RE: Skil bandsaw love it or hate it.
I am also using a Craftsman 10" bandsaw. I use it a lot and love it. No problems with it at all. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 11/16/2009 7:53 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257217

RE: Line length for norvel pathfinder?
My 1/2A Pathfinder has a Norvel .061on it also and I fly on .008 X 52' lines. Does the entire pattern with ease. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 10/24/2009 10:41 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9198226

RE: Weighing your planes
I bought this one from Harbor Freight. It works great and weighs down to the tenth of an ounce. I have a styrofoam block with a vee cut in it that I sit on the scale and then sit the plane on the block. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95364 Bill Hodges
Posted on: 10/15/2009 8:15 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9174830

Re-configured PT-40
A few weeks ago, I acquired an old Great Planes PT-40 trainer from a friend of mine. The airplane had not been flown in many years. It had no engine on it but did have a complete, although old, Futaba Attack 4 channel AM radio and servos. I decided to put it back in the air after some slight modifications. I ditched the old transmitter and receiver (not even sure if it is legal to use these any longer). I stripped all of the old covering off, cut all the control surfaces off and took out all the old control system. I then carefully cut the wing half at the center and then put it back together with half of the dihedral it originally had. I cut the ailerons down to 13" long and increased the width by 3/8". I then made a set of flaps the same width as the ailerons. I also made a new elevator and rudder mainly because the old ones were made of some of the hardest balsa I have ever seen. I got rid of the old wire main landing gear and replaced them with aluminum gear. Next chore was to rebuild the center section so that the wing would bolt on instead of being rubber banded on. After making all these changes, I recovered the plane with Ultra Coat. I then installed a new receiver, servos and control system and mounted a new Tower 46 on the front along with a new fuel tank. Ran the engine for the first time today. I have never had a Tower engine before, but so far it seems to be a good engine. At least, the break-in process went good and it idles nicely. I plan on flying it later this week. If it flys OK, I am going to keep it around just to have something available when someone wants to give RC a try or on those days when I just want to do some lazy flying. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 9/8/2009 2:56 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9079075

RE: WHY U/C ROCKS!!!!
I fly my Norvel .061 powered Pathfinder on .008 X 52' lines. It does the complete pattern quite nicely on these lines. I believe 30' lines might be too short unless you are looking for speed. Edit: Prop is an APC 6-2. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 8/10/2009 7:40 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9004376

RE: 1 1/4inch spinners
Go to www.brodak.com and search part #BH-943 and see if that one will work for you. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 7/30/2009 9:18 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8976042

RE: Finished my Tucano 40 ARF
Well, I got to put the first flights on it this morning. I am very happy with the results. It flys very nice. Tracks well and is very responsive with no nasty surprises. The OS 46AX runs great. I did have a problem with the nose gear that I will have to take care of. I discovered that the nose gear steering hardware supplied with plane binds up (and it has no excessive bends in it). I will replace the steering hardware with better quality material. Other than the nose gear problem and the poor cowl fit mentioned in my OP, I am a happy camper. BTW, I ordered a new cowl. I am going to come with some means to get a good cowl fit. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 7/29/2009 12:57 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8973758

RE: Cleaning covering iron
I found some stuff called "Hot Iron Cleaner" at Walmart. It was hanging on a rack where the irons are displayed. It works very well and you don't have to unplug the iron and wait for it to cool before cleaning. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 7/25/2009 8:33 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8962325

Finished my Tucano 40 ARF
I just finished my Pheonix Models Tucano 40 ARF. I was very impressed with most of this ARF. The wing, tail feathers and everything else fit perfectly except for the cowl. The cowl does not come close to fitting properly. The engine mounts would have to be moved up about 3/8" to get the engine shaft centered in the pre-cut hole in the cowl. I got it so it looks decent for now. I may wind up ordering a new cowl and moving the mounts or maybe go to a side mounted engine. I replaced some the hardware (bolts and screws) just as a personal preference. I also ordered an aluminum spinner for it, again just a personal preference. I don't have a lot of experience with ARF's (I love building) but, overall, I am happy with the plane so far. I put an OS46AX in it for power with a Futaba 6 channel FM radio system. I won't be able to get in the first flights on it till sometime next week. Hope it flys as well as some others have reported. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 7/22/2009 8:48 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8952607

RE: You Got'em Post'em
John: I live in St. Augustine FL and fly with the X47 Flyers, which is a club made up of CLPA enthusiasts. We fly here in St. Augustine on a soccer field during the week and in Jacksonville at the old Cecil Field NAS on the weekends. I am also a member of the Ridge Barnstormers in Lake Wales FL. I recently joined that club because both of my daughers live in that area and I wanted a place to fly CL when I am down there visiting which is fairly often (nice to be retired). This club has both CL and RC facilities. I cannot take any credit for getting any of the flyers there to try CL, though I am trying to talk up CL every time I go to the field. Phil Coopy is the primary force behind CL in the club. Actually, since joining the Barnstormers, I got the itch to fly a little RC again and built a Sig Kavalier to fly just when I am down there. Flying RC again has been fun, but I still like to feel the airplane tugging on the lines. Here is a picture of my favorite CL airplane, the good old Barnstormer. This is the eight one I have had over the years. Power is a Fox 35 reworked by Larry Foster. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 6/7/2009 6:47 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8833436

RE: You Got'em Post'em
Profile Vector with a Brodak 40 and APC 10.5X4.5. Still trimming, but I am happy so far.
Posted on: 6/6/2009 3:37 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8830660

RE: RCU Roll call time..Where are you from?
St. Augustine, FL. "The Nation's Oldest City." Bill Hodges
Posted on: 6/4/2009 8:19 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8824613

RE: Behind the controls with Bob Hoover
I have had the distinct pleasure of seeing Bob Hoover do his Shrike routine on two different occasions. To say it is amazing does not do the routine or the man justice. He is truly a remarkable pilot. A true stick and rudder pilot. Thanks for posting these video links. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 5/20/2009 10:47 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8784388

RE: What you like the least in this hobby?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Roby People who make this hobby much more complicated than it needs to be. (the political BS at all levels). Regards, Roby PS Perhaps this thread belongs in the "Clubhouse" forum [/quote] AMEN!!! Bill Hodges
Posted on: 5/17/2009 10:06 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8775856

RE: Getting back into RC
I had a slight (well, maybe not so slight) problem come up today. After several flights, while removing the wing from the fuse, I discovered fuel all in the tank and radio compartments. I immediately soaked up all that I could and then looked for the source. At some point during the day's flying, the tank had split about 1/8" at the top front where the tank halves are joined together. I have removed the radio gear and applied K2R twice with good results and will let the fuse sit for a day or two with Speedi-Dry in it to soak up what is left of the oil. All the radio gear is fine. Doesn't appear that there will be any damage to speak of. This was a brand new Hayes tank that I pressure tested for leaks after getting it set up. Anyone else had any problems with the Hayes tanks? Oh well, stuff happens!! Bill H.
Posted on: 5/10/2009 2:05 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8756975

RE: Getting back into RC
Well, I put five flights on the new Kavalier this morning. The only trim needed was two clicks of left aileron. The plane performed just as I had hoped it would. As for the pilot, I guess it is like riding a bike, you don't forget how. It all came back with no problems at all and I had a blast. Going back tomorrow morning. Bill H.
Posted on: 5/6/2009 12:14 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8745515

RE: Getting back into RC
Mike: I missed the last Monster Plane show, but I plan on attending the next one. Have the dates been announced yet and will it be at the same place? Bill H.
Posted on: 5/4/2009 8:58 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8739055

RE: Getting back into RC
Thanks for the kind words guys. I will post the results of the maiden flights later this week. Andy, I am familiar with local club here in St. Augustine. In fact, I was President of that club at one time quite a few years back. Right now, my plans are to leave the RC planes at my daughter's house so I will not have to haul them back and forth, but those plans may change. I may take you up on that invite to visit your field sometime. We (the X47 Flyers) fly CL most Sunday mornings at the Cecil Commerce Center and would be glad to have you come by and check us out. Just take Aviation Drive off 103rd and keep looking to your right. We fly on an unused parking lot. During the week, we fly on a soccer field here in St. Aug. Bill H.
Posted on: 5/3/2009 8:27 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8736194

Getting back into RC
I flew RC aircraft for many years but went back to flying control line aerobatics about eight years ago. I live in St. Augustine, FL, but I recently joined the Ridge Barnstormers in Lake Wales, FL. Both of my daughters live in Winter Haven (very close to Lake Wales) and I am down there quite often so I joined so I would have a place to fly when I am visiting them. The Barnstormers field is equipped for both RC and CL. My original plan was to just use the CL circle but then the urge to build me an RC airplane hit. I built a Sig Kavalier with an OS LA46 in it for power with a Futaba 4 channel radio system. I have always considered the Kav to be the best all round sport flying RC model in that size class. I will be in Winter Haven most of next week and will put the maiden flights on the Kav. I have enlisted the help of Phil Coopy, a member of the Barnstormers, just in case there is some rust on the thumbs. I have been using the Real Flight sim to get in some practice before it comes time for the real thing. I don't anticipate any problems. I still love CL aerobatics and will keep at it, but I am looking forward to wiggling the sticks again. Can't wait for next week. Fly a little RC, then some Cl, then some more RC, then some more CL.... Well, you get the picture. Bill Hodges An old retired guy still having fun
Posted on: 5/2/2009 5:02 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8734667

RE: Full video of dead stick
That road is Havendale Blvd. in Winter Haven, about five minutes from where both of my daughters live. That road is normally very busy. It is amazing that it was that clear of traffic just when he needed it most. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 5/2/2009 4:30 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8734638

RE: What does everybody do for a living??
Retired Forest Firefighter. Had 41 years service with the Florida Division of Forestry, Bunnell District. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 4/28/2009 8:17 PM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Planes/Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8723952

RE: what easy tame plane for fun?
Personally, I do not think you can beat the Sig Kavalier for relaxed, easy, fun sport flying. I build them with half the dihedral called for. Seems to make it a little more agile, but yet, it is still very tame. It is an easy build also. I am working one right now. Should have it finished in a week or so. Bill Hodges
Posted on: 4/7/2009 9:52 AM by Author "clpahodges" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8646110