RE: 51,52,53,55 where do they fit?
In a 40 sized plane that you want to add extra punch too.
Posted on: 6/30/2008 11:12 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7677788

RE: Time for another new trainer
I would say it is time for a second plane then a trainer. Sounds to me like you can fly so it is time to move up to the "second" plane.
Posted on: 6/30/2008 11:09 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7677778

RE: Deadstick Landings
By all means learn to dead stick land. There is a big difference between I need to land now and get it right, or close to right, or just on the ground some where by me, verses I can go around and do it again. Practice dead sticks from all kinds of flying conditions from being on approach to the top side of a loop to just completing a down wind turn, tooo. This is where an electric is nice to have because you can just shut it off, land then turn it back on and go right back up and try again The other part of learning to dead stick is that it teaches you more of the the flying characteristis of your plane. How well does it glide, how does it stall, how easy is it to recover a stall, how much air speed can I bleed off with a flare, and so forth. That will become important as you progress from a docile trainer to more advanced planes and more advanced manuvers.
Posted on: 6/30/2008 11:01 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7677754

RE: I remember when......
My first C/L airplane, a cox P-40 warhawk and starting it with my dad on the front porch. Flying it with my dad at a parking lot on a sunday after church (remember blue laws when stores were actually closed on sunday) Building my first C/L air plane a GC Lil Wizard Learning to cover with Dope and tissue and moving up to Silk Span. The summer days of flying various control line air planes in Jr High and Sr High with my friend Grant. When we built a filght box Riding our bikes to the Jr High foot ball field with our new Combat Kittens and flight box. Look at RCM and wishing we could afford R/C Flying my first big plane a C/G shoe string stunter using a full sized handle and cables. Graduating from high school and losing my flying partner as he went away to start a medical degree. (summer 1981) Flying Control line again 1989. The smell is still the same. Getting into R/C 1989. Using CA for the first time. Hey this stuff is pretty cool. Seeing 3-D for the first time ARFs
Posted on: 3/7/2008 4:20 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7190856

RE: They Claim its "virtually indestructible"....WRONG!!!
For a normal crash they are, but for tangling with a water tower, hmmm I thinks the tower is going to win.
Posted on: 2/21/2008 2:01 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7113460

RE: First Build - help me pick the kit
I will second the stinger 40. The kit is easy to build and the covering will not be that difficult. When you get into compound curves and try to cut out detailed patterns and apply them and keep them straight is not easy for a first timer. Basic block patters and lines with hard surfaces to adhear to are easier. To me it is better to start out with something simple and be sucessful than some thing detailed and be frustrated. Oh and the one thing you will attain from this process is the pride of the plane is yours. You built it you know it and you are flyihng it and it does not look like all the others. Read study and understand and you will be more sucessful and it will be enjoyable.
Posted on: 2/20/2008 5:20 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7108681

RE: What is the biggest issue for the future of RC Model Aviation
When I started flying 19 years we had to "find" a place to fly because there were no local flying fields. From that time until I joined MMRCA (AMA charter 812) I had to change flying locations at least 5 times for various reasons and was always wondering when I would have to find a new place to fly. The MMRCA field is by far about the best place I have regulary flow at. I feel the biggest challenges to keeping fields is money and complaints. Land costs money and lease agreements cost money. Urban sprawl results in many changes to avaialbe land. Complaints. This has to be the number one reason I lost places to fly. They range from being too loud, too bother livestock, too I just don't like listenig to them, too we feel they are a risk, too.... Beyond field retention I think the biggest issue is lack of respect or understanding. Case in point that I overheard about two months ago. I was at a LHS looking for something and I hear "Mom and Dad" talking about a gift for Billy. Hmm this electric ARF trainer looks good let's get him that what do you think. Well he is only 12 do you think it is too much for him. No it is just a plane he should be okay. Where will he fly it? At the park is what I was thinking. Okay let's get it." Oh that made me cringe. This is just not parents and kids, the same applies for persons of all ages with funding and the urge when they walk by the hobby shop. It used to be you had to know how to build and you had to know how to start the motors and you had a ton of time and money into the plane and one would want to learn but also not damage the plane or car or helicopter or... Today all you need is cash or credit some general knowlege of how to glue and put in a bolt and have a wall outlet with power. We have all read the ads, in the air in less than X amount of hours and X amount of dollars. Instant gratification with no skills. Not a good mix. Now I am not slamming ARFs or Electrics I am just using them to make a point. A hobby level R/C vehicle requries respect and understanding. A plane or a car or a truck or a boat or a helicopter all are moving vehicles that can produce some serious personnel and material damage even in the hands of an experienced operator. Put that in the hands of an ignorant novice with out oversight. All I am going to say is I do not want to be any where close. I know the same applies for driving cars and purchasing guns and.... all I am saying is that when some one gets hurt or the plane crashes thru a window or the helicopter tries to scalp some one... it all generates bad press which gives the sport of R/C a black eye. The bigger the black eye the bigger the issue. Oh and lastly, I walked up to mom and dad and asked them who they were purchasing the plane for. They left with a different plane and the appropriate contacts for their son to get in touch with a local club, not to fly until he has an instructor, and an understanding of why one joins the AMA.
Posted on: 2/19/2008 2:00 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7101550

RE: 1200 Mah NIMH/6.0V question
[quote]ORIGINAL: jigeye Battery: NIMH Voltage: 6.0 Mah: 1200 With a properly charged and cycled battery listed above, how many flights would you normally get out of it using futaba S3010 high torque servos? [/quote] You should be able to complete four 15 minute flights. I was taught that the standard (what normally comes with the radio) battery packs are good for an hour of use. More than likely this is conservative but all the years I have been flying, unless something goes totally stupid, an hour of use has worked fine. The use of a volt meter and load tester is a good idea just to make sure but be careful of them too. A NIMH responds to a load the same as a NICAD. They start at a voltage, do step drop to a load voltage and then maintain that voltage until they are discharged. Basically start out high and then good, good, good........dead. If you really want to know how long it will last borrow or purchase a digipace or something like it. They are great at determining the load life of a battery.
Posted on: 2/19/2008 12:00 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7101028

RE: Anyone ever fly alone???
Yes I have and still do and that is how I basically learned to fly. I have flown for years and the worst I have been hurt is muffler burn or a knuckle prop bite when trying to adjust a needle valve. Both sort of sting a little. I also have never had a flying issue with a plane flying off or going where it should not or anything else where some one else was needed. Like I said flying alone is how I learned to fly. After my instructor gave me the good to go stamp I flew when ever I could. Some times I flew with a member or two but most times I flew alone. While following all the club rules I spent many an afternoon and evening flying my trainer until I bascially got bored with it. I then built a ACE 4-40 got check out again and with that plane taught myself how to fly. Flying alone I find relaxing and enjoyable. I can fly at my own pace, how I want to fly and when I want to fly and so forth. The down side to flying alone 1. Finding a downed plane by yourself is hard. 2. You can get lax on the club rules. 3. You never really learn to follow a pattern. 4. You do not learn how to fly with others. 5. No one there for safety just incase you do get hurt. 6. No one there to help fix stuff 7. And so on
Posted on: 2/19/2008 11:33 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7100922

ACE 4-60 build
Time to build. The winter project this year is an ACE 4-60. Currently I have the fuse almost framed up. Once framed the color pattern is going to be red, white, and checkerd with the Checkmate art on both wings. See attached image. I will be using an ACE silver seven transmitter for it too.
Posted on: 2/19/2008 1:17 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7099457

ACE 4-60 Engine
I am starting an ACE 4-60 and am wondering what engine to use. The instructions say to use a 60 4 stroke or a 45-52 2 stroke. I was thinking of using a K&B 65 Sportster that I have but after looking at the size of the fuse parts I am thinking the K&B will not be able to swing a prop big enough for this plane. Years ago I had a 4-40 that I powered with an OS 48 surpass and it flew great. For this plane I am thinking of a Magnum XL-70 or XL-91. My plan for this plane is to build it to the plans with one exception. I am going to set the total dihedral to 1". I did this on the 4-40 and it flew great. So will my question is will the 65 work or should I go to the 70 or 91? Thanks
Posted on: 2/17/2008 1:35 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7088077

RE: Sig Kougar Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: submikester I'm surprised by the life of this thread, I guess I shouldn't be considering its subject though. Regardless, I've been flying the heck out of my Kougar. It's got probably close to 20 flights on it now (I don't really keep track) and the only disappointment is the engine. It's a Magnum 46 XLS and while it will take it vertical forever - it just isn't 'fast' like I would like. Without retracts however going really fast looks a bit odd these days though. I think I'm ready for a King Kobra with retracts and a hot 75 or something. [/quote] My question is how fast do you want it to be? I had one of these planes years ago and from what I remember they are not slow. I had a magnum 45/46 on mine with a APC 10x6 which if I flew at a fly in that had a DOT truck with a display board and a radar gun. This has been about 20 years ago but if I remember correctly if flew a little over 100 in level flight and around the 125 mark diving. I do remember there was another Kougar there what was powered by a 50 something Rossi with a tunned pipe and retracts using some hot fuel. I sort of remember seeing that plane in the 140 to 160 MPH range.
Posted on: 2/5/2008 4:54 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7029080

RE: Confused
Thanks for the input. I was beginning to wonder about this process. Start with a 50 dollar engine then add in a EI, and conversion kit and Bowman ring and.... It does not take long too break the 300 dollar mark. For that much I can purchase a "regular" 25/26cc engine. I am going to do the normal stuff (mounts and muffler and such) and see how it works.
Posted on: 2/3/2008 12:31 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Engine Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7012035

Confused
I want to convert a 25cc homelite weedwacker engine to a plane engine and I have been sitting here reading post after post and after all the reading there is one thing I know and that is I am confused. I purchased a reconditioned weedwacker from a traveling tool equipment show in the summer. Supposedly it is a 25 cc engine but the exhaust port is not bridged so is it a 25 or a 30? The displacement is really not why I am confused. The confusion points are this. So I take this engine (which is sitting on the table next to me) and I carve it down. Now I am left with a cut down engine and what is next is what I am asking my self. The engine is reconditioned. Does that mean I need to install a Bowman ring? It came with a 9mm Zama I guess that means I need to go to a 11 mm Walbro Do I go with CDI or stay with the mag ignition? Twister manifold seems to be a must as does a new muffler? If I do not go with a CDI I need to have the flywheel fins cut off and the flywheel rebalanced? If I stay a mag ingition I am looking at a boat anchor of an engine Do I need to remove the base gasket and adjust the port timing? Do I need to cut down the squish? Is a 35mm (protruding from the front bearing) a long or short shaft? The plane I want to put it on is a Birdi Big stick or an Old Timer. These are 9 lb planes with 80" wing spans which should support the square inch to weight recommendation. I would really appreciate some guidance with this project. Thank you.
Posted on: 2/2/2008 1:41 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Engine Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7010874

RE: Sheeting a wing
From the looks of the wing sheeting it should not be much of a problem. If possible do a solid sheet from the trailing edge to the main spare. The thickness you have (in the pictures) will be fine. If one piece is not wide enough edge glue two or more togehter to attain the width. Trial fit the piece a number of times and trim as needed to end up with the center seam in the center of main spar. Once fitted apply medium CA to the top of ribs and the edge of the sheeting were it will join the trailing edge. Place and press until glued. Repeat this with the other three remaning sections per wing half. Fill gaps and sand flush. The wing tips are going to be tough due to the shape but mutiple pieces fitted and glued and then surface sanded to transition the edges should work.
Posted on: 10/19/2007 4:36 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6512367

RE: Big Chaos vs Stinger 120
[quote]ORIGINAL: hrrcflyer Thumprding, Do you get the feeling that we like the Kaos?[:)]. Here's some food for thought Bluejay Models offers the Big Dirty Birdy 2+2 which is a 78" wingspan version of the 60 size kit. Personally I like the lines better on the Dirty Birdy and it flies equally as well as the Kaos. Keep us posted and good luck with whichever one you choose. Fly safe
Posted on: 10/8/2007 9:59 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6463900

RE: Tired of same o'l thing
Something different? This plane may not be different but to me it has to be the best looking plane I have ever seen and I have not seen many of them. After I saw my first one (and I think maybe I have seen two more) I decided that some day I would build one. The plane is a SIG Ryan STA. About 15 years ago I built mine. To date it still draws attention.
Posted on: 10/8/2007 12:26 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6462859

Big Chaos vs Stinger 120
Looking at a winter building project and these two are looking pretty good. Any suggestions or comments or inputs would be greatly appreciated.
Posted on: 10/1/2007 12:00 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6435542

RE: Trying to land in a small area..any help?
I don't mean to be rude but you have 300 feet by 180 feet to land the plane. That should be sufficient to land just about any 40 to 60 sized plane. You really don't land it what you do is fly it to the ground. I learned to fly at a sight that had a run way, if you could cal it that it was just a mowed down spot, that was and half the size you mention. You learned to fly a plane to the ground. There was none of this bring it in and let if flare for 50 to 100 feet. Landing was bring it in hot at an idle and fly it to force the wheels to touch down. Try landing on three tennis courtst that are side by side. There was one club that I flew at that their run way was noting but three old paved tennis courts with the fence taken down. I kid you not that was it. Landing was a hit the spot and then turn to scrub off speed or just let it roll into the tall grass to stop it. Taking off was not much better either. There was none of this stand by the side and taxi it out and then slowly feed in the throttle. Taking off required two people. One to hold the tail and one on the radio. When the engine was up to full speed the launcher let go and that plane better have enough umph bedhind it and roll freely to attain the ground speed to get it up in the air. Now I will give them credit once the plane was air borne you had plenty of room to fly but while doing so you remembered that you had a post stamp landing pad.
Posted on: 7/3/2007 9:42 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6065445

RE: Perfection Kit Completed
Looks good.
Posted on: 7/3/2007 9:02 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6065320

RE: What Do Dou Think the Hardest & Longest Plane To Build Is?
[quote]ORIGINAL: saramos How about an old Royal kit? The best description I've ever come across for a Royal kit contents is: Kit includes two full sized plan sheets, a 5 page double spaced typed instruction set, a spun aluminum cowl, a clear canopy and a balsa log. [/quote] No doubt. I build the peashooter and when I was done I looked at it and thought to myself do I really want to fly this? Do I really want to risk damaging all that work? Try an older SIG kit like from the 60's and 70's. They are not much better.
Posted on: 7/3/2007 8:42 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6065252

RE: Fun 1 is done
Thanks for the comments. I am wondering what it really can do. It is fun to fly and responsive but not overly. I am wondering how it will fly with the flaperon option turned on. I have not done that yet as I am still working on the flight trim and balance.
Posted on: 7/3/2007 8:20 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6065199

RE: Fun 1 is done
Another photo
Posted on: 7/2/2007 1:21 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6060401

Fun 1 is done
After a few months and flying other older planes to get the old thumbs back in shape I finished the Fun one and flew it today. Little down trim and right aliron was all it needed. Flew it three times today.
Posted on: 7/2/2007 1:08 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6060371

RE: Duraplane Trainer 40 Question???????
About the spar area is correct. Take the landing gear off and it flies a lot better, glides a lot better too.
Posted on: 5/21/2007 4:55 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5883218

Back in the Air
After a 8 year break I am back in the air. After renewing my AMA membership and joining a local club I am back flying. Last weekend I flew my traininer sucessfully three times. The first time I was all nerves but the thumbs came back to me. Greased three landings! Wow I could not belive it! I guess it is like riding a bike as in you never forget. Today I took along my Easy sport 40 (with an ASP 61 engine) along with the trainer. Flew the trainer three times and then took up the Easy sport (tail dragger configuration) and flew it. The old bird still flys good but I need to remember the stick movement for certain stunts. I forgot how much fun it is to stand out in the sun and fly. Next will be to pull out the Tiger 2. Need to put a few flights in the ES40 a few more time until I pull the Tiger out. I just want to say thanks to Jeff at MMRCA for his help and the club in general. Curtis oh I still like the smell of burnt glow fuel.
Posted on: 5/19/2007 11:59 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5876491

RE: Carl Goldberg Shoestring build pictures
Very nice. That plane will stand out at the field. Good work.
Posted on: 4/25/2007 9:39 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5767515

RE: Stick and Tissue? I am in need of a mentor.
To keep trim color from bleeding under the mask put on the mask and then paint over the mask with either clear or a coat of the base color to seal the edges.
Posted on: 4/3/2007 11:54 AM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5658843

RE: 100+ mph sport plane??
Sig Kougar with a hot 45/46 to 50. I have seen these with tuned pipe systems and retracts with hot enignes burning 25% nitro run in the mid 150 MPH ranges.
Posted on: 4/2/2007 1:49 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5653920

RE: Stick and Tissue? I am in need of a mentor.
Yes it is looking good. Man does this thread bring back memories of Tissue / Silkspan, water bottles, razors, dope and brushes.
Posted on: 4/2/2007 1:29 PM by Author "Thumprding" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5653849