RE: Don Smith 1/4 scale Corsair
David, Beautiful job! I miss my old field. I hope you guys are all doing well. Rusty
Posted on: 10/7/2011 5:37 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10753841

RE: building board
[quote]ORIGINAL: GaryHarris And I think its time for a new fold up table. [X(] [/quote] Classic!!! Now I need something clever for my bottles or start drinking from cans again.
Posted on: 10/3/2011 4:22 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10746982

RE: TF Spitfire build
The issue with the bowing in the top half of the fuse is actually related to flaws in some of the die cut parts around the cockpit. The main issue is the cockpit floor piece which does not even match that part on the plan. It is narrower than it needs to be. There were also issues with some of the partial formers around it. When you sheet that area it dips since the floor is not wide enough to properly support it. I didn't figure it out until it was too late. The rear cockpit blocks also have issues because the drawing, picture, and plan show different things. The roots for the stab and fine were also slightly undersized from the plan which didn't allow the rudder and elevator LE's to match up well or maybe it was the other way around. I believe those were laser cut and that might have been an input error in the CAD parts. There was also the discrepancy with the stab saddle. I would have to dig these issue up out of my thread over on RCSB but I commented on them at the time and I have seen them pop up in subsequent builds. I reported these issues to TF at the time but they dismissed me as "no one else has reported the issues (you must be the issue)". I might have also attempted to report a few of the issues in the TF forum in the kit builders section so you might want to look there. I wasn't asking for anything in return at the time but I was suprised to see so many errors in a production kit that has been on the market for more than a decade. I don't envy the kit makers these days but dismissing customer feedback is not a winning strategy. You are usually rewarded with reduced loyalty.
Posted on: 8/23/2011 4:39 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10684097

RE: Should Hitec replace planes from lock outs
Manufacturers are responsible for their product failures if you are willing to push it but you will need to have clear evidence. Car companies for injury from faulty designs, crib manufacturers for child injuries due to faulty designs, telephone companies for overcharging on phone bills, and the list goes on. How about hot cheese burning a kid at a amusement park when he was dipping his pretzel? Yes to all of the above. You would be surprised what is paid out under insurance policies and yes some of it is unjust for the insurer but they do pay out 40% or more of their premiums in claims and it is a normal cost of their business model. When you move your manufacturing oveseas to reduce costs and allow QC to suffer you open yourself up to additional liability. It is never easy being a manufacturer and they carry insurance to protect themselves from well...themselves. There are certainly abusers of the legal system but sometimes manufacturers put the profit before the customer and eventually someone figures out how to get paid. Consumers are very capable of misusing products as well so if you are hiding or miss your own mistakes you are out of luck. They generally will not give up their insurance information so you would need to get the office of your State Attorney General involved or hire a lawyer. The state Attorney General offices generally have a process for accepting such claims against companies. You pay your taxes so get your money's worth if you have a legitimate claim. The issue with lawsuits is someone tripping on a sidewalk, breaking his leg, and winning a jury award for thirty million when 20k would have covered his medical bills and pain. Insurance companies generally don't make big money selling insurance outright. They make money generating investment income from investing that premium between the time they write the policy and pay out the claims. The better companies also generate underwriting profits. Hard to do when the economy is in the crapper, investment yields are low, and claims rise due to weather events or something else. Something to think about next time your insurance goes up by $50 a year and you feel it is time for a switch.
Posted on: 7/28/2011 6:32 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10644005

RE: Futaba's new 2.4ghz S-BUS...Outstanding!
The most interesting part of this item to me is the fact it supports 18 channels. I got an email from Tower today indicating they have reduced the price on the 14 channel receiver to $169.95 for two days (also did the same thing on the 8 channel HS RX). Makes me wonder if they are trying to clear inventory before they release some new products possibly including telementry and an 18 TX and RX. The timing would be good for me (sarcastic) as I just bought a slightly used 14mz. I have always had Futuba and I am glad to see they are developing new ideas and investing in their business. [quote]ORIGINAL: DougV Here's another unit coming from Futaba. Page 100 here: http://www.rcmarket.org/ProductManuals/robbeNeuheiten2010English.pdf ''This Twin battery power supply (battery backer) is primarily configured for S-BUS receivers and servos, standard servos and electronic devices may also be connected using the PWM-Adapter. The major advantage of the S-BUS system is that only a 3 core cable is needed to connect the twin batteries to the receiver and also carry the signals for upto 18 channels from the receiver to the servos.'' Doug. [/quote]
Posted on: 4/20/2011 3:57 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10475186

RE: 1/6 Scale F4U Corsair Group Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: SMUGator It would also be nice to get the sail winch servo that I contributed to the cause back. We are doing a lot of boating and I have a model project in mind where that will come in handy. Chad, I sent it to you initially, so I trust that you can track it down and get it returned. Tom [/quote] Tom, I want to apologize but it was me that someone forwarded these items to. I was working on the canopy rail area at the time. I did consider the idea of pulleys but ultimately abandoned it in favor of the traditional air cylinder or a linear drive built from other components (although there are emerging options which might be more ready made). I never actually hooked up the servo so it is in the condition it was presented to me. My personal decision will be determined by whether or not I use air or electric for the retracts. Down and Locked Retracts will be at Toledo and that was my last bit of research I have left before I decide on my options. I already have the air cylinder from Sierra. I have found a solution for driving the rails and concealing them. I also have the first sample of options for the rear rails but I want to try a few more ideas. I will have to revisit that area with the recent thoughts shared on the rear rails which is interesting. I do have detailed pictures of where the front part of canopy attaches and that is relatively easy to replicate. Chad has provided me with the cowl sections which I can use to build a prototype mold. I have someone with modeling experience local who can help with that task and Chad is aware of that. I am just going to have to wait until Toledo, Top Gun, and other events are over when he has time to help me. As for the rest of the group, I will finish the fuse this summer to a primer stage but I would encourage everyone to pick a path and follow it as some are starting to do. Chad is driving the design I will be using 100%. If anyone wants to pursue a different plan that is your call but I will be part of whatever group is still working with Chad's design and he has my total support. I love some of the work being done on the wheels, tail wheel, and the efforts to gather better and better documentation. The last I talked with Chad the wing was well beyond the start stage. We do need to finalize a plan for retracts but Chad will need to decide what gear he is going to use. The Aune gear is great but I am not sure how he will accomodate future builders without Aune gear because I would like to see him sell a few of these kits so others can enjoy his design. If someone has the skill to draw up the retracts in CAD and we can come to a collective and final decision on the design, I can approach two makers in person. I live in central Ohio and Sierra and Century are within driving distance. I am in Sierra's and Century's back yard on business all the time. I have to suspect Sierra (nor I) want to deal with an idea that is tortured to death and never final. No business person in his right mind would work with that. If I have a defined and FINAL plan for gear, I would have no problem stopping by to see Sierra or Century and putting my money down as a starting point. As much as I want an ultra scale set of gear, I am not spending two grand for it for a plane this size. Most top scale modelers wouldn't either and I am far from that so compromises are going to have to be made unless some is going to step forward with the tools, talent, and goodwill to offer to the task. Many of the small details can be replicated in other ways seperate from the actual gear. I think finalizing the design and the main gear are the two priorities and that is where we are stalled. That is where I stand today nearly three years to the day from the start of this thread, two promotions, and my first child. Life is always full of surprises.
Posted on: 3/30/2011 9:48 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10433881

RE: HK-450GT CCPM Alloy T-Rex compatible
Thanks guys, I will go with the 939's. It is nice to have friendly help working this out and I am sure I will find terra firma plenty. That said, I think I will learn quicker not worrying about the part costs so much with this bird and gear. I got new grips for my mcpx yesterday and was up late flying it around the basement (without another bearing failure).
Posted on: 3/20/2011 11:38 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10411721

RE: HK-450GT CCPM Alloy T-Rex compatible
kudos on the idea of summarizing all the tips and links in this thread. It would certainly be helpful to a newbie like me who hasn't built a heli kit yet and gone through the set up process. For example, knowing where to buy better dampers so I can avoid the mess shown in the pictures above. I am sure there are other parts which might make sense to just upgrade as I am building it. Thank you.
Posted on: 3/19/2011 9:04 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10410823

RE: HK-450GT CCPM Alloy T-Rex compatible
[quote]ORIGINAL: sgbfly [quote]ORIGINAL: rustypep I have read some of the thread but was curious if you guys would recommend this bird for a first 450 sized bird. The cost is hard to beat and I know I will have plenty of crashes. I could justify buying a second kit to use for parts. I have some limited time on smaller CP birds but wanted to start piecing together a larger bird to try later
Posted on: 3/19/2011 8:55 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10410813

RE: HK-450GT CCPM Alloy T-Rex compatible
I have read some of the thread but was curious if you guys would recommend this bird for a first 450 sized bird. The cost is hard to beat and I know I will have plenty of crashes. I could justify buying a second kit to use for parts. I have some limited time on smaller CP birds but wanted to start piecing together a larger bird to try later this summer. Thanks for the help in advance.
Posted on: 3/16/2011 9:16 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "T-Rex heli"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10405145

RE: TROJAN PROBLEM ON THIS SITE!!
I continue to experience problems but multiple computers. McAfee continues to block the trojan but IE shuts down after a number of attempts. It did it just trying to access this thread.
Posted on: 3/6/2011 8:03 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10383555

RE: The RCFW Hellcat Group Build
Nicely done [sm=thumbs_up.gif] She is going to look sweet. What size are those rivets? I am getting ready to rivet my TF Spit which is close to the same scale. It is challenge to get it to look right.
Posted on: 11/30/2010 6:00 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10168141

RE: What did you do for the last 24 hrs
and/or employed [quote]ORIGINAL: Ram-bro must be married [/quote]
Posted on: 11/30/2010 5:51 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Planes/Helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10168127

RE: AMR Low Stick40
I like the idea of something in the 2m range. That would put the weight maybe in the under 12 lb range which would be a good power to weight match for a cheap DLE 30 and not require more expensive servos. You might be able to live without a two piece wing at that size which would help reduce more of the weight. A design that could be used for new pattern, IMAC, first gasser, or just second plane pilots could be useful if the coupling isn't bad. Maybe a high mounted stab with a counterbalanced rudder for knife edge? The plan could include options for both full span ailerons or split for flaps and crow. That would only add a few parts and provide for a flexible design to serve a wider audience. I still love my ultra stick 40 at 5lbs and always wanted a larger version of it with less coupling. Count me in. [quote]ORIGINAL: aussiesteve Two piece wing (I see a lot of people asking how to fit ''gassers'' into ther smaller vehicles) No flight surface scallops (Experienced builders can easily add them, new builders may have difficulty covering them) New style rudder (Easier for those with limitied covering skills to cover it)? 0% (0) Lite-ply fuselage (Only if it adds enough extra strength over Balsa) Lite-ply ribs (will be stronger - nothing more demoralising than building a kit then damaging a wing with a minor bump) [b]It would also be quite important in some countries (Like Australia) for it to build very easily significantly less than 7kg. We have ''heavy model'' rules here that kick in at 7kg. If it could build under 5KG (there's a challenge for you) - it could be used in some pattern events to encourage ''newbies'' to have a go. (Yes, I know the wingspan is outside the 2m limit - that is another consideration I guess)[/b] I love my Stick planes and apart from your kits, there doesn't seem to be much choice out there for the larger ones these days. [/quote]
Posted on: 11/3/2010 7:06 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10113694

RE: If a treasurer of an AMA club were to steal a large amount of money, what action should take place?
Bob, it sounds like your club has pretty good controls in place. I am a bond manager for a large insurance company and we write these types of employee dishonesty coverages. Employee dishonesty is really fidelity and not a bond, which is more like insurance by nature. When you see trucks and vans with "bonded" on the side this generally means they have what we call a business services bond. This is a specialized product and most people don't realize this bond has a conviction clause. The means the person who steals has to be convicted of a crime before the insurance company will pay out. This allows us to offer this basic coverage at a more reasonable price with limited underwriting. What we really need here is blanket employee dishonesty for a non-profit organization. I have seen where several people have talked about requiring two signatures and this is a good practice. An annual audit by a CPA is also a good practice if there are significant financial resources moving through the organization. If your bank doesn't check or verify signatures on file, find a new bank!!! An amount like $20,000 will be written pretty freely but larger amounts like $50,000 and up will be scrutinized more by underwriters. Requiring two signatures on checks over a specified amount, using a different person to reconcile the books each month from the person issuing checks, having a different person open the bank statements, and also having an annual audit (both interally and externally) are all basic checks and balances we look for before writing larger limits. We will generally secure an in-house financial statement if an audit isn't available so we can see how much money is flowing through the organization so we can determine the extent of the risk. We also run credit reports on the individuals more involved in the handling of money at these larger limits. There is plenty of research and common sense out there that shows those that don't handle their personal matters well or pay their bills on time, are not going to handle these items for anyone else any better. Non-profits struggle more with controls due to the limited number of people involved. If it makes anyone feel better, non-profits generally have a pretty decent loss history. Retailers are generally the worst risks but an organization with any type of cash exposure should take additional steps to protect themselves. The cost of this coverage is very cheap and usually no more than $1.50 per thousand so you are most likely looking at a $100 or $250 minimum premium per year for a smaller limit. This may sound surprising but our largest losses generally come from situations where one person has been in the same position for many years. The old lady that everyone trusts. Everyone gets comfortable with these individuals and controls weaken due to it over time. The moral from this story is maybe term limits are not a bad idea. This situation sounds like one that should be going to prosecution and the organization should make changes to their controls. Rusty [quote]ORIGINAL: retransit You hit the nail on the head, Minnflyer. My sentiments also. Since most gave opinions on what should be done, and to whom, I'll just say prosecution should be in order. What should be done to prevent this from happenning?. My club (I'm the secretary) requires two signatures on all checks. The bank has all the board member's signatures on file and all board members are bonded for twice the amount of the cash value of the treasury. An annual financial report is required by a CPA and monthly financial reports are given to the membership at each meeting by the treasurer. Notification of any outgoing expeditures are given to the membership and we carry a yearly budget which, along with cash on hand, can be seen by any member of the club at any time. We have a list of assets (equipment, etc.) and they are accounted for in a spreadsheet. We are a non-profit corporation registered with the state and federal government. As such, we are transparent. Our club has been incorporated for about 23 years and these measures help greatly in keeping an eye on things. You may not want to go to the extent that our club has, but it will minimize most theft. My 2 cents. Bob [/quote]
Posted on: 9/3/2010 8:39 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9979065

RE: FREE DX5E RADIO IF YOU NAME THIS PLANE
Pirate's Bounty or Pirate's Prize (for both the drink and the girl)
Posted on: 3/30/2010 7:43 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9625315

RE: 1/6 Scale F4U Corsair Group Build
I am still here as well but I did add a new member to the family on August 2nd. Her name is Jaden and we adopted her from China. We spent two weeks in China in early August. This ended a four and a half year process for us. Her one year birthday is coming up next month. She is healthy and taking her first steps so we are very happy. As for the Corsair, I will getting back to that shortly. I am trying to finish up a few small projects before I give it my full attention.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 1:35 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195257

RE: TF Spitfire kit elevator/stab question
Nice work! The other note to make for later is to cut out a new cockpit floor or add some wood to the part in the kit so it matches the outline on the plan. Lay the part included with the kit over the plans and you will see what I mean when you get to that point. It comes up short. It will save you headaches when you go to sheet the fuse. Nice to see another Spit going together.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 1:25 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195241

RE: TF Spitfire kit elevator/stab question
Chad is exactly correct. These parts were laser cut and that might have had something to do with the mistake since the rest of the kit is die cut. I posted what I did to fix it in this thread. The rudder had the same issue. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6514696/anchors_6569178/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#6569178 The rudder was a bigger problem and if you can cut out new parts before you build it you will not have the same issue. [quote]ORIGINAL: Chad Veich Chuck, It appears to me that whomever determined the thickness necessary for the elevator leading edges simply forgot to account for the thickness of the sheeting on the stab. It's an easy mistake to make, ask me how I know! At any rate I can't see any reason why this would have been done on purpose. Ideally you would want the elevators to be slightly thicker than the trailing edge of the stab, not thinner, as it helps to prevent flutter. [/quote]
Posted on: 10/22/2009 9:29 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194695

RE: topflite spitfire retracts
da Rock...the splay looks much better after your mods to the H9. Nice job on that. That is the one part that I don't like about the TF. It looks like the H9 stance is also wider than scale (TF Spit is the same way) and that will help with the ground handling even with the splay reduced. A scale undercarriage is one thing that makes the Spit a bad first time warbird. That is something the P-47 doesn't have an issue with as a model. It still looks right!
Posted on: 10/16/2009 1:41 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9177238

RE: topflite spitfire retracts
Ask and you shall receive! These pics are without the sheeting so you can reference the spar. This extra angle in the mounts will help to fight nose over when the gear is extended and it appears the H9 is designed close to the same way. Getting the axle in front of the spar and closer to the leading edge is an important part of minimizing the nose over tendancy along with other factors. The wider gear stance also helps on landings. Neither are anywhere close to scale anyway and that is obvious when looking at it from the front with the gear down. It is the compromise made with the design of these kits. My other limitation was making sure the air cylinders cleared the spar and wing joiners in the center section. It is a bit tight still in a 60 sized Spit, especially when squeezing the air tank/valve in the center section. [quote]ORIGINAL: da Rock Anybody got a picture of a TopFlite spit with the gear completely retracted and one from the front with the gear down? [/quote]
Posted on: 10/14/2009 11:09 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9174275

RE: Topflite Spitfire...Finally done!
Beautiful job [sm=thumbs_up.gif]. The cockpit is nicely done. One of these days I will finish mine [8|]. What was the final weight?
Posted on: 10/3/2009 5:08 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9144004

RE: New Hitec Aurora 9-Channel 2.4Ghz Radio System
I am still 100% Futaba and have been waiting for the right movement to upgrade from my 8U. I use a 7C for my smaller models. This radio has my interest now and this after giving the new Airtronics & Futaba offerings a closer look. I also like the ability to change/upgrade modules as technology changes and run a lipo in the TX. Computer updates is also a biggie here. The touch screen is nice and appears easy to use. It sounds like the RX's has options for powering larger scale models and the new antenna is intriguing. I also like the servo speed option and discussion in one thread regarding the potential for sequencing maybe more than one servo using a combination of flight modes and servo speed. As I get more into scale, these features appeal more to me. I also saw discussion on A123 on the TX/RX. SPC on all RX's tells me someone put some thought into the brownout issue and demands of larger models [sm=thumbs_up.gif]. My biggest question right now is there any issue in running anolog servos with the new 2.4 Rx's, such as the Hitec 645's? I also know some folks still like to use an analog servo on the throttle. My last question is can you read the screen with polarized sunglasses? I wear prescription sunglasses so it is a minor issue. Thanks!
Posted on: 9/15/2009 2:13 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9096656

RE: Sierra retracts
My only experience until this year was with Robart (no complaints). I have heard all the praises and complaints on them plus CJM and Sierra. My first purchased with CJM was a set of custom retracts for a Vance Mosher P-66 and I was impressed with the turnaround and quality of those retracts. I am not sure I could damage this set without destroying the plane first. It also marks the first time I have had the landing gear before I started to build the plane [:)] I am pretty sure I know the two people Bruce was referring to under example B. I have seen the rack and pinion set CJM built for that turbo prop and I thought it was pretty clever/impressive myself. Example C speaks for itself.
Posted on: 9/9/2009 12:38 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9080674

RE: Top Flite Giant P-40??
I think the P-40 is undermodeled these days. I sure hope Top Flite considers doing a larger one or even a 60 sized one. I like my H9 P-40. I am glad to see TF get into the ARF game deeper so we keep some options open. Their recent P-47's and B-25 are nicely done. I am considering the large P-47 myself.
Posted on: 8/24/2009 8:39 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9041878

RE: Hangar 9 P-40 Warhawk
: Arruda Thanks FlymoreRC and Rustypep for your prompt reply. I have another question
Posted on: 7/29/2009 12:41 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8972614

RE: Hangar 9 P-40 Warhawk
That blue tubing is from AeroTrend. Their "Cream" is better because it is true higher temp but I can never catch it in stock. Finding time is another subject. I keeping looking for it so I can finish my Spit.
Posted on: 7/27/2009 9:10 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8969106

RE: Skyshark p40 with a DA 85
Terry, Sorry about the loss. Look forward to seeing the Spit. Rusty
Posted on: 7/27/2009 8:20 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8968927

RE: Hangar 9 P-40 Warhawk
, or problem with the engine. Rustypep, I like your exhaust setup.. [/quote]
Posted on: 7/27/2009 8:14 PM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8968907

RE: Hangar 9 P-40 Warhawk
Here are some pics under the cowl. I am right at 8.5 lbs and I didn't do much to keep her light. I am running MG servos in the rear and 4-40 rods all around. You can see a little bit of lead in the fourth picture.
Posted on: 7/27/2009 1:06 AM by Author "rustypep" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8966791