RE: EDF Predator UCAV from Nitro Planes
Looking forward to seeing the finished ducts. I presently fly the Nitropalnes Starfire with the Scorpion 1900kv motor, 6S, and the Himax or Tigermax 101 mm fan. It is not as fast as Gregs, but it flies fast enough. I should caution anybody that is considering the 101 Himax plug N play unit, the motor cannot take 6S. I have burned out two myself, and many others have reported the same misfortune. That is why the Scorpion motor is used and the fan is purchased separately. Al
Posted on: 9/9/2009 12:30 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9081591

RE: EDF Predator UCAV from Nitro Planes
How did the maiden go? Has anyone got one of these planes in the air yet? The Himax 96 plug and play setup should be a really good match for this plane, 6S, 1300 watts. Al
Posted on: 4/3/2009 1:55 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8644078

RE: Sky-Shark P-40 maidened
Hey Don, That was a really nice flight, very inspiring to me as I have one of those babies still sitting in the box. Now I have someone to copy and I won't have to re-invent the wheel or re-activate the research and development department. Based on your landing, it doesn't look like the P-40 is much of a floater, even with the flaps down. Good Job. Al
Posted on: 8/21/2008 10:17 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7869626

RE: Top Flite B-25 ARF (Tecnical, tips, suggestions)
I'm in the proces of building the Hangar 9 B-25, electric version. Actually I bought a kit from a Hobby Town store and discovered that the glow motors were actually installed already. So, my build is in the Conversion forum of RC Groups. My builds are usually full of BS and drama, and I have done several conversions under the name of scalefan. Check it out. Al
Posted on: 8/5/2008 10:02 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7813528

RE: 3-Blade Prop for Hangar 9 Spitfire .60 ARF
Yep, Brad's method sure beats my method. Too lazy to do it Brad'w way, too lazy to measure and use a Dremel cut off tool, simply use an old rusty pair of dykes from Harbor Freight, and hack off what you want. Then sand the tips down...Who cares if one or 2 blades are longer than the others. The end result happens much faster when you use my method and it hardly takes any time. LOL What is really neat about my method is that you can hear the prop and feel the vibration....makes everyone think its a nitro or gas motor. Al
Posted on: 3/20/2008 3:46 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7255082

RE: Transall C-160
Ed Thanks, Merry Christmas to you also. Ed would you believe this thread is still active?? MY goodness I can't believe it. [X(] I love reading the post where the guy lost an engine, tip stalled it, recoverd and flew it back. Yep, right, sure thing. [;)] Hey another thing, that plane in the previous picture, all white, does not look like the ones we bought, it looks better?? To all you future test pilots for the C-160, If you're the type to want to see for yourself, and crash it yourself, you can predict the future, hats off to ya. [:D] Doesn't it really seem funny how some guys crash when someone turns on another transmitter....gee, read the posts, that is the symtom that this plane indicates...the real situation, is that it flew crappy, and the pilot lost it. [;)][;)] Then the post by ?, that says it's amazing how different people have different flight reports about the same plane. Give me a break, they all crash, then, they figure out the wing incidence problem, the tip stalling problems etc. Success might come the second or third try, but, usually not the first...Become a test pilot, buy one of these kits, then guess who made it???? Only funning with ya, but, sometimes the truth is funny. Good thing, this twin is cheap and most of the time the all the components survive. Happy Holidays to all you C-160 test pilots. Al
Posted on: 12/24/2007 12:47 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6799026

RE: Transall C-160
I have constructed and flown three of these birds, they are not good flyers and will tip stall very easy. This is reinforced by various posts in this long thread. Sure, lots of guys will blame other things, like mechanical problems, but the bottom line is that this thing is not a good flyer. In addition, some of the kits had the wing incedence off, and the darn plane would not even fly. I modified one of the birds by extending the width of the main wing, and adding flaps. It was a disaster and proved that I'm no aeronautical engineer. Transall number three flew OK, but, out of the blue the tip stall got me and the plane ended up in a large trash pail. My advice, don't buy the kit...it will make you look like a terrible pilot if it crashes...Chances are, it will. OH, by the way, Edd's student saved Edd the imbarassment of flying and crashing by dropping it down the stairs. LOL There is one good thing about this plane, it will give the pilot lots of exercise retrieving the crashed hulk, because the crashes usually happy as far out as you can see....downwind, with the turn to base leg, is the best spot to predict a tip stall. Al
Posted on: 12/17/2007 4:36 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6769631

RE: BT 1/5 Spitfire Conversion
First, We are not really inventing the wheel with this plane. There have been many many similar conversions. All you have to do is read the threads. Second, this is the wrong site, try the other RC site for information, it is much more active. RCGROUPS Third, who make the BT Spitfire? I only have completed three different ones myself and never heard of BT. If you are serious and want good up front answers, you need to post the stats of the plane like the stuff printed on the box ie. expected weight, wingspan, wing area etc. Then download and buy Motocalc software, it will give you some basics without buying components. After getting into the ballpark, you really have to exercise some knowledge and figure out where to buy the parts, or China made substitutes. Fourth, you should not jump into electiic with plane this size as your first. There is too much to learn and you will have invested way too money for the lessons to be learned. Fifth, When you get into larger planes, nitro or gas is really a viable choice for cheap power. This is weird coming from me, because all I fly is large electric. There is a reason, I hate the oil residu and smell of nitro, but I can't honestly say that electric is at the point of exceeding the performance of nitro or gas with large airplanes. Sixth, I am from Connecticut and I would never believe a guy from Mass, except Norm, he walks on water. He said to mortgage the house, and he is right on point. Think hard about your conversion, you might start with a smaller project and learn what is really needed. The motor, ESC and battery combination is just the small part. You need soldering skills, supplies, engineering skills, and a knowledge how the components go together. I'm only two years into this and I have spent thousands learning. By the way the scalebuilders site is members only. the heck with that. Time is money, who wants to fuss and jump through hoops just to view someone else's project. Chances are the stuff is outdated, electric stuff changes daily, improvements are happening all the time, it's hard to keep up with modern technology. LOL Al
Posted on: 12/12/2007 5:53 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6748779

RE: Hobby Lobby Sr. Telemaster ARF
Mike, Check you PMs Al
Posted on: 11/9/2007 2:10 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6601488

RE: Top Flite Giant P-51 Conversion
Laxlife72, Congrads on the maiden, it looked good. I heard you suggest to your son that he not land the P-51 downwind, he listened just like my son. Typical son, tell him one thing, they do what they want. Al
Posted on: 10/23/2007 4:27 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6528891

RE: HAS ANYONE SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED a TF GIANT SCALE P-51 to ELECTRIC?
V6goose, I would not jump into anything if I were you. Start your electric adventure with something cheap, and I mean cheap. When you decide to take flying lessons you don't start with complex airplanes, jets, or warbirds, you start with a Cessna 152. Electric is no different, you don't start with expensive Lipos, an expensive charger, an expensive controller, and a complex airplane, you start with simple. Sure, simple may end up in the trash, but, it sure is better than expensive ending up in the trash. First part of the education is reading and understanding about all the support equipment needed to fly electric. Next you buy a cheap setup, so you get hands on knowledge. Next you go back to reading and asking questions in the area that you first started. You don't graduate until you pass the beginner tests. Then you try a more expensive setup and use your experience and knowledge to buy the support equipment that you can grow with. Bottom line, no two planes are exactly alike, and you will be joining the interenational research and development department when you commit to going electric.....it's not cheap, it's quiet, it's clean, but, it's not cheap. Some people say that after getting a substantial education in electric that for larger planes, gas is still the way to go. Not me saying that, but others have said that. Al
Posted on: 9/6/2007 4:09 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6335549

RE: HAS ANYONE SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED a TF GIANT SCALE P-51 to ELECTRIC?
W, (laxlife72) I just watched the video again now that wer're home. The first time was on a laptop, it took forever with a PCMCIA card. I think you son should have used power and flaps for that landing, even though his landing was still pretty good. Ethan, the guy at the field that uses a gasser along with Ken, with another TF 51 gasser, broke the landing gear with a one bounce landing on the paved runway. It looks like your P-51 is built really strong, congrads to your son on a pretty good landing. (not really scale, more like a carrier landing, but, good) The only words that I can say are Well done and exciting. Al
Posted on: 9/3/2007 5:20 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6323016

RE: HAS ANYONE SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED a TF GIANT SCALE P-51 to ELECTRIC?
W, Thanks for the kind words. I understand, it't a real pain in the butt to do a reverse build thread, if I have any questions, I'll just PM you. I'm just really excited you guys got to fly that monster. Based on the video it should be able to beat the gassers. Take care Al
Posted on: 9/3/2007 5:06 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6322961

RE: HAS ANYONE SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED a TF GIANT SCALE P-51 to ELECTRIC?
Laxlife, WOW! Can you do an abbreviated build thread on the other web site? I'm sure that lots of us would have interest, me especially. I was thinking about this build so that I could fly with a guy that flies the same with a gas motor. Al
Posted on: 9/2/2007 8:35 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6319572

RE: Well I was going to do a build on this.........
Ouch, I don't crash anymore. No severe crashes in over 6 months. pratice makes perfect. Well, maybe not perfect, but the incidents have been reduced to a bent landing gear or nose over. Al
Posted on: 8/17/2007 10:07 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6249728

RE: Top Flite Cessna 310 posted
Herm, Are you the same Herm that flies with Cubano? Check over at the other site, RCGroups, conversion to electric forum, Cessna 310 thread, started by Bruff. Based on what I read, Bruff is the person that knows about converting to electric. After checking in over there you will see who did what conversion, and also who is an expert at what. Sometimes, things posted just don't seem to add up. Al
Posted on: 8/8/2007 10:58 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6211724

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
Norm is right on. I'll bet the motor thrust is off, the motor might be angled to the right too far. When we make our own motor mounts they have to be perfect, or it knocks the motor alignment off. I screwed up an adjustable mount the same way, didn't check the shaft alignment and the plane veered when power was applied. Al
Posted on: 7/25/2007 1:19 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6153192

RE: World Models GS Spit Conversion - Flight Test
Larry, Please post some more info. I recently completed the Cermark Spitfire with the similar motor/controller/battery combination. There is an electric buld thread on RCgroups, under the name of scalefan. I think it would be neat if you detailed the build, the quality, the problems if any, and some more flights. Hopefully, you will get the trim dialed in. Al
Posted on: 7/16/2007 10:04 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6117061

RE: Hobby Lobby Sr. Telemaster ARF
I am interested in selling the Telemaster, however the actual shipping cost might be a deal breaker. First, let me take the plane down, clean it up, post some pictures, measure it for shipping, and then I would be interested in talking to anyone that might want to buy it. Give me some time to accomplish all this stuff as I still work, also we are going away for a long weekend. In addition I am presently finishing up two other projects that have build threads on the other major site, RCgroups, in the conversion forum , under the name of scalefan. Al
Posted on: 6/27/2007 10:30 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6040957

RE: Hobby Lobby Sr. Telemaster ARF
I'd love to get rid of my STM, it comes with 4 wing halves, two are screw on, two are just the stock elastics. I did not glue the main wing together, both halves are attached with nylon screws. The plane is powered by an AXI 4130 or 4120 (I forgot) and 6S cheapo 8C lipos wired together in parallel. The problem with selling anything like this is the boxing and shipping, it's a financial killer unless you are in the business. Al
Posted on: 6/26/2007 1:22 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6036996

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
CW, Hurry up and finish that P51 with the 123s. There is lots of interest out there for conversions that utilize the 123 batteries, especially when used in a high performace airplane. Al
Posted on: 6/25/2007 1:06 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6032091

RE: Hobby Lobby Sr. Telemaster ARF
I hate to say this but the Telemaster is not the best plane out there of that size. I presently have a large size Cub tha has windows all over the place and looks like a real airplane, and flies really nice. Nobody ever asked to fly the Telemaster, but, everyone stands inline to fly the cub, and I let them. The camera can be mounted inside the cub, and a larger camera could be used. Anyway, I thought about more in flight videos, however, unless there is a crash or something exiting happening, most people get bored watching. With the cub, I thought about getting inflight video of other RC planes, that would be neat, but, I need to improve my flying skills first. Bottom line, the Telemaster with elastics holding the wing on, flies reasonable good, but, the 100" Cub is much better with the same electric power setup. My Senior Telemaster is now retired in the rafters of the garage, the Cub has taken it's place. Al
Posted on: 6/25/2007 1:04 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6032079

RE: Hobby Lobby Sr. Telemaster ARF
Since you are all excited about this Telemaster, follow this link to a video I took. I just strapped a small video camera ontop of the thing and let it go. The sound you hear is the wind over the camera, the flybys are me trying to land the darn thing. It just doesn't want to land. I modified mine by having bolt on wings, no elastics. http://media.putfile.com/Telemaster-1st-Video Al
Posted on: 6/23/2007 3:18 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6024486

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
Iggy, The plane should fly great on that setup, however, I think 6S might draw less amps and help with cooling. You will also get more RPM. Al
Posted on: 5/29/2007 4:23 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5917373

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
This is off topic, but the fastest way to get to Norm. Norm, This weekend I flew my Cub. Who the heck knows what model it is or where it was bought. All I know is that it was a birthday present more than 10 years ago. I originally put a YS 120 4 stroke in it, but, never flew it, just ran the motor. It has a 105 inch wing span and weighs less than 10 lbs. I was going to try the 120 and fly it that way with nitro, but, it made too much of a mess so I ripped out the YS and stuck in a AXI 4120/18 and 6S batteries. I did no tests before hand, had no idea what it would fly like, I used the same Master Airscrew prop as I originally put on with the YS. My attitude was "who cares, let's see what happens" Ya want to know what happens? What happens is the plane flew great, it was so much fun, guys stood in line to take turns flying it. The best part was that I could land it better than the 3D guys. I got too much attention, more than I could handle, the Cub was the hit of the weekend, even the heli guys stopped to watch. The cub was a hero for the weekend. Here's a link to the Circle City Flyers pictures for the May 12, Weekend. That me, DSC008, DSC0013, all the pictures with the Cub. http://www.circlecityflyers.com/images/pics051207/ Al
Posted on: 5/14/2007 9:36 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5851283

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
Deleted post is was a duplicate posting.
Posted on: 5/10/2007 10:01 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5838752

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
Freddie, You are one great story teller. I was reading the post and sitting on the edge of my executive chair without rocking. I was tempted to jump to the end, but, I held myself back and read it all. It read like a very good short story, it had drama, it had a few laughs, it had tension, and yes, it ended with tears of happyness. MY KIND OF STORY, IT HAD EVERYTHING. I'll bet Norm was feeling the same thing, only at his age, he can't let himself get that excited. Actually, I was afraid for myself also.[:D] Let me tell ya, I was already to post one big yawn as my last post to this thead, but Freddie, you saved it, and made everyone's day. [b][size=6]GREAT ENDING, I'M PROUD OF YOU MAN[/b][/size]
Posted on: 5/10/2007 9:58 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5838744

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
Iggy, Since there is no fuel to burn off, the CG is set according to the manual, next to the fuse. With this airplane I set the CG with the plane inverted. There is some concern among experts as to how CG is measured with a low wing airplane. If the wing is installed under the fuse, then most advise balancing the airplane inverted. If the wings can be removed and install mid way between the bottom of the fuse and the top, then balancing might be right side up. Norm, The first flght of anything should include a maiden, just like in Hot Boat magazine. The problem with RC flying is that most of the guys forbid maidens to be brought along to the airport, RC guys pretend that maindens don't exist in thier life, or that they are secondary to the hobby, and should remain in the backround. Not so with boats, that is why I like boating in the summer, it's all about the maidens and my imagination. Now, having said all that I must reveal a secret. I recently contacted Tomas at VQWarbirds and got his permission to have pictures and video taken of any test flight (not yet a maiden flight) with maidens included in the video, just like Hot Boat. I think maidens will help sales, even if they are not normally allowed at the airport. I am awaiting delivery of an undamaged VQWarbirds P-38 which I will quickly convert to electric, there will be maidens included in the first flight's video, and therefore, we can call it a maiden flight. I hope that explains things. Any type or spelling errors are caused by my wireless keyboard, don't blame me. Al
Posted on: 5/9/2007 12:04 PM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5831914

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
After watching the American Idol series on TV, I sometimes feel like Simon Cowell. With that in mind I like the still shots of Greg's P51, however I like the video of my P51 maiden flight better. My maiden flight has more drama, and I love drama. It should be noted that the drama was created by the poor design of the mechanical retract system that is included in the kit. It is not a simple drop in situation like other Hangar 9 kits. The mechanics involve using individual servos in each retract that have a tendency to get hung up on the harware. The gear door installation has to be modified so that the gear doors fit flush. Other than that, the plane is easy to build and fly, just like the other Hangar 9 kits. My P51 was constructed in a very short pertiod of time, the plane didn't have any special components, and was flown off a real runway by an ordinary club member. What sells airplane kits is the fact that anybody can do it and make it look special. What you don't see in this shortened version of the video, is Chuck making the first pass at a landing by doing a high speed wheel landing and bouncing the plane down the runway in order to get the left main gear to extend all the way and lock down. I should note, there was no injury to animals or airplanes in this video. The retract system was repaired in ten munutes with a small file, and now works flawlessly. Al (aka Simon) http://media.putfile.com/Hangar-9P51D-150-Maiden-Flight
Posted on: 5/9/2007 10:26 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5831567

RE: Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 150 Review/Conversion
Norm, I sent you a private message with a link to the general forums and instructions. To get a private message look to the top of this page and in either orange or green (I'm colorblind) you will see a box on the right side that says "inbox", click on it and click again on the pm. Some sites do not allow links to the competition to be posted in public. Al
Posted on: 5/8/2007 9:41 AM by Author "algutkin" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5824383