RE: Did You Hit The Wall Too?
I never say never, so it may happen the same way for me. I do look at the Ultra Stick sitting on the plane rack in the garage once in a while. It might come down off of the shelf someday. Maybe that is why I didn't sell it. I haven't lost all interest in the hobby, just the push to keep flying for now.
Posted on: 2/12/2007 6:50 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5409419

RE: Did You Hit The Wall Too?
ag4ever - This is the first time I have responded or read anything on RCU for about 1 1/2 years now. I logged back in some time ago and left myself logged in. It seems that the wall I hit was much more than I bargained for. It all started with a trip to the Caribbean to sail with my sister inlaw and her husband. We met them in St. Maarten and spent a week with them on their sailboat. (Yacht to me anyway.) Well as luck would have it, or maybe it was destiny any way, I became hooked on the sport of sailing. In October of 2005, we (my wife and I) took keelboat sailing lessons. It confirmed what I already knew and that was that I wanted to sail more than anything. I March of last year, we found and purchased our first sailboat. Since then we have spent most of our time, money, and weekends at the lake sailing. After the summer, it came down to a decision of mine to decide what I wanted to do with my spare time. R/C flying, or sailing... well the sailing won out. Not that I couldn't do both, but there was another factor involved. Our son graduated from OU (go Sooners!) in June of 2005 and found a job immediately out of college. (He works at the brand new National Weather Center on the OU campus) This left the wife and I as empty nesters and a house that we only use about 1/2 of. Since we loved sailing very much and since we became empty nesters, our lives have taken a dramatic turn. We spend most of our spare time together and are getting to know one another again. Raising children is a great experience and I wouldn't want to trade it for the world. However, we had spent the better part of 21 years with only one thing in mind. Raise a good kid, and make sure he got a good education. It was only 2 months after he graduated that I suddenly realized that we hadn't thought a single minute about what our goals would be afterwards. I don't want to go on and be maudlin here, but our lives changed a lot. We have our current house for sale.... way to big for just us and the dog. And we are building a new, smaller home closer to the lake. After we thought about what we wanted to do, my wife is the one who came up with the idea of moving closer to the lake and downsizing. The long and short of it is that I have sold all of my R/C stuff except for an Ultra Stick Lite with a G26 for an engine. Would have sold that as well, but the tail came off on a landing and it needs minor repairs. I probably won't get to it, but it is a real easy repair. Basically the balsa block that is in the tail and used for the horizontal stabilizer contact point was lousy balsa. It was so soft that the shock of the landing knocked it off. Nothing else is wrong with her. Maybe I will fix it some day, but I doubt it. We are already looking for a larger boat and will probably find one after we move. I enjoy the time with my wife (the Admiral) as much as I did when we were first married and before our son was born. She loves to sail, and loves to spend time at the lake. There you have it. The hog is in good hands now, and may already have been finished. I just don't know. Before the sailing thing happened I would have bet you a paycheck that I would be flying the rest of my life. The wall never moved!
Posted on: 2/12/2007 5:55 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5409149

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
fred - Well we did get a break in the hot weather, but it is going to be pretty temporary...and it is raining cats and dogs at the present time. I hope to get back to the bench soon, but have had other things stacking up that need attention first. Will update when I have news.
Posted on: 8/14/2005 9:46 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3261210

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
monkey77 - You are exactly right about the hot weather. We have been in the high 90's to low 100's here for a looong time. I haven't even made it to the workbench for any building activity. And the weather report doesn't look any better for the next few weeks. With the humidity pretty high as well, my building and even flying activities are at a stand still. It just isn't the kind of weather that one wants to do anything in. Even my yard has taken it on the chin with the lack of rain. Will pick up again when the weather cools, whenever that is.
Posted on: 8/8/2005 9:28 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3241687

RE: Elevator Control Rod Groove
I think I am going to use campy's idea. I already use sharpened brass tubes for drilling holes in balsa sheeting and find it the best way to get a clean cut. I had considered doing the same for the groove, but wanted to see of there are other ways to make the groove. Looks like I need to go get me a brass tube the size of the groove. Thanks for the ideas everyone.[:)]
Posted on: 7/14/2005 9:12 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3165523

Elevator Control Rod Groove
I am getting close to having to drill the holes and cut the groove for my elevator control rod on my Sig Hog Bipe. I have done a search looking for any tips on how to drill the hole and cut the groove without breaking through the balsa on either the top or bottom. On my Sometin Extra it was a little easier because the elevator was not done with angled stock. If anyone has a tip on how to do this process or if there is a thread that shows it I would appreciate any feedback you might have. BTW: I have thought about buying the groove cutter tool, but not sure if it is worth it.
Posted on: 7/11/2005 2:50 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3156497

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
wcb - Thanks for the heads up. I will take a look at mine and probably will make the switch as you have suggested. One question on yours. Did you harden the threads with CA after you drilled and put the original sizes in?
Posted on: 7/11/2005 9:51 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3155619

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
fred - I don't have to kick my kid out of his room. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma this year and was just offered a job there this past week. He will be doing website design, graphic design work and monthly and quarterly report illustration. He has also gotten into film editing. Nothing real interesting as far as subject matter, like tornado video, just conference break out sessions and such. His room is just sitting there waiting. However, my wife has one of those sensitive noses....epoxy, CA, paint, and other smelly mixes just don't go over well in the house...[:D]
Posted on: 7/10/2005 7:39 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3154085

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
wcb - Nice job on the covering. I fully intend to pick this thread back up and finish the hog, but it's just too darn hot in the garage. Temps are running in the mid to high 90's and the garage is hotter. I have also had some personal things going on that have kept me away from the building as well. (Actually I hit the building wall) I know I am close to the end, except for covering and all, but haven't forgot I need to get this thing done. I have the servos, and the engine, but still need to get the covering, receiver and battery to round out all of the equipment. I'll get there, but it will probably take some cooler weather to get me motivated.[:)]
Posted on: 7/10/2005 9:21 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3152795

RE: Mile High Flying
Sorry to make you cry there Damon. [:D] I have a pickup with a cap on the back (see picture). I just loaded up a couple and took them with me. Actually, we were just going back to visit my parents, so it was home to me. I got a chance to have my nephew watch and he had a ball. Dedication really had nothing to do with it. Just thinking about sitting around the house and talking about the relatives was all the motivation that I needed.[;)] [quote]ORIGINAL: DamonTX I don't know about the rest of you but I'm just impressed with the dedication it must take to be able to take your plane with you on vacation. Transporting, having a place to fly, time and understanding people who went with you on vacation............I have to stop, a tear just came to my eye. [/quote]
Posted on: 7/8/2005 10:00 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3149442

RE: Mile High Flying
I took a couple of planes out to Denver a year ago and found the same thing. My engines were running fine, but I just couldn't get the pull out of them. I wonder if a higher pitch prop is called for? I didn't really do anything with mine because I wasn't out there that long, but would have asked someone who is familiar with the conditions if I were staying longer.
Posted on: 7/8/2005 3:11 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3148416

RE: Add a Next Button To Photo Gallery
Marc, thanks for looking into this.
Posted on: 7/6/2005 4:07 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Suggestions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3141910

RE: How to scare yourself AND gain confidence in your plane.
I also believe in pre-flight checks on every flight. I will admit that I only do a range check once, then make sure the batteries haven't lost their charge before flying. One time this probably saved a plane. I say probably, because I didn't fly it so I don't know for sure. I took my 4*60 out to the field one day and before leaving the house I checked the battery. 5.2 volts....OK looks good so I went. Got to the field, assembled the plane, and did my range check. Looked good, and all surfaces moving in the correct direction. Sat down for about 15-20 minutes to b.s. with the other pilots there. When I got ready to fly, I thought I would just check that battery one more time. Yep......3.4 volts... It had dropped off the edge... Since I only took one plane that day, I left and stopped by the LHS, got a new battery and the 4* is still flying today. That was 2 years ago. I still check the battery level between EVERY flight.
Posted on: 7/6/2005 9:01 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3140609

Add a Next Button To Photo Gallery
I was looking through the photo gallery today and ran accross something that might be of use. I was wondering if it would be a big modification to be able to put "previous photo" and "next photo" buttons on the view window? I was looking at a series of 4 photos and had to close the viewing window and then click on the next pic. Was just wondering if this enhancement has been considered and if it is possible? Thanks
Posted on: 7/5/2005 12:36 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Suggestions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3137831

RE: Tower vs. Horizon
I've been at this for 4 years now and don't remember Horizon doing anything like Tower. Maybe they do, but I don't remember it. I will say though, that it hasn't stopped me from buying from Horizon, but I am much more selective when I do.
Posted on: 7/5/2005 9:05 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3137284

RE: Landin' on the belly
Here's an experience I had with my U-Can-Do. Luckily, one of the bolts held in place and there was a pretty strong headwind. I set her down in the grass at almost a stall speed. The gear snapped back into the proper line and the plane skidded to a stop without any damage except a few cracks in the wheel pants. So don't forget to locktite the gear bolts.[:)]
Posted on: 7/5/2005 8:44 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3137241

RE: Ultra Stick 60 as Second Plane
I replaced the control horns with metal ones. I would do a search on RCU for mods to the US 60. I swapped out the wing dowels that were provided for solid oak. That provided increased strength for the wing front, then I added a lite plywood plate in front of the bulkhead in the front of the servo tray area and re-drilled the dowel holes. (The plate will be inside the bay where the fuel tank sits.) There have been some complaints about the wing enlarging the dowel holes during flying. By changing out the dowels and adding a plywood back to the bulkhead, you can avoid this problem. Also, I added stock (square) to the top of the rear wing bracket to strenghten the mounting plate where the nylon wing bolts are. Also some have had the back of the wing pull the bracket out. I also added fibreglass cloth to the landing gear block inside teh fuse. Don't be too concerned that the plane is weak in these areas, this is just some things that I do in most of my ARF's. However, in this plane, I would not skip doing them. BTW: I also added nylon wing tip skids to the underneath of the horizontal stab just in front of the elevator. The stab is real close to the ground and if you are landing on asphalt, you can scrape the edges easily if you aren't perfectly level. Hope this helps.
Posted on: 7/4/2005 10:14 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3134774

RE: Sig Hog Tracking Problem
Fred, also should indicate that the gear is not on the wings. It is located in the fuse center. Wish I had some input, but as you know, I am still finishing mine up. Almost 100 degrees today...no building for me[:D]...my shop is in the garage
Posted on: 6/30/2005 3:45 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Sport Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3125470

RE: Stop be, before I buy another one!
OK...I give up, how did you manage that?[:D] ...My wife would let me put my truck outside, or I can live outside...I can take my choice. [quote]ORIGINAL: ballgunner I know of a double garage that has only one purpose - storage. Unfortunately it's not mine. I did manage to get the wife's car outside permanently which helps some. [/quote]
Posted on: 6/30/2005 3:39 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3125442

RE: Stop be, before I buy another one!
I guess you haven't heard about the 12 step process. The first thing you do is buy 12 airplanes. After that, I really don't know what happens cause I am only at 6 flying, 1 being built, and 1 in the box waiting to be assembled. That comes up to 8 if my math is right. I still have 4 more to go before I find out what to do next. BTW: My son graduated from college this year and his room is sure looking more like a place to store planes in than use as a bedroom[:D][:D] ...Still have the wife to convince that would be a good use of the room[;)]
Posted on: 6/30/2005 10:40 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3124516

MOVED: Would You Like To Land Here?
Airplanes - Full Scale: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3113963
Posted on: 6/28/2005 1:26 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3118079

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
Ken - Nice to hear about the wing kit. I hope your building area is in a better place than mine. The garage is simply unbearable this time of year. I am in it only long enough to pull in and out, or take out the mower, trimmer, and edger. Yikes...almost forgot that I gotta mow the yard this afternoon. [&o]
Posted on: 6/28/2005 12:49 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3117826

RE: Sig Hog Bipe Build
I think I am about ready to get back to building and finish this thing. However, here are some numbers for your review: 98, 100, 100. Doesn't sound like much till you realize that is the forecasted temperature for the next 3 days. I figure the garage will be kiln drying the balsa at this rate. Maybe I'll get some done over the holiday weekend...don't have any particular plans at the moment. The forecast for SA, SU and MO is 89, 96, and 96...Wow sooo much cooler[:D][:@]
Posted on: 6/28/2005 11:53 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3117628

RE: Ultra Stick 60 as Second Plane
That would probably depend on the weight of the motor. I have about 1 1/2 oz. of lead on the bottom of the stab, but moving the elevator and rudder servos would have helped to eliminate it. Without going into too much construction, you might try moving the battery first.
Posted on: 6/28/2005 8:49 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3117101

RE: Would You Like To Land Here?
Looking back at the pictures I was sent, I missed a couple. Looks like in one, the pilot missed those wires across the runway that smokingcrater is referring to.[:)]
Posted on: 6/28/2005 8:34 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3117060

RE: Would You Like To Land Here?
LOL...I can hear it now: "Uh...you might want to check that right engine pod. I think I might have scratched it on landing."..."Oh and while your at it, I could use a new pair of uniform pants."[:D]
Posted on: 6/27/2005 6:33 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3115160

Would You Like To Land Here?
A good friend just sent me these pictures of the old Hong Kong airport. I thought others might like to see them as well. This will probably be moved, but that's ok. I just wanted to put them out there to see. These landings look like I feel when I am trying to hit the asphalt at the field.[:D]
Posted on: 6/27/2005 12:23 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3113963

RE: Sign me up for The Stupid Club
I always like to lay out the pieces to my planes in an orderly fashion before I fly. Oh....wait...that's after I flew[:)] Never, never, never, let your brain over ride what your thumbs already know how to do. I was inverted and my thumbs said push forward, but my brain, said: "No that's just not right, you always pull back to go up." Should have listened to my thumbs.[:D]
Posted on: 6/26/2005 8:45 AM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3110346

RE: Sign me up for The Stupid Club
If you would like, you can send me $50.00 and I can send you a membership card[;)] I am already a member in good standing...[:D]
Posted on: 6/24/2005 12:58 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3105071

RE: Ultra Stick 60 as Second Plane
I have both the US60 and the US Lite. On the 60, I have an OS61fx and it provides plenty of power, especially if this will be your second plane. It was for me. I have a G-26 on the lite and it too provides plenty of power for the flying I do. I do a lot of areobatic flying, but am not into hovering yet. I think for a second plane, the recommendation to not do the quad flaps is a a good one. I have the quads on the 60 size and hardly ever use them. And a I mean hardly ever. I use them so little that I just did the standard aileron configuration on the US Lite. Here's a couple of pics of mine:
Posted on: 6/24/2005 12:50 PM by Author "hookedonrc" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3105052