RE: anyone ever hit a bird??
I hit two within 30 days, with two different planes, pics on our website. First one I was flying my trusty Johnny Casburn Lucky Fly, hit a starling head on, it tore the spinner off the front, killed the engine, the bird slid off to the side and took a large chunk out of the leading edge of the foam wing. Made a perfect dead stick landing. Second time was with a Something Extra, I was just showing out and seeing how many rolls I could do before losing it. Must have flown thru a small flock of starlings, the bird went completly through one wing and stuck on the bottom side of the other wing. Now that was an adventure trying to get that one back into the field with that big hole on one side and the dead weight on the other.
Posted on: 3/28/2004 9:05 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1668630

OS 61 MAX SF Pumped
I've been storing this motor for several years, and finally decided to wring it out on a new project. I cannot find a manual or any good info on the engine anywhere. My question is, On the pump unit it has 4 nipples marked IN, OUT (pretty self explanatory), one marked S, which I am assuming is for a tube back to the base of the carb, and one marked R, which I am assuming is a return and should be hooked to the muffler. Are my assumptions correct? Other than that, my only other question is that on the nipples marked OUT and S, there are some type of slot heads that look like adjustments for something, are they of any importance?
Posted on: 1/4/2004 4:25 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "O.S. Engines Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1401530

Let's talk about work at the field
Over the years, I've belonged to several clubs, and it always seems to be the same, 10% end up doing 100% of the work. Let's kick around some ideas on how to get more involvement in maintaining the flying field. I know there are some out there that belong to clubs on "public lands" that have maintenance done for them. I'm talking about clubs on private lands that have to maintain the field themselves. I don't mind doing more than my fair share, but I really get ill when I hear folks make comments like "I come to the field to fly, not to work", or the others that have all kinds of suggestions for improvements, or how to take care of something, but that's as far as they go, suggestions.
Posted on: 6/17/2003 10:03 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=872346

Thanks
Thanks for the info. I knew there was one over there somewhere. I couldn't get the link for the website to work though. I'll have my buddy down there try to get hold of someone.
Posted on: 3/28/2003 1:52 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=653206

West GA or East AL Flying Field
Need some help in locating a club with a nice grass field in West GA, or East AL, along the I-20 corridor. Have a friend in that area that I visit often, and need a field to fly from. Any help in locating something would be much appreciated.
Posted on: 3/27/2003 10:37 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=653204

Should I re-do my Avistar wing?
As one can see from all the posts, everyone has their own opinions on these, and in the long run there is no right or wrong with any of these posts. I have built & flown dozens of these planes, and assisted in crashing a few of them. The newer versions of the ARTF do only come with a 5 inch wooden ply joiner. To be honest, I didn't even read the directions for that last one, but when I see a wooden joiner, it's epoxy those wing halves together all the way. There really wasn't anything wrong with the original design, with the steel rod, as long as you constantly checked those wing clamp screws. I have found in every Avistar I've seen, those screws eventually wallow out and come loose. If they do pop out in flight, that rod is only going to hold the wing together for so long before it does a beautiful spiral. Same goes for vert & horizon Stab. For anyone wanting the original question answered, you read all the responses, formulate your own opinion, then do what you feel comfortable with. As for me, it's glue, glue, glue.
Posted on: 1/25/2003 4:13 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=501941

Should I re-do my Avistar wing?
I have assembled/adjusted/repaired dozens of Avistars for folks. While everyone is mentioning the good part of epoxying the wing halves together, another critical spot is on the horizontal and vertical stabilizer. Those silly threaded rods just don't cut it after awhile, especially with the beating a beginner can dish out. Take the nuts off of the rods, remove both horizon. & vert stab, cut away the necessary covering, coat lightly with epoxy, then reassemble. Only other thing I can think of is to dab some epoxy around the servo mounting tray. Seen alot of them come loose after awhile.
Posted on: 1/23/2003 4:45 AM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=501917

Did you ever want to do this ?
I think El Piloto maybe turned his head the wrong way....
Posted on: 1/3/2003 4:47 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=456503

Top Flite Nobler ??
Just finished building mine. Definatly alot of creativity in the build process. As noted, it is cramped in the servo bay. Found I had to do alot of sanding and fitting to keep everything off of each other. Also, don't know what I did wrong, but I purchased the "recomended" fuel tank a GP 10 oz. No way would that thing fit in the space provided. Some 8 oz's woudn't go either. Ended up with a 8 oz flex tank. If looks count, it should fly great, everything is true, and balances out exactly as planned (I pushed my OS 46 as far out on the mounts as it would go).
Posted on: 12/31/2002 5:47 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=259886

Wings strong enough?
I've used a combination of CA and or carpenters glue. The CA works fine, and as noted placing your web spars correctly help. Epoxy on the wing halves only when joining. Remember, when you cover the wing ALOT of the strength will come from the covering job.
Posted on: 12/31/2002 5:36 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=427914

Maratuka Kits
I have only done 2 of the Marutaka kits, both the giant Corsair. I like the quality of wood and the plans, but as noted earlier, the instructions are not camparable to TF. Mine are 6 typewritten pages. But if you have built detailed kits previously, you can get by with those.
Posted on: 12/31/2002 5:32 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=448895

Top-Flite T-34
You and I need to hook up at some time. Just got the kit for Christmas (after dropping 962 hints). I plan on starting the build in late Jan. I'm also thinking of doing the A instead of the B.
Posted on: 12/25/2002 7:30 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=419878

what did santa bring
TF T-34 Mentor and TF Gold Spitfire. It gets warm here quick so I'm gonna have to start building right away.
Posted on: 12/25/2002 7:17 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=438685

RC Wives / girlfriends
Add me to the lucky list. My wife grew up around the RC hobby with her dad. She isn't interested in flying, but she knows how addictive it is. She has no problems getting me gifts throughout the year (just opened my TF T-34 this morning). Ran out of hangar space a loooong time ago, so she suggested building a 24x30 bricked workshop. She also does the fine detail work on the cockpit interiors. I'm out at our field just about every day, if not flying, then working. Sometimes during the summer, she drops one of those subtle hints, but allows me to give our club, and hobby as much time as I want. Wait a minute, Fabio, where are you at when I'm flying????
Posted on: 12/25/2002 6:54 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=108512

Need Info on Fields near Douglasville, GA
I travel to Atlanta alot, and have some friends that live in Douglasville, GA that I have gotten hooked on RC flying. I'd like to be able to start training them, and getting them hooked up with some local folks. Anyone got a good club around there?
Posted on: 12/18/2002 3:27 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=426336

How do I fit a pinned flat hinge neatly?
Yes on the petroleum jelly. I'm one of those anti-ca hinge guys, so I've always used the pinned hinges. Just rub a light coat right at the pin and that'll keep epoxy out of it.
Posted on: 12/12/2002 3:47 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=413733

Need Info on a Lucky Fly
Thanks Rob. Your touch & go analagy is the exact reason why I want to get it fixed back up. It was the sweetest flying plane I've ever had until my last dumb move (took off without the antenna up). It really didn't damage it that bad, but it's time for a new wing. Oh well, if I can't reach out and get some kinda plan, I guess I'll just have to try to scratch the wing together. It will never fly the same though.
Posted on: 12/11/2002 6:27 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=404658

Need Info on a Lucky Fly
Thanks, you described in perfectly. I have a pattern for the fuse already, now if Icould just get my hands on plans for a wing.
Posted on: 12/8/2002 2:14 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=404655

Need Info on a Lucky Fly
Does anyone have any info on an old pattern plane called "Lucky Fly". I think someone in Texas orignally created the design, I don't think it was ever sold as a kit, just plans being passed around. I know it's from the 70's. It's a low wing, 60 size plane. I got it from my father-in-law who's had it for years, and I've had it for a few years myself. It's been minor crashed several times and is once again in need of some repairs. I'd like to just build a new wing for it, the current wing is foam, but I'd like to build up one, but would like to get some plans for it. Anyone up for some help?
Posted on: 12/7/2002 10:44 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=404653

National Hobby Supply
They are in fact out of business. I went to Atlanta late in October and the doors were locked, lights out, and all the shelves cleaned out. Another good one bites the dust. I spent 2 more days trying to find a "GOOD" hobby shop in the Atlanta area, and I don't think one exists anymore.
Posted on: 12/4/2002 5:14 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=397476

a bOX oF sTICKS...
To answer your question about cutting covering.....My wife came up with a good solution. She has a cutting board and heavy duty straight edge, both marked with measurments, and a "pizza cutter" type rotary cutter (designed for fabric). Makes an excellent resource for cutting straight edges.
Posted on: 10/17/2002 9:35 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=319238

Top this! If you can.
I wouldn't rebuild that plane, it'll probably fly like crap!!!
Posted on: 10/17/2002 9:16 PM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=316763

OS 91FX is it really that bad ?
I picked one up "almost" new, attached to a CG Chipmunk. First start up ran like garbage. I reviewed all the threads, and followed the instructions per Great Planes support, i.e. stock muffler, new (black) O-rings, 13x8 prop, made sure #8 plug. Thing runs great. I'm gonna trade it off, only because it's TOO much power for a 60 size plane.
Posted on: 9/22/2002 1:16 AM by Author "grippm" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=274936