RE: help with paint
Get a quality 1 qt. spray gun for your base colors and an automotive touch up gun for trim colors. An airbrush can be used for really small stuff. You will be glad you got the 1 qt gun. The automotive touch up guns get really hard on your hand after a while and don't hold very much paint. I've gotten cramps from them.
Posted on: 9/14/2012 10:24 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228450

RE: Sheeting done with Titebond & Heat
[quote]ORIGINAL: acerc Mike, I have the TF GS Corsair. It has been covered for 5 years and no sign of cuttin loose. There's one more step nobody has mentioned. Yes apply glue to the sheeting, after marking the ribs or former's, but also apply it to the opposing surface. Let it dry until glazed over real well then start ironing in place. I also use water ahead of the iron to help create the curve's required on the Corsair. When it's ready to iron, using a spray bottle, coat the outer surface with water. As you heat the wood to actvate the glue the water will help curve the wood as you apply pressure and help's get the heat thru the wood. PM me if you want to know a little more or have question's. It does work and work well.  I use this method for all my sheeting. Have never had a sheet come loose. [/quote] I have been doing it this way for years for all my sheeted planes. The only thing I would add is that you DON"T want to let the glue cure overnight. Force it dry with your heat gun so it's just beyond tacky in a few minutes then put the parts together and heat. Works great. I'll never use T pins to do this again.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 12:35 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219789

RE: Work Bench Finish
My workbench is over 20 years old and has no finish on it. I think it would be more difficult to drive T pins into it if it did have one.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 12:30 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219781

RE: Mold release removal
Always clean off mold release with soap and water FIRST. Never sand or scuff up the fiberglass until it's been cleaned. Otherwise, you can scrub the PVA down into the glass and cause adhesion problems.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 9:11 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219535

RE: Dope cover question
[quote]ORIGINAL: Zor I use polyester cloth bought at the fabric retailers for lining ladies skirts. About $5.00 a yard of length and 54 inches wide. Recently I bought some Ceconite light 1.7 oz per square yard. My dope is Randolph purchase from suppiiers of full size airplane rebuilders. One coat of Randolph applied with a good qualiy brush is equivalent to three coats of Sig and of course three times less work and one third the cost. Your choice. Zor [/quote] Exactly what I use. Uncertified light aircraft fabric and Randolph dope ala full scale. I think this is the cheapest way to go. Doesn't make a whole lot of difference in the price until you jump up from a .60 to giant scale.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 9:04 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219525

RE: Mode 1
We've got probably no more than 2 mode I guys in our club. They were flying that way 25 years ago when I joined.
Posted on: 9/6/2012 8:42 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219499

RE: Easy lines & rivets
The panel lines and rivets look fantastic. Thanks for posting. Carl
Posted on: 8/31/2012 3:55 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212390

RE: Why buy a kit just to have it?
Every kit I ever bought I got for a steal. I could sell them all for a minimum 2-3 times what I paid. That's a good investment as far as I'm concerned. Kit manufacturing of those old ones has gone away so the price should continue to climb. I paid $25 for a 60's era Sig pattern plane kit. I've seen them right here for $250. I can also build them if I want. The older kits were better engineered than the newer ones were anyway. I'm talking about the bulk of the build being done with balsa wood as opposed to the later plywood junk which was the end of it before stupid ARFs came into prominence.
Posted on: 8/16/2012 12:45 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195997

RE: Robart Mnfg. Crappy Service
I haven't dealt with them in quite a few years but my experience back then was negative as well. Very poor attitudes. I still think they make a quality product though.
Posted on: 8/16/2012 12:37 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195988

RE: LETS SAVE SIG BEFORE THEY GET SWALLOWED BY THE BIG TWO!!!
I learned how to build and fly with SIG. Built many kits and have several under the bench. Those kits will turn anyone into a top notch builder and prep you for scratch building. I had a 15 year love affair with my Astro Hog until I shredded it in some power lines. It's replacement is waiting to be built. The Kougar flies fantastic and lands about as slow as an LT 40. Kadet Senior has got to be the easest plane ever to fly. The plans and instructions in the kits are wonderful. Granted, there is some building to be done but as far as I'm concerned, ARFs are about as exciting as kissing your sister. Go to a scale contest and ask the pilots what they cut their teeth on. I bet over 90% of them have built several SIG kits. Carl
Posted on: 7/25/2012 12:43 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168880

RE: Sig AeroKote
I tried it years ago and had to strip it all back off before I even flew that plane. I would go with something sturdier like good old Monokote.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 12:25 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168868

RE: Pattern 60's- 70's
Plans are available for all kinds of vintage pattern planes. There are also small garage manufacturers making kits.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 12:05 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11168838

RE: Sig Kavalier build
I built a Kavalier as my second plane and hated it. Had a lot of trouble building the washout into the wings and wound up having to warp them after it was covered with a heat gun and incidence meter to get them right. In the air it didn't fly all that great. Even with a Fox .40, it flew like it was underpowered. It might have been how I built it. Lord knows a Fox .40 should really drag it around well. I kept it for quite a while and flew it a lot, just didn't really care for it. I"ve since built several other Sig kits and loved them, especially the Astro Hog and Kougar.
Posted on: 5/23/2012 12:02 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11091931

RE: Control question.
With that big Zero I'd go bolt through ball links.
Posted on: 5/17/2012 8:15 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11084362

RE: Does ANYBODY know what this old large plane is ?
that fuse looks just like an astro hog. It's got a custom cowl on it too. Even looks like it has the astro hog sticker on the fin. Could have been blown up from the plans.
Posted on: 5/14/2012 10:05 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11080331

RE: Club FOX!
I've run Fox 40s and 50s for over 20 years. I have a bunch of them. I recently sent in a wrecked 50 for a rebuild and they instead sent me back a brand new .46. It is gorgeous. The quality of their engines has improved a million percent since the ones from the 80s. They are powerful as heck too. Eat just about anything in their class for breakfast except maybe a Jet or Rossi.
Posted on: 5/3/2012 10:34 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066941

RE: Advice on Reducing 1/8 X 1/2 Spruce to 1/8 X 3/8?
Pick up a small (maybe used) tabletop bandsaw for stuff like this. Absolutely wonderful and will size all sorts of sticks quickly and efficiently with a homemade fence attached to it.
Posted on: 5/3/2012 10:17 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066921

RE: Need Advice on Cutting Consistent Wing Ribs
Get "Master Modeling" by Harry Higley. It is an excellent reference for building techniques and includes several methods for cutting out ribs. I would also try and pick up a used bandsaw. Never liked a scroll saw for anything other than inside cuts.
Posted on: 4/24/2012 12:57 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11055117

Decatur, AL. swap meet April 21, 2012
The Decatur Model Airplane Club is having its Spring swap meet on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Please go to WWW.ourdmac.com for details, location, etc. We are expecting a big turnout and look forward to seeing you there. THE DECATUR SHRINE CLUB 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 1117 LENWOOD DR SW THIS IS A INDOOR LOCATION WITH HEAT AND AIR ADMISSION IS $5.00 (UNDER 12 FREE) TABLES/FLOOR SPACE $10.00 DOOR PRIZES AND AN ARF RAFFLE. ALL R/C PLANES, BOATS, GLOW AND ELECTRIC MODELS AND MODELERS WELCOME.
Posted on: 4/13/2012 11:37 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11040417

RE: Electrics and Glow Airplanes
To me, flying electric is about as thrilling as kissing your sister. And my sister can't kiss worth a durn.
Posted on: 2/20/2012 6:53 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967269

RE: Perry, Ga
I'll be there. My 5th or 6th trip. Bringing lots of cash and good walking shoes!
Posted on: 2/16/2012 12:43 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10961899

RE: Countdown to Perry!
I'll be there with an empty pickup and a pocket full of money. Looking for bargains, as usual. I think this is my 5th of 6th time down there. 6 1/2 hours on the road but I enjoy it every year. Hotel reservations already made. What's the earliest I can sneak in there Friday morning and expect them to let me in? I know what's on the flyer. Just wondering how early they start admitting buyers.
Posted on: 2/8/2012 12:57 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10950059

RE: Stolen RC Stuff
Post up some pics of your aircraft if you've got them. Lot of guys on this forum go to swap meets all over the place. There would be a whole lot of eyes out there looking. Your stuff could end up at Perry since that's the next one coming up too.
Posted on: 2/8/2012 10:16 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10949823

RE: When you order a non-in-stock item from a brick and mortar hobby shop
Whenever I used to order something through a hobby shop they never charged me shipping fees. It was always the cost of the item plus tax. However; I would be promised a phone call when the part came in (5 days). After a two and a half weeks had passed, I had already called the shop several times to be told it hadn't come in yet. After another week of no phone calls I would call again to be told it was there and I could pick it up (45 minute drive). I will NEVER order from a hobby shop again.
Posted on: 11/28/2011 12:49 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10833062

RE: Watcha Buildin'?
I wrestling with a Ziroli P47 (the smaller one) from a short kit I got from a guy here. Considering the amount of work involved in this thing and my rate of assembly, put me down for the same project next winter as well. Carl
Posted on: 11/28/2011 12:42 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10833053

RE: Sig Astro Hog _ How does it fly in the wind?
I used to fly my Astro Hog in the wind but it didn't really like it. As far as a good "wind plane" goes, the Sig Kougar or anything that is configured similarly is about as good as it gets. So in comparison, the Hog vs. a Kaos, the Kaos will be much better in the wind.
Posted on: 11/28/2011 12:36 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10833043

RE: woodworking issues
I build furniture when I'm not building model airplanes. The most useful tool in my shop is my jointer. I like it for truing up the edges of balsa sheet for wing sheeting. If you have a handplane you can obviously do the same thing. Just put it in a vise or make a holder for it and run the balsa over it. I use a Stanley #7 mounted in a stand for getting parts to fit just right. Usually a swipe or two is all it takes. Pretty handy if you have a spar that is a little too high over wing ribs. Two passes over the handplane and it fits nicely. I also use a chisel for all kinds of things, bandsaw for cutting out parts and with a fence I use it like you would a tablesaw for making spars, drill press, and a powered sander. If you have a real small hand plane they are great for shaping too.
Posted on: 11/23/2011 12:32 PM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10825839

RE: I remember when.......
I remember going to the hobby shop with my Dad and being greeted by the smell of caster oil and dope. I used to hold his control line planes with a screaming Fox 35 stunt (no muffler) while he walked to the center. Scared the heck out of me. I was about 7 years old then. I always wanted to learn about RC planes but Dad would only tell me about his friend who build one that flew off on its maiden flight, never to be found.
Posted on: 11/15/2011 11:37 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10813436

RE: Proper painting of a Williams Bros pilot?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Kmot abufletcher, you don't have an opinion about this do you? [:D] BERUSTY, I have a VHS tape called ''How to Paint Pilot Figures with Don Typond''. He uses the Williams Bros pilots and does a remarkable job and you can follow along and get the same results. It's now available on DVD: http://www.airbornemedia.com/store/rv-pilot1.htm [/quote] I've got this video. It's fantastic. Every time I paint a pilot I set up a small table in the living room and follow along with the video (hitting pause every now and then). Worth every penny.
Posted on: 11/15/2011 10:19 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10813314

RE: Let's hear your BIGGEST beef in RC...
My biggest beef is the direction the hobby is going. It's all electrics, ARFs, and little RTF foamy toys. No one builds anymore. No one knows how to run an engine. Instant gratification. No skill required (except flying ability). Open the box and fly it the same day. Crash it and buy another. It's not the same as it used to be. There is a different bunch at the flying field. The oddball is the guy who shows up with something he built himself. In order to be a proficient modeler, you used to need the desire and ability to build a plane capable of flying, be able to keep the engine running, then be able to fly it. Technology has ruled out the first two hurdles.
Posted on: 11/15/2011 10:12 AM by Author "carlgrover" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10813302