Newbie - Pleae HelpMe !! Trying To Fly My New Pico-Cub

[jerrysimon]

Spent a week putting it together. Taped it up with nice yellow tape. First flight knocked the motor mounting off when I eventually threw it. Having unsuccessfully ROG, I hand launched it :-( (I included the 400L gearbox for ROG). Forgot to check CG :-(

Second flight (now correct CG but heavier with balance weight_ started to ROG went up about 3 feet and then back down on the tail. Again after hand launch, landed on nose and snapped propeller. Began to think it was too heavy (750g) Spent half a day taking the tape off :-(

Now weighs 625g including weight for balance. Third flight still starts to ROG and then falls back on tail. Threw it (hand launch) again this time went up well 12ft but came down quickly. Second time on hand launch came down on nose. This time whole nose snapped off.

Anyway it's fixed again but I am confused. It appears not to have enough power to deliver the speed to lift it continually. It's built exaclty to the instructions (a little heavier than the 550g quoted but has the gearbox as well). So that leaves the batteries. They are Sanyo 6*AA 7.2V 700mAh Nicads, which look the same as those in the TX. They are what the model shop provided me with but I don't think they are right. I have measured the current being drawn when the motor is running full turning the prop, and it's drawing 1.2amps. (prop is the one that comes witht he gearbox 17.5/16cm)

The batteries are not marked AR/AE etc and I am beginning to think I have the wrong ones ? so have just ordered Sanyo 600AE's (pack of 6) from another shop who confirmed that they are wrong.

Anyone care to tell me where I am going wrong ? This is sooooo frustrating. Should the motor be drawing more current 3amp+ at full throttle. ?

Thanks in advance

Jerry

[hoppy]

I think you'll find that it should be drawing close to 8-9A at full throttle. My 6oz BUD needs 1.2A to fly. If your Amp measurement is correct, something is seriously wrong with the power train....ESC/motor/gearbox/prop/battery.
Is the ESC self calibrating to throttle range?? Is the battery fully charged?? Is the gearbox the 2.3:1 400L?? Is the prop a 7X6.5? Is the prop on right(lettering facing front)?? Is it turning in the right direction?? GoodLuck
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Hoppy,

Thanks for replying so quickly :-) The motor was tested outside of the plane (i.e. standalone) the battery was fully charged and I tested it with a multimeter in series (not shorting). This being my first plane I have no idea what sort of pull I should be getting full throttle ?

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Drat!! I have double checked and the battery was not fully charged. I have re-charged it and retested the motor. It's now drawing 5.25 amps when connected directly to the motor. So I am back to where I started, why does it not appear to have enough pull to lift it more than 3 feet off the ground ?

I have re weighed everything and it comes out at 600g or 21oz.

Help..............

[leccyflyer]

Hi Jerry

Your Pico Cub should fly fine with those weights and the gearbox. Multiplex state 590-675g estimated AUW - my son's weighs in at 605g with a tape covered fuselage- we haven't decided on whether to tape the wing or not yet.

I've seen the Pico Cub ROG in about six-eight feet and climb very quickly into a brisk wind with the gearbox, very impressive. So there is probably something simple amiss with your power train somewhere. I'm sure you will be able to locate and cure the problem.

Firstly are you sure the prop is rotating in the right direction?- you will have needed to reverse the connections to the motor (black lead to the positive) if using the gearbox.

Is the main gear slipping at all on the main shaft? - there is a little grub screw to retain it.

You say you batteries are fully charged- is this the first time they have been charged- maybe they need to come up to spec?

Any of the above or perhaps that your ESC is not giving you the full throttle range are possible explanations for the reduced power you are seeing. What make and model of speedo are you using- does it have a little screw to adjust the motor maximum RPM or a particular start up sequence (TX on-throttle closed-RX on or similar) to initalise properly?

Good luck with the Pico Cub

cheers

Brian

[Fred Bronk]

Are you sure 6 cells are enough, what is the motor?

Is the prop on the correct way, IE facing forward?

[hoppy]

That amperage is better.
Well, if the prop is on correct and is blowing the air back, then lets look at the balance. How much balance weight did you add? Where did you add it?

When it takes off, does it tend to go straight ahead or rise sharply by itself?
Same question for the hand launch?

You should let the plane fly level for say 100-150' before giving it much up elevator so it can gain flying speed.

If it is going up by itself, you have either..(1) an up elevator at neutral stick setting, or (2) the plane is tail heavy.

Are you taking off at full throttle? If you have a small scale, ie ozs, attach it to the tail and fire it up. Should read 7-8 oz (196+g).

More later..
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Hey thankyou very much for your replies and sugestions. Anyway fixed it for the third time. Fourth flight today. Waited until late afternoon when everyone had gone home from the park and the wind was "almost" still.

I was definately putting on too much elevator. This time is ROG and stayed aloft for about 30 second but gained no more than 3-4 feet in height before coming down.

Power is DEFINATELY the problem. The guy in the shop sold me 6 * AA (7.2v 700mAh) Nicads
which I think are the ones for a Tx not the short stubby AE/AR. The ones he gave me also have a label that says charge @70mA for 14-16hrs.

Anyway I have now ordered some Sanyo 6 cell 7.2V 600mAh AE ones which will arrive tommorow. At least then the model will be exactly as specified on the box.

Just a thought maybe I should have ordered the 7 cell ones, although I was worried that they would burn out the motor faster.

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Yes it freezing here! My daughter came out with me to catch it all on video. They (the rest of the family) then come back and have a hoot watching me smash it up :-(

As you say it's good to come back with it still in one piece. Anyway I will update you all tommorow when I get the new batteries.

Once again thanks for all the advice. It great to have a resource like this to bounce problems off.

Jerry

[hoppy]

I definitely think the temperature may be a factor. Are the batteries warm when you start? My batteries are NiMH and really lose zip when the temp is low...low being 45 here in Florida. It took one more cell to bring them back to where they were when it was warm.
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Hoppy,

Just noticed reading through the blurb on my Jeti 180 ESC, it has a brake on it ? It says this can be turned off by plugging in the jumper. At the moment the jumper is not fitted i.e the brake is enabled ?

Jerry

[hoppy]

Jumper off-break on
Jumper on - Break off

It was recommended to me by US Jeti distributer to put the jumper on - break off.

Hoppy

ps I noticed during bench tests that my motor puts out significantly more power when batteries are at 60deg as opposed to 40deg. About 15% under static conditions. The plane I've been flying is marginally powered and during this cold spell it just doesn't want to stay in the air...very similar to what you have described. Adding 1 cell has made it flyable again.

[Travis]

jerry, the "brake" you refer to simply means
that when the BEC cuts the motor at low voltage, the prop will not windmill during
the glide. (a windmilling prop is a big air-
brake and will make a model drop like a rock
when the power is off). the brake is also
nesesary when using a folding prop.

Keep those batteries in your pocket untill
your ready to take-off. If you have any
battery cooling vents block them off untill
it gets warm outside.

[Mark Wood]

Sure sounds like a voltage problem. What's the voltage rating on your motor? Nobody has asked that one yet. Running up to 8 cells on a 6 volt motor or 10 on a 7.2 volt one is acceptable. We actually got a friend's Hobbico SkyRunner to fly simply by adding a sixth cell to the useless 5 cell pack that was supplied with the plane.
MORE POWER! (grunt grunt grunt)

mw

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

The instructions with our Pico Cub specify 6x600mah AA batteries- not the dumpy 600AEs you refer to- though I suspect either would do. You could easily add an extra cell (or two) as well - especially if your model was supplied with a 7.2v Permax rather than the 6v version.

Did you buy this as a made-up pack or did you make the pack up yourself? What are you using for a charger?

[jerrysimon]

It's a 6 volt Permax 400 motor as supplied with the kit. As I bought the optional gearbox I got an extra motor as well. Can always us it in my next plane (Twinstar I think ;-) )

Now you have me worried I have ordered only a 6 cell unit. Guess I can always add a 7th/8th cell.

At least this time my plane is still in one piece. I resisted the temptation to hand launch it as every other time I have done this it "broke"

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Sorry meant to say the charger is a Pro-Peak 150 Delta Peak Fast Charger (again supplied by the shop). I have been charging off the car battery for about 20-25mins until the little red lights starts to flash (as per the instructions) to indicate that it's up to full charge.

Just to say the shop was not keen for me to start off electric and wanted me to go IC as that is what they seem to specialise in.

Jerry

[hoppy]

One other point....I see the temp in Eng is in the 30's. That will take some oooomph out of the battery power. More cells..or move South!!!
Great feeling to bring it home in one piece, isn't it!
GoodLuck
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

This is turning into quite a saga! I have been taking pictures/notes all the way through the project since I started it just after Christmas. I hope to then put a few web pages up, just so that others may be able to learn from some of my mistakes/cock ups :-(

Jerry.

Itching to try those new batteries tonight.

[kgascoigne]

I think you need more cells. I fly mine on 7 x 500ar cells, but it goes better on 8 cells.Take it steady with the elavator until the 'plane has built up some airspeed. I was flying mine this year over in France and using thermals was getting flight times of more than 10 mins. 4.5 mins more normal on non thermal sorties. I did notice that the glide and flight charachteristics are much better when the CofG is spot on, to achieve this the TOP of fuselage should be horizontal when the plane is supported at the spar. Hope this helps, Kev.

[jerrysimon]

Well the batteries did not turn up (bloody UK post) :-( but I think kgascoigne is right.

Although the current 6 cell AA pack of nicads is sealed (wrapped up in shrink wrapped plastic) I rigged up another fully charged spare Nicad AA I had, in series from one of the connectors before connecting that to the motor. There was a noticable increase in motor/propeller speed and subsequent pull of the model. I tested the current being drawn at 6.5amps as apposed to the 5.25 amps before using only 6 cells.

So now I have another couple of questions :-)

1. As the motor is now being supplied with 8.4 volts, is the increase in voltage whats causes additional speed of the motor tunrning the propeller ?

2. Presumably this additional voltage and increase in motor speed means it is drawing more current and thus the batteries will run down quicker quicker ?, the voltage remaining constant until the batteries are almost exhausted.

I obviously realise that the ESC would kick in before this, switching off the motor before there is no charge left i.e. to make sure the servos could still be operated.


Jerry.

[Mark Wood]

Originally posted by jerrysimon:
So now I have another couple of questions :-)

1. As the motor is now being supplied with 8.4 volts, is the increase in voltage whats causes additional speed of the motor tunrning the propeller ?

2. Presumably this additional voltage and increase in motor speed means it is drawing more current and thus the batteries will run down quicker quicker ?, the voltage remaining constant until the batteries are almost exhausted.
1) Yes

2) Also correct.

mw

[kgascoigne]

The batteries Will dishcharge quicker as you rightly conclude. But don't forget that once you have climbed to a reasonable height you can throttle back to conserve the battery power a bit!
Dont forget the C of G as I mentioned make sure it is forward enough.
Also if you have creased your engine cowling
try slowly pouring boiling water over it to remove the creases it worked for me. Where in the U.K. are you based? Kev.

[hoppy]

Gee, I wonder what happened to Jerry and his Cub????? Did the new batteries cause it to soar over the white cliffs of dover?? Did it nosedive into the channel?? Is he still looking for all the pieces??? or his he in the pub celebrating a great flight???
Jerry...where are you??? WE HAVE TO KNOW!
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Hoppy

Amusing made me smile :-)

Anyway the reason I have not come back to you is because nothing much has happened. I chased the mail order company today (ordered batteries last friday :-( ) Still had not come. I think I confused them because I changed the order from a 7.2 V 600 AE to a 8.4 V (seven cell) 600AE. They have promised they will be in the post tommorow.

I also went back to the shop where I bought the original kit/radio/RX/Servos etc and told them they sold me the wrong battery. There answer was that all this electric stuff was complicated (they specialise in IC I think) Anyway they had no made up packs to swap but gave me 7 * 500ARs. So after searching through the threads here on making up packs I have built a 8.4V 500AE pack tonight. Kept me busy :-)

As the charger they gave me was a 7.2 V jobby, I am also awaiting the mail order which includes a Speed 1 ? (8.2V - 500-2000mah charger)

So tommorow is the big day! I should have two packs of 7 cells which I can charge up and then hit the park. That's assuming the weather is good. Typical, for the last two days (when I could not fly) it's been dead calm.

I did plug in the pack I made up tonight which had some charge in them. I got about 10 seconds of motor run before the ESC kicked in. It's clear there is now much more power. I am confident I WILL now fly.

I really appreciate you guys here for the encouragement and help.

I am also tempted to mail Multiplex and tell them that I do not believe there model will fly with a 6/600 AA pack. I have found one or two more reviews of the cub and not one of them use this config.

Oh by the way Kgascoigne thanks for the info about the engine cowling. I did fit it initially but took it off after I kept crashing. And to answer your question I live in Swindon :-(

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Test of my updated profile. Please ignore.

[jerrysimon]

aaaaaaaaaaaah. The postman has just been and my second battery pack and charger have not yet come. Maybe the afternoon delivery.

So I am left with one new set but nothing to charge them with. Patience, patience it's a vertue :-(

Jerry

[hoppy]

"MAYBE THE AFTERNOON DELIVERY"?????
WOW! It's been a long, long, long time since we got 2 mail deliveries a day..maybe we need to have a recount on the revolution and come back to good old England!
Hoppy

Originally posted by jerrysimon:
aaaaaaaaaaaah. The postman has just been and my second battery pack and charger have not yet come. Maybe the afternoon delivery.

So I am left with one new set but nothing to charge them with. Patience, patience it's a vertue :-(

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Well it did not come in the afternoon post either. Doesn't matter now though as it's too windy to fly anyway.

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Leccyflyer. Thanks. Needless to say I have checked the gearbox (dismantled and reassembled it several time) incl checking the little grub screws are done up tight. Anyway I still question whether this model could fly on 6 cells.

Although that recommendation is without a gearbox (they suggest 7 with a gearbox) the supplied prop is small.

Also if you use 6 AA cells (lined up side by side) they won't fit in the battery compt unless you hack at it with a knife.

Jerry.

[hoppy]

Jerry,
A gent named sav asked a question about his pico cub in the foamies forum. Maybe he can help if you can find him.
Hoppy
http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/Forum12/HTML/001185.html

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

You fit a six cell pack in as two ranks of three - like soldiers standing up - that is the "standard" Multiplex configuration that they sell for the Teddy - that fits fine.

Based on your posts - and Kev Gasgcoine's replies - good old Kev (Mullarkey) is making up an 8 cell pack to fit - maybe get a chance to compare them this weekend.

cheers

Brian

[jerrysimon]

Leccyfler,

The problem was that the shop sold then ready packed lined up like soldiers. There answer when i querried about how I should fit them in was "to "hack" the fusalage! after all many modelers do this" sorry don't mean to sound cynical about my local model shop.

Anyway today I mailed Multiplex about the whole issue. Like you there answer was that the six pack sold by them for the plane was 2 banks of three.

They also said my pack must be duff!.

Hoppy I answered Kev and passed on what Multiplex also said about the landing gear. "It was made for landing not taking off" Mine has bent several times already.

Anyway tommorow I should get my charger. I will then work on improving the landing gear, adding struts and finishing of the decals etc.

Regards

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

sorry that should have been Sav not Kev.

Oh and I guess I won't be working on it at all, until after I know it flies! It's had far too much of my attention already and it's time it gave me something back first!

Jerry

[Danny Troy]

My two cents....go with 8-cells and throttle back after airborne. I know you don't want to hear it, but how about taking the landing gear off and hand launching (last resort). That will save some weight. And how about the 8-cell Radio Shack nimh packs. Are there any Radio Shack stores in the UK??

[leccyflyer]

Hi again Jerry

Your posts set me to thinking as I have the Pico Cub on the bench - hasn't flown yet - so I connected up a 6 cell pack just to see how much waft I got. Very little waft indeed at first http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif.

Then I noticed that the Permax gearbox wasn't working too well and the gears were definitely slipping. Out with the allen key and a further good dose of tightening up on the four grub screws that retain the gears was greeted with a dramatic improvement- off the same battery pack.

Might be one more thing worth checking. I imagine that Multiplex would have flown the Pico Cub on 6x600AAs if they recommend it as a viable flying option - sho nuff it will probably fly better on seven or eight cells.

[jerrysimon]

Wow, that's more like it http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

The mail order never turned up so I went back to the model shop and purchased a Speed One charger (I think Kev uses one of these).

Took twenty minutes to charge up the 7*500mha ARs. Plugged them into the plane and went full throttle. Compared to the 6 cell 700mha pack it's like there is a third more power. I had to almost stand on the tail to stop it moving http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Put the amp meter on and it's drawing 6.2A at full throttle compared with the 3.5A previously.

I am confident that this baby will now fly. Unfortunately it's still too windy outside. Hopefully after the weekend I will be in a position to report back and then finish off the model (assuming I don't crash it).

All us CUB fliers here can then compare our various flight pack sets re flight times, peformance etc.

Jerry

[sav]

great news, don't rush your checks make sure your C of G etc is okay, The number of times I've made a stupid mistake because I didn't check everything in the rush to go and fly http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[Clive Henry Jones]

Jerry,
I've also got a Pico Cub, but unlike you I already had a 8.4V pack of 600 AE's in my workshop. Flew well with Gunther prop and Direct Drive 400 6V. Also flew longer but with less power on 1600 NiMH 8.4V.
Since then I have put in an aftermarket Multiplex Prop, G/Box and 6V motor combo (For those who have them, the type with the "slotted" prop mount and the flanged prop). This seems to give better "grunt" but at the expense of speed (The Cub is not a fast ship by any means). Conditions were a little gusty when I tried this setup, so I'll have to wait for a more "still" day to make a valid comparison.
Keep with it - it does fly - honest!
Clive.

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

Warning - long post coming folks http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Well I can confirm that the Pico Cub will fly fine with 6 cells- I hope you didn't give Multiplex too much of a hard time http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif

A gorgeous day for flying here today in the northwest, we had brilliant blue skies, generally light winds with the odd stronger gusts and bright sunshine.

Timmy's Pico Cub came out at 745 grams (29oz!!!) AUW with eight 700 AA cells and a touch lighter with the six cell Teddy 700AAE pack. That is a fair bit above the Multiplex top weight of 675g. In the end I decided to put the tape on the wing after all and added a single strip of 3/4" glassfibre tape across the whole wingspan covering the spar. The glass tape plus the yellow parcel tape covering added about 50grams in weight and needed 15 grams of ballast in the cowl with the 6 cell pack (eventually).

Having knocked several lumps out of our Teddy and Smiley bare foam wings in the hanger, car and at the field I thought the parcel tape covering would be more robust. There is a weight penalty to be had though.

The first flight today with the 8 cell pack ROG in about ten feet and the model climbed briskly, I'd left her a smidgen tail heavy- balancing just on the rear of the wingspar. A bootful of trim took care of that until we got her down and added the extra bit of noseweight. Reset the controls, took off again and found it is a very nice flier with bags of power on 8 cells- climbs on 1/3 throttle- the gearbox was pretty noisy though.

Second flight was better after some lubrication on the gearbox and the discovery that the shaft was slipping- the grub screw was a pointy one and making no purchase on the shaft- swapped that for a flattie and a drop of CA fixed that.

Timmy (age 7) took the controls for the second flight and both he and the model performed admirably- very nice and stable- though the odd gust caught it and produced some unexected wing drops (or lifts).

We are very impressed with the Pico Cub on 8 cells - it's a delight to fly and I would say makes an excellent trainer. The one negative point is that weak undercarriage- I had put some little depron triangles between the legs and however gentle the landing the gear was deformed. In view of the need for noseweight (imparted by using the parcel tape covering no doubt) I'm going to make another undercarriage with stiffer wire or maybe carbon fibre -that should let me remove the little bit of lead in the cowl.

After Timmy had had enough for the day we tried the Pico Cub on 6 cells. Take off run was extended to about 40 feet or so but with a gentle touch on the elevator she climbed out okay and flew around very sedately- not overpowered but definitely flying well - similar performance to our Teddy. I landed after probably about five minutes (sorry didn't time any of the flights)- well pleased with the model.

I will probably use eight cells- because of the noseweight requirement with six cells - though I think seven AA cells would be an ideal compromise.

I hope you had as good a day as we had today http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

cheers

Brian

[jerrysimon]

Brian,

Thanks for sharing that here. Like you I now have a long long post.

Looks like this is the day for flying Pico Cubs http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Like you I am one happy chappy. It's only taken me from 27/12/00 when I got the kit until today 13/1/01 and 40 Ezone postings later!

I feel good. It was a beautifull clear sunny but freezing day down here in the south west. Although I had to go to work I came home about 3:00pm. Charged up the battery and headed out to the park (wife in tow). There were footballers there, so decided against it. Went home and came back an hour later (wife still in tow). The sun was going down and it was VERY cold.

The flight went like clockwork. I should add at this point that this is my first EVER (if you don't count the three foot 30 second flights posted before) that I have ever flown an RC plane. As a boy I played around with some rubber motor ones and one control line that never flew. I have also always flown kites, but model planes add a whole new 3D experience.

Anyway lined it up on the cricket astro turf, increased throttle, slight up elevator, kept the rudder straight and off it went. Took off in less than 6ft http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

I could not believe it http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/cool.gif Suddenly all the hard work and patience was finally rewarded. I had been afraid of my first proper flight but this plane is Sooo easy to fly. When it started to dive or stall I just took my fingers off the rudder/elevator control and it flew like it was on some sort of auto pilot.

After about a minute it got a bit low and I just landed it (quite hard) As you say the under carriage is pathetic. I bent it back and went for another go. At this point I should add my wife has caught the whole thing on video camera, a digital one borrowed from work, so I intend to put up a clip for you all you to see http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif Anyway the second flight was even better, as I was beginning to get the hang of the controls. It's the flying away (reverse rudder control) that confuses me. I managed to turn it around and it came back towards me over my head about 5 ft. Wow http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Well anyway had another fairly hard landing way down the bottom end of the field and decided to call it a day. It was freezing.

My wife was almost excited as me and kept saying "it's flying". They (my family) had given up and decided it would never fly.

So in conclusion. As you can see I am one happy first time flyer. I now love this model dspite all the problems I have had with getting the right battery. My final one is a 7 cell 8.4V 500AE. I did not time it but it seemed to fly for a long time. When I got home I ran it down and it still had another 30 seconds or so left. I have concluded as you say that it will fly on 6 cells but I think the pack I had must have been given first time was duff.

I also noticed that it required quite a bit of throttle to make headway against the wind at the higher flight points.

I am now going to give it lots of loving care, tape it up, add struts and stronger under carriage.

Unlike you Brian, I do not have a son but have two daughters one of whom has been out most times up to now. When she saw the video should could not beleive it. She said that she was thinking it would never fly.

If it is nice tommorrow I might take her out and let her have a go too. They have both practised with FMS and the TX plugged into the computer and understand as much as I do about the controls.

Anyway just to restate my thanks to you all here for the help and encouragment. At 40 years old (I know I am a big kid) this has to be one of those memorable moments that occasionally we get get to experience in life.

Sorry if that sounds a bit deep, but I am still buzzing a bit.

I will put up some pictures and a few details on a web site in due course. Hopefully I can also put up a short video clip of my first ever flight.

Jerry

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

That's brilliant- WELL DONE ! http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

I had no idea this was your first time flight - I just thought it was your first electric. I thought the Pico Cub would be an ideal trainer and it looks like it is. I know what you mean about still buzzing BTW http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Good luck tomorrow- I doubt I'll be flying - I have an appointment with some brick paviors a thousand billion algal cells and a high pressure water jet http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

[hoppy]

ATTA BOY JERRY!!!!!
Ain't it a great feeling to bring your baby home in one piece!!!!! I might have to get me a cub. They look good!
GoodLuck Tomorrow
Hoppy

[Mark Wood]

Jerry:
Don't feel silly by being so excited. It happens everytime you put a new plane in the air but it's nothing like that first real flying experience.
Congratulations and way to go on sticking with it and not giving up.
http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/net7/beerchug.gif

mw

[jerrysimon]

Thanks Guys http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif

I had hoped to get out today but am at work probably until 7:00pm, so by then it will be too dark. We are doing a refurbishment of the offices and us IT people are always the last to go, as we have to set up the PCs etc on the desk and check they work for the Monday morning.

I am also away Monday/Tuesday as I have an interview down in Canterbury, South/East England.

If I got the job it's so close to Dover that Hoppy's joke could become a real life experience for me http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Jerry

[Clive Henry Jones]

The first flight........I remember that!
You are a LUCKY bloke, having your wife and family pulling for you as they do. My missus thinks I am a bit tapped for disappearing on Sundays "Flying toys again"!

A quick tip given to me by the lads at JD Aerotech (Ask Joe and Don forum) is that when you fly towards yourself and the aircraft "drops" a wing, use the "stick" to "Prop up" the dropping wing.

In other words, If you see the wing on the left side of the approaching model lower than the one on the other side, move the rudder control to the left to "support" this lower wing.
Joe and Don also revealed another trick to help you get this "unconscious" response, and that is to practice with a cheap R/C car. Drive this towards yourself and you soon develop the feel for the correct input needed whilst minimising the damage to your wallet!

BTW, My PicoCub broke the fus just in front of the tailfeathers the other day, seems that making the pushrod exits in this area is a bad idea! Just sorta lifted up off the ground on a windy day, rolled on it's back and SNAP!
Moral of this story is to leave PC in car if the wind is anywhere over 5 MPH or so - or make sure it is properly tethered!

A few drops of epoxy and some strapping tape had her fixed in no time so no sad ending to this story!

Oh yeah, Leccyflier, I too have had "Buzzing" noises coming sporadically from the engine compartment since I fixed the engine and gearbox combo on. Will try the flat grubscrew tip (have lubricated the unit previuosly)- any idea of the size needed? - we have a big stores here in work with all the fasteners clearly labelled - I just want to spare me a bit of time in searching many trays for the correct size.

Thanks in anticipation,

Clive.

[sav]

way to go on your first flight http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

astra turf really works well as a run way
the only trouble as soon as you get good weather the kids will be out playing cricket
on it http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

I tried 6 cells and it did fly but the take of run was really long and a little bit tricky.

[leccyflyer]

Clive

The grubscrew story turns out to be a bit more complicated than I had thought- I "thought" it was a flat bottomed one- the supplied one in the gearbox had a pointy base.

In fact the one from my mate Kev's massive, extensively stocked flight box which we used is supposedly designed to bite into the shaft and has a ridge, rather than a flat base - it starts as a cone and then is hollow with an inverted cone shape. It is 3mm in diameter.

Kev said the plain pointy ones are useless for retaining gears on the shaft and sure enough it had stripped the hole before it tightened up enough. The new one is great. The lubrication on the bearings helped a lot and the gearbox is now much quieter.

Another good tip that Kev came up with was to staple the velcro battery retaining strap to the lite-ply sides of the battery compartment with ordinary office staples, rather than messing with epoxy - that worked a treat http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

cheers

Brian

[Clive Henry Jones]

Brian,
Ta.
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Still have not had chance to get out for a second flight http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Too busy with work http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

I have brought some bits and pieces though to strenghten up the landing gear and add struts.

For those interested, I have also found another excellent review at :
http://ijcooper.20m.com/Hobby/picocubarticle.htm

Regards

Jerry

[hoppy]

Jerry,
Thanks for the update....hope your job interview went well.
Read the article you cited...very interesting...almost ready to pick up the phone....Is that the same gearbox you bought?? The MPI 2.5:1?

I found out today my depth perception ain't the greatest. I was fling the Wingo in a park with 9 very tall light poles evenly distributed over the field. The plane was about 300' away and I was wanting to go around one of the poles...whoops, caught a wing and really got a nice spin. The Wingo recovered tho and flew on.
Good Luck with the Cub, we check every day....
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Hoppy,

Thanks. Won't here about the interview until Friday. Went well though I think!

The gearbox I use is the one that you can buy with the Permax 400 motor i.e. 400L (2.3:1). It's just a nylon jobby. The one in the review seems to be made of a more substanstial alloy.

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Well i did not get the job. Did not want it anyway http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/mad.gif

So I have charged up my battery and tommorrow will go and fly my plane for the second time at 7:00am.

Jerry

[Danny Troy]

A couple of questions for you Pico Cub owners. I have two Great Plane Cubs, one electric and one with floats with glow power. I'm getting rid of my electric powered Cub as well as all of my 05 size electric planes. I would like to replace the cub with a Speed 400 Cub so I can use my 8-cell RS nimh packs. How "scale" does a Pico Cub look. Does it look a bit cheesy or is it something you would bring to the field to stand up against built-up models? I have never seen one in person and it's hard to tell from the Multiplex web site. Another question. Is the wing shipped in two halves? I'm thinking of using less dihedral and installing ailerons instead of rudder control. I'd probably install the aileron servo in the wing, one for each aileron.

[Danny Troy]

Disregard my questions.....I just found my answer on another post....and also found out about the $35.00 Sureflite foam Cub...interesting

[jerrysimon]

Well by the time I got to the field it was 8:00am. God this hobby is good for early morning watching the sun rise.

It was cold. Flew like a dream but then I wanted some close passes so I could see her in action up close. Few in a couple of times about head hight it was great. Towards the end of the flight did it again but got confused with my up/down elevator. Went into the ground http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Not too much damage just a broken propeller
http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

I love this hobby http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Jerry (needs lots more practise)

[hoppy]

http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif Hoppy http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[Clive Henry Jones]

OK gang, Thinking caps on.
After checking the grubscrews supplied with the 'box, I found that they were the ones that Brian had described (Inverted cone).
I tightened these up expecting that the "buzzing" noise assosciated with this 'box would cease.
It didn't and the PC flew, but not as well as previously.
Any further ideas?
Clive.

[leccyflyer]

Clive

Have you also tried a bit of lubrication on the gearbox? When we cured the rattle we replaced the dodgy pointy grubscrew with the "inverted cone" one and lubricated what passes for bearings on the gearbox. That made a big difference to the noisy box - it could have been the lubrication, the grubscrew or both.

The other thought I had- before Kev pointed out that the grubscrew was wrong- was to file a flat on the shaft to make sure the grubscrews were doing their job and stopping the gear slipping on the shaft.

The other thing we investigated for the noise - which was loud and clattery -was the prop or gear catching on the cowl- it wasn't as it happens.

[sav]

jerry

oops, best to keep high untill your thumbs
are used to the controls.

no buzzing the tower, that comes later http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

did my first loop this weekend, you should have seen the grin on my face.

I'm still not able to get rid of the gear box rattle as well.

also tried out some 7cell 1100 Nimh battery's great duration.

[This message has been edited by sav (edited 01-22-2001).]

[jerrysimon]

This is a test of a real video link
http://sites.netscape.net/jerrysimonsimon/first.ram

If it works and you have Real Player G2 ? you should get some streaming video of my first ever RC flight and my Pico cub http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Alternatively right click on this save the real video (about 350K) and then play it offline http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif
http://sites.netscape.net/jerrysimonsimon/first.rm

I have now almost completed my cub. Taped her up, added stronger undercarriage and rear wheel. Put the decals on her. Just need to add the struts and then she will be ready to fly again http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif I will send a photo first just in case I smash her up http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif Of course she may now be too heavy to fly http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/rolleyes.gif

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Sav a bit of a long shot but I noticed my cowling was touching the gearbox and it made a terrible racket.

Just a thought. These batteries you tried what sort of flight time did you get with them ?

Jerry

[tic]

Jerrysimon: You are a lucky man indeed!... My girlfriend would NEVER go to the field w/me to watch my electric planes.. I'm realitivly new to the hobby as well, I started w/ a firebird, then a hobbico sunpilot, and now the HITEC skyscooter pro. My enthusiasm for the hobby gets little to no respect from my woman... I think if I actually were to get her out to the field to see a flight, she might see how beautiful it is and understand why I get up at the crack of dawn to go fly when the wind is down. Don't get me wrong, she has many fine qualities, but I am dissappointed that she doesn't respect my passion for this hobby.She dismisses it as another "silly guy thing".. where as your wife/girlfriend, (from the looks of your video), actually seems to enjoy the flying, either that, or she's about ready to ask for a new car http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[hoppy]

Well Jerry, you put some moves on that Cub that Mr. Piper never dreamed of....the commentary was also first rate...thanks for the video.
Hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Thanks. My "wife" is supportive and so are my two daughters. However secretly I think they like to watch the plane fly because of the crash sequences http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

I also suspect they are going to want to have a go soon http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/eek.gif

Jerry

[northerner]

Great video Jerry! Thanks for sharing that one. And belated congratulations for your first successful flights.

On "trying new things" I have to second sav.

Being a Newbie myself I know that the temptation is to try something more fancy (low passes, loops, high bank turns,...) once you have completed *one flight* w/o braking the plane.

I owe a fair amount of crashes to that kind of overconfidence.

The rule is: stay two mistakes high when trying new attitudes. That eliminates low passes...

Have fun!

[This message has been edited by northerner (edited 01-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by northerner (edited 01-23-2001).]

[sav]

jerry

flight times with the 1100 nimh where around
7/8 mins at a guess I'm not sure as I didn't
time my flight's.

I had to hand launch as they don't give the same power as my 500AR pack but are better than the 6 cell AA pack I have.


I'll double check my cowling.

be carefull how much weight you add to your cub.

I've used some glass tape on the underside instead of struts and a bit of red tape on the leading edge.

I see you have a runway like mine http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

good luck on your next flight



[This message has been edited by sav (edited 01-23-2001).]

[Clive Henry Jones]

Brian, will try the filing flats suggestion next methinks.
I don't think the propshaft is interfering with the cowl - there seems to be enough clearance there.
JerrySimon, Congratulations on your succesful flight, am downloading RealPlayer in the background as I type this to share in your experience!
Clive.

[sav]

I checked my cowling and it looked ok so I'm going to try the filing the grub screws as well.

what's the best recomended lubrication to use for the gears.

jerrysimon

I had another look at your clip your first flight was better than mine http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[Clive Henry Jones]

Sav,
I think Brian was suggesting filing the SHAFT, not the grubscrews.
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Sav,

Technically it was the third/fourth flight
http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif If you remember my first few ended in complete disasters http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

I just don't count those as they were only for a few seconds. This was my first proper sustained flight http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Jerry

[Clive Henry Jones]

Brian,
Just re-read your post again and you mention GrubSCREW (Singular).
On my 'box (The Branded Multiplex aftermarket one) there are FIVE GrubscrewS (Plural).
Are you using the same 'box as I?
It has nylon gears, a two piece "frame" that you glue together and bolt to the front of the motor. The main gear has a boss that has it's end cut into four slots. The slots then fit into webs in the (supplied) prop. This prop is secured with a self tapper.
Clive.

[sav]

jerry

count the first 3/4 as a test http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

clive

ok I get it thanks

[jerrysimon]

Clive & Sav (Brian ?)

That is definately the same as mine i.e. 5 grub screws etc.

I did not glue mine together though. This allows for some play in the gearbox which I thought better. I also added a little vaseline to the two gear wheels.

Jerry

[hoppy]

Jerry,
Try a little experiment. Put some vaseline in your freezer (or outside) and see how thick and "tough" it gets.
You're probably using all your horsepower to move that grease around in the gearcase. You need an all temp lube, something which doesn't turn to gum when the temp falls. What grease? I don't know, I'm just a critic.. http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif
GoodLuck
Hoppy

Originally posted by jerrysimon:
Clive & Sav (Brian ?)

That is definately the same as mine i.e. 5 grub screws etc.

I did not glue mine together though. This allows for some play in the gearbox which I thought better. I also added a little vaseline to the two gear wheels.

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Hoppy,

I only used a tiny tiny http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif bit but I see your point.

Will try some alternative.

Well the wind seem to calm down so I went out again after work but by the time I got to the field it had started to rain and a slight breeze had come up. It took a lot of effort but I turned round and went home. Experience has taught me not to fly my cub in anything but calm conditions http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Maybe tommorow http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Here a couple of final pictures of my Pico Cub completed. As I said I plan to put the whole build details on a web page. Having said that most of it is here on this thread http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Jerry


[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 01-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 01-24-2001).]

[jerrysimon]

Ok here we go http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Side elevation showing new landing gear, struts and steerable rudder wheel http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/cool.gif
http://sites.netscape.net/jerrysimonsimon/plane_side.JPG

View from overhead :
http://sites.netscape.net/jerrysimonsimon/pico_cub.JPG

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Wish I knew how to display these photos directly onto the page http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Jerry

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 01-24-2001).]

[Clive Henry Jones]

JerrySimon,
Nice pics. You'll have to tell us where you got that steerable tailwheel from (or was it one you had just "lying around").
Good news! - I stripped the 'box and vaselined (Hoppy, didn't see your post until after this event) the gear shaft and little brass bushes. I also relieved the plywood mount a bit more around the area of the rear collet. THIS SEEMED TO DO THE TRICK!
The squealing seems to have gone, but the rumble is still there. I think this rumbling is symptomatic of using this gearbox anyway so I'm not too troubled about it - I don't think it will ever go away.
More feedback after a test flight.
Clive.

[sav]

looks good I like the mods

[Clive Henry Jones]

Although it was a blustery afternoon, The Cub flew much better than last time - I guess the mods did the trick and now there is less friction in the drivetrain. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
OK crew, Job 2, the Undercarriage.
What mods? - Stronger wire? Gussets?
We'll get this model straightened out!
Over to you, lads!
Clive.

[leccyflyer]

Morning Chaps

Sorry to have missed out of this latest part of the discussion- been away at work in Bonny Scotland this week http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

My initial thoughts re the grubscrews were to file a flat on the shaft - to get a better grip. Yes it is the same Multiplex box that everyone else has - I only had trouble with one of the grubscrews and that was the one which was replaced, the others have been fine.

I think the lubrication was the main thing and we used a little light oil. This is the same stuff that I lube my motors with- I can find out what it is if you like but I just use my mate's little applicator for it- it is an RC car racer's thing http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif

The gearbox still makes a rumble- I think that is just the nature of the beast and haven't worried about it. Prior to the lube and tighten up it made more noise than a .40 2 stroke http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

The undercarriage is a bit of a pain isn't it. Mine had triangular gussets of 2mm depron and was covered with parcel tape but still deformed on landing. I think the wire is just too thin and bendy - maybe it needs replacing with a heavier gauge wire or carbon fibre with a wire core to prevent the bending - I'll have a look at it this weekend.

Great video Jerry you'll be doing airborne video with a Twinstar next I bet http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

[sav]

nice to see you back leccyflyer

Improving the landing gear's on my list this weekend.

not sure what to try but a trip to B&Q is on the cards.

I'm going to check out some r/c car racer sites to see if I can find some gear lubrication oil



[This message has been edited by sav (edited 01-26-2001).]

[Clive Henry Jones]

Well, this Sunday morning I made the weekly trip to the slope. Wind wasn't great, so I took along the Pico Cub "just in case".
I'm glad I did.
Although the wind was OK, if a little light for the larger models, the Zagi was brought out and flown. Some loops and rolls, but it just wasn't a "ballistic" day, like the ones you usually get at my slope (The Bwlch, South Wales), so no Cuban eights or other "strung together " manouevres.
Eventually the slope lift dies altogether.
Bring out the Pico Cub!
I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable flights with the PC to date!
My (mostly exclusively slopers) clubmates all had a great time stirring the sticks when I passed the Tx around. As I managed to catch thermal after thermal, The Cub was in the air for a good twenty minutes plus, mostly power off.
Great fun.....although the slopeside landings were....well.....untidy!
Happy days!
Clive.

[sav]

clive

sounds like you had a better day than me,
It was foggy but I went for it any way.

had to keep the PC close in case I lost it in the fog http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

made a bad judgment call and went in hot and fast. The landing gear broke and I snapped a piece of the rudder.

[leccyflyer]

Clive

I heard on the grapevine this morning about your Pico Cub and Pico Jet exploits in the zero lift arena yesterday - the Jungle drums being only marginally slower than the internet in this case and we are maybe 150 miles from the Bwlch up here in foggy Cheshire.

Never did get round to the CF undercarriage for the Pico Cub over the weekend - maybe tonight though. The Pico Cub floats are on order but with no firm date for delivery (I spoke to the Multiplex rep this morning). Trouble now is my son refuses to let me fly the Pico Cub on my own because it is his model http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

[jerrysimon]

Well I have not been having so much luck. Since posting those final pictures I have had to strip all the tape off and the tail wheel (too heavy).

I guess I have learnt after making the same mistake twice.

I read somewhere here that you should build your plane to fly not crash. Those words have a lot of wisdom. I guess I thought the tape would help protect it.

I think the proof came on saturday when it did eventually fly again. I took it up very high and then for some reason it just nose dived into the ground. It went through some trees and there was a very lound crash sound.

I thought it was the end but one of my daughters came running out of the woods clutching the plane whole and complete.

The lound crash was the sound of the brittle undergrowth ywigs breaking as it broke it's fall http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

The only damage was a broken prop (I have been through 4 of these now http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif )

Anyway I have now just taped the wing leading and trailing edge and down the middle with one layer of clear strapping tape. I also managed to save the decals which I have now put back straight onto the poly body etc.

I have upgraded the landing gear and will post a pic or two showing it. The extra weight (it's now 675g) it's ok as the weight now means it's balanced correctly without adding any additional ballast.

Anyway got to order some new props.

BTW take a look at the foamies discussion page there are some great new planes coming out from Multiplex.

Regards

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Leccyflyer,

Meant to say that after the crash the electric motor made a terrible din. I took it appart thinking it was ruined and noticed that the smaller gear wheel attached to the motor was pushed flush up against the motor front plate. If this happens it then catches against the two screws holding the gearboc plastic plate to the motor front face.

Moving it foward about 4mm cures the problem. This is shown in the diagram that comes with the gear box (marked no 12). You can clearly see it should clear the two mounting screws.

Don't know it that's your problem but it certainly made a hell of a din!

Regards

Jerry

[Clive Henry Jones]

Brian, The jungle drums must have been a little off key as, although I did fly the Cub as you rightly say, the other electric was the Me 163, not the PJ (easy mistake to make).
There WAS a PJ up there, but it belonged to a clubmate (Paul) and was flown unpowered. I'm afraid my Zagi Si took the PJ out pretty comprehensively in our freestyle foamie flying (Read combat sssion).
The 163 fared a lot worse than the Cub on the slope, a rather amateurish miscalculation of height, power available and ability resulted in an impromptu introduction to the Welsh version of the permafrost tundra. However the 163 only suffered a broken tailplane, a wingtip snapped off and (another) broken Gunther.
Pretty light damage considering.......
OK I give up, who told you?
Clive.

[Clive Henry Jones]

JerrySimon,
Sorry to hear about your crash but glad there wasn't that much damage.
I'm also saddened by the demise of the tailwheel - I guess it was one designed for a glow model and therefore sturdy but heavy - any excess weight in that area will have you ading noseweight like crazy. Still somebody had to pioneer the experiment - hats off to you!
Does anyone know of a source for suitably light tailwheels in the UK?
Awaiting your Maingear modification pics. with baited breath.
BTW, I fly the cub bereft of strapping tape on the wings and they seem pretty strong enough to me!

Tempting fate or what??!!
Clive.

[sav]

jerry

sorry to hear you also had a crash this weekend.

shame about the tail wheel it did look good.

I've made my mods using some light wire in a X accross the back part of the landing gear.

we will have to call you prop buster from know on




[This message has been edited by sav (edited 01-30-2001).]

[tic]

Well, since this seems to be the only thread w/ an ongoing blow by blow of daily flying activity, I'm going to crash the party..(um, sorry, bad choice of words).. Anyway, I bought the gearbox for my skyscooter, I was flying direct drive before.. wow, now it really climbs, and has alot more duration, however, it is alot slower... To make a long story short, we have frozen snow on the ground here, on my last flight today, I landed into the wind, but at a fairly high speed.. the field I fly at is a football field/baseball field... I landed in a pretty good spot, but the plane just kept going, sliding on the snow until it hit a steel post marking the sidelines...sheer horror watching it slide torwards the post, but nothing I could do once it set down.. the right wing caught the post squarley and then the plan spun around.. I walked ever so carefully up to the plane ( as if it would help ) and surveyed the damage... a large "dent" in the wing LE... this is an EPP derivitive foam.. does anyone know if this foam has memory? am I dreaming here? or will it come back to it's original shape after it warms up.. If it doesn't.. how do I fix said dent?.. It's about the size of a 50 cent piece.. happy flying......TIC

[Clive Henry Jones]

Welcome, Tic.
I'm not familiar with the skyscooter -is it a Speed 400 powered model? if it is (and your above post mentions a Foam wing) then it has a lot in common with our Cubs, so we can share our experiences (Good and Bad).
Landing on snow must be a hoot, and as we are due for an unusually cold spell over the weekend here in the UK, perhaps Brian and I can fashion some temporary skis so we can join in the fun if the promised snow arrives!
Wotcha say, Leccyflier?
Clive.

[sav]

hi tic

I've no problem with you crashing the party

as for repairing foam/epp

I'm not familiar with the foam for the sky scooter but I can tell you the things I've done with repairing foam.

1. covered the dint over with stickers http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

2. cut out and replaced with scrap foam

3. pulled the dint out and then expoxed it
you end up with a smaller hole

I'd bet if you did a search you would find a lot more.

I like the ski's idea


[This message has been edited by sav (edited 01-31-2001).]

[Clive Henry Jones]

Sorry I didn't include you Sav, or JerrySimon for that matter -put it down to brain fade/old age!
Leccyflier's given me a website address that includes plans for floats - a bit complicated to fabricate it seems, but I wonder could I use the profile to carve solid floats out of a block of foam?
Would weight be an issue here? would the foam soak up water? Could(should) I waterproof them? By what method?
I'm chucking this out to anyone who reads this and has done the spadework that we can all profit from.
Clive.

[tic]

Yes, the skyscooter is a speed 400 foamie.. you can view it, and read a review at www.modelairplanenews.com... (http://www.modelairplanenews.com...) Click on "reviews" then "skyscooter".. It's made by HITEC RCD.... full span ailerons and 16oz weight.... I'm learning on this plane... thank gawd for EPP foam!

[jerrysimon]

another long post.

Isn't it funny just when you are getting dispondent you suddenly go out have a great flight and it all seems worth while http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

That happened today. I went home for an early lunch and on the way home noticed it was fairly calm (little wind). So I dashed in grabbed my plane, quick top up of the battery and off to the flying field.

There was hardly anyone about. Anywaway just set her down, quick radio check and took off first time. It's been over a week since I have had my first couple of good flights and this one went like a dream. Circled round quite a fiew times and some lower passes but in the main kept it high (from experience).

It felt like an age until the battery died (didn't time it) and landed perfectly i.e. it remained upright.

Since the last flight I had added lots of updates which had made it too heavy (see previous posts) anyway it still has the mod undercarriage on which it lands works beautifully.

Tic your comment "I walked ever so carefully up to the plane ( as if it would help )" made me smile I so relate to that (see my previous posts). I have up to now snapped off the front and complete tail on seperate occasions. I find that "white glue" great (you have to be careful not to use too much and leave it overnight to dry good and hard). I then fill the crack with a bit more white glue (again leave it to dry) and finnaly I put a bit of clear strapping tape on.

I think the Pico Cub is a great plane for a learner, me http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif, once it's flying then taking your hands off the control usually sorts out problems and in fact I think it would almost land it'self.

I will try and post some close up pics of my undercariiage mods tonight. As for floats/skids I need to learn a bit more about flying and landing on regular wheels http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif That said if it does snow this weekend I will have to practice my hand launches

At least the snow may soften a hard landing.

Regards

Jerry.

[jerrysimon]

Tic,

Just checked it out. you are brave as a learned I can only hadle rudder and elevator having to think about "ailerons" would prove too much for me http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/eek.gif

As you say "thank gawd for EPP foam"

I would like a biplane foamie next http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Jerry

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

This has been (and still is) a brilliant thread - I've referred several newbies on the rcmra newsgroup to this thread, so impressed have I been by your success with the Pico Cub.

Clive

As regards floats/skis a revamped carbon fibre reinforced Pico Cub undercarriage with some plastic mouldings might suffice for skis and could be made easily interchangable with wheels - will have to have a play later on- the rate I build things we had better hope for more snow in April though. A clubmate made some skis a few weeks ago from kitchen drawer sliders and they worked very well (big IC model though).

The floats on the website are a bit chunky as is and would be a very significant weight penalty if made from solid foam- I imagine the Multiplex ones will be hollow blow moulded ones.