RE: First Kit Build: basic questions
Yes, a tack cloth is a must. Any debris on the model will be amplified by the covering. ArcticCatRider's post is correct. Sanding is the most cumbersome part of building a model, but it will give you the best aesthetic results. Don't get lazy. It will take a long time and a lot of effort, but it is worth it. After it is well sanded, find a very clean room to do the covering. Don't let any debris get near your baby.
Posted on: 10/30/2009 11:11 AM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9214895

RE: Tips for first plane build
Have to agree with the SPAD. I haven't built one, but from speaking with SPAD builders, there is a great deal of pride in how cheaply they can build an airplane. The only items you will need from a hobby shop are the engine and 3 servos and a radio. Everything else can be bought at Home Depot ( or found in the garbage ). Some people are using cardboard.
Posted on: 9/30/2009 3:30 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9136316

RE: Ruined my weekend
I was 14 or 15 years of age and decided to tackle a balsa wood airplane kit. I had built dozens and dozens of plastic models and the found a nice big model. I had never worked with balsa before, but thought I'd give it a shot. I believe it was a Cessna 150 or 152 or 172 ( this was back in 1989 or 90). I didn't have any intentions of flying it, because I didn't have the money to get a receiver or engine. I just wanted to build the plane. So I spent all summer on it. At least three solid months. From memory, it probably needed a .40 size engine. And there was no Monokote involved. This was all fabric and dope. I still remember that dope smell. I covered it in my bedroom, so I'm sure I lost at least one hemisphere of my brain that summer. Decals applied. Wheels. Everything but the engine and radio gear. I thought it looked pretty good for a first try. I had it on my bed after completing the plane. Just waiting to get some string to hang it from my ceiling. Then a friend came over. We started wrestling for some reason. He jumped up from the floor and landed directly on top of my plane. Less than a couple of days after completing it. Landing gear smashed up through the bottom of the floor. Spars piercing the wings. I remember not being very angry at the time, but knowing what I know now about how hard kit building is....I think I'm a little ticked-off.
Posted on: 9/26/2009 9:57 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126339

RE: kit vs ARF
Nothing more gratifying than looking at a kit built skeleton just prior to covering. The sanding is the biggest pain, but if done properly creates a good looking plane.[image]http://image2-6.rcuniverse.com/e1/forum/upfiles/311979/Pv53316.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 9/12/2009 9:43 AM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9089168

RE: Viper Ready to Cover thoughts?
[quote]I can get some pictures of the Viper I'm building of these mods if you want. [/quote] That would be great. You can post them on this thread. [quote]I ditched the stock backplate mount supplied with the kit and got a new mount (available through Darrolcady.com) [/quote] Heard this may be an issue. I'll be strapping a Jett .50 engine on the Viper. I'm not insterested in AMA legal, just want to see how fast I can get it going. I want it to be rock solid. [quote]Get the ARF version. Like has been said, you don't have to cover it, and you don't have to fiberglass the nose section either. [/quote] The reason I'm considering the RTC version is that it will afford me the option to strengthen the frame, wing and tail. I'd prefer access to everything. Also, I'll be covering it with UltraCote. I had good success with UltraCote on a Sig Wonder. It seemed to really harden the wing and frame. Edit: Also, it was suggested I trim the wings to 36 inches to get more speed. This will be easier minus the covering.
Posted on: 9/4/2009 7:29 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9070286

Viper Ready to Cover thoughts?
Hi. I'm thinking of getting a Viper Ready to Cover plane. Anyone tried one of these yet? [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWPJ0]see it here[/link]
Posted on: 9/4/2009 2:39 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9069776

RE: First Kit
I don't know if the kit is still available, but the Venture 60 was my first kit. Precise. Challenging. Excellent support if you have questions. http://www.btemodels.com/ Here is my kit build thread: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5723966/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm
Posted on: 8/16/2009 9:20 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9021400

RE: Fiberglassing tips and techniques?
I'm assuming the fiberglassing is to increase the strength of the wing.
Posted on: 7/26/2009 3:50 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8965367

Fiberglassing tips and techniques?
Hi. I'm going to purchase the Viper RTC (Ready To Cover) [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWPJ0&P=7]see it here[/link]plane. It states the plane needs to be fiberglassed prior to covering. Any tips or instructions on how to fiberglass? Thanks.
Posted on: 7/25/2009 10:55 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8963880

Saito .82 Quits when idle
Hi. I have a Saito .82 engine that quits whenever I quickly move the throttle from full to idle. If I slowly move the throttle from full to idle, it doesn't quit. I've played around with the high and low end needles but haven't had any luck. Any suggestions? Is this a low end issue?
Posted on: 4/17/2009 10:41 AM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8689705

RE: P-39 Airacobra / Global Quality Kits Build
Yes, I did fly it. I had a thunder tiger .15 in her at first. Again, I mounted the firewall upside down, so the engine was upside down. It constantly locked because the fuel didn't drain properly, but I was finally able to get the engine going. I had a feeling she would be underpowered and she was. My take off rolls were very slow. The three blade prop I had on the engine didn't help, but I wanted as much of a scale look as possible. I switched props several times and finally had a prop that seemed to give me enough of a take-off to get off the ground. She left the ground and I pitched up too much and she stalled about 8 feet off the ground. Not too much damage. So I went back to the shop and put on an OS .25 LA I salvaged from a another plane. The mount was awful, but good enough to give her another try. Plenty of power this time and she flew nicely. After I landed, the mounting screws were shot and only two were still holding the engine to the mount. Now I need to completely redo the engine mount. But she flew. - No, I didn't not put anything between the wood and the flite-metal. The instructions call for the entire plane to be glazed first to seal all the pores, but I thought that would add too much weight for such a small plane.
Posted on: 3/28/2009 12:46 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8625685

RE: Sig Wonder Designed by Bruce Tharpe - 2nd Build
[quote]Do the new kits still require scoring the aft part of the fuselage bottom and "cracking" it upwards to get that upward sweep?? [/quote] Yes.
Posted on: 7/6/2008 5:46 AM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7698809

RE: P-39 Airacobra / Global Quality Kits Build
Well, finally finished her. I used Flite Metal http://www.scaleaero.com/flitemetal.htm to cover the plane. It required a lot of time, but I think it turned out ok.
Posted on: 7/5/2008 9:35 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7697961

RE: Can anyone help explain stalls to me?
[quote]Okay, here's my next question in regards to stalls - how to handle them. [/quote] Unfortunately, I don't believe RC aircraft come with published V-speeds. In a full size aircraft, the pilot would pitch for a Best-Glide airspeed. This would give the pilot the most time and distance in which to reach a suitable landing spot. In RC, it's essentially the same thing. Pitch the aircraft to give yourself a decent airspeed and try to achieve a nice decent angle into the wind for a reasonable landing.
Posted on: 6/29/2008 10:30 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7676182

RE: Can anyone help explain stalls to me?
Too slow!!! [:)] [quote]Power down Ailerons neutral Rudder applied in opposite direction of the spin Elevator gently pulled to straight and level flight [/quote] Also, it may be necessary to "break" the stall by aggressively pushing down elevator.
Posted on: 6/29/2008 10:24 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7676041

RE: Can anyone help explain stalls to me?
FYI. I stall is created whenever the critical angle of attack is exceeded. The critical angle is the chord line in relation to the relative wind. A wing can stall at any airspeed. If the critical angle is exceeded, there is a seperation of wind over the surface of the wing.
Posted on: 6/29/2008 9:43 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7675999

RE: extending muffler exhaust
[quote]what kit is it and will A .25 fit in there very well?? [/quote] I bought the kit at a local swap. It's a "Global Quality Kit". I think it's around 30 years old. I tried stuffing a .25 into it, but it push the nose out too far. The deflector may work.
Posted on: 6/7/2008 10:58 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7592991

RE: Becoming an intsructor
I would check out this book: http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/media/FAA-H-8083-9.pdf Came in useful when I completed my certified flight instructor training.
Posted on: 6/7/2008 8:44 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7592531

RE: extending muffler exhaust
[quote]what engine, muffler, and plane? I can't figure why you need so much [/quote] It's a Thunder Tiger .15 on a small P39 Airacobra Kit. Unfortunately, I installed the fire-wall backwards, so the engine mount was reversed. This forced me to flip the engine in order to align the engine correctly. So instead of the muffler being below the plane, it is actually pointing out of the top. I'd like to direct the exhaust under the wing to avoid the mess. You can see the predicament I created here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6334567/mpage_2/key_P-39%2CAiracobra/tm.htm
Posted on: 6/7/2008 8:34 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7592504

extending muffler exhaust
Hi. I'd like to extend my muffler exhaust in order to prevent fuel from spraying all over my model. I purchased an exhaust deflector, but it's not long enough. I'd like to extend it 6-8 inches. Any products or other ideas available?
Posted on: 6/7/2008 4:56 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7591868

New to BattleAxe combat. Building videos?
I bought a couple of battle axes. The instructions are decent, but I'm wondering if there are some videos available online to show the process. Thanks.
Posted on: 3/24/2008 5:04 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "RC Combat"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7275937

Four stroke Saito dying in air. Tweaks?
I have a Saito .82 engine on a Venture 60. Finally runs great after I fixed a tank issue, but now have another issue. Occassionally, if I'm full throttle, then back off to idle the engine stops. Is this a low end issue? If so, should I be looking to richen or lean the low end. Thanks.
Posted on: 3/24/2008 5:00 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7275917

Is there a constant speed RC prop?
Just wondering. Is there a constant speed prop available for RC aircraft?
Posted on: 3/5/2008 10:53 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7182534

RE: Tips to align elevator/rudder pushrod holes
Perfect SunDevil. Thanks.
Posted on: 2/24/2008 12:15 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7129026

Tips to align elevator/rudder pushrod holes
Any tips on how to accurately drill exit holes for elevator or rudder push rods? The plans are difficult to transfer to the plane. I'm hoping not to butcher the holes.
Posted on: 2/20/2008 10:03 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7110337

RE: P-39 Airacobra / Global Quality Kits Build
Now I can kind of see why there are so many "nearly" finished planes for sell at swap meets. I was laid-off and haven't had time to finish my Airacobra. But I'm getting my shop organized again and have decide to complete her. -- Funny, my last post was the day I was laid off. I have a question though.... What's the best way to line up the exit holes for the elevator and rudder push rods? I built a Venture 60 and my holes were waaaay off resulting in holes 10x larger than they should be. How can get these holes to be as close as possible to the correct location before drilling?
Posted on: 2/15/2008 5:48 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7081397

RE: Sig Wonder Designed by Bruce Tharpe - 2nd Build
[quote]I think he crashed it.[/quote] Another Wonder is down.... RIP: Sig Wonder Sunday February 10, 2008 Denton, Texas After unsucessfully completing a four-point turn at 100 mph at a height of five feet, Sig Wonder was laid to rest at approximately noon on a perfect Texas winter day. Mr. Wonder is survived by an OS .25 FX engine, three Hi-Tec servos (although one was so upset about the loss, it stripped all its gears), and a Spectrum receiver. It's tail was retrieved and will be displayed at its parent's home. We thank the Wonder's service to the RC community.
Posted on: 2/11/2008 9:56 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7061345

RE: Sig Wonder Designed by Bruce Tharpe - 2nd Build
I think he crashed it.
Posted on: 12/20/2007 4:41 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6783393

RE: Sig Wonder Designed by Bruce Tharpe - 2nd Build
[quote]I'm thinking about converting a Wonder to Astro 020 electric power[/quote] A pilot at our field converted (or perhaps created) a Wonder to electric. Not sure what he had in it, but it turned a 9x9 prop and was a rocket. I have a .25 OS FX, but it only had a 8x6 APC prop and wasn't able to keep up. He stuffed all the batteries forward of the CG and created a little hatch in the top/front of the fuselage to access the batteries.
Posted on: 12/19/2007 7:19 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6779666

RE: JU 52 - Tri Engine Kit - Where to find one?
[quote]I am Frank Roales the designer of the 94" JU52-3m mentioned here and would be glad to give anyone my input on your JU52 project. [/quote] Know where I can find a kit?
Posted on: 12/17/2007 8:31 PM by Author "foosball_movie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6770658