RC Flying Bird! a.k.a., SMARTBIRD
Just truly amazing!
http://www.ted.com/talks/a_robot_tha...ke_a_bird.html
Plenty of robots can fly -- but none can fly like a real bird. That is, until Markus Fischer and his team at Festo built SmartBird, a large, lightweight robot, modeled on a seagull, that flies by flapping its wings. A soaring demo fresh from TEDGlobal 2011.
http://www.ted.com/talks/a_robot_tha...ke_a_bird.html
Plenty of robots can fly -- but none can fly like a real bird. That is, until Markus Fischer and his team at Festo built SmartBird, a large, lightweight robot, modeled on a seagull, that flies by flapping its wings. A soaring demo fresh from TEDGlobal 2011.
Airfield Me Bf-109 Repaired and Ready to go into Combat!
Hi good People,
Hope everyone is keeping cool and hydrated these days as it is pretty hot!
The latest is the completion of repairs from an Ugly Pilot Error situation back last weekend (Sunday) where I plowed in my beloved German Airfield Me Bf-109 into the field after attempting a lazy roll without enough airspeed and tired at the sticks!
Past posts of detailed repairs after this incident:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1470936
Okay, late this past week the needed spare parts finally arrived from PW-RC and it seems like Customs are slowing down things a bit as it arrived about 14 days after I ordered them. A Significantly additional time than what I have accustom to from past orders.
Can't wait to fly her again, in the morning!
Okay, some pictures and modifications to improve this model:
Fuel Tubing mod / securing method for all clevises:
...Continue Reading
Hope everyone is keeping cool and hydrated these days as it is pretty hot!
The latest is the completion of repairs from an Ugly Pilot Error situation back last weekend (Sunday) where I plowed in my beloved German Airfield Me Bf-109 into the field after attempting a lazy roll without enough airspeed and tired at the sticks!
Past posts of detailed repairs after this incident:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1470936
Okay, late this past week the needed spare parts finally arrived from PW-RC and it seems like Customs are slowing down things a bit as it arrived about 14 days after I ordered them. A Significantly additional time than what I have accustom to from past orders.
Can't wait to fly her again, in the morning!
Okay, some pictures and modifications to improve this model:
Fuel Tubing mod / securing method for all clevises:
...Continue Reading
Space Shuttle Atlantis Back Home for Good!
Hi good people,
I have had the privilege and honor to work amongst the best Space Shuttle Team on Earth which consists of, all types of Engineers, Electrical & Mechanical Technicians, Specialty Thermal Tile Technicians, Business Managers, Tech Writers, Logistics Specialists, down to Facility Maintenance Specialists and yes, the janitorial personnel.
I have processed all Space Shuttles in the capacity of verifying that the main flight computers and critical down steam multiplexer / de-multiplexers were ready for flight. My highest honor was to approve (Signature Verification) along with my Houston Subsystem Manager to power up Space Shuttle Endeavour (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-105) back in mid 1991 at Palm Dale, California for the very first time.
Now here we all are with a Space Shuttle Program at the end of it's legacy.
Again, I have the honor to witness Space Shuttle Atlantis take off and land and now in this picture showing it being towed back across State Road 3 and over to the Orbiter Processing Facilities were we all had a mini celebration.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you, Space Shuttle Atlantis (Tail Number OV-104) coming home for the last time.
I have had the privilege and honor to work amongst the best Space Shuttle Team on Earth which consists of, all types of Engineers, Electrical & Mechanical Technicians, Specialty Thermal Tile Technicians, Business Managers, Tech Writers, Logistics Specialists, down to Facility Maintenance Specialists and yes, the janitorial personnel.
I have processed all Space Shuttles in the capacity of verifying that the main flight computers and critical down steam multiplexer / de-multiplexers were ready for flight. My highest honor was to approve (Signature Verification) along with my Houston Subsystem Manager to power up Space Shuttle Endeavour (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-105) back in mid 1991 at Palm Dale, California for the very first time.
Now here we all are with a Space Shuttle Program at the end of it's legacy.
Again, I have the honor to witness Space Shuttle Atlantis take off and land and now in this picture showing it being towed back across State Road 3 and over to the Orbiter Processing Facilities were we all had a mini celebration.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you, Space Shuttle Atlantis (Tail Number OV-104) coming home for the last time.
Ugly Crash of my Airfield Messerschmitt Bf-109 Large EPO
UGLY CRASH!
I did noticed a slight Whabble, irregular rotation about the Prop Adapter Shaft that might have been introduced during the crash into the lake.
This slight whabble was very slight so, I decided to take-off the model and it went great into the Air but, it did have just too much vibration noise once I had throttled UP. Because of my pre-occupation of this vibration, I must have throttle back too much and decided to command the model for a Roll at about 60 feet up as it passed in front of the Pilots Station.
Needless to say, something happened and it must have been Pilot Error as I was it could be lack of concentration. However, the model did exhibit a very strange manner during the execution of the Roll and ended upside down and just could not complete the Roll. I Tried my best to get this model to fly level and it just came down nose first and at the last minute I was able to allow the model to hit with wings Level. The impact was enough to have the Battery Pack to eject through the FUSE and causing the FUSE to split in half at the FRONTAL section beyond the cockpit.
The brand new shinny Park Zone Spinner and STOCK 3-Blade Propeller got busted and the entire motor assembly was found several feet away from the Airframe.
The Tail boom broke at the same break section during which the model crashed into the Lake!!
Okay, my theory "is" that the Tail Boom had loosen at the Tail Boom but, I am not sure and will write this one off as complete Dumb...Continue Reading
I did noticed a slight Whabble, irregular rotation about the Prop Adapter Shaft that might have been introduced during the crash into the lake.
This slight whabble was very slight so, I decided to take-off the model and it went great into the Air but, it did have just too much vibration noise once I had throttled UP. Because of my pre-occupation of this vibration, I must have throttle back too much and decided to command the model for a Roll at about 60 feet up as it passed in front of the Pilots Station.
Needless to say, something happened and it must have been Pilot Error as I was it could be lack of concentration. However, the model did exhibit a very strange manner during the execution of the Roll and ended upside down and just could not complete the Roll. I Tried my best to get this model to fly level and it just came down nose first and at the last minute I was able to allow the model to hit with wings Level. The impact was enough to have the Battery Pack to eject through the FUSE and causing the FUSE to split in half at the FRONTAL section beyond the cockpit.
The brand new shinny Park Zone Spinner and STOCK 3-Blade Propeller got busted and the entire motor assembly was found several feet away from the Airframe.
The Tail boom broke at the same break section during which the model crashed into the Lake!!Okay, my theory "is" that the Tail Boom had loosen at the Tail Boom but, I am not sure and will write this one off as complete Dumb...Continue Reading
Airfield Messerschmitt Bf-109 Large EPO with Park Zone Bf-109 Spinner!
Hello fellow Modelers!
I finally uploaded all the pictures showing in detail how I modified the Airfield Bf-109 spinner assembly using the PARK ZONE Bf-109 Prop Adapter, "Nut" that comes Tapped. Using the STOCK FMS prop adapter without the HEX molded on the Shaft.
The PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner Nut went on the STOCK FMS Prop Adapter like it was made for it! Using spacers I was able to make it work and without any vibration!
Here are the pictures!
...Continue Reading
I finally uploaded all the pictures showing in detail how I modified the Airfield Bf-109 spinner assembly using the PARK ZONE Bf-109 Prop Adapter, "Nut" that comes Tapped. Using the STOCK FMS prop adapter without the HEX molded on the Shaft.
The PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner Nut went on the STOCK FMS Prop Adapter like it was made for it!
Using spacers I was able to make it work and without any vibration!Here are the pictures!
...Continue Reading
Tipped Stalled my Airfield Bf-109 into the Lake!
First, let me include some pictures of my Airfield Bf-109 using the FMS P-51D Mustang 4-Blade Propeller. Why? Because that is all I had at the time. In hind sight, I should have changed out the motor to the 600Kv instead of leaving the STOCK 540Kv for additional RPMs.
Here are the pctures of my Modifications to this Airfield Me Bf-109 using one P-51D Mustang 4-Blade Spinner, Back-Plate and 4-blade Propellers.
I told those at the RC Club that the GERMANs captured a P-51D Mustang and they were trying out new Propeller choices to study what might happen.
Flight Summary using the P-51D Mustang 4-Blade Prop Flight Summary:
The model was placed at mid field. The conditions were cloudy and overcast with NO Wind at all (Dead Calm). On Throttle Up this model zoomed upwards like a home sick dove. I flew the Airfield Me Bf-109 using the STOCK 4-Cell, 2200mAH, 25C, Li-POLY pack on the first flight using the 4-Blade Propeller assembly. I was able to command the Bf-109 to never seem before SLOW Flight ever using this 4-Blade. The Airspeed was significantly reduced but, throttle UP and it continued to fly. Landing was uneventful and I had to keep some Power as this large 4-Blader (Disk producing even more drag) slowed down the model very quickly.
On the second (2nd) flight, I used the slightly larger 4-Cell, 2600mAH, 25C, Li-POLY pack and it certainly had even more of a punch. I commanded the Bf-109 to just take nice and easy passes around the field at Slow...Continue Reading
In hind sight, I should have changed out the motor to the 600Kv instead of leaving the STOCK 540Kv for additional RPMs.Here are the pctures of my Modifications to this Airfield Me Bf-109 using one P-51D Mustang 4-Blade Spinner, Back-Plate and 4-blade Propellers.
I told those at the RC Club that the GERMANs captured a P-51D Mustang and they were trying out new Propeller choices to study what might happen.
Flight Summary using the P-51D Mustang 4-Blade Prop Flight Summary:
The model was placed at mid field. The conditions were cloudy and overcast with NO Wind at all (Dead Calm). On Throttle Up this model zoomed upwards like a home sick dove.
I flew the Airfield Me Bf-109 using the STOCK 4-Cell, 2200mAH, 25C, Li-POLY pack on the first flight using the 4-Blade Propeller assembly. I was able to command the Bf-109 to never seem before SLOW Flight ever using this 4-Blade. The Airspeed was significantly reduced but, throttle UP and it continued to fly. Landing was uneventful and I had to keep some Power as this large 4-Blader (Disk producing even more drag) slowed down the model very quickly.On the second (2nd) flight, I used the slightly larger 4-Cell, 2600mAH, 25C, Li-POLY pack and it certainly had even more of a punch. I commanded the Bf-109 to just take nice and easy passes around the field at Slow...Continue Reading
Mid-Air Collision at Moon Port Modelers RC Club!
Hello,
For July 4th festivities, I opted to go and fly again at Moon Port Modelers RC Club and lots were there enjoying a nice humid and hot morning.
I came with my Modified Park Zone F4U Corsair foam model with the AXI 2826/10 swinging the Master Airscrew 3-Blade, 9 X 7 X 3.
I also came with the Stock Park Zone Radian 3-channel, Park Zone T-28 Navy (Stock) and my World Models P-51D EP-40 with 49 inch wing span Balsa / Light Plywood.
I took out the modified Park Zone F4U Corsair first and came to the pilots station and announced my intention and yelled TAKING OFF so, those can hear me over the flying Glow RC Airplane models that were presently flying at the moment. There were just two Glow models in the Air at the time when I took off with my PZ Corsair.
The model zoomed upwards with lots of vertical climb and around 80 feet I allowed the model to Level off when all of a sudden my model was hit by a 40 size Glow model and all I could do was to watch both model parts / pieces come down from way up there. The Glow model had a yellow covering with white and all you can do was to watch pieces of covering float down for a very long time. My PZ Corsair came down almost intact and since the motor was dislodged the FUSE just bounced on impact and the battery was saved as it was still in the FUSE protected by all that foam.
There were about 9 RC Club members that stopped what they were doing and each came with parts and pieces of both models so, we can assess the damage. The President of the Club commented on how shock he was to see very minimal damage on the Foam Park Zone F4U Corsair in comparison to the Glow model.
I took pictures of my model because I just did not have the heart to go and take pictures of the gentleman's Glow model. Did not want to have any misunderstandings.
For July 4th festivities, I opted to go and fly again at Moon Port Modelers RC Club and lots were there enjoying a nice humid and hot morning.
I came with my Modified Park Zone F4U Corsair foam model with the AXI 2826/10 swinging the Master Airscrew 3-Blade, 9 X 7 X 3.
I also came with the Stock Park Zone Radian 3-channel, Park Zone T-28 Navy (Stock) and my World Models P-51D EP-40 with 49 inch wing span Balsa / Light Plywood.
I took out the modified Park Zone F4U Corsair first and came to the pilots station and announced my intention and yelled TAKING OFF so, those can hear me over the flying Glow RC Airplane models that were presently flying at the moment. There were just two Glow models in the Air at the time when I took off with my PZ Corsair.
The model zoomed upwards with lots of vertical climb and around 80 feet I allowed the model to Level off when all of a sudden my model was hit by a 40 size Glow model and all I could do was to watch both model parts / pieces come down from way up there. The Glow model had a yellow covering with white and all you can do was to watch pieces of covering float down for a very long time. My PZ Corsair came down almost intact and since the motor was dislodged the FUSE just bounced on impact and the battery was saved as it was still in the FUSE protected by all that foam.
There were about 9 RC Club members that stopped what they were doing and each came with parts and pieces of both models so, we can assess the damage. The President of the Club commented on how shock he was to see very minimal damage on the Foam Park Zone F4U Corsair in comparison to the Glow model.
I took pictures of my model because I just did not have the heart to go and take pictures of the gentleman's Glow model.
Did not want to have any misunderstandings.
Using PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner on my Airfield Bf-109!
For the first couple of pages containing the data of this modification then, go to:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1465222
================================================== =========
Due to over whelming demand, I worked on my Airfield Messerschmitt Bf-109 large EPO Foam Warbird last night and here are the some data.
Try Number #1:
For the efforts in the PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner with the Black Gloss and Scale Spinner with the Spiral White Paint, I tried using a regular Push rod wire and bent it to shape to attach at the eye hole from the STOCK Prop Adapter Nut.
Since this Wire comes through the middle of the PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner I used a Wheel Collar in an attempt to secure the Spinner towards the Plastic back-plate. This did not work well even though I had all the angles correctly because the Wire was slight smaller in diameter than the Hole through the STOCK Prop Adapter nut. This caused the Spinner to slide away from the Back-Plate during rotation and an ugly vibration would have occurred.
Some Pictures:
...Continue Reading
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1465222
================================================== =========
Due to over whelming demand, I worked on my Airfield Messerschmitt Bf-109 large EPO Foam Warbird last night and here are the some data.
Try Number #1:
For the efforts in the PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner with the Black Gloss and Scale Spinner with the Spiral White Paint, I tried using a regular Push rod wire and bent it to shape to attach at the eye hole from the STOCK Prop Adapter Nut.
Since this Wire comes through the middle of the PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner I used a Wheel Collar in an attempt to secure the Spinner towards the Plastic back-plate. This did not work well even though I had all the angles correctly because the Wire was slight smaller in diameter than the Hole through the STOCK Prop Adapter nut. This caused the Spinner to slide away from the Back-Plate during rotation and an ugly vibration would have occurred.
Some Pictures:
...Continue Reading
Airfield Messerschmitt Bf-109 Spinner Mod!
I have to tell you that watching that Video my buddy Gerry recorded for me really bothered me at the end when I was attempting to TAXI the model back to me.
No, it was not because of the bumpy Grass field (freshly Cut just this past Friday!) but, the ugly Spinner Assembly that comes with this model. Certainly the Spinner assembly is robust and strong but, no where near the Scale effect of the Full size Me Bf-109.
I was in one of my Local Hobby Shops today and my eye got locked in to one PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner Assembly and would you believe they are pretty much the same size as that from the Airfield Bf-109!
I have completely fit check assessments and brain storming as to how I am going to attach the spinner cap (most important due to the spiral paint design!).
Well, I will not bore you all with the technical details here but, allow me to share some pictures of the fit checks!
...Continue Reading
No, it was not because of the bumpy Grass field (freshly Cut just this past Friday!) but, the ugly Spinner Assembly that comes with this model. Certainly the Spinner assembly is robust and strong but, no where near the Scale effect of the Full size Me Bf-109.
I was in one of my Local Hobby Shops today and my eye got locked in to one PARK ZONE Bf-109 Spinner Assembly and would you believe they are pretty much the same size as that from the Airfield Bf-109!
I have completely fit check assessments and brain storming as to how I am going to attach the spinner cap (most important due to the spiral paint design!).
Well, I will not bore you all with the technical details here but, allow me to share some pictures of the fit checks!
...Continue Reading
Installing Castle Creations BEC PRO to my Airfield Bf-109
Good evening all.
I hope everyone has been able to fly and tonight I like to post my efforts in investigating what exactly is my Airfield Bf-109 has with respect to the Electronics controlling the motor, servos and most importantly 2.4G Receiver. I disassembled the Power System and removed the power system out of the model and was shocked to see a NO NAME ESC without any indication that it is a Switching Type of ESC nor did it have any external BEC soldered adjacent to it.
Of course they (NitroPlanes) are not open during the weekend so, I could not verify if the ESC that came with this model is in fact a Switching or not.
Not to take any chances, I opened a drawer and found exactly what I needed consisting of:
1. One (1) Castle Creations BEC PRO.
2. One (1) Maxx Products 2-ESC -to- Battery Harness with Deans.
3. Six (6) Inch Servo extension.
4. Male Ultra Deans Connector.
Disassembled the STOCK Power System from the Model:
...Continue Reading
I hope everyone has been able to fly and tonight I like to post my efforts in investigating what exactly is my Airfield Bf-109 has with respect to the Electronics controlling the motor, servos and most importantly 2.4G Receiver. I disassembled the Power System and removed the power system out of the model and was shocked to see a NO NAME ESC without any indication that it is a Switching Type of ESC nor did it have any external BEC soldered adjacent to it.
Of course they (NitroPlanes) are not open during the weekend so, I could not verify if the ESC that came with this model is in fact a Switching or not.
Not to take any chances, I opened a drawer and found exactly what I needed consisting of:
1. One (1) Castle Creations BEC PRO.
2. One (1) Maxx Products 2-ESC -to- Battery Harness with Deans.
3. Six (6) Inch Servo extension.
4. Male Ultra Deans Connector.
Disassembled the STOCK Power System from the Model:
...Continue Reading
Repairing MidWest Citabria a Glow-To-Electric Success Story
Hello good people!
Okay, I can not believe it has been since October 3rd, 2009 that I have not touched nor flown this wonderful Citabria lady! Time passes and you walk pass the model and I always say that I would get to her etc..etc.. and you know how Life gets in the way of our passion and joy.
Here is why she has been grounded.
You will see two pictures that David Hart (dwhart24) took on that wonderful morning at East Orlando RC Association (EORCA) back in October 3rd, 2009. I had no idea that smooth hard surface would make this large and docile Citabria into a wild horse on take-off and I mistakenly horsed her up before it's time and over corrected (more like I did not adjust expo) on those dang control and typical tip stall and BOOM!
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...8&postcount=72
Some closeup shots of what happened.
Here is my Midwest Cibrabria on the Runway at EORCA!
The Dreaded Tip Stall!
Okay, on June 17th and wee early morning hours of June 18th, 2011, I finally dedicated a few hours to this large Citabria and made a damage assessment review.
Looking back on that morning of October 3rd, 2009, I concluded that the Tail Wheel that came with this model (The previous owner and builder did not provide a large enough tail wheel size) and of course I take full responsibility over not having enough expo on controls. This tiny tail wheel more like for 25 size glow application did well on grass field but, not on smooth pavement as...Continue Reading
Okay, I can not believe it has been since October 3rd, 2009 that I have not touched nor flown this wonderful Citabria lady!
Time passes and you walk pass the model and I always say that I would get to her etc..etc.. and you know how Life gets in the way of our passion and joy.Here is why she has been grounded.
You will see two pictures that David Hart (dwhart24) took on that wonderful morning at East Orlando RC Association (EORCA) back in October 3rd, 2009. I had no idea that smooth hard surface would make this large and docile Citabria into a wild horse on take-off and I mistakenly horsed her up before it's time and over corrected (more like I did not adjust expo) on those dang control and typical tip stall and BOOM!
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...8&postcount=72
Some closeup shots of what happened.
Here is my Midwest Cibrabria on the Runway at EORCA!
The Dreaded Tip Stall!
Okay, on June 17th and wee early morning hours of June 18th, 2011, I finally dedicated a few hours to this large Citabria and made a damage assessment review.
Looking back on that morning of October 3rd, 2009, I concluded that the Tail Wheel that came with this model (The previous owner and builder did not provide a large enough tail wheel size) and of course I take full responsibility over not having enough expo on controls. This tiny tail wheel more like for 25 size glow application did well on grass field but, not on smooth pavement as...Continue Reading
Airfield-FMS "Old" Bf-109
Thanks David for selling me one of the best Warbirds I have own to date!
The FOR SALE THREAD where I acquired this model:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1448943
No one at Moon Port Modelers RC Club this morning thought it was a USED Bf-109 and everyone enjoyed watching it fly and most importantly watching it how it came for landing!
Flight manners are just fantastic and of course it does not have flaps but, the slow flight characteristics of this model is better than my FMS P-51D Mustang any day!
Take of was indeed needing some RIGHT RUDDER as it slightly veered off to the Left on my very first flight (I flew this model for 3 wonderful and relaxing flights). The subsequent take-offs only required a slight Right Rudder as I applied a slow and gradual Throttle input and it went level and straight run and lifted off nothing over 1/2 throttle.
Two (2) words........BABY DOLL!
It is a very relaxing model to fly and several at the RC Club was fighting over it like I was selling it. I said NO WAY JOSE, IT IS NOT FOR SALE!
Each landing was without any power and it glided in with realism and grace and everytime the model touch down kissing the top of grass blades and slow and short run out!
Some pictures after 3 flights!
...Continue Reading
The FOR SALE THREAD where I acquired this model:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1448943
No one at Moon Port Modelers RC Club this morning thought it was a USED Bf-109 and everyone enjoyed watching it fly and most importantly watching it how it came for landing!
Flight manners are just fantastic and of course it does not have flaps but, the slow flight characteristics of this model is better than my FMS P-51D Mustang any day!
Take of was indeed needing some RIGHT RUDDER as it slightly veered off to the Left on my very first flight (I flew this model for 3 wonderful and relaxing flights). The subsequent take-offs only required a slight Right Rudder as I applied a slow and gradual Throttle input and it went level and straight run and lifted off nothing over 1/2 throttle.
Two (2) words........BABY DOLL!
It is a very relaxing model to fly and several at the RC Club was fighting over it like I was selling it. I said NO WAY JOSE, IT IS NOT FOR SALE!
Each landing was without any power and it glided in with realism and grace and everytime the model touch down kissing the top of grass blades and slow and short run out!
Some pictures after 3 flights!
...Continue Reading
Crashing into a Palm Tree!
Now who put that Ugly Palm Tree there!
Well guys,
I really did it and very Embarrassing to say the least!
Was flying at my new RC Club and my buddy did in fact come with his nice Digital Camera and as he was approaching to the flight line I had already been flying the model for perhaps 3 minutes and decided to bring it down lower so, he could capture some neat closeup views of the model as it passed close.
This club has this one lonely palm tree at the edge of a pond and would you know it that I just did not think the model was coming anywhere close to it and BAM!
The model actually landed on this Palm tree and had enough momentum that it came up and over the freaking palm tree and slid downwards nose first on the ground. Certainly, my good buddy Gerry (simano) was kind enough not to take any pictures of the sort and instead came over to help me along with another good friend Ed (Ed eFlyer) to pick up the pieces. Fortunately, the pieces were large and not in itty bitty sticks!
Last night (Wednesday late evening to Thursday early morning) I performed an all "nighter" to repair my beloved model and I was amazed that it turned out very well, if I can say so myself.
A few pictures!
First, I tackled the main structure brace where the wing securing piece will be glued later:
Second, I went ahead and repaired the frontal FUSE bracing to make sure the FUSE structure will be maintained straight as I continue to glue the other smaller...Continue Reading
Well guys,
I really did it and very Embarrassing to say the least!
Was flying at my new RC Club and my buddy did in fact come with his nice Digital Camera and as he was approaching to the flight line I had already been flying the model for perhaps 3 minutes and decided to bring it down lower so, he could capture some neat closeup views of the model as it passed close.
This club has this one lonely palm tree at the edge of a pond and would you know it that I just did not think the model was coming anywhere close to it and BAM!
The model actually landed on this Palm tree and had enough momentum that it came up and over the freaking palm tree and slid downwards nose first on the ground. Certainly, my good buddy Gerry (simano) was kind enough not to take any pictures of the sort and instead came over to help me along with another good friend Ed (Ed eFlyer) to pick up the pieces. Fortunately, the pieces were large and not in itty bitty sticks!
Last night (Wednesday late evening to Thursday early morning) I performed an all "nighter" to repair my beloved model and I was amazed that it turned out very well, if I can say so myself.
A few pictures!
First, I tackled the main structure brace where the wing securing piece will be glued later:
Second, I went ahead and repaired the frontal FUSE bracing to make sure the FUSE structure will be maintained straight as I continue to glue the other smaller...Continue Reading
Two Space Shuttles Making History Today!
Good morning All!
Last night NASA rolled its last space shuttle stack and Atlantis out to Pad 39A for its STS-135 mission (Last one for Space Shuttle Program).
Of all the times I have been in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and on the launch pads, seeing the Orbiters up close, I never thought of a last time.
Last night was the last time.
From home we could see the roll out on TV and the west side of the VAB, it rolled out the VAB east side.
The last time a space shuttle will be on the launch pad…
Also, super early this morning, I witnessed Space Shuttle Endeavour’s last landing. It crossed the equator before landing! At 28 degrees north latitude, the equator is a long way from here in a jet aircraft! It was approaching at the speed of a rocket! The twin sonic booms sounded like my neighbors fired two large cannons in rapid fire and the sound rolled for a long time over the river such as loud thunder clap does.
Once Endeavour landed on the runway you could see the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) still firing and this can be seen in the NASA Landing APU picture attached.
It was helpful in seeing Endeavour for my last time as a powered up space ship.
The next time we see Endeavour it will be a museum piece.
And it is another beautiful day to be alive!
Happy day to you all!
Carlos
Space Shuttle Atlantis Roll-Out to Launch Pad for the Last Time!
...Continue Reading
Last night NASA rolled its last space shuttle stack and Atlantis out to Pad 39A for its STS-135 mission (Last one for Space Shuttle Program).
Of all the times I have been in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and on the launch pads, seeing the Orbiters up close, I never thought of a last time.
Last night was the last time.
From home we could see the roll out on TV and the west side of the VAB, it rolled out the VAB east side.
The last time a space shuttle will be on the launch pad…
Also, super early this morning, I witnessed Space Shuttle Endeavour’s last landing. It crossed the equator before landing! At 28 degrees north latitude, the equator is a long way from here in a jet aircraft! It was approaching at the speed of a rocket! The twin sonic booms sounded like my neighbors fired two large cannons in rapid fire and the sound rolled for a long time over the river such as loud thunder clap does.
Once Endeavour landed on the runway you could see the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) still firing and this can be seen in the NASA Landing APU picture attached.
It was helpful in seeing Endeavour for my last time as a powered up space ship.
The next time we see Endeavour it will be a museum piece.
And it is another beautiful day to be alive!
Happy day to you all!
Carlos
Space Shuttle Atlantis Roll-Out to Launch Pad for the Last Time!
...Continue Reading
Air France Flight 447 Final Moments!
Air France Flight 447 had an AIRBUS A330 like this one!
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?...n&tag=watchnow
My father always told me that Airspeed is your Friend.
He flew the BOEING 727-200 like this one:
Those older Jetliners were controlled by Hydraulics for commanding aero-surfaces.
The newer Jetliners are controlled by Electric Actuators and lots of Computer Systems. Too much in fact that the Aircraft does most of the work for the Flight Crew. No telling what was going on inside that Cockpit but, you can never have too much training for the Flight Crew in case the Computers completely fail.
In this case the Pitot Tube Froze (Airspeed Indicator Sensor) supplying this raw pressure data to the Flight Computer and converting it to scientific data so, Flight Crew can understand. Without the Airspeed the Computers SHUT DOWN all indicators. In other words all computer modules shut down and the Crew was left guessing. This is why I like the traditional gauges!!!
The Flight Crew that was in command of the Aircraft seems he did a fatal mistake to PULL BACK on the Yoke Stick as this rises the Nose of the Aircraft and increasing the Angle of attack. Going so Slow as this large and heavy Jetliner is, this caused the Aircraft to fall like a Rock as its wings no longer was carrying it's weight and thereby, no longer flying.
They hit the water at a very high Vertical rate of speed.
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http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?...n&tag=watchnow
My father always told me that Airspeed is your Friend.
He flew the BOEING 727-200 like this one:
| Avianca Boeing B727 (1 min 1 sec) |
Those older Jetliners were controlled by Hydraulics for commanding aero-surfaces.
The newer Jetliners are controlled by Electric Actuators and lots of Computer Systems. Too much in fact that the Aircraft does most of the work for the Flight Crew. No telling what was going on inside that Cockpit but, you can never have too much training for the Flight Crew in case the Computers completely fail.
In this case the Pitot Tube Froze (Airspeed Indicator Sensor) supplying this raw pressure data to the Flight Computer and converting it to scientific data so, Flight Crew can understand. Without the Airspeed the Computers SHUT DOWN all indicators. In other words all computer modules shut down and the Crew was left guessing. This is why I like the traditional gauges!!!
The Flight Crew that was in command of the Aircraft seems he did a fatal mistake to PULL BACK on the Yoke Stick as this rises the Nose of the Aircraft and increasing the Angle of attack. Going so Slow as this large and heavy Jetliner is, this caused the Aircraft to fall like a Rock as its wings no longer was carrying it's weight and thereby, no longer flying.
They hit the water at a very high Vertical rate of speed.
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Senorita "Electric" 63 Inch Wing Span!
What a delightful Saturday morning at Moon Port Modelers RC Club. Just a few showed up and Rodney was kind enough to Video Record my adventures with my new Senorita from NitroPlanes.
It seems like an identical model from:
http://www.sigmfg.com/IndexText/SIGRC60.html
This model was bought from an RC Modeler named David from Brooksville, Florida and who sold it to me READY-TO-FLY and it is flawless. The Futaba 4-Channel (72-Mhz FM) computer Radio operated and controlled my Senorita Glitched FREE!
When I landed after perhaps 6 minutes tooling around the large Turnigy 3-Cell, 5000mAH battery still measured 11.98 Volts!
In the following Videos, you will see a conservative manner style flying but, off camera I was able (Rodney egged me on) to command the model to do some rolls and loops. If you kick in some rudder the rolls are very axial and clean and the loops are something majestic.
It is a very nice FLOATER and very relaxing model.
Thank you Rodney for recording the Video and thank you David for selling it to me.
Here are the Videos:
Setup:
Take-Off and Flight:
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It seems
like an identical model from:http://www.sigmfg.com/IndexText/SIGRC60.html
This model was bought from an RC Modeler named David from Brooksville, Florida and who sold it to me READY-TO-FLY and it is flawless. The Futaba 4-Channel (72-Mhz FM) computer Radio operated and controlled my Senorita Glitched FREE!
When I landed after perhaps 6 minutes tooling around the large Turnigy 3-Cell, 5000mAH battery still measured 11.98 Volts!
In the following Videos, you will see a conservative manner style flying but, off camera I was able (Rodney egged me on) to command the model to do some rolls and loops. If you kick in some rudder the rolls are very axial and clean and the loops are something majestic.
It is a very nice FLOATER and very relaxing model.
Thank you Rodney for recording the Video and thank you David for selling it to me.
Here are the Videos:
Setup:
| Senorita Setup @ Moon Port Modelers RC Club 04-30-2011 (0 min 15 sec) |
Take-Off and Flight:
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World Models P-51D EP50 Mustang!
After a very long time away.... because the sale of my wonderful looking World Models P-51D EP50 Mustang to a good friend who did not fly it, just stored it for over one year, I happened to get a telephone call from him saying that he was in town and wanted to get together.
FOR SALE THREAD:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...d+models+p+51d
After making arrangements to get together at his home in Central Florida, I was horrified to learn that my good friend suffered an ugly Fire to three back yard storage structures and the heat was so intense that melted his Sky Light at his main House Structure that was 45 feet away.
The very bad news was that he had perhaps $30,000 worth of models and antique, very rare RC and Plastic models that were lost in the Fire.
He was in the mood for a Fire sale and allowed me to pick up my dear Beloved Betty back from his Hobby Room at his main house and there it was just as I remember her and in the very same condition that I sold it to my good friend. The best was that I got it back for less than half what I sold her for!
It has been perhaps two weeks of looking up at my Beloved Betty hanging above my hobby workshop area and tonight, I will start looking her over carefully and activate her back UP again and see if I can adjust all throws, retract adjustments, if any.
Can't wait to fly her again!
Here is a picture of her in flight from over two (2) years ago!
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because the sale of my wonderful looking World Models P-51D EP50 Mustang to a good friend who did not fly it, just stored it for over one year, I happened to get a telephone call from him saying that he was in town and wanted to get together.FOR SALE THREAD:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...d+models+p+51d
After making arrangements to get together at his home in Central Florida, I was horrified to learn that my good friend suffered an ugly Fire to three back yard storage structures and the heat was so intense that melted his Sky Light at his main House Structure that was 45 feet away.
The very bad news was that he had perhaps $30,000 worth of models and antique, very rare RC and Plastic models that were lost in the Fire.
He was in the mood for a Fire sale and allowed me to pick up my dear Beloved Betty back from his Hobby Room at his main house and there it was just as I remember her and in the very same condition that I sold it to my good friend. The best was that I got it back for less than half what I sold her for!
It has been perhaps two weeks of looking up at my Beloved Betty hanging above my hobby workshop area and tonight, I will start looking her over carefully and activate her back UP again and see if I can adjust all throws, retract adjustments, if any.
Can't wait to fly her again!
Here is a picture of her in flight from over two (2) years ago!
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Horizon Hobby April Fools Joke? Or is it a Joke?
Hi good people,
I am not trying to create a debate on "if" this country needs a Space Program "or" more accurately a "Man Space Program" but, just wanted to provide you with what HORIZON HOBBY has made in terms of an April Fools Joke.
Or is it a Joke?
Knowing perfectly well that many have dedicated their lives to the Space Shuttle Program and now they will be out of a Job very soon and knowing that we (USA) will now rely on the Russians and other countries to take anyone and anything up to the International Space Station.
Okay, here is the April Fools Joke from HORIZON HOBBY:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Content/...s/NAS1000.html
PS
I am not trying to create a debate on "if" this country needs a Space Program "or" more accurately a "Man Space Program" but, just wanted to provide you with what HORIZON HOBBY has made in terms of an April Fools Joke.
Or is it a Joke?
Knowing perfectly well that many have dedicated their lives to the Space Shuttle Program and now they will be out of a Job very soon and knowing that we (USA) will now rely on the Russians and other countries to take anyone and anything up to the International Space Station.
Okay, here is the April Fools Joke from HORIZON HOBBY:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Content/...s/NAS1000.html
PS
FMS P-51D Mustang Shi Lanka
I am posting to document my large EPO P-51D Mustang of 57 inch wing span by FMS and affectionately know as the "Shangri-La"
A certain Capt. Don Gentile who also flew the P-51"D" version but, according to the history books the "D" was for a War Bonds tour but, nevertheless it was registered as an official warbird for action.
Here is an early picture of Capt. Don Gentile along with Lt. Johnny Godfrey posing next to a "B" model.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18532986@N07/4202838996/
Here is Capt. Gentile posing with the P-51"D" Aircraft
Okay some Pictures of my Model in Action!
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A certain Capt. Don Gentile who also flew the P-51"D" version but, according to the history books the "D" was for a War Bonds tour but, nevertheless it was registered as an official warbird for action.
Here is an early picture of Capt. Don Gentile along with Lt. Johnny Godfrey posing next to a "B" model.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18532986@N07/4202838996/
Here is Capt. Gentile posing with the P-51"D" Aircraft
Okay some Pictures of my Model in Action!
...Continue Reading
Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103)
Discovery, your majestic profile and wings will no longer take anyone else to Space but, your service will never be forgotten. I am proud to have worked on you back in 1991 during the Computer upgrade modifications. May you find an appropriate place so, others can see your beauty and grace. Thank you for your service to the United States and it's partners.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/image...ture_1889.html
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/image...ture_1889.html
