Electric Seawind by Great Planes/Electrifly - Page 94

LeftyF · Nov 04, 2009, 12:53 PM

Sounds fun. I keep mine over water at least 200' off the deck. If I didn't have expo I would likely have kept the stock mechanical settings for the ailerons. I've got the bottom of mine well armored with some 3M clear body tape (used on car bodies to protect paint from rock chips, etc) so I may have to see if I can get it to ROG on short grass. Sounds like fun! I assume you take the water rudder off?

Chadwell · Nov 04, 2009, 01:22 PM

I left the water rudder on but removed one screw so it can hinge up when needed (which is always, so far...haven't flown off water).

I poly coated my entire plane with a couple extra coats on the bottom. Grass takeoffs haven't had any effect. But its not bulletproof....the grass at the ballfield yesterday was a little wet and she wasn't taking off but was just taxiing around. I sent her in the direction of the infield dirt and it did the trick, she took off in about 15 feet. But at the cost of some lost paint. Eh, no big deal. I tend to not overly worry about nicks and dents. As long as it flies and looks okay from 20 feet, I don't care. Its all good. Then again, I hope to fly off snow this winter and I have seen the effects of flying from crusty snow, it REALLY rips up the foam. Hmm, 3M tape, huh?

I know I should fly at 200' too and always recommend to others that they should fly 2 mistakes high, I just have trouble following my own advice. Zoom zoom!

Would go fly some now if the wind would only die down a little.

Chadwell

PS I wonder if spraying a little silicone on the bottom of the Seawind would help her slide along the grass better.

LeftyF · Nov 04, 2009, 01:58 PM

Yea, that or maybe some non stick cooking spray (PAM anyone?). Not sure what that would do to the paint but worth a go. The stuff I'm using on the bottom is:

12"x24" 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Bra - Clear

I found it on E-bay for $18.00. I've used it on several planes so it's been worth the investment. It's hard to find in small quantities but keep an eye out on E-bay and you should be able to find it. I flew my last fuse off of snow without the 3M armor on it but as you point out the ice chips are murder on this paint and foam. I think you'd be OK with this stuff on there, but I'm not sure I'll try it again. Well, maybe on fresh powder...

PS - sure enough here's that item listed:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/12-x2...Q5fAccessories

Bookstar75 · Nov 05, 2009, 10:47 PM

hi guys,

Sorry to bud in here but I just wanted to let you all know that my Seawind Seaplane is for sale. I have an upgraded motor and all servos are included. Anyway, I have it posted in the for sale section under electric planes. Here is the link: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1137803

I have it for local pick up in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area, MN. I am willing to ship but it will cost around $50 if not more, that is why I would rather do local pickup. Let me know if your interested. Thank you.

LeftyF · Nov 07, 2009, 04:20 PM

If you're going for local pickup you might have better luck with Craig's List.

kingsflyer · Nov 14, 2009, 09:14 PM

I went to the San Antonio River City Float Fly today and there were four Seawinds at the event. One large 71" glow powered version and 3 of the 40" foamys. All flew great and we had a wonderflul time. Weather was light overcase, 72 degrees, and light winds. Perfect Texas October weather.
Mike McD

Chadwell · Nov 14, 2009, 11:10 PM

Nice to here the float fly went well. I envy you. The weather has been perfect flying weather here in Cincinnati but my Seawind will need a few more days work before she is flyable again.....I flew a little too low and a little too slow last weekend and stalled from about 15 feet up. Broke both the wing and the fuselage but both breaks were nice clean breaks so it has been very repairable. Most damage has been repaired but I need to test for any stripped servo gears and strengthen the repaired wing. I dont want the wings to "clap" as I come out of a steep dive. I also fear she may never be water worthy though, after the crash and repairs. Then again, I have no water to fly her from anyway. I know its odd to buy a seaplane and then not fly it off of water but I just loved that look of the Seawind and had to have her. And I don't regret the purchase, she flies great (well, with appropriate altitude and throttle that is).

Ron92507 · Nov 15, 2009, 04:49 PM

Hello all,

Well i guess i joined the club, just got a Seawind EP. My first thought was to check the forums and see what is going on with this little plane. Lots of posts 90 something pages WOW... Anyway i have been through a lot of the thread and see the obvious problems just looking at it. Looking for any advice you guys might have. Here is what i am thinking needs some attention let me know if i missed anything...

Beef up the motor mount make new firewall for my motor.
Cut away some of the top fuse to prevent prop strikes.
Check wing mounting bolt.
Make sure aileron push rods are free.

I am sure there is more

Thanks in advance.

LeftyF · Nov 15, 2009, 05:47 PM

I wouldn't cut away any of the fuse, just go with the stock prop and it will clear fine. Also a good idea to reinforce the wing saddle with lots of epoxy as that's been known to let go under stress.

dghutt · Nov 15, 2009, 06:40 PM

Hi Ron --

Look at Blue Heron's post here for a good list of tips. I can report from experience that I've done virtually all the things Fred suggests, with good results.

I second Lefty's advice -- I would not cut into the top of the wing saddle to give more prop clearance. Without any cutting it will fit a 9" prop, but the stock 8x6 has been all I've needed. I've had a couple of crashes where the prop has contacted the foam but after repair with lightweight spackle you would never notice.

As for the motor mount, I modified it to suit a 4-screw motor, but other posts in this thread report good results just using the motor's X-mount on the front to sandwich the existing motor mount. Search through attachments to this thread and you'll see pictures. I would add some polyurethane glue where the mount meets the foam, though. That's a real weak spot.

Good luck with the plane. You'll love it.

Dave

Ron92507 · Nov 15, 2009, 09:30 PM

All-right thanks LeftyF i don't like cutting things up anyway from some of the pics looks like a lot of guys suffered prop strikes... ill wait and see what happens... wing saddle i saw some pics since my first post will do some Epoxying there and some CF rod...

Thanks Dave i am so advised, i will look into the X-mount sounds easier, if i remember right i used this same motor in the GP Silhouette i dont remember how I mounted it though... Epoxy on the Mount to the Foam CF rod also...

Thanks again

kingsflyer · Nov 15, 2009, 10:14 PM

Here are a few of more things you may want to consider. Balance the model on the CF spar in the wing. Practice flying off grass or soft snow before you fly off water. Use full up elevator for water takeoffs. Also add more glue to the servo/ESC mounting plate. Use CorrosionX on all your electronics before you fly off water. Remove the rudder and elevator pushrods and clean and lube them with CorrosionX.
McD

LeftyF · Nov 16, 2009, 02:04 PM

Here's the easiest one to save you loosing your canopy, motor and mount. Put a rubber band around the front of the canopy and the nose of the plane. Some folks have had the canopy lift off during flight, slamming into the prop causing the prop to break and get wildly out of balance, resulting in the motor mount failing and in some cases the motor ejecting from the plane into the drink. That will wreck your whole day! Some use tape around the canopy to help hold it on the plane and keep water out. I like the rubber band as it's quicker to put on / take off and won't take paint when you remove it.

Hope that helps keep yours safe!

Nov 05, 2009, 10:47 PM	#1399
Bookstar75 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 483	My Plane Is For Sale hi guys, Sorry to bud in here but I just wanted to let you all know that my Seawind Seaplane is for sale. I have an upgraded motor and all servos are included. Anyway, I have it posted in the for sale section under electric planes. Here is the link: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1137803 I have it for local pick up in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area, MN. I am willing to ship but it will cost around $50 if not more, that is why I would rather do local pickup. Let me know if your interested. Thank you.

Nov 15, 2009, 04:49 PM	#1403
Ron92507 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	Just picked one up... some advice please... Hello all, Well i guess i joined the club, just got a Seawind EP. My first thought was to check the forums and see what is going on with this little plane. Lots of posts 90 something pages WOW... Anyway i have been through a lot of the thread and see the obvious problems just looking at it. Looking for any advice you guys might have. Here is what i am thinking needs some attention let me know if i missed anything... Beef up the motor mount make new firewall for my motor. Cut away some of the top fuse to prevent prop strikes. Check wing mounting bolt. Make sure aileron push rods are free. I am sure there is more Thanks in advance.

Nov 15, 2009, 10:14 PM	#1407
kingsflyer We shall serve the Lord Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: TEXAS Posts: 1,663	Here are a few of more things you may want to consider. Balance the model on the CF spar in the wing. Practice flying off grass or soft snow before you fly off water. Use full up elevator for water takeoffs. Also add more glue to the servo/ESC mounting plate. Use CorrosionX on all your electronics before you fly off water. Remove the rudder and elevator pushrods and clean and lube them with CorrosionX. McD Last edited by kingsflyer; Nov 16, 2009 at 03:33 AM.

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Nov 04, 2009, 12:53 PM	#1396
LeftyF Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 418	Sounds fun. I keep mine over water at least 200' off the deck. If I didn't have expo I would likely have kept the stock mechanical settings for the ailerons. I've got the bottom of mine well armored with some 3M clear body tape (used on car bodies to protect paint from rock chips, etc) so I may have to see if I can get it to ROG on short grass. Sounds like fun! I assume you take the water rudder off?

Nov 04, 2009, 01:22 PM	#1397
Chadwell Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 21	I left the water rudder on but removed one screw so it can hinge up when needed (which is always, so far...haven't flown off water). I poly coated my entire plane with a couple extra coats on the bottom. Grass takeoffs haven't had any effect. But its not bulletproof....the grass at the ballfield yesterday was a little wet and she wasn't taking off but was just taxiing around. I sent her in the direction of the infield dirt and it did the trick, she took off in about 15 feet. But at the cost of some lost paint. Eh, no big deal. I tend to not overly worry about nicks and dents. As long as it flies and looks okay from 20 feet, I don't care. Its all good. Then again, I hope to fly off snow this winter and I have seen the effects of flying from crusty snow, it REALLY rips up the foam. Hmm, 3M tape, huh? I know I should fly at 200' too and always recommend to others that they should fly 2 mistakes high, I just have trouble following my own advice. Zoom zoom! Would go fly some now if the wind would only die down a little. Chadwell PS I wonder if spraying a little silicone on the bottom of the Seawind would help her slide along the grass better.

Nov 04, 2009, 01:58 PM	#1398
LeftyF Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 418	Yea, that or maybe some non stick cooking spray (PAM anyone?). Not sure what that would do to the paint but worth a go. The stuff I'm using on the bottom is: 12"x24" 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Bra - Clear I found it on E-bay for $18.00. I've used it on several planes so it's been worth the investment. It's hard to find in small quantities but keep an eye out on E-bay and you should be able to find it. I flew my last fuse off of snow without the 3M armor on it but as you point out the ice chips are murder on this paint and foam. I think you'd be OK with this stuff on there, but I'm not sure I'll try it again. Well, maybe on fresh powder... PS - sure enough here's that item listed: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/12-x2...Q5fAccessories

Nov 07, 2009, 04:20 PM	#1400
LeftyF Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 418	If you're going for local pickup you might have better luck with Craig's List.

Nov 14, 2009, 09:14 PM	#1401
kingsflyer We shall serve the Lord Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: TEXAS Posts: 1,663	I went to the San Antonio River City Float Fly today and there were four Seawinds at the event. One large 71" glow powered version and 3 of the 40" foamys. All flew great and we had a wonderflul time. Weather was light overcase, 72 degrees, and light winds. Perfect Texas October weather. Mike McD

Nov 14, 2009, 11:10 PM	#1402
Chadwell Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 21	Nice to here the float fly went well. I envy you. The weather has been perfect flying weather here in Cincinnati but my Seawind will need a few more days work before she is flyable again.....I flew a little too low and a little too slow last weekend and stalled from about 15 feet up. Broke both the wing and the fuselage but both breaks were nice clean breaks so it has been very repairable. Most damage has been repaired but I need to test for any stripped servo gears and strengthen the repaired wing. I dont want the wings to "clap" as I come out of a steep dive. I also fear she may never be water worthy though, after the crash and repairs. Then again, I have no water to fly her from anyway. I know its odd to buy a seaplane and then not fly it off of water but I just loved that look of the Seawind and had to have her. And I don't regret the purchase, she flies great (well, with appropriate altitude and throttle that is).

Nov 15, 2009, 05:47 PM	#1404
LeftyF Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 418	I wouldn't cut away any of the fuse, just go with the stock prop and it will clear fine. Also a good idea to reinforce the wing saddle with lots of epoxy as that's been known to let go under stress.

Nov 15, 2009, 06:40 PM	#1405
dghutt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Halifax, NS, Canada Posts: 94	Hi Ron -- Look at Blue Heron's post here for a good list of tips. I can report from experience that I've done virtually all the things Fred suggests, with good results. I second Lefty's advice -- I would not cut into the top of the wing saddle to give more prop clearance. Without any cutting it will fit a 9" prop, but the stock 8x6 has been all I've needed. I've had a couple of crashes where the prop has contacted the foam but after repair with lightweight spackle you would never notice. As for the motor mount, I modified it to suit a 4-screw motor, but other posts in this thread report good results just using the motor's X-mount on the front to sandwich the existing motor mount. Search through attachments to this thread and you'll see pictures. I would add some polyurethane glue where the mount meets the foam, though. That's a real weak spot. Good luck with the plane. You'll love it. Dave

Nov 15, 2009, 09:30 PM	#1406
Ron92507 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	All-right thanks LeftyF i don't like cutting things up anyway from some of the pics looks like a lot of guys suffered prop strikes... ill wait and see what happens... wing saddle i saw some pics since my first post will do some Epoxying there and some CF rod... Thanks Dave i am so advised, i will look into the X-mount sounds easier, if i remember right i used this same motor in the GP Silhouette i dont remember how I mounted it though... Epoxy on the Mount to the Foam CF rod also... Thanks again

Nov 16, 2009, 02:04 PM	#1408
LeftyF Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 418	Here's the easiest one to save you loosing your canopy, motor and mount. Put a rubber band around the front of the canopy and the nose of the plane. Some folks have had the canopy lift off during flight, slamming into the prop causing the prop to break and get wildly out of balance, resulting in the motor mount failing and in some cases the motor ejecting from the plane into the drink. That will wreck your whole day! Some use tape around the canopy to help hold it on the plane and keep water out. I like the rubber band as it's quicker to put on / take off and won't take paint when you remove it. Hope that helps keep yours safe!