Originally Posted by StarHopper44

...It occurs to me that styrofoam is very buoyant...and the fuselage's forward section strongly resembles several seaplane profiles I've seen. The high-mount pusher engine config certainly wouldn't be a minus. Wondering if anyone's given that a try -- flying it off water?

Sometimes it pays to be half-crazy! *LOL*
(or at least, can lead to lots of fun!!)

Clear Skies!
~S*H

The trick with float planes is the float step. Without a sharp, angled, proper step, there is a suction that holds the plane on the water. The position must be about where you would put landing gear. It must be high and the tail sharp enough to get the water to separate.

You can't just let the tail drag in the water either. The wings must be kept from touching.

Someone posted recently about some cheap foam floats being available. Install them like two main gear...

Hmmm, come to think of it the parents in law have a small attached lake, now I want to do it too!

OK found the video of the EasyStar off water. Worth a look.


http://www.rcmovie.de/video/7e80aa226d13ff9dd04a

Originally Posted by G550Ted

AJ,

While inserting an additional CF rod or tube is the solution for strengthening the spar the issue is that the Bixler spar ID is too small for a 5mm insert (at least mine and some others who have reported the same).

Scratchin' my head for a simple solution.

Ted

I think (accent think) that your only choice is to put a 3mm in a Bixler (Sky Surfer V1) spar. In an earlier post, I put a 4mm and a 3mm CF in a V2 (accent on V2) spar. Bixler or V1 is no different. The 4mm CF will not fit.You can put a .188 CF or 3/16" CF in the spar. All of that is subject to change.
AJ

Originally Posted by motoguy1

So the EZ* construction would be superior to the Bixler, but inferior to the SkySurfer?

I found the original EZ* through Amazon for $70 shipped. That's within a couple bucks of what I paid for my Bixler, or SkySurfer. I'm wondering if I should just cancel the Bixler, order the original EZ*, and cut in the ailerons myself.

Nope. That is too general. The EZ* is right in between the V1/Bixler and V2. In either scenario, the glide of the V1/Bixler and the V2 is better than the EZ*. You can cut the ailerons in an EZ* (I have done that to both of my EZ*'s) and the result is the same. The EZ* will not glide as well as the Sky Surfer/Bixler. What I was saying focused specifically on the construction of the planes. The EZ* is much better built than the Sky Surfer V1/Bixler. I hope that clears it up.
Also, if you buy an EZ* from Amazon, you will still have to buy a Brushless motor and ESC and LiPo somewhere else to just have a plane that is similar to the Sky Surfer. That will drive up the total cost to twice the cost of the EZ* and then some. You are not comparing apples to apples.
AJ

Originally Posted by theothercliff

Just watch your credit card statements (I pay with paypal, backed by a credit card). Some time after the payment you will get ANOTHER charge amounting to 3% called "Foreign transaction fee".

Does anyone know how to avoid this fee?

In the last 10 years, I have ordered thousands of items over the internet and I have never seen anything like a Foreign Transfer Fee. Who charged that? Do you have a copy of the charge available?
AJ

Originally Posted by jrjr

They list the SS as EPP foam. Whats up with that?

The SkyS and Bixler are both EPO. That is a typo. Although similar in application, EPP is quite a bit superior to EPO with respect to crash resistance.
AJ

Originally Posted by ajbaker

I think (accent think) that your only choice is to put a 3mm in a Bixler (Sky Surfer V1) spar. In an earlier post, I put a 4mm and a 3mm CF in a V2 (accent on V2) spar. Bixler or V1 is no different. The 4mm CF will not fit.You can put a .188 CF or 3/16" CF in the spar. All of that is subject to change.
AJ

I picked up a .156 today to fit in my V2 spar that measures .157 ID. .156 is what they had and it fits nicely. AJ, do you really think the second one is needed to make a total of 3 CF tubes nested together?

Also do you thoroughly glue them together as best you can?

Originally Posted by jrjr

I picked up a .156 today to fit in my V2 spar that measures .157 ID. .156 is what they had and it fits nicely.
1. AJ, do you really think the second one is needed to make a total of 3 CF tubes nested together?

2. Also do you thoroughly glue them together as best you can?

1. No. But, for me, the more strength, the better. The additional weight is negligible.

2. No. I don't glue them specifically because I want them to flex and "share" the load when it gets extreme.
AJ

Originally Posted by ajbaker

1. No. But, for me, the more strength, the better. The additional weight is negligible.

2. No. I don't glue them specifically because I want them to flex and "share" the load when it gets extreme.
AJ

AJ,

I work with Carbon Fiber composites engineers where carbon fiber parts are designed and made all day long. You really want to glue the two tubes together. That's what gives them the strength of the added wall thickness.

Bill

Originally Posted by Prof100

AJ,

I work with Carbon Fiber composites engineers where carbon fiber parts are designed and made all day long. You really want to glue the two tubes together. That's what gives them the strength of the added wall thickness.

Bill

Gorilla glue? Foam Tac? CA? Welders? What's best?

Originally Posted by jrjr

Gorilla glue? Foam Tac? CA? what's best?

Gorilla glue or even a 10 minute epoxy. You don't want a glue that will setup while you are sliding one tube into the other.

Good deal, thanks

Using Foam Tac for hinges -

Beacon Foam-Tac EPP hinges (3 min 29 sec)

Thanks again to everybody for their comments getting my Bixler going. Took her out to the field tonight, and she flies great...

I've got a GoPro on order which should arrive in the next few days... Here's the camera mount I am going on for it... Any comments?

http://www.ilovefpv.com/2011/06/star...vening-flying/

Originally Posted by jrjr

Using Foam Tac for hinges -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_B-NerS34w

Great demo, thanks. Welders glue will work too.