RE: World Models Super Chipmunk 90
I picked up the new wings last night at our club meeting and they are brand spanking new ....still in the bubble wrap along with a new fiberglass center section. Now, I need to install the control surfaces, servos, and gear and he will be ready to fly again. RJ
Posted on: 5/21/2013 10:34 AM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11518324

RE: Hangar 9 Fokker DVII
I know exactly how you feel. I lost a very nice GP Reactor Bipe the same way. I experienced LOS after takeoff and it crashed to pieces after a slow turn to the right that could not be corrected. It's hard to get upset when you know it was your fault but, it's another story when the equipment fails. Because of that crash and momentary LOS on another model shortly after, I sold all of my Spektrum gear and bought another brand. I'm convinced that the new DSMX transmitters work well with DSMX receivers but, it's a crap shoot when using the older DSM2 receivers with it. Another club member experienced total LOS using a DX18QQ with an DSM2 receiver and lost a very nice 30% Pilot. Contrary to what Spektrum advertises, I'm convince there is a problem with using the DSMX/DSM2 combination. Good luck with the rebuild. My plane was not repairable. RJ
Posted on: 5/21/2013 10:31 AM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11518322

RE: Hangar 9 Fokker DVII
Nice fleet. RJ
Posted on: 5/21/2013 10:09 AM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11518305

RE: GP .60 Reactor Bibe
It pains me to think about this but, my Reactor Bipe was destroyed in a crash. It was a real thrill to fly but, LOS on takeoff broke it into a million pieces. :( The engine, servos, etc. are OK (lost one servo) and I plan to replace it someday. In the mean time, I bought a GP Ulitmate 160 bipe and it's about 2/3 complete but, building slowly. RJ
Posted on: 5/18/2013 9:52 AM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515182

RE: GP .60 Reactor Bibe
Quote: "Only thing that stops me from getting any engine from HK is the fact that its a one time shot. There is no service department to send them to that I am aware of.. so you are really on your own if there are any issues down the road. Also, I have only really heard horror stories from anyone trying to return anything to them, or even getting replacement's due to defective merchandise. Because of that, I will not buy motors/engines from them." I had that concern too until I remembered that BP Hobbies (http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V815101) is the US distributor for RCGF (same as RCG) engines and provides service and parts. Check out their site. RJ
Posted on: 5/18/2013 9:16 AM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515164

RE: GP .60 Reactor Bibe
I admit that there's not much cowl remaining after cutting it for the 20cc gasser but, there's enough left to make it look better than a bare engine. However, my engine is a G20EI with side mounted carb. A DLE or RCG engine with a rear mounted carb would leave plenty of cowl to make a nice appearance. Mine is in the foreground and the other one has a nitro engine of some sort. RJ Reactor_5.JPG Reactor_5.JPG
Posted on: 5/17/2013 11:54 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11514937

RE: GP .60 Reactor Bibe
I think the DLE 20 is the best choice but, Hobby King has an RCG 15cc that develops 2.1hp and a 20cc that develops 2.2hp for very nice prices. I have the 15cc mounted on an H9 Camel and it's doing very well. Check them out. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__80__55__Gas_Glow_Engines_parts-Gas_Engines.html RJ
Posted on: 5/17/2013 6:21 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11514751

RE: World Models Super Chipmunk 90
ALL IS NOT LOST ! I found a new set of wings right here in my own backyard (so to speak). I was telling a fellow club member about my mishap with the Chipmunk and he said that he and his Dad were rebuilding a plane just like mine and had an extra set of wings. Imagine my joy in hearing that, especially when they said the would sell a pair to me. So, I should have it flying again soon. I'm very excited. RJ
Posted on: 5/15/2013 7:40 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512729

RE: Hangar 9 Fokker DVII
Looks like this thread has gone to sleep again. Maybe I can wake it up? I flew my DVII on Monday and had a ball. I replaced the 14x6 wooden prop (after breaking it on the first landing) with a 13x8 Master Airscrew. I also tweaked the low end on the carb because she was running a bit rich and wouldn't idle too well. End result was a few nice flights until I noticed the covering coming loose on the under side of the bottom wings. This bird sat on the shelf at the LHS for a long time before I bought it last year so, I imagine the glue on the covering has lost some of it's sticky-stuff. It's an easy repair but, haven't gotten "round toit" yet. :) The Saito FA80 seems to like the 13x8 MA. I peaked it to around 8100 rpm and left it a bit fat. It was our warmest day of the year so far ....91deg. F. I'm running 20% Power Master and it seems to like it very well. Plenty of power and the fuel, along with some baffeling, keep it running cool. RJ
Posted on: 5/15/2013 7:27 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512717

RE: GP .60 Reactor Bibe
The result of my story with the Reactor Bipe. I "almost" had another LOS mishap the next time I used my transmitter. I was flying a bird with an AR7000 DSM2 receiver and lost signal for approx. 5 seconds. Scared me pretty good but, I got it back and landed safely. A few days later a flying buddy was flying a 50cc IMAC bird using a DX18QQ and an AR7000 receiver when he experienced complete LOS and crashed the airplane. That was enough evidence for me to decide to ditch my Spektrum gear and buy another brand. Rather than replace all of my DSM2 receivers I chose to buy all Hitec gear. I now have an Aurora 9 and several receivers. All reports on the A9 are very positive and I know a few folks in our club who have been using them for over 2 years without a single glitch. I hope to have a long and happy experience with the A9. It has far more features than the DX6, 7, 8 xmitters and is easier to program. So far, I like it a lot. RJ
Posted on: 5/15/2013 6:58 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512700

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Rick, Slow down your feed and speed rates ....i.e. The speed of your drill should be below 1,000 rpm (500 rpm is better) and you should not be pushing hard. Let the drill bit work it's way through the material. When it begins to bog down, pull the bit out and remove the lead that's built up in the grooves of the drill. The begin drilling again. Make sure your lead is held in a vice while you're drilling. I have a small machinists vice on my drill press and it makes it easier to line up and drill the holes. The key is to take it SLOW and make sure your bits are sharp. Good luck, RJ
Posted on: 9/18/2012 8:02 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232972

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
The full size Camel was very difficult to fly and killed many of it's pilots when attempting to lean to fly it. It had a very heavy 160 HP true radial engine (cylinders spun around crankshaft) and created gobs of torque. The ariplane was actually too short for the power of the engine. Due to the massive torque compared to short length, the Camel would turn quickly to the right but, had a tendency to roll over into a deadly spin if the pilot was not prepared to control his turn properly. For the same reason, left turns were shallow and lazy putting the pilot in bad situation in battle. The pilots who flew and fought this wild tiger should be awarded a medal for bravery. If properly flown, it was a very agile aircraft with 4 ailerons but, it would quickly bite you. In fact, both sides in this air war lost pilots to bad designs and poor contstruction. The Nieuport was noted for loosing it's covering during flight. Eddie Rickenbacker almost lost his life in a Nieuport when the top wing fabric began to rip loose. Fortuneately, he was able to land safely before it separted completely. The pilots of WW1 were true heros as they had the guts/nerve to fly these spit and bubble gum air machines. The American volunteers, in particular, new what they were getting in to becuase the dangers of each plane were well known. Next time you watch the movie "Fly Boys", pay attention to the flight training equipment used. They kind of glance over it in the movie but, it's in some of the scenes and represents they way they really learned to fly in those days. RJ
Posted on: 9/16/2012 5:41 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230429

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Rick, Actually, if you have a crosswind or gusty conditions, a little more speed on landing approach and touchdown will help you control it better. Once she's in the stall you're practically helpless if the tailwheel is not down. It's the transition from flying speed to stall that gets most folks in trouble. If you can't land directly into the wind, add a little speed to your landing and you'll have much better results. RJ Commercial ASMEL
Posted on: 9/14/2012 2:27 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11228648

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
I'll keep you posted on the handling. I think the weight is in the right place but, landings will tell the true story. I think I'll have a far better chance for good landings now. As slow as they fly, there should be no problem with touch down speed. My DVII glides in like a controlled leaf but, if you're not ahead of the airplane it can lull you into a dumb thumb. I try not to 3 point the DVII because I feel more confident/comfortable with a bit of speed. It's so light, compared to what I'm used to, that it will balloon when trying to do that. Whereas my 50cc Edge 540T drives right on down to an honest 3 point and sticks real well even in light gusts. In heavier gusts it takes more technique and skill but, that's true of any plane. It's all about getting to know what the airplane wants and then doing it. I'm still in the learning stage with the biplanes. RJ
Posted on: 9/13/2012 6:10 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227803

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Rick, Can't argue with those instructions. My problem is over-correcting when she starts to wander during the take-off roll. I think a lower control rate and a bit more expo will help me until she gets airborne, then switch to a higher rate for flying and landing. I also have a problem with not letting her slow down enough on roll-out before making turns. It tips one way or the other and drags the wing tips along the runway and grinds through the covering and into the wood. I've fabricated some wing-tip skids for the DVII from a plastic milk carton and epoxied them in place. I need to do the same for the Camel. RJ
Posted on: 9/13/2012 5:36 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227768

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Yep, I can see the problem. We have a beautiful concrete 450 ft runway and it's level but, we are plagued, more often than not, with quartering headwinds no matter which end we fly from (north or south). It can get real touchy as she picks up speed so, even though the runway doesn't slope, we still have issues keeping them straight. However, it definately teaches you how to use the rudder. :) RJ
Posted on: 9/13/2012 1:19 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227510

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Rick and Bob, Thanks for the kind remarks but, I can't take credit for the idea. I got it from a video posted by a Brit on youtube. His mounting method was different but, it accomplished the same thing. The video also mentioned installing smaller wheels to lower the CG even more but, I plan to stick with the stock wheels, at least in the beginning. The vid is still there if you want to take a look. Just search for H9 Sopwith Camel and you'll find it. Don't know how much weight you guys are using but, as you move it forward you will require less. That's a good thing because a lighter plane will fly better. I haven't weighed mine yet becasue I don't have everything installed but, I'll bet it comes out lighter than when I got it. It had an additional 3 oz of weight on the outside of the box. As it looks now, I doubt I'll be needing that. Speaking of takeoff trouble, I added a push pull tailwheel to my DVII and it will taxi at low speed just fine but, once the power is on, it gets very sensitive to rudder input and gets very squirrely. So, I've learned to get it pointed straight and stay off the rudder until airborne. One thing I will try is a dual rate on the rudder to limit travel during takeoff and then switch to high rate during flight. RJ
Posted on: 9/13/2012 11:24 AM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227392

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Just received the Saito FA-80GK and have already mounted it. I have cut the cowling for air exhasut and muffler fit but need to acquire another exhaust manifold as the 90 elbow I have now is interfereing with the cowl. I have a 60 degree manifold to install and I believe it will give me the clearance needed. Otherwise I'll have to cut the cowl again. I'm in the process of building a new mounting method for the weight and will post pictures when completed. It will move the weight forward and below the engine to prevent nose overs. The pictures will explain the method much easier than I can with words. I used 2 small shelf brackets for the mounts and drilled holes in the lead block to bolt it to the brackets. I cut the brackets to length and made sure the holes would line up evenly. It was an easy mod and moves the weight where it will be less likely to enable nose-overs on landing. Can hardly wait to give it a try. After mounting I checked the balance and it's almost dead on ...just a tiny bit tail heavy. After I mount the cowl and prop I think it will right on the factory CG. Guess I won't need the 4 oz. heavy hub I bought after all. RJ
Posted on: 9/12/2012 8:04 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226440

RE: Hangar 9 Fokker DVII
Rick, I just posted some pics of my weight mod. on the Camel thread. You might want to take a look. I haven't been able to get to the field since a week ago Sunday and I'm having withdrawl symptoms. The DVII is sitting on my bench in the garage glaring at me when I walk past to run another errand. Sure hate the sad look on her face. :) Maybe I can fix that tomorrow if weather cooperates. RJ
Posted on: 9/12/2012 7:58 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226810

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
Hey, I think someone is making progress on the bug issue. AVG still blocks access to the main page but, if I do a search for "rc Universe club saito" and click the link returned by my search engine, I'm in. I was also able to log-in today with no problem so far ...and I'm using FireFox. Hope they continue to knock out this cruddy bug. RJ
Posted on: 9/10/2012 4:49 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224279

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
Ditto I have contacted AVG and they worked with me to resolve the issue. AVG is more sensitive to this virus than other av programs (???). They advised me to notify RCU to fix the problem. I would gladly do that if I could access the home page and find the contact info. I'm hoping someone (a moderator?) will forward this info to them. The bug is "HTML/Framer". I'm not a programmer, just a button pusher so, I'm just passing on my experience. AVG has a complete record of this bug on their site and it does some nasty things to your computer including leaving it vulnerable to unauthorized access. What confuses me is, why does IE9 give me access to this thread a several others but, blocks the main page and a bunch of others. I had AVG Toolbar loaded and the error message said the toolbar was blocking access so, I deleted the toolbar and I was able to access RCU unhampered for a few hours and then the AVG program began blocking it. I firmly believe this is an RCU site issue and that the owners/managers of this site need to find the bug and fix it. I'm lucky to have access now but, who knows what will happen tomorrow as this bug spreads? RJ
Posted on: 9/9/2012 7:09 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223233

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
BLW & Lopflyer, I am having trouble acessing the RCU site with FireFox. AVG blocks every attempt to go to this site. However, I can use IE9 (as I am now) and get partial access by first doing a search for RC Universe Club Saito. When I pick it from search list, it will take me right to page 1. My anti-virus (AVG) is blocking the entire site through FireFox but, only certain pages with IE9. I haven't been able to access the site managers to tell them about the malware/virus (HTML/Framer) that's on the site. I've been having this trouble for over a week now. My Android tablet will give me uninterrupted access to read but, won't let me post as the browser I'm using won't bring up the keypad so I can post. I can use another, less sophisticated browser and make entries but, it's slow and cumbersome typing with one finger. The speed is only limited by the slow processor in my tablet. I have no trouble at all using my desktop when AVG will let me in. I can navigate at full speed with no slow-downs or lock-ups so, the size of the thread seems to have no affect on speed. I recently downloaded a free PC clean-up utility from Microsoft and it cleaned out a bunch of junk and seemed to speed it up a bit. Hope this info is helpful to you. RJ
Posted on: 9/9/2012 2:40 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11223010

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
OF, No offense taken. Hope I didn't come off to harsh as that wasn't my intent. I love these Saitos. No RC engine I know of sounds as sweet or runs as smoothly. I am the proud owner of 3 now, that is, as soon as the .82 arrives. I haven't started the .91 and I'm anxious to hear it run. I may mount it on my test stand just to hear and see it run. What's the sense in having a beautiful machine if you can't play with it. :) RJ
Posted on: 9/9/2012 1:27 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11222403

RE: Hangar 9 Fokker DVII
Thanks for the warning Rick. I've watched as many videos of this bird as I can find and I see lots of nose overs ...some worse than others. I found one from 2007 that was recently posted to youtube (don't know where it's been all this time) and a Brit (I think) posted it showing his solution to the difficult landing issue (nose overs). He moved the weight down low in the engine compartment to make it less top heavy lengthwise. I plan to apply my own version of that solution. He also fitted smaller wheels to lessen the tendency to rotate the airframe around the axle. Pretty simple solution when you think about it and I believe my solution will be easier to apply than his. Check out this link .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jr8vrFmvVA I've ordered a HIgley Heavy Hub (4 oz) and will use the weight that H9 supplied with the plane and add more weight as needed RJ. [quote]ORIGINAL: Azzir325 Be very sure that Camel hangs level on the balancer. And congrats. It's a sweet plane, but tough to land. [/quote]
Posted on: 9/8/2012 12:50 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221367

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
OF, You may have a point there. :) Now I'm having trouble accessing this site through IE9. Had to sneak through using a search engine. However, I wouldn't have the BMW if my brohter hadn't passed away much too young (62). He had two MCs and I got this beauty from his estate. It's more of a keepsake than anything else. It's a '99 R1100RT in immaculate condition ....except the starter has died and I need to replace or repair it. There's no kick-starter on these. It's much like a Saito really. It's like a timex swiss watch. :) RJ
Posted on: 9/8/2012 12:39 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221940

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
Dave, I doubt I'll ever reach that illustrious level. :) I may have spoken too soon on getting out of "jail". Using FireFox, I'm blocked from logging-in. I can get to some pages but, have difficulty navigating. The virus AVG reports is "HTML/Framer". If someone can send that info to the RCU managers, mayber they can kill it. I had to resort to IE9 to get back to this thread. Glad you had a good ride. I need to get my BMW boxer back on the road now that decent riding weather is coming. Although it's still breaking the 100's here ....we had 102 today. RJ
Posted on: 9/7/2012 7:36 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221335

RE: Hangar 9 Fokker DVII
It would seem that WW1 bipes are addictive. I just acquired a mate for my DVII in the form of a H9 Sopwith Camel in beautiful condition. I just made a trade for a Saito FA-82GK to mount on it and it will be a perfect match for the DVII which has the FA-80 mounted. You can see the pictures I've posted on the Camle build thread. This pair should gather a lot of attention at the airfield. RJ
Posted on: 9/7/2012 3:28 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221095

RE: Hangar-9 Sopwith Camel Build Thread
Hello to the group. I was lucky enough to find an assembled airframe in excellent condition for a very good price. I've installed and tested all of the servos and have prefitted the engine and mount. The engine I have on it now is a Saito FA-91SGK but, that engine will be replaced with a Saito FA-82GK. I plan to use the 91 on an aerobatic plane. I must say that Hangar 9 has done an excellent job and, I think, has gone the extra mile to produce this model. The detail for a factory ARF is great and the structure is strong but, light. It is a perfect match for my H9 Fokker DVII with a Saito FA-80 installed. I know the Camel will turn heads at the field just like the DVII has. :) RJ
Posted on: 9/7/2012 3:19 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221085

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
Hoooraaaay !!! I'm out of jail. :) It turns out that it was the AVG security toolbar that was blocking access to RCU. Whew, thought I was locked out for good. Anyway ....I have recently acquired 2 more Saitos per instructions from Hobbsy. :) I now have a FA-91SGK in excellent used condition. Haven't started it up yet as I've been fitting it to my new WW1 biplane ....a Hangar 9 Sopwith Camel (used) in excellent condition. However today, I traded a 20cc gas engine for a very nice Saito FA-82GK. I plan to mount the 82 on my Camel and install the 91 on my SPA bird ....a World Models Intruder 90 once it's repaired and recovered. I'll be ready for next year's contest season. I really feel lucky to have found both of these engines at such great prices and I'm excited to put them to use. RJ
Posted on: 9/7/2012 2:56 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221064

RE: Welcome to Club SAITO !
hello to the group. haven,,t been able to log in due to site virus issue. just bought fa91s gn and looking fwd to running it on h9 sw camel. this entry is being made via my tablet &1 finger typing. PITB RJ
Posted on: 9/2/2012 4:09 PM by Author "rowdyjoe" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11214870