Lanyu trainer
Came across the Lanyu Happy Time trainer on the BP Hobbies web site. Can't find out much about it. Anyone fly one of these? Would like to know the quality of the ARF and the performance as a trainer. Am considering using it to flight train others.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 12:23 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232621

RE: .60 size Corsair kits
I agree with you and the lack of deep pockets. That plus the agony of installing and setting up retracts is why I go with fixed gear now. Corsair, P-40, Spitfire, P-51, Hellcat, all fixed gear. Life is much simpler, cheaper and lower in stress.[:D]
Posted on: 8/30/2012 9:27 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11211585

RE: Heritage RC Hellcat
Thanks for the info, bigtim. I've followed some of your build information on other warbirds in these forums. Not sure if I'll build this particular kit, though. I've got several other builds in the queue ahead of it. I looked at the Skyshark web site. $300 for this Hellcat kit. Yikes! I don't know if I should build it, or put it in a safe deposit box!
Posted on: 8/30/2012 4:27 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11211312

Heritage RC Hellcat
I recently acquired one of these vintage kits. I found a build thread here on RCU, but no reports on flying. Anybody else build and fly one of these? Would like to get your impressions/comments on the kit quality, build difficulty and flying characteristics. Ed
Posted on: 8/29/2012 10:02 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210367

RE: Top Flite Focke Wulf Fw-190 D9 Build
Anyone got a spare Top Flite FW-190 canopy? Mine is cracked in the kit I bought. Ed
Posted on: 6/15/2012 11:58 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11119381

RE: Top Flit FW-190 canopy
DamonTX: I looked all over the eBay store for US Wing, but can't find an email address. I did finally send a query after clicking on one of the plan sets and then getting the opportunity to ask a question to an unknown email address. I inquired about the canopy, but have gotten no response. Do you have a direct email address? I saw your post from a couple of years ago about wanting another production run of the Top Flite Beechcraft Bonanza. I would love to get one of those kits, along with the P-39, but they are rare and very pricey. Ed
Posted on: 6/15/2012 4:18 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11118905

RE: Top Flit FW-190 canopy
Thanks for the good news. I'll check it out! Ed
Posted on: 6/12/2012 11:16 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11115714

Top Flit FW-190 canopy
Bax: Can you tell me if the canopy for the FW-190 is available to order from Top Flite? Also, has the Sea Fury kit been discontinued?
Posted on: 5/29/2012 9:33 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11098602

Top Flite Sea Fury kit
It appears that the TF Sea Fury Gold Edition kit has been discontinued. Can someone confirm?
Posted on: 5/29/2012 9:31 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11098597

Hobby Shops - Tucson and Phoenix
Any hobby shops in central Arizona that carry consignment or used items? I've found these places to be great for finding airplane kits to build.
Posted on: 3/15/2012 10:12 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001171

RE: Header TOPQ7925/6
With further investigation, it appears that the 7925 header is made for the S series of Supertigre engines, which means that the mounting bolts pass through the header and screw into the engine crankcase. The 7926 header is made for the G series of Supertigre engines, which means that the mounting bolts pass through the engine crankcase and screw into the header. I believe that both have the same, proper dimension from mounting bolt to mounting bolt. So I should be able to use the 7925 on my G series of Supertigre engine. Using the 7925 on the G series will require longer bolts that will pass through the header and be held on with locknuts.
Posted on: 2/23/2012 4:53 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10971838

RE: Header TOPQ7925/6
Bax: My understanding is that TOPQ 7925 and 7926 are both for Supertigre engines. The 7920 is for OS engines. I have a ST G-75 engine. Are the 7925 and 7926 both discontinued with no replacment by Top Flite?
Posted on: 2/22/2012 7:31 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10970566

Header TOPQ7925/6
Bax: I've been told that this item is no longer available. Is this correct? I also understand that the TOPQ7925 and TOPQ7926 will both work for the G series Suepertigre 75. Is this correct? If discontinued, any replacment headers available? Ed
Posted on: 2/21/2012 6:55 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10968901

RE: Mechanical rotating retracts
Based on this and other discussion threads, I think I'll go with fixed gear. I love to build warbirds and spend alot of time adding scale details, but sounds like all of the retracts have issues. I refuse to add several hundred dollars to the cost of my project just for retracts, whether they are reliable or not so much. Just not worth the dollars and aggravation, in my opinion.
Posted on: 2/8/2012 12:15 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10950012

RE: Mechanical rotating retracts
Thanks for mentioning Wingspan Retracts. I'd never heard of them. They offer 100 degree rotating electric retracts for $199. Looks good, although their web site states for airplanes 'up to 10 lbs'. Hmmm....
Posted on: 2/8/2012 8:50 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10949708

RE: Mechanical rotating retracts
I hear you, Chad! Unfortunately, pneumatic systems are NOT without fiddling issues. Going with fixed gear is definitely an option!
Posted on: 2/7/2012 2:20 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948519

RE: Mechanical rotating retracts
Probably not suitable. I want to use them in Top Flite P-40 and a Top Flite F4U. I refuse to pay several hundred dollars for retracts, so pneumatics are out and the electric Lado's are out. I'm open to any method of retracts if they can be had for no more than $150. So far, no electrics from Robart and no rotators from E-Flite.
Posted on: 2/7/2012 12:19 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948346

Mechanical rotating retracts
Any 60 size (10-12 pounds) mechanical rotating retracts on the market? I've heard of a brand named Black Horse, but can't find anything out about them. Need something sturdy, not the smaller sized retracts. Hobbico is flimsy. I understand that Robart used to make some, but no longer available, except through *bay and swap meets. Anybody have any information on the discontinued Robarts rotating retracts? Anyone know of any other brands of mechanical rotating retracts in the 10-12 pound size available?
Posted on: 2/7/2012 11:05 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948245

RE: Anyone building TF p47 60 size?
I just finished building the bubble top version from the TF GE kit. Took over a year as I did many modifications. Used electric retracts and installed them at an angle back to be more scale like, instead of parallel to the leading edge of the wing. I could fit the more scale-like 4 inch Robart diamond tread wheels, but alas, no room to angle the wheels so that they track straight. The wheel is so thick that when extended, the they have too much toe-in. The right amount of toe-in causes them to not fully retract into the wing. So I switched to 3-1/2 inch, skinnier wheels. Full wheel doors, including the inner doors, and operating doors on the retractable tail wheel as well. Fiberglassed with 0.5 ounce cloth and Minwax Polycrylic. Automotive type lacquer primer. Warbird colors paints. I didn't want to invest in decent paint spray equipment, so I brushed it on and have been very pleased with how it looks. No brush marks. Very nice. Recommend you paint all of the markings, and avoid using any decals. They are very thick. I painted on the stars and bars. Used some of the tiny enamel Testor's bottles to paint the dummy radial engine and the cockpit kit details. Used Modern Masters metallic silver for the natural metal finish where needed. Couple of coats of Top Flite Lustrekote over the whole thing. All up weight is 10 pounds, 6 ounces. Magnum .91 4 cycle nitro engine. My build is finished, but I'm still checking it out fully. Hope to do some high speed taxiing very soon. Ask specific questions, and I'll be glad to tell you what I did. Good luck! Ed
Posted on: 2/7/2012 8:37 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948073

RE: E-Flite retracts and battery
After 14 hours on the charger (at 150ma rate), I tried out the NiMH 20000 mah, 6 volt pack and am happy to report that the retracts work fine now. It's a Hydrimax (Hobbico) pack. I haven't weighed the pack, but the Hobbico web site has it listed as 5.4 ounces A standard Nicd 4 cell pack is about 4.2 ounces. Brought the battery and cycler with me to work, so it's discharging now. I want to see if the new pack is at full capacity. Thanks for everyone's assistance. I like to understand what and why instead of throwing money at the problem hoping the problem will go away. Ed
Posted on: 2/7/2012 4:38 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10947745

RE: E-Flite retracts and battery
The airplane is a Top Flite P-47, the 63 inch winspan, .60 size. Weight, including retracts and everything but fuel is 10 pounds, 6 ounces. I built the kit, not the ARF, fiberglassed with Minwax polycrylic and painted with Warbird Colors. Painted with a brush, by the way, and it came out really nice. Didn't think it would look this good brushed on. Using a Magnum .91 four cycle. E-Flite 85 degree retracts on the mains and the Robart 121 mechanical retract tailwheel. Balance came out right on the money. Placed all servos well ahead in the fuselage. Already on the building board is the Top Flite P-40 Warhawk. Don't think I'll go with retracts on this one, unless E-Flite or Robart comes out with a rotating retract reasonably priced in the very near future. After that, it's the Top Flite F4U Corsair, then the TF P-51D. Just love those Top Flite Gold Edition kits! No ARFs for me!
Posted on: 2/6/2012 1:37 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10946833

RE: E-Flite retracts and battery
[u]Flyer in OKC:[/u] with all due respect, I don't see how I answered my own question. The E-Flite web site states 900 ma at stall. Unless something is physically blocking the operation, the retracts should never be at stall. My guess is that at normal operation, enough current is being drawn to cause the voltage to drop. Power (voltage times current) is then not enough to finish the job, and the retracts then stall. My understanding is that 600mah battery means that the battery can deliver 600 ma for one hour, thus the mah (milliamp-hour) abbreviation. The retracts operate for 2-3 seconds at a time. The pack should be able to deliver a higher amount of ma for such a short duration. But this also causes the voltage to drop and thus not enough power (watts=voltage times current). I would think that your 9 servo setup would operate fine with a stock 4.8 volt or 6 volt, 600 mah or 700 mah battery pack. Your retracts are pneumatic, so not draining the battery other than to operate a valve. Unless you are running high drain digital servos, a standard pack should be fine to cut the mustard. I am using a 2.4 Ghz radio, but am running all standard Futaba S3004 analog servos-for 7 servos. 2 for flaps, 2 for ailerons, 1 each for rudder, elevator, throttle. The tailwheel retract is a mechanical retract with a retract servo. Don't remember which one. I just bought a 2000 mah, 5 cell NiMH receiver pack today. The higher amps capacity should allow the pack to operate the retracts while having enough amps in reserve to keep the volts up. It will take a couple of days to charge, cycle and charge before I can test it out. I'll post again at that time. Hopefully with positive results.
Posted on: 2/6/2012 12:41 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10946739

RE: E-Flite retracts and battery
Fred: Your post is exactly what I had in mind. Using a separate, higher ampacity and maybe higher voltage battery pack dedicated to the retracts. I like it! I'm certain that the standard receiver pack is just not able to supply the amps needed, and this causes the voltage to drop during operation. Not enough amps and not enough volts causes the retracts to stop working. My setup has no binding, and 85 degrees is proper for this airplane. The retracts are in good position when retracted and when extended. 85 degrees will go fully retracted into the wing and fully entended 90 degrees to the ground. Again, thanks Fred. I'm off to the LHS for a separate battery pack and wiring for the retracts. Ed
Posted on: 2/5/2012 12:59 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10945345

RE: E-Flite retracts and battery
Yes, the receiver battery pack has been cycled very recently and is at full capacity. I disagree that the pack is too small for the 7 servos. I'm just wondering if the retracts are drawing too much current for the pack to supply when they are working to pull up the wheels into the wing. If this is the case, then yes, the pack is too small. Any other opinions on this situation?
Posted on: 2/4/2012 1:32 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10943792

E-Flite retracts and battery
Need some opinions. I have just built a Top Flite P-47 60 size. I have installed a set of E-Flite 60-120 size, 85 degree electic retracts. The retracts easily get bogged down and will not retract all the way up. They stall out about 1 inch short of the wing. The wheels are 3 and 3/8 ounces each. I have Robart plastic strut covers over the E-Flite 5mm struts. It seems to me that the weight is not excessive to expect the retracts to pull them all the way up. I am not using Robo-struts, just plastic strut covers. I am certain that nothing is getting hung up or obstructing the path of the retract operation. I notice that the E-Flite web site states that these retracts have a 900 ma draw at stall. I'm using a 600 mah, 5 cell nicad receiver pack. Could this possibly be causing the issue? Should I be using a higher capacity receiver battery, or somehow use a separate, higher amp battery to power the retracts? Thoughts, please! Ed
Posted on: 2/4/2012 12:02 PM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10943702

RE: Half A Diamond
Vince: I would also like to get info on this airplane, just for nostalgia. It was the first R/C airplane that I attempted to fly and it didn't last long. I think I had a Veco .29 in it. Can you supply info like the wingspan, engine range, etc? Any such info listed on the box? A phot of the box and contents would be great.
Posted on: 1/12/2012 9:50 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10905092

TF Gold Edition kit F4U Corsair
Bax: I see on the Top Flite web site that the Gold Edition kit (TOPA0101) was updated to make some improvements. Was the catalog number changed at that time? Any other way to know the difference between the original Gold Edition version of the kit and the re-designed version? Ed
Posted on: 9/26/2011 5:27 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10734429

RE: Sukhoi Su-26M BNF by ParkZone
My head is spinning trying to follow through this thread about the SU26m. No wonder I can't fly this thing worth a darn! I bought a used PZ SU26m, not knowing it is a dog. What is the consensus regarding improving performance? Should I replace the motor that came with it with the SU26xp motor? Should I change the propeller also? Go with a different motor?
Posted on: 9/14/2011 5:07 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Electric Indoor & Micro RC Flight"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10715911

RE: Top Flite Gold Edition P-47 .60 size
Thank you, Bax! Glad I didn't miss reinforcing the wing center, if I needed to!
Posted on: 8/24/2011 3:27 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10684703

Top Flite Gold Edition P-47 .60 size
I am in the process of constructing this kit. I notice a piece of fiberglass cloth included in the kit. It is of a size that would typically be used to strengthen the center of a wing. However, the instruction book does not ever address the use of this cloth. The plans do not show the cloth being used in any way, such as for where the two wing halves join together. Can you confirm what this cloth is for? Ed
Posted on: 8/19/2011 10:13 AM by Author "edbu1" in the forum "Great Planes, TopFlite, Duraplane, US Aircore"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10677524