RE: World's First Flying SPAD Jet
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/tm.asp?m=968514
Posted on: 6/16/2012 7:25 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11120711

RE: World's First Flying SPAD Jet
[quote]ORIGINAL: emailbanter Someone built a SPAD jet years ago but as I recall, it never flew. [/quote] You might be thinking of the 2 times "Sig Wonder" spad I had built in 2009, and indeed could not get to leave the ground. I think the high thrust line of the turbine wouldnt let it rotate. That one never did get airborne and I ended up giving it to a kid after stripping the airframe of the electronics and engine. AJC
Posted on: 6/16/2012 5:58 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11120613

RE: World's First Flying SPAD Jet
Hey Guys.... I did indeed fly my Spadjet with my home built Wren MW54 back in 2003/2004... and believe it or not I still have the airframe after all these years. I have an older RAM 750 I might put on it and get it back into the air some day. :) MAybe for the 1oth Anniversary at Wingham Jets next year?? ;) I do not have a photo, since I have changed computers 2X since then and lost my photos. But, if someone really wants to see it I can take photos of the airframe. Its in storage in my woodworking shop. Memories! :) AJC
Posted on: 6/16/2012 5:55 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "S.P.A.D. Aircraft - Coroplast design"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11120609

RE: Nelson 15 engines
smoknrv4 - to date, the absolute most incredible engine I have EVER run (and that is chosen from a whole lot of engines) has to be the Nelson .15 a friend of mine in Tenessee sent up to me, just to run. He flies competative FF, and was using these engines in around the late 90's. I think it was about 2000 or 2001 I ran it. Set up on my test rig, open exhaust and with a rubber bladder tank. I started it up, and almost lost my mind. It was SO loud (and also turning in the 30K plus rpm range) I have never before or since been scared of an engine, but that day I was! It was sad to have to send it back... I will never forget that experience! If I had the chance to buy one now, I would - even if just to run once and a while. AJC
Posted on: 2/4/2012 6:39 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10944209

RE: RCM&E Matador 60 four stroke ??
Well, since I wrote this, I moved - set up a new 1/2 million dollar woodworking shop, and had a baby boy.. so Ive been a little busy to work on model engines :) But I will return to this project some day! :) Maybe when I retire in 25 years?? AJC PS thanks for the pics. I see its a belt driven cam/poppet valve not a rotary.
Posted on: 11/1/2011 3:05 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10792496

RE: New Cox throttle reviewed by Fly RC magazine
Hey guys, glad you liked to see some 1/2A coverage - its not easy to get some small engine stuff to write about... and I LOVE me my Cox engines! :) Some big news for me this past week, my little pilot finally arrived on April 6th, 9:43 am. His name is Joseph, and I guarantee within a few years he will know how to tune up a Cox engine better than any of you!! ;) (its my first child, and I am so glad!! Can't wait to have a flying buddy in a few years time!) AJC [IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/babyjoe1.jpg[/IMG]
Posted on: 4/12/2011 5:33 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10459180

RE: Bad News for the Kamdax Mig-15
I ordered a replacement fan, and a few fuse and wing sets about a year ago from Kamdax directly. Unfortunately, the URL I also used is not working either now. AJC
Posted on: 3/27/2011 2:40 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10426477

RE: LOOKING BACK 30 YEARS IN R/C
[quote]ORIGINAL: edge_pilot Well this Christmas was kinda special for me in thinking back. It was 30 years ago that my dad got me my first R/C airplane for christmas, along with the radio and engine. It was a Sig Kadet Mark II, they had just release it a short time before. The engine was a Fox 45 BB, this was the super engine then for Fox! The radio was a Futaba 4 channel, of course no reversing, no mixing, no nothing, just 4 channels and NiCad batteries. For all you veterans, it was on orange and white frequency!!!!!!!!! [8|]And this will be a new concept for newbies out there today, I actually had an instructor teach me to fly, my older brother. [X(] I was 14 years old at the time and it could not have gotten any better than this. Since then I have continued to fly almost with no time off, just a little around my sons first few years. Now I enjoy the hobby with my son and brothers mostly, and now it is almost a way of life instead of a hobby. Tell us alittle of how you got into the hobby! [/quote] I was well into rubber FF, some glow FF and control line when I was a pre teen, but I got my first RC set in the early 1980's (I think it was for Christmas, 1984 which would have made me 13 years old). I was already well versed in getting any Cox 049 or 020 running well, and I did have a 1950's era K&B .29 in my hands as well (on a CL plane). My radio, bought used by my folks, was a Kraft 3 channel brick set up, surprisingly enough also on white/orange :) Back then, a CB license was needed to legally operate an RC set in Canada. Since my father wasnt into modeling, and I had no other friends that were either, I was left to my collection of RCM's and old AAM, FM and other magazines to guide me (as well as a copy of RCM's Flight Training Course). Went through a few ACE Whizards, a 1/2A Alpha, and some scratch built 1/2A models from RCM (Hornet, and SCooter MKII comes to mind) to try and learn to fly, but they were too small, fast and I am sure I had the throws way too far to make the planes even remotely controllable. The fellow that sold the Kraft radio to my parents sold me (or gave me I cant remember) a Pilot QB15H, which was a 15 size high wing trainer. I bought a new O.S. FSR .10 for it, and that was the plane I really learned how to fly with. A few years later when I was 16, I bought a used Futaba 6 channel rig (but it too had no reversing, no rate switches or anything other than the sticks and trims) and built a Telemaster 40, powered with the same K&B .29 which I converted to RC with a strap on muffler, and a modified OS carb. It was the real stepping stone to get me to where I would say I was a competent RC pilot. All that, with out any instruction and no one to really help other than the model magazines and an undying will to learn to fly a plane. I did have one other school chum that had a futaba two channe radio and we worked on some models together. :) What a GREAT youth I had, let me tell you.... GREAT!!! Never would I have guessed 25+ years later I would be flying jets, helicopters and indoor electrics - with computerized radios and model engines over 100cc's.... I remember when I told myself a .61 was WAY too much engine, and I would be happy flying .40 and under for ever ;) HAH! Love to recall those days... I really did have so much fun! Here is a photo of me and my only other friend who had some models (he never did learn to fly though and eventually gave it up) and I... I am on the right, with my Kraft radio and beat up RCM hornet. AJC [IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/ronandme1983.jpg[/IMG]
Posted on: 1/9/2011 3:17 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10251089

RE: Looking for a Cox .049 Tee Dee Venturi
I took a look, all mine have screens. AJC
Posted on: 1/4/2011 3:20 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10239594

RE: Canadians - A strange request?
Ray, If all you need is $12 is Canadian one dollar coins, I can send them to you. Email me (easier than PM) at acoholic@ntl.sympatico.ca and provide me with a mailing address. I will ask you that instead of sending me the $12 US + post, find someone close to you who could use maybe a jug of fuel or a couple glow plugs, a prop(s) etc - you know, maybe someone in your club who doesnt have a lot of disposable income, and give it to them. I probably have $12 in loonies in my wallet and my wifes purse right now, if not I have to go to the bank for work tomorrow so just send me your address and I will take care of it. AJC
Posted on: 1/4/2011 3:19 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10239592

RE: Zenoah G20ei
I have three g20ei's running stock ignitions. I use a 4 cell 2400 sanyo scr pack, and get a minimum of three twenty minute flights. Carry a spare pack for two solid hours flying (and with refueling and breaks to chat that's a good afternoon). No issues in several seasons flying. This year I made up two lipo packs to try, three cells in parallel for a near 3000 mah pack. Works very well, much lighter than the nicds. But I still use the nicd packs as well yet since they are still good. I think many tend to over estimate what an "issue" the stock ignition is, jmo... Been working just fine for me. Ajc
Posted on: 12/30/2010 2:53 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10228115

RE: Kamdax Mig15 Glow HELP!!
I have one still flying and two nib yet. Kamdax is still available I bought parts last winter for mine, off of the website. Even with 35 per cent half a fuel, don't expect to fly the bird too aggressively as it will stall and spin. Lost two that way... Otherwise it's a fun bird. Ajc
Posted on: 12/30/2010 2:39 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10228064

RE: Herr Piper Cherokee
[quote]ORIGINAL: jeffie8696 The Herr Piper is product code HRR504 on the SIG website. You did get a good deal on yours though. [/quote] I found the Herr kits theyhave but I didnt see the Cherokee? Will look again.. But I did get a deal :) Even with postage it was less than the kit would retail for here in Canada, even before adding taxes and shipping. AJC
Posted on: 12/27/2010 8:23 AM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10220603

RE: Ziroli F9F Panther - made in Serbia
[quote]ORIGINAL: mirce Jet modelers, in next year I wish that you will ''fly'' at least one of the two ''models'' from the image... [IMG]http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz24/miroslavteryicmirce/images111.jpg[/IMG] Marry Christmas and Happy New Year from Novi Sad, Serbia Mirce [/quote] Sretan Božić, Miroslav! That is an absolutely great looking model. Hope you have the best of luck with it in the spring. Andrew Coholic
Posted on: 12/24/2010 7:53 AM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10215560

RE: Jett SJ 46
I bought my first Jett, a sport Jett .46, back in about 2000 after reading Dave Gierke's review on it in MAN magazine. That is still today, one of if not THE favourite of my engines I have owned. Been in a few airframes (from fun fly running an APC 11x4 prop) to its current Lanier quickee 500 airframe turning a proper Q500 race prop. You will LOVE that engine. Just dont lug it down, let it turn up to what Jett recommends in terms of ground rpm. And, its a little bit on the loud side with the stock tuned muffler so dont be a little surprised if its a little louder than your normal 40 sized mill. AJC [quote]ORIGINAL: mike109 G'day I am sitting here waiting desperately for Santa to call. Somewhere between the USA and Australia, a package is winging its way to me and should be here any time soon. It contains a Jett SJ-46. So why did I buy it? Well, at my club, the universal engine is the OS AX46. There are dozens of them. I even owned one for a few days before I saw the light and went back to my four strokes. But I wanted to show the blokes what a real engine is like. So I have ordered a 46 so that it will be comparable with the swarm of AXs. So, would anyone who has one like to tell me a little of his experiences with Jett engines? Any operating suggestions, props, plugs etc? I see that the listed prop is a 10 x 6 and that the tests were done with 15% nitro. I will probably use my standard brew of 10% nitro, 5% castor and 15% synthetic unless the instructions tell me otherwise and it will get a ''wet two stroke'' running in. I have bought a new Great Planes Big Stick 40 to put it in as I like the way they fly and I can compare it with other engines as I already have one Stick. After that I will look for something more suitable. Any suggestions? I ordered this engine before I saw that Webra had gone under. But I am glad that I did. The ''toyification'' (if I may coin a new word) of the model aero market by China is sad but inevitable so I have decided that any engines I may buy from now on will be from solid companies which make model engines because they actually love them and not because it is a way of making money. Enya, Saito, Laser, Jett, Fox, OS etc. As an aside, I suspect the reason that GMS engines are not available in the US at the moment is because the company that makes them makes them as a side line to its other metal fabrication business and not as its main business. Thanks for any replies. And hurry up Santa. Please. Mike in Oz [/quote]
Posted on: 12/23/2010 12:04 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10214211

Herr Piper Cherokee
I was looking for something 1/2A'ish to build - always have had a thing for Piper Cherokee's. Before scratching my own plans, I decided to look for one of the Herr kits (no longer produced). Saw one on the auction site that starts with an e and ends with a y, and won it for $36! ANyhow, I am planning to install the micro air retracts I bought this past summer from MAP. Also I have a good running VA MKII RC to use in it, I am hoping the plane will be light enough for decent performance. Will probably cover it in some ultra light stuff I have - forget the brand but its similar to mica film. ANyone flown one? Did it do OK on an 049 or would I be better with something slightly larger? AJC
Posted on: 12/23/2010 11:38 AM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10214182

RE: Interesting Experience..w. ST.34
I might have a used (and pretty worn out) G34 in my parts box. The problem is my parts box is 140 km away. The good news is I am going there this week. If I do indeed have the engine I will send it to you for the case (which is in excellent shape) for free. I should be back Thursday... AJC
Posted on: 12/6/2010 10:05 AM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10180234

RE: Our new Cox .049 throttle is now in stock!
I have tested the throttle quite a bit on the test stand. It works pretty much as advertised... I got rpm's very similar to what Bernie suggested I would get (with all three styles of heads). I was hoping to fly the sure start and throttle, but winter weather might curtail that. However I will try my best to get something airborne before the review goes to print. One thing, I did measure the rpm before and after installing the spring starter - the drag does take off quite a few hundred RPM's so if you are looking for max rpm leave the spring off. AJC
Posted on: 12/6/2010 10:00 AM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10180228

RE: making diesel heads
If anyone wants a thorough and detailed (with pictures) lesson on how I make my diesel heads, there is an article of mine on this topic published in the latest issue of Fly RC magazine - Feb 2011, just out this week on the newstands. I have made a lot of heads this way. And no, thread cutting lathe is not required. :) AJC
Posted on: 12/2/2010 7:12 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Everything Diesel"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10172924

RE: Wanted Ram 1000 compresser wheel
Pete, I take it he is not taking responsibility for damage to the compressor? That sucks... If someone can find out what compressor it is it will be far easier to find a replacement. AJC
Posted on: 12/2/2010 6:53 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10172881

RE: Scorpion from AD-Jets
My Scorpion, which I built in August of this year had a great finish on it. I dont know why but I seem to get lucky... other than the seams which were OK, visible but blended and filled OK, the finish itself was excellent. With the BEhotec 180G, the plane flies GREAT. I wouldnt want any less... take ofs from short grass runways where I fly are quick (300 feet easily). AJC
Posted on: 12/1/2010 5:03 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10170321

RE: Wanted Ram 1000 compresser wheel
Pete, That should be a stock automotive turbo part... I think? I know the KJ66/750 used a KKK compressor. The 1000 should be similar I think. AJC
Posted on: 12/1/2010 4:58 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10170309

RE: Miniature piano hinge availability
Lee Valley is one of the BEST run Canadian companies... especially for quality hand tools and special hardware. They ship fast and are very very organized. Been dealing with them in my custom woodworking business for 25+ years. AJC
Posted on: 12/1/2010 4:56 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10170304

RE: RCM&E Matador 60 four stroke ??
[quote]ORIGINAL: gkamysz Where you able to get a copy of the rotary valve engine plans? They don't turn up on the website. [/quote] Greg, From my understanding that particular engine was NOT actually published in RCM&E, and was just one built by someone, that was somehow connected to the Matador. I searched for the engine on the Model Engineer site without luck. AJC
Posted on: 11/28/2010 10:37 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10165844

working on a 12X?
I bought my 12X back in the spring of this year (so its still under warranty). I just snapped off the throttle hold switch lever clean off, flying yesterday. My question is: Is it fairly easy to open the transmitter case up, and gain access to the switch (which I am most confident I can replace, not so sure about whats involved with taking the radio apart though)? I am more afraid of voiding my warranty, still over 2 years remaining. On the other hand, paying for postage to the USA and back, probably getting nailed with 13% tax again, coming back into Canada, and the cost to get it repaired... makes me want to try it myself. ANyone familiar with working on this radio? I know Horizon (and rightly so) will suggest not to, and send it back. Just thought I would ask.. Thanks, Andrew
Posted on: 11/21/2010 6:26 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10150249

RE: using a Spektrum satelite on a JR 1221
[quote]ORIGINAL: kirkj is there any issue using a Spektrum satelite RX plugged in to a JR 1221 12 channel RX? my thinking is that possibly the Spektrum is limited to 9 channels due to the AR9000 being the higest count RX vs the JR at 12. thanks in advance for the answer. [/quote] Spektrum makes a powersafe 12 channel receiver, which uses the same remote rx's... I use one in one of my jets. AJC
Posted on: 11/20/2010 5:55 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10148064

RE: RCM&E Matador 60 four stroke ??
Well, figured out what happened... I received both the Matador plans, and also the reprint of the contruction article. The matador is indeed a poppet valve engine driven by pushrods. However, in the article, they reference another engine that is indeed rotary valve 4 stroke, and THAT is the photo they pulled for the anniversary issue! Doh! Editing issue. The engine I posted a pic of was a construction article in Model Engineer. So much for that.. but the MAtador looks good anyhow. WIll see about trying it. AJC
Posted on: 11/19/2010 6:13 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10146145

RE: RCGF Engines
[quote]ORIGINAL: gringopete <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>I was not going to get involved in this argument but I feel I should state BP Hobbies experience with RCGF engines in the last year. Let me state first I am in agreement with Ron from South East RC Engines as to what has happened at RCGF in the last few years. I can also add that they have invested in new machinery and have hired new engineers to produce better products. We also keep very good and I mean very good records at BP hobbies (we are a for profit business). Our computer system is one of the best, (our owner is a computer genius) I can analyze anything and get real data on returns and defects. Our average rate of return of defective products is about 3%; it can be higher for electronic based products. The following are the real facts of our experience with RCGF for the last 16 months since we took on the RCGF Line. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>We have shipped almost 1000 engines in the last 16 months. Those engines went to retail customers and over 400 hobby shops in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.  We have many retail customers with 3-6 RCGF engines and the hobby shops keep reordering more engines. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>We have had 18 returned engines in total. 12 of those have had carburetor problems. 10 of those carburetor problems were form dirt in the carb (customer not using an inline fuel filter). 2 others were failed diaphragms. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>4 of the 18 were from failed ignition units. We also shipped an additional 12 ignition units that had failed. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>I have had two engines that had mechanical failure.  Both were replaced under warranty. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>As a businessman these are the anticipated rates when compared to any product. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>As far as the company RCGF, I could not have asked for a better business partner. I have had 110% support from the factory .If I need something, I get it. I have asked for changes to engines and they have always been made, that’s why you see new versions of various engines as improvements are made. We will continue to develop the engine line. We will also continue the parts support for engines that are no longer in production. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>As far as parts, we have replacement parts available for all of the engines that we have shipped from our warehouse.   They are available at <a href=''http://www.bphobbies.com/''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>www.bphobbies.com<font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''> <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>I have on many occasions received parts from the factory in China by EMS airfreight in 5 days, because Catherine at RCGF is extremely responsive to your needs and ours. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font size=''3''>As far as quality we have had 3 major magazine reviews on RCGF engines.  Fly RC magazine said this about the 32CC engine “The high quality construction makes the RCGF 32 an excellent choice for you next project.�  The other two articles, one in Fly RC and the other in RC Sport Flyer reviewed the 15CC and loved it. I have sent another 5 engines out and look forward to the reviews.  All engines sent for review are randomly picked from stock just as if they were for any customer.  We wanted to have an objective opinion of the company as well as the actual engine.  <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font size=''3''>We have been doing this for over 55 years. This is not a side business for us.  We are all full time employees here at BP Hobbies, this is how we put food on our tables. We don’t eat if the product comes back to us. I would not and have not in the past sold a product that I know is garbage.  <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>Now can you get a defective engine? It is possible but not likely.  You stand a less than 2% chance of it. If you purchase a RCGF engine from BP Hobbies or from one of our 400 plus authorized dealers you have a two year warranty that is serviced by us.  Parts and technical support are right here in the good old USA. We are here five days a week Mon-Fri. We have online support at <a href=''mailto:Support@BPHobbies.com''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>Support@BPHobbies.com<font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>. We are committed to a long term relationship with RCGF. So are we going to be here tomorrow?  You bet, we have to eat. We are not a sell and bail company. <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>  <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font size=''3''>We have now stated our position.  We thank all of our loyal customers and look forward to making new customers soon.  <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''><font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>Gregg <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt''> <font face=''Calibri'' size=''3''>  [/quote] I did the review for the 32cc RCGF engine. After thorough bench running/testing, complete dissassembly and a saturday of flying in my large Stinger test bed (I know the Stinger I used to test fly the engine was a larger plane than most would put the 32cc engine in, but it was the only suitable model I had at the time for test flying the engine - and I have to say I was pretty inpressed with how the 32cc pulled that large plane around) - I was still pretty impressed. I had no issues running the engine. I do have a tendency to sneak up on the needle settings lowly, and the carb needles were set pretty rich from the factory (not a bad thing but they were too rich to fly, which is another good reason for bench running to get the needles set well enough to fly). Quality of construction is as good or better than any other Chinese gasser I have had got though my hands - I found the machining was done well, no "rough" areas or burring like many. I plan to hang on to the engine and get it flying next season in something. Then I can comment on the "long term" durability. Unfortunately, even though I try and test fly every engine I review (which is in itself very rare for a monthly RC mag and something I think does more realistically show an engine's performance) I am not able to say how the engine's will perform over a year, or more. But in my experience, at least the 32 I reviewed was (and taking the price into account even more so) a fine engine. I do have a few small beefs I believe I mentioned in the review... the prop washer is a loose fit on the central shaft - which makes it impossible to use as a drill jig for the prop. ALso, not a beef with RCGF particularly but with most "modern" gas engines, I would much rather prefer a single threaded prop shaft rather than the 4 bolt style. I have used a lot of large(r) gas engines with a single prop bolt, and have never had one come loose. I hate the multi bolt hubs personally and question why manufacturers go this route? The other beef was I replaced the 4 prop bolts with a better quality, harder bolt that the heads wouldnt strip out on. But as far as the engine, and how it ran - no issues. Regards, Andrew Coholic
Posted on: 11/15/2010 7:37 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10137555

RE: Cast Aluminum Question
[quote]ORIGINAL: earlwb Aluminum casting alloys have good fluidity properties at cast temperature. It's thermal conductivity is 151 W/m-K° or 87 BTU/ft-h-F°, the higher the better. Typical industrial codes for casting aluminum alloys are either A390 T6, or A356.0 T6. The T6 is a heat treatment that changes the properties of the material. You should be able to look these up to get a idea of the different materials they use in the alloys. But each manufacturer has their own metal alloy formula. it varies a lot between the different brands. many years ago I had a Fuji .19 RC engine that I swear they used pewter or maybe a lot of lead in the casting alloy, as the engine was extremely heavy compared to other .19 engines. It was a odd dark color more like pewter than aluminum. Cheap engines tend to use whatever they can get for aluminum alloy at a cheap price, so assume it is all recycled aluminum alloy. Better brands may control the alloy mix better and use more silicon in the aluminum alloy mix. But one could have zinc, tin, lead, copper, brass, silicon and other stuff mixed in with the aluminum. If you are wanting to cast your own engine parts out of aluminum, I suggest scavaging old worn out lawnmower or utility engines or even car engine aluminum blocks of motorcycle aluminum parts etc. Take the aluminum parts and melt them down and you have some decent casting aluminum for model engine parts. Melt down  couple three old Briggs and Straton lawnmower engine cases and you have a lot of model engine crankcases, etc. [/quote] I do a fair bit of aluminum casting for model engine parts (crankcases, etc). I have tried a lot of material, my favourite is higher end automotive pistons. I am friends with two brothers who own a hot rod shop rebuilding engines... and they save the old pistons for me. The castings are very machinable - not gummy at all and quite strong. Thats all I use now. But as far as what someone like O.S. might use? I have no idea of the actual alloy. AJC
Posted on: 11/13/2010 9:55 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10133772

RE: Cast Aluminum Question
Vintage Coke and Pepsi cans, from the 1980's ;) AJC
Posted on: 11/13/2010 9:01 PM by Author "ajcoholic" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10133674