Snow Ski Question

[LoHrs]

I recently made a set of snow skis for my E-Starter with a wheel or float option. The ski design calls for a small keel running the length of the bottom of the ski. If I didn't put the keel on, do I need toe in/out? and if so which one?...in or out?

Also how would the model handle in the snow a without keel?

If anyone knows or has built and used skis before, your help would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a link to my E-starter with scatch built water rudders:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423188

[jkettu]

I don´t think a keel is necessary (unless it is needed to increase structural stiffness) - I have never used one and never felt a need to have one. The edges of skis will provide plenty of sideways grip. In any case couple of degrees of toe-in will probably be a good idea. Ground handling is not much different than with wheels, at very slow speeds it will be slightly more difficult to start a turn. On soft snow I prefer floats.

[LoHrs]

Jkettu,

Thanks for the reply.

I'm using the same gear as my wheels. I just switch wheels for skis. Right now there is a little toe in but once the aircraft starts to taxi the skis straighten out and are exactly parallel. Should be OK I guess.

Now I just hope it snows a little in Vancouver and stays cold enough for soft snow.

Thanks again for the help :D

[A.T.]

Much information on Floats & Skis under
"Floats and Skis"

Float design
Foam Float Core Construction - by Ironsides
Floats for electrics - J Spencer
Floats, plans and downloads etc
Skis - Ironsides
Skis and floats - George Nichols (ex RCM)
Ski Kits for R_C Aircraft
Ski kits - how to make
Winter Float Flying - snow & ice

at
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC Web Links
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/.....
.................................................. ......

[LoHrs]

Thanks A.T.

I'll check it out :)