RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
I have heard that some are putting gyros in but that takes away the fun of it all. It does require a lot of attention on takeoff. Rudder, speed, takeoff angle. Keeps you on your toes. But again that's the fun of it. If it's too easy , then it's boring. I'm researching engines now and hope to have something before the first snow. Dave R..
Posted on: 10/25/2009 4:11 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201040

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
I had posted a pic of my Spad but guess it did'nt get through. Will try again here. Since that time I did get a chance to try it out. It is one fantastic looking aircraft in the air. I am disapointed in the performance though. I installed a G-38 thinking it adequate. Not so. If you have one and are thinking of using it; I would suggest something larger 40-50 size. Some may say "it flys scale" If this is scale I feel sorry for those back then that had to fly the real thing. It is wowfully under powered. Don't get me wrong, it will fly. Barely.. So I will be upgrading the engine. It is stable in flight and easy to land. Being underpowered it is a handfull to take off. The G-38 is only rated a 2.3 hp. Not much for an engine this size. My fault for not checking it out. Still a great looking plane. Hope the pic takes. Dave R...
Posted on: 10/24/2009 2:32 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9198660

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Clearblue I thought I was going to be finished today with the new Spad but as luck would have it the prop Just knicks the cowl so I'll have to do some adjustments. Otherwise it will be done soon. I will post a pic when all is done. Our season is fading fast, so I need to get this thing in the air. Dave R...
Posted on: 10/13/2009 10:53 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9171409

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Back in the game. Started a new kit. About done with the top wing. Made templets from the new kit to fix my busted Spad. No major changes in mind. Slightly larger prop, maybe a little more nose weight. Will set the throws with duel rates. Will pick a better day for first flight. Thats about it. Will keep you posted. Dave R...
Posted on: 8/12/2009 7:52 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9011626

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
It was'nt the first time and probably won't be the last. New kit arrived. Will get to work on it..Dave R...
Posted on: 6/28/2009 10:34 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8889468

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Have looked over the remains. The Spad is rebuildable but will take a lot of work so I ordered a new kit and will use those pieces to make templets for repairs. Then at some point after building the new kit, will repair the old. Can never have enough planes around you know. I will probably up the prop to a 20X8 for more thrust. I thought the 18 lacking a bit. At least I'll know what I'm doing so the next build should go faster. Happy Fathers day....Dave R...
Posted on: 6/21/2009 5:05 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8869517

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Basically it just stalled on take off. It left the ground sooner than expected. That was OK but we had a nasty crosswind at our backs. Not being trimmed yet it veared into the wind slowing it even more. Not much altitude to compensate. Almost made it. But left tire hit first at angle and threw the plane to the right snapping the wing and fuse in half. Looked it over and can be repaired... At some point. No big deal. Been there ...done that . Dave R..
Posted on: 6/19/2009 9:10 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8864457

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Had a Bad day...Dave R...
Posted on: 6/18/2009 1:07 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8861168

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Rain steady today. Field must look like a swamp. Four at once..now that must have been a sight . Would be great if you can get the video up. An 18' prop will spin faster. Worth a try. Dave R...
Posted on: 6/11/2009 10:21 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8843752

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Well it's been a few weeks since I finished the Spad. Must be on Mother Natures &%$# list. If it is'nt raining here in NJ, the fields a sopping mess. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good few days. Dave R...
Posted on: 6/10/2009 5:59 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8841949

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Finished..........Need to balance and do final preflight..........then off to the field. Hope all works out. Will let you know. Dave R
Posted on: 5/25/2009 12:14 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8795903

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
WWONEGUY Wondering how you liked the control throws sugggested in the manual. Too much , too little ?? Getting ready to install the engine. Finished with the electrics and control rods. Getting close. Dave R
Posted on: 5/18/2009 8:21 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8778355

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Were talking Toe In and out. Even when the axle compresses you still have toe in or out depending.
Posted on: 5/15/2009 9:44 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8772561

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Bend the wire..........
Posted on: 5/15/2009 1:11 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8771340

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
wwoneguy Interesting. You say it likes to turn left on taxi ? but flys well...........Prop torq , wheel alignment maybe. If it were turning in the air I might guess lateral balance. Give Balsa a call. Maybe they can help. I finished painting and have started to assemble all the parts. Just need to install the control rods, wing servos and engine. Thats about it. Should be in the air shortly. If you discover anyting, let me know. Dave R,,,
Posted on: 5/15/2009 8:32 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8770715

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
wwoneguy When you installed the G-38, did you pitch the engine as in the instructions ?? 3-2-1 washers. I'm starting to paint now. I hope to be up soon. Dave R...
Posted on: 5/3/2009 2:08 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8736827

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Congratulations WWONEGUY..........Nice job. Must have been a little windy as you could hear it in the background. The G38 sounded sweet. Again nice job............Now it's your turn...DaveR
Posted on: 5/2/2009 10:50 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8734075

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
So where did everyone go ???? Need some stories. I finished the build. Now it's time to paint.....Dave R
Posted on: 4/30/2009 8:17 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8730134

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Desided to take a break from the weather here in NJ. So off to AZ to visit the father in law. When I got off the plane and entered the airport look what was there to greet me..DaveR
Posted on: 4/21/2009 8:27 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8703203

RE: SHRIKE CLUB # 1
If you've got the Bucks..........
Posted on: 4/7/2009 11:53 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8659982

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
We had a mega wind Sat. as well. So no flying here. Sorry to hear about the skid. Lucky that's all that was damaged. Guess we'll all have to wait till next weekend. I still need to cover and paint so it will be awhile. I'm sure you know the G-38 is rated for an 18x10 prop so why the 20? Dave R
Posted on: 4/6/2009 4:09 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8654975

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Tower sells the Dubro vintage 7" wheels for $37.99. Item # LXKLV1. That's what I bought. Dave R...
Posted on: 4/5/2009 6:19 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8651611

RE: SHRIKE CLUB # 1
Not much more than stock with the baffle removed and not as loud as a Tuned pipe. The benefits out weigh the DB's. Dave...
Posted on: 4/2/2009 12:47 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8640661

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Received the covering the other day and have sanded most to the components. Any tricks to covering the scallops other than what's printed in the instruction booklet ??????? Dave R...
Posted on: 4/1/2009 12:43 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8637232

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
I'm about finished with construction. Did a bunch of sanding today. Getting ready for covering when it arrives. Took the G-38 out for a little test run on a stand I constructed. No problems. Started right up. I did buy the fuel tank that was listed in the instructions but will probably go smaller. Still need to install the electrics and control rods. Thinking of going with a pull-pull setup on the rudder instead of the single rod. That's where I'm at. Dave R...
Posted on: 3/30/2009 3:49 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8631778

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
The DA is a nice engine. One thing to check, it is a rear carb setup. The firewall on the Spad is adjustable but only by so much. You may want to check some specs first. Just a suggestion. Dave R...
Posted on: 3/25/2009 3:34 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8615740

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Warren, The CG is 4 1/4" back from leading edge top wing. DaveR... RC, I think a DA-50 would be overkill for this model. But it's your choice.
Posted on: 3/25/2009 12:01 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8613841

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
So I tried a little paint experiment and this is what happened. I purchased a sample flat color from HD to try out. I took a piece of wood to test on and painted a spot as it came out of the can. I thinned the paint as if to spray and painted another spot. Then I painted a third spot also thinned. The thinned second spot I coated with Minwax fast dry polyurethane clear satin. I want the paint to be flat. I sprayed the third spot wiht another acrylic poly I had laying around. When these were dry I spilled gas on all three spots. The first spot, just out of the can became soft an wiped off. The second with minwax poly lost it's sheen and you could see where the gas had been . Same thing on spot three. So back to square one unless someone has THE answer. Dave R...
Posted on: 3/24/2009 6:26 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8612486

RE: SHRIKE CLUB # 1
You might want to look into a Macs style black pipe for a few more rpm and a little less weight....Dave
Posted on: 3/24/2009 8:04 AM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8610707

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
I tried to tell Busa. Hopefully their reading this forum. Nice fix CB. DaveR...
Posted on: 3/23/2009 8:08 PM by Author "europatc74" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8609095