RE: 1st attempt off water...
What prop are you using? You may be able to add weight to the front by going to an APC prop.
Posted on: 10/3/2009 4:31 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9143954

RE: build from plans
Build from plans is a really big step for a beginner, as are mid and low wing aircraft. You might consider building a kit, the Sig Kavalier is a really good flying airplane. It is a semisymetrical shoulder wing so it fly's similar to a trainer, with better speed and aerobatics but manageable. It also lands smoother than a trainer. The Sig kits are craftsman kits so there is some shaping to do, and this will help you to transition to plans building. If you are set on plans, you may want to check out the ugly sticks.
Posted on: 10/3/2009 4:17 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9143923

RE: Sig Kavalier Build
It is nice to see that people are still building the Kavalier. It is a really nice flying airplane. I have one with the .46ASP and it lands better than a trainer. It has single servo in the center of the wing so no flaperons, and the ailerons go to the tips. If I were to build another one I beleive I would cut the tips the same as you have. What motor mount came with the plane? Looking at the blind nuts it looks like it is set up for the aluminum motor mounts, and may not work with the newer mounts. Another place I changed from the plans is that I did not cut out the top leading edge section in the center to mount a pilot. I went for maximum strength.
Posted on: 10/3/2009 1:48 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9142767

RE: Softening Epoxy on wood?
A good way to remove most of the epoxy is with a hot knife. I use a flat tipped knife used for instrument (guitar) repair and lay it up against my monokote sealing iron to heat it up. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Knives/Seam_Separation_Knife.html You can also try the hot knife. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSD16&P=0
Posted on: 9/27/2009 1:58 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9126675

RE: Battery Basics Site?
Give these a read. http://www.hangtimes.com/redsbatteryclinic.html http://www.batteryuniversity.com/
Posted on: 7/16/2009 8:48 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8939570

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
Isn't it funny how high a tree can jump?
Posted on: 7/14/2009 11:40 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8934459

RE: Spacewalker II
Learning to use the rudder is another skillset. Tying the rudder into the ailerons using the radio you will never learn to use the rudder, AND when it comes to landing, will cause even more problems. Learn to use the rudder and you won't need to rely on the radio mixes. Besides that is designed more as a function to tie the ailerons to the rudder so as to reduce the rolling induced problem that a lot of models have when using the rudder.
Posted on: 7/12/2009 4:08 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8926851

RE: If I had known the difference between anecdote and antidote my friend would still be alive!
That tree jumped up and snatched my plane out of the air. I saw it.
Posted on: 7/11/2009 3:16 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923469

RE: bandsaw cuts
Search for bandsaw resaw setups and you will find a lot of information on what you want to accomplish.
Posted on: 7/11/2009 2:49 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Scratch Building, Aircraft Design, 3D/CAD"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923446

RE: G.P Super Sportster 40 dual build
[quote]ORIGINAL: shd3920 D*%M CATS. Sometime during the day they decided to give their opinions of my covering job, and placed three lovely even scratches into my turtledeck [:@] Now I will spending a couple hours recovering. [/quote] Consider yourself lucky. I was reading in a build thread for the Great Planes Giant Extra where the guy's cat pounced on the canopy cracking it in half. It cost him 85 dollars for a replacement.
Posted on: 7/11/2009 2:41 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923439

RE: Spacewalker II
Time to start learning to use the rudder. Start with the plane high so you can see how the rudder affects the plane. A lot of planes will also roll some with rudder so you will need to use opposite aileron to keep the wings level. After you get used to this, you can steer the plane on final with the rudder, and use the ailerons to keep the wings level. Then you will be in a better position when you start to have to deal with crosswind landings.
Posted on: 7/11/2009 2:22 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923407

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
On a trainer the rudder does cause the aircraft to roll as well as yaw. I think that is the one you were looking for.[:D] It is so bad that you have to use just as much opposite aileron as you do rudder just to keep the wings level during a turn. A good place to start is to use the rudder on the ground, then use ailerons and elevator for turns in the air. This will be enough till you get the orientation thing down, and get some simple aerobatics under your belt. (Loops and rolls.) I would start with figure 8's where you turn right on your right side and left on your left side. Only problem with these turns is that you will not be lining up with the runway. After you get used to this then switch to right turns on the left side and left turns on the right side. After you get used to this start working the airplane over to line up with the runway as the nose passes by the ends of the runway, (high overhead ofcourse). After you get used to these exercises you may want to start working in rudder, and then try rudder turns keeping the wings level.
Posted on: 7/11/2009 1:41 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923363

RE: New Bearings
With the engine going through hot and cold cycles through it's life, it is not that the screws are too tight, but that there is corosion due to electrolosis. Your best bet would be to use some WD40. If there is a gap between the head and the cylinder, spray it in there and give the head a tap with a hammer. Do this several times, it may take a few days to get the WD40 to work into the threads. Also when you put in new screws, coat the threads with antiseize.
Posted on: 7/2/2009 2:01 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8899949

RE: Getting close to finishing, Two more questions
Instead of filling and sanding the nicks, heat up the sealing iron. place a drop of water in the nick and lay the hot iron on it. You should be able to raise all of the nicks. With fabric and dope you still need to sand the framework before you lay the fabric. Then you also need to use fine steel wool, or 300 or finer grit sandpaper between coats of dope. Dope raises the fibers of the fabric. The first coat or two you will notice a very rough texture as you rub your hand across it. You may want to check out the Vintage/Golden age area.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 1:00 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8897927

RE: New Bearings
I have used RC-bearings also. I was replacing the bearings in one of my old ASP engines, and the bearing sizes listed were for the newer style crank. I measured the bearings, and ordered them seperately at about 1/4 the cost of Boca. I ordered two sets.[:D] The information on the site was invaluable too.
Posted on: 7/1/2009 12:34 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8897826

RE: Pattern Flying
[quote]ORIGINAL: tIANci I am trying pattern and its trying my patience ... its hard and its nuts. Even trying to fly straight with simple 1/2 Reversed Cubans for a turn around is a real chore. Its a whole world of its own. Need patience, perseverance, practice practice and practice ... of course a good tutor really helps. [/quote] A drum of fuel or two wouldn't hurt either.[:D]
Posted on: 7/1/2009 12:23 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8896733

RE: Pattern Flying
The only thing I found wrong with the first video is that it was an Astral when it took off, and a Prestige when it landed. Congrats on second!
Posted on: 7/1/2009 12:21 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8896727

RE: question about fms simulator
You should have a drop down menu to be able to "launch" the gliders.
Posted on: 6/29/2009 5:07 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "RC Flight Simulator Software"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8891777

RE: New Plane Suggestions Please...
Just a thought but you may want to try the 40 and 60 size bipes to find the one that you like to fly, then go for the big ones. It is cheaper to setup and crash the smaller ones.
Posted on: 6/29/2009 5:04 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8891766

RE: Yellow Aircraft or Century jet for first warbird build?
It seams that both have fiberglass fuselages, and foam core wings. If you are interested in a full build, check out the Top Flight line.
Posted on: 6/21/2009 2:11 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - General"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8868459

RE: 2 and a half year old pilot!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gray Beard He thinks the P-51 is the best plane. Gene [/quote] At least you know what to get him for Christmas. A kit and help him build it.
Posted on: 6/20/2009 2:39 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8867213

RE: AVISTAR ready-built (discontinued) purchase
Click on the link that I have provided above and you can choose which radio, engine and other accessory you want. I would suggest the glow igniter. You have several choices for decent radio's in the 72Mhz and 2.4Ghz bands, and from 4 to 7 channels. Join the Super Saver club now, and in a few days they will email you a coupon code for up to $60 dollars off on your order, allong with free shiping on orders over $150 dollars.
Posted on: 6/20/2009 1:31 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8866289

RE: AVISTAR ready-built (discontinued) purchase
Bite the bullet and get the combo deal ARF. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0170p?&I=HCAA2016
Posted on: 6/16/2009 11:33 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8858159

RE: FIRE or OH %&#@ !!!
Actually the guy that is missing three fingers will know more about shop safety than the guy that isn't missing fingers.
Posted on: 6/15/2009 2:00 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8852735

RE: Too much thrust angle
The mount should have enough side play to re-center the engine.
Posted on: 6/12/2009 9:40 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8847881

RE: slate or granite source?
If weight price and space isn't a problem, you can get a decent workbench through www.woodcraft.com
Posted on: 6/8/2009 10:23 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8836968

RE: G.P Super Sportster 40 dual build
[quote]ORIGINAL: wzak29 llI am going to use the EZ connector on the servo horn for easy adj. I will be using them on all servo's [/quote] You want to use the EZ connector on the throttle servo only. Use Z bends on the rest of the servo's, or the Faslinks that came with the kit. If an EZ connector fails on the throttle, you can fly around till it runs out of fuel. If an EZ connector fails on a control surface you loose control.
Posted on: 6/8/2009 10:18 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8836956

RE: fueling up
When I first started the hobby, I bought the fitting set and installed it into the cap of a metal one gallon can. I started fueling by plugging the free hole with my finger and squeezed the sides of the can to start syphoning the fuel, and lifted the can over the plane to fuel my plane. It wasn't the fastest way to fuel but it was cheap.[:D] Once I got into the hobby more I went with the electric pump. The 6 shooter seemed like too much work. You can do the same thing by installing the fitting set into a fuel jug or you can find a metal can.
Posted on: 6/8/2009 10:09 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8836932

RE: Adding Castor Oil to Fuel
So you guys really think that the fuel manufacturers give a hoot about how long our engines last? The less oil in the mix the easier it is to tune. The fuel manufacturers worry more about how their fuels run in our engines, than how long it will make them last.
Posted on: 6/8/2009 9:41 PM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8836833

RE: Soldering flex throttle cable end links
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFS75&P=ML This has always worked for me. I use it with a butane pencil torch. It also works good on the other end to keep it from fraying.
Posted on: 6/5/2009 1:20 AM by Author "jrcaster" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8826928