RE: Twin .61 prop question
Hi willo jet I have seen at least two B-25 models crash after one engine quit. After many crashes with my twin model I realized I had about 1/2 second to make the RIGHT decision after one engine quits. I could not determine which engine quit, or even if an engine quit. The plane just whent completely out of control and started spinning to the ground. My rule now is "one engine out, all engines out". If the plane goes out of control I immediately assume an engine out, and I throttle to idle, regain control, then slowly inrease the throttle and use the rudder as needed, and make a safe landing.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 7:26 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232297

RE: giant scale cap went down bad
Hi orthobird I have hundreds of crashes under my belt in my 40 years of RC flying, and have almost always found the reason for the event. Sometimes it took me a few days before I could come to a conclusion. I recall sometimes being depresses until I could decide on a reason. Almost all of my crashes were due to pilot error. Have you found a reason for the crash?
Posted on: 8/26/2012 4:21 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206832

RE: Used AutoCad
Hi acerc So you feel your are too old to learn? I'm 76 now and just love to draw on my laptop while sitting in my easy chair. When I learned computer drawing, I already knew drafting. It still was hard to learn on the computer. I kept at it and eventually I got very good at it. I suggest staying with it and thinking positive about the whole experience.
Posted on: 8/26/2012 8:24 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206413

RE: Free fighter jet plans
Hi dave 1211 If you post it again on Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD , found below, you may get more information.
Posted on: 8/24/2012 6:27 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204349

RE: Check your control surfaces people!
There is a bad habit I see at our field many times. I frequently discuss it with the offender. Many do not take it well. The bad habit is right after they start the engine, they reach over the engine and remove the glow driver. That is very dangerous, but it is not the bad habit I am referring to. Then, they grab their radio and work the controls to see if they move. Then they put the plane on the ground and take off. Well, from the front of the plane we all can tell if the ailerons move, but most people cannot tell that they are moving the WRONG way. Please think about this. Have the responsibility to speak with the offender. He can kill you with his plane. Get into the habit of checking the controls from the rear of the plane. From the front the controls will be backward with respect to the left/right side of the plane.
Posted on: 8/22/2012 12:32 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11202363

RE: Glow Tank Stopper Leaks
Hi SeamusG About 5 years ago I too had problems with the large stopper on my fuel tank. The stopper was shredding. I decided to replace it the tank. I purchased a suitable tank at my LHS. When I got it home I noticed it had a very small O-ring seal instead of a large rubber stopper, and NO brass tubes had to be inserted in the tank. I was so impressed with the tank that I immediately replaced the tanks in my 3 other planes. The tanks are Hays tanks. The best I have seen in 40 years in the hobby.
Posted on: 8/20/2012 3:48 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11199568

Electric Planes
I have been in RC planes for about 38 years, and started with electric planes about one year ago. I always remove the prop when I am at home working on the controls of my electric plane, and then connect the LiPo battery. I admit to being afraid of the LiPo battery when I'm indoors at home. A few weeks ago I noticed that I had an old NiCad battery pack I was not using and just charged it up. The next time I needed to work on the controls of my electric plane I did not use the LiPo battery. I merely connected the NiCad battery directly to the receiver and worked on my controls. I was much more relaxed with the NiCad battery. I store my LiPo batteries outside, in an old barbecue grill, so that if it catches on fire there will be less danger. I did not work the throttle, but I'm sure it will get bumped at some time. Does anyone see a problem with what I am doing?
Posted on: 8/20/2012 7:36 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11199591

RE: How to get your plane outta of a tree ?
Our local club learned that the local electric supply company has very long collapsing extension poles that are used to trip switches high in poles. The extension poles must be tested frequently to make certain they are suitable insulated for that service. When they fail that test they are discarded. Our club now has one of the poles, and it has been used many times to retrieve our planes. Look for a contact, and get in line for the next discarded extension pole.
Posted on: 8/20/2012 6:59 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11199553

RE: What is possible in this hobby ...
Hi CGRetired I wonder if possible you built my design. It is available free at our club website, www.wilsonrc.org. Just click under DOWNLOADS. Here is a photo of it in the air. I eventually crashed mine after flying it for about 5 years. I would love to see another in the air.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 2:07 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11197126

RE: Elevons backwards
Hi john_s3 I am not familiar with your radio, but your last description hints a lack of understanding. I have used elevons on my plane, a flying wing. My radio is a Futaba 2.4MHZ. It is an early computer radio. To use elevons I have to use the manual, which describes exactly what to do. If your radio does not have this feature, you can purchase an elevon/mixer, or something named similarly. I used one before I had a computer radio. It worked very well.
Posted on: 8/15/2012 12:21 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11194613

RE: twin motors back to back
Hi da Rock You mentioned the problems that puller/pushers have. The reason I designed and built my Pusher/puller is because I was flying my conventional twin engine plane one day and realized that it was making me a nervous wreck. I was not having any fun. I realized I was waiting for one engine to stop. When I would loose an engine I had maybe 1/2 second to realize it, decide which engine, and take the proper corrective action. That is when I made it a pusher/puller. Sometimes when I suspected an engine out on the pusher/puller, I had to bring it closer to see the stopped prop.
Posted on: 8/14/2012 6:55 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11192896

RE: twin motors back to back
On the pusher/puller I describe above, one of the most fun things I did was to attempt a take-off on one engine. The plane was a 40 size plane, with a 48" WS, and used two Magnum 28 glow engines. I don't remember the weight, but my guess is 6 pounds. For a one engine take off I only started one engine. All conditions had to be perfect; freshly cut grass field and a good head wind. I needed the full runway. Once the plane reached maximum ground speed I would reapedly flip to max elevator and literally jack the plane up to ride just a little higher on the grass. If I ran out of runway I tried again. Once I made a take off the plane was fully stalled so I had to give it down elevator and hold at maybe 4" elevation. By this time I usually was nearly out of runway so I had to make a left U-turn without dragging the left wing. High tension yet lots of fun. I tried it with either engine, and never found a difference, but the wind conditions were always different.
Posted on: 8/13/2012 8:29 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11192468

RE: Just bought a 1.8m Cessna!
I always purchase extra servos. I have never found a new one to be defective. I have stripped many servo gears on the front steering of a trike setup because I love landings and make 5-6 landings every flight. Now I always use some form of shock absorber in the steering linkage.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 7:06 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186841

RE: Rudder servo
Hi nitro208ca I had a similar experience. Lost two servos. I had noticed that the servos were getting hot. I finally realized that the rudder was not free to move. I had replaced the vertical stabilizer and rudder, made from foam and tape, with one made from Coroplast. The Coroplast resisted movement. After the two servo failures I corrected the problem by cutting over 50% of the "hinge" surface to free it up. No more problem. Check your rudder to make certain it is free to move.
Posted on: 8/5/2012 10:44 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11181492

RE: noob in boats with an electric plane question.
The out runner brush-less motor is reversed by switching any two of the three wires between the ESC and the motor. I have a pusher plane and I then mount the prop "backward" so that the prop correctly pushes the air to the rear of the plane.
Posted on: 8/2/2012 6:48 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11178305

RE: Clubs in France
Hi paulflys4fun The fellow at http://spadworld.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18665 is from France and is active on that site. I suggest you contact him there. Good luck.
Posted on: 7/29/2012 2:49 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11173610

RE: Spinner nut falls off
Hi 52larry52 I'm glad you took my suggestion in a positive way. Some people just "blow up" and show what little people they are. Here is an interesting, personal story about Loctite. The plant I worked at manufactured air compressors and large diesel engine. I believe we started using Loctite around 1965 or so. Large units, compressors or engines, were sold to include a service man to supervise installation and start up. I believe an engine was to be installed in India. The serviceman wanted some Loctite to take with him, but all we had was very large bottles, like 1/2 quart, in our shop. Well, the serviceman got a glass prescription bottle and filled it with Loctite and flew off to India. When he got there and needed the Loctite, he found the Loctite had turned into a solid in the glass bottle. That is when we realized that Loctite hardens in the absence of oxygen. Before that we had read that it does that, but it did not sink in.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 7:16 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168477

RE: Spinner nut falls off
Hi 52larry52 You certainly are very familiar with Loctite. I too have been using it for about 40 years. The reason I would NEVER use it on the prop nut threads is this: When you are loosening the prop nut, with Loctite on it, using a proper wrench, you hold the prop with one hand, and turn the nut CCW with the other hand. Now, let us say that the nut is now a little loose, and the prop is also loose and starts to slip on the shaft. You are in a situation in which you cannot prevent the shaft from turning so you can unscrew the nut. The compression of the engine is not enough to prevent the shaft from turning so you can unscrew the nut. Do you believe that all of this is possible?
Posted on: 7/24/2012 8:02 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167207

RE: A Question about Hard Landings and Strong Landing Gear
I have seen many 'normal landings' where the landing gear fell off. As a result, I build my planes with a "much stronger" landing gear. I love making landings, and because of this, I make 5-10 landings during every flight. My landings are usually very good, but occasionally I screw up and make a hard landing. I very rarely rip off the gear. I like to use "torsion-bar" type main gear, and am very creative in anchoring it to keep the weight down and yet be very strong, even when used on foam planes.
Posted on: 7/22/2012 12:59 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164654

RE: Spinner nut falls off
Hi boat 58 You asked if they make CCW threaded crankshafts so the nut will not come off. NO, they don't! The reason is that the nut would come off more frequently if the thread was CCW. The resisting wind load on the prop is CW, which is in the direction of tightening the prop nut. The reason the prop nut gets loose is because it is not being tightened enough. Most people use the X-wrench used to tighten the glow plug, to also tighten the prop nut. Well, the wrench is not large enough to generate the torque needed to keep the nut tight. I use an adjustable crescent wrench with a 10" handle to tighten the nut. A 6" or 8" wrench would be enough, but I just happen to have this extra wrench. Use your small X-wrench to tighten the nut in your usual manner, then use a larger wrench to tighten it a little more, until you learn what is "enough". By the way, if your engine "backfires" it will usually loosen the prop nut. That is another proof that a CW thread is the correct thread. I would NEVER use Loctite on the nut. I believe it is very likely that the nut would not come off and might turn the crankshaft after the prop loosens. Then you would have to be inventive to hold the crankshaft to turn the nut off. Let me know if you agree with all of this.
Posted on: 7/22/2012 5:46 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164299

RE: hold the cover?
Hi vasek I have no personal knowledge of your glider. I have 2 solutions for you to consider. First one. You must have three long screws. Find three long metal tubes with an inside diameter large enough for the bolts to fit inside. Cut the tubes long enough to fit against the servo, and support the servo cover. The three bolts will then hold the servo and cover in place. Second one. Replace the three screws with three all thread rods. Insert the three rods and add three nuts to hold the servo in place. Add three nuts to hold the cover in place. Use blue Loctite thread locker on all threads. Let me know what you decide.
Posted on: 7/13/2012 12:28 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11154045

RE: Glow Engine Question - Why does the Propeller threads loosen the same direction the engine runs?
Hi gregoryshock While it is true that the action of starting the engine, whether flipping by hand or using an electric starter, tends to loosen the prop, once the engine is firing, the air drag on the prop, and the torque the firing cylinder is producing, both tend to tighten the prop nut. This may be hard to follow, but it is true.
Posted on: 7/5/2012 11:05 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144073

RE: Transmitter tray?
This year I started using a strap on my transmitter. Some of my finger ligaments have shortened, and deformed my fingers-old age, even though I'm still a young 76. Prior to using the strap I was not able to hold the transmitter as secure as I wanted. Problem solved. Now I worry about the strap snagging on something and ripping the transmitter out of my hand. To prevent that I always wrap the strap around the transmitter and tie a knot in it. Seems to work out well.
Posted on: 7/5/2012 10:48 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141843

RE: Minimum power for a 9# plane
Hi markhamregular The engine and prop you are using seems adequate for a 9# plane. I say that because I use a 12 X 4 APC prop on an OS46 engine on an 8.5# J3Cub with a 71" wing span. The plane does everything I want. Obviously you may be wanting much more. Is it possible that you have the prop mounted backward? I understand that the prop will then only put out something like 80% thrust. I have seen this happen at our field. It is not always obvious when a prop is mounted backward. The sharp end of the prop is the trailing edge, and the rounded edge is the leading edge, just like on the wing of the plane. Please let me know.
Posted on: 6/29/2012 7:38 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11136425

RE: X-acto knife sharpening
I have been sharpening my X-acto blades for about 30 years. I use wet/dry sandpaper used to sand down car paint, I believe it is 320 grid, placed on a flat surface. I give it a few strokes every now and then. The blades may be lasting me 10 years, but I don't really know. I am always afraid someone will be cut with the discarded blade. By sharpening the blades I have less things to worry about. I see no need to critisize what ever method you use. Do as you like, but be aware of other methods.
Posted on: 6/28/2012 4:33 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11135650

RE: Spad Voodoo
Hi coolbean How has that landing gear stood up? It looks like the soft aluminum flats sold at places like Loews, which did not work out for me.
Posted on: 6/28/2012 4:17 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11135631

RE: Leaking muffler
In addition to the RTV recommended, use Blue Loctite on every thread connected with the muffler. If anything gets loose, things will leak.
Posted on: 6/28/2012 4:10 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11135622

RE: Flaps going in opposite direction.
Hi mustangshooter The change you need to make is a mechanical one, at the servo. Look at how the ailerons are mounted. One aileron must go up while the other one goes down. What would you do, mechanically, to the aileron servos to get both to move up at the same time? Do that type of change to your flaps.You may have to move the servo arm to the other side, or turn the servo over. This all depends on how they are mounted. Take some photos showing the servos and rods, post them here, and you will get the correct advice. Since our models do not require flaps, you may want to postpone using them.
Posted on: 6/17/2012 4:26 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11121627

RE: twin motors back to back
Hi skater_719 I had a twin boom plane with two engines in pusher/puller configuration and flew it about 7 years. I never noticed any thrust problem. The rear engine used a pusher prop. I did notice that the plane would not do a normal crisp snap roll. It acted like it did not want to do one. I assumed that the reason was the engines were turning in opposite directions so a gyroscopic effect was preventing the snap roll from being crisp. If you use a conventional prop on the rear electric motor and mount the prop opposite to "normal" it may not have that same effect. Please let me know how it does.
Posted on: 6/15/2012 4:23 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11119609

RE: engine dying
Hi my05monte I have seen similar cases and it turned out the fuel OUT and the pressure IN connections were mixed up. Check for this.
Posted on: 6/12/2012 4:23 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11116068