RE: Sig Astro Hog - 1st Build
Dignlivn What size prop are you using for you astrohog with the satio 82? Thanks Cal
Posted on: 2/2/2012 2:25 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10940719

RE: Kit build help....AAmco Aeromaster
Thanks for the replies. R8893, My main concern is the cabane wires. I'm a novice when it comes to bending wire or soldering. Also, any other things you can advise me on? Thanks Cal
Posted on: 1/10/2012 6:22 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10902628

Kit build help....AAmco Aeromaster "TOO"
Hi all, I could use some good advice. A fellow friend/modeler asked me to build this Aamco Areomaster "TOO" bi-plane. This is an older kit. I've built several kits (6) before, but all of them have been SIG kits. The Hog Bipe and the Astro Hog were the most challenging. The first thing I noticed, there is no manual, just plans. There are 3 wing options to choose from. My concern is, I'm not sure about my plan reading skills. Just glancing at them, they look very detailed/confusing. Should I take the plans and get them copied so I can cut and build off of the copies? And any advice as to what/how to go about how to identify what order to build. This is a first classic kit for me and I want to build this as best as I can. I am very surprised and honored he asked me to build this, but it's very intimidating right now. He has seen all of my planes that I've built at the field, and he seemed pretty impressed with them. I am no expert by all means, and I've only been in this great hobby about 5 years or so. All he asked was that I build it, and let him fly it a few times. I'm still in awe that he asked me. Thanks folks. Cal
Posted on: 1/10/2012 3:44 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10902358

RE: Hog Bipe Build - 2009
DGUY, I fly off of grass also, the field I go to has both asphalt and grass. Grass is much easier to land on, where as asphalt you really have to have the touch when landing. wickedpissa, I myself wouldn't use the thinner 1/16 birch. I would think this might cause more flexing issues on the struts. Maybe someone could chime in here if they have used the thinner birch. One thing I would suggest if you haven't already, is to take the same size lock nut like your upper and lower wing strut mounting tabs are, and install them in interplane struts with the back of the lock nut facing towards the wing tips. Then drill out the threads, which you will have a metal sleeve going thru the interplane strut to your wing mounting tab. This will keep the bolt from wallowing out the holes in the wood itself, and give the bolt head a metal surface to be up against while not having the bolt head dent your wood when tightening your bolts. Hope this makes sense. Cal
Posted on: 1/8/2012 9:32 AM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10897883

RE: Hog Bipe Build - 2009
DGUY, I also have a Hog Bipe that I built last year. It's powered with a OS75. I have the dubro landing gear in the stock position. I've read about issues with nose overs with both the stock and dubro gear, and some folks have suggested moving the gear forward. When I first flew mine, I did encounter several nose overs. Whenvever I've flown the HB, I've found you have to use elevator quite a bit on taxi and take off. This plane can't be yanked off the ground, at least not mine. On take off, it tends to veer to the left some, and you will learn to let the tail come up while rolling, and get enough speed before you take her off the ground. Once in the air, you'll notice a big difference in orientation from single winged aircraft. I've heard/read about what a huge difference there is when flying a bipe. It can be real easy to get disorientated with a biplane, so you need to pay attention and fly small circuts until you get the feel of what it looks like in the air. When landing, I have to keep the speed up, because this HB does not float in. At least that's my case. For me, flying my HB takes a little more concentration than my single winged planes. But it's a blast to fly once the butterflies calm down. Just my 2 cents worth. Cal
Posted on: 1/6/2012 3:46 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10895288

RE: LT40 Clipped Wing Starburst Covering
Hey SeamusG, The LT looks really sharp. How much did you clip. And have you flown it yet? If so, how did she fly? I've got one in the hangar, and one NIB on the shelf. I may want to clip mine. Thanks Cal
Posted on: 12/30/2011 5:38 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10883632

RE: Watcha Buildin'?
I've got one in the hangar and two NIB on the shelf. I've got a Sig Something Extra on the building table now. Cal
Posted on: 12/22/2011 3:53 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10872038

RE: SIG Hog Bipe Tips??
I'm with raydar, I too built the kit as stock. I did use the DuBro landing gear, and mounted it in the stock location. Had a few noseovers when I first flew it, but a little tickling of the elevator when landing solved it. Take offs on mine are a little tricky also. But from what all I've read from other posters, most of them seemed to have the same issue. You will get a lot of attention at the field, since it seems not many folks assemble or build them. Just read and re-read the manual and you will have no problems,. Cal
Posted on: 12/22/2011 3:48 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10872027

RE: ASTRO HOG
frequent flyer, Thats about the same weight I had to use on my hog. But it flies great. jolleyroger, I had the same idea, but I've never used oleo struts. I have another Astro Hog on the shelf, and that may be the one I'll try the oleo struts on. I think it would look really neat. It is a fairly heavy bird. Cal
Posted on: 10/17/2011 6:40 AM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10769219

RE: ASTRO HOG
crazy nick, Sounds like you've got a good jump on building, with your repair's on arf's. I'm no expert, I've only been in this hobby about 5 years. I've had 2 arf's, but I was very impressed with the Sig kits. I haven't built any other brand kits, so I may be biased. I've just started my Sig Something Extra build, so If I can be of help don't hesitate to ask. I'll help as much as I can with your SSE build. And yes, this forum has been a huge help with my early start, and still is. Cal
Posted on: 10/16/2011 6:18 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10768642

RE: ASTRO HOG
crazy nick, The sig something extra is a easy build. Very detailed instructions, and your parts are laser cut, which they just fall out from their sheet. The astro hog is more challenging, it's parts are not laser cut, but die crunched. Care will need to be taken in removing those parts. The instructions are typical sig, very detailed. But the build can be intimidating. I have built 6 Sig kits over the last few years ( 2-LT40's, 2- Sig Something Extras, 1-Sig Hog Bipe, 1- Astro Hog) and another SSE on the building board now. Each of those kits offered a challenge, but the Astro Hog was the most challenging. I'm no expert, I hope others who have built the Astro Hog will chime in with their experiences. I did a lot of reading on build threads on the Astro Hog in this forum, and I kept hearing about doing a lot of carving and sanding. This is very true. As for my self, I waited to build the Astro Hog after I had a few kits under my belt. Glad I did. Each kit I built, had you do things differently than the previous one. But it also gives you additional building skills that you will use on the Astro Hog. As I've read and been told, READ, READ, READ, AND RE-READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL, AND LOOK, LOOK, LOOK AT THE PLANS, before you glue or cut. If you do that, you should have no problems. These forums gave me a lot of information and knowledge from the folks who have way more knowledge than i have. I always wanted to build when I first got into this hobby, and when I got my first kit, I thought "what the heck did I get myself into". As long as you take your time, and read thru the manual over and over, it wasn't so intimidating. Love Sig manuals, they will take you thru every step, and then you'll look at the progress you have made, and tell yourself, " I did pretty dang good". The more you build, the more you learn. Cal
Posted on: 10/16/2011 4:23 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10768445

RE: ASTRO HOG
I also built mine per plans but as a tail dragger..............love the way it flies, and I'm using a Satio 82 in mine. Cal
Posted on: 10/14/2011 2:47 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10765458

RE: Ordering sig se tomorrow
SeamusG, My first two meet their demise by pilot error. First one, I did takeoff roll and hauled back on the elevator to do a vertical climb.....not enough speed, ended up stalling. The second one pretty much like the first, except it was about 110 out that day and I did a normal take off, but the plastic elevator push rods stuck. I used the plastic rods provided in the kit. I failed to check control movements on its 3rd flight that day. Just cranked her up and taxied out. Earlier flights it was much cooler. So I had to get another one, and it's on the board right now. I'm using the golden rods on this one. My others I had OS 55's, as will this one. Love the way they fly. Cal
Posted on: 10/14/2011 2:42 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10765452

RE: Ordering sig se tomorrow
crazy nick, i just started building my se. I've built 2 other se's previously. Just follow the manual and re-read the instructions before cutting or glueing. Easy build if you pay attention to the manual. You'll love the way it flies!!!
Posted on: 10/13/2011 2:43 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10763733

RE: Watcha Buildin'?
Finished up a Astro Hog a few weeks ago, now have a Something Extra on the board.
Posted on: 9/21/2011 2:40 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10727848

RE: Patiently waiting on SIG
KitBuilder, If I had 2 kits on the shelf, I would. But I have only one, and that is slated to be next for the building board. Cal
Posted on: 7/29/2011 6:26 AM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10644707

Patiently waiting on SIG
I ordered a Sig Hog Bipe kit from SIG, early April. I know they have some new owners and they are trying to get things squared away. I've sent e-mails on the status of my order every couple of months. The last one I sent was in June. They informed me they were playing catch up on kit orders that were ahead of mine, and mine should be starting on production late July. No hurry really, since I've got a Astro Hog on the build table, and 5 other SIG kits on the shelf. But for those who may have or wanting to order a Hog Bipe, just wanted to share what was told to me. I built my first Hog Bipe last year, and I really like it. Not very many flights on it, but still learning its characteristics mainly on take off. Once it's in the air, it's a joy to fly. I was leary when I got my first bipe, because I had never built a biplane. But the kit went together easier that I would have thought. Currently, I have on my shelf: LT-40 Kit Sig Something Extra Kit Sig Hog Bipe #2 (waiting for kit#3) Sig 4* 60 Kit Sig Astro Hog #2 Can't tell I like SIG kits, can you? Cal
Posted on: 7/28/2011 6:00 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10643968

RE: HowTo Trim a Biplane
SeamusG I know what you mean. I've gotten better at takeoff, where I can get the tail to lift and then a smooth lift off. But sometimes those smooth liftoffs are headed left. May have to add some right thrust on the engine and see what that does. But I love the way it flies once it's in the air. I don't know if your's is like mine in cross winds, but mine is like sail. It swings the tail big time. Cal
Posted on: 7/19/2011 3:11 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10629153

RE: HowTo Trim a Biplane
SeamusG, I too have built the HB from a kit, and have about 10 flights on it. Must say, it was/is a learning experience. When building I reallly took my time in the wing build and mounting to make sure the incidence's the plans were calling out were right on. This is my first bi-plane and I still get the pucker factor when I fly it. However on my last flight, when I took off the plane was real sluggish in a climb, and very slow in response to get the plane higher and turn. I thought I maybe didn't let it get enough ground speed to lift off. It was so sluggish/waggly I was lucky I got it back on the ground in one piece. I checked the controls to make sure nothing was sticking. Everything looked good on the elevator/aileron/rudder inputs. So I took off again, but letting the plane get more ground speed before lifting off. Again the same symptoms. Got it back on the ground safely, and took the wings off and guesss what I found. My servo tray rails had come loose. Can't say if this could apply to your case, but I did have a few landings that ended up nosing the plane over on it's back a few times, which explained why my rails came loose. Didn't notice it during pre-flight, but it's part of my pre-flight now, to check the rails. I have a OS 75 on mine. Does your's have any issues on take off? Mine wants to track to the left. And I dont' think the plans showed any down thrust or right thrust numbers like most of the other SIG kits I've built.
Posted on: 7/18/2011 2:04 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10627213

RE: astro hog tail wheel
I'm with DaveB on the Sullivan tail wheel. Easy to install, and rugged. The sullivan packages will have a range of poundage the gear is designed for. I think the ones that I have are in the 6-8 or 9 pound range. The Astro fall into the 7-8 estimated pound range. Cal
Posted on: 1/7/2011 4:38 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10246787

RE: astro hog tail wheel
I'm building a Astro Hog, and I ordered the tail dragger kit. You'll get a different set of Main landing gears and the tail wheel assy. I ordered mine thru Sig. Part number is RPCK255 (tail dragger wire set). Read the instruction manual very carefully. You will need to avoid certain steps in the manual, and you'll need to put the landing gear rib supports in a different location. Just read that manual, mine showed both conversion set ups.
Posted on: 1/6/2011 4:14 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10244393

Astro Hog question
I have a question for those of you who have built the Hog. The manual says to epoxy the tristock on the front and bottom of the fuselage side, before installing the firewall and bottom filler blocks. I didn't do that step yet, because I figured I would put the tri-stock in after installing the firewall. What worked best for you? I'm at the point where I can install the tri-stock per the manual or wait and install them after I install the firewall. i"ve built 4 Sig kits previously, and those were easy builds, but this has been my first build challenge. The build sequence from my previous Sig kits have instructed to add the tri-stock after the fuse has been mated. Other tips would be greatly apppreciated. Thanks Cal
Posted on: 11/7/2010 5:29 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10121035

RE: If kits didn't exist ?
As a newcomer to the hobby I started with an interest in flying but built a Sig kit to see what was involved and discovered a love of building. Now, I have several kits in inventory for future enjoyment and look forward to developing new skills. I would love to build from Make it EXACTLY right. plans but am intimidated by all of the non-wood fabrication required....eg cowls, wheel pants, canopies, etc, etc. How do you more experienced builders approach that issue? This is a very deep hobby. There is lots of enjoyment for everyone, regardless of where they lay on the ARF to scratch-builder spectrum. Thanks Tim __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I agree with marusha (Tim) with the above comment. I"m also newcomer. Love to build, love to fly. Got enough tools to get a kit built, would love to learn how to build from scratch/plans. Got a scroll saw that I couldn't cut a straight line if my life depended on it. Only used it a few times. I guess it's trial and error and you learn new skills. But it's is just intimidating on how to get started and what do you look for. Cal
Posted on: 1/14/2010 5:50 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9416111

RE: Good news from SIG
I've only been in this hobby just a little over 3 years. I love it. My first plane was an LT-40 kit. Thought i was out of my league when I opened the box. But I had been reading and reading in RCU and gathered alot of information before I even considered this hobby. Always wanted to fly, but was very timid on what to buy. This forum had the information i was looking for and I made the plunge. With the help of RCKens LT40 thread, and the manual/quality kit SIG supplied, it wasn't as hard as I thought. Their product was high quality. I had one kit that was short a piece, called them up and they shipped it to me at no charge and no questions asked. I've ordered parts from them on several occasions and always, Great company, great customer service, and good quality kits, and I'll continue to buy from them. Since then I've bought a total of 8 kits from them. With a couple more waiting to be boxed and shipped from SIG. I'm sure I'll want to try more challenging builds down the road, but for a easy enjoyable build, SIG is it . Love they way they fly. I'm wanting to stock up on my kits for future builds, and SIG kits will be on that shelf also. Just my newbee 2 cents worth. Cal
Posted on: 1/14/2010 5:33 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9416079

Good news from SIG
Just received an e-mail from MIke at SIG regarding verification on a part number wire set for the Astro Hog. I did not expect such a fast response from him, but I've always had excellent customer service from Mike and SIG reps. I had mentioned that my wife had ordered me a kit for X-mas, but due to a balsa shortage and a previous shipment they received which was not very high quality, lot of kits were on backorder. He just informed me they received their balsa shipment today, and it was very high quality stuff. So for of us that have kits on order, it should'nt be to long before they start shipping them out. Cal
Posted on: 1/11/2010 6:29 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9407617

RE: My $50.00 SSE is now a pile of sticks
That almost happened to me a while back Roo Man. We had some very gusty crosswinds, but I was taking off when it almost flipped over. I think the only reason I was able to save it was, I was adding power instead of cutting on a landing. Get you another one, they go together quite fast. Cal
Posted on: 1/11/2010 5:44 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9407468

What does this message mean?
Trying to add signature in the forum settings. I've tried to type my signature several times. I"ve clicked "OK", then tried again and clicked "APPLY" Signature is not showing after I click OK or APPLY. At the top of the settings window I see a message saying "YOUR LOGIN OR E-MAIL HAS BEEN CHOOSEN, PLEASE TRY AGAIN". Thanks Cal
Posted on: 10/9/2009 7:53 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Forum questions or problems"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9160304

What am I doing wrong?
Trying to add signature in the forum settings. I've tried to type my signature several times. I"ve clicked "OK", then tried again and clicked "APPLY" Signature is not showing after I click OK or APPLY. Thanks Cal
Posted on: 10/8/2009 5:26 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Forum questions or problems"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9157105

RE: balancing lt 40
Thanks for the info. mmn Cal
Posted on: 10/8/2009 5:12 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9157081

RE: balancing lt 40
Hey mmn, Would you care to share how you converted over to wing bolts on your lt40. I'm just about finished with mine, which will be rubber banded. I am wanting to use wing bolts later on. Thanks Cal
Posted on: 10/7/2009 6:05 PM by Author "Thatsakitbuilt" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9154644