RE: No more ARF Seaplanes???
I am presently flying an electrified Seamaster. Very nice performer! This my second, the first was glow powered. I bought mine from a local hobby shop and told him a few days ago to reserve one of the few Seamaster ARfs he has left for me. Just in case!!! He ordered this last batch over a year ago when I found out they were ending this planes availability. Sad! I expect this one to cost more than the others as his shipping costs really went up on his last batch. But at least I will have it ready when........[:D] Joe
Posted on: 10/19/2009 11:56 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9185207

RE: Info on Aventura Twin??
The Aventura Twin is a very nice flying seaplane with the stock setup. Mine is in its 5th year now. My specs are below. A Youtube video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIHVMgQVfI4 I don't know where you could get parts as Hobby Lobby doesn't list it anymore. Joe Wing span: 43" Area: 333.5 sq.in. Wing loading:17.1oz/sqft. Wing Cube Loading: 11.24 AUW with two Prolites is 39.6 ozs. It is powered by Speed 400 6 volt brushed motors, 6x4 props, with a 30 amp FMA ESC. Batteries are now two Thunder Power Prolite 2S1P 2100 mah or Extreme 2S1P 2200 mah Lipos in parallel. Max current is 26.8 amps and 198 watts on a bench test with the eLogger. AR6000 receiver is used in this plane. HS-81 servos are used throughout.
Posted on: 6/30/2009 11:32 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8894555

RE: SEAMASTER Plans?
The AMA sells the plan for the original Seamaster by Ken Willard. Joe
Posted on: 6/17/2009 4:09 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8859860

RE: Nexstar on floats
Here is a short video of a Nexstar on floats. I sold this plane last fall as I migrate to all electric. It is powered by a OS 52 FS. I did configure it with flaps. I removed half of the dihedral and added a ventral fin. It flew much better after those changes. If you don't make those changes, be prepared to fly using the rudder! Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8dsVHah0jg
Posted on: 3/5/2009 7:14 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8545862

RE: 2,4 Ghz and float planes
I've been using CorrisonX on all my Spektrum/JR 2.4 receivers as soon as they come thru the door. I have about twenty flying at the moment and no issues at all. I just dunk them and let them drip dry. Works for me. I totally immersed one several years on a SeawindEp and it survived. Joe
Posted on: 1/19/2009 6:41 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8375014

RE: Seamaster 40F
JC, I have never seen a Mariner seaplane fly so can't compare the two. All the guys I fly with use Seamasters or their personal creations of a Seamaster. Matt was the first up here to electrify his and then I did mine. I am pleased with the performance of mine. See the video of my second day out (three flights) and you can decide if it has adequate power for your type of flying. I had one of my flying buddies fly it so I could get some video. http://www.modelaviators.org/2008/Videos/Float/Joe%27s%20SeamasterE.wmv Joe Specs: Electrifly Rimfire 42-60-600 MA 13x8.5E prop CC Phoenix 60 CC BEC TP Extreme 5S2P 4400 mah Max watts: 807 Max amps: 46.25 Mah: 1944 for a 9.5 min flight. Not even 50% of battery mah. AUW: 125.5 ozs
Posted on: 9/26/2008 6:04 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7992122

RE: Seamaster 40F
Keith, Glad you enjoyed the sites. Matt has been all electric for at least 5 yrs now. The largest one of his was a Senior Telemaster - flew great but became too big for his newer vehicles. I have been flying for 4.5 yrs and used electric from day one but also glow and rubber. I am moving to all electric by next year and sold off three glow planes so far this summer and only have the Nexstar on floats left. My Seamaster will be the largest electric for me presently. I do a have a Page 80" Supercub ready for covering. I installed my new motor on the Seamaster today and now get enough power to do justice to the plane. Hopefully, it will fly Sunday. I didn't get as much power as I expected with a 13x8.5 prop but more than enough. I intend to do some bench testing later with these Rimfire motors to determine what is the issue. May just be wiring, ESC but I will find out. There are a lot of videos/photos of float flying on the KVMA site - www.modelaviators.org - and a few on my own site - www.maineflyer.net. I maintain both of these sites. Most photos/videos are either Matt's or mine as we both enjoy photography as well. As far as the Taylorcraft goes, one of our guys has one and there is a great video of it on the KVMA site. Wonderful flyer on floats! Joe Update: Two very successful flights on Sunday, 9-14. Great seaplane! [8D][:D]
Posted on: 9/15/2008 6:41 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7936863

RE: Seamaster 40F
Keith, I did connect the strut to the rear of the horiz stab this time. Another of my flying buddies did that and it looked better. On my electrical setup, mine is not quite done yet. The initial motor I was going to use just isn't working out - not enough power even though I ran it thru Motocalc first as I always do before purchase - Rimfire 42-60-480. First time Motocalc has indicated more power than actual results for me. So I have the other one coming in tomorrow - Rimfire 42-60-600. I am using two TP 5S1P 2200 mah Extremes in parallel, a CC Phoenix 60 ESC, a CC BEC set for 5.5 volts, Hitec HS-475 servos, Spektrum AR7000 receiver. I will probably drop from a 13x8.5 prop to a 12x8 prop and test that setup first and see how close it comes to the Motocalc stats. I enlarged the front hatch and can insert my batteries that way to save taking the wing off each time to recharge. CG came out just fine. My weight is higher than Matts - AUW is 7lbs 13.5ozs. Joe BTW, we now have 10 members flying seamasters! Just a fantastic flyer! The two latest are not in this new photo. http://www.modelaviators.org/2008/Float%20Flying/Seamaster%20Flyers.jpg Matt's is as follows and his site: http://www.mattdyer.com/R-C/seamaster.html Final specifications are as follows: Wingspan: 59.5" Wing Area: 725 sq/in All Up Weight: 7.5 lbs. Motor: Turnigy C50-55A 400 kv Outrunner (equivalent of Axi 4120/18) ESC: Turnigy 60 amp BEC: Castle Creations 10 amp Prop: 13x8.5 Master Airscrew E Prop Battery: Thunderpower Extreme V2 5 cell 3850 mAh pack Power: 83 watts per pound Servos: Hitec HS-645MG Receiver: Spektrum AR7000
Posted on: 9/8/2008 1:24 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7933010

RE: SEAMASTER???
Take a look here. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=879608
Posted on: 9/7/2008 7:41 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7928455

RE: Seamaster 40F
[quote]ORIGINAL: ekfinch Still working to finish the seamaster. I have just been flying this spring and I wanted to get some more flying time before I take the Seamaster out. Two questions. The tail brackets are hooked using wood dowels. Do the dowels go through the fuse and then you attach the brackets to the two ends? How does the spring loaded rudder drop down when you land? I am looking forward to flying the plane, but I want to get it built right before I take it out. I broke my TT46 in and the elevator really did shake. So, the braces are a good idea. Thanks for you help. Keith [/quote] Hi Keith, yes, the dowel did go thru the fuse as an anchor point for the tail brackets. The rudder stays down unless it hits something to make it pop up. Then back down it goes to help control taxing. I am putting together another Seamaster now - this one is an electric - and did the tail brackets a bit different. I ran a 1/16 brass rod thru the fuse, CAed in place, bent the ends up for the proper angle, and slid a carbon fiber tube over them. Secured with epoxy and microballons. Seems quite secure. Used a bit different angle. Brass rod also on the horiz stab trailing edge. The rudder spring is quite flexible - made from thin MW. HTH, Joe
Posted on: 9/7/2008 7:33 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7928447

RE: Floats on NextStar 46
Take a look at this thread I started last year. Joe http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6231407/tm.htm
Posted on: 8/24/2008 3:31 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7880502

RE: avistar or nexstar?
I have a Nexstar on floats - bought it last year specifically for use as a float plane. Had a small hobby shop up here install a set of his foam floats and it flys really great. I use a OS 52 FS and a 12x5 prop. Several mods were required to make into a great flying float plane. First, I took out half of the dihedral by putting a bend into the wing joiner and added a vertral fin. This plane with floats weighs nearly nine lbs fueled. I configured the plane to use flaps also. This plane does wonderful splash n' gos!! I don't use it for aerobatics. Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8dsVHah0jg Joe
Posted on: 8/2/2008 2:36 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7800376

RE: Nexstar on floats??????????
Julian, Here is a thread I started last summer about the Nexstar on floats. I used floats made by a local hobby shop but as long as they are the correct length, just about any should work. Joe http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6231407/tm.htm
Posted on: 5/27/2008 8:07 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7545816

RE: E-Flite Taylorcraft 450 on Floats
Nice Charley! I have a buddy that flys one here in Maine and it seems to be a great float plane. Joe
Posted on: 5/21/2008 3:00 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7523953

RE: E-flite Taylorcraft
Hi Jay, Great flying yesterday. I didn't get the video done until this AM and will post shortly. Joe Video: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=856377#post9650944
Posted on: 4/28/2008 7:13 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7429389

RE: Seamaster 40F
[quote]ORIGINAL: ekfinch Joe, you have a lot of seamasters in the club. Our club is in Gainesville, Ga, which Lake Lanier was built within and around. Some of the city was even flooded when they built the dam. But, most of the flyers use floats on their planes and do not have the Seamaster. With what you and everyone else has said about the plane, I am a little surprised there aren't more in the club. I do have another question. Did you shim your engine up on the the engine mount? I read somewhere that it tends to pull when the throttle is cut because the engine is pitched down a little. They suggested shimming the engine up about 2degrees. If I did that what would you use for a shim? THanks, Keith [/quote] Keith, I didn't do any shimming on the engine on the two I have put together and am not aware of any of the other guys doing any different as we share our procedures. A couple of our SM flyers are great pilots and I expect one of them would have mentioned the issue. We have a bunch of float planes amongst the members also but the Seamaster is king when the wind and waves are up. Joe
Posted on: 3/31/2008 11:45 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7310749

RE: Seamaster 40F
For Inspiration...................... http://www.modelaviators.org/2007/Float%20Flying/Seamaster%20Flyers.JPG Kennebec Valley Model Aviators Web Site
Posted on: 3/26/2008 2:25 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7286115

RE: Seamaster 40F
Kieth, None of us flying Seamasters use the landing gear although one guy did once. We seal up the nose gear area to make it waterproof. We also waterproof any area we can reach with thinned epoxy or some other product. You will find this is a really great flying seaplane!! Very easy to fly and forgiving and aerobatic also. Can even do a great knife edge! Keep at it you will be rewarded with a great flying boat!! Joe
Posted on: 3/26/2008 1:25 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7285779

RE: Seamaster 40F
Keth, Is this what you are looking for? Also is a photo showing reinforcement for the nyrods at the servo end. I found its a must to support the nyrods. I original bought a TT 46 Pro for this plane and took the 46AX off my Ultrastick and mounted the TT in its place to break it in so there would be no issues float flying. It performed as well as the 46AX on the Ultrastick I left it there and used the AZ for SM. The TT is a good engine. Joe
Posted on: 3/26/2008 1:18 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7285643

RE: Seamaster 40F
[quote]ORIGINAL: ekfinch I could not see how your rudder and elevator fit together or I could probably get a better idea. I am going to use a TT46 on for power. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, [/quote] Here are a couple shots of the rudder-elevator position. And the TT46 (Pro) will be a perfect engine for it. I use a OS 46AX - nice engine. Also watch how you cut the engine pod. Make sure it extends far enough forward to clear the front of the engine. If I had cut mine on the mark as intended, it would have not been long enough. I ended up putting a smaller tank which worked fine. A smaller throttle servo will help. Like an HS-81. And I agree, the manual is not for the beginner. Joe
Posted on: 3/26/2008 9:48 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7284814

RE: Seamaster 40F
[quote]ORIGINAL: ekfinch One question. The tail assembly seems to be very weak. Mind sort of shakes with any pressure. I am concerned that if I do any kind of aerobatics, it will come off. Has anyone done in mods to reinforce the tail. Thanks for you help. [/quote] This is the mod we make up here. (See photo). Also included photo of spring loaded rudders. Horizontal Stab reinforcement struts made from carbon fiber tube with wire loops on ended for screws secured with CA & shrink tubing. Used wood dowels glued into stab & fuse - 1/4 on stab and 3/8 on fuse to support screws. A few have used MW for the support. Joe
Posted on: 3/25/2008 3:11 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7278598

RE: Rudder question
Here are a couple of versions - both spring loaded. They mount to the rudder. I suppose you could just replace the wheel with a flat piece of ply, etc to act as a rudder. I do that on my Drake II and it works fine. HTH, Joe
Posted on: 3/11/2008 6:09 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7210308

RE: spektrum dx6 info needed
[quote]ORIGINAL: martno1fan hi guys im looking at this radio with the ar 6000 reciever to put in a gas boat shhhh ,just wondered how these spektrums handle near or on water as ive heard some spektrums had issues when tried near water.has anyone used this setup in a seaplane if so how did it work and also as its rated for park fliers whats the range like?.all your help is much appreciated as if i act fast i can get this setup at a knock down price cheers fellas. mart [/quote] I fly a small electric seaplane using the AR6000 receiver. I have since moved from the DX6 to the DX7 but I still use the AR6000 in that plane. The Aventura Twin has not had any issues flying from the water or snow for that matter. Range is not even an issue for that size. Fly as far as you can see the plane and control it. I am sure I have been out to 300 yds without issue. But that really is too far for that size. HTH, Joe
Posted on: 2/2/2008 3:01 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7013114

RE: Cessna 195
Thanks, Buzzbommer. I did try it on skis but it is not as well behaved as on wheels so there it stays. Joe
Posted on: 1/8/2008 2:56 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6874787

RE: E-flite Taylorcraft
Jay, I have updated our web site and added a short video of your TC. Compilation of both of your TC on floats videos. I tried setting my camera on the Freq Pin shelf but it never focused well! I have to try a tripod sometime. Joe http://www.modelaviators.org/2008/Videos/Jay's%20TC%20on%20Floats%20in%20snow.wmv
Posted on: 1/8/2008 7:42 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6873242

Cessna 195
I hope this qualifies as a "Sport" in addition to being a "Scale" model. Kit is from Top Notch Products. Very nice flying. Tried it on floats but that didn't work out so well. I will probably add skis for this winter season. Plenty of snow at the moment. Video at: http://www.rcuvideos.com/item/MBSF802LXPYHXB75 Joe
Posted on: 12/11/2007 4:01 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6743776

RE: E-flite Taylorcraft
Jay, Hope so. Matt usually likes to fly on Sat also. Maybe we'll have another great day! Joe
Posted on: 12/11/2007 3:45 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6743719

RE: E-flite Taylorcraft
[quote]ORIGINAL: Jaybird By the way, credit goes to Joe Gilbert for the in-flight shots and movie...thanks again Joe! Jaybird [/quote] Jay, you're welcome! I truly enjoy taking photos/movies. Of course, for everyone that looks good, I delete a few! I'm putting together the Dec newsletter and your Taylorcraft is in there with some of your photos and mine also. I selected some nice shots of Sats flying. It was a great day. Enjoyed it. BTW, went out again today and got several more flights in with the LT-25e. Nice day and fresh snow! 10 flights so far. Joe
Posted on: 12/11/2007 3:34 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6743651

RE: Top Notch Products Cessna 195 on Floats
jv, Thanks for the idea. Don't know if I will put it back on floats. It flys so well from land and I hate to risk it. I have 6 other waterplanes and another on the bench right now. It was very beautiful on floats! You may be interested in the following video - with wheels - as it really shows what a nice flyer it is. Thanks, Joe http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=784103
Posted on: 12/11/2007 3:50 AM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6741890

RE: E-flite Taylorcraft
Jay, I just cropped the originals. I always keep a copy of the originals anyway. I will send you the new photos. ON Their way!!! Look at my original post. I added a video link. Joe
Posted on: 12/8/2007 6:09 PM by Author "jpg0529" in the forum "Electric Aerobatic & Sport Planes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6731325