RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
To tell the truth, I actually feel a little more relaxed having "mussed it up" a little. A little dirty and oil never hurt a WWI model. And the UC is now wonderfully filthy! Technically, it might even have been airborne for a fraction of a second at a height of a fraction of an inch! So as the Wright Bros might have said: We flew! Now let's just fly longer! Here's a crop of one of the previous shots, which shows the pilot more clearly.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 11:22 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9267407

RE: Best scale photo!
Contact.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:55 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266890

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
Technically, it nosed over once and flipped over once on aborted take-off runs. Both were probably instances of ground-looping. In both of these cases I had gotten up towards 1/4 throttle holding very slight up elevator (which is always confusing to talk about because "up elevator" comes from pulling the stick "down"). When the tail came off the ground, I immediately chopped the throttle. I wouldn't be surprised if a little rudder wiggling crept in as I did this.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:48 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9267176

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
[quote]ORIGINAL: CTDavies I would probably try to tone down that 'dummy engine' as the hole in the cowl lacks that dark depth it should have when a dirty rotary is inside it. [/quote] The photo dummy is definitely a weakness. Which is why I take most of the glamour shots from the rear! But there just isn't any room for anything else. I played with several darker prints to try to make it look as if the engine were set further back in the cowl but none of these really worked. As far as a "dirty rotary" goes, well, given that the BRII had machined aluminum cylinders and an a machined aluminum crankcase and most were in service during WWI for less than a month, I don't think there were many grungy BRII's out there! [;)] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_-HhEfH1XQ[/youtube]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 6:22 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9267004

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
And one for fun.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 4:09 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266964

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
Never fear! Nothing damaged! [:D] In fact, the second trip turned out well. The engine ran and idled confidently. The model turns easily while taxiing and tracks pretty well as throttle is added. It requires some care on the rudder but nothing like as squirrely as the Legionnaire. It looks good on a long slow run with no tendency towards a pre-mature leap into the air, so I think the balance is probably about right (or even a bit nose-heavy which is fine). It this regard it behaves like my Puppeteer. This is a heavy model but it looks stable as it picks up speed and the weight is taken up by the wings. It takes a while for the tail to come up, which it did twice today. And each time, I shut down the run it wobbled a bit from side to side and it went over. So I'll need to be careful on landing roll-outs. Looks like some of the wires may need some last minute tightening after the Snipe flexed it's wings a bit. But like a falcon on a tether, I didn't let if fly today. Maybe I should have. There was no one at the field but me and the dogs.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 4:07 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266907

RE: Best scale photo!
And one more just to prove that not just jets make smoke. [;)]
Posted on: 11/20/2009 3:36 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266940

RE: Best scale photo!
But of course people had color vision back in WWI too.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 3:29 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266933

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
One more.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 3:10 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266918

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
And I couldn't resist doing another set of glamour shots.
Posted on: 11/20/2009 2:59 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266909

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
[quote]ORIGINAL: TFF It is an excuse to check everything again. [/quote] Well, I wasn't going to fly today. Just planned to "shake it around" with a couple of engine runs and some taxiing to see if anything pops loose. Then afterward, I'll give everything a thorough check. I did find a couple of nuts that needed some locktite but other than that everything seems ship-shape.
Posted on: 11/19/2009 11:00 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266628

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
[quote]ORIGINAL: eagledancer abu, thats too bad about all the problems you had today, i am sure the next time will be better! [/quote] Just annoying delays. Pigtail has been repaired. Plug replaced. Toolbox loaded. I'm going back to the field in a few minutes. Nice I don't have work today and nice that the field's only a 15 minute drive away. But this sure always reminds me of all the vital work done by all the people who support and maintain aircraft!
Posted on: 11/19/2009 10:55 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266611

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
The first trip to the field on this fine Friday morning was a lesson in inadequate support equipment. First problem: One of the alligator clips broke off on the "pigtail" I had made so that I could plug in the glow starter easier. Because of the inverted engine and cross-bracing on the UC access is tight. (And, yes, I really should have installed a remote terminal.) But I was able to connect the regular glow starter (referred to as a "poke-bu" = Pocket Booster in Japanese) and got the engine running. Second problem: After a bit of engine tweaking (since it was hot summer last time I ran it), I took the model off the restraining bracket and started to taxi. After about 10 feet there was a single, not particularly loud, "pop" and the engine died. So back to the pit to restart, only to discover that the glow plug was missing! It had obviously worked itself loose and popped out. I wasn't able to find it. Third problem: I didn't have my tool box with me, which is where I keep both the spare plugs and the tool I would have needed to put in the replacement. So it was back home with a feeling of frustration. I'll try again later.
Posted on: 11/19/2009 10:00 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9266479

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
Well, I don't think there's anything more to think about. Tomorrow, I'm taking it to the field for an engine and taxi test. I haven't run the engine in quite a few months. Beyond that, if there's reasonable weather this weekend (and that's always a bit iffy this time of year), I'll send her up into the hands of the gods.
Posted on: 11/19/2009 9:54 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264916

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
[quote]ORIGINAL: phantom_najd I don't remember the hinge configuration on the ailerons so I will go ahead and ask; why do you configure differential? [/quote] The ailerons on the kit are hinged in the center (vs. the original which was probably hinged on the bottom like the Pup). The main reason for the differential is that flight reports of other Snipes report that it's "tough to turn" which is probably due to the small rudder and adverse yaw. [quote] Also, I would suggest tuning down the elevator travel on the low side... with your high throw travel you programmed good deal of expo so flying with high throw won't be difficult so tuning down the low throw will be safer as you can switch to high when you need to. I would go with 15mm low and 18mm high. I've never flwon this type of planes and I don't know anything about them but I always start conservative. [/quote] I'm most fearful of an overly sensitive elevator, which is likely on this model due to the short tail and scale sized elevator. So maybe going with 15mm on low would be better but stick with around 22mm on high with even more expo. The balance is a accurate as it can get on an untested design. But you just never know until it leaves the ground.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 8:15 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263981

RE: Siemens Schuckert D.III 1/6th scale
I assume that you will need to check the precise balance of your spinner and backplate before running them on the engine.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 8:07 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263952

RE: Best scale photo!
[quote]ORIGINAL: scale dail #72 R.I.P. [/quote] That refers to the number on the model in rcphotog's photo. I assume it means that Dail knows of this model and that it's "long gone."
Posted on: 11/18/2009 7:22 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9263831

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Sopwith Snipe build
Here's what I have set on the radio: Elevator (Low): Up: 18mm Down: 18mm Expo: 30% (High): Up: 22mm Down: 22mm Expo: 50% Ailerons (Low): Up: 14mm Down: 7mm Expo: 30% (set for 50% differential, measured on the lower ailerons, which has slightly more throw) (High): Up: 20mm Down: 10mm Expo: 50% (set for 50% differential, measured on the lower ailerons, which has slightly more throw) Rudder: 30-35 degrees right/left (No rudder expo available on the RDS8000) So what do you think? [sm=72_72.gif] I can already tell this is going to be tricky on the wheels just by the way it gets a bit "slippery" right at the balance point.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 9:42 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9262500

RE: Best scale photo!
Allan, that's sure one way to make your docs match your model! [:D]
Posted on: 11/18/2009 12:41 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261974

RE: Best scale photo!
Once again, it's a good concept for an excellent "scale photo" and just needs to be applied to a suitably scale model. Honestly, we don't have enough of these "air to air" shots and the usual "from the ground shooting up" air-show type shots are getting dull.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 10:04 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9261623

RE: V.K. Nieuport 17
I'd add that polyspan needs to be "filled" (just like silkspan) after it's applied. As with silkspan the traditional approach has been to use dope. But since, unlike silkspan, it can be preshrunk dope isn't needed for that purpose, so some people just use a couple of coats of polycrylic for a filler. I've tried that myself and it gives a very good surface. Personally, my choice on this model would be solartex. If you do one of the "silver" color schemes the silver solartex is perfect. If you plan on doing one of the "cream" colored schemes then either solartex "antique" or "natural" would be a good foundation. Both are semi-transparent. If you want an opaque covering then solartex linen would work. So far, I've used solartex coverings on all of my WWI models.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 6:15 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260977

RE: V.K. Nieuport 17
[quote]ORIGINAL: KitBuilder I have a roll of the fabric irong covering but at 15 bucks + a roll I would like to hold onto it and try something else. [/quote] You might want to try Polyspan, which is a heat shrinkable polyester material similar to silkspan. You can order it from AerodromeRC. [quote] It seems from all the threads I read that there really is no silver bullet to nitro proof painting. [/quote] As far as I'm concerned the "silver bullet" for fuel-proofing WWI models is Nelson's paints. I doubt I'll ever use anything else. Actually, you can paint with whatever kind of paint you want (e.g. acrylics, latex from Lowe's, etc.) and then just give the finished model a coat of Nelson's flat clear. [quote] I'm going to use a 4 stroke and my understanding is the exhaust exits quite a bit hotter than a 2 stroke. [/quote] Almost everyone uses 4-strokes on WWI scale models and no one to my knowledge does anything special because of "hotter exhaust" (which may well be true but of little consequence). I'd be interested to hear why you think this is a "hard build" as it looks like a pretty simple model in pictures.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 5:51 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260917

RE: Fliteskin simulating plywood?
Seems like FliteSkin might also be a great material for simulating and constructing small scale details.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 2:20 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9259536

RE: Siemens Schuckert D.III 1/6th scale
Allan, I'm getting sick and tired of saying this over and over again: Stunning work! [:D] Could you screw up sometime, just so I have something to complain about? [;)] What kind of paint did you use? Chris, I still don't understand why it needs to be a two part mold. But I'm super impressed!
Posted on: 11/16/2009 11:21 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9259294

RE: control stick in the cockpit
Think of the control stick as just a big elevator bellcrank. So instead of using a non-scale bellcrank, you make one that has a scale appearance. That's the essence of it. The pull-pull cables are attached to the control stick just as they would be attached to a bellcrank at that position. In most cases, people just make this work for the elevator since making it move in two simultaneous direction requires a hugely more complex setup. The servo just connects to the joystick the same way you'd link it to any ordinary bellcrank.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 6:47 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256666

RE: New Updates! 1:1 scale Sopwith Pup and Fokker Triplane builds
These photos are enormously instructive. And I've already decided to follow the building order on your DrI. That is, the next stage for me on my 1/6 build will be to get the spars made and attached to the frame and the frame up on it's legs.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 2:04 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256959

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Albatros CI build
Thanks for that input. Since the engine seems to be running just fine, I'm not really worried, just curious. Regarding modifications to the kit, there's always a tricky balance between what's a reasonable and practical solution for inclusion in a production kit and what I might want to do on my particular model. For example, I might be wiling to hand beat metal sheeting to get a completely scale looking decking around the observers positions. But including a piece of sheet aluminum in the kit and telling the builder to "beat it yourself" is a non-starter! [:D] So we look for a compromise that looks reasonable, that's easy enough for most of builders, and that can also be reproduced efficiently and cost effectively in the kit. Of course, my goal is not just to help CDScaleDesisgns produce a nice kit for others. I want a rockin' CI for myself too! [;)][:D][:D] So inevitably I'll be taking aspects of the construction places that no kit was intended to go! [sm=pirate.gif] BTW, we just don't see enough pirate emoticons on this forum! [:D]
Posted on: 11/16/2009 1:39 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256927

RE: control stick in the cockpit
I actually started a thread on the more "complex" type of control some time ago. Let me see if I can find the link (before someone else does). Ah! Here we go: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9126805/anchors_9126889/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#9126889
Posted on: 11/16/2009 1:18 AM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256904

RE: Changing an airfoil profile
Too bad the whole article isn't available:
Posted on: 11/15/2009 8:55 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256271

RE: Building the Proctor Nieuport 11
I ordered some of the small eyelets from this place: http://www.tinyzippers.com/dollcrafteyelets.html I also just found some even smaller ones at an electronics parts shop in Tokyo so maybe you could do a search for similar sorts of companies online.
Posted on: 11/15/2009 7:34 PM by Author "abufletcher" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256034