RE: Can someone motocalc this for me please!!!
rimfire .10 35-30-1250 2 cell 3200 12 x8 amp 18 watts 132 loss 74 net out 58 I can't run any more for you as I am leaving for the farm in a minute or tow. Hope this helps. todd
Posted on: 6/10/2012 11:10 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11113333

RE: Aspire EP conversion
So nice to see a new post on the Aspire EP. I have a brand new EP that I will maiden soon. This will be my 4th Aspire EP. None of the first 3 were powered with the stock motor. I let one get away from me in a strong thermal. It had an Master AirScrew brushed geared motor with a 12 x 8. On the next two I used a Phasor 30/3 with a 9 x 6 prop on a 3200 3 cell. Way overpowered; but a blast to fly. The second Aspire was torn apart by a strong dust devil. I had no idea that there was a big dust devil in the area as I was looking up way above the devil. But when I lost lift and was down to the altitude to restart the motor I flew right into the full force of the dust devil. It literally stripped the wings off the Aspire. The third one was lost to pilot error - wrong plane in the memory and left was right. Right into the ground that is. My new Aspire is built from one of the last EP fuselages that Horizon had. I purchased the wings and tail also from Horizon. I had two canopies. This was in 2011. I purchased a Mega 22/30/3 off eBay for $25.00. It bolted right in. It will be powered by a 2 cell 2200 lipo. The prop will probably be an 11 x 6. Got to do some more testing to decide on the prop. Always looking for a new Aspire EP. But they are very hard to find. I don't think one has come up on eBay for almost a year. Have fun with your Aspires. Hang on to those canopies as they are hard to find. I tape mine on. Todd
Posted on: 6/8/2012 5:47 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111739

RE: Which servos for Sig Something Extra
Thank you for the reply. 2000 mah is probably over kill on the battery. This is going to be my first plane with a NIMH receiver battery. All of my other planes are ARFs and they have NICads for the receiver. Todd
Posted on: 2/17/2012 3:26 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963670

Which servos for Sig Something Extra
I am planning on using Futaba 3004s on the ailerons and elevator, Fubata 9001 on the rudder, and a Futaba 3003 on the motor. Will be using a 2000 6 volt nimh battery. Engine is an Evolution .46. Will the servos listed be satisfactory? This is my first kit build and so far so good. Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 2/17/2012 2:47 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10963541

RE: 1st Build - Building Suppies Question
Thanks to all for the great ideas. Todd
Posted on: 1/28/2012 5:38 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10931958

1st Build - Building Suppies Question
During my first build it has become obvious to me that there is a need for some square or rectangle weights of various sizes. These would be very helpful in holding parts at true 90 degree angles to each other or simply used to keep parts from moving. Does anyone have a source for these weights? Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 1/27/2012 12:42 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10930953

RE: First build and need a little help
Progress report. Did the first planking along the leading edge on the left wing. Tacked it down at the leading edge per the build instructions. Then I dampened the outer surface with Windex and wiped it with a clean rag. Then I easily bent it into shape and weighted it down and let it dry. Removed the weights put CA on the ribs and top wing spar. And then weighted it down to dry. Looks great and was easy to do. Great forum. Thanks to everyone for the help. Todd
Posted on: 1/21/2012 12:48 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10920162

RE: First build and need a little help
I am using thick CA to attach the sheeting. Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 1/20/2012 2:26 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10919000

First build and need a little help
I am building my first kit a Sig Something Extra. The first wing is completed except for attaching the ailerons. And I am satisfied with the results. It could have been better; but it was not bad. My problem is how to attach the 1/16 sheeting on the leading edge of the wing without cracking the sheeting while bending it. The size of the sheeting is approximately 1/16 x 31/2x24. It is very brittle and breaks easily. Is there some way to make the sheeting more flexible so it will bend without cracking? Thank you in advance for the help. Todd
Posted on: 1/20/2012 11:22 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10918790

RE: Jr Falcon Build
John I just found your build thread on the Jr Falcon. Being able to do your own laser cutting is great. I subscribed to the thread and will follow it until your done. My Senior Falcon is one of my favorite planes. And I have a couple of Norvels that should be just right for a Jr. Falcon. I talked to you about your laser a couple of months ago. And I am currently learning Turbo Cad. The training material that you pointed me to on using Turbo Cad to draw model planes really got me started right away drawing planes. Right now I am having a lot of trouble figuring out how to print drawings actual size. I may have to call you to discuss this issue. My intention is still to get a laser and attempt projects like your Jr. Falcon. And I also want to get a magnetic building board like yours. What can I say you just do it right. Thank you for sharing the build. Bob
Posted on: 1/14/2012 5:40 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10909045

Ordered a Sig Something Extra today
Well I finally ordered my first kit - a Sig Something Extra. I really wanted to give SIG some business and the SE should be a good 1st kit. I have done many major repairs on ARFs but I have never built a kit. I am going to put my Evolution 46 in it. And the needed Ultra Cote and servos are also waiting on the shelf. So it will be a cheap plane to get into the air. If this build goes good then I am going to try a Dirty Bridy or an Utter Chaos. I was going to start with one of these but an easier first build made sense to me. Wish me success. And if I get into trouble I'll come to this forum for help. Todd
Posted on: 1/4/2012 12:55 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10891595

Dirty Birdie or Utter Chaos 60
Which of these kits is the best plane to build for the wind? I currently fly a Tower Kaos 40 in the wind and it flies great in the wind. If they both are good windy day fliers are there other reasons to build one verses the other. I have purchased a building board and want to get started. Note it has been a while since my last build but I have done very extensive rebuilds on some of my arfs and think I can handle the building of either kit. And since my retirement I need something to fill in some of my time. Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 12/12/2011 8:52 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10855677

RE: Covering techniques
When covering a regular shaped surface try to cut your material to size before you apply it. Yes it takes some time to get it cut to size. But the end result is very rewarding. Leave some over hang of approximately 3/16 to 3/8 inch. I tack the piece into position with scotch tape. Then I use the iron to attach the piece. Apply to the middle and work out to the sides. This technique has helped me do a pretty good covering job. The other thing that needs to be said is that any imperfections on the surface to be covered will glaringly show through the covering. Covering is a science not an art. You have to believe this and work out the techniques that make you a great builder. Todd
Posted on: 12/10/2011 6:11 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10853570

RE: Is this ARF any good?
SIG now has both the LT 40 ARF and the Kadet Senior back in stock. I have always considered the LT 40 the best trainer. I don't think that you can go wrong with a LT40. They convert easily to a tail dragger with a servo in the tail. They are big and fly great with a good .46. The SIG LT 40 with a .46 should be cheaper than most 60 size trainers. Todd
Posted on: 12/9/2011 5:40 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10851280

40 or 60 size ARF that is good in the wind
I have a Tower 40 Kaos and it flies great in the wind. What are some of the other ARFs that also fly great in the wind. Thank you for the replies. Todd
Posted on: 11/28/2011 5:23 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10833556

Sig Astro Hog _ How does it fly in the wind?
I want to build a kit that flies great in the wind. Would the Astro Hog fly as good as my Tower 40 Kaos in the wind? Will be putting an HB .61 in it. Seems like we always are challenged by the wind where I fly. Todd
Posted on: 11/28/2011 11:06 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10832933

RE: Source for lazer cutters for balsa
My research on getting a laser or router to cut balsa for RC planes has made me aware that the first step I must do is learn a CAD program. I have purchased and installed TurboCad 18 on my computer. The training material that came with this program is massive. It is going to take me a long time to learn how to use TurboCad. But I am retired and all I need to do is take a disciplined approach to my training. Then I'll figure out if I want to spend the money on a CNC laser or router. I also purchased from IndoorFlyingModel.com a tutorial on how to draw model airplane plans using TurboCad. This program was highly recommended to be by a RCGroup member. This software may substantially reduce my training time to draw airplane plans. [link=http://indoorflyingmodel.com]indoorflyingmodel.com[/link] Time to start learning TurboCad. Todd
Posted on: 11/4/2011 8:45 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10796510

RE: Source for lazer cutters for balsa
[quote]ORIGINAL: bps You will need a minimum of 60 watts for power in my opinion. This will limit you to .25 balsa and .125 plywood. The harder the wood the more power you will need. From a practical standpoint 24x36 and 60 watts is minimum. Just my opinion but this is what I purchased. [/quote] Where did you get your laser? Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 10/30/2011 12:38 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10789512

RE: Source for lazer cutters for balsa
I am continuing my research on lasers for cutting balsa. There is a lot to learn. But I am retired and will have lots of time this winter. My first task is to learn a CAD program. I am giving TurboCad a serious look. Once I learn to use the CAD software, I'll get someone to cut me a few parts. And see how that goes. My longer term goal is to have my own laser. But then there are routers to cut out foam planes. Maybe foam planes is the way to go. You have to love this hobby as there are so many choices. Thanks to all who have replied. Todd
Posted on: 10/30/2011 9:05 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10789248

RE: Source for lazer cutters for balsa
I have done a lot of Google research. But it is hard to get information on balsa cutting. Most of what I have found is for industrial applications and very out of my price range. There are a few hobby cutters/engravers out there. But they are not cheap. The level of vendor support is a big concern. So I am hoping for some responses to my post. I'll post and share my findings. Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 10/29/2011 7:05 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10787854

Source for lazer cutters for balsa
Who makes these lazers? I would like to learn something about the cost and capabilities. Anyone know of some sources and reference material that relates to our hobby? Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 10/28/2011 12:55 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10786851

Which 60 size Enya is the best engine
I was recently given a plane with a Enya 40ss on it. And I have been flying the plane and really like the Enya 40ss. I usually use OS engines. But that 40ss is one fine engine. I would like to build a 60 size plane this winter and put an Enya on it. Which 60 size Enya engine is best? I will probably do my shopping on Ebay for the Enya. Or are there other places to buy Enya engines? Thank you in advance for your replies. Todd
Posted on: 10/14/2011 6:49 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10765507

RE: Early RC Models
Since they did not answer my emails, I called them and got an answer. According to the lady who answered the phone they will have kits available sometime in the 1st to 2nd quarter of 2012. Todd
Posted on: 10/3/2011 8:03 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10746256

List of Model Airplane Kit Manufactures in USA
Does anyone have a list of Model Airplane Kit Manufactures in the USA that they would like to post in this forum? Or maybe we need to get a list started and maintained. If there is already a list please point me to it. Thank you. Todd
Posted on: 10/3/2011 6:44 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10746138

Early RC Models
What is the story with this company? Will the kits be available again? Their web page is still up. But it looks like they are out of business. Todd
Posted on: 10/3/2011 6:30 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10746119

RE: Dirty Birdy 60
Ok you guys have convinced me to go ahead and get the DB kit and start on it. If I have any questions not already covered I know where to get some help and advice. My Tower Kaos is a lot of fun to fly. Hopefully it will help me transition to the DB. Todd
Posted on: 10/2/2011 5:23 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10745465

RE: Dirty Birdy 60
[quote]ORIGINAL: dbacque What a bummer, exactly the opposite result than what I hoped my notes would do. The Dirty Birdy is a very straight forward build and I hoped the notes would help to get people over frustrations with the old school instructions. There's nothing to fear in building the DB, build up the blocks and carve it down with a razor plane. Easy to build and an awesome airplane. The 4 Star would be simpler to build but won't compare in the air. The one problem area I had on the first one was adjusting the wing incidence per the instructions. But as I said in the notes, on the second one I left the incidence as it was cut into the fuse sides and it turned out great, actually trims better than the first one did. By the way, any .60 should be fine. I've got an old Magnum .65 in mine and it's great. Dave [/quote] Dave I am retired and will have time this winter to build several planes. I will build the 4 Star first and then the DB. I just need to get a little experience under my belt. Your notes didn't frighten me off. They just made me think I needed to start off on an easier build. No need to rush on my part. When I start the DB I'll let you know. And thank you for the post. Todd
Posted on: 10/1/2011 3:30 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10743987

RE: Dirty Birdy 60
[quote]ORIGINAL: dbacque The Dirty Birdy is a great airplane. I've built two of them from Bluejay kits and highly recommend them. It's a great design and Bluejay supplies excellent wood. Being an old design that has been in production for many years, there have been minor changes to the plans and the parts as supplied so there are a few places where the instructions can be confusing. For instance it will tell you to look for a precut part but the new kit actually has stock that you must cut to size. When I built my second DB I kept notes on the changes. You can find my notes and general musings about this airplane here http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9520759/tm.htm . Good luck, you will enjoy flying a Dirty Birdy. Dave [/quote] Dave your notes were a wealth of information. After reading them I think I need to build a few simpler planes before tackling the DB. I have put together many ARFs but my last simple kit build was 40 years ago. I originally was going to start with a 4 Star 60 kit from SIG. And I think that would be a better choice for me at my skill level. Thank you for your reply. Todd
Posted on: 10/1/2011 9:30 AM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10743592

RE: Dirty Birdy 60
No it does not have PDP. Todd
Posted on: 9/30/2011 8:43 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10743020

RE: News from Sig.
According to their web site it appears that most of their kits are back in stock. I am going to support them with an order for a kit for a winter build. Good luck SIG.
Posted on: 9/30/2011 8:00 PM by Author "sawdust" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10742956