RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
[quote]ORIGINAL: ahicks Very simple to do/undo. Doing that prior to ripping the gear out advised.... would have been much easier than the repair after the fact. -Al [/quote] I cannot say that's simple; however, I have to do that – not because of the landing gear failure and crash, but f...ing Seagull tank stopper came out. I noticed that there is no any fuel proof inside the tank compartment. Actually I did some Lastrikote spray, but couldn’t reach all the structures. Vietnamese plywood is the best to absorb oil from the fuel. It almost totally destroyed the bottom section of the fuselage. Tried everything – kitty litter, corn starch, K2r, heat and absorb -no way. It was seating there like for good. The frame needed some balsa and plywood to be changed.
Posted on: 9/8/2012 1:23 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221969

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Testing a smoke pump http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvPWrvNvYq4&feature=youtu.be
Posted on: 6/23/2012 8:47 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129347

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
I’ve just finished repairing her. A test flight is coming soon.
Posted on: 5/12/2012 9:43 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11078050

RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
Thank you Craig
Posted on: 5/7/2012 8:00 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11071481

RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
Hi guys, I’ve just eventually bought the kit. Question: Which e-flite nose retract do I need to purchase (main retracts after – the budget :( )? I found 2 of them on e-flite site 1. http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLG41190 2. http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLG411105 Do I need something else for it? I mean the leg and something to connect a steering servo for it.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 2:37 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069612

RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
Thx Acetronics and c_nut
Posted on: 5/1/2012 7:21 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11063955

RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
[quote]ORIGINAL: Acetronics It has been easy to adapt the suspended genuine legs to those mechanisms ... and make aluminium honests torsion links [;)] Alain [/quote] Do you mean stock Seagull Twin Comanche struts or you used different struts to connect them to E-Flite retract wires?
Posted on: 4/27/2012 12:01 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11059240

RE: New Twin Commanche ARF
Looks like it's a very beautiful plane from Seagull! This movie I found. It's an electric version and retracts are working properly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bFZMVskcUo To ask a Horizon about LiPo position it's just wasting time, the staff has no even general knowledge at all. Just try to ask them - what is the difference between Oracover and Ultracote :)
Posted on: 3/8/2012 10:12 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "Twin & Multi Engine RC Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10991571

RE: Warning ON Graupner USA HOTT SYSTEMS
I'm just curious, why to by Graupner from US dealer? Why not from Germany or Austria? In this case there is no question about the transmitter power and also the system will be much cheaper, and service is much better. For example HOTT MX20 http://www.v-eastonline.com/products/Graupner-HoTT-MX%252d20%2C-12-Channel-Computer-System-.html From US dealer - Price: $717.55 (excluding tax). That means + tax??? From Austria http://www.der-schweighofer.at/en/product/89206 Price: 419€ = 562USD before tax. For US/Canada no tax 350€ = 469USD + 15€ for shipment. $250 difference to US dealer for what? That’s for less power 747junky
Posted on: 2/28/2012 7:43 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10979860

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thx DougC1
Posted on: 1/12/2012 8:03 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10904935

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
I had a .40 Phoenix Models Super Decathlon (the same as Seagull .40 or Black Horse ones) and now repairing my .120 size. In my experience I can’t say that those planes are forgiven and easy to fly. Of course I can compare these planes to what I’ve had and used to have such as GP Piper Cherokee, Hangar 9 RV8, NitroPlanes Yak-54 etc. The S. Decathlons something like nicely flying gliders; however, if the speed is less than a critical one, the stall is unpredictably fast and happens without any precautions such as waving wings etc. They are not popular as Extra 260/300, Yak-54, SBach, Katana because they are required more experience in aerobatics than those planes above. I am talking about aerobatics - not gliding in the sky and doing straight and inverted loops. Honestly I can’t do a proper knife-edge with my Decathlon, even rolls are not straight because the Decathlon needs input from all controls (rudder, ailerons, and elevator) to make the same roll as my Yak-54 can do just using aileron stick and a little bit of elevator. Top wing is good for gliding, but not as good in the inverted flights, rolls and hovering. The loops, hammer-heads are fine and easy for Decathlons. Does anyone have different feelings regarding Bellanca Super Decathlons?
Posted on: 1/11/2012 2:20 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10903929

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Guys, What’s diameter of the stock wheels for 0.75-.91 (not 120) Decathlon.?
Posted on: 12/24/2011 8:37 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10874422

RE: Airplane rudder gyro
Thx Silverexpress
Posted on: 12/21/2011 1:31 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10870270

RE: Airplane rudder gyro
Guys, I was very satisfied with my GYA350, but I need one more for my new Decathlon. GYA350s are not in production. What we have on e-bay probably fake GYA350 351 352 gyros. I read many good reviews about Spartan Quark and thinking to purchase that. Has anyone use Spartan gyro for rudder? What gyros are you tested on the big gas planes guys?
Posted on: 12/20/2011 2:04 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10868608

RE: Great Planes RV-4 .60
Guys, What is a diameter of the stock wheels for RV-4 .60?
Posted on: 12/20/2011 10:12 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10868236

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
It's good that you are OK, codedlanguage . My case was much worst - I bought a new fuselage + tail. I had a Futaba 350 gyro on my rudder, but I am not planning to use the gyro on this plane anymore. It's stable as Extra 260 or Yak-54. You can buy a new canopy from Horizon. I used the smallest screws (I think 1X6) from Hobby King to secure it on the fuselage. If you had had used the wheel pants you would not have lost the wheels. I do not use a thread lock on my collars, but I have wheel pants; however, if your field doesn't allow to use w-pants, use good collars from Great Planes with bigger thread. I use a bolt to secure collar on the axle. I can't get a real picture, but something like this http://www.wattsup.co.nz/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=1926&osCsid=0becc822deeb28956948a00 You got an idea.
Posted on: 12/7/2011 8:00 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10847827

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thx wyo69cowboy I will. Hey codedlanguage! How is your Bellanca? Have you flown it?
Posted on: 12/6/2011 11:21 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10846286

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Hi all, Is the topic dead or everybody lost Bellanca Decathlons? I had a crash on the 5th flight due to interference on 72Mhz. Currently I switched to Graupner HOTT 2.4Ghz (module for my JR 9303). This is my Decathlon in the repair stage. This is a greatest Decathlon (real one) pilot - Greg Koontz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_mOGEt8TUY&feature=player_embedded
Posted on: 12/6/2011 8:45 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10846025

RE: Siai Marchetti SF260 ARF
Hi Kostas1 What's that ARF - Nitroplanes or Mantua?
Posted on: 10/14/2011 4:49 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10764640

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
SJNason Maybe your prop is too big in diameter for your plane. Decathlon has a very short fuselage to handle big props IMO What is the size of your prop?
Posted on: 4/11/2011 8:17 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10456010

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thank you!
Posted on: 3/10/2011 7:15 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10392257

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
The final CG check before a flight test (when weather allows). CG is 90mm with an empty tank. The struts are made from scratch from these light aluminum tubes. I use JB Weld & epoxy. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXR855 The weight of each strut is around 45g. .
Posted on: 3/10/2011 5:46 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10392013

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Yes, you right. I said >>> I don’t use a central supporting portion of the struts. May be for that, you can keep metal clevises <<< However, you need to connect the nylon clevises to the ends of struts just once. You do not need to disconnect those clevises even during the transportation time in your wing bags.
Posted on: 2/7/2011 8:51 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10318665

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Why don’t you use plastic clevises for the struts? There is not so much pressure on them (decoration) at all. As you see, Seagull uses the same clevises everywhere which is understandable; however, elevator, rudder and the struts on this plane are under different pressure. I use different clevises and ball links in this plane. Plastic clevises for struts and engine throttle arm. The ball links for rudder, elevator and their servos. Metal Sullivan clevises are for ailerons. PS I don’t use a central supporting portion of the struts. May be for that, you can keep metal clevises
Posted on: 2/6/2011 8:09 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10316408

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thx to everyone for info about wing-tube bolts, Decathlon manual link and takeoff tips. I think those M4 bolts are kind of stoppers which don’t allow to push a main aluminum joint too dip into the tube and break a wing structure. I decided not to use those bolts which I’ve never seen on any other ARFs
Posted on: 1/8/2011 6:41 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10247746

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thanks for your flying report, SJNason. Actually it's not clear for me - "I decided not to put the bolts thru the wing tube". I lost the manual and don’t see on the wing/fuselage where to put those bolts in. I have 2 bolts to secure wings to the fuselage (inside a cockpit), but nothing to secure the wing tubes. On all my Seagull planes, Ultimate & this one, they are (tubes) from kind off paper and glued in the wing permanently. Now I see almost everyone moved a CG location forward. Did you notice some squirreling during takeoff? Good point about a tail wheel. I use a 2-56 bolt as an axel for that. You are right - the tread will destroy a wheel hub easily.
Posted on: 1/7/2011 7:06 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10245586

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
You are welcome SkyPilot101 I also have never heard about nylon bolts problem on Seagull models. As far as I know that solution Seagull implements on all their aircraft. I had a Phoenix Decathlon, Vietnamese plane as well, and the same wing bolts were their. I did not use stock hardware. I have a lot of that stuff from other planes. My tail wheel is bigger and softer than the stock one (probably from DuBro) and you, aramsdell , can always replace yours as well. I wanted to implement this kind of pushrods, http://www.centralhobbies.com/control_linkage/pushrod.html but the stock push rod tubes are too small in diameter to handle the carbon tubes.
Posted on: 1/6/2011 7:10 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10243394

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
1 - Carbon push rod. Diameter = 2.5mm. 4/40 pushrod around 2.8mm http://cgi.ebay.com/RC-R-c-Airplane-Carbon-Fiber-Rod-2-5mm-x-1000mm-x-5pcs-/260431614248?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ca2ef1128 2 - Aluminum tube from my local Hobby store 3 – Sullivan 2-56 x 1" Threaded Steel Studs (all thread) 4- 4/40 metal clevis glued by JB weld to the pushrod. There is not enough space to use aluminum tube which could’ve been a better solution. The slot for the rudder push rod is too close to the control horn. I did not like to make the slot bigger that it is. The prop is 15X8 Xoar. It was painted manually. I know that 16X6 or even 17X… will be better, but for initial flights I don’t want to put a bigger prop. Bellanca has a short fuselage and I’m afraid of ground loops which I had on my Cub J3. Later on I will put a bigger prop if the plane needs it.
Posted on: 1/5/2011 5:32 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10242345

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thx ec121 for your input. I feel that those struts are OK for this plane. It's not a 2Lb foamy one :). Just nothing to do during winter time and I want to make new struts. I also set a CG around 85mm. Maybe your rattling sound is coming from pushrods? They may vibrate in tubes. >> Kostas1 If you familiar with covering films (Monocote or Ultracote on whatever you used) the covering work is not difficult, but on the initial stage when the ailerons, elevator, rudder and fin are not connected to the fuselage, wings and so on. If the plane is assembled, the covering work is challenging. Some people cover the plane splitting surfaces by small areas. However, seams of one color are visible, and the plane looks like after a repairing work. Also this particular aircraft has a weak point - side windows. They are permanently glued into the fuselage. You cannot easily remove them during covering work (I unsuccessfully tried)
Posted on: 1/4/2011 8:32 AM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10238732

RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Thx, SkyPilot101, I think 190g or 6.7Oz are not a big deal for this plane (basically nothing), but I have time to re- built the struts because I don't fly in winter.
Posted on: 1/3/2011 5:23 PM by Author "eclipse3g" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10237427