RE: Postal Plane Project
The slowdown with Grace is just as much my fault as anyone else's. The project seems to take a direct and active manager in order to keep things running at a more rapid pace. I had hopes of it being a little more self-sustaining but that is all part of the experiment I guess. I truly believe that each and every one who has participated has done so with earnest intentions and with the spirit of RC brotherhood. Thanks to everyone! In the grand scheme though, family trumps hobby, and thats the way it should be. In the next couple days I will try and get a handle on the schedule, and flybug, why don't you give me a short PM and let me know where things are at. We'll get it rollin'!
Posted on: 7/13/2009 9:45 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8930725

RE: Anybody flown the Sea Loon?
I have the wing built now (minus the control surfaces). I decided to use flexible pushrod instead of the brass tubing torque rod system as called for in the plans. I know it lightened things up by several ounces and vastly simplified construction. Building has been put on hold the last couple weeks, but I am back at it again. As I am cutting incredibly small pieces of plywood and balsa, I wonder about the possibility of a build with foam and fiberglass. A layup over foam for both the wing and the fuse would offer a number of advantages for this seaplane. Weight would be a concern though.
Posted on: 4/14/2009 10:03 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8680095

RE: Anybody flown the Sea Loon?
Here are a few pics so far. Surprisingly, one of the most difficult things to complete so far was the hatch! It took me almost as much as the rest of the hull. I ended up tacking the formers in place on the hull and then building it there. The amount of bending and shaping the wood on this model has been considerable, and I'm finding that many of the pieces have to be fit, reshaped, fit, reshaped... But I'm taking my time and trying not to rush things.
Posted on: 3/8/2009 6:10 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8556806

RE: Anybody flown the Sea Loon?
Well after five years with the plans nailed to the wall, I have cut wood. Right now I have the booms completed and nearly completed with the hull. Wing will be next with that starting this weekend. Overall my impression of the build? Lots of parts and a fairly complicated plan. I have a few years experience building now and find it a challenge in some respects. Particularly, this plan requires some minor bending of balsa around the complex curves of the planing hull and sponsons and that takes a delicate touch. Building the twin booms seems slow as you need to cut, build and shape twice the parts, but they were fun. I would really recommend a fuselage jig here. If you don't already have one, it would be worth the effort to make one before starting. I have decided to go electric on this one, with the power unit yet to be determined. From looking at the specs, with a .15 this bird is underpowered - and I am not one to overpower my planes. At 2.5 lbs target weight from the designer, I feel it needs a little more whoopies to perform like a sport plane and take off from water. I will target around 300 watts. I am limited by a 7" propellor which limits the efficiency of realizing the power of a motor this size. It makes me think of a couple solutions... Finding a 3-blade electric prop, raising the engine pylon an inch to accomodate a larger prop, or utilizing one of those contra-rotating setups. I have about a week to make a determination and any input is appreciated. I decided to go electric as it offered the benefit of no 'flame outs' in the middle of the lake, and reducing the weight in the pylon thus lowering the CG of the model. I then may be able to reduce the dihedral of the wing tips and give it a more aerobatic performance. I have made a few changes to Mr. Lennon's plan for my model. First, I am building all the leading edges with balsa sticks and then sanding to shape. Curiously, according to the plan, the sheeting is just formed around the rib tips and there are no stringers forward of the main spar on the wing and no stringers at all for the tail plane and rudders. While getting an accurate leading edge shape will be a challenge with sanding, I feel that I can build a straighter wing using leading edge strips. I also think it might cut down on inevitable damage to the leading edges. The wing also uses a fairly complex (and as it turns out, HEAVY), brass torque rod system for tail surface control. It is made out of many pieces of brass tubing which adds complexity and weight. I have made the tail booms with enough flexible pushrod cable to route all the way to the servos, cutting weight and complexity. The only thing I need to see is if it causes too much friction and servo drag. This has always been on my 'to build' list and I am excited to finally get one in my hangar!
Posted on: 3/2/2009 10:47 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8535182

RE: Postal Plane Project
I had some time this weekend to update the duty roster. Traditionally I have been adding pilots as they contact me, and while I know it tends to make GRACE skip around the country(ies) a lot, it is the most fair to those who express interest early. I would love for you all to fly with your local club, take a pic and record the names of the pilots on the box or plane. If all you are considering joining and it's possible, try and meet, up with others already on the roster. You will get to fly sooner and no doubt meet some really great guys. Now that the cold weather is coming again this year, I have gotten a few emails from guys asking to be moved to the end of the list because their time would be in the dead of winter. Instead, [b]try contacting someone a little further down the list and trading places with them.[/b] I bet they would appreciate the opportunity and you wont end up at the end of the list! Eurof2 Scappoose, OR, USA Mooney_driver Ellensburg, WA, USA Billym8228 Omaha, AR, USA Layback2 Burneyville, OK, USA Eroc144 Downingtown, PA, USA Honker1 Lebanon, OH Gravityisnotmyfriend Greenville, WI BruceTharpe Rogue River, OR Weathervane Baltimore, MD USA Cc_brown Pasadena, TX USA Hkbii Wasilla, AK USA General Lee Stupid Whitehall, MT USA 3Disaster Milford, PA USA Sdg666 Trois-Rivieres, QC Canada Planebuilder66 Mystic, CT USA TruBlu02 Cabot, AR USA Sailor Jerry Indianapolis, IN USA Alcarafa Merida, Yukatan, Mexico Grace info can be found here: http://www.crowriverrc.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page5.html
Posted on: 10/12/2008 6:10 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042573

RE: Postal Plane Project
Dave, Thanks so much for your effort on this project. Can't tell you how much we all appreciate you putting in the extra time and resources! When it comes to fuel soaked wood, I have had very good luck with several treatments of denatured alcohol followed by drying overnight in corn starch. If it gets to be too bad in the future, we might want to consider a couple day bender with the alcohol treatment!
Posted on: 10/12/2008 5:06 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8042425

RE: Postal Plane Project
By all means Dave, if you are close and can lend a hand, go ahead and give it a once over. I am very short of time right now, as my wife is away on business and I barely have time to wrangle kids and keep the house afloat. I'm afraid if Grace came back to me right now it would get shelved for at least a week. Also on that note, I have not forgotten about you guys being added on the list, I will get you posted Also, I like the idea of folks teaming up to help consolidate stops. Plus it is just fun to meet fellow 1/2A'ers!
Posted on: 9/23/2008 8:39 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7984471

RE: Postal Plane Project
Hey did y'all see in Model Aviation this month (Sept. '08) that the similar project involving a Pico Tiger Moth was inducted to the Museum? I found it interesting too that they had planned on shipping overseas but it never came to fruition! Hmm wonder why... Anyway they had 86 pilots and they each signed the plane. Looks like we have a way to go!
Posted on: 8/27/2008 9:51 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7891164

RE: Postal Plane Project
Norfolk, I sent you a reply a couple days ago but it looks like it didn't post. Hmm... Cox makes a forked clip that works well, but in the absence of that, just two alligator clips and a 1.2V 'D' cell battery and you should be in business. 3Disaster, sure, glad to have you on board. I will have to do some work on the roster this weekend, and I can add you then.
Posted on: 8/13/2008 9:25 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7840779

RE: Postal Plane Project
We have tried to ship it overseas but the postage and associated charges has run into the hundreds of dollars. Might as well buy it its own seat on United Airways! So far we have been restricted to keeping it within US and Canada just for reasons of expense. Part of the magic of this project, however, is getting Grace to travel the world. Now I know my wife travels overseas once in a great while for business. I was thinking that perhaps with all the great people of this forum that SOMEBODY should be going overseas SOMEWHERE. Or maybe a handoff could be made at an RC Expo, or maybe a company would be willing to sponsor it... Whaddaya think guys? Any ideas?
Posted on: 8/6/2008 9:42 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7815095

RE: Postal Plane Project
Bipe, as much as it pains me to say it, I think we will have to hold on any overseas shipping until we can figure out this a cheaper way to move Grace around. PM Shotgun06 in Manitoba and see if he can take her. I see he just posted today. Lets finish up the Canadian tour and then we can re-evaluate how to get her overseas. Sorry for now my worldwide participants, but I will do my best to get her out to you!
Posted on: 5/19/2008 11:37 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7517446

RE: Postal Plane Project
While postage from the US is one thing, postage between other contries is proving to be a challenge. I have been talking with some of our overseas legs and it is different everywhere. One thing I might suggest is check postage to the next pilot after you so there are no surprises. Then check with your RC club or flying buddies and see if you could sponsor a leg of the journey as a team. That way Grace gets more participants and the costs are spread out across the group. The last thing I want is it to cost an arm and a leg for anyone. I know we all completely understand if the shipping just is too much to participate. After all, that money could be spent on SureStarts and balsa! Oh, and everyone should be signing the box, or putting a decal on Grace! Please let others know you were there!
Posted on: 5/14/2008 11:00 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7497649

RE: Postal Plane Project
I see Japanman's last post was not that long ago. I hate to pass him up but give Efish a shout and see if he is ready. In the meantime I will give the next several guys on the list a PM to remind them that their turn is coming up.
Posted on: 5/13/2008 10:31 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7493340

RE: Postal Plane Project
hkbii I will add you to the roster tonight! Anyone who wants to join in the fun is welcome. Please send me a PM through RCU, post your request here in the forum, or email me through my website. If for some reason you don't see your name added promptly, let me know! I have had trouble with some additions to the roster not uploading properly and with others I have just dropped the ball. Don't let me off the hook![;)] Bipe, any word from Japanman yet?
Posted on: 5/13/2008 10:01 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7490464

RE: Another " I FLEW AND LANDED SOLO!" thread
Congrats on the solo! Nothing gets you more jazzed than a great accomplishment like that. Chalk one up for good old Student / Instructor teamwork!
Posted on: 5/7/2008 3:57 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7467853

RE: Postal Plane Project
Here's the roster as it stands now. You can see it and the updates on www.crowriverrc.com Japanman...................Tsu, Japan efish...........................Singapore Boomerang1...............Sydney, Australia Wild Foamy.................Newbury, United Kingdom Sneasle......................Talladega, AL, USA Norfolk Southern.........Hamtramck, MI USA Eurof2........................Scappoose, OR, USA Mooney_driver............Ellensburg, WA, USA Shotgun06..................Portage la Prairie, MB, Canada Billym8228..................Omaha, AR, USA Layback2....................Burneyville, OK, USA Eroc144......................Downingtown, PA, USA Honker1.....................Lebanon, OH Gravityisnotmyfriend...Greenville, WI BruceTharpe...............Rogue River, OR Weathervane..............Baltimore, MD USA Cc_brown...................Pasadena, TX USA
Posted on: 5/6/2008 4:47 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7463661

RE: Postal Plane Project
Bipe, man what a gorgeous place to fly! I bet you get all kinds of weird winds off that hillside. I gotta say you guys sure take your safety netting a little to the extreme side but I bet thats to keep the smaller planes from blowing away.[:D] I will add your location to the map. Now starts Grace's intercontinental travels. But don't worry Vic, she'll be back to the US - eventually. Maybe we can have a reunion at next year's reedie race. Hey wouldn't it be great to have one of our brothers (or sisters) in Iraq give it a toss? Maybe it would come back as a Predator!
Posted on: 5/6/2008 4:17 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7463605

RE: TurboCad LE file help
Thanks DB. I should probably clarify that the files that are giving me trouble were all created by me in LE 4.1. One day they just stopped opening. Not all of my files are affected. I might take you up on your offer, but I'll do a full scrub for viruses first just to eliminate that possibility.
Posted on: 4/28/2008 7:10 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7429407

TurboCad LE file help
Since I know a lot of you guys use TurboCAD, can anyone tell me how to remedy "File Read Error Line 0" when I try to open a .dxf file? Several of my files I can no longer open. Perhaps they were not closed correctly... my laptop has a tendency to overheat when I use high graphics programs and other times my kids get to it and then it's anyone's guess.
Posted on: 4/27/2008 7:03 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7427433

RE: Where's Tim Wiltse?
I have sent a similar letter to him Raymond - minus the postage paid box... It was received, and ignored. As he has ignored my emails on this site, his own web site, and a machininst site that I found he was a member of. Tim has a Norvel 0.74 of mine that I loaned him for the construction of his turbo head. Had less than 2hrs run time on it with original box and papers. A simple answer in any form would suffice, but to be ignored really burns my balsa. I think I have given Tim every opportuntiy to at least provide an explanation.
Posted on: 4/19/2008 11:21 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7394842

RE: Red Duck
I love the trim job! Very nice Remby. Where did it balance out? I have never flown a canard so I am very interested to hear your report. I like your daring use of rudder for roll control! Hats off to you!
Posted on: 4/11/2008 10:35 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7365481

RE: small engine?
Well it would be a brick with a high wing loading but yours is below 9oz / sq ft. If you have a high lift airfoil you may have a neat little motorglider! I would expect long shallow climbs and maybe even some thermalling! The smaller canard wing may stall at lower speeds though! [X(] For instance I have a Dynaflite Wanderer glider, and with a cox .049 power pod. It gives me some ridiculous power loading figure of well over 600! As a sport plane that would suck, but as a glider it is graceful with big spiraling climbs. Any more power is overkill for what the plane was built for. On the other hand I have a little pylon racer with a power loading of 153! But it would fall out of the sky with anything more than 300 because the wing loading is high for a small model (around 20oz/sq ft). So just use the figure for comparison. The numbers given work for sport flying but must be adjusted when you are talking about gliders, racers, scale, etc. edit sp.
Posted on: 3/27/2008 9:57 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7290168

RE: small engine?
Remby - it is just a rule of thumb or a comparison between similar models and a guide to determine an appropriate engine size. Keep in mind that airfoil, wing loading, airframe drag etc. will have a huge effect on performance of the model as a whole. It remains pretty true for larger sized models too. Your example model looks like it is a glider/trainer with the light wing loading and light power loading. Is that right?
Posted on: 3/26/2008 5:22 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7286934

RE: small engine?
Here's a general guideline for glow sport flying. Power Loading (oz. per cubic inch displacement) 300+ .........Sunday Flyer 250-300 ..............Sporty 200-250 ...............Racer Below 200.......Holy Cow! Weight of plane in oz / cubic inch displacement = Power Loading or Weight / Desired Power Loading = engine displacement
Posted on: 3/26/2008 3:10 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7286308

RE: Postal Plane Project
I've carried planes through airports, x-ray machines, and past the TSA without so much as a second glance. As long as the tank is well drained there is not enough residue to worry about. Alcohol evaporates and just the castor remains. Besides - my name is all over that thing... If anyone is going to a Canadian prison it would be me! (must remember never to drop the maple syrup) I think Japanman is coming up on the roster fast - that's the shipment I'm looking forward to. Hey Bipe, I wanted to send a zero drag starter to you to include in the kit. Gimme a PM with your address?
Posted on: 3/26/2008 9:56 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7284844

RE: VINETIAN BLIND
[quote]ORIGINAL: goirish We are getting close to putting this puppy in the air. Servos are mounted. Ailerons working. Brushless motor. Will post a video if it flys. If it don't I won't post the video. See how brave I am. [/quote] Please post a vid if it doesn't fly! A lot can be learned from an autopsy video - perhaps enough to make a few changes and give success!
Posted on: 3/26/2008 9:45 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7284804

RE: symmetrical wings
Symmetrical wings will only generate lift when they are at some angle of attack. At a 0 AOA they are simply a streamlined body! General principals of lift still apply - you just do not have a shape which creates lift at or below 0 AOA's as cambered wings can.
Posted on: 3/17/2008 9:42 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7237731

RE: CA hinges
I'm at work so I dont have the diagram that's on my home computer. But I'll try to explain. I give full credit to these guys here on RCU who showed me how to do it. Basically it is covering the entire wing and the aileron with one singlepiece of 'kote on the top, and another on the bottom. I line the uncovered wing up with the aileron hinge line on a table's edge, tack the film in place on the wing, and then tack the covering to the aileron as it is fully deflected (hanging off the edge of the table). Leave no gap. Then with another pass of the iron, fully adhere the film and then trim the edges. Repeat the process with the other side of the wing. When you deflect the aileron now there will be a slight gap. That's ok as it gives a little bit for the next film to grab on to. Really no tricks to it other than you must always deflect the aileron in the opposite direction when tacking and shrinking, and have it adhered well at the hinge line. It sounds awkward but its not as bad as you think. The result is a very flexible joint with no gap. Can someone post a diagram for now?
Posted on: 3/14/2008 1:41 PM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7224121

RE: CA hinges
I started with CA hinges and then the heavens opened up and I discovered the Monokote method. Not that I have ever had problems with CA, its just a seamless hinge really improves the look IMO. And technically no gap is more efficient.
Posted on: 3/14/2008 9:43 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7223190

RE: Postal Plane Project
Looks like Spring is coming and fairer weather is on the way! My wife has already started planning on me being gone the first few nice days! A few housekeeping issues... Sounds like general wear and tear are starting to add up so as part of the SOP for shipping, be sure to disconnect the clevises at the servo end for shipping to reduce damage. (could someone write that in the box please?) Hogflyer is making marks on the horns for quick re-connect. Also, since SureStart motors dont have a thrust washer they don't take kindly to electric starters. I will send along a zero drag spring starter to the next recipient but if you HAVE to use an electric starter, just give it a bump. Most of all, my personal thanks to all of you who have put in extra time and donated parts to keeping Grace in good order! Thanks for taking time to post pics and video too. It all takes time, effort, and even a little $. This is exactly why I love 1/2A - it's more about the people than the planes. You guys are the real deal.[sm=teeth_smile.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]
Posted on: 3/13/2008 10:28 AM by Author "dieFluggeister" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7217969