RE: What mixture do you use to clean your plane ?
I use a feather duster, but then mine are E-Powered. :)
Posted on: 9/3/2011 4:56 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10699348

RE: When does the nevousness stop?
Yo Bro, I think I like your idea a lot more than my bananas! I guess that's why its called a six-pack of courage. After three or four, your inverted passes are a lot lower!! ;-)
Posted on: 6/15/2011 4:59 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10574988

RE: When does the nevousness stop?
If you're lucky, you will always have some nervousness when you fly. Professional entertainers will tell you they always have a bit of stage fright before performing. Flying an RC model is one of the most mentally draining things we can do. In time we get more acclimated and it doesn't seem as prevalent as earlier. Stepping up the complexity or investment (time or money spent) renews the jitters for me. When testing a new model, I find it helps me to spend some time thinking out my sequence of events before the flight. I think there is less pressure if you always know what you want to do next. I had a professional musician once tell me that eating a banana just prior to a performance always tends to lessen the jitters. I don't know if it was putting some solid food in your tummy, blood/sugar balance, or if the content actually made a difference but it always helped me. When I used to compete, I would keep some bananas in my cooler for use just prior to my flights. Even if it doesn't work for you, bananas are a good wholesome food. Can't hurt.
Posted on: 6/14/2011 4:13 PM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10574143

RE: The dreaded step!
I don't really know what you guys are talking about, never been there.. For me, it's putting those darned decals on. I can never get them straight. They don't slide around like the old decals in plastic kits used to do. By the time I realize that they are crooked, it's too late. And, I can never figure out which way a Star and Bar should point on the wings. Thank goodness there are ARFs out there now that have the decals already installed. Thank you Frankie T. :)
Posted on: 6/1/2011 6:00 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10551411

RE: Pretty est Airliner never modeled caravelle
Has anyone ever wondered why the French can design such beautiful airplanes, but have such plug-ugly automobiles?
Posted on: 5/18/2011 7:10 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10527212

RE: Scale ARFs in Competition Debate: 2011 edition
Stickbuilder, It's good to hear from another scale freak in the Nashville area. Would love to hear from you and maybe arrange to get together sometime at one of our local meets. My current fleet: 30 yr old Proctor N-28 Gary Allen Tiger Moth Don Smith Mosquito Carden Extra 260 Original 25 % Cessna 172 (designer scale) Tom Nelson 615-969-9259 kcac310@aol.com
Posted on: 5/9/2011 5:49 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10509685

RE: Need Help
Gordon, 'Care to tell us who you're talking about? Seriously, I am more than dissappointed to see how you feel about some/one of your fellow club members and that you would advertise such in a public forum. I think there's room in this hobby for everyone. In the mean time, take comfort in the fact that your concern is no longer valid. Tom
Posted on: 4/14/2011 5:54 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10461966

RE: Whats a warbird?
I'm glad this question has come up. I had no idea there was an issue of defining a "warbird". Silly me, I just thought if it was developed for the military, used by the military and flown by military pilots it would be considered a war bird. My time spent in Viet Nam flying KC-135s doesn't seem to qualify as "war" missions with some of you. Could'a fooled me! Maybe we should clarify what our events are when we advertise them. I'd hate to spend $4.00 a gallon to drag my 30% Tiger Moth to your event only to be told it doesn't qualify. Even if it does have an accurate & documented finish, color and markings. Seriously, why don't one of you ask the EAA how they handle this question. They have competition events for different classes of aircraft at Oskosh and Sun 'n Fun.
Posted on: 3/15/2011 8:45 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10401376

RE: whats the best beginner traner kit to buy?
Put me down for the Sig LT-40 as well. Here are some points that haven't been mentioned yet, but I think are very important to the newcomer. My experience building the LT-40 was 10 years ago but I doubt things have changed much. Sig did an excellent job developing the instruction manual. Every step was clearly explained and accompanied with nice clear photos. The instructions not only got the job done, but taught the newcomer procedures that would be used again many times on more complex kits. Things like C/A hinge installation, tank installation, etc. The Senorita is a great flying airplane as well, altho a bit more complex to build. And should you have any problems locating a kit, the Goldberg trainer is also a good choice. I've seen awful jobs of building these airplanes, but typical of Goldgerg reputation, they all flew great. I applaud your choice to build your first model and not fall into the ARF rut with everyone else. You just doubled your enjoyment with the hobby.
Posted on: 2/23/2011 7:26 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10357542

RE: Is toe-in good to have on a Ziroli Stuka used on asphalt ?
Ed. Remember, cars have tow-in and not tow-out for a good reason. Tow-in contributes to straight-ahead stability. It also causes the steering to try to center when turning. All models should have some slight tow-in for directional stability. It's even more important with a tail dragger. The C.G. on your Stuka is aft of the main gear and as such, the model is just looking for an excuse to yaw and turn. A subtle contributor to tow-out is a slop in the gear its self. If the wheels are too loose and wobbly on the axles, that will equate to tow-out the first time the model senses a yawing action. Snug up wobbly wheels with some inserts of brass tubing. Any looseness and play in the gear needs to be eliminated. Some of our expensive retract systems with their sissor linkage have a lot of slop and benefit from some shim work. I really think the most of your problem is rudder control. Note that the Stuka vertical stab/rudder isn't all that large to begin with, and when the tail settles during the roll-out, there is a tendency for the wing to blankout some of the effectiveness of the rudder. If you don't believe this is a factor, ask any Beech D-18 pilot :) Good luck and let us know if any of this helps.
Posted on: 1/22/2011 8:01 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10280132

RE: FAAs Regs = End of Speed planes?
Gents, The following paragraph is a copy/paste of an email I sent to Rich Hanson who is our (AMA's) point person for dealings with the FAA. This email was sent on December 9 of this year, and not surprising, I have not heard any reply from Mr. Hanson. Is it possible the AMA is crying wolf to stimulate membership? Rich, I know the modeling world is in a bit of a dither now over the pending regulatory action by the FAA. I am a Leader Member as well as retired FAA Operations Inspector. There are some things I would like to discuss with you that may be of some assistance with this matter. I can normally be reached on my cell phone at: 615-969-9259. Tom Nelson AMA 14513
Posted on: 12/22/2010 6:29 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Extreme Speed Prop Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10211424

RE: Best Crash Excuses
As was heard years ago at a Flying Evaluation Board in Penescola, "I came in a little high, landed long and bounced a couple of times, ran off the end of the runway, hit the railroad track and lost control of the airplane."
Posted on: 11/25/2010 8:16 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10158549

RE: Three bladed props vs. two bladed props.
While my DA-100 is definetly quieter with a Mejzlik 3 blade, there is one significant difference all of you have missed. When hand proping the engine, the trailing blade is 60 degrees closer to your fingers than with a two blade prop. Ask me how I know, :( It's been two weeks now and it still smarts....
Posted on: 11/24/2010 8:22 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10156218

RE: Mode 1 verses Mode 2
Someone once said our passion for R/C flying is based on the ability to experience some aspect of aviation that we are otherwise unable. That may be due to age, finances, location, physical abilities, etc. Having said that, the age old discussion of Mode 1 vs. Mode 2 is easily resoloved. We all know that every fighter ever designed had one stick for elevator and another for ailerons. :-)
Posted on: 11/14/2010 9:41 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10134378

RE: Yet a fresh poll...
G-Pete, As an old far*, let me cast my vote for 1/4 scale. It's so much easier to put decals on a larger model!
Posted on: 8/30/2010 9:07 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9968923

RE: This could not have happened at a worse time...
Our hobby would be much better served if we spent more time in our workshops and less on our computers!!!
Posted on: 8/20/2010 9:53 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9947121

RE: Nats Shrinking
Many of the above commented mostly on the financial aspects of attending the Nats. I have a solution for you! I attended the Mint Julep Scale Contest this year and noted a lot of bright orange shirts present. So many so that one contestant actually tried to color an ordinary T-shirt orange with a magic marker in a effort to blend in. (Or that's what it looked like, anyway). Rumors were flying (pardon the pun) that these sponsored pilots had financial assistance for competing. It was agreed by a group of spectators that one of the contestants actually had his 5 cylinder radial and biplane paid for by the sponsor. I don't want to point fingers but the sponsors name was in big bold letters on these shirts. Orange shirts. Just to emphasize how successful this trend is becoming, my club hosted a helicopter contest recently and when a group picture was taken, I noticed that 16 of the 17 contestants had these bright orange shirts. So, the obvious answer is to get yourself a couple of these orange shirts. But beware, there appears to be a personal commitment you must agree to if your are going to seek this direction; First of all, you must ignore all of your previous friends and acquaintances and speak only to those with orange shirts. Walking about with your nose held high is also recommended, but optional. Second, never be humble. Assert yourself in a positive manner when performing for the judges. This facilitates the "Halo" factor for your scores. And last, you must have your name embroidered on your pocket. Something like "Al Wondeful or Hero Jones" Now if I could only find our where they are getting these shirts!!! If you get
Posted on: 7/31/2010 10:19 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9901049

RE: !/4 scale WWI kits?
I don't think you can beat a Proctor kit for quality. Also, they have a very complete line of accessories and documentation data. I personally have been flying a N-28 for nearly 30 years. I did a bit of a restoration 3 years ago to address aging covering issues. Originally I powered the aircraft with a O.S. FT-160 and after the redo , I replaced it with a Saito R-170. Both engines did a fine job of hauling the model around in a scale fashion. And sounded great in the mean time. Before you make your final decisions you should look into Arizona Model Aircrafters as well. They have some nice stuff as well as killer accessories. Good luck.
Posted on: 7/26/2010 7:34 PM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9890184

RE: !/4 scale WWI kits?
I don't think you can beat a Proctor kit for quality. Also, they have a very complete line of accessories and documentation data. I personally have been flying a N-28 for nearly 30 years. I did a bit of a restoration 3 years ago to address aging covering issues. Originally I powered the aircraft with a O.S. FT-160 and after the redo , I replaced it with a Saito-170. Both engines did a fine job of hauling the model around in a scale fashion. And sounded great in the mean time. Before you make your final decisions you should look into Arizona Model Aircrafters as well. They have some nice stuff as well as killer accessories. Good luck.
Posted on: 7/26/2010 7:33 PM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9890179

RE: Whats Average Training Time for Newbies?
Lots of good points in this one. Let me add my $0.02 worth as well. Frequency, it's been mentioned but you need to hear it again. Fly at least one day per week. Simulators, worth their weight in gold. They don't help a lot with peripheral issues, but help a great deal with orientation when the model is coming toward you. Here's some new thoughts to this forum; fatigue. Learning to fly R/C is one of the most mentally fatiguing things we can do. Limit your lessons to three flight per day. Any more than that and you will start making mental errors and adding to your frustrations. The last point is one that is heavily trained in the airline industry and that is the Stabilized Approach Concept. It means at some point well out on final approach, the model should be on centerline and not angling toward the runway, on a proper glide path and not being drug in or dived at the runway and lastly on proper speed. If you would imagine a "billboard sized" window 300 - 400 ft. on final and always try to fly through that window it will help a bunch. Learning to land a model is a two step process, the first being a stable approach and when this is mastered, then learning how to flare out for the actual touchdown. When I am teaching students, we concentrate on flying a stabilized approach followed by a go-around until the student can consistently fly an approach to the flare point. Only then do we continue through the flare to a touchdown. The last point is a freebie and that is learning to do a proper go-around. If the whole thing has curdled and you've lost the stabilized approach, do a go-around. The ability to execute a good go-around and to do it anytime things aren't right is a valuable safety tool. Never try to salvage a landing from a poor approach. Good luck!
Posted on: 7/25/2010 9:51 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9886976

RE: In the corn, in the blank corn
Here's another slant on the subject for those of us that are destined to experience the same thing. 1.) Establish some sort of reference point for where you last saw the model. Then use a straight line to that point as a beginning. 2.) Understand the old adage that the model is always further away than you thought. 3.) When landing in corn, expect the model to slither down nose first . It's almost as if they don't want to be found. and 4.) Carry your transmitter with you and when you get to where you think the model might be, move the sticks some to make some servo sounds. It's amazing how well that sound will carry. 'Glad you got your model back.
Posted on: 7/10/2010 9:44 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9855833

RE: New builder mistakes
JW, I hope this means you're going to join the ranks of model builders. We need more of you in this hobby. And I think you will find that building will become one of your greatest pleasures. There's nothing like the experience of seeing what was once a box of sticks come flying past. I have been building models for over 60 years and every test flight is another exhilarating experience. Everything mentioned by those above is important and valid, you've received good advice. Let me toss in a couple more points. Consider building a trainer such as the Sig LT-40. It's a great airplane and moreover, the instructions do a great job of leading a beginner throught the assembly process. They not only show you how to assemble the model, but teach techniques and procedures that you will use on future projects. Things like hinge installation, etc. I think the biggest factor in what makes a GOOD LOOKING model is a combination of sandpaper and patience. On the first count, see your hobby shop for some sanding blocks made by Great Planes. They come in various lengths. I would recommend getting two of them each one foot long. Buy the accompanying adhesive backed sandpaper. It comes in various grades. You can even cut strips of the paper and stick it to small blocks of wood and (my favorite is one side of a metal file.) The more rigid the backing ,the better the results. You need to establish a love afair with sandpaper. On the second count, patience. Don't expect a masterpiece on your first attempt. Take your time but also know that you will get better with more experience. One trueism I like to pass on is "In building models, there is no goof-up that can't be un-goofed". It's a shame the same can't be said for flying.
Posted on: 7/5/2010 10:25 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9845569

RE: Open letter to Horizon Hobby and JR Radios
Let me put a slightly different twist on this issue. I recently decided to move into the 21st century and purchase a 2.4 system. I have been using a 10X for approximately 10 yrs and have been more than happy with the radio. When I mentioned my intentions to the local hobby shop that I was considering buying a new 9503 radio, they offered that if I didn't mind waiting a couple of weeks, the new 11X would be coming in stock. When I inquired about the price and what the system included, I discovered that it was ONLY AVAILABLE WITH A 9 CHANNEL RECEIVER!!!! I asked if they could order the radio with a 12 channel rx and was told that it was not possible. I am a big gfan of live and let live and I understand there are people out there with interest that differ from mine, but what I need in scale modeling is CHANNELS not bells and whistles. I don't care how many flight mode switches you have, I just don't like to use Y-Harnesses if I don't have to. I truly wish Horizon would have made this radio available with a better reciever. But then, I don't think Horizon gives a hoot about the needs and wants of their customers anymore. I have tried for 4 days (and I don't know how many cell phone minutes) to get an answer to a simple question that should have been included in the marginal-at-best operators manual that came with my new radio.
Posted on: 7/3/2010 7:32 PM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9842928

RE: TBS Micro Sound System experiences
the engine sound and hopefully the wiring task should be simple. Thanks a bunch. exfed. email
Posted on: 4/29/2010 6:35 PM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Electric General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9698666

RE: TBM warbird warranty question
and you will obtain maximum scale points." Shame on you TBM, and shame on you too, Frankie T. Exfed
Posted on: 4/26/2010 9:30 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9689773

RE: Remembering Carl Goldberg Models
In the early 1980's, I owned and operated a hobby shop in Miami, Fl. I ordered Eagle 63 & Eaglet 50 kits in case lots. There was never a dissapointed customer and every model flew as it should. I tried to help the beginners along and would test fly and trim out their models when our schedules allowed. After trimming, I would make a low speed inspection pass and as the plane passed abeam, I would mention "Do you remember when it was just a box of balsa wood?" There answer was always the same, a slowly uttered, "Yeah". The thing that is missing in todays Avistars is the pride of ownership and accomplishment that Carl gave the hobby. I think the thing I hear most often when we discuss Goldberg kits, is no matter how badly you messed it up, they still flew great. Thanks Carl
Posted on: 9/27/2009 9:17 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9127018

RE: KEN/TENN FLYING
frank and gordon, why don't you just combine the two names , Splat and Cap, "and come up with the Clap!"
Posted on: 6/4/2009 11:00 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8824996

RE: FAA Notice of Proposed Rule Making
My favorite: Sec. 121.385 Composition of flight crew. (b) In any case in which this part requires the performance of two or more functions for which an airman certificate is necessary, that requirement is not satisfied by the performance of multiple functions at the same time by one airman. Copy/pasted direct from faa.gov I have more....
Posted on: 10/2/2007 10:23 AM by Author "exfed" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6439711