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Covering edges with tissue, etc..

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:53:59 -0600

Hi all !

After 3 years of ARF's, i've choosed that i must return back to the great balsa building.

I've started a simple aircraft that i've cutted myself and i want to cover it with Japanese Paper (similar to silkspan i think). This aircraft has some parts like elevator and rudder that are made of 3mm (1/8 in) balsa, with straight edges.

The problem is when i try to cover over the edges, the paper won't stick. I tried with pure dope, and very thinned dope, nothing...

I've bought the whole DVD collection of Dave Platt, included the "Back 2 Basic". Looking at him, it seems very easy to cover the wing and fold the paper around the edges...

So what's the trick ? i should sand the edges to a rounded shape or simply covering only the flat part and seal the edges with epoxy or something else ?

Sorry for my english... if i've not explained my problem, i'll post pictures of what i mean.

Thank you to all !

Dave

TSR-2 in 3D

Thu, 09 Mar 2010 19:11:17 -0600

latest creation
Bob

Watts The Deal-A Review

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:59:25 -0600

Watts the Deal.

Technology can very much be like a tsunami. It takes time to build and no one really seems to notice, then suddenly it explodes from seemingly no where. Anyone who has been in the RC modeling hobby has seen the advent of electric powered models-and if you're like me, at first you accepted that batteries are OK for foamies and park flyers-but it just wasn't your bag. Well, it seems that electric models have arrived and you have to believe-this segment of the hobby is growing, and fast.

Not your bag? Reminds me of the James Brown song from the 60s, "Poppas Got A Brand New Bag". In the last few years I have seen electrics grow from very limited and very expensive applications for only those with more money than good sense. Now, as they have increased in popularity they seem to have evolved into the answer and best solution for many applications. The limited foot print of the motors are an excellent solution for tight cowling applications like an IL-6 or a Fiesler Storch. In addition, going electric is probably the best insurance policy there is for a twin engine model and as you will learn very easy to achieve counter rotating props to offset torque. Another big factor that is going to influence the growth of this segment of our hobby is going to come down to noise. Or, in the case of electrics, the lack of it. Noise abatement is an ever present consideration as we are forced to contend more and more with urban encroachment on our flying fields.

Watts The Deal is a Three DVD Video Tutorial offered by Dave Platt. This latest offering will guide you step-by-step into knowing and understanding the unique nomenclature of the individual components, their function and how they are integrated into a balanced system. As one who owns and has watched all of Daves previous offerings I was naturally eager to see this latest set, particularly as I was one of those that simply didnt have a clue how all this electric stuff worked. My hope and goal was to reach a comfortable level of understanding in how these power systems work, how to set them up, how they are maintained and most important how you fly them. I was not disappointed.

Volume one of the set focuses primarily on the nuts and bolts of electrical systems through extensive white board lecture. Youll quickly learn the first thing to do is to just simply forget everything you know about internal combustion, or IC engines. For instance, with an IC engine you can increase or decrease the maximum RPMs of an IC engine simply by changing the pitch of the propeller you use. However, an electrical motor is going to turn at its maximum RPM (or die trying) no matter what prop is being used; even if there is not a propeller mounted. Another difference between ICs and electrics is when an IC is overheated-if left alone to cool it just may be none the worse for the wear. If an electrical motor is over-heated you most probably will done flying for the day-and until you mount a new motor. Electric motors simply are terribly unforgiving of being over worked and over heated.

More info offered in Volume one is the unique nomenclature of the individual components. You learn the motor numeric classification system and the physics of the power systems. Dave teaches the role each component plays and the relationship of each to the other. Soon you will be able to make your own determinations on whats required for a balanced system. At the end of Volume one and through all of Volume two you will watch as Dave builds a Twocan-the twin-engined, electrically powered model he designed to demonstrate the differences between building a conventional IC powered model and its new electrical brethren. If you have watched other Dave Platt videos and feel you dont need to spend the money to watch Dave build another I must caution you. The purpose is to demonstrate the differences and save you time and money by shortening your learning curve. In volume three you will see the conclusion of the model construction and the set up and flying.

I think you will quickly realize there is a lot of value in this latest set of DVDs. Especially if you are like me and in the dark about this new technology. As in all his other sets there is tip after tip on building. For example, if youre building a twin and want counter-rotating props a common problem is the prop on the backwards-turning motor will likely unscrew itself leaving you facing a single engine landing. Dave shows you how to easily cut reverse threads on the motor shaft using nothing more than a vice, tap and die set and some JB Weld! You will also learn some simple calculations that you can use to determine the best power system for your model-one that works. Basically everything you need to know to feel comfortable with building and flying electric models is in this DVD set.

As in all of Dave Platts offerings you will learn building tips that will make you a more successful builder. In Volume two you will see the steps necessary to accurately lay-out a spar for a tapered, swept back wing with dihedral. Now thats a big something to wrap you brain around-but he makes it easy. Youll also learn of an alternative plastic tubing connector-plug used by the jet boys that will probably change the way you plumb your retracts from now on. And in typical Dave Platt fashion he will show you where to buy them for about 20 percent of the price the jet boys pay. Volume three completes the build of the Twocan and you see it fly.

For additional information simply go to Dave Platts website, www.daveplattmodels .com or call him at 321/724 2144. I recommend you call as Dave will be the one answering the phone and he is a great guy to talk to. Prices for this video set, as well as his others is $34.95 for the first video ordered and all subsequent videos in that order can be had for an additional $30.00 each and shipping is included . A short-kit with the plans and fiberglass nose piece for the Twocan is offered for $189.00 plus the cost of UPS shipping. When buying tell Dave you heard about his products at RCSB!

Cockpit Kit

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:29:57 -0600

does anyone have or know where I can get a cockpit kit for the old royal B-17 kit, thanks.

Sterling Stearman/Sammy Mason

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:31:04 -0600

Picked up an old Sterling Stearman Kaydet kit in very nice shape today.64.5 inch wingspan-50 inch length.Looks like a good fit for my tiny little SPE 26cc gasser and my first attempt at covering with solartex.The first question I have concerns the wheel size shown on the plan.The main wheels measure 4.5 inches in diameter and the tail wheel is shown as 1.5 inch.That looks really big when you lay actual wheels that size on the prints.What gives?Also would like to finish the aircraft in the colors and N-number of the great barnstormer Sammy Mason.After looking around on the internet a little today was not able to turn up much info.Any suggestions?Thanks

Ziroli PT 17 84 inch ws

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:20:25 -0600

Anyone know what supplier provides the attach points for the interplane struts for the Ziroli PT 17?

RCSB Live! 03/09/2010 - Skyshark R/C

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:05:43 -0600

Be sure and join us Tuesday March 9th at 8:00pm Eastern Time for The RCSCALEBUILDER LIVE! Show on Warbird Radio (www.warbirdradio.com)!

My guests on the this episode will be Mike Grey, owner of Skyshark R/C (http://www.skysharkrc.com). mike will be talking all things electric, about their business, and taking your questions and comments.

Be sure and join us and participate with your comments and questions LIVE!

Of course you can contact us during the show several ways...

You can call in at (478) 787-4768
or Skype us at "warbirdradio" or
via email at live@rcscalebuilder.com.

As usual we will have our weekly "Subject Seeking" segment, our "Weekly Trivia Question" and we'll catch you up on the latest news in R/C Scale!

To listen to the show just click the "LISTEN LIVE" button at www.warbirdradio.com.

Wanted: jerry bates Yak 9 plans

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:43:43 -0600

Hi guys&gals,Looking for a used set of jerrys Yak 9 plans.Al little beat up or built on is fine.Let me know what you have and a asking price. Thanxs,stefanP

72 Mg VS. 2.4

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:11:14 -0600

Hi Everyone

I guess this might be considered somewhat of a Poll, I'm just curious to know how many of you out there plan to continue Flying with the 72 Mg. Radios you have and how many plan to switch to the New 2.4 Systems. The answers don't need to be long, I'm personally just interested in seeing how some of you feel, I've been getting mixed results by just asking fellow flyers so I thought I would try to get a Broader sampling of opinions?

I'll start off First.

I Plan to Stay with my 72 Mg. stuff because, Since 1972 I have not had one issue with Equipment Problems. It's been the Occasional Irresponsible Flyer or Club with Poor Frequency Control that is the Problem, It's Rare!!!!

Have a Great Day and Thanks Everyone for Your Input.

John Eberle, Montgomery, TX

On the bench, Curtiss JN-4D Jenny Build & Nieuport 28 C-1 Build (Proctor Enterprises)

Curtiss Condor by Laddie Mikulasko

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:47:37 -0600

I have a set of plans by Laddie Mikulasko on the Curtiss Condor. There is an articule in the August 1993 Flying Models magazine about the build. I was wondering if anyone has ever built this model in this size or any other size. It is a really cool model and I'm looking for more detail about the build. The articule is good, but does seem to have some details missing. Looking for any assistance. Thanks.

Bob