Peanut Scale Cub

[petey pete]

After a number of years away from modeling I got the bug all over again about a year ago. My first few models were a peck nesmith cougar and an air camper. After a few attemps at the fuses' I managed to make a couple of real nice paper-weights,(really out of practice). So I've spent the last year building light-weight stick type sport/comp. models and I think I've moved away from the morter and lumber technique and want to try another scale peanut. My favorite has always been the J-3 cub. Any good downloads on the net? ==Terry== thanks for the info on the rubber,also, who makes the best peanut kits,and do you carve your own props?

[Terry Lyttle]

Cub is not the best, wing area is a bit short. I had the best successwith the Peck Nesmith Cougar, nice compromise between Cub and Fike. I am likely the only guy to lose a Cougar Indoors; got hung up in the raftersn ever to be seen again (by me, anyhow). Lost two more since, good flier.

I've tried prop carving, but found that most Peanuts need the noseweight and torque reaction to fly well. I have never built a Peanut well enough to feel obliged to carve a prop. On larger stuff, however, I have tried the ol' margarine tub props, with good success.

Most kit manufacturers that have Been There for awhile are working on their reputations, nearly all deserved, including Peck.

Have fun!

[petey pete]

i have a peck cougar and i'm taking another look at it. i also had to add a lot of weight to the nose. i thought i built it wrong. the other problem i had was a wicked torque roll on launch. as it was the first model i had built in about ten years, i started twisting and tweaking everything in sight with no luck. now i'm pretty sure i was using to much rubber(i think i used what was supplied but dont remember what it was). what size are you using ? i've got a 5" prop on it. Thanks again for your help Terry.

[Terry Lyttle]

The best way to control gorilla rubber is thrust adjustment, and it is usually right thrust that works best, although some is necessary on any highwing model. I have had little trouble with the Cougar with supplied rubber except as outlines above, and have Gone for the Gusto on occasion with the prop humminig exceptionally loud, and a corkscrew climb... maybe that is how I lost those models...

The great thing about Peanut is that it is so incredibly cheap, and challenging. I used to have the 1/4 scale guys give me the lipcurl about "real" modelling; I would GIVE them a Peanut kit, and tell them it is free if they can show me 30 seconds airtime, period. I NEVER gave a kit away in 25+ years, and some guys found the challenge as a wonderful replacement for all the stress and expense of their chosen route. Bigger is NOT better, just more expensive.

[JCastle]

I'd have to agree with Terry on the thrust adjustment. A little down and right thrust will do wonders to tame the unruly peanut. I have also found that well lubed rubber :o tends to even out the torque over the length of the motor run. This tends to reduce the amount of torque roll in the first few seconds of the flight.

Pete, please keep us informed on your projects and if you haven't found it yet there are dozens of free plans at this site: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~bengco/


John:)

[petey pete]

Thanks for the replies it's much appreciated. I dusted off the cougar,got some rubber and shims, and lube together, and I'm waiting for the wind to die down (been blowin' for 3 days) but looks like I might get a break tonight around sunset. My flying buddy (3 1/2 year old grandson) is all excited to fly the "red one"! He's getting pretty good with his HLG and dime store wind-ups. thanks again.....=john', that's a great sight.=

[petey pete]

Right on guys- more down and a little more right thrust-took a little up warp out of the ele. and off it flew for 20-25 sec. w/ 3/32 rubber and 500-550 turns (we were actually jumping up and high fiving). anyhow we ran out of light and had to stop but i'm sure i can do more trimming and take some weight out of the nose for longer flights. I know these problems are academic to you guys but your help sure put smiles on our faces tonight....well, got to go and build a "stooge" as he says his legs shake when he holds it while i wind.

[Terry Lyttle]

Nothing like it, is there?

I am in the midst of converting a Peanut DVlll to electric, using a E-Charger for power, I will let you know how the test flights go. (Lost another E-Charger the other night)

As far as the dimestore jobs go, we had a kid in the club that would buy one a week, grab some of my "real" rubber, and fly it until he thermalled it out of sight; sometimes it was Sunday before he lost it, but usually it was gone by 2pm Saturday. Bags of fun, lots of lessons in trimming!