RE: Our Old Heathkit Radio
[quote]ORIGINAL: pt19 flyer however, what you have would be on the old illegal frequencies and could not be legally used and covered by ama insurance. they are not of the narrow band type. if you lived on a farm or in a isolated area and you were the only one flying you would use it but at a flying field anyone within plus or minus 2 channels will shoot you down. [/quote] This old Heathkit outfit is most likely on 27MHz which is still legal to use in the USA and the UK. Quite a few vintage R/C enthusiasts still fly 27MHz without problems
Posted on: 6/18/2013 12:54 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11546514

RE: Another mystery engine
Yes, agreed, Fox Rocket 09. Had one of these years ago, lots of noise and not much power. Glow engine of course, with glow plug built into cylinder head.
Posted on: 9/9/2012 1:03 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11222478

RE: Bob Dunhams first radio
Thanks for adding another interesting piece to the history of the early days of R/C history
Posted on: 7/16/2012 5:03 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11157032

RE: Early pattern contest videos
Here in the UK the club I belonged to in the 1960's was silenced models only
Posted on: 6/29/2012 7:00 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11136361

RE: Heathkit GD-47 and GD-19 Schematics
Thanks for that, I have added them to my other vintage radio schematics for reference
Posted on: 6/27/2012 7:17 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133690

RE: 1/3 Scale 1913 Eastbourne Monoplane
Nice job, looks great in the air!
Posted on: 5/29/2012 4:49 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11098297

RE: 1962 Hustler Delta views
It would be great if you could post some video of the Hustler when it is finished and flying
Posted on: 5/5/2012 2:52 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069114

RE: removing and recovering old models
Please be careful if you use MEK. It is highly flammable and the fumes cause irritation to the eyes and nose and are very unpleasant.
Posted on: 5/4/2012 3:05 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11067886

RE: From the 60's - What was your 1st plane ?
After several failures, my first really successful R/C model was a Ken Willard Gasser. It was powered by an ED Racer 2.5cc diesel engine and controlled with single channel (rubber powered escapement). It met a most unusual end, it was flying nicely when it suddenly went into a fast flat spin. I was totally perplexed as to the cause of the spin until a spectator came up to me and told me that my wing tip had hit the string of a large box kite flying at considerable altitude in the R/C flyer's area, talk about unlucky!
Posted on: 4/18/2012 7:03 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11047009

RE: 1962 Hustler Delta views
[quote]ORIGINAL: cvint Progressed to sheeting and capstripping the top. Hard to believe a model of this size was originally powered by a Veco 19 ??? [/quote] Original must have been quite slow, as I mentioned earlier my Midwest kit Hustler was powered by a Super Tigre 56. Although fast, it was not grossly over powered.
Posted on: 3/1/2012 6:56 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10982778

RE: Tauros Build
There was a build thread back in 2006, the model was called Primus back then. The builder made a few mods including a different fin and tail dragger U/C which took away some of the Taurus look for me. The thread is here:- http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4435982/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm
Posted on: 3/1/2012 2:53 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10982609

RE: 1962 Hustler Delta views
That really brings back memories of my Hustler delta from the late 1960's. I had a lot of fun with that model although I did have a few scares when I lost orientation at distance. Model is long gone but I still have a trophy I won with it pylon racing.
Posted on: 2/25/2012 2:59 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10974888

RE: 1/3 Scale 1913 Eastbourne Monoplane
The founder of A.H. Designs passed away in Nov of last year. I understand the business is carrying on in the hands of his wife. Best to check before ordering.
Posted on: 2/22/2012 2:57 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10970321

RE: 1962 Hustler Delta views
Hi, I assume you mean the Hustler delta designed by Weldon Smith and Bob Baldwin subsequently kitted by Midwest. I had one of these back around 1967/68, it was powered by a Super Tigre 56 and controlled by F&M Digital 5 radio. I used it with some success in open pylon racing. Sadly the model is long gone and I never took any photos however I do have a copy of the MAN R/C Digest for 1963 which has an article about the delta by the designers. There are no close ups of the engine bay in the article but there is a nice exploded view of the model which I have attached. If you want a copy of the article I can scan it for you. Alan
Posted on: 2/11/2012 1:10 PM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10954448

RE: Kraft 2.4 ghz conversion help needed
Removing the crystal will stop transmission on 72MHz
Posted on: 1/29/2012 3:07 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10933383

RE: List of Vintage Videos on You Tube by Don Huff and Sid Gates and some newer videos
Sid, thanks for uploading these great videos from the pioneering days of R/C. I am sure they will bring back many memories of my early days in R/C
Posted on: 1/23/2012 3:12 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10922765

RE: Old Transmitter battery
If your system is the Citizenship analog proportional (Tx is model APT) then the Tx runs off 9V dry battery or 9.6V rechargeable. In the UK the battery was known as VT9 or PP9, this may be different in the USA and is probably not made anymore.
Posted on: 12/31/2011 7:42 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10884377

RE: DeBolt Custom Livewire Bipe Plans?
Great footage Sid, brought back memories of my early days in R/C
Posted on: 12/17/2011 3:42 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10863323

RE: Mr. Space Control flys again video
Well done, fantastic achievement. The last time I saw a Space Control set in use was here in the UK back in the 1960's - never thought I would see one fly again. Nice smooth flying as well.
Posted on: 10/5/2011 4:54 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10749458

RE: Help identifying this... Taurus?
Looks like a Taurus with an own design fuselage. Back in the 1960's I made a Taurus with a custom fuselage, fin and tail but a standard wing - still flew just like a normal Taurus.
Posted on: 9/27/2011 6:38 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10736300

RE: Super 60
I used a Scorpion 45A ESC but a 40A unit would be fine as the maximum current with a fresh LiPo is just under 30A
Posted on: 7/15/2011 8:13 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10622347

RE: Super 60
Hi wilko2, motor is a Scorpion SII 3014-1040, prop is an APC-E 10x5, LiPo is a 3S 3000mAh. Performance is good as seen in the link in my earlier post. Here is a short bit of video I took from the Super 60 a couple of weeks ago:- http://www.vimeo.com/26012266 Hope this helps, Alan
Posted on: 7/15/2011 3:22 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10622020

RE: Kwik Fli III
Dan, I have sent you a PM regarding a Kwik Fli III plan Alan
Posted on: 12/24/2010 7:28 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10215530

RE: Super 60
I agree with the comments about the Super 60 being most relaxing to fly as a 3 channel. My electric Super 60 is built to the original KK spec (symmetrical airfoil tail, small rudder etc) but with reduced dihedral (2 inches under each tip). It handles delightfully, you can see a video taken on its first outing earlier this year:- http://www.vimeo.com/11927227
Posted on: 11/19/2010 10:23 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10145211

RE: Vintage O.S R/C Radio found
Very different from my all transistor OS Minitron 10 chan reed out fit from the mid 60's. I agree with HighPlains, 1950's and using tubes (valves here in the UK). I have never seen an OS Tx as early as that I would think quite rare. Alan
Posted on: 8/31/2010 11:05 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9971519

RE: Cheveron
The original Chevron had a reputation for having a nasty tip stall, this wasn't just a low speed characteristic but could happen in high G manoeuvres. I had a Mk 1 and a quick application of full up would result in a flick roll. I believe the mods in the Mk 2 version were to cure this problem and they did seem to be much better. Alan
Posted on: 8/24/2010 3:56 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Classic RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9955961

RE: Doug Spreng
PWM was a well established technology in military and professional data comms at that time. Where Doug must be given credit is to realise that by making a simple circuit that enabled a model servo to track the width of a pulse he was able to apply this system at relatively low cost to R/C. As with all innovations it is always about being in the right place at the right time and then having that lateral thinking moment that others failed to have. Alan
Posted on: 7/8/2010 6:51 PM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9852859

RE: Doug Spreng
[quote]ORIGINAL: heggen My favorite is the Thunderstormer which is on my list of models to build. Has anyone out there built the one and if so where was the CG. It does not show on the plans and the wing does not have a typical airfoil with the maximum thickness way back on the chord. I am thinking the CG may be further back as well. Anyone? [/quote] When Doug first came to the UK he was flying a Thunderstormer. I was impressed and built the airframe but it got put to one side for a while. Eventually a friend finished it off and we both flew it. The wing section is a sort of laminar flow section and is very slippery, you need to use the throttle a fair bit through the flight. Also when landing it just goes on and on like a glider. Overall a nice model with no nasty tendancies. In the end the fuel soaked airframe fell apart and it was scrapped. I've got a photo somewhere, I will post it if I can find it. I can't remember where the CG was but it was not as far back as 50%, maybe was about 40% Alan
Posted on: 7/6/2010 10:21 AM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9847539

RE: Doug Spreng
As I mentioned above, when Doug was in the UK he designed a digital R/C system for Staveley Industries to replace their analogue system. I have been in touch with Cliff Nancarrow who was a director of Staveley at the time Doug was there. Cliff has given me these memories to post here:- "Thanks for the news. I remember Doug very well from my Staveley Industries days when he came in to design a replacement for the analogue system, but also to show the Engineering Development Division that development did not have to take years. Doug was quite light hearted and livened the place up quite a bit. He flew for Staveley and also Sailplanes/Powerplanes International in the early days. He was a great character and had a great sense of humour, even after a "few" drinks. I remember at one of the shows, Doug was flying for Staveley, when his model suddenly started some wild gyrations. Some of us near him shouted a warning and the model was brought under control again. Doug exclaimed "Jeeze, I was flying the wrong model". Quite a character and a nice guy who contributed a lot to the development of model flying!!" Thanks to Cliff for those additional memories, Alan in the UK
Posted on: 7/2/2010 8:27 PM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9841329

Doug Spreng
I recently heard that Doug Spreng passed away on 19 April 2010. Doug was a true pioneer of digital proportional and along with Don Mathes developed the first commercial digital system called Digicon in the early 1960's. The key to the digital systems was the concept of controlling the servo position by varying the width of a pulse. This method, still in use today, was invented by Doug and even the variation in pulse length from 1ms to 2ms remains the standard. He did not patent the idea so made no money from it, the idea was copied by every other R/C manufacturer and this led to the rapid developement of these systems. Later in the 1960's he came over to the UK and developed digital R/C systems here, namely Sprengbrook and Stavely. It should also be remembered that he was a top international R/C aerobatic pilot and designed some of the best models of that period. The Stormer, Thunderstormer and Twister come to mind. He was a real character and I remember meeting him shortly after he came to the UK, when someone asked him about the demise of an earlier model he replied "I tried a vertical nine", typical of his humour. More information about Doug can be found on the AMA web site here:- https://www.modelaircraft.org/files/SprengDoug.pdf Alan in the UK
Posted on: 7/1/2010 2:50 PM by Author "ukengineman" in the forum "Golden Age, Vintage & Antique RC"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9838689