Morris Balsa Nova - Boy was I surprised!
I've seen these in competition before and they've done well. Good Luck!
Posted on: 7/13/2003 4:20 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=951712

need some help
This could be a Summit, LA-1 or LA-2 design. It's definitely one of the "rockets" from the mid 80s or 90s. You're going to want to keep this baby moving along in the sky because it probably has a higher wing loading than modern pattern planes. These planes like to go fast, with lots of momentum to carry them through maneuvers. Today's upper level pattern schedules require planes with light wing loading and lots of power, as the maneuvers are piled one on top of the other with no real opportunity to get up momentum between them. This will make a good entry level plane if you plan to compete, and it's a great sport plane. Nothing flies like a pattern plane, including this one.
Posted on: 7/2/2003 7:34 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=917129

Buying in
Do what Harrierboy said - buy the Kaos 60 ARF and fly it in Sportsman until you find out if pattern is right for you. Nobody is ever completely happy with his first pattern airplane no matter what it is - might as well make it something easy and cheap. You can always buy into the fancy stuff later. The Kaos has a thick airfoil and flies slowly like the draggy 2 meter designs currently in favor.
Posted on: 7/2/2003 5:02 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=916512

Getting started
You're going to get as many different opinions as people you ask regarding how much airplane you need to get started. The Kaos 60 will get you started without shelling out a bundle of cash. It has a thick airfoil and tends to fly slow, like the draggy designs currently being flown. You can fly it in Sportsman and find out if pattern is right for you before investing too much money. You can always buy into the fancy stuff later.
Posted on: 7/2/2003 4:54 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=916511

Finding the CG
Sometimes it's not necessary to know the exact CG specified by the manufacturer. You're going to want to tweak it anyway to find the best balance for your type of flying. A good starting point is about 1/3 of the way back from the leading edge of the wing at the fuselage. If you have dual rates, set a high rate for elevator that is about 1/4 to 3/8 inch greater throw up and down than your low rate so you don't run out of elevator on landing if the plane is too nose heavy. You can also use try using 50% or more minus expo on the elevator instead of dual rates. If you're running a pumped engine or a YS, the fuel tank CG is best located right on the airplane CG or about 1/2 inch behind. If you plan to fly patterns, try NSRCA.org and print out the trimming chart. Better yet, find someonw else who's doing the same thing and team up. The trimming chart will tell you how to trim, but someone who understands pattern can tell you why things happen the way they do. Good Luck
Posted on: 7/2/2003 4:43 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=917127

Calling Maneuvers
I don't know if things are this way everywhere, but here in Texas, most judges like to here someone call out each maneuver before it's executed so they'll know what to expect. I think this is so that they don't have to constantly look down at their score sheets to see what's next. They don't want to hear beginning now or complete, just what's coming up.
Posted on: 6/25/2003 3:58 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=895464

Something else I forgot to mention
As I recall, these kits tend to have heavy wood in them. My Escape had one aileron that weighed 4 times as much as the other. I strongly suggest going through the wood piece by piece and replacing most of it with contest grade. As a general rule, the only aircraft ply I ever use is 1/16. Everything else is lite ply - even the firewall - you can use either 3/8 or 1/4 lite ply for that. Except maybe for 1/16 ply fuselage side reinforcement with holes cut in it, no plywood of any kind has any business anywhere behind the firewall. The XLT is an older kit and built to obsolete standards - way overbuilt and way too heavy. Currently, the 2 meter pattern planes being used are coming out around 10 lbs ready to fly. These are airplanes that are 78 inches long and wingspan, with up to 1100 sq inches of wing area, and with larger engines and pipes - nearly twice the size of the XLT, but only about 25% heavier. A good target weight for the XLT should be under 8 lbs. ready to fly. Good luck
Posted on: 6/18/2003 6:23 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=598648

XLT throws
Try 3/8 to 1/2 inch up and down on everything to start with. If you have dual rates, set this up as low rate and add 1/4 inch to each throw for high rate (this is so you don't run out of elevator on landing if you're nose heavy). If you have expo, put about minus 50% on elevator and minus 30% on ailerons to start on both low and high rates. These are starting points - you'll want to set the throws to your own liking as you get used to the airplane. First and foremost, as you build, keep the airplane as light as possible. Use contest grade wood and light ply everywhere, and use a minimum of glue. Soft mount the engine. I've been at this for many years - it sounds like you might be fairly new. If you have further questions, contact me directly at [email]bcarpenter@greenvilleisp.net[/email]
Posted on: 6/18/2003 6:05 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=598647

I'll second the motion
What PatternFlyer described is EXACTLY what I used in the early to mid 90s with good success. I started out with the 12X11 and 12X12 setups, but the plane was going way too fast. Now with the new schedules, the faster setup would be even more of a problem - things would happen too fast and the smaller props can't break on the downlines as well as the larger ones. If you throttle way back with the 13 1/2 X 10, you'll be surprised how well it slows the airplane down. Good Luck
Posted on: 6/7/2003 6:54 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=840322

Thanks for input
Thanks for all your input. I've decided to use CA hinges all the way. I extended the slots to put two side by side in each one, with a small space between. I'm using 8 in each aileron, 4 in the rudder, and 4 in each elevator. Haven't decided whether to pin or not - it's difficult to imagine all those hinges pulling out. Also, I like to soft mount all my engines - should hlep reduce vibration and stress on everything. O.S. 46FX, APC 12 1/4X 3 3/4 or 12 X 4 prop, 15% nitro. Smooooooooooth Landings, Bill
Posted on: 5/1/2003 11:39 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=733716

Flip 3D - Does it really need metal hinges????????
I couldn't believe it when I opened my new Flip and found metal hinges. I'm sure there's a good reason for it, but I just don't know what it is. Do I really need to use metal or can I substitute CA hinges instead? Thanks
Posted on: 4/30/2003 6:26 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=733708

What engine for Flip?
That's the input I was looking for - thanks. I've been a pattern flyer for about 10 years so I hope I can handle the wilder Flip. What engine is good for it? I have an O.S. 46 FX, but I also have 2 YS .61 LSRE pattern engines from my 60 pattern days. One of the guys at my field has a Flip and had to put a lot of lead in the front to balance it using a .46. I'd rather add the weight with the engine than with lead. I soft mount everything these days so maybe the .61 won't shake the Flip apart? Thanks
Posted on: 4/5/2003 5:49 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=668572

Need Pipe Setup for Webra Bully 1.20/Focus
Thanks Greg, that's the pipe I'm currently using. I have an opportunity to look at one of the Macs pipes - I think they're shorter and might fit my pipe tunnel.
Posted on: 4/4/2003 5:18 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=662441

Which plane is better for doing 3D maneuvers - UCD or Flip 3D?
I'm thinking about getting a 3D airplane and would like to know what you guys think of these 2 designs. I know there are a lot of threads on both airplanes - too much to wade through it all. Thanks
Posted on: 4/3/2003 7:51 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=668568

Need Pipe Setup for Webra Bully 1.20/Focus
I don't want to continue to run the pipe short. I'm fairly sure there are pipes out there that will tune to the Bully and still fit into the Focus pipe tunnel, I just don't know which ones they are. They're pricey enough that I don't want to get into a trial and error situation by trying to guess.
Posted on: 4/1/2003 9:49 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=662437

Need Pipe Setup for Webra Bully 1.20/Focus
I've been flying my Focus with a Bully 1.20 and Bolly pipe for a while now and I may need more power. As anyone who has ever tried to tune a Bolly pipe in a Focus knows, it doesn't fit (too long). Rather than butcher the airplane to accomodate the longer pipe, I've been running it short and therefore, not "on" the pipe. I think it may be time to find a pipe that will fit into the Focus and be tuned to the engine. Any suggestions appreciated. I've also heard that this engine doesn't like too much nitro, so going higher than 15% doesn't seem like a good option. Any comments or ideas are welcome. Thanks
Posted on: 4/1/2003 5:34 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=662435

Throttle Management
One thing to look for in throttle management is whether or not your rpm level is really that much lower when the throttle stick is half way up. Most 2 cycle engines I 've known are at almost top rpm when the stick is half way up, so on my Webra Bully 1.20 I go to minus 100% expo on the throttle and I find a much more linear control of rpm. Another example is when I was flying a YS .61 LSRE, when the throttle stick was all the way down and idle trim all the way up, I was getting 6000 rpm. When I advanced the throttle stick to full, I was at 9700 rpm - not much difference considering it was my entire range of throttle control. If you look at the opening in the carb as you advance the throttle, you should notice that it doesn't have to be all the way open to get near max rpm. Going to minus expo gives much more control.
Posted on: 3/29/2003 6:03 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=642754

Focus Landing Gear
I don't know if they've changed the kits since I got my Focus, but there were only 2 screws to hold each side of the landing gear. I added a third to shore things up per suggestion on RCU by several guys. - works great.
Posted on: 3/14/2003 3:26 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=612804

Bridi XLT
I flew an Escape (same as XLT but with smaller wing area) in Pattern back in the mid 90s and have a couple of comments. First, if you cut down the canopy to be as low as possible, it will give the plane a "chopped" look, much like a chopped car. That big hump is for side area, but if you don't need it, cutting it down will clean up the look nicely. Also, I noticed when I flew my Escape that a lot of down elevator was needed when flying inverted. I don't remembe the exact details, but I was never able to resolve the issue - moved on to a Boxer 60 and WOW what a difference. IMHO, of course.
Posted on: 3/9/2003 1:59 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=598645

Probably not a sport
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think our kind of building and flying might be more of an art form than a sport.
Posted on: 2/6/2003 6:03 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=535402

Hydeaway
There's a Hydeaway ARF (.60/1.20) on eBay now (not mine). I know you don't like ARFs, but some of them are really well built and finished, and light. Also, I have a Boxer 1.20 "kit" if you're interested.
Posted on: 2/5/2003 5:08 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=531727

Sounds like a no brainer
Whichever engine will fit into your plane and require no nose weight is the one (or if it's nose heavy, the least amount of tail weight). I've had good luck with the OS 46FX using an APC 12X4 prop.
Posted on: 2/3/2003 5:28 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=528109

Flying?
Might have something to do with the fact that most of the US East of the Rocky Mountains is currently in a deep freeze. You guys near the equator don't have problems like this, but it's hard to fly when you can't feel your fingers. Engines are hard to start, batteries have little capacity, and the oil residue is like jello. Are we having fun yet??????????
Posted on: 1/24/2003 5:31 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=504971

Airplane ID
The one which isn't covered looks like it could be a 70s era design called Vertigo or Vertigo II. I can't tell from the pic, but if it has anhedral in the stab, that could be it. Can't help you with the others - sorry.
Posted on: 1/2/2003 5:14 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=454460

Right Thrust
You Bet. I'd try at least 2 degrees to start with and go from there. For reference, I'm flying a Focus with a 1.2 Bully on it using an APC 16X10 prop, and the 3 1/2 degrees of prescribed thrust angle seems just about right. Just make sure you mount the engine so that you can change the angle easily, as you may also want to add some down thrust.
Posted on: 1/2/2003 6:35 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=453997

How do you do 3D?
Is there a book, CD, video, or other out there which details what maneuvers are possible, how to do them, and how to set up the airplane, etc? I'd like to try 3D. Thanks
Posted on: 12/24/2002 2:32 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=436251

Wheel vs. horn on rudder
Does anyone have a pic of an installation showing a wheel used instead of a horn on the rudder? How is the wheel affixed to the rudder? Thanks
Posted on: 12/14/2002 4:53 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=400862

Radio south
I'd like to see the Advantage. Can someone tell me what the Radio South website address is? I put "radio south" in the Yahoo search engine and got 3 million hits. Thanks
Posted on: 12/14/2002 3:08 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=417590

Coolhand
If you're just getting started you don't need a 2 meter ship, and they're going to be fairly expensive if you find one ready to fly. Also, you run the risk of something being wrong with it, which may be the reason it's for sale. I've helped someone around here get started with a Tower Hobbies Kaos 40 ARF. He bought it new from Tower and put existing power and radio gear in it, and it flies just fine. The Kaos thicker wing flies slower than the "rockets" that superceded it back in the 80s and 90s, but contemporary designs are going back to slower flight, so the Kaos is actually more competitive than 80s and 90s designs. I think it's only around $129, and Tower is giving aditional discounts on top of that. There are some RTF pattern planes on eBay (all you have to do is add a receiver, or engine, or servos, depending on how much the seller wants to give up), but these are likely to be pre-2 meter designs. If you ever find a RTF 2 meter pattern ship, be prepared to spend a lot of money. Where are you located in LA? I'm in East Texas about 2 1/2 hours from Shreveport. I'm currently flying a Focus and building am Entropy (both 2 meter). I think pattern is spread pretty thin over there - maybe you could mosey over this way sometime. There are 2 or 3 active flyers in the Plano area, one in Waxahachie, and me in the Greenville area. I know pattern is no fun alone so I'm going to join the Richardson club next year and fly with the Plano guys on Sundays. Bill
Posted on: 12/12/2002 5:46 PM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=411079

Coolhand
If you're looking for an ARF, you can't beat the Piedmont Focus for the money.
Posted on: 12/12/2002 5:23 AM by Author "poorbs" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=411077