven't been flying with flaperons, i find even a bit of flaperon reduces airspeed to much and makes the plane very unstable in the air. All bolts and surfaces are tight and aligned. I am reluctant to add more weight to the tail, as i said i did add up to 60gm of ;ead to the tail in 15gm increments but i went back to 45gm. I found the normal 3pt landing to be very very bouncy with the extra weight. In the air was quiet nice and very aerobatic feeling but it just wouldn't settle or flair for me even after 9-10 landings. I didn't measure the CG with 60gm on the tail. Thanks for the help guys but i'm stumped as to why i still need so much up elevator? Maybe thrust line? How do i measure that? Does it sound like my CG is right? Thanks in advance Stix
Posted on: 6/23/2012 5:20 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129146

RE: How to trim without subtrim
Ok with stab level, TE of wing root is 227mm LE is 229mm Chord is 283 The LE is quite thick, i measured it at it's widest point, i.e. with a square off the ground where the square touched the LE. Stix
Posted on: 6/23/2012 3:10 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11128558

RE: How to trim without subtrim
Ok i can do that, where do i measure the wings? tip, root or middle?
Posted on: 6/23/2012 2:47 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11128552

RE: How to trim without subtrim
I have checked and re-checked the CG and it is right. I think trying to measure it manually is a bit beyond me but i will try to borrow an incidence meter. Thanks for all the help guys it is greatly appreciated, i will report back with numbers when i have them. Stix
Posted on: 6/22/2012 7:12 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11128321

.60 or larger 109 or P-40
Hi all, I'm looking for a decent 109 or P-40 in atleast a .60 sized, must have provision for retracts, price is a consideration. Build time doesn't matter to much, i would prefer not a full build though. I will be buying a new Gas engine for the plane so am open to suggestions there too. Any ideas guys? Stix
Posted on: 6/21/2012 10:51 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11127364

RE: How to trim without subtrim
[quote]ORIGINAL: Charlie P.   If you are needing to add a lot of trim elevator try lowering both ailerons a tiny bit (a few mm at a time - two turns of the clevis).  The bad news is that adding very much will make the model throttle sensitive (like a flat wing). [/quote] Cheers for that charlie, i will give that a go! Stix
Posted on: 6/21/2012 8:42 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11127290

RE: How to trim without subtrim
I'm not very familiar with thrust lines etc but i did notice from the start there is a 2mm gap between spinner and cowl at the top and a 3.5mm gap at the bottom. I fuelproofed after i mounted the engine mount so i didn't mess with alignment. If my engine is pointing "up" to much wouldn't that give me the opposite problem to what i'm having? Thanks in advance Stix
Posted on: 6/21/2012 5:23 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11126295

RE: How to trim without subtrim
Ok let me try and answer these questions as best as i can. CG is currently 2.85" back from LE, i don't hyave an incidence meter but may be able to borrow one. Low rates are 22mm and high rates 30mm, Yes i need a lot of down elevator for inverted flight and yes it does tuck during knife edge. The way it is trimmed at the moment i have 7mm (I measured properly) of up elevator and if i reduce power to idle and centre the stick it dives steeply, not a gentle glide. Increasing power from 70%-80% to 100% starts quite a steep climb. Thanks for the help guys, this stuff is a bit beyond my skill level but i love this plane and want to get it flying right, not with a heap of drag from the elevator. FYI it does not glide well at all, it does not like slow landings and even a little bit of flaperon induces stalls at a low speeds. It does not handle like the reviews of this plane state, it is more of handful in the air than my .40 sized extra with o.s .55 in it. Thank in advance Stix
Posted on: 6/21/2012 4:15 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11126245

How to trim without subtrim
Hi, I have a hanger 9 Saratoga with O.S .46 AX that requires a good 5-6mm of up elevator to maintain levelflightat 60%-80% power. I have added 60gm of weight to the tail in 15 gm increments and found it balanced and flew better with 30-45gm on the tail but it still required a large amount of that up elevator. This is creating a lot of drag and makes inverted and knife edge type flying very difficult. Any ideas on how to level the plane out without adding large amounts of subtrim and hence adding lots of drag etc. Thanks in advance Stix
Posted on: 6/20/2012 9:16 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11126079

RE: Killed my .55 AX?
Cheers for all the advice guys, i will go over all the bolts etc and see what i can come up with, i have replaced the plug 3 times, i have always used OS A3 plugs with great result but i have tried No 8 plugs as well. Maybe it's getting an air leak, i'm not sure, i'll check the front bearing for a leak and clean/tighten the exhaust. It is a sideways mount (exhaust down) in my Extra if that is of any use as well? So the overheating that i described is nothing to worry about? I might try some of those longer plugs as well. Cheers guys, as i have said i am no where a club of any kind so all your help is greatly appreciated! Stix
Posted on: 3/7/2011 3:01 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10383857

RE: Killed my .55 AX?
Are there any good guides for actually tuning these engines rather than running them in? This engine has run at Max rpm for 4-5 mins at time on quiet a few occasions so according to the guide posted it is run in, is the OS manual wrong for tuning as well because i did things very very different to how that guide says. Stix
Posted on: 3/5/2011 3:02 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10379929

RE: Killed my .55 AX?
Cheers guys, i will keep trying with it, don't know why i can't even get it to start anymore. I wish i had a club nearby, i have been flying for 2 years, built 3 planes and it has all been self taught, the flying thing isn't to bad to do solo but trying to tune these little engines is something that i have always wished i could get help with, i've always just tried to follow manuals and do everything a little richer than what i "think" it should be. Any ideas on why it's not starting anymore? i've tried 3 different plugs in it, and a 2nd brand of fuel.
Posted on: 3/5/2011 2:56 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10379925

RE: Killed my .55 AX?
That is interesting to hear, i was ready to throw it in the bin because i can't even start the bloody thing lol. I must add that in the 2 tanks of fuel that i did get through it after run in it overheated badly while still on the ground (adjusting needle valves etc), well i think it overheated badly, the steel was making that "tink - tink" sound and the oil was burning off the casing and smoking, i take it that is bad? any chance of damage?
Posted on: 3/5/2011 12:01 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10379859

Killed my .55 AX?
G'Day guys, I have a OS .55 AX and i think after reading this forum that i may have killed it? I followed the OS manual break in procedure to the letter, it was a very slobbery, rich, oil dripping every where type break in. I have since never been able to tune it quiet right, it seems to leak oil out of where the exhaust bolts on to the housing, it can take 20-30 seconds of the starter being applied for it to actually start and when it does the slightest increase in throttle stalls it. I'm relatively new to the hobby but have a OS .46 AX that runs absolutely perfect. I have checked tank placement and all fuel lines etc but i have never been able to get this engine to run properly, it has never been run lean, i use pre-mixed 10% fuel (Has OS recommended on the bottles). Are there any tests or checks i can do because it seems to be getting worse every time i try and use this engine. Any help greatly appreciated. Stix
Posted on: 3/4/2011 10:14 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10379788

RE: For the noobs, you CAN fly
[quote]ORIGINAL: CGRetired Yeah, there are situations where if you really are determined to learn, and don't have easy access an instructor, well, what else can you do. I'm not against it, I just prefer to recommend learning with an instructor... if one is available, that is. CGr. [/quote] I agree totally, i'm not trying to encourage people to learn to fly solo, if you have the option of a club than by all means take it! I'm simply trying to encourage and help people that may be turned away from flying because they don't have access to a club. I probably should of mentioned safety, it is a important part of this hobby, RC planes can very easily cause serious and permanent injuries and also have the potential to be lethal. Stix
Posted on: 8/25/2010 10:08 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9960173

RE: For the noobs, you CAN fly
Good to Hear Moms Mistake. Main reason i posted it was because i had many many people on this forum try and steer me away from flying solo when i got my first plane. Fact of the matter is that if i had of tried to get an instructor i never would of taken up the hooby because the closest club is 3 hours 1 way from me. Stix
Posted on: 8/21/2010 9:12 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9949346

3D Capable plane for .46?
G'Day guys, I have a OS .46 AX that i want to rip out of my trainer and put it in a 3d capable plane. I have never flown true 3D, i have an extra 300 with a .55 AX that i can get a bit of prop hang out of, thats about it. I'm not looking for anything extreme, because i enjoy sport/aerobatics flying, just something that is capable of basic 3D flying. Only requirements are that it is a full build not ARF and will be fine with a .46 AX any suggestions guys? Thanks in advance Stix
Posted on: 8/12/2010 5:35 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9928046

RE: For the noobs, you CAN fly
Funny you should say that, my flying field has roos on it reguarly :)
Posted on: 8/11/2010 8:41 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9927343

RE: What is a good first kit?
Hmmm, cheers guys, some decent looking planes there, i really liked that enclosed cowl on the RV-4
Posted on: 8/11/2010 1:38 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9925602

RE: What is a good first kit?
Yeah i didn't really follow "the mold" of airplane progression other than spending plenty of time on my trainer. Most of my planes are capable of flying much much better than i am capable of flying them but it's all worked out ok for me. Really looking forward to my first kit build, i doubt i will have it finished in under 12 months. Considering maybe building something bigger, i would love an LA-7 kit, jst weighing up if it's worth forking out $500 for a nice 4 stroke or little gasser. The SS is nice but with the time it will take me i sort of want something extrodinary, lol.
Posted on: 8/10/2010 10:49 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9925312

RE: What is a good first kit?
That super sporster doesn't look to bad. As i said, it probably won't get a great deal of time in the air, it's more about building something that looks good and flys ok. Since flying the PC-9 and even more so the Extra 300 i'm loving having a reasonably large cowl that covers most of the engine. A russian warbird would be nice but i'm limited a bit with the .46.
Posted on: 8/10/2010 10:04 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9925205

What is a good first kit?
G'day guys, i'm a relatively new rc pilot, i have only been doing it for about 18 months, started on a boomerang 40, went to a Seagull PC-9 and now have a Black Horse Extra 300 (.55 AX) which i love. All 3 planes are still intact, a few hard landings but no major crashes. I don't get a great deal of time to fly and i almost always fly by myself which can be a little boring. I really enjoy the build process though and want to build a kit plane, i'm reasonablly confident in my building skills, a lack of tools will be my main problem to begin with i think. I'm wondering what kits people might suggest, it doesn't have to be overly simple or quick, i don't care if it takes a year to build, that is the idea, i would like something with good instructions and plans though with no major design floors i have to work out myself. It's going to have a OS .46 AX in it and i'm open to ideas. I want something that looks nice more than anything, i like scale aerobatics planes and warbirds, i've also considered a bi-plane. I need something with either reasoable sized wheels or a plane i can fit large wheels on as i fly on a rough grass strip. Any suggestions guys? Stix
Posted on: 8/10/2010 9:03 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9925056

For the noobs, you CAN fly
G'Day guys, Been away from these forums for a while and thought i might share a few things i have learned as a noob to flying RC planes. I have only been flying for about 18 months on and off but i am 100% self taught and have yet to destroy a plane. I see a lot of people turned away from this sport because of the difficulty of flying, trainers, buddy boxs, simulators, although they are all great i think it puts a lot of people off getting in to the sport so i'm here to say don't let it! I live in central Queensland Australia and have no clubs within 3 hours drive from where i live so for me to learn to fly i had to do it all myself and it can be done. A lot of people told me not to bother, to make sure i take a big plastic bag to collect all my balsa wood splinters, but i'm now on my 3rd plane with 200 flights under my belt and all 3 planes are still intact. Here are some of the major challenges and things to consider when going it solo. 1. Research what plane you want to start with, there are lots of options, if you get it wrong your doomed from the start. 2. Triple check your build. I had played with my trainer (Boomerang 40) for hours and hours after i had built it before i realised my control throws where backwards. 3. Engine tuning! How i wished i had someone to help tune my engines and i still do! Expect this to take a long time and run as many tanks of fuel through it as you need to make 100% sure it is running properly, there are numerous guides to tuning engines, use them all. 4. Control throws, make sure your trainers control throws are as stated in your manual! It might not look like they are moving much but don't worry about that, measure your throws accurately! and match them to your manual. So once you are 100% sure everything on your plane is perfect and ready to fly, check it again! If you have any doubts, post messages on forums or do what ever it takes until you are absolutely sure in your mind that everything is perfect. All of this preperation won't mean anything if you do something drastically wrong on the big day, it will make sure that you have the best possible chance of a succesful outcome. My biggest tip for the big day of your maiden flight is make sure you are mentally prepared! I can't stress this enough! DO NOT even contemplate flying if you are tired, stressed, anxious, nervous etc. I think everyone still gets a bit of nerves or excitement when they take off or land etc but if you are going to learn to fly solo, you need to put all that away before your maiden flight! Taxi the plane around on the grass for as long as you want, if your hands are shaking or you have got butterflys, you are not ready to get it off the ground. A well built trainer will just about fly itself, your main problem will come from a serious pilot error, the more calm and relaxed you are the less chance you have of making that serious error! That is the method i used and as i said, i'm on my 3rd plane, only damage to date is 3 broken props and 1 collapsed nose wheel. Learning to fly solo is not the ideal option but if it is your only option, don't let people put you off, it can be done!
Posted on: 8/10/2010 8:47 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9925016

RE: Prop size O.S .55 AX in Extra 300s
Cheers guys, think i will go with the 12 X 4 M.A K-series seeing as i have 1 here, i might hunt around and see if i can find some Xoar props as well. Thanks
Posted on: 10/13/2009 8:26 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9169101

RE: BH models Extra 300 advice and wheel size
It doesn't look like it has stoppers in the wing for the alloy tube so i'm wondering if i may end up with a lot more of it in 1 wing than another when i slide the wings on? It would be great if i didn't need to epoxy it in there but the instructions don't tell you much.
Posted on: 10/13/2009 12:25 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9168637

RE: Prop size O.S .55 AX in Extra 300s
So i guess it's down to a MA K-Series 12 X 4 or an APC 11 X 7
Posted on: 10/12/2009 7:42 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166007

RE: BH models Extra 300 advice and wheel size
Bump
Posted on: 10/12/2009 6:47 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9165960

Prop size O.S .55 AX in Extra 300s
G'Day guys i have a BH models extra 300s that i have put an O.S .55 AX in and am wondering what size prop to put on it? I don't need top speed but good acceleration and de-celleration for my field. I have an APC 11X7 or 12X6 that i'm thinking about also a M.A K-Series 12 X 4 and 12 X 6. Have a few other lying around but what do you think would be the best? Thanks in advance Stix
Posted on: 10/12/2009 3:53 AM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9165850

RE: BH models Extra 300 advice and wheel size
Cheers, i was also wondering about the wing attachment, seeing as this is a mid wing plane and has poor instructions. I take it i need to epoxy the main alloy wing spar in to the fuselage and then just slide the wings on and use the wing mounting bolts before flying? Stix
Posted on: 10/10/2009 7:33 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9162364

BH models Extra 300 advice and wheel size
G'Day guys, I have just bought and started building a Black Horse Models Extra 300S .46 that i will be putting a O.S .55ax in. I couldn't find much information on the net about this plane and no build logs or even good reviews, does anyone have any experience with this plane or building advice? My main question is in regards to the main gear wheel size. I fly off a rough grass football field in central Australia and have put much larger wheels on my 2 previous planes, Boomerang and PC-9. This will be my first tail dragger though and the main gear wheel are a tiny little 2 1/4". My main concern is take off and landing for my first few flights with a tail dragger and was wondering what size wheels i could put on this model? I would like to go atleast 3" but could i go bigger? Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated Stix
Posted on: 10/9/2009 8:58 PM by Author "Stixoz" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9160444