Tower Fun 51
I am considering building one of these and adding retracts. Bought two of these last winter and built a P82 twin that just flies great. I have an extra set of new plans, but the kit is so reasonably priced I would just purchase a new kit. Anyone made this mod to this plane? Thanks[:D]
Posted on: 11/19/2009 7:14 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264681

RE: Play nice while I'm away, m'kay?
As a resident of a cold climate I am jelouse!
Posted on: 11/19/2009 6:52 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9264661

RE: Corby Starlet
Well there you have it, we now know why cats are not mans best friend![:D] Just kidding. I know we all love our pets, life would be a lot less fun without them. To bad about the covering tear[&o]
Posted on: 11/4/2009 5:32 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227075

RE: GP RV 4 Engine
I flew mine with a Magnum .46 two stroke and it was plenty of power. Mine had flaps as well. I have no idea why it double posted, sorry. Maybe the moderator will delete the second post. Thanks
Posted on: 11/2/2009 6:36 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219507

RE: GP RV 4 Engine
I flew mine with a Magnum .46 two stroke and it was plenty of power. Mine had flaps as well.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 6:40 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219505

RE: Profile P-51 for the O.S. .10
The part that your not seeing yet is the balsa sheeting on both sides of the fuse. While not saving a great deal of weight with the lightening holes they do add up over the entire project. I do appreciate the suggestions though. As for a P-40 maybe later. I have this P-51 and then a twin P-82 version. We will see.[:D]
Posted on: 10/31/2009 3:11 PM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217939

RE: Profile P-51 for the O.S. .10
Thanks for the input, lots of details to be worked out yet.[:D]
Posted on: 10/31/2009 6:25 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217067

RE: Great planes rv4 kit vs Sig
I have owned them both and they are first class .40 sized planes but very different airplanes each. The RV4 is just plain fun and fast although it can slow to a crawl with flaps for landing. Amazing what a Magnum .46 can do on this airframe. The SSE on the other hand is not as fast but very manuverable and has no need for the flaps, the airfoil is much thicker and it is primarily a fun fly plane. Both kits are first class with the RV being die cut and the SSE a laser cut and are both good builds.[:D]
Posted on: 10/29/2009 6:33 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9211644

Profile P-51 for the O.S. .10
[:D]Here is my next building project. We need another NonTest since the last one was so much fun. Anyway my next design project is a .10 sized P-51 in profile. Flying most likely not until the spring of '10. If this proves airworthy then a twin Mustang P-82!
Posted on: 10/28/2009 8:18 PM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9210623

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
I have just uploaded the latest plans version in pdf (can be read with a free Adobe download) along with a complete materials list in txt (can be read with Notepad and other programs). These files can both be downloaded from post #16 Just returned from flying another 3 flights and I really like this plane. Flys almost (maybe) as fast at 1/2 throttle as it does at full throttle. Full throttle 7 minutes on 2 ounces of fule but at 1/2 throttle I get almost 14 minutes! My next plane will get a 1200mAh LiPo with a voltage regulator. I have this setup in my Herr Extra and I fly all day. Balsa should be here in the morning so I can start on the plans test plane and then cut the short kits. Next up the .10 profile P51 and P82.[:D]
Posted on: 10/28/2009 7:27 PM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9210455

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
Here is a pdf file of the latest plans. Updated on 10/15/09. If anyone builds from these please let me know if you find any problems. Thanks[:D] I have also added a materials list.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 7:17 PM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9141991

RE: fuel proof paint
How about yellowing on light colors. The Minwax Oil Based Polyurethane is as fuel proof as I need with 15% but on light colors the yellowing is significant.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 6:12 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9208598

RE: NitroModels .40 Sized P51 Build
Well I have all of the control surfaces mounted and the retracts in. Cowl has been cut for my Magnum .52 4s and the servos are in. Canopy is mounted. All I have left to do is mount the aileron servos, tank and reciever then sealcoat the firewall and it is mostly finished. I think this cures my ARF thirst. I have an oportunity to purchase a 1/3 scale kit so I am looking at selling this and will post it in the classifieds. It is closing in on winter so this plane will not fly until spring anyway.[:D]
Posted on: 10/27/2009 5:38 PM by Author "bps" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9206939

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
Yes I am sure it would. I just flew again yesterday and had hoped to get some video but no one showed with the camera. It flys great with my O.S .10FSR and at 1/2 throttle I get 14 minutes of flight time. Full throttle is about 7 min on 2 oz of fuel. As soon as my balsa order gets here I am going to build one more to test the plans and then cut the kits. A guy in the club wants this plane as an almost ready to cover so I am just going to frame it. Send me a pm if your interested. Cheers[:D]
Posted on: 10/27/2009 11:51 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9205901

RE: 10 size pylon racer (need your advice!)
You might take a look at this. Plans are a free download and its very easy to build. Mine is under 27 ounces and the more I fly it the more I like it. Very quick and responsive. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9120520/tm.htm jeb[:D]
Posted on: 10/27/2009 6:43 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9205341

RE: NitroModels .40 Sized P51 Build
Thanks for the tip. That is what I planned to do, but I was a little surprised how much work it was to fit the retract to the wing opening not using the plastic liner. This ARF is a work in progress and lots of things do not fit well. But to keep it in perspective I only paid $99 plus shipping. If I had paid $199 I would not be happy at all!
Posted on: 10/23/2009 6:48 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195415

RE: Corby Starlet
I still have plans for the full scale one picked up at Oshkosh many years ago. I got to see the proto from Austrailia and another one built in the USA. The thing that held me back was that massive main spar. I could go for a 1/3 scale though.[:D]
Posted on: 10/23/2009 6:42 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195407

RE: NitroModels .40 Sized P51 Build
I have worked a little on the plane. Rebuilt the landing gear retract mechanics by removing the rotating pin in the retract body and replacing with a machine bolt and blind nut. The blind nut spurs needed to be removed and the blind nut shortened just a bit. The hole in one side of the retract was inlarged for the blind nut and then the unit reasembled. This tightened up the retract considerably, so I am going to try then first and see how they work out. After re shrinking the covering I cut the wheel, aileron servo and wire openings in the wing using a soldering iron. The retracts did not even come close to fitting the precut openings in the wings. The openings need to be cut to allow the retracts to fit in and the retract legs have to be rebent to fit into the retract openings. I am using a low profile retract servo. The servo mount for this servo needed to be recut to allow the servo to sit low enough in the wing so that the actuacting rods would clear the surrounding structure. I will post pictures later of all this. Lots of work to install these retracts. I glued the wings together and the fit was not that good. Wing to fuse fit is even worse. More later.
Posted on: 10/22/2009 7:54 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9192965

RE: 1/3 Scale Balsa USA Fokker D.VII Build
What a great build and do please keep up this thread. I have wanted one of these for some time now, but justifying the purchase with a 1/3 scale BD8 scratch built and 1/4 Cub ready to paint along with a Nieuport 17 on the shelf is a tough sell. Life has tough choices! Your build does look impressive and I for one am enjoying the read. Keep up the great work, impressive to say the least.[:D]
Posted on: 10/18/2009 6:51 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9182149

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
It is going to be spring before the L-51 will fly. I have to finish up an indoor FFP foam 3D that has been on my computer for a few weeks now. Our indoor club flying season is upon us more rapidly than I anticipated with all this cold weather. Just like school, seems to get here earlier each year and last longer!
Posted on: 10/18/2009 5:47 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9182117

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
I have decided to build another plane since the LUS flew so well. This design will be a profile Mustang with a 36" wingspan and again for the .10 motor. After fuleing up my S T G2300 for a couple of break in runs the 7 min flying time I get for 2 ounces of fule on the LUS is hard to forget! I will start another thread so if anyone is interested. I also have two giant scales to paint yet. Were going to have a long but busy winter in Indiana.[:D]
Posted on: 10/17/2009 7:00 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9179924

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
I have updated the plans in post #16 and have added a (.txt) doc file listing the additional balsa and parts needed to complete this airplane based on the prototype. This is a compete list and one should be able to construct from plans a flying model, hope someone will. If so let me know your thoughts and impressions, these plans have been a lot of work even for a document this crude. I have also added up the price of doing a short kit, which consists of the parts shown on page 3 of the plans. This is an Adobe file and can be viewed using a free download or other graphics program Office Depot will print full size for a very resonable price. The first five short kits I will provide for $26.00 each plus shipping Priority Mail estimated at no more than $7.50. After that I can check to make sure I am not loosing money at this price. Please drop me a private message if your interested as we do not want to violate any RCU rules, this is all just for fun and we want to keep it that way! I am now working on an indoor foamie 3D for the winter flying season. Maybe we should do a nontest, I love the non competition!!!
Posted on: 10/15/2009 7:26 PM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9176341

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
Check out my thread on the NonTest 09 Ugly Stick. [:D] My entry is completed! http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9120520/tm.htm
Posted on: 10/14/2009 8:46 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9172184

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
See post #16 for the latest plans including CG location. Please let me know if anyone builds from these. This concludes my NonTest Entry.[:D]
Posted on: 10/14/2009 8:40 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9172172

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
Yesterday afternoon was a sunshine soaked day with very light wind and few clouds. Perfect day for a test flight and so it went. With the 2 ounce fuel tank filled, range tests and engine tuned I was ready for the 7 minutes of flying time the O.S. .10FSR gets out of this size tank. Grass at our field is a bit tall for these size wheels, so the takeoff run was about 100 feet. Plenty of power, the tall grass just acts like a brake. This plane could be hand launched but on first flights I like the time and feeling of a wheel take off. The LUS broke gound and headed for the sky in no nonsense style. When at altitude the plane required only 6 clicks of up elevator (yup it is a bit nose heavy) and that was it. Nice rolls, inside and outside loops knifedge and a decent inverted. Rolling inverted snaprolls, wingovers, stall turns all were done with ease. Approaching 7 minutes of flight time I took it up to altitude, rolled to inverted and wated for the motor to quit. Right on the nose at 7 minutes dead silence. A gentle glide down to pattern altitude on the upwind side of our flying field, nice easy roll to upright flight and a flair right at our feet. First flights just do not get any easier than that, I am very pleased and seem to have a winner here. I put in 3 more eventless flights. The Little Ugly Stick has a JR 6100 Spectrum receiver with a Hitec HS-81 servo for elevator. Hitec HS-55 servos for throttle, rudder and one for each aileron. Battery power is a AAA 4.8 volt NiMi locted in the tail just in front of the stab. Before spring I will change to a LiPo 1200 mah and voltage regulator. I need the tail weight and the flying time is all weekend with this size pac. Flying weight without fuel 775 grams or just over 26 ounces. A few observations though; 1) I moved the 350 mah NiMi to the tail area to get the ballance as far back as possible. This plane is still nose heavy, very light airplane at 26 ounces. I need to move the CG back some. 2) Elevator and rudder servos could be moved to the tail section, using my current light weight battery stup. 3) Tail skid broke on 4th and final flight. I should have added some triangle to the glue joint on the bottom of the stab where the skid attatches. I did not have a video camera available for this flight. Maybe this weekend I can make arraingments to get a flying video and post it. I did take this plane to our club meeting last night and it created a lot of interest. One member has a couple of Enya .15's and wants to build the LUS. So I am cutting two more kits, one for him and another to test the parts fit and plans. This one I am considering placing the servos in the tail section. I will update the .pdf plans posting in this thread as soon as I can and let ya all know. Some have asked about a laser cut short kit. I can do that if I get enough interest in them. Plans would be downloaded off the internet. Price would be what the balsa cost plus $10. Shipping Priority Mail and I will have to check on box size but I am thinking cost of shipping around $7.50. After I cut these next two kits I will know what the balsa cost is.
Posted on: 10/13/2009 11:43 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9169075

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
Thanks for all the comments. It is getting closer to flight and the moment of truth. Looks like I could have moved the wing about 1/2" closer to the nose to get a better ballance. I have a 350mah battery and will place it to the rear of the plane so I do not have to add any tail weight. I thought I would be real close, almost! Here is a pic of the elevator hinge I am using. Decided to use Econocoat hinges and these work out just great. A lot better than CA hinges and more flexable although much more work to install.[:D]
Posted on: 10/8/2009 3:46 PM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9156822

RE: NonTest 09 .10 Ugly Stick
Getting a little closer to the first flight. Weather has turned typical Indiana for the next few days so looks like maybe next weekend hopefully. Here are a cople pics of the covering job. Still have to hinge the elevator, going to use covering hinges here and finish installing the radio.
Posted on: 10/8/2009 7:56 AM by Author "bps" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9155937

RE: Landing Gear
A safe bet on bending is to use twice the thickness of the material for the bend radius.[:D]
Posted on: 10/8/2009 6:18 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9155858

RE: Landing Gear
Your might want to search the Tower Hobbies ARF gear to see if you could find something compatable. I found a gear that worked for my 30% BD8 for $17.
Posted on: 10/6/2009 7:15 AM by Author "bps" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9150542

RE: Lustrekote - is it acrylic or lacquer
The main problem with oil based polyurethane, (minwax brand) I have found is that it yellows in a very short amount of time. The yellowing is very noticable on lighter colors, white being the worst.
Posted on: 10/4/2009 8:07 PM by Author "bps" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9146575