RE: need instructor in Northeast Alabama
just bring a check or cash when you come to the field. any club officer will help you. i heard our website has finally been updated and has the list of current officers. check it out. btw, i have constructed a new shop at my house. give me a call when you can come by. i have airplanes all over the place in various stages of completion.
Posted on: 5/15/2013 10:55 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512356

RE: Engine mount
you will want to clamp the mount in tight and use a drill press so the new holes will be straight and round. and the edge distance between the new and old holes should be at least twice the diameter of the hole.
Posted on: 5/15/2013 9:44 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512295

RE: Transmitter use
I am shocked that no one has recommended the 8 ch Airtronics radio to you. It has all the features you are looking for and its only around 200 bucks. I have 6 models on my RDS8000. Look it up at Hobby People.com.
Posted on: 7/21/2012 11:29 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163621

RE: Disconect allerions on a trainer 40 ?
Bad Idea.
Posted on: 7/21/2012 11:20 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163617

RE: Non-OS engines
I have flown many Magnum engines. And I have yet to have a problem with any of them. Hobby people had a sale on the magnum 91 4 stroke. It was priced so low I bought one without even having a model to put it on. I just know someday I will. The 1 OS motor I owned seemed to never idle correctly. So 3-4 years of flying and I can recommend Magnum with no problem.
Posted on: 7/21/2012 11:18 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163615

RE: Power equivilant between Glow and Electric
Our club prez told me a good rule of thumb is 150 watts per pound of plane. I have a Razor 3d and was looking for a less expensive alternate to the Rimfire 55 called out for by Tower. The Razor is 5.5 pds so we figure I need at least 800 to 1000 watts. It was so hard looking at the various online hobby shops and trying to figure compatability that I just went ahead and bought the Rimfire.
Posted on: 7/10/2012 6:31 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11150706

RE: Transporting in a pickup
I built a rack out of PVC and foam insulation. The wings are on the bottom and the fuselage on top. I carry a 60 size trainer, a 1/7th P-51, and a Tiger 60. I used velcro straps to hold down the fuse's. I sometimes go down the interstate so I do get up to 65 MPH. But usually I travel trough town and never get above 40mph. Either way, I have never had a problem with the velcrow. The rack is held down in my Silverado by bungees and it takes up most of the bed.
Posted on: 6/26/2012 5:36 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133062

RE: Tiger 60 Build Thread
My Tiger is my main plane. I have 4 others but I am the best at flying the Tiger.
Posted on: 6/26/2012 5:26 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133052

RE: Monokote....Never Again
[quote]ORIGINAL: ratshooter You know Mike all I did was post what I did to get a better covering job and you seemed to be offended by my extra effort to get a good covering job. If you don't like monokote then don't use it. I admit after a 10 year period away from the hobby I hadn't noticed it's not called "Super Monokote" anymore. This is the third plane I have built in the year and a half since I have been back. The first plane did have a small wrinkle problem. I figured it was my fault for being in a hurry to get a flying plane. The second plane turned out much better because I spent a little more time making sure it was dust free. On the third and last plane I made a real effort to make sure I had a clean, smooth airframe to cover. Plus I made sure that I wasn't relying on the shrinkage to correct for my not getting it semi tight to start with. Sorry if spending a little time to make sure you are covering a clean piece of wood is offensive to you. But that is what I will do in the future. I came here to post something positive for the OP in the hopes that he might read what I wrote and see if maybe part of his problem with MK might be his own doing. That was all. I think you may be on to something. I believe it is possible that I did not clean the area of dust well enough. That makes sense to me based on what I remember about the day I covered the Stinger. I think I will try a test piece sanded smooth and then cleaned off with compressed air instead of just a dust cloth. Thanks for the positive response and idea.
Posted on: 4/19/2012 6:19 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11048337

RE: Monokote....Never Again
[quote]ORIGINAL: Top_Gunn [quote]I don't doubt some rolls can be defective as any product can be. However I do think technique is the difference between excellent results and failure. [/quote] If you believe this then you have to believe that a lot of people once knew how to use Monokote and then forgot, and others remember on some planes but forget on others. I'm not a Monokote basher: I like it and use it sometimes. But there are real problems with many of their rolls. The complaints are real and legitimate, not whining from people who don't know what they are doing. I agree that the problem is quality control, but it's not just "as any product can be." For years, getting a bad roll of Monokote was rare, just as getting a bad roll of other films is rare today. Now, a lot of people are having problems. We ought to be able to discuss this without saying that people whose experiences don't match ours are incompetent. The fact that some people haven't had problems doesn't mean that the people who do are fools. [/quote] I couldnt agree more. Very well said.
Posted on: 4/18/2012 1:00 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047459

RE: Monokote....Never Again
I cant remember the last time I saw so many sensitive people. I was under the assumption ( and yes I know what that means) that this was a forum for discussing our experianc, both good and bad, in differant areas of this hobby. The title to the thread seems to be pretty obvious about the content. So if you personally have read all you want to have read on the subject feel free to bypass the thread. Yes. I have read many comments about Monokote over the last few years. But I havent used it in many years myself and since it was the only brand available at my LHS I thought I would see for myself how it works. But I guess I was just being lazy when I used it or I would have been able to make it shrink more. I marvel at the skill of some builders and their ability to use a product I cannot. But the next time I think I have something to say I am not going to see if someonce had already said it before. Once again I am going to assume something. I assume that everyone who is visiting this site has not read everything that has ever been posted. In my mind if you have read something here so many times it irritrates you to see it again than mabe you spend far to much time on the internet. So once again, if the thread title is something you are not interested in, just dont read it.
Posted on: 4/18/2012 12:56 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047456

RE: Building Is Great !!!!
I have a 98in wingspan Giles 202 that I have built the fuse and tail feathers on. It is going to have an 80cc gas engine so it is by far the most expensive kit I will have built. A model that size requires expensive radio gear as well. That being said, I just finshed a lanier Stinger 60. And by just finished I mean that I declared it airworthy just 2 days ago. The magnum 61 has had 2 tanks run throught it so I have not yet maidened the Stinger. Hopefully this Sunday the weather will cooperate. On the same evening that I essentially finished the Stinger I cleaned up my shop and then pulled down the Chaos 60 from the shelf and started on it. Got the plans taped to the wall, and built the vert and horz stab. I also have another kit in the box in line for when the Chaos will be finished. I have it bad. I am semi retired and only work at my wifes store about 2-3 days a week.. So I have plenty of time. And I spend a great deal of that time in my shop. So many of my club buddies can build but due to the constraints of daily life just dont have the time and as such there are alot of ARFS at our field. They all like to see what I will show up with next. Watching your new bird fly straight and level is a good feeling. I must agree that building your own adds a whole new dimension to the hobby and I think all fliers should try to build a kit at least once. I also agree that smaller is not easier. There are alot of kits out there designed for the new builder. I would also suggest the Balsa USA trainer. Check out their website. They have more than just bipes. And the Giles 202 will probably be finished later this year. Have a kit you wannae sell? PM me and lets talk!!!
Posted on: 4/18/2012 12:11 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047406

Monokote....Never Again
I used the Top Flight Monokote yesterday for the first time in many years. I have been either fiberglassing or using Ultracoat. I do not usually brand bash because I believe that a product might just be fine for someone other than me. So to each his own. But the Monokote I used (new from the hobby shop) was horrible. It had no stretch to it at all. And it just doesnt shrink anywhere near as much as Ultracoat will. I used it to cover the fuse and tail feathers on a Stinger 60. I just cannot believe how many wrinkles there are. It looks like a total beginner job. I am no expert at covering but jeez. I havent been this bad in a long time.
Posted on: 4/12/2012 7:43 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11039722

RE: TIGER 60 Build / Start date 12-05-09
That is a beautiful covering job. What material did you use? I just used monokote for the first time in many years on a Stinger 60 yesterday. It is the last time I will ever use monokote.
Posted on: 4/12/2012 7:38 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11039715

RE: Top Flite P-51 wing fillet help
I built the same model and experianced the same degree of "what now". I cut several pieces of triangle stock and glued them to the fuse and plywood piece. Smaller pieces at the more rounded area up front. I filled in the gaps with balsa filler mixed with micro ballons. I was very happy with the results.
Posted on: 3/15/2012 10:36 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001205

ZDZ 80 B2
I bought an old ZDZ 80 B2 at Perry this year. It came from an estate sale and the guys couldnt tell me anything about the motor. It has a 24X10 Stinger prop and turning it over by hand it seems to have solid compression. The muffler needs replacing. I just tried for the last 30 minutes to upload some pics of the carb, but no joy there. It is a Walbro. My club prez is a very experianced gasser, but he has no ZDZ experiance. I on the other hand have zero experiance with all gassers and this will be my first. This thing will be going on a 98 in wingspan Lanier Giles 202. I have read alot and I believe that this motor is plenty of power for my needs. Any info you guys could give us about this motor would be appreciated. It came with no manuals. I have a test stand and I am hoping to try ti fire it up in the next 2 -3 weeks.
Posted on: 3/15/2012 10:26 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001189

Lanier Stinger 60 - 90
I bought a partially assembleb Lanier Stinger at a swap meet. The fuse and tail feathers are all assmbled and I have almost finished with the foam core wing. I was wondering if anyone out there has the instructions for putting together the plastic parts. The entire top portion from tail to nose is 3 or 4 pieces of plastic. This thing did not come with the instructions and it is not obvious from the plans how to attach the various pieces. It looks like the tail/turtle deck would be glued. Then there is the wing hatch. And forward of that there is the tank cover and then the cowl. The wing hatch has to be removable. But I wonder if the tank cover is also supposed to be removable. Any help would be greatlt appreciated.
Posted on: 3/13/2012 8:05 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999211

RE: TIGER 60 Build / Start date 12-05-09
Let us all know if you decide to go with retracts on a Tiger. I looked pretty hard at it and decided I couldnt make it work. If you have a plan I would love to see it.
Posted on: 3/13/2012 7:58 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999201

RE: TIGER 60 Build / Start date 12-05-09
Let us all know if you decide to go with retracts on a Tiger. I looked pretty hard at it and decided I couldnt make it work. If you have a plan I would love to see it.
Posted on: 3/13/2012 7:57 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999199

RE: Countdown to Perry!
I made it to Perry!!! My first year ever. A couple of my club members got there a couple of hours before me and so I was walking around for a bit before we met up. I was blown away by how many sellers there were. And then I found out I was only in the first building! 3 large buildings of everything rc was so cool. I managed to only spend 600 bucks. But I actually got everything on my wish list. Including an 80 cc gasser. It is used and came from an estate sale so I do not know how well it works. But hey, it was only 250 bucks. I also got a float plane that is 180 at Tower and I paid 100 NIB. And another foamie BD5 for 30 bucks. AND an RDS 8000 for only 30 bucks. I feel like I made out very well. Next year I am going with at least 1000 to 1500.
Posted on: 3/7/2012 6:24 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Events, Shows and Fun Fly's - Airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10989811

RE: TIGER 60 Build / Start date 12-05-09
I just signed on tonight for the first time in months. I had another knee replaced. All is well now. I have been on a spending spree. I have 4 kits to build. And 3 foamie ARFs that I have not yet flown. Just waiting on the good weather now.
Posted on: 3/6/2012 7:37 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10989399

No Representation
I went to the Perry Ga swap meet last weekend. It was my first time there. I was blown away at how many people were there and the vast array of RC product from both individuals and hobby stores. What I was very disappointed in was the total lack of Airtronics radio products there. Futaba amd others were everywhere. I am the only guy in my club who flies with Airtronics. It was pretty much impossible to get any of the guys to even consider Airtronics. There was 1 RDS8000 there and I bought it for a buddy box for my own RDS 8000. I paid 30 bucks. The guy who sold it to me had bought the 10 channel radio and didnt need the 8 ch any more. Good for me. I have heard that Airtronics is much bigger on the west coast. I just wish they were represented better out here.
Posted on: 3/6/2012 7:33 PM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Airtronics Support Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10989393

RE: Retracts
Dont forget the boat price.
Posted on: 11/1/2011 9:22 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10792041

RE: Midwest Giles-202
I have been building a Lanier Giles 202 for a few months now. Very start and stop. Mine has a 92in wingspan. And I am considering a DLE111 for power. When I get back into the shop I will take some pics and post them just for fun.
Posted on: 10/29/2011 11:42 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10788202

RE: Surface prep
Is it the 1/4 or 1/7th scale TF? I painted my 1/7th and it came in at 10.5 lbs. I have a 1.20 4s on it and it has plenty of power. It is too hard to match film coating with paint so I painted the entire model.
Posted on: 10/27/2011 6:38 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10784829

RE: 60 or 90 stinger
Balsa USA
Posted on: 10/8/2011 8:47 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10754579

RE: Former strength !
I concure. 1 hard landing later and the tail snaps off. Or worse yet, an in flight structural failure. Loose the entire model. Repair it to spec's
Posted on: 10/8/2011 8:45 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10754576

RE: simulators?
I think the 5 ch Airtronics is about 50 bucks cheaper than the 6. It will probably be a loooong time before you need that extra channel. I am talking years.
Posted on: 10/8/2011 8:08 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10754531

RE: I guess I'm getting better
Here is my problem. I have just in the last week got my confidence back. I have not had alot of oprtunity to actually fly this season for various reasons. Mostly wind. But now that I have no issues taking off, flying with loops rolls and even snap rolls, and landing, the season will be over soon. Here in North Alabama you just never know what winter will be like. The last 2 have been abnormally cold. So if it is 3 months or so between flights I lose my confidence all over again. And it doesnt help to hear guys at the club talking about knees shaking. You know, the real experts.
Posted on: 10/8/2011 8:03 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10754529

RE: magnum 46 vs. OS 46
I had an OS 65LA and was not impressed. It was very hard to start. I ran it for 2 years and I could never get it right. I have since flown 4 magnums and they all start very easy and run and run and run. I do give everything I run a very good breakin on the bench before flight. Maybe thats the secret.
Posted on: 10/8/2011 7:31 AM by Author "stevenmax50" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10754490