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

[sav]

wow this thread getting long we are going to be over the 100 mark

jerry

your right about the white glue I forgot that one.

I know what you mean when you put the plane in to the ground and walk over and hope that the crunching sound was only your imagination playing tricks.

I think I might have a look at the local toy store to see if there are any ski's that might fit the bill.

leccyflyer

I would give the cub a big thumbs up for newbies.

clive

would solid floats be to heavy, I guess as well you would need a 8 cell battery pack to get the plane of the water.

[tic]

The skyscooter is a fun plane, but I would like to have undercarriage.... all flights are hand launch and belly land.. I think an important part of flying is the take-off and landing, and it'd be nice to have "proper" landing gear.. however, as I read about the pico-cub and many others, it sure seems the landing gear is quite susceptible to damage from any less than perfect landing, so maybe, as a learner, I'm better off.. The ailerons make the plane very quick in a turn, and also the nose drops quite abit in a turn, so you have to be ready with up elevator, other than that, I think it's a great trainer. I often ignore work responsibilites when the flying weather is good to go fly it. I'm 43 yrs. old and act 14 with this hobby... Waiting for the postman for parts, disappointed when said parts don't arrive, etc. etc....

[jerrysimon]

Leccyflyer

Thanks. What's made it more fun and of great help, is to come back here and report my successes and failures. The subsequent advice and encouragement also helps greatly.

Anyway, I was feeling so good today I rushed out later in the evening and went flying. It took off and flew for a while then came down. Try as I might then it would not ROG I guess it requires fully charged batteries for that. Going to have to practise those hand launches more. For me it's harder to do that as I worry it's going to nose dive into the ground. My early flights ended up with me doing this and because I was using the wrong number of cells it usually ended up crashes and breaking.

The other really embarasing thing I have just found out this last flight is that my elevators are reversed i.e. up stick goes up down stick goes down http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif I switched the reverse switch on the TX and it was then correct.

I also use the excellent FMS software on my PC with my TX plugged in. That was correct and explains why things did not quite seem roght on the field.

Anyway I have taken some pictures and will upload them re the mods I did to the landing gear.


Tic, that's why I went for the Pico Cub because I wanted the whole ROG/landing thing. However as I have said I am now bervous about hand launching.

More to come...

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Ok here goes pictures http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

1. Undercarriage
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/under_car.JPG
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/under_car2.JPG


2. Wheel/wire construction joints etc
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/wheel_constr.JPG

Basically I got some heavier guage piano wire (about coathanger thickness) and made up a frame in two U pieces (no axle like the Multiplex one) I joined them using a technique I read in one of the mags (have purchased 6 in the last month). This envolved wrapping fuse wire round the joint and then melting solder etc into it. Made sure I cleaned it and used some flux too. My wire bending technique leaves a little to be desired I know http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

The weight is just right most being forward of the CG, which now means I do not need to add weight to the nose to balance it. The velcrose strips I added to help keep the battery (which I also made up http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/cool.gif )in.


3. Freebee picture from earlier when I was learning to fly http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/nose_smash.JPG

Jerry

Links now corrected

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-01-2001).]

[jerrysimon]

Tic

"I often ignore work responsibilites when the flying weather is good to go fly it. I'm 43 yrs. old and act 14 with this hobby... Waiting for the postman for parts, disappointed when said parts don't arrive, etc. etc "

http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif I was 40 last year! The last 4 weeks or so have been exactly the same for me too

Jerry

[howerton]

Hi, fellows:
Your discussion, of which I have read every word, has been most helpful. Up to this point, I have considered the Pico Cub to be an over hyped piece of crap! The instructions are virtually non-existant, and what is there is wrong as often as not.

I have downloaded and printed out every picture you have posted to help me to understand what needs to be done. I have been building and flying since I was a kid, and for R/C for 10 years or so, and I have never been so frustrated over a model.

Are there any better instructions?

Thanks again,

Chuck Howerton

[Clive Henry Jones]

Chuck,
You are correct in saying that the instructions are not that great with the Cub.
For instance the rear wing re - enforcing plastic moulding has to be trimmed quite a bit to get it to fit, and the instructions make no mention of this.
I found that I had to "interpret" what the instructions wanted me to do a few times - this is where your ten year building experience will come into play - but in all honesty because of the low parts count in the kit you can't go far wrong.
What you get for your perseverance with the instructions is a cute, docile little plane that will fly reasonably well on a calm to light wind day, is not intimidating to beginners and should repair relatively easilly if the inevitable crash occurs.
As regards the undercarriage, it doesn't break after a hard landing, it just bends. It is a bit too light and flexible for this model, hence we are all trying to beef it up a bit, in our own different ways, and reporting back our successes/failures to see which mods work/don't.
I'm sure we will all pitch in with help if you get stuck a bit with the instructions!
Clive.
PS Oh yeah, lads, I'm 44 now, so we're all about the same age. I bet we all remember dancing to KC and the Sunshine band back in'74 don't we............don't we?

[Ger]

Just to add to 'jerrysimons' post with the URL for the photo's, the slashes are the wrong way round! http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gifThey should be http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/under_car.JPG
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/under_car2.JPG
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/nose_smash.JPG
http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif
Ger

[jerrysimon]

Thanks Ger,

Oops http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif

PS I am sure I checked the links and they worked from my PC ?

Jerry

[leccyflyer]

Morning chaps

Doesn't look like the snow is coming after all so the sense of urgency on the skis had waned. I put my time to trying to beef up that bendy Pico Cub undercarriage.

The easiest option has to be to bend a new one out of a stiffer wire- which I will surely do- but I fancied the idea of a carbon rod reinforced one so that the legs moved as a unit and returned to base after the landing.

Despite being a dumb scouser I had even managed to work out that to add the CF tube to the piano wire UC I would need to put it on a piece at a time and then make the final bends in the wire http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif Having cut the 4mm OD CF tube sections to length I threaded them onto the prebent main gear wire and proceeded to make the final bend for the axles. Of course the CF tube split http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Tried starting again fixing a new piece in place with CA- it split again. After a good while trying different methods of bending and fixing I was accumulating a fair amount of split CF tube.

Time to give up and go to bed. Then- hang on I now have a bunch of pieces of tube the right length but with splits in them. Out with the existing UC, a bit of judicious bending to get it back to it's original shape, thread the now split CT tubes onto the legs- a run of ZAP O and Bob's yer uncle http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif
The UC seems to be considerably stiffened now. The piano wire axle is free to bend when weight is put on the main gear but bounces back immediately. I'll put a wrap of yellow parcel tape around the existing UC- which has Depron triangle between the legs- for purely cosmetic purposes.

Trails of the new UC at the weekend - but I'll be making a second one from a heavier wire gauge as soon as I find some today. It might be too rigid and send shards of CF tube all over the field on the first landing.

[Clive Henry Jones]

Leccyflier's method sounds just like the one I used, but I utilised Sullivan Snake inners, split down the middle and clear taped together after draping over the standard undercarriage. The resultant undercarriage is slightly stiffer without much weight penalty but it STILL bends after a heavy landing. OK for normal landings though.
My flying mate John (The big one from Maesteg, Brian.) has expressed an interest in building a PicoCub without dihedral using ailerons. Should be fun! A PC that rolls!
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Afternoon.

Grabbed a quick flight this lunch time. It's difficult to know exactly when there's too much breeze. The Pico Cub handles a little but not much. Guess it was too much as I seemed to be fighting against it most of the time. The problem is when you turn round into the direction of the wind the Pico Cub turns into a Jet http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Well at least that how it feels to me compared to the normal sedate flying in still conditions.

Anyway I survivied without a crash. The under carriage is holding up but I am sure it does not look as good as the examples just explained.

Jerry

[leccyflyer]

Originally posted by jerrysimon:
The problem is when you turn round into the direction of the wind the Pico Cub turns into a Jet http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Well at least that how it feels to me compared to the normal sedate flying in still conditions.

Anyway I survivied without a crash. The under carriage is holding up but I am sure it does not look as good as the examples just explained.

Jerry

Hi Jerry

Just saw the Pico Jet Twin in the LHS - believe me your Pico Cub would not fly like one of these http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

BTW don't mention the dreaded downwind turn or this 111 post thread may swell to 11111 posts!

As for the relative beauty of undercarriages - even with the mods the Pico Cub undercarriage could never be described as pretty. The real Cub undercarriage on the other hand is a thing of beauty.

Here's some piccies of my modifications:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1397044&a=10433747&p=39757270

Still looks pretty ugly http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[jerrysimon]

Leccyflyer,

Thanks for the pics. Looks good. Are those the supplied wheels ? Don't you also find that the U/C wires come out of the brass bushes ? That's why I also ended up replacing the wheels and fitting the clamped sleaves at the end of the axle. I also added a bush the wheel to make up the diameter.

How about posting me a pic of your whole plane with U/C fitted http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

It's clear I still have a lot to learn about flying.

Jerry

[tic]

well.. typical day off for me.. Got up early, and the wind was calm http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif made a cup of coffee, got ready to go fly and the trees started bending http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif seems best chance for light wind is the crack of dawn and just before sunset.. I drove to my favorite field anyway, ignoring the signs along the way that it was just too windy i.e. leaves blowing across the road, flags fully extended, crows "hovering" in one spot.. I dismissed these things as possible one time gusts and kept a positive attitude.. Got to the field,,, I knew before I opened the car door it was too windy... stood around for awhile attempting "positive thinking" .. bah, doesn't work... went home.... There is a happy ending though, around 4:00pm, the wind started to die down, dashed off to the field, it was tricky, wind was maybe 5-10kts, but got in 4 good flights w/o mishap. Spent the whole day looking out the window cursing the wind.. well, not the WHOLE day, but that's how hooked I am on this hobby.

[leccyflyer]

Hi Jerry

Yes those are the supplied wheels- nice light ones I was happy to stay with.

There was no way I was going to trust to the recommended epoxy method of fixing the UC wires together so mine is soldered up using the jig and the wheels are retained with a soldered on washer.

I'll shoot off a picture of the Pico Cub tomorrow in daylight and post it to the page - it is still firmly my son's model and I'll do the pic before the Pico-Pico-Pikachu stickers find their way into the cabin http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Tic - sounds like you had a great day. I've learned the hard way (pre-EPP models) that if my first instinct on getting out of the car is "WOW it is too windy" then it is generally better for the model to stick with that. My Zagi has cured me of any "wuss-like" fear of windy conditions but it is often worth waiting for the wind to die down- the flying is more enjoyable and the arrival home with all the models is certainly more enjoyable. Good job http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif


cheers

Brian

[This message has been edited by leccyflyer (edited 02-01-2001).]

[jerrysimon]

Brian,

Look forward to seeing your Cub (your son's cub)

Tic, I know what you mean about the wind. I risk it yesterday in a slight breeze. Luckily I got away with it.

If it was not for EPP and I had built these models from scratch I suspect I would have given up by now

Jerry

[Clive Henry Jones]

I used the standard wheel bush/undercarriage wire fitment and the wire axle DOES pull out of the bush. Cleaning with thinners and re-epoxy/microballooning them back in seems to have done the trick. Soldering would have been the best option I'm sure.
As regards the floats, I think I'll wait until the Multiplex ones come out (In the UK). Should open out a whole new avenue of fun!- now how do you waterproof a Cub?
Clive.

[sav]

tic

I know the feeling when it's to windy or to bad to fly.

howerton

yes I agree with you on the instructions
It took me a while to work out what I was supposed to do. I hope you get it sorted out

clive

ask kgascoigne about mods to the cub he made two cubs I think with ailerons I looked for the post but I think it got deleted

also I think hoppy may have done this also

[Clive Henry Jones]

Gents, havn't done this before, so hope this turns out OK.
These are pics. that my mate Knewt took of me flying the PC off the Bwlch, South Wales (World -Class slopesite) when the wind died down to 0.
I'm the brad Pitt lookalike in the white bobble hat. Clubmate Paul is launching. Dunno the other guy. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1502716&a=11341176&p=39828957 http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1502716&a=11341176&p=39828956
Clive.

[tic]

Got up at 5:30 AM today, no wind, but cloudy, snow forecast... got in 4 beautiful flights, got home, and it started snowing,,, perfect morning!... On one flight, I just climbed as high as I could,, I would guess I was around 400' up.. the plane was just a speck, and didn't even look like it was moving.. I couldn't hear the motor, or tell which way it was heading. I had to make a turn just to see which was the front, and which was the back.. I didn't panic, but it took all my concentration to maintain reference on the plane... The flight had to last a good 15min. or more but I didn't time it..... dead stick landing, but that's no biggie, still buzzing from this mornings flights! Sure is great to come home w/ no damage to the plane, isn't it

[jerrysimon]

Well done Tic.

I thought of trying that. Going as high as I dare just to see. Maybe soon http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif

Jerry

[leccyflyer]

Okay Jerry - it never really got light here today and the builders have occupied the driveway so here are some indoor snaps of Timmy's Pico Cub
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1397044&a=10433747&p=39846572

cheers

Brian

[jerrysimon]

Brian,

Thanks for posting that. It looks good http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

So you covered your Pico Cub ALL with yellow parcell tape ?

You can see I had little success doing that although I covered it with clear tape first
http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif Mine now just has tape on the wing (joint, leading and trailing edges).

How heavy is it ? Have you added ballast to the nose ? Sorry for all the questions just interested.

Jerry

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-02-2001).]

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

"Our" Pico Cub is 29 ounces (ouch!!) with an 8 cell pack and is completely covered in parcel tape with a single span of 3/4" fibre tape on the spar and out to the wingtips. There is currently 15g of ballast in the cowl which I think I can cut down to 10g after modifying the undercarriage.

It fair leapt off the ground on it's maiden flight so it can handle the extra weight of the tape I think. I haven't added the recommended struts (figuring the fibre tape will do the job as well) but we have yet to try any aerobatics.

cheers

Brian

[tic]

Guys, if anyone's interested please see my latest post under "general discussion".. I got booted off my flying field today.. they said they were concerned I'd hit a school bus, then , they said I was tearing up the sod on the field. .then, they said my transmitter could be misconstrued as a bomb detonator.. unbelievable!... I'm moving to England !or is it just as bad over there?

[Clive Henry Jones]

Sav, Thanks for aileron info - If John decides to go down this route I will point him in that direction, it's nice to see someone has done the spadework and is willing to share the info.
I checked my hyperlinks on my previous post and they do work - you DO learn something every day!
Tic, sorry to hear about your field problems. I'm lucky in that I fly at a club site or on the slope - the slope being owned by a farmer who is very co-operative, and will even open his gates for us when we host a comp.
Brian, how old is Timmy? my seven year old son shows no interest at all in models, prefering to play strategy games on his PC or Playstation. I'm not going to force him - if that's what he wants to do, then fine.
Clive.

[leccyflyer]

Clive

Timmy is seven - same age as your boy. He has been thoroughly indocrinated in all things aviation since before he was born though and has been flying RC since last year - on the buddy box. Started with a Teddy, which he likes and still flies, then we got a Smiley- which he doesn't like and the Pico Cub is intended to be the model to get him taking off as well as landing. I was going to refurbish the Gnatty for him but the Pico Cub looks a much better bet. He also has the odd go of some of my models on the buddy lead as well.

If your son wants to learn to fly I am sure he will let you know in his own good time. - does he go to the field with you? It can be a long day down at the field when you are seven. Certainly on our last session there were calls for a return home to the Playstation towards the end of the day.

At that age I think a lot of children like to dip into things for a short time and then try something else.

[PaulC]

Hello Guys,

Been following this link since it started, great info and the unfolding story. Good honest tales of success and failure !

I've got a Pico Cub on order when they get some back in the UK. I would like to know what servos people are using, I'm thinking of using some Hitec HS55's but wonder if they will be up to the job.

Thanks,

Paul C.

[tim hooper]

At last! An excuse to butt in!

Just back from the field where, coincidentally, another modeller had bought his young nephew & PicoCub. I'd never seen one in the flesh before (the model, not the nephew,Brian..), and although there was a stiff breeze the Cub coped remarkably well; although it did fly backwards at times!

This one was on 7 cells, with the 6v 400 motor directly attached to a 7x3 prop. Methinks the motor will soon be toast.

tim

[jerrysimon]

Hi Paul,


I would like to know what servos people are using, I'm thinking of using some Hitec HS55's but wonder if they will be up to the job.

Mine has a Jeti REX 4 plus RX, Ripmax Micro SD200 servos a Jeti Jes 180 18amp speed controller. As I am new to all this it's what the model shop told me to use. Other more experienced people here can probably advice you better. I also use a Permax 400 motor with the 400L gerabox upgrade. I tied using 6*600mah nicads but could not get it to fly so now use 7*500ARs.

Today I went out to fly again but the Pico Cub juts would not have it. I always ROG of a Cricket astro. I think the wind (a slight breeze) was blowing across (at 90o) to the take off path. Should you always take off into the wind ?

I am going to just have to bite the bullet and learn to hand launch properly.

Bit of mending now required first though http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Regards

Jeremy

[hoppy]

What is the dihedral between mid wing and wing tip of the Pico Cub? Looks like 5-7"????? Anybody build it with less?
(You sure started something Jerry http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif)
hoppy

[jerrysimon]

Hoppy,

Originally posted by hoppy:
What is the dihedral between mid wing and wing tip of the Pico Cub? Looks like 5-7"????? Anybody build it with less?
(You sure started something Jerry http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif)
hoppy

It's 12o i.e 12cm, 4.75". Some have taken it out completly http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Jerry

[sav]

paulc

I use mx-2 servos a pico 4/5 rx
and a pico-control 400.


I use 7*1100 nimh,7*500AR
packs with 400L geared motor setup

jerry

take off into the wind and land
heading into the wind.

well no flying for me this weekend rain and strong winds, kept me in.



[This message has been edited by sav (edited 02-05-2001).]

[tic]

Well, I had written off the afternoon as a "no fly" day, snowstorm.. 5" of snow fell, schools closed, etc. etc... at 4:30, the sun came out and it was dead calm.. hehehe,,, off to the field!... 1st flight I came in too slow and stalled it from about 3 feet up.. no biggie, but the plane was impacted w/ snow everywhere.. after freezing fingers and clearing the snow,, got 2 more beautiful flights in before dark, not a soul around, sun setting behind the trees, just the sound of the skyscooter gearbox whine.. went home feeling guilty about having such a good time for an old man... Shouldn't I be complaining about something, or joining some group of disgruntled citizens? nawww, life is good!

[sav]

tic

Is this a new field you where flying at or the one that you got the hassle from before.

[PaulC]

Thanks for the feedback Jerry and Sav,

Sav what make of servos are MX-2 ?

I found this interesting online link on the Multiplex site:-
http://www.multiplexrc.com/calcservo.htm

You feed in the parameters of the control surface etc and out pops the torque required for the servo. I estimated the control surfaces of the Pico Cub and it seems that HS55 should work fine........we'll see.

Paul C.

[sav]

paulc

there from multiplex

The correct name is MS-X2 servo

sorry about the typo

[tic]

sav, yes

[sav]

tic

good for you ,I fly of a school field but have had no hassle.

All

any body know what the correct figure's for the airframe for the cub should be in motor calc.

I have wingspan 46 wing area 441 sq in ( not sure about this) empty weight ?.

what are the coeff values ? any ideas

[jerrysimon]

Well fixed her up again http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

She's beginning to look a bit tired with all the repairs http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Maybe I should buy another one ? Move on to Ailerons etc.

Regards

Jerry

[Clive Henry Jones]

JerrySimon,
My Cub also looks a bit tired, but when in the air none of my repairs are visible anyway. As long as the repairs that you have made haven't added any significant weight I say keep it as is. If you really want an aileron ship, how about a TwinJet? You'll have to buy new batteries (Along with Extra R/C Gear unless you plan to strip the PC) but then you'll have a fast responsive 'plane to beat up the airfield AND a slow docile flier to relax with when the stresses of modern life get to you!
Brian, have you heared any more about the Mpx Cub floats?
Clive.

[leccyflyer]

Clive

Heard nothing yet- will ask again on Thursday when the LHS re-opens it's portals. I was in WLM yesterday and they had masses of Multiplex gear but I didn't see any Pico Cub floats there so I guess they just are not out yet over here. Their estimate for the Multiplex Cargo hitting the shops was end March-early April.

Jerry

If I were you I would just keep on flying that Pico Cub until it is individual balls of foam- plenty of time for nicer looking models when your crash:flight ratio has improved beyond the newbie stage and you look to be well on the way to that. By that time you might also fancy something a bit more aerobatic anyway, you can always get another Pico Cub then.

If the repairs are not seriously affecting the flight performance then don't worry about the looks.

[Clive Henry Jones]

Looks like another two months, then -sigh-
http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

She still flies/crashes well http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Our model shop has a Simprop Spad s1.3. She looks great and I am tempted, but I guess I would just smash her up.

Maybe I will move onto a Twinstar next.

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Don't worry when I say retire her I merely mean hang her up on the ceiling for a bit whilst I make another one.

She's all fixed up now and I am getting the urge to go out again http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif


Regards

Jerry

[tic]

Jerrysimon: don't retire her!!!.... a little sanding, a fresh coat of paint.. etc. etc.. and since it's your 1st trainer.. why not stencil "HELP" on the underside of one wing and "ME" on the other! Maybe the wife would like to give it a go?

[Clive Henry Jones]

With regard to the TwinJet and Twinstar option for JerrySimon, I received a backorder from Overlander yesterday that contained a flyer which advertised EXTREMELY GOOD prices for TJ/TS packs.
More discounts if bought in pairs of packs.
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Clive,

Thanks.

I have checked their web site but they don't do planes ?

Have mailed them just in case. What sort of price were they quoting ?

Cheapest I have seen the Twinstar is £49

Jerry

[tic]

Got to the field today w/ precious little daylight remaining... powered up and my prop fell off... I stuck it back on and same thing happened again.. what a bummer, I had no tools w/ me, and there are 2 little screws that hold the prop assembly on the gearbox shaft.. I had stripped one and I remember doing it, but I thought the other would hold.. Oh well, at least it didn't happen in flight, over trees..........

[Clive Henry Jones]

JerrySimon,
Shome confushion shurely?
It is the Battery packs for the Twinstar/Twinjet that I was refering to in the Overland post, not the actual planes.
As the battery pack is one of the most expensive components of these foam models, a cheap pack goes a long way to cutting down the overall cost of purchasing a new model with a battery size different to what you are using now.
You are right in stating that £49.99 is the cheapest that the TS has ever been - good value in my book, what with two motors thrown in an' all!
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Sorry I will put my brain in gear now! http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif

Jerry

[sav]

jerry

I see you are hooked, I would get lots of stick time on the cub first before you go for the twinstar.

[jerrysimon]

Too windy in Swindon, UK this weekend http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

At work anyway. Still the overtime can be used to pay for my next plane http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Jerry

[tic]

New prop adapter showed up exactly one hour before I had to leave on a 4 day work trip.. figures... got home today w/ about an hour of daylight left. quicly installed new adapter and huge slowflyer prop.. went to my field.. launched and didn't get much of a climb.. it was too windy also.. I was struggling to get it turned around, did, but then started losing it.. chopped the throttle and crashed, breaking the new propeller.. the reason?.. prop slippage.. went home added a washer and the spare prop I had ordered (phew). got just 5min. of flight time before dark.. but a sucessful flight.. hmm, maybe I should eat dinner and unpack now..... still embarrasingly hooked on this hobby....

[jerrysimon]

Propbreaker! That's my middle name http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Weather looks good here today in Swindon UK http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif Looks like it's flying tonight.

I am then away with work for two days http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Jerry

[Hessu]

Hi Dudes,

Just registered...Have to admit that I have followed this P/C discussion from the very beginning. My case looks sooooooo similar than Jerry's. I'm now 39 and refreshing my hobby from the teen years. Did quite a lot free flying (-disappearing) stuff, HLG's (that time no one knew that they are HLG's) with some success and control line combats which never flew.... Started again last winter with a e-glider, I enjoy building with balsa but that one was simply too difficult (fast) to start R/C flying...Multiple crashes, desperate fixings and now it's waiting better days in a basement. Next project was a VERY low wing loading glider, still under construction. THEN I decided to try and bought a Pico Cub couple a weeks ago (actually I have never liked these styro thingys). Put that together as a quite standard and had the first trials last Sunday morning with my younger son... I CAN NOT BELIEVE, I can fly that thing. Had four (4) great sorties with no panics, feather smooth three point landings, nice take offs from a gravel pathway, everything I have only dreamed about. This plane is simply unbeliveable, it does not stall and you can fly around with a 1/3 throttle with a very relaxing pace. Have to be the best possible trainer for elderly rookies :-). Now looking for next calm days to continue my career...Ski holiday will make a break. I'm presently living in Switzerland and model hobby is really popular here. Lots of good shops in every village, club flying fields (I'm not a member of any, language problems you know) lots of nice free fields to fly and slopes of course.
Thanks to all of you, you made me believe that also I can do this. Originally posted by jerrysimon:
Propbreaker! That's my middle name http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Weather looks good here today in Swindon UK http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif Looks like it's flying tonight.

I am then away with work for two days http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Hi Hessu,

Glad you are getting so much out of your PC. As you say it's a good trainer although you obvioulsy have more experience than me.

Well I took mine out tonight after work. Convinced my 14 year old daughter to come with me. She thinks it's all a bit sad and not cool to be seen with her dad out flying model planes.

However that changed after a while. What made it worse was there were some young lads playing football where I usually take off ROG from the cricket astro turf. She would not go near them. So we headed for another field further away which necesitated a hand launch panic http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Well the first two went straight into the mud! (it's been very wet here lately) That was good though as it protected her. The third launch she went round and round in circles but climbed well. The trick as someone has said here before is to gain lots of height. My trim settings were obvioulsy off.

Anyway got them right and continued to climb about 200ft http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Then the fun started I realised I could be far more aventureous. Into a steep dive and hey, there I was doing my first loop the loop http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif (laymans term http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif )

My daughters face was picture she now thought this was a bit more fun. Up to now she has never seen it fly more than 30seconds before crashing.

Anyway 3-4 minutes later the motor cut out (battery run out) at about 2-300ft. It took a while for me to realise this. Up to now I have always cut out 20ft or so above the ground. I noticed she had gone quiet. But hey she was still flying like some wicked glider http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Very little stick movement just rudder really bought her back round and coming down, oh so smoothly toward me. Goes past me at about 10ft and then little up elevator and she lands right in front of my daughter.

Wow. This is some hobby!

Anyway I had not realised but there was some damage from my earlier attempts but she is sitting behind me now all glued up.

Have you noticed that when ever the PC crashes it breaks in a differnet place. Well mine does anyway. I guess eventually the white glue will be all over her and she will be indistructable http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif Either that or I will become a better pilot.

Well off now for a couple of days away with work. What a buz to send me on the way.

Take care all you lecy fliers.

Jerry http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

[sav]

hessu

welcome to the e-zone glad you like the cub.

hope to hear more stories of your flights in switzerland.

jerry

how are you hand launching.

I power up and give a firm straight throw into the wind. I let the speed build up
and then make large turn's untill I've got some height.

just over two weeks since I've had the chance to fly went home early and went out flew 4 packs off before it was to dark to see.

I got the cub high and then glided around trying to catch any lift.

looking forward to more of this as the days get longer http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

The new landing gear worked really well no bent bits even after a rough landing

[Hessu]

Someone was asking about the floats and/or skis for PC.
I found and ad in a German model magazine (-FMT-) from "Conzelmann Modelltechnik" and they are providing floats and skis for their "Wingo". These might be esily modifiable (?) for PC. Don't know if Wingo is available in UK or US and under which brand name. Basically it is about the same size and weight as PC but frankly, looks a bit funny...
Have anyone seen these floats/skis somewhere in live ? If interested, check their homepage: http://www.freescale.de
Only in German presently but you might get the idea..
BTW. Got a hint from here and didn't even try with the originals...made the PC undercarriage out of 1,6 mm steel wire used for heavier model pushrods.
Additional weight balances the CoG right on spot without any ballasts. Soldered them together and voila'...Heavier wire is still flexible enough but doesn't have any probs with permanent shape changes (My "runway" in use is full of stones almost half of the size of PC's tiny wheels)

No flying since last Sunday...Work has seriously interfering my great hobby lately...

[jerrysimon]

"jerry

how are you hand launching."

Sav as you say point it into the wind and chuck it. The problem I had was that is was not trimmed properlt and then veered off to the left. Got that sorted after the second attempt though http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

I am at work today Sat 08:00am. It's dead still today outside but I still have some repairs to do to the engine mount before I am ready to fly again http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Jerry

[jerrysimon]

Oh dear crash report about to follow http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Flew it perfectly after first hand launch. But then I lost it over the trees. It took over an hour to find it!

Photo and report to follow. It's bad. It's very very bad http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Jerry

[Danny Troy]

Well here's my two cents.....I flew my Pico Cub (3-channel, aileron, elevator, throttle) a few days ago. The field was still snow-covered so off came the LG. Easy enough with the method it's held on. It flew very nicely with practically no dihedral and ailerons instead of rudder control. I only flew one flight since I also had to test fly my new Twin Jet. I wasn't impressed with the gear box and I think it's probably very inefficient, compared to other Speed 400 gear boxes. I'm going to replace it with a Graupner, although someone mentioned the Soarstar GB is available from Hobby People. I have a Soarstar and I like the GB on it very much. Also, it's about $16.00 - $18.00 so it's a great value. I'll switch to my APC slow-fly props which are 9x6. Landing on the snow show a "slide-out" of about 2 feet, since the open battery compartment worked as sort of a "brake", catching snow in the compartment. The added weight of the LG should be no problem and I think it will still fly well. I think I made the ailerons too small, only one inch, but they are full-span. I'm increasing the throws for the next flight. All in all a nice little plane that can be used at the field or at the park.

Update...I just checked the Hobby-People site and I couldn't find the Soarstar gearbox. If anyone knows who has it please post....

[This message has been edited by Danny Troy (edited 02-17-2001).]

[jerrysimon]

Danny, Welcome to the PC club. I would quite like to add ailerons as well. I need to learn how to fly first though http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Guys

Well here it is :
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/web_crash1.JPG

This is how it happened :

1. Perfect hand launch
2. Gained plenty of height
3. Came over my head and then I could not turn it properly I think it was the wind.
4. Went iver the trees behind me and out of site
5. Took an hour to find it. In the middle of a farmers field looking pretty sad.

I am trying to fix it but think I may have to buy another one. At least I will have plenty of spare parts http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

It's amazing the wings always seem to survive.

Ah well http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Jerry

Ps Wife and kids where rolling all over the floor laughing their heads off http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif
[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-18-2001).]

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-18-2001).]

[tim hooper]

Jerry,

A small field repair then?

tim http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif

[tic]

Oh my!!!! that is an ugly crash... Your idea for another plane of the same kind is a good one.. in my opinion... I have 2 skyscooters.. the first one has crashed so much, it's ugly and heavy.. It's great to have a trasher plane for parts, better yet, if you can get the old one airworthy, then you have something for questionable flights, and a good one for nice days too...and there is nothing worse than a few days of nice flying weather, and you're grounded because of a 2 dollar part you don't have and can't get for a week by mail order only... Funny how even loved ones get pleasure out of seeing us crash, or the results of crashing to the model.. Oh well

[Clive Henry Jones]

JerrySimon,
Sorry to hear about your crash.
They really are an inevitable part of model flying (I should know!)
A friend told me that the best attitude to take is to accept that ALL models will eventually crash beyond repair and that you just enjoy flying the model KNOWING that it's lifespan will be limited. You just have to be philosophical when it eventually goes to that great hangar in the sky.
All the radio bits look like they have been retreived OK, and you still have a set of wings. I say go with another PC kit!
This time incorporate all the mods that you discovered you needed from flying the first one - better landing gear etc.
There is a philosophy that we use here in work when things go wrong - the philosophy of Lessons Learned - in other words don't make the same mistake twice.
So I would suggest:
1. Don't fly in too much wind
2. Dont fly overhead, keep the Cub in front of you
3. Find a flying site with a bit more space (less trees!)


Keep it Yellow and foamy

Clive.

[sav]

jerry

oops that's a bit of a mess as clive says its part of the hobby.

just so you don't feel to bad I put mine into the ground on saturday and had to repair it nothing to bad. I think it was the planes way of showing me that I've still got a long way to go.

[Clive Henry Jones]

Not enough wind to slope soar Sunday, so off to the "Flat" flying field...
Put in a freshly charged seven cell pack of 1600 NiMH (AA sized, bought last year at a show) and flew for a good ten minutes (Mebbe more) using full throttle for takeoff only and thence roughly three-eighths throttle. What little wind there was, was used for gaining altitude.......slowly!
The Cub flew at a scale like speed and was very relaxing to fly. All in all a great day!

Can't wait for the PC floats!
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Well, rebuilding is going a lot better than I thought it would. I have had to make new ply parts in the battery compartment but I think she is going to fly again http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif She will be 9/10ths white glue though http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif Will post some before and after pictures.

A couple of things I have been thinking about :

1. I think I am getting my head round this battery thing. At the moment I have one set (made up by me http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif ) of 7 1.2V 500ARs. AR means fast charge/discharge. These are about 19g each i.e. 150g inc strips heat shrink etc. The nearest weight and more power 1100mah are Sanyo AA nicads 24g about 175g all in. Will these give me a longer flight time ?

2. Now I am hand launching I am going to experiment with both geared and non geared 400 motors. I have it fixed up to I can swap between the two which are on a ply plate that screws onto two nose mounted ply strips.

3. I want to experiment with different props as well.

I guess my ultimate desire is to have a slow flyer with as long a duration as possible. Not ready to try Nimh baterries yet though.

Jerry.

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-20-2001).]

[Clive Henry Jones]

Didn't have much on last night so got myself out the garage and soldered two 1600mAh 1.2V NiMH cells onto a six pack of 1500 NiMH's.
Now I got me an EIGHT cell pack of NiMH's to try out on the Cub. Slow charged up last night and this morning put on Cub to test.
Aurally lots more revs than the 8.4V pack, and ran for eight mins. until it lost it's edge.
Is there going to be a problem, seeing that the two new cells were 1600's and the existing pack was 1500's?
I doubt it somehow, but would like YOUR input. My opinion is that batteries are labelled with general rather than absolute mAh values.
Comments anyone?
Clive.

[Pat Grainger]

Greetings to all from the wide open spaces of Central Texas. Now, I have read each and every reply in this area and I must say that I can't wait to get my plane up in the air. I am a NEWBIE to RC flying and I must tell you that I have butter flys. As I was reading about Jerry's adventures and knowing that I to will be a first timer to go through all that most of you have been through.....I CAN"T WAIT. I am so new to all this that I am still in the process of figuring out what plane to buy....the PICO CUB from what I have read seems to be a great trainer and a first time starter, but I am not so sure I wait to start out so Big....any input to this would relly help. There is plenty of space here in Gatesville with wide open spaces but there is always Wind, I guess this is something that I am going to deal with. We do have our days when there is very little, this being true durning the summer. But after reading all the replys I can't wait to get started. Nice to see that you can post and not get hammered by your mistakes and from what I have read so far I have learned a great deal from everyones input. By the way I spent some time in ENGLAND, 3 years. Lived in Ipswich and was stationed at RAF BENTWATERS (it is now closed)what a wonderful place, loved every minute I was there. Hey thanks for letting me Post and I will keep everyone posted as to my progress.

Pat

[sav]

jerry

From what I've seen from overlander it looks like 1100 sanyo cells may do the trick. my guess is that you will get less power out from them than AR's but I doubt that the Cub
needs the high amps that this pack can deliver.

clive

not sure about the battery question,I just wonder if you may be damage the 6 cells by overcharging them.I guess experts in the modeling science section may be the best ones to ask.

pat

welcome to the ezone.

you may want to check out info on the T52 and the push-e-cat,sky scooter there are lots of post's on these as well go to the top of the page and click on the search option.

also check to see if there are any clubs in your area.

you may want to check your bank balance as well http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[jerrysimon]

Pat, Welcome to this truly great hobby. As you can see be prepared to crash. The good thing about these EPP models is they are not too hard to fix.

Sav, Still waiting for them to arrive.

All, Well it's taken a week to fix her up. So here are the before and after pictures http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Before http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/web_crash1.JPG

After http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif
http://members.dencity.com/jerrysimon/plane/fix_plane.JPG

So now I am ready to fly (crash) again. Saw another PICO CUB in my model shop VERY tempted to buy it. Fit ailerons etc. I also fancy installing a light APS (wide angle) camera those pics on that RC plane web site are way cool!

Jerry

Meant to say all that white glue has added about 20 grms http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 03-18-2001).]

[jerrysimon]

Tic,

There was also a Zagi in the model shop http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif

With all this discussion about these things I almost asked the shop assistant to get it down just to take a look at. I here they are pretty robust.


Jerry

[jerrysimon]

One more thing,

After I lost control of the plane last time, it got me thinking about what might have happened if it landed on someone's head http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

So I have read some threads here and posted my application form off to BMFA (UK).
http://www.bmfa.org/

I also mailed them to see if I would be covered as a non club member. Apprently as long as you either have permission or there are no bylaws against flying on the site, you are. FYI it provides £5million 3rd party insurance and some personal insurance.

My wife insisted that I do this before flying again. I know I probably should have done this from the beginning http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif

Guess you USA guys have something simular ?

Jerry

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-23-2001).]

[leccyflyer]

Jerry

Good lad - and even better advice from your good lady. Even if you are not the club-joining type it is vital that you have insurance from the BMFA- you'll be a Country Member same as me. Glad the Pico Cub is back in action- looks like a nice weekend for flying- malheuresement I have other commitments.

[Clive Henry Jones]

Pat, Welcome to the exciting world of fly -by-wire(less).
Contrary to what JerrySimon says (Sorry Jerry) the Pico Cub isn't EPP. It's a similar material, but a bit more brittle. EPP foam models are quite a bit more forgiving of the inevitable crash, and so I would advise a model of this material to be your first purchase. You will find differing opinions of the first ideal trainer model, but my tuppence worth of advice would be to purchase a Push E Cat. I have no experience of this model, but from what I have gathered through the E Zone I think it meets most of the criteria required for succesful, stress free flying.
It is of EPP construction (Durable), has a "High Wing" configuration (stability) and is a "Pusher" (motor positioned out of harms way above the fuselage).
However, the most important piece of information I can give concerns not what hardware you purchase, but the advice that you get proper training. Contact the AMA and find out what clubs are in your area, then call those clubs and ask them if they have a training regime in place. Most training takes place informally, but you do get invaluable advice on model set up, safety etc.
If other people on this list read this reply, and are in Pat's area, post a message with his local clubs contact number. I'm sure he would appreciate it.

Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Oops http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif I thought the Pico Cub was EPP.

Is a Zagi made of EPP ?

Well took her out again and she flew well until the end crash. Not too bad the tail broke off http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Now where is that white glue ?

Jerry

[sav]

jerry

I to have decided to join the BMFA as a country Member. I had not joined before as I was looking for a club to join last year but not having a regular means of getting to the club's flying site I had put it off.

how are you landing the cub are you gliding in or are you coming in under power.

Pat

I've heard that some people find the zagi a bit of a handfull others have found it great. I started with a teddy but found I spent a lot of time rebuilding. I thought of a zagi but in the end decided to go for a glider. I ended up with a robbe silence this got me on my way as I found that the slower speed gave be lots of time to react. I then moved on to the cub.

If you can hook up with other E-flyers you will progress a lot quicker.

[Pat Grainger]

Thanks for all the replys.... Sorry I haven't had a chance to get back sooner but was out of town most of the weekend. I will be taking my time to decide on which plane to buy and I will be reading as much as I can before getting the wheels off the ground. I will also be keeping you all updated as to what comes of my flights....GOOD and BAD. Once again many thanks for letting a NEWBE in to the group.

Pat

[jerrysimon]

I don't know things seem to go from bad to worse http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Yesterday (Sunday) I dashed back from work (we are refurbishing the office) and went flying.

Things started great, hand launch short flight, as trims were wrong so adjusted them then did another hand launch. Well got loads of height and things going really well. Thought I would be bold and do a loop (I have done it before) unfortunately recovering from the loop meant the plane got further away and I then could not tell which direction it was going. So throttled back and it glided down over some trees quite far away.

I ran towards it and asked a few people had they seen a model plane overhead http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/redface.gif To my surprise most of them were interested and pointed in the direction they had heard it go.

Finnally one said "it's up in the top of the tree over there as we just came past it as it came down"

Well there it was right at the top of a tall 60-70ft willowy tree, that was unclimbable and too tall to have any effect if I shook it at the bottom.

Spent about 1/2 an hour chucking things at it. Reminded me of a thread on here about planes stuck in trees, which made me laugh at the time thinking how could anyone get into that state http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif As I have now made all the mistakes I read about on these threads in terms of flying, I don't think it can get much worse. Can it ?

Well ended up going home loading up the ladders on the car and driving back to the field. My daughter came with me. We must have looked a sorry sight marching across the country park with a set of 3 tier ladders.

Although the ladders were only 30ft long fortunately I had enough height to shake the tree and the plane came down. As it was about 7:00pm and now getting dark no one really saw us coming back. I think the park attendents would have been annoyed if they had.

At this point I decided this hobby had got the better of me and I should give up.

Guess what ? tonight I was back out flying my plane again http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Broke the tail feathers (again) but then me and white glue now have a really good relationship going.

Jerry


[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-27-2001).]

[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 02-27-2001).]

[tic]

I know the feeling.. I'm a grown man, yet I wake up early to fly in the freezing temps because there is no wind.. I wait for the postman for my precious airplane parts and whine like a little boy when they don't arrive on time. Instead of finishing up the paper work , I sneak out early and go fly.. Oh well, maybe the novelty of it all will fade.. until then, I'll just keep having a ball, flying "toy" airplanes.......

[Passing Wind]

There's no such thing as a toy aeroplane...

Hi chaps, I have followed this thread for the past few weeks and am glad you are getting some joy from your PC’s.

I first decided I was going to fly aeroplanes about a month ago, since then I have crashed my tt windstar ep, 1 pico cub and kicked a stone through the wing of my new windstar, All because I've been too eager to get in the air.

I decided to fly my PC at an airfield about 35 miles away from home (the slope where I soar would be to windy) and had still not fitted the hardware so I "chucked" the plugs on the flight packs, Threw in the radio gear and decided to omit the decals. I charged the cells en-route under the bonnet of the car and managed to get to the airfield just before sunset. I put the PC together, done a quick range check and went for the launch.

*** Always perform pre flight checks ***

I powered up and hand launched her windward and she gained altitude rapidly...Until I touched the controls. She banked left and nosed into the tarmac.

I had plugged the elevator servo into the rudder channel and vise versa, I didn't even check the surfaces before launch. Luckily I realised this about 2 inches from the runway and managed to limit damage to a broken prop, seriously battered cowling and the fuse in three pieces : )

On the positive side my building/repair skills have improved yet again and never again will I forget pre flight checks....

[jerrysimon]

Well after waiting a week my new Sanyo 1100 mAh pack turned up from OVERLANDER. 7 * AA cells = 8.4 volts. 24g each so not much heavier than my 7*500AR's.

Slow charged them all today and itching to try them out. The problem is I need to find another flying field as my local Country Park has been shut re Foot & Mouth http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

Tomorrow maybe http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

Jerry



[This message has been edited by jerrysimon (edited 03-01-2001).]

[Passing Wind]

Jerry,

My "usual field", White horse hill, Has been shut off too. I am hoping the weather is good on sundays because I am hoping to fly my newley re-built PC at Long Marston airfield in stratford.

I'll be interested to see how you get on with your 1100mah pack, I might have to aquire some for myself ; )

Happy flying......

[jerrysimon]

Oh no!!

Went to the model shop at lunch time and ended up coming away with a Wattage Hawk. Just saw it, fancied it and bought it http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

It's nice and small 30" wing span so as I am not happy flying my Pico Cub in these small parks/football fields this should do the trick until the big parks open again (shut because of Foot & Mouth).

Having bought it on sight, I have just done a search on Ezone. It seems quite a controversial little plane http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif Seems quite tough compared with the PC so might mean less repairs.

Jerry

[Passing Wind]

hehe

I had a look at www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/128415.htm (http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/128415.htm)
You can d/l the manual there. Looks like a cool plane although it looks a LOT faster than the Cub. I suppose its good for all weather though, I'm afraid to fly my cub in anything but still conditions for fear it will get blown away.

I'm used to my windstar which weighs 2kilos+
the cub feels like a feather in comparison : )

[jerrysimon]

Well the PC is hung up off the ceiling in the model room for a bit http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif due to the outbreak of Foot & Mouth here in the UK.

It means I can't fly on the larger fields until they re-open. Will have to wait to test that new battery pack.

Meanwhile I can get on and build my new Hawk. That will fly in the smaller football ground fields in the city, which are not effected http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

So I won't get flying withdrawl feelings. I know I could fly my PC there, but I don't like flying it in the smaller more public places.

Regards

Jerry

[Passing Wind]

Jerry,

That's how I crashed my windstar.. I flew in a small field lines with trees.

I had lot's of fun with the PC today though, I Stuck some fibretape to the leading edge and across the spars from tip to tip, absolutley no need for stuts now.

I flew at Long Marston airfield in a gentle breeze, I had her flying loops and diving spins, its such a pleasure to fly.

[Clive Henry Jones]

Bad News!
I inadvertently tried to "strain" the Pico Cub through a metal bar security fence yesterday. As you can imagine, the PC came off worse!
I was flying at a new flying site, one not affected by F&M. It is in the middle of Cardiff and has about twenty football fields on it.
Pre flighted and launched the PC, but immediately felt something wrong. Motor was cutting out intermittently and the rudder was not responding as it should. I decided to land a the end of that circuit, but had trouble guiding her. Lost a lot of height in a turn and smacked into the seven foot fence, which was about 150 yds. away and avoidable if I had full control.
The resulting carnage broke the fus into six pieces, two large bits and four not so large. The wing has a nice pattern of round dents in the LE which match perfectly the spacing of the metal fence bars. The wing nuts pulled out through the foam and the plywood strut holdowns that I made for the wing also broke. I couldn't climb the fence - Clever design, no horizontal surfaces and a "ragged" top - so I had to reach in and drag the bits through the 7" gaps in the fence. This resulted in a broken horizontal stabiliser.
Yeah!! if your gonna crash, crash good!
Anyway, set to with the Bison glue last night and put the fus/stab damage to rights. Will start on the wing tonight. I'll try steaming the dents out of the wing LE, not sure if this will work but if it don't, will cut out neatly and fit in a piece of styro and sand back.
Man, I'm aeromodelling again!!
Clive.

[jerrysimon]

Clive,

Sorry to here about your PC but as you know I have already had some pretty bad crashes and it fixes up real good http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Regards

Jerry

Almost finished my Hawk. Still have not decided on the batteries yet http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif Worried if I buy nimd I will also have to buy another charge http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/frown.gif

[Clive Henry Jones]

Jerry,
Thanks, and yes, they do fix up good. The generous surface areas of the broken parts of the foam can take a lot of glue, and they also seem to fit back together like a jigsaw.
I've already fixed up the fus and have now steamed the dents out of the LE's of the wing.
There is a dent/crack in the "windscreen" area of the fus, but I think I'll leave that there as a kind of "Honourable battle scar". to remind me that not everything goes to plan http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif
I'm sure she will be flying next weekend, hopefully I can modify/simplify the undercarriage to compensate for the extra weight of the glue.
Regarding NiMH batteries, I successfully charge my 1600's on a HiTec CG325, I think that if you're sensible and choose a not too high a charge rate , you should be OK.
Good luck with the Hawk.
Clive.

[Passing Wind]

Woo Hoo,

I flew my pc today in a good wind (about a force 3 here in oxford). I added a little more weight to the nose before I chucked her and she still shot up vertically, I was in a major panic at first because it was gusting and she was getting blown everywhere and fast. After hitting a rugby post and doing a remarkable spin she shot downwind and downwards, I yanked on the elevator and performed an outragous touch and go (unintentional)and she shot skywards again. After a few mins I started to get the hang of counteracting the gusts, and with the motor off, she turned out to be quite a little soarer.

Won't try it again though ; )

[sav]

nearly two weeks without a flight was really getting to me. last night I got home and the weather looked ideal for a quick trip to the field.

flew off a couple of packs before I lost the light http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

no crashes but I did find that my elevator was not responding as well just before I took off for the third flight. I always do a quick
pr-flight check before every launch just to make sure all surfaces are working. A quick clean of the cable sorted it out.

I noticed also that I had to trim a bit more right rudder than normal to counter act the left pull from the prop. which was a pain as when on the glide it wanted to pull right.

so a few tweaks are needed to keep me busy untill I get a chance to fly again.

well that was a long post for me I guess I was making up for not posting for a while http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif

[jerrysimon]

Got to keep this going until it crosses the 200 barrier.

Anyway still have not flown my Cub with my new 1100 pack.

The Hawk is still waiting to be flown.

This hobby is costing me a fortune I have gone and bought a Supernova charger for my Nimh batteries. It lives up to it's reputation. I have also gone and bought Realflight G2! I am so frustrated with not being able to fly at the moment. Will post a new thread about the software and what I think.

Take care all

Jerry.

[sav]

jerry

we told you it would get expensive http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/smile.gif
but worth it.

you should find the Nimh gives you good duration.

I got a couple of flights in the other day untill one of the gears slipped and I went in and cracked the fuse nothing major.

I'm flying of a school field so we don't have any restrictions with fm. no flying up on the hills though.

I joined the BMFA and got my info through last week.

[jerrysimon]

Sav,

Yes my BMFA info came through last week too. Feel more confortable knowing I am insured http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Jerry

[StratAtak]

Well I guess it's true what they say.
R/C flying is not so much about learning to fly...
It's all about learning to land !... http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

[jerrysimon]

I don't know http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/wink.gif it took me a while to learn how to take off (ROG) without crashing and then hand launching but that's another story!

Ok who's going to make the 200th post http://www.ezonemag.com/disc/biggrin.gif

Jerry