RE: 72 mhz still ok?
At a recent club meeting, we had a show of hands on how many people still have at least one plane on 72 mhz. More than 1/2 of the people raised thier hands. I was surprised. I flew 2.4 for the first time yesterday. I kept looking for that shiny metal antenna in front of me. I bought the module and 4 receivers. Only 8 more receivers and another module and I'll be changed over. So I'll be flying both for a while. Jim
Posted on: 7/23/2012 10:51 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11165906

RE: If you could only have FIVE airplanes, what would they be?
Where are the seaplanes? Mariner? Seamaster? Northstar? You need at least one that makes a splash when it lands (or doesn't land).
Posted on: 6/8/2012 2:29 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111583

RE: Sig Sealane CG and control throws?
I flew it last weekend. It flew great. It needed quite a bit of down trim. I need to recheck the CG. I may have got it foreword a little too far. Hanging upside down on the CG machine with the engine pod down, it takes a lot of weight just to get it to rock a little. On the water, the lake was fairly smooth but not glassy. With the 46FX and a 3 blade prop (10-7) it climbed right up on step and jumped off the water. Once it was trimmed it flew great with no bad habits. Landing was a piece of cake. It did not want to bury the nose in the water like many sea planes I've seen. I held full up elevator until it got up on step, relaxed the elevator to pick up speed, then a little up to fly it off. I'm not ready to modify the bottom yet until I try it on choppier water. The kit is 103 bucks from Sig. Seems like a good deal. I'd build one. Jim
Posted on: 5/5/2012 3:23 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069654

RE: Sig Sealane CG and control throws?
Thanks Lamoilleriver, Just what I needed. I'm going to fly it this weekend, or at least try. Jim
Posted on: 4/25/2012 10:51 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11056290

RE: canoe
You've got to go with the kit. Those Chinese ARF canoes are poor quality and the covering is terrible. Jim
Posted on: 4/21/2012 4:04 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11051399

RE: Sig Sealane CG and control throws?
Hi Wetbird, That was SeaLane not SeaPLane. [:D] But thanks for the response and the offer to help. Jim
Posted on: 4/21/2012 9:10 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11051041

RE: Sig Sealane CG and control throws?
Thank you Lamoilleriver. I appreciate the help. Do you know where the CG is supposed to be? I've read several posts that recomend adding the chines. I was going to try to fly it once then decide what I needed to do. I was planning to do something similar to my Lanier Mariner to make the belly wider and deflect the spray. Thanks again for the help, Jim
Posted on: 4/21/2012 9:03 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11051034

Sig Sealane CG and control throws?
Hi All, I recently bought a Sealane at an estate sale. I need to find out the throws and CG location. Sig has the instruction book online but it refers to the plans for the throws and CG location. Thanks for any help you can give. Jim
Posted on: 4/3/2012 9:26 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11026674

RE: SEAMASTER TWIN BUILD
Great looking Seamaster! You convinced me. I want one! Great job on the first flights. Nice flying spot but where's the snow? It is still winter for a couple more days. Jim
Posted on: 3/18/2012 7:02 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11006226

RE: Rudder hinge broke...?
I use 3 hinges (minimum) on any surface. If you only have 2 and 1 comes loose you're screwed. Jim
Posted on: 3/15/2012 9:54 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001130

RE: Fabric Runways ?
We put our petromat runway in about 6 years ago. We are going to replace it later in the spring. It is 40 feet wide. We used two 20' wide rolls overlapped and staked in the middle. The stakes were less of a problem than expected but we've found a way to sew the petromat so the stakes will be gone when we replace it. We did a very fine gravel underneath and rented a roller and rolled it. Prop strikes are a problem and we have a patching guy that patches monthly. We are on a very slight slope and despite a lot of effort to improve drainage, we have a problem with the gravel washing out leaving ruts under the petromat. They are more of a tripping hazard than anything else. We have no jet flyers so I can't comment on that. We have the drying belt from a paper mill (mentioned earlier) in our pits. It is also a very nice material. We started laying the material at 7:00 and had a finished runway by noon. Good luck with your project. Jim
Posted on: 3/10/2012 7:24 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10994075

RE: Twin trainer......>>>> Recommendations
I have 2 LA40s on mine. They are not as powerful as the AX/FX series engines but they don't burn as much fuel either. I fly about 6 minutes then head for the runway. It has plenty of power and will go straight up, no problem. They are light enough that a hard landing won't tear the gear out of the wing. Jim
Posted on: 2/16/2012 11:42 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10961819

RE: fiberglassing northstar
I Monokoted the bottom of the northstar and every time I fly it I have to fix the Monokote. On my Mariner 120, when I re-glassed the bottom I painted it. A much better solution in my opinion. Now I use stix it (same as balsarite) on any surface anywhere near the waterline before I put on the Monokote. It really helps the monokote stay put but it is messy if it gets on your iron. Jim
Posted on: 1/19/2012 10:56 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10917164

RE: fiberglassing northstar
I Glassed both of my northstar Bellys front to back. I also glassed from the center of the engine pods down to near the bottom of the fins. I added triangle stock where the pod meets the fin too. This area sees a lot of vibration and serious loads during a hard landing. If you use a lighter cloth and work at getting most of the excess epoxy off the weight you add is minimal. Jim
Posted on: 1/17/2012 11:05 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10914683

RE: Looking for first twin sugestions/advice
Another vote for the Twinstar. Part of learning to fly a twin is dealing with a single engine failure. An electric is unlikely to teach you this. Mine has LA40s I've had very few engine failures but it's always exciting when it happens. Especially with the floats on. Jim
Posted on: 12/29/2011 10:34 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10881404

RE: Northstar help needed
RCM plans service has Northstar plans. Do a search for "rcm plans". Once on the site search for north star (2 words) or 960 (the plan number). Sorry you gave Balsa USA money for worthless plans. Jim
Posted on: 11/2/2011 11:14 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10793614

RE: Dirty Birdy 60
I got a dirty Birdy from a friend. It is ready to sand, do final assembly and cover. He did a beautiful job building it. I plan to put an OS 75AX in it. I got plans but not instructions with it. The plans show the CG way behind the main spar. Way back from where I would expect it to be. Can anyone tell me where the CG should be? Thanks, Jim
Posted on: 10/1/2011 10:22 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10744413

RE: Questions about my Hobbico Twinstar
Hi All, I recall having the same problem with my tanks. They just are not long enough to allow the clunk to go it's full travel. I used the thinnest silicone I could find but it still didn't touch the bottom. I was very careful not to drain the tanks all the way for a while. Eventually, the tubing softened to the point where it would move full travel. I suspect this was due to being submersed in the fuel. Mine has LA40s so getting to that fuel is important. Jim
Posted on: 9/7/2011 10:04 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10706666

RE: Piper Cherokee
Try Eureka Aircraft. They have a 1/3 scale Cherokee 140 http://www.eurekaaircraft.com/eac_kits/3S-cherokee.htm Jim
Posted on: 8/23/2011 9:40 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10683450

RE: How do ya'all like your eggs?
How do I like my eggs? GONE! Our chickens are laying nearly 2 dozen a day. We have 14 dozen in our fridge right now. No room left for beer! Jim
Posted on: 6/29/2011 4:01 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Cars, Trucks, Buggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10598820

RE: Sport Twin Pics
Hi Ed, The Sportster has 1 rib added to the outboard edge of each wing, about 3" per side. The sheeting in the center is extended out 1 rib to allow room to attach the nacelles. The center is fiber glassed from nacelle to nacelle. It fly’s great, even single engine. You can take off in about 4 feet, pull to vertical and accelerate straight up. Jim
Posted on: 6/25/2011 10:40 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10592444

RE: Sport Twin Pics
Here are my two. I have a Twinstar with a pair of OS LA40s. It flys with floats now and then. The other is a Sportster 40 kit converted to a twin using RCM plans. It has a pair of OS 55s. It is a rocket! Jim
Posted on: 6/24/2011 1:09 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10590550

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think
I agree 100%. The 46AX is a great choice for the Northstar. The perfect compromise of weight, simplicity and horsepower. Especially with a Macs pipe. (My 2 cents) A seven pound Northstar looks exactly like a six pound Northstar when it is going by you 10 feet off the water at 90 mph. Jim
Posted on: 5/4/2011 1:04 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10501410

RE: Neptune Wing Pontoons.
I cut holes in the covering at the leading and trailing edge on both the wing and the tip float. Then applied a generous amount of epoxy. I haven't lost one since then. There is not much surface on the wing to attach to that is balsa, not just covering. Just right at the leading and trailing edge. Jim
Posted on: 4/18/2011 2:51 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10470411

RE: Balsa USA NorthStar
There is a very good discussion of Northstar Mods under Seaplanes. I've built two. The first one was completely stock. The second one has many mods. I put the elevator and throttle servos in the pod. The elevator size has been increased. I used 2 aileron servos, and the aileron and rudder servos have been moved forward. The second (purple) one came out a little heavier but the shorter throttle and elevator linkages are so much less trouble it is well worth the weight penalty. I kept the belly balsa and glassed it. I am very happy with the performance with the 46 AX with the tuned pipe. I see no need for a larger engine. The plane is way faster than my fingers. Jim
Posted on: 4/8/2011 2:52 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10451615

RE: EasyTiger
I bought some Propellers from Easytiger on ebay a few years ago. It took nearly 2 months to get the props. When I inquired about the status I got a very rude reply. I noticed that anyone that gave negative feedback got very very nasty feedback in return. I WOULD NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS GUY!!. Jim
Posted on: 4/4/2011 9:56 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10442283

RE: Largest Wingspan Beginner Float Plane RTF/ARF
I fly a Tower Hobbies Kaos 40 on floats with an evolution 46. Flys great! Stable but aerobatic and super easy to land. But mounting the Floats is a pain. And you have to pull the engine to pull the nose grear off. The floats stay on most of the time. Jim
Posted on: 4/2/2011 7:13 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10439071

RE: Gas engine fire hazard
Tired, You've been to Livermore and Fresno. You do get around. But you've never been to our club have you? Yet you know our club well enough to say "Basically you have a bunch of old women that didn't like gas powered planes to begin with setting the safety rules". There is no need for a vote on anything. I can go fly a gas plane today, or tomorrow or next month. Just not July through November because a guy, who died years ago, negotiated a deal that promised we wouldn't. I've been to your fine city. And there's no flying field for about 40 miles in any direction. Maybe you should worry more about your flying situation and less about ours.
Posted on: 3/29/2011 1:56 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10430690

RE: Gas engine fire hazard
You Don't need to burn alcohol, coleman fuel or anything but gas. Go out any night of the week. Just before sunset the wind calms down and the temp drops down to around 100 degrees. No one will be there. No Gas police. No one. If the board finds out they would probably only give you a warning. I know it happens. But..... IF you start a fire and IF you are flying gas and IF we lose our field you will be the most popular guy in the county. You will be in violation of club rules and the club won't support you. I doubt the AMA will either. You will be financially responsable for the damage you caused. Or, you can drive an extra 20 minutes. It's your choice.
Posted on: 3/29/2011 12:55 PM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10430561

RE: Gas engine fire hazard
When a guy who lives an hour away says "I know this club" and proceeds to talk $hit about the club and its members, it says something about the guys character to me. I am willing to bet Tired Old (angry) Guy has never even been to our field much less a club meeting. We have 3 options: 1) Obey the lease agreement 2) Ignore the lease agreement 3) try to change the lease agreement All previous boards to date have decided option 1 was best for the club. Some of these boards have had all of the members that fly gas. But they didn't want to be the board that caused us to lose the field. For those of you who are more enlightened than the rest of us, like Tired Angry Guy, please feel free to.... Join the club, Volunteer your precious time to serve on the board, and get the rule changed. And if you get the lease revoked... oh well, right! The club is the third largest in Northern California. So popular that the members voted to cap the membership at 160. It filled up by the end of January this year. If you don't want to join, don't join. If you can make your engine run on alcohol or cat Pi$$ more power to you. There won't be any looks on any faces because no one cares. It's not about big airplanes, it's about not losing the field. If your goal is to impress people with your big airplane you came to the wrong club. We don't care what you fly!
Posted on: 3/29/2011 10:55 AM by Author "aa1a" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10430356