RE: The sad future of aeromodeling...
The time it would take to build all of the airplanes on my "list" far exceeds my remaining lifetime. I fear losing our freedom to fly our models more than I do running out of scale subjects.
Posted on: 2/16/2012 1:26 PM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10961974

RE: New Hanger 9 DeNight Special
Hey Guys, I know this thread has slowed, but I just picked up a Denight Special! I was looking for somthing differant and she fits the bill.. I'm a big fan of Extreme flight 60" Exp's, and plan to use one of my 40/16/T500 Torque motor/ Airboss 80amp esc sets.. This rig is good for 1300watt swinging a 14" Prop on 6s.... I figured as long as I'm building a vintage racer, it should have a big block..;)
Posted on: 1/12/2012 3:12 PM by Author "Tim Semeraro" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10905635

RE: Back when model airplanes were cool...
I have a vague memory of seeing cox models flying at disneyland when I went there as a very young kid. I had started to think that memory was just a dream but I guess it wasnt. Dave S.
Posted on: 12/22/2011 8:14 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10871442

RE: Merry Christmas
cool, I like the macchi.
Posted on: 12/12/2011 8:03 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10855604

RE: Servos for 1/4 scale WWI?
[quote]ORIGINAL: abufletcher I didn't find a Futaba 3303 on Tower but found a Futaba S3305 that looks good. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDWF8&P=7 [/quote] oops, ya I use the 3305 servos. And I should clarify that it is not because of any great insight on my part or due to a great deal of experience. I use them because Dave Johnson told me that is what he uses. Dave has way more experience than I do and I respect his opinion. He is a professional after all. My personal mantra has become "dave is always right". Say it with me... :) . Seriously though, I tend to agonize over every decision. Listening to Dave has helped me reduce that by quite a bit. Again, the great thing about these forums is the ability to get advice from all sorts of experienced builders and fliers. I am getting mushy. Must be the holiday season. Dave S.
Posted on: 12/9/2011 7:41 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10851454

RE: Servos for 1/4 scale WWI?
I have Futaba 3303 servos in my 1/4 albatros. Reasonably priced and have never had a problem.
Posted on: 12/8/2011 6:36 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10849519

RE: Scale accessories with a lathe/mill?
bazan's models are amazing. The amount of detail is stunning. I dont know how he can do so much work. Just the cockpit would take me forever. And I could never do as well as he does. He is a gifted modeler.
Posted on: 11/29/2011 7:48 PM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10835554

RE: DH 2
Nice shop Art, I just noticed you have the same drafting table/workbench I have. Your shop is huge. I have space envy. My "shop" is much smaller. dave s.
Posted on: 11/28/2011 8:23 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10832750

RE: Ordering datafiles from the US?
byrd aviation books is the best place for all sorts of aviation reading material. They even have out of print datafiles on occasion.
Posted on: 11/22/2011 7:29 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10823748

RE: CD ScaleDesigns Albatros CI build
Don, I know the answer to this questionis probably somewhere in the thread but I will ask anyway. Can you give some info on the source for your strut end hardware? Did you make the turnbuckles and clevis ends or purchase then. Nice work on the struts. And I vote for the strutter thread to be right here on RCU. I like RCSB but think there is more scale action right here on this forum. I prefer the rcgroups scale electric planes forum for, well electric stuff. Keep up the great work. Cant wait to see this one finished. Dave S.
Posted on: 11/8/2011 7:03 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10802363

RE: Glenn Torrence (GTM) 1/3 Scale Dr.1 Build Along
, Dave Semeraro
Posted on: 11/4/2011 8:18 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10796477

RE: NEW BUSA 1/3rd Scale Fokker Triplane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave Johnson's last "sport" build was a BUSA DVII. It has done rather well in competition. Static in the 90s if I recall and always placing in the top three. Dave will do a fantstic job on this plane and it will be contest worthy. He cant help himself. It just happens. I cant wait to see the progress. Dave S.
Posted on: 11/3/2011 6:36 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10794763

RE: Applying Dope to GTM Fabric Question
A quick addition to my previous note. I used tautening dope of both types. I think you had better use the tautening butyrate because the butyrate coats are when the fabric really smoothed out for me. I dont know if non tautening dope will do that. Dave S.
Posted on: 10/10/2011 8:36 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10757926

RE: Applying Dope to GTM Fabric Question
If I remember correctly I used taughtening nitrate and butyrate both when I used the Glen Torrance fabric. The type of dope didnt seem to be a problem. I did have trouble due to my own mistake of not pulling the fabric as tight as I could when I applied it to the structure. Be sure to get the fabric as tight as you can when you stick it on or it may not shrink enough and you will get sags. Dont ask how I know this. Another thing to be aware of is the process looks terrible in the middle. You will reach a point after the nitrate goes on that the fabric will look terrible. Dont panic, move on the butyrate and things should smooth out nicely. Good luck. I think you will be happy with the result. GT lozenge is the best stuff in the world. Dave S.
Posted on: 10/10/2011 8:34 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10757920

RE: DH 2
Art, Where did you guys find the Alan Morgan plans source? And just curious but how do you reach in to flip the prop on a beast like a DH2? Dave
Posted on: 10/5/2011 7:19 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10749637

RE: DH 2
Wow, nice subject Art. One of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing it progress. Dave S.
Posted on: 10/3/2011 8:26 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10746289

RE: A challenge to you
Joe, BUSA nieuport or did you roll your own design? I ask because I am designing a 1/4 scale '17 and was thinking a 1/3 might be better. Dave J let me fly his DVII in 1/3 at the hdp. I must say it was much easier to fly than I expected. I too am hunting around for a non-silver 17 but have not found one yet. Dave
Posted on: 9/26/2011 5:11 PM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10735492

RE: Why I love/hate CAD
I am finishing up my first large RC design (1/4 nieuport 17) and find that looking at the scale structure influances my design decisions. I have to remind myself that I can deviate in places when necessary. Some of the old designs werent that sturdy and the way I fly I have to "strengthen" some of the structure. CAD does make things easy. As far as laser cutting goes, I like the ability to slot and tab things. I have designed a couple of small models and if you try you can make stronger stiffer lighter structures by using the slot and tab techniques. I used to think CAD saved time over hand cut parts (using a laser cutter is implied here). But I could probably hand cut a set of parts in the time it takes me to design and lay them out in CAD. Of course the hand cut parts wouldnt fit as well or be as neatly done. :)
Posted on: 9/16/2011 9:42 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10719512

RE: Cheating at RC Scale Events?
"Scratch builders are hated"..... Since when? All I feel is the love :) . Dave
Posted on: 9/6/2011 9:31 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10704073

RE: Cheating at RC Scale Events?
Hi Cuck, Yep you are right. There already is an open class. I had a look at the results from the last couple of Nats and it looks like they combined fun scale and open. At least the scores are reported that way. I guess they static scored the few open competitors like fun scale, 5 pts for a picture of the plane. There always seems to be quite a few people flying fun scale. I also had a look at the scalemasters site. They have an open class also but there were only a few entries in open as SM. At the nats the fun scale class has had the most contestants in the years I have been going. Scale Masters only had about 4 guys in open. There were more team scale entries than that. I dont know what that says about the BOM rule. The absence of it doesnt seem to stimulate competition after all. Guess I was wrong. Judging from the numbers I see at the Nats it appears that facing the static judge is what drives most pilots away. There is always a large turn out for fun scale that seems to support that theory. The fun scale guys do seem to be having a blast. I guess they have less of an emotional attachment to their planes and enjoy flying when they dont have the same amount of time invested as someone in expert. I dont know. I think fun scale has been good for the hobby. Many of the guys flying fun scale are not flying any other class. Some of the other classes do also fly something in fun scale.
Posted on: 9/2/2011 10:42 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10698468

RE: Cheating at RC Scale Events?
with your buddies and dont worry about the cheaters, if they even really exist. Dave Semeraro
Posted on: 9/2/2011 9:18 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10698371

RE: Hoosier Dawn Patrol
I worked on getting the Albatros ready for the HDP last night. Just a couple of more cosmetic things to do and she will be all ready for the big show on Saturday. Looking forward to seeing you all. Dave S.
Posted on: 8/29/2011 7:54 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10691734

RE: OHIO DAWN PATROL 2011
Add another 1/4 Albi to the list. See you guys Saturday. Anyone know if Glenn Torrance will be there?
Posted on: 7/14/2011 6:49 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10620691

RE: OHIO DAWN PATROL 2011
I think Billy also got the flight achievement award at the nats. That award winner is the pilot that the judges agree they liked the best. I also want to thank the judges. They did a great job. The event was a lot of fun. See you guys at the odp. Dave Semeraro
Posted on: 7/6/2011 7:24 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10608384

RE: Mint Julep
Hey Art, Congratulations on your win. Same to Steve. WWI rules! Dave And Dave Johnson is the man.
Posted on: 5/31/2011 10:18 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10549965

RE: New Lozenge fabric
This is very cool. I have used the GTM lozenge fabric in the past and like the way it looks very much. I dont know if it will continue to be produced however so I am interested in alternate supplies. Add me to the list of prospective buyers. And the tests look very promising so far. Nice work. Dave S.
Posted on: 4/5/2011 8:34 PM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10445865

RE: SSW DIII 1/4 scale Dave Johnson plan, Doc
Looks like you got the ailerons to move freely enough. If they hang down due to gravity like in your last picture then they are plenty free. I had a time of it getting the 5 hinges on Dave's 1/4 albatros aligned on the ailerons. The ailerons were never as free as I would have liked but they work fine. Nice looking work on the SSW. Dave has tried to talk me into doing a 1/3 scale with him. I have to tell you resistance is tough. Dave S.
Posted on: 3/11/2011 7:27 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10393065

RE: First competition project
Anthony I competed in two contests in 2010. At the AMA nats there were no firsts for WWII. Team was won by a Fokker DVII, Designer by a Scotish Bulldog, Expert by Piper Arrow and Sportsman by a Pitts Special. The Scalemasters was swept by Albatros DVs in three of the four classes with a citabria winning the other class. Data from two clsases is not comprehensive proof of anything I guess. The point of this is that any model can win. Build to your documentation and fly a prototypical flight and you will be in the hunt with a cub or a B-17. Build the airplane you love not the one you think will give you the best chance to win. Love of that model will get you through the tedious stages in the build. Dive in the deep end. You will have help when you show up at the contest and during the build if you ask for it either on line or at a flyin. Above all, have fun. Enjoy the build, the flying, the competition, and the banquet after the meet. Do post up your build thread. I love reading them and seeing what others are doing. Dave and I posted our Albatros thread and answered lots of questions. I hope seeing my work warts and all helped some people out. So are you building a giant scale mustang or the smaller version? I dont recall which. I bought the b model conversion kit for the top flite 60 size mustang a couple of years ago because I thought they would not be available. I have yet to buy the kit itself. I love a b model mustang. I would like to do either Bud Anderson's old crow (overdone I know) or a Tuskegee red tail mustang. There are lots of schemes to pick from. And then there is the question of straight canopy or malcolm hood. Aw man now you got me wanting a mustang. Best, Dave S
Posted on: 3/8/2011 7:52 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10386533

RE: First competition project
Regards, Dave Semeraro
Posted on: 3/7/2011 11:10 AM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10384577

micro pup
Hi, Abu had asked me to post a picture of my micro scale pup when I finished it. The build thread is on RC Groups. I still have a couple of things to do to it but it has flown so here are the pictures. 15 inch span, Flyzone Playmate gear, just shy of 40 grams with about 90 square inches of wing. The throws are too high so I need to make some new control horns. Dave S.
Posted on: 3/5/2011 2:30 PM by Author "semeraro" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10380951