RE: C/L scale handle
I simply crimp the electrical wires to the stainless steel wires and shown in my book (see link above) and have never had a problem with lines since the only thing being transmitted is a signal and ground down the lines. The battery power in the controller has it's own power and has a common ground with the airplane power system. The model and the controller share common ground, the controller sends a signal to the airplane. I use to have a Bill Young handle, but now fly with a JR radio in DSC mode, or a servo driver for single channel. If 2.4 Ghz passes then I'll pull the down the wire electronic controls, install the tactic 2.4 ghz reciever and switch out to new flying lines. I have my 2.4 Ghz test airplane almost ready for flight test Fred C.
Posted on: 4/19/2012 7:10 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11049256

RE: C/L scale handle
I have been flying with electronic controls for over 20 years now and it's amazing how many twists and turns this has taken over the years. I wrote a book on electronic controls and a PDF copy is available on this web site which also happens to be a cool scale web site for CL. I wasn't abe to get Clancy's system in the book but it is very similar to the other systems in the book. Some of the chapters are oblsolete, but some of the chapters are still current. The book also shows how I set up my flying lines. Look on this web page listed below about 1/2 way down on the right side. http://www.eicnetwork.com/eic/Scale.html There are many opinions on if the control box should be on the handle or on the belt. both answers are correct and work just fine. Me personally I like having the transmitter or servo drive on my belt that way I can have one unit that flies more than one airplane. Also note that I have a dedicated set of lines for each airplane. I like to keep the handle light as possible. I will be experimenting with a 2.4 Ghz set up this summer. I recently found the Tactic brand 2.4 Ghz "Anylink" system that converted my older JR radios with DSC controls to 2.4 Ghz. I currently fly with a servo driver setup (custom electronics brand) or the JR DSC radio units, both go down the lines. The AMA will be voting on the 2.4 Ghz rule proposal this year. There are two proposals, one for general that will allow 2.4Ghz in all CL events and if that fails then there is Grant Hiestands proposal to allow 2.4 Ghz for CL scale only. By the Bill Young passed away last year, sad to see if go. I have fond memories working with him when he developed his line of CL scale handles in southern california. Bill Young approached Grant and myself and we tested several units before he went into production with the units. Land softly, Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 2/29/2012 8:09 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10982411

RE: C/L engines for sale
That is a lot of engines....Wow... I have unloaded a bunch of my engines lately since I have recently converted over to electric power I have sold engines thru these sources with good luck www.rcuniverse.com List your engine with a price and people make an offer, if you accept the engine is sold Look for the classified section and post an individual ad for each item, don't combine items under one ad, even if they are the same type of engine, run a separate ad for each engine, makes thing easier to track. Even if it's a CL engine it still might sell on RCuniverse www.ebay.com the other reply is correct set the reserve price correctly and as low you are willing to go and let the auction frenzy go I have tried Stunthanger classifieds but found that RC universe and Ebay see more traffic. I was selling RC engines with Carb's. Good luck! Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 2/12/2012 1:58 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10955738

RE: E-Flite 60 - 120 90 Deg Electric Retracts
Thanks....that's what I thought, do you like the E-flite retracts? I am looking for retracts for a warbird with a 65" span and wanted to know if these are good quality retracts and worth buying. Fred C.
Posted on: 2/12/2012 1:42 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10955710

E-Flite 60 - 120 90 Deg Electric Retracts
Does the E-flite 60 - 120 90 Degree electric retracts use a set screw to hold the wire strut in place or does it use the clamp method on the robart gear? Does anyone have a picture what the interface looks like between the retract unit and the wire for the strut? A couple pictures I found online seems to show two set screws, are these used to secure the wire strut in the retract mechanism? From what I have read they are strong enough to handle a 15 lbs model, is that correct? Thanks Fred C.
Posted on: 2/12/2012 12:56 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10955674

RE: A couple of my old control line planes.
I also have flown with the Bill Young Handle and a host of other electronic control systems. I have a friend who flies his Piper cub (80" span) with a 2.4 Ghz radio and reports that the line tension is reduced since you don't have the nylon coating on the lines. There is a rule proposal at the AMA to allow 2.4 Ghz to allow in CL general and another proposal that would allow 2.4 Ghz for CL scale. Write your contest board member on your thoughts so they know how to vote. After flying with electronic controls (regardless what format, Bill Young, JR DSC, servo driver, etc...) I would never build a 3-line airplane again. Here is a link to my book that I wrote on CL electronic controls, it talks about line construction and some of the information is now dated and obsolete, but a few chapters still apply today. http://www.eicnetwork.com/eic/Scale.html I currently fly with the JR radios with the DSC connection and insulated lines, and also use the Servo drivers. I have recently converted to electric power with the brushless motors and Lipo batteries, best thing I did especially for scale. Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 1/8/2012 9:25 AM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10897875

RE: R/C to C/L Engine Conversion
Except for one of my models they all have throttle control, I would make the model with throttle control either with 3-line or electronic controls. Hopefully 2.4 Ghz gets approved for competion use! If you go to this link go down the page on the right side and you will find a PDF of the book I wrote on how to use electronic controls for throttle control and other options for CL scale, it also can be used in carrier to replace the 3-line handle. I have been flying with electronic controls for 20 years now. http://www.eicnetwork.com/eic/Scale.html Fred C
Posted on: 10/14/2011 6:24 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10765776

RE: My 12 foot Sunderland
I am flying a Great Planes RV-4 (56" span) with an E-32 and a 4S battery for power that weighs 6.25 lbs and flies at 1/2 power with ease for CL scale. WHen I had the E-32 on the test bench with an 4S battery, 12" electric prop I was getting 680 watts. The E-32 is a great motor....great choice. land softly....Sunderland is one of my favorite aircraft.
Posted on: 10/4/2011 7:23 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10749135

RE: Motor, ESC most reliable choices?
When I flew with Nicad packs the indivual cell size was well defined and the number of cells defined how much power you had. I had two packs for my Cub, it flew with an Astro Flight brushed 40 geared (super gear box) electric motor and either a 18 or 21 cell nicad pack. The packs weighed more than 1.5 lbs however. Astro flight had two gear boxes, the super gear box was for a slow flying cub type models and the std gear box was for faster flight speeds. Since you not allowed to use Lipos that will make it interesting. Good luck
Posted on: 9/26/2011 3:36 AM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10734359

Hobby Lobby eRC 45 amp speed control?
does anyone have any experience with the Hobby Lobby eRC 45 amp speed control, good or bad? I would be using it with a E-flite E25 motor and 4S battery. Thanks Fred C.
Posted on: 9/25/2011 12:03 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10733388

RE: Turnigy Good or Bad?
I have tried the G10 motor and a 2200 Mah battery with good results. I will consider the G series motors and batteries for aircraft but haven't decided about the speed controls yet
Posted on: 9/24/2011 7:43 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Brushed/Brushless motors, speed controls, gear drives"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10732612

RE: Rivets and panel lines in a 60 size AT-6?
Try getting hold of Bob's aircraft documentation, he has lots of pictures of SNJ's and AT-6's in every color scheme possible. Once you know how detailed a photo pack you need and what type of markings Bob can help you from there. www.bobsairdoc.com To get an idea of what is out there look in www.airliners.net and do a global photo search under "AT-6" and "SNJ" and you can then find something that works for you, then call Bob and find a complete pack that meets your needs. Land sofly, Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 9/17/2011 6:13 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10721647

RE: im new here just flew my first CL in 30 years!
Gus, I have some lines coming your way for Flite Streak. I am glad you are doing well and nice to see some new faces join this portion of the Hobby. I just flew this past Sunday with three models here in Wichita under light winds and clear skies. Got to get some more flights in before November. I had an akromaster about 18 years ago and it was a nice kit. Land Sofly, Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 9/13/2011 6:46 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10715372

4 engine models - E-10 for power - Max Weight?
Just wanted to know if anyone has experience flying a 4 engine model with the E-Flite E-10 motor. My question is how much do the models weigh? What would be the maximum weight of the model if you were flying a quad with the E-Flite E-10. I am considering a 96" Profile scale B-29 and need to know if the E-10's would be enough power. I expect the model to weigh 12 lbs complete with batteries. Thanks Fred C.
Posted on: 9/11/2011 8:14 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "E-Flight Power Sources"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10712164

RE: P-51D - Old Crow - Decals available ??
Thanks for the link, I have contacted them. Fred
Posted on: 8/15/2011 7:36 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10672650

P-51D - Old Crow - Decals available ??
Does anyone know of a source for decals for the P-51D, "Old Crow" as seen the attached picure. Any size will do (as long as they are not too small), since they would be scaned and resized to match size that I need. The tail number is not difficult, but the nose art and the fuselage lettering "B6 - S" is unique and wondering if anyone had a source for that. Thanks, Fred
Posted on: 8/14/2011 1:54 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10670404

RE: What paint alternatives?
When I painted the Spitfire I used the spray can primer from Lowes, then brushed on the flat latex house paint (use the right kind of brush), then brushed on the Nelson clear, I did not use any air guns or compressors. If you look closely you can see the brush marks but you have to look close. If you can find a clear that is fuel proof and comes in a spray can then you are in business. It looks likeI am not the only one using flat latex house paint, looks awful at first but after the clear is on it really looks nice. Good luck, Fred
Posted on: 6/11/2011 3:23 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10567636

RE: What paint alternatives?
This is my CL scale Great Planes Spitfire that was stripped and recovered. the wings are covered with Sig Koverall, then has Lowes Valspar (spray can) primer, then latex house paint (exterior grade flat paint), then one coat a Nelson clear coat, decals and then two more coats of clear coat. I asked Sherwin Williams to mix a quart of paint (of each color) to my color chip and it came out exactly the right color. Latex house paint is relatively cheap and easy to use and clean up. The nelson clear is no longer available so you would have to find a alternative. If your model is electric then no worries, if glow powered the clear needs to be fuel proof. The fuselage was fiberglassed and has the same primer and paint system. Good luck! Land softly, Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 6/9/2011 4:58 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10565584

RE: Not wanting bellcrank
I put a small metal eyelet in the side of the fuselage and wear and having the leadouts bind has never been a problem. I use a normal bellcrank and have the lines exit the fuselage in a straight line. In the extreme throw of the bellcrank the leadouts are rubbing the side of the eyelet, but never a problem. Remember regardless of where you put the bellcrank you can draw a straight line from you handle, leadouts to the CG of the aircraft. The bellcrank location is not critical, the location of the CG and the leadout guide is critical. On my larger models I have adjustable leadout guides to adjust the line tension and trimming of the aircraft. On my Piper cub I had to drop the leadout guide several inches below the wing surface so that the model does not roll inboard or outboard. If the leadout guide is too high it will roll the aircraft towards on the Gee Bee. If the leadout guide is too low it will raise the left wing and roll the plane outboard. Takeoff on the Gee Bee are always interesting due to the short tail moment and engine location. Land softly, Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 5/11/2011 5:03 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10514505

RE: C/L scale handle
Just so everyone knows that there is a rule proposal with the AMA that will allow 2.4Ghz radios, that will eliminate the need for the insulated lines and sending the signal downs the lines. If that happens for CL scale watch for a shift in technology that makes all of the stuff I have flown with wth obsolete. As with all of these methods there are differences in opinions, either way they all work, I prefer some more than others. Flying the large models with the transmitter on the belt has never been a problem even flying a 1/4 scale bravo (17 lbs). Land softly. Fred Cronenwett
Posted on: 4/14/2011 4:28 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10462996

RE: CALLING ALL PIPER CUBS!
This is a 80" span Hanger Nine Cub from about 1996 and has been rebuilt once and recovered. This is a Control Line scale model with an .46 glow for power and uses electronic controls for the throttle. There is a normal 2-line bellcrank and I use the a servo with a servo driver to control the throttle. The signal and ground as sent thru insulated lines. So the model looks like an RC model, but upon close inspection you will see that it's a CL scale model. When the model was rebuilt I wanted something different than the normal yellow so I had Japanese Green on hand and then painted model with japanese markings. I still haven't found any documentation with these markings but still looking! 80" span, Thunger Tigre .46 Pro with electronic controls for throttle control with normal 2-line bellcrank for the elevator Land Softly, Fred Cronenwett Wichita, KS
Posted on: 3/29/2011 1:48 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10430674

RE: All depron Ugly stick with IC engine
Looks awesome, I have not completed my depron experiment yet. I cut the foam core wing and skined it with 1mm thick depron skins. I used southerns sorghum to bond the depron to the foam. I haven't finished the model yet but seeing your results makes me think this stuff is very usable. I did notice the 1mm depron skins on the foam wing can dent really easily, I have had to be careful to keep to many dents in the skin to show up. At first the southern sorghum did not hold the depron skin to the foam, so I sanded the surface being bonded to the foam core and then the contact cement worked much better. the slick surface of the depron did not allow the contact cement to work properly. Looks great!
Posted on: 3/19/2011 7:22 AM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10409510

RE: Silver Latex Paint
I haven't tried this yet, but a friend gave me sample of Pratt & Lambert aluminum power (#7100), I was told that all I had to do was add this aluminum power to white latex house paint it would look like aluminum skin. Pratt and Lambert has a web site and it lists dealers in my area. I hope it works because I need the same color you do!
Posted on: 2/27/2011 7:40 AM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10366978

RE: Cub Scout Trainer
Yep, a rudder would be for looks only We will see how good looking the trainer is after we teach 24 bear scouts how to fly CL....that is why it has wing skids and no paint. I can easily patch the holes and re-fiberglass. I have another model without a rudder (80" span, OS-91FX for power) and it carries a camera and it flies great....the line guide keeps the line tension correct.
Posted on: 9/30/2010 12:45 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10038060

Cub Scout Trainer
I took time away from my normal building time to assemble a CL trainer for a group of Cub Scouts and the result is what I call the "Scout". Based on a design that Marvin Denny has in his fleet, this design will be used to teach some cub scouts how to fly a CL model in a few weeks. This model was built from my own plans and has a foam wing, balsa skins and is fiberglassed with 3/4 ounce glass with finishing resin. This model is powered with a OS-25FP (RC carb locked off to ful throttle), 41" span and weights a little over 2 lbs. Flew very nicely on it's maiden flight. We will be teaching a group of Bear Cub Scouts to fly a few weeks and then again in the spring. This model is also dedicated to Rusty Brown, some of the balsa wood used to build this model came from his estate, Rusty may be gone, but his spirit is still flying with the kids and this model.
Posted on: 9/28/2010 12:36 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Control Lines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10033149

RE: Looking for PZL-104 Wilga 3-views
www.bobsairdoc.com has lots of 3-views and photos, worth the money
Posted on: 9/27/2010 12:39 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10030724

RE: Olive drab paint source
You might try Brodak (www.brodak.com) to see if they have olive drab dope color. Nelson hobby paint also has colors available but they are water based paints that require a clear coat
Posted on: 9/16/2010 12:44 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10006647

RE: Olive drab paint source
I have been using Lowes grey primer (Valspar, in the spray can), then Latex house paint (exterior grade, flat) then put on several coats of Nelson hobby paint clear (with cross linker) and it is fuel proof. The flat looks bad at first, but once you get several coats of clear on it shines up real nice. To get the correct color I take my color chip to sherwin williams then have them mix the paint to match my color chip. when they take thier time and really make the paint match the chip it turns out great. When I took my color chip to lowes or home depot they mixed it but it was not a good match to the paint color. I asked my sherwin williams paint store to really get a good match and they were willing to do it. Dope got too expensive and smelly for me to handle.
Posted on: 9/16/2010 12:41 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10006643

Great Planes RV-4, 57"
Does anyone have a suggestion for a brushless electric motor for the 57" span Great Planes RV-4?
Posted on: 9/9/2010 12:43 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9990620

RV-4 Great Planes - 57"
I will be building the 57" span RV-4 from Great Planes and wondered if anyone has suggestions on which brushless motor worked best with this model. The specs on this model is that it will weight about 6 lbs and requires a 46 sized glow engine.
Posted on: 9/7/2010 12:32 PM by Author "clscale-RCU" in the forum "Electrics to Glow Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9986063