Yes .. you read it correct : Good Deed of Airport Security.

We all hate going through security, the removal of belt, shoes ... empty pockets and show computer etc.

Recently travelling back from one of my many trips to Arabian Gulf - I was going through Dubai Security, terminal 3.

The metal detector was having a fit and near all of us had trouble with it. I went through it at least 3x before realising my car key was in my pocket. I thrw it into a tray ... tried detector again ... BEEP BEEP ... so security asked me aside and did a full pat down and tissue testing for explosives / drugs. Cleared I collected my gear .. 'redressed' ... and went on my way.

7 hours later in Hamburg - had to go through security again due to next flight being EU entry. Empty pockets and computer .. OH NO !!!! Where's my car key ???

You guessed - its still in Dubai. And its only key I have for the car !!

Car is standing in the Long Term Car Park of Riga Airport waiting my arrival and to drive home. It also has still in it ... my best models !! (Its actually my Renault Master cargo Van).
I telephoned the Car Park office who advised they can get car opened - but nothing else. Of course its one of those 'chip' keys that need to come from factory !!
I call a pal who agrees to meet me and get me home. I then talk to Renault dealer in my town next day who say 3 weeks to order .. I need truck the car to them ... and then they program for new key. Price 220 Euros for the key + trucking...Continue Reading

For each year the weather seems to change more ... here in Baltic we lost our good cold winters and ended up with mushy winters and summers. This year we are suffering a heat wave ... like much of Europe.
The humidity is the real factor though, but with temps in the 35+ C region .. its just not comfortable. If its not that - the wind is making it bad for flights.
My number for flying days this year is appallingly low. I have new models and gear I want to get out there with ... but no the weather gods are saying otherwise.

Yet again RCG shows it 'colours' ......

Unfortunately due to RCG being one of the largest membership forums online - it of course has all range of people. Over last week or so - that has become so evident in the reaction of a couple in particular.
Basically over 2 years - they have been allowed to develop into self appointed experts, posting what in reality is rubbish. When someone comes along and challenges in full and fair manner - they get all upset and resort to attacking and finally when they realise they are on very poor ground - close the thread !!

Unbelievable - completely against the whole idea of forums - place where discussion and ideas are to be put ... where differences of findings / ideas / solutions can all be looked at and debated.

Seems these people are not interested in any form of debate - only Medals and Patting each other on the back - regardless of whether right or wrong.

RCG has a reputation out there of being a tough arena and not so kind to all ... many I know have left RCG for this reason - chosen smaller more friendly forums where discussion is so well conducted - it makes RCG look like a Gladiatorial arena.

I will not name the people or thread involved - but they know full well who they are and I hope they feel satisfied in showing just how petty and childish they can be.

Nigel

Today we have instant messaging with video conferencing and so on ... makes it better to see the other and certainly reduces misunderstandings.

I wonder how long it will be before forums will adopt an online video function - so when in a thread with others - you can see the person you may be replying to ?

I know its more than just a single face issue ... but given the stupid arguments that forums often have - and most are due to bad wording / ego / poor understanding of what other person writes or replies ... a face in the 'discussion' would likely remove vast majority of those 'incidents'.

Our club has a Group listing on SKYPE ... and there we have chats and sometimes we have some serious comments - but instead of as would happen on a forum where it would most likely upset someone - there it just gets sorted and no-ones upset.

It would be a game changer but with thousands of members not an easy one to sort ... maybe person can only see those who are on Friends List ... or an invitation system when reading a thread ?

Wonder if it will ever happen ?

Nigel

I really have had enough of these idiots who appoint themselves as the 'Experts' ...

Do they not appreciate that New Pilots come onto forums not knowing and then take in what they read ? At least old fogies like myself can sift the crap from the good ... but they cannot.

I hope that these 'experts' have the balls to own up and cover the results of their 'advice' ...

I have opted out of a number of threads - because when challenged, the 'experts' have been insulting and not understood what they do. I tried but they fail to look further than their own ego's.

This destroys the best part of RCG ...

Nigekl

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/print-ri...r-eu-plug.html

Thinking to add to my Laser Cutter a 3D printer ....nothing special, just something that can knock up cowling, blisters etc. My big Lancaster would be first beneficiary !

I realize its a cheap machine - but its modular, takes common 1.75 filament .... and has 220 x 220 x 170mm work area.

Looking for discussion on how easy to construct the 'templates' etc.

Not looking to spend more money I have to declare !!

Well its out of box and needs calibrating ...

I was going to do an unboxing / assembly video - but the video on the Flash Drive supplied is far better that I could have done.

PrintRite DIY 3D Printer Assembly User Guide (5 min 39 sec)

OK ... assembly photos ...

The box ... its heavy !



Two trays of gear and manual :



...Continue Reading

Over last years we have seen some crazy items like putting a gun on a multi-rotor, videoing people without thought of their privacy, flying in streets and congested areas.
Many comments in the RC world as it was understood any 'idiot' could buy and fly with the sophisticated flight control systems.

I hoped that sanity would prevail.

Judging by some of the drone people and misinformation given out by them - I think it is a hope that may not be realized. Yes majority are sensible in use, but the lack of general understanding of gear is tremendous.

I increasingly fear the consequences of this rapid expanding part of our hobby.

Nigel

Not so long ago I was penalised for taking a 'miscreant' to task for his blatant rudeness and blinkered view. He filled good threads with his own twisted views and despite a number of people commenting - continued on. He received warnings not only from RCG, but it is well known he was in trouble on other forums - in fact was banned from some for similar tactics.

That finally resolved itself and petered out to odd postings by him.

It is very sad that despite myself and others reporting another 'gentleman' - RCG have apparently done nothing and the persons blatant actions ignoring good forum practice, his continual baiting goes on. Shame on RCG.

Shame on the perpetrator, but RCG must take some of the blame as they fail to stamp this kind of thing out. There are a number of people on RCG who are well known to play this game, with RCG seemingly ignoring them. Other forums often comment on this and it definitely is not good for RCG in the long run.

The number of Newcomers to the hobby who are ridiculed on RCG is legendary. I am active on many forums and RCG is the most vindictive of all. It even beats some of the worst Yachting forums !

I remain on RCG as I am able to sift the rubbish from the good .... it is probably the largest online RC community, and that is most likely a large part of the problem.

Nigel

I admit that I have been one of those who was not pro-drone, but had bought and played with odd multi-rotor models.

Finally after a bunch of lads in the club bought DJI Phantoms - I thought - Why not.

I have to admit that I am enjoying it, even though I am having range problems with the video link. Further that I look forward to getting home and doing a few Winter videos.

A fascination at present is the range question and remedies. The P3S uses 5.8ghz for control and 2.4ghz for video. The other Phantoms use 2.4ghz for both.
I hope to look at using 3rd party lightweight boosters on the controller and the aircraft. Tests will be made as soon as I can get home.

Nigel

There seems to be some argument about setting up a model. My opinion is to have a well set-up model to reduce the possible errors and trim problems that can arise.
But it seems that some are happy with mediocre set-up and using trims / stabilisers to sort it out.

I was brought up on trimmed, balanced, well set-up free flight many years ago. It took a long time to understand why my models were not flying as long or as well as others. But listening to others, learning from them taught me to 'eye' the model, weigh it, balance it ... give it every chance to perform its best. I then started to get much better flights and results.

Today we have Flight Controllers, 6 axis gyros, radios that sing and do the Hokey Cokey for us ... and it seems that old values are being ignored more and more.

I will add one item for thought that may just get people thinking about my viewpoint.

You have that mediocre set-up model and you are flying along. Its trimmed to fly reasonably. An event or incident happens that calls on that model to perform and you to save it. But being mediocre it just fails ... sad.
Taking the little bit extra care on set-up .. balance in longitudinal and transverse, proper thrust lines, incidence, decollage etc. may just have saved that model.

Your choice guys and dolls ... I know what mine is.

Nigel

As I get older I find myself slowing a little in type of model but still wanting that adrenaline rush at times.
The club I fly with has developed quite a following and reputation. We are now flying at many Town festivals all over Latvia.
Even if site allocated is small - we try to display as many different models as possible - even static.

With my large hangar it is inevitable that I shall crash now and again. So these give opportunity to create threads illustrating repairs. Hopefully others who usually would bin a crashed model, might reconsider and look at repairing.

I'm happy that a number of new guys into our amazing hobby, I have been able to help and get flying. Not only first steps, but also launch techniques including bungee launching.

I get great satisfaction out of RC, flying and boats. But it appalls me some of the self-centered Neanderthals that pop up and then destroy so much.

I have a few new models to maiden - adding to my wide ranging hangar - so life has its rewards and I can keep smiling !

Nigel

So here is me with a point awarded for insulting someone who has been bugging so many for years.

Its strange that RCG seems to be a haven for such belligerent obnoxious characters and they seem to be able to post freely without being pulled up by moderators. But woe betide anyone who takes them on ...

I'm an old fart who has more to worry about than these guys, but it still bugs that they are free to post sly remarks, innuendos, provocations without penalty.

Well life goes on ...

Nigel

Maybe its me, but I despair of some who fail to read what is posted. I am not only victim who suffers for this.
Quite often newbies come on and ask simple question. The answers come up fast enough but so often wander of and become either totally technical and uninteresting to the OP or irrelevant.

But now what happens is the "Do as I say" lecturing. The number of times a person posts what they do - then gets subjected to an endless tirade of "you'd be better with this" posts. And usually its one person gets a bee in the bonnet and just cannot let up.

Personally I accept that many people have different ways to solve their requirements. Often I consider it less than mine or anothers - but that's not a problem as the user is happy and he's flying without problems.

But it doesn't stop does it. When person won't buckle under the cascade of pressure posts - they resort to "implied safety issues" .. to imaginary problems ... to even mis-reporting OP's own words.

The sad fact is RC Groups is rife with this and it spoils an excellent forum resource. I know plenty of people who refuse to visit RCG now because of the 'experts' haranguing.
Very soon I may just join them - I'm near end of patience with it.

I am sure the people guilty of this are well aware they do it. Why I do not know, maybe some kind of sadistic humour ?

I have at times posted 'juicy stuff' to get particular people going ... baited in fact. Because RCG is so easy to do it. But that's in fun. Usually I ended it by owning up. But the above is something else.

Well that feels better now I've ranted on !!

Nigel

The 91 failed and is replaced on warranty by HK.

Unfortunately they do not say what was wrong, but I suspect a broken con-rod.

My Extra now has possibility to have ASP 61 2 Stroke or the new 91 4 Stroke fitted.

I checked and apart from the silencer clearance, mount bolts spacing are same. Funny though that specs say not !

Looking forward to her back in the air.

Nigel

Recently a tussle has been on here about use of tapered reamers and the misconceptions of some about them.

APC Prop company recc'd tapered reamers for very good reason and go to the level of explicit instructions how to ream a prop.

OK lets look at Tapered Reamers.

There are basically 3 types ....

Hobby shop variety which double as 'cutters' for Lexan and various plastics. Doubtful quality and blunt easily.

Repair / Carpenters Reamers. These are generally in Carbon Steel and an excellent economic long lasting tool. Available in various tapers and size ranges.

Machinists precision Reamers usually also in Carbon Steel and Case hardened. Produced for precision work in hard materials. The most expensive of the reamers and in reality unnecessary.

As APC show in their illustrations, the taper is purely to allow shaft to pass through and for rear shaft hole and hub to center correctly. They eveeven illustrate how to over-ream and insert shaft ring to fit shaft exact.

This shows that the second type of reamer is fully suitable for the job.

I have reamed many props this way and always found it to work as designed. I have even balanced props before reaming to check if any change after .... no change at all. Balance remained correct.

I have placed my Reamer on a dial meter and found that the flutes are accurate and there is no reason to expect the cut would be out of true.

Please note that I do not discuss stepped reamers - they are fine and some are...Continue Reading

Finally the ASP FS91 arrives and with slight modification to firewall - is fitted. The cylinder head is not far of same position as the old OS FL70 so all I needed to do is cut a new needle hole - this time is much better being at top instead of underneath as that 70.
As my usual practice ... low speed needle left as factory, high speed set at 2.5 turns to initial start. Finger over exhaust, I had removed the choke gear as there was not enough room behind to firewall, flipped till I was cconfident fuel was to carb. Connected glow and flipped by hand - she kicked hard ! Decided to play safe and put starter on her. She started instantly. Few clicks in on high speed needle and she was running nice, rich a touch for first time. Ran about 1/2 tank through at various throttles, then let her cool. Prop is a 14*7 APC glow.
Started her again ... then put her in the air. I prefer to break in my engines in the air.

She immediately showed how much better thathan the 70 she is. Even though I was careful with needle setting and throttle. This is one model that I know will improve as that engine beds in.

So what is the other model ? Its the Hyperion 44.4" electric Yak 55. Sold by Hobby King. I fitted a 3542 1000kv with 45A ESC ..... initially a 10*6 prop as I was waiting for the 11*7 I intended to use.
I decided to split the elevators with 9gr metal gear servos, rudder with 16gr, ailerons with split 12gr's. The aileron servos immediately gave problem as they are digital and I...Continue Reading

So I get home from Crimea and I end up with a few presents to myself for such work .... I buy a 2nd hand Extreme Flight Extra 58" 300 .. and a Kyosho Pitts S2c .... now they are fun and fly well ... Extra needs a better engine than the weak OS 70FL though, (An ASP 91FS is on its way !).
The Pitts is just brilliant - well powered, balanced out nice with the Irvine 53 2str.

Friend and I decided to take a 9hr drive to Warsaw ... visit a hobby shop ! Yep - we are that mad... Friend left with nothing - I left with an EPP Profile Zlin 50 - to practice my 3D on ...

3D ? Well after 45 odd yrs of general RC flying - I've finally decided that it's time to try out this 3D lark. The Extra 300 with the coming suitable power plant is well capable - so the Zlin EPP job is so I can practice without having to risk my Extra ..

I have also as a birthday present (I have b/day Jan 02), decided to treat myself to a Yak 55 ... this is not so much a 3D machine - but has potential ... I have always liked the look of the Su's and Yak's - so different with their tubular style fuselages.

So wish me luck on the new highway !!

Now onto a pet annoyance I find ... self-opinionated experts who think they help newbies but all they do is trot out formulae, technical bumf that really is not useful to the poor guy who wants a simple answer. Yes - I get it in the neck when I fire back at them trying to help the poor newbie ... that's my cross to bear. But maybe one day these 'experts'...Continue Reading

On Aug. 22 - I finally got out of Crimea, by jumping a ship to Istanbul.

Once home - things started well but then I find myself in hospital instead of flying. My abdomen is so painful, I cannot sleep, cannot bend over to pick up anything. Diagnosed with Inflamed Bowel. 4 days of treatment, no food only water ... and they let me home.

Next the car starts playing games ... turns out vacuum side of fuel system is shot ....

I'm asked if I will return to Crimea ... so I contact Russian Consul for multiple visa to avoid same problem as previous .... first told - OK no problem.
While my passport is with them - I get call from UK telling that roof of my holiday home has been ripped off in bad weather ....

2 days later - consul decides I cannot have visa ! So passport is returned and I'm now set to travel to UK to sort out the roof.

As soon as I set travel - consul then let's me know that I can have visa IF Moscow agrees ....

So now I have agreed with them to get Moscow decision ... while I visit UK.

At least once I left hospital - I have managed to get some flying in. Even to start building a 71" aerobatic sport model for gasoline engine.

I just hope that rest of year improves !

Nigel

Well - I supposed it had to happen sooner or later ... I'm one of those guys who will do or go just about anywhere .. so I end up in Crimea ! FInally I bomb out .. stuck ! I've been with rebels in Rwanda .. up Saigon River ... but always managed to squeeze way out.

Anyway - it's now edging into 3 months and I'm getting withdrawal jitters not having my flying fix !

When I have time away from some of the people I have to suffer !! - I of course delve into RCG and Wattflyer ... but of course another passion is planning next model.
I hate being inactive ... so I have been working on large plans of a sport model. For either E or IC power. 70" span ... 4 - 5kg weight.

The original plans by Colin Usher have been modified to increase area of ailerons but shorten their span so flaps could be created. The build will have composite foam / ply construction so that the ply strength will be offset by foam top-decks etc. Foam ribs where structure is not subjected to wing bolts or high stress.
My intention is to fit a 15cc Gasoline engine ... and that means keeping her light. If not it would need a 26 - 30cc ....

Well ... all I need to do is get home !! Fingers crossed ..

Nigel

News coming in from our B.U.S.A Correspondent about action taken over the Christmas period ..

Report :

Mr. Iam Killjoy, rep. of Dept of Homeland Security just released information about an attempted unauthorised intrusion in US airspace. Despite repeated warnings to the air-vehicle detected to turn away and desist from entering US airspace, the only replies received ran to the sound of YO HO HO.

DoHS then initiated Operation Shoot the B'd by deploying it's latest Stealth Interceptor



This latest weapon in the arsenal of DoHS being controlled by the new secret Mobile Command Stations :



The intercept proved successful despite initial arming problems of the Stealth Interceptor :

...Continue Reading