RE: Business or no business?
I kind of did ask it there and it's funny, all the people already doing it and making money at it said it too risky and should just forget it for awhile. Strange huh. Anyway no one replied to this thread for two months until you guys (thanks) so I already am getting started. I have a registered business name, a business checking account, bought a domain name and business email and just got business cards. Hopfully over the weekend I will get my website up and running. I even bought liaibility insurance. I have the Trex setup and just a 18' pole. Have been looking at telescoping masts, man are they expensive. Best deal I have found so far is a 60' for $1775. Thanks for the replies I appreciate it!!!
Posted on: 7/1/2009 3:19 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8898327

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Yes he did show me the two in the basement. He was pleased with how the fiberglass on the wings of the me109's came out. Just got back from the airshow, was the best I have been to since Oshkosh.
Posted on: 6/27/2009 3:40 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8886085

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Thanks for the info. We drove through the worst traffic I have ever seen in my life today. I95 was at a crawl, after 1.5 hours we jumped on 15 and it was the same. We called the hobby shop and he said they would be open till 9 tonight. We made it there at 7:30 and were there just over a hour. Mark's Challenger wasn't there but he did have some pictures and alot of info for me. He even let me borrow a manual. Mark's is a 50% and mine is a little smaller 37%. I got his email and he told me to feel free to contact him with more questions. They were really busy, its a nice shop.
Posted on: 6/26/2009 10:17 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8884423

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Good deal wil be leaving home around 11am today. Thanks for the info.
Posted on: 6/26/2009 9:34 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8882483

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
yeah I'm a little unsure I found both addresses they are about 9 miles apart.
Posted on: 6/26/2009 8:15 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8882342

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Is the address 609 Boston Post Rd ? I might be intrested in stopping there because we will have some time to kill on the way up. He is open on Fridays right? Guilford, CT 06437
Posted on: 6/25/2009 9:08 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8881272

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
The problem is it's not really a "kit" most of the parts are cut but no instructions. Going to see the full scale version fly in Rode Island this weekend.
Posted on: 6/25/2009 3:23 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8880407

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Well I have been really busy with work and assorted projects. Also started my own small business. Was actually thinking about asking you if you wanted to finish it.
Posted on: 6/25/2009 9:02 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8879553

Business or no business?
Hi guys I am also new to the rc ap world. I have been flying rc helis for about 8 years. Last year I stumbled on airfoilhelicam.com by accident and have had a intrest in ap ever since. I now have a Trex 600E with a airfoil Mini Pro One mount. I am using Canon's new Power Shot SX1IS camera. I would really like to start doing this on the side for people to have pictures of their homes and maybe get hooked up with a realtor and do some pics for them. My understanding is the FAA considers it illegal but isn't enforcing anything yet. Please give me some feedback (good or bad) what is the safest way to do this. I was thinking of advertising as a "low level aerial photography service" may also consider adding a mast setup to the equipment list. I have a friend thats a firefighter that is intrested in a complete gas setup to put a FLIR system on for search and rescue. Thanks for any advice.
Posted on: 5/29/2009 8:11 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Aerial Photography and Video"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8809909

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Well we made it to Joe Nall and it was awsome. This was my first time there and it's just what I needed because it got me excited to finish the Challenger. The show was great except I managed to get a cold the night before and felt crappy all day. Been working on the top wing this week. All the shear webbing, the last balsa spar and the rib face is now installed.
Posted on: 5/20/2009 4:18 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8785190

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Well stopped in at local hobby shop to get some supplies and a buddy gave me heck for not posting anything lately. Have been busy and I admit a little lazy with the Challenger. Got a little side tracked with my rc heli photography venture. Did get top wing started, glued second spruce spar in today. Looks like my wife and I will be going to the Joe Nall this year.
Posted on: 4/11/2009 6:48 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8670032

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Pretty much finished bottom wing this weekend. Just have to glue servo rails in and sand the whole thing. I think I will sand each wing right before I cover them. Ended up making the aerilons like the plans said and they came out ok. Decided to start top wing, should be a little quicker considering I know what I'm doing now and it has no dihederial.
Posted on: 2/8/2009 12:12 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8452513

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Hey all, Had to work last weekend so didn't get much done. Worked on the Challenger awhile today. Finished the bottom wing sheeting except for the space between the aerilons. Got the aerilons cut free from the wing today and capped the rear opening. Mabe some time to work on it tomorrow.
Posted on: 1/24/2009 7:12 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8396631

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Well had a extra 20 mins today so I sheeted the top of my lower wing. Ok mabe It took most of the day but whos counting? Mrbigg don't be mad at me, but I decided to cut along the rear of the rear spar instead of cutting it in half. I wasn't worried about strength just figured it would be easier to cut the ribs off straight along the back of the spar vs 2 spars length wise which are at 2 different angles. Will still use the setup in your drawing. Thats how is says to do it in my limited directions I just didn't understand it before. Let me run this by you all. The bottom wing has dihedral, 3/4" at each wing tip. The directions say to block the tips up while building the wing and weight down the center which I did. I went one step further and made 3/8" spacers and put them under the half way points between wing tip and center of wing to make sure the angle stayed the same from tip to center. The guy that cut the kit told me to never buid a wing this way because it could warp. He said I should of built both halfs flat then join them with one raised 1 1/2". I didn't do it that way because there was no way I could of had a scarf splice in the spars. Also my I strut mounts have to be angled out at 7 1/4 degrees and that would of been harder to do. I had the wing firmly attached to the table today with the correct spacers in place. Hopfully with the sheeting on it cant warp.
Posted on: 1/10/2009 8:05 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8343321

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Thanks Darrol, They are 20 x 3 1/2" so I guess anything around 70 would be ok. Not sure on rudder and elevators yet. It looks like each elevator gets one and the rudder gets two. they are all mounted in the sides of the fuse under the horizontal stab.
Posted on: 1/10/2009 8:06 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8341254

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
bruce88123 Thanks for that manual thats exactly what I have to do. Oh and when I said that way was more scale I ment more scale as it looks more like the real planes aerilons not thats how its done on real planes. If you guys are into building then you will probably enjoy this build (not a model) my friend in Georga is doing. http://curtissjennyrestoration.blogspot.com Thanks for the great info.
Posted on: 1/9/2009 6:35 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8339487

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
That looks easy enough. They would be shaped closer to scale that way too. And that section of the rear spar will be stronger there than anywhere else when done. Very good, just need a saw. What would you suggest on servos for the aerilons? If you need measurments or anything let me know. I want to get them before I glue in my servo rails. Using a DX7 Spectrum. Thanks for your help so far!!!
Posted on: 1/9/2009 3:53 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8338951

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
In the directions I have they tell you to sheet the wing including the aerilons. Cut them out along the back edge of the rear spar. Then glue in blocks into the rear of the wing and front of aerilons for hinges to attach. Cap off the opening in the wing and the front of aerilon. If you look at the cross section view of the aerilon on the plans and the one on the real plane they are shaped different. I like the one on the plane better it looks like another small wing(see picture in my first post). The one on the planes have a weird cut out on the bottom that looks like it would be hard to do. I have a scroll saw I can put the balde in sideways and possibly just (with help) feed the wing in to it to cut them out. Not sure if it would be a good idea to cut the rear spar in half long ways though.
Posted on: 1/9/2009 8:57 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8337681

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Just a quick update. Glued leading edge on wing today. Also some bracing where the dowls are. If your checking in on this build dont expect it to go fast I work third shift and will really only get alot done on the weekends.
Posted on: 1/8/2009 5:39 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8335407

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
In a nut shell this plane is avaible as a builders kit from someone else that actually owns rights to it. If you order it from him you get plans landing gear a canopy and the cabanes. No wood, you have to cut all the pieces to match the plans. Eureaka Aircraft bought a set of plans scanned all the parts in to a computer and cnc routered all the parts and sold it as a short kit. I guess they worked out a agreement with the owner. The only pain is there are almost no instructions. I going off of what is printed on the plans. There is no mention of fiberglass anywhere. I have seen alot of planes using fiberglass on the center of wings and the firewall. I want to make this plane strong but don't want to make it heavier if its not helping anything. I never scratch built anything before and thought having all the parts already cut out would be a great help. I just thought there would be more of a step by step instruction. Somthing else I never saw before is the aerilon setup. You basically build the wing then cut them out and hinge them. Not sure how I going to do that yet. Im using Robart hinges and have a jig to center drill the control surface. Don't know if it will fit on the back of the wing and front of the aerilon.
Posted on: 1/7/2009 5:39 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8331148

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
I hooked a tape measure on the top of the firewall and streched it level to the rudder hingeline. 59 1/4"
Posted on: 1/7/2009 2:17 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8330303

RE: 37% Pitts Callenger II Build
The kit came from http://www.eurekaaircraft.com/
Posted on: 1/6/2009 5:36 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8326615

37% Pitts Callenger II Build
Hey Guys, I'm am building a 37% Pitts Challenger II to be covered like Sean Tuckers. The Design is his old squared off wing tip plane, not the current Challenger. I started this project in March of 08 and you can see from the pics I didn't get very far. I promised in my other posts I would post the bulid and it's better late than never. This last year was really busy for me and I am glad to be back at this kit. I gonna need your help though this is my first giant scale build, and the instructions are vague. I didn't get the engine yet (planning on a DA-85) so I started on the lower wing Last weekend. I will need servo advice, I am using a DX7 radio. Also advice on making this plane strong. Watch Sean's video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUT4v0z_KSk I don't want to worry about this plane breaking if i'm doing aerobatics like this. Any help would be greatly appreciated if I go much farther it will be hard to change things on this build. What do you think about fiberglassing the center of the wings? They have a doubled spruce spar in the front and a single balsa in the rear. I put shear webbing in the entire length of the front spar. Not sure If I should do the rear though. Thanks in advance for your help!!!!
Posted on: 1/6/2009 4:12 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8326297

RE: What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
Well thanks for all the advice. I didn't recieve the kit yet so it will be a couple months untill I'm ready to buy the engine but it will definalty be at least 80cc. I will start a new post when I start building it and I know I will have questions.
Posted on: 10/27/2007 8:12 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6547148

RE: What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
I'm pretty sure I will end up with an engine in the 80cc range because of what I have read here. I just want the plane to be capable of doing what Seans' does and he can't hover and pull out of it. I really wish people would post what thrust they are getting instead of this engine seems more powerful than that engine. Engine, prop, rpm and thrust. Then I would know if my plane weighs 30lbs what engine/prop combination I need. I found a prop selector on line at http://www.gylesaero.com/freeware/propcalc.shtml Zehnoah's web site http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ZENE62A says the G-62 is capable of turning a 22x10 prop at about 7200rpm. The prop calculator says this should be about 30lbs of thrust. This is why I couldn't understand why if my plane is supposed to be around 30lbs finished why do I need a 80cc engine for $400 more?
Posted on: 10/27/2007 7:30 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6544923

RE: What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
I also saw Handley fly. I was a cool rotuine. It was at Oshkosh. I really wish I could of seen Leroy fly in person though. The videos I've seen are unbelieveable. What a shame.
Posted on: 10/26/2007 6:56 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6543043

RE: What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
I ordered it from http://www.eurekaaircraft.com/airplanes/challenger-II.htm I talked with Dave Dessecker ( the guy that has the rights to Miles Reed's plans)(Miles Reed is the guy that designed Tuckers plane) They offer builders kits of this plane only and with this being my first large scale build I would rather have the pieces pre cut. Dave Dessecker actually has three different size plans for this plane a 69 1/2 in a 85 3/4 and the plans for the ones Miles built the huge 93 1/8. He also sells plans and kits for other planes a couple Weeks solutions, Extras ect. Dessecker dosen't have a web site but I have his paper with his planes and prices I could email you if you want to see it.
Posted on: 10/26/2007 3:31 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6542238

RE: What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
Thanks for all the advice. I will probably go with an 80 to 85cc. Kit won't be here for a week or 2 so I have plenty of time to get an engine. I will start a new post so it will be visable out front when I start. I will need more advice along the way, this is my first giant scale plane.
Posted on: 10/26/2007 9:07 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6540939

RE: What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
Well I am glad to see so many people weighing in on this. Like I expected the opinions range from it would fly scale to take a wheelbarrow along. The manufacturer, http://www.eurekaaircraft.com/airplanes/challenger-II.htm reccomends 4.4cu and up. In emails to him though he has stated flying one of these with a G-62 and it was right about scale. If you guys haven't checked out Tuckers' web site you should. The video there is really good and you can change views from inside the plane to out. http://www.oracle.com/cluboracle/teamoracle/index.html During his torque roll he is at full power and sliding backwards. It is almost impossible to know how close he is to 1:1. I emailed him before to check if his color scheme will be the same next year and he got back to me the next day. He said he never knows for sure if Oracle will reup untill the new year. I wounder how much he would actually tell about the plane? I could try.
Posted on: 10/25/2007 4:49 PM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6538069

What Does Underpowered Mean To You?
Hello all I am kind of new to RCU at least at posting. I would like some opinions on what some of you consider a underpowered plane. Here is where I am coming from. I will be building a 37% scale Pitts Challenger to look like Sean Tuckers' over the winter. I want to put a G-62 on it and the finished weight should be about 30lbs. I would like it to fly like his plane. I mean if you made a video of it flying and someone watched it with no sound they wouldn't be able to tell if it was a real plane or not. So many people want a positive thrust to weight ratio today, but I have yet to see a full scale plane hover with it's rudder in the grass and then accelerate straight up. I have read alot of posts here where someone new to rc has asked if a certain engine would be big enough for the plane they are building and people jump all over them and say they should move up a size if they want to do aerobatics. To me underpowered is: 1. You can barely see the plane when it is time to rotate. 2. You need at least 3/4 throttle to stay in the air. 3. Your vertical performance is directly related to how long you dove at the ground and if your wings stayed on when you pulled the 50 G's at he bottom[X(]. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.
Posted on: 10/25/2007 9:13 AM by Author "rwagner24" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6536494