RE: WACO YMF
Joe: I used medium CA to attach the aileron covers to the balsa sheeting. I did not use any prep on the balsa. They seem to be securely bonded in place. I did not attempt to inset them into the balsa, but simply sanded both the leading and trailing edges to a bevel, then filled the open ends of the corrugations with lite filler. Jim
Posted on: 9/4/2012 2:02 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11217354

RE: WACO YMF
Joe: Yes, I did use the plastic aileron covers that came with the kit. I searched for the SIG plastic corrugated sheet suggested in this forum, but could not find them. The plastic parts were a bit of a pain to blend and fill to achieve smooth edges with the balsa, but they turned out pretty nice. Jim
Posted on: 9/4/2012 9:07 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11216967

RE: WACO YMF
Joe: Cal-grafx replicated the decal sheets that came with the kit. The large "N numbers" are conventional slide-off decals with very thin black outlines on the white figures. See photo below. All of the other graphics are white vinyl with very agressive adhesive. I'm sure Cal-grafx can provide other features if you want and will pay for them. Jim
Posted on: 9/3/2012 5:05 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11216169

RE: WACO YMF
Re my decals from Cal-grafx: My plane is the 1/5 scale YMF-3. They charged me $67.50, including mailing, mostly, they said for the required computer design time, which is now done. Their URL is http://www.cal-grafx.com/ Jim
Posted on: 9/2/2012 1:48 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11214721

RE: Pica Waco YMF
Steve: The link will work if you delete the two periods I unintentionally left at the end. Sorry. Jim
Posted on: 8/29/2012 9:41 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210344

RE: Pica Waco YMF
Steve: You can find complete manuals at http://mrdhud.wix.com/clasicair.. Jim Dunstan
Posted on: 8/29/2012 9:24 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210328

RE: WACO YMF
tmac: I sent one of the decal sheets from the kit to them. When I ordered my graphics I told Cal-Grafx there would probably be strong demand for graphics for this model. When I received my graphics, I sent them a message advising that I would advertise their product on this forum. I expect that if you e-mail them and ask about a set of decals for the PICA 1/5 scale WACO YMF-3, they will be able to quote a price from the files they created for mine. Good luck, Jim
Posted on: 8/29/2012 9:18 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210317

RE: WACO YMF
tmac48: The "teardrops" on the cowl were individually stuck on. It took a little doing, but the thin vinyl supplied bu Cal-Grafx is so pliable that I was able to burnish it onto the compound curves of the cowl blisters. Once thoroughly dry they were sealed on by the clear coat. You have probably guessed that I did not use the decals that were included in the kit because they are yellow (called "cream"), and I wanted white graphics. Jim
Posted on: 8/27/2012 10:29 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11207764

RE: WACO YMF
A couple of pictures of my landing gear assembly are attached. Jim
Posted on: 8/26/2012 3:03 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206759

RE: WACO YMF
On the actual subject of building PICA WACOs, I have must completed the kit a bought through RCUniverse a few months ago, and feel like showing it off a little. Following several suggestions posted in this thread, I made the horizontal stab adjustable and had landing gear struts fabricated from sheet aluminum, including an inner brace which is spring-loaded to absorb landing shocks. The plane is covered with 21st Century coverite and painted with water-based paints from Ace Hardware. The graphics were made by Cal-Grafx, and the whole plane is clear-coated with Ace gloss clear polyurethane. The plane is powered by a DLE 30 turning a 18x8 Zoar prop. The plane has completed two flights, and after trimming, behaved very well. Although it turned out a little heavier than I had hoped, the DLE 30 provides plenty of power, and landings are very gentle, with virtually no bounce.
Posted on: 8/26/2012 11:59 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206574

RE: WACO YMF
Re: An appropriate pilot figure I have been searching for an appropriate pilot figure for my 1/5 scale YMF-3 without success. What I would like to use is an "old-timer/barnstormer" figure - with a scarf, if possible. I would appreciate any advice as to where I might find such a pilot figure. Thanks, Jim
Posted on: 7/31/2012 9:39 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11175930

RE: WACO YMF
Re: Aluminum struts for the 1/5 scale WACO I have received a preliminary quote from Abell Hobbies of $100 for aluminum sheet struts like those described in several previous posts. Brandon at Abell told me that if I have a few cut in one order, the price would be less. The struts would be about $75 if the cutouts in the base and legs were omitted because Abell could then make the struts in-house rather than needing to have them cut by an outside CNC shop. Please let me know if anyone else wants to place an order so we can all get a little break on the price. Jim
Posted on: 5/22/2012 10:04 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090474

RE: WACO YMF
I just received a Pica 1/5 scale kit I bought through a want ad I posted on RCU. They are still out there, and this one turned out to be in perfect condition. Rather than the die-crushed 1/8" lite ply wing ribs I expected, the kit contains perfectly die-cut 1/8" medium balsa ribs. I wonder if this says something about the vintage of this kit. The very beat-up box is white and blue, but it did an excellent job of protecting its contents. I am currently corresponding with both Abell Hobbies about bent aluminum struts and with Bruce Sanders of Century Jet about oleo struts (with or without an air system). I have not received any response to my earlier request to "khodges" for the drawing/pattern/template that "Jay" used to produce produce his struts. I will share the outcome of my exchanges with Abell and CJ. Jim
Posted on: 5/17/2012 8:54 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11084405

RE: WACO YMF
Correction: After further searching of the Century Jet website I finally found this link http://centuryjet.com/product_info.php/cPath/41_50/products_id/510. It describes the struts as for the Genesis 33% WACO, but says that the upper mechanism is 1/5 scale. I have sent an e-mail to Century Jet requesting clarification. Does anyone have experience with these struts? They would be the most expensive part of my airplane, and I don't want to waste my money if they are not a significant improvement over wire pr aluminum struts with a center shock-absorbing link. Thanks, Jim
Posted on: 5/15/2012 12:47 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11081865

RE: WACO YMF
I have been searching the Century Jet website for the WACO gear mentioned several times in this forum. Their drop-down menus of manufacturers do not include "Gensis", "Genesis", or "AMR". I would appreciate any help in finding the correct reference for their beautiful struts for the WACO, especially if they are available for the 1/5 scale YMF. Thanks, Jim
Posted on: 5/15/2012 12:10 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11081811

RE: WACO YMF
Dan (mrdhud): In your post #14344 you referred to "moving the spar out" to facilitate mounting the aluminum tabs for the N-strut connections, and that "moving the rear spar" would also have helped. What did you mean about moving the spars? I am hoping to start my build later this week, and will take all the advice I can get. Thanks, Jim Dunstan
Posted on: 5/15/2012 11:36 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11081763

RE: WACO YMF
I have read many messages about various engine options for the 1/5 scale YMF. I just reviewed the specs on the OS 160 twin, and found it is rated at 2.0 hp turning 18-inch props. I have a DLE 20 that is rated at 2.5 hp, and has proven very reliable. This engine will spin an APC 16/8 prop at just over 11,000 rpm (yikes!). With this prop, airspeed does not seem to increase noticeably between about half throttle and full throttle. This indicates to me that the engine could comfortably turn an 18-inch prop with pitch greater than 6, which seems to be one criterion for powering the WACO. I also read in the review of the Great Planes WACO ARF (sorry to use a dirty word) that with the DLE 30 (rated 3.7 hp) turning an 18-inch prop, the plane was a rocketship. Since I have no intention of ever entering a scale competition, I am not concerned about having to cut an opening in the bottom of the cowl for the cylinder head. Would the DLE 20 be a reasonable choice for the Pica WACO? Thanks for any input. Jim
Posted on: 5/10/2012 12:23 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11076044

RE: WACO YMF
Khodges: I am interested in adopting your aluminum LG struts for my WACO. I have contacted Adell Hobbies, who offer bent aluminum struts for several of the Hostetler planes. I used their struts for my Hostetler Skybolt, kitted by Precision Cut, and found them to be very rugged. The Skybolt struts include an inner brace to a spring-loaded center bolt as in your design. They have told me that they are willing to produce the WACO struts for me if I can provide a dimensioned drawing. Since I have not received the AMA plans yet, can you or anyone else - perhaps the Brother who made yours - provide such a drawing to me? Once I conclude my deal with Abell I will make all relevant information available on this forum. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Jim
Posted on: 5/10/2012 10:21 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11075916

RE: WACO YMF
Bill: Got it. Thanks. I am hoping my plans show up today. Andy e-mailed the revised manual to me this morning. Jim
Posted on: 5/9/2012 1:06 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11074703

RE: WACO YMF
Thanks to Andy, Jim and all others who responded to my request for information. I have downloaded the original manual from the website Andy cited, but I would still like to have the shortened manual with all of the recommended changes to the original. I will search for Jim's pictures of the adjustable stab mount. I could probably design my own, but it is always easier to "be the second person to do something first". Jim Dunstan
Posted on: 5/9/2012 10:27 AM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11074487

RE: WACO YMF
Bill: Thanks for your advice re cutting my own versus trying to find a kit. I have ordered the plans and templates from AMA, and I am anxiously awaiting them so I can start ordering material. It seems that some of the sites referenced in the early posts have gone away entirely or moved. Today I located the new site for what was Stan's Fibertech. But I am still frustrated that I cannot connect to the House of Moy website to download the manual. Has this site expired, or has the information moved to another site? I am only up to page 200 of your historic thread, and I am enjoying the witty repartee among the many WACO enthusiasts. But I am frustrated that I have not yet read the punchline about Sierra's interest in making scale landing gear struts. And I am dying to see photos of your adjustable stab mount. Can you direct me to the pages that contain this information? Again, many thanks for starting this thread and for your guidance. Jim
Posted on: 5/8/2012 5:59 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11073572

RE: WACO YMF
Stickbuilder: Have you made any progress in trying to interest one of the kit cutters in offering the WACO YMF-5 1/5 scale kit? If so, and even if not, please include me in your list of potential buyers. Thanks, Jim Dunstan
Posted on: 5/6/2012 1:53 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11070555

RE: WACO YMF
Hello to the many fans of this amazing thread. I have given up on finding a 1/5 scale YMF-5 kit, even after calling and being turned down by Precision Cut kits, which states in their FAQ that they can/will cut kits from publicly available plans for planes that are not part of their regular inventory. I have a call into the AMA plans service, but they have not called me back yet. It looks like I will have to scratch build from their Pica plans. The template sheet should be a major help. I have built/rebuilt several planes from scratch - I count the Ikon N'wst WACO UPF-7 kit as a puzzle that came just short of scratch building - so I think I know the challenge I am facing. After spending several days reading this thread, I have not come across much discussion about gathering the various materials and accessories required to make a complete airplane. I know that I can buy the cowl and wheel pants from either Fiberglass Classics or Fibertech, and I have read a couple of messages dated 2007 (page 156) about trying to get Sierra to make shock-absorbing landing gear struts. These struts are not listed on Sierra's products page 5 years later. Are they available as a special order? Has anyone created a reasonably accurate material take-off for the wood that will be needed for this plane? If so, I would appreciate a copy to get me started. I will continue reading this thread, and will have a much better idea of the task at hand after I receive the plans and template sheet. By the way, I have not been able to connect to the House of Moy website. Does it still exist? Or is similar information available elsewhere? Thanks for whatever help you can provide.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 1:02 PM by Author "jmdunstan" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069537