RE: New Twin Tail
Hi jaav It look like a winner. It is such an easy build and it is tough as nails. How much does yours weigh? I think mine came in at under 5 pounds. The torsion bar main gear is so tough that even an aircraft carrier pilot would be impressed.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 7:04 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268437

RE: Question about engine location
If the tank is high relative to the engine you may have to use a clip on the fuel line to prevent the engine from flooding between flight when the engine is stopped. I do that when needed. A small spring clip works.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 6:46 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268392

RE: One engine out on takeoff...or How to repair a twin engine airplane
When one engine goes out on a twin it is best to throttle back both engines, get control of the plane, then throttle up as careful as possible. Forget the retracts. Turning into the dead engine can be a disaster unless you do it very slow. Turning the other way at wide open throttle may not be possible. If you have been able to gain some altitude you may be able to throttle down some and turn away from the dead engine carefully, then throttle up slowly. Twins can be a ball if you take the time to study what is possible.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 6:41 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268383

RE: Spad to the Bone Dominator Problem
Hi Clean I don't see full scale planes often. Are the engines offset? I have always assumed that there was no offset due to the increase fuel consumption that would result, but I did wondered if there was more to it.
Posted on: 11/19/2009 7:44 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266121

RE: Spad to the Bone Dominator Problem
Hi kanillo Buenos dias amigo. Since you are the only person who posted that you did build the Dominator, and are flying it, please give me more information. I am unable to understand the first sentence of your post. No entiendo. Are you saying that you built it with 4 degrees of down thrust? If not, what amount of down thrust did you use? Is your wing located per the instructions? Your message indicates your center of gravity (CG) is located 10mm to the back of the wing leading edge. That is only about 3/8" in our form of measurement and does not appear to be normal. I emphasize that I have not built or flown the Dominator, but I have designed and built about 6 other SPADS. I consider you the expert in this discussion since you built the Dominator and are flying it. I just want to know if you built it to the plans and if not, what exactly did you change and why. I read a little Spanish but not enough to understand you. You can send me an e-mail in Spanish if you like. I can get it translated with the Mexican friends I play racquetball with daily. Buena suert.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 10:40 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9262612

RE: 55AX quits
Hi evanspa As best I can remember, the manual instructions require the carburetor barrel valve to be in the fully closed position. From that position the LSN valve is turned in till it stops and then opened a certain number of turns. I believe I did not have the barrel fully closed. Be aware that the position of the needle valve can prevent the carburetor barrel valve from closing. Let me know how you do.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 6:46 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261068

RE: Spad Extra won't knife edge
Hi frostkg Thanks.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 4:14 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260668

RE: Spad to the Bone Dominator Problem
Is everyone who has commented comfortable with the five degrees of down thrust on the engine? I did not build the Dominator but I just read the instructions and that is what is recommended. Five degrees is a LOT. On my SPAD J3-Cub the wing is mounted MUCH higher than the engine thrust line and as I recall, the required engine down-thrust to counter the wing drag effects is closer to a few degrees. It would be nice to hear from others who have built the Dominator. My SPAD Twin Tail and SPAD Canard have zero engine thrust.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 4:11 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260663

RE: 55AX quits
Hi evanspa So you have been at it for 20 years. I have been at it for over 30 years. I had problems similar to yours on my 46AX. I have solved the problem and all is OK now. What I did was follow the 46AX manual very carefully. I was doing something wrong, or perhaps the wording in the manuals have been changed slightly from the 46FX engines. I was adjusting the Low Speed Needle valve wrong. In years gone by I would compare the manuals word for word till I found something. At my age now I don't care how it happened. If I follow the manual very carefully I get great results. Try it an let me know. Especially if you (or others) find something different in the manuals
Posted on: 11/17/2009 2:43 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260488

RE: Spad Extra won't knife edge
Hi Fieldy73 You can see some photos at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3476218/anchors_3476218/mpage_1/key_SPAD%252CFlying%252CLawnmower/anchor/tm.htm#3476218 The build plans are there also. I just noticed that the build plans are difficult to read. You can download the very clear plans from our club website at http://www.wilsonrc.org/download.php?list.9 As a point of interest, I believe the spar on the Flying Lawnmower is about 2.25" high, which is about the height of your plane wing. Note that the chord on my mower is huge compared to your chord, which is what guided me in selecting the spar height. Do the plans for your plane mention the purpose of making the wing so thick? I'm not criticizing or commenting on anything, I'm just trying to learn more. I'm not familiar with your model since I have not studied the plans. Do let me know how your knife edge is progressing.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 10:29 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9259988

RE: Spad Extra won't knife edge
Hi fieldy73 That is a nice looking plane. Does it seem to make an average loop alright? I notice that the wing thickness seems to be much greater that what I am used to. On my 48" wingspan wings I use a yardstick for the spar which gives an inside wing height of about 1-1/8". I must confess that I see no reason why that should prevent it from doing a knife edge. I do a knife edge with every plane I have ever had since starting R/C in 1972 or so. I always test for proper CG location by doing a knife edge and adjust the C/G as I explained above. Once, on my older straight wing Canard, I had the C/G so far back that the plane could almost do a loop while in knife edge. Well, it being a SPAD, I decided to push it so it could do a full loop in knife edge. I moved the CG further back, did a knife edge, gave it more rudder to force a knife edge loop, and at about 3/4 thru the loop the thing went into an inverted flat spin. I could not recover because the main wing stalled and on a Canard that is total disaster because it falls rear end first. But yours is not a Canard, so go ahead and move the C/G back about 1/4" at a time. I am very confident that is your problem. Ever consider building a SPAD Flying Lawnmower? Ever see one? I designed and flew one for about 5 years if you are interested. I never could hold it long in inverted flight. Down there it might do better. Ha Ha.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 10:38 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257507

RE: Spad Extra won't knife edge
Hi fieldy73 If you are very nose heavy you may not be able to hold altitude while in knife edge. There may be room to experiment with the location of the CG. Move it back about 1/4" at a time. What is the wing span? If you are using a push/pull rod to the rudder, the rod may be stronger in pull than in push. Do the knife edge so the rudder rod is in pull. Do this before you adjust the CG. It may give you an idea of what is going on. I think my SPAD Canard is a little heavier than your plane, has a 46FX engine instead of your 55AX engine, and does a very good knife edge. Can you post a photo of your plane?
Posted on: 11/15/2009 8:57 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9254876

RE: SPAD Twin Tail
I am very happy to see you building the Twin Tail. I suggest you start your own build thread rather than use mine. You have some excellent ideas and that deserves a separate thread. I asked you about your main gear in my last post. Do you have that firmed up? Just as a point of interest, my Twin Tail started as a Pusher/Puller. I flew it that way for about 3-4 years until I wore out the two .28 Magnum engines.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 8:51 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9252857

RE: how to post
I found the search function to be not as useful as it was before the big change of a few months ago. I cannot search by author. It seems to locate plenty of info, but there is no way to focus the search. What are the plans? Surely someone in the know can state something.
Posted on: 11/14/2009 8:31 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9252835

RE: SPAD Twin Tail
Hi jaav What is the wing span on your Twin Tail plane? What size engine are you planning? The torsion bar main gear I use should work on yours. I have an idea for simplifying the torsion bar mounting that I can give you if you are interested. I forget if I already mentioned it above.
Posted on: 11/13/2009 3:47 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251406

RE: redundant receiver batteries, question
I have a Futaba 2.4 GHTZ system and use redundant receiver batteries. I use two switch harnesses connected in the standard manner. The second switch harness is plugged in to the receiver using an un-used channel on the receiver. To charge, I use two chargers for the plane. I'm using an extra battery only because it replaces some lead weight I needed to get the CG correct on my SPAD Canard plane.
Posted on: 11/13/2009 3:28 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251372

RE: Balancing a canard or tandem wing biplane for initial flight.
Hi da Rock That is the one. Thanks for posting it.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 7:38 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219569

RE: Balancing a canard or tandem wing biplane for initial flight.
I fly a Canard all of the time. Search for the Canard CG calculator and go by that. DO NOT MAKE IT TAIL HEAVY.
Posted on: 10/31/2009 7:21 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9218425

RE: Robarts, with an extra helping of dirt
Hi scooty I have been flying R/C since 1972 and have always been interested in retracts. I have seen nothing but trouble with retracks. I have never used them. A dirt field is terrible for everything. Any chance you could change fields. I have always flown on a grass field.
Posted on: 10/31/2009 8:42 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217199

RE: can you compensate for weight?
When you put on the heavier engine, did you re-balance it to get the designed CG location?
Posted on: 10/29/2009 10:28 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9212026

RE: THE FIELD BOX FROM HELL! aka The Ultimate Field box!
Delete.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 10:33 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9208967

RE: First Kit Build: basic questions
Hi jigeye The hobby shops sell something that may be called a "razor saw". It is small, and has a very thin blade. It is perfect for cutting that angle. Mine is about 30 years old.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 9:15 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9208809

RE: MAAAANN NOT AGAIN!!!
Hi Vincef18 I have seen similar situations that ended up being the aileron servo was reversed. Many planes can be landed with using only the rudder in place of the ailerons. I practice that with all of my planes just in case.
Posted on: 10/25/2009 9:59 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9200264

RE: O.S. 1.60FX Hard to turnover when cold
Hi Old Dutch I use the lighter fluid when it is very cold. It does not make the engine turn over easier. The lighter fluid simply ignites easier in cold weather. I think your after-run oil is making it harder to turn over in cold weather. I have been flying R/C since around 1972 and never use after-run oil. My engines seem to last forever, around 10 years. That is not very descriptive, but I seem to fly more than most in our club. When I have very little compression and the engine is troublesome, I'm glad to have an excuse to purchase a new engine. I only use OS engines, but no larger than a 46. I might get a 55 though, if it fits in the same place as a 46, the next time I wear out one of my OS46FX engines.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 6:26 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9196836

RE: elevator setup
Set it neutral.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 7:42 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9189178

RE: SPAD Gyrocopter
Hi boberos Thanks for your advice and concern. I was ready to order a bunch of new blades but then suddenly changed my mind. I can burn a fortune in new blades for this type of flying device. The nature of the beast is that occasionaly it will roll over and break the rotor blades. Too much weight way up high. I have better things to do with my money than spend it on blades. I scrapped the whole project! I'm too used to building and flying my SPAD planes where the occasional mishap causes no damage. I may even build another Flying Lawnmower. On the rare occasions when that would roll over (I thing once in 5 years) there was zero damage. I don't count a broken blade as damage. Thanks again.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 11:12 AM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9187956

RE: Building a SPAD Canard
Hi boberos I may be wrong, but I don't believe that spadtothebone.com accepts postings. Spadworld.net is probably what you mean. I no longer post photos there because I was unable to keep up with the frequent changes of how to post photos, and as a result one of my posts, the SPAD Biplane, was locked. My fault. Most users seem 2-3 generations younger than I so I have fallen behind. Have you built the SPAD Canard? It is a very easy build and a very tough plane. If you have any questions on it please ask here.
Posted on: 10/19/2009 4:03 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9182765

RE: Elevator SNAPROLL
Hola Experiment with a little less elevator throw. Your plane is acting very normal. Like a wild horse you have to tame it for what you want.
Posted on: 10/19/2009 3:59 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9185785

RE: Drive Hub question...
Hi Juanico Is your ratchet 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" drive? I use a 10" adjustable wrench, but an 8" would be better. I think most people do not tighten the nut enough. I have NEVER caused a problem from over tightening. It is interesting that the electric starter turns in the direction that will loosen the prop nut. However, the normal fuel/air explosion in the engine cylinder will tighten the prop nut against the inertia of the prop. Campgems, above, has the right information.
Posted on: 10/18/2009 4:15 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183177

RE: New airframe idea - Flying runway
Hi BuiltNotBought Once the plane lands on the flying runway, the runway must speed up to carry the extra load. What will keep the plane that just landed from falling off? The wind will be around 30MPH (it does not matter what it is) and that is enough to blow it off the runway if nothing else is holding it in place. Belly landing using Velcro is one idea that comes to mind. Of course, the landing plane will still be lifting, so the Velcro may open up and let go. There can be answers for all questions. You may be at this for years. Good luck.
Posted on: 10/17/2009 5:40 PM by Author "Villa" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9180968