Way more than $20 worth of fun

[ColoradoSkier]

Supposed to hit 50 today. Not sure about the wind though.

[ColoradoSkier]

Did anyone fly today?

[OFRD_GRL]

nope no flying today.
i gotta find a cool hovercraft for rich for xmas....

[newracer]

Not today but I am going to try tomorrow.

[supremebeholder]

I got about 2 minutes in this morning, just after sunrise, but the wind was already blowing pretty hard. The wind almost took it away so I brought it in.

[ColoradoSkier]

Supposed to be decent tomorrow, then not so much the rest of the weekend.

[Ghettojeep]

I tried to fly after work at about 4 the wind died down enough. But had issues.

Im still having power problems but I'm thinking it may not be the batteries or the chargers. I picked up a cheepy volt meter and everthing seems to be checking out on the batts. They are holding voltage, etc.

So I started looking at the Cub, I noticed that the prop shaft is bent a wee bit . I'm thinking the motor is pulling mega amps and this as something to do with whats happening with my batteries. As it's only cutting out under load when I took the prop off and ran it, it would run full throttle w. out cutting out, as soon as the prop was on, it boinked out at close to 3/4 throttle and wouldn't let me go all the way up.

I guess the plane has been sounding a loud. Its taken more then it's fair share of hard nose dives during the learning process. Gonna switch that part out tom morning after a run to the HS.

I need a little refresher on the use of the volt meter too I think. I think the one I got can measure amp load, but I haven't quite figured that out and put it into practice to see whats going on as far as load.

Hopefully I just switch the shaft out and viola it's good to go. Either that or the motor took some abuse during the snow flights It sounds just fine when unattached from the propshaft and gearbox. But something is def up, and I'm thinking it's not the batts.

[Colorado 5.9]

Here ya go guys. I haven't read anything about it on Rcgroups but this looks like a good deal & trainer for you guys ready to jump to the next level.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/hobbico/hcaa28_e.html

[Ghettojeep]

Here ya go guys. I haven't read anything about it on Rcgroups but this looks like a good deal & trainer for you guys ready to jump to the next level.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/hobbico/hcaa28_e.html

That thing looks sweet. I think they had one at the LHS. So the trainer wing doesn't have alierons, and has a ton of dihedral, plus low wing loading. Then you can put on a sport wing with alierons and a motor boost pack.

I didn't really check it out b/c I didn't know what it was, but that vid makes it look pretty slick.

[ColoradoSkier]

I like that you can add a dual-fan unit too - that's pretty cool!

[Colorado 5.9]

The adons don't seem real expencive either. However I think people sould wait for a few reviews from RCgroups first. It might look good on paper but really suck in the air.

It's price is real nice for a RTF. I need to look into if it's in a plug & play version.

[Ghettojeep]

So I just couldn't help myself. :evil:

I'm so in over my head, I don't know what to do now. :D

Pics to follow.

[ColoradoSkier]

What happened?

[Ghettojeep]

Craigslist happened. lol

[Ghettojeep]

I know I'm no where close to ready, but I picked this up off of Craigslist. It's a Hanger 9 P-51, along with all the needed field gear. It has never been flown and the guy is moving out of state. I got everything for $250.

I know it's way over my head at this point, but I just couldn't pass it up. :rolleyes: It'll look good hanging in the living room lol.

It just popped in there.

What "just popped in there" Ray????


http://a184.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/33/l_39bb969f80bcde3ed52e6e430f3f663f.jpg

[ColoradoSkier]

I saw that on CL this morning and was wondering about it.

If you are in the front range, lemme know when you are ready to fly it. I have a good video recorder.

[Ghettojeep]

I saw that on CL this morning and was wondering about it.

If you are in the front range, lemme know when you are ready to fly it. I have a good video recorder.

Me too, I threw the guy and email and he still had it. There's a Raptor on there too, but the guy is askng $350 and it's just the kit w/ out any access. The P51I is in really good shape, couple of nicks but thats it.

Thanks for the offer on the vid. It's gonna be a little while though. Gonna log some more flight time b/f that carnage happens. :D


Still having problems with the cub. There's something messed up in the esc/rec it's hitting it's auto cut w/ fully charged batteries. :mad:

[Ghettojeep]

So I got really fed up with my cub today. The stock esc/rx def is fried. Perhaps the cold weather and snow did it in. At least thats where I started having problems.

I really wanted to fly and went out early this morning with the same results. The Cub just wouldn't stay in the air even w/ a 97% batt.

I had the choice of trying to go the warranty route w/ hobbyzone and waiting, or figuring something out. I was worried about trying to warranty it b/c I've changed connectors, etc.


So onto option #2, (I so wanted to fly today)

I ended up buying a brushed esc and two micro servos, for about $75 bucks from hobbytown and converting the cub over to the rx/tx that came w/ my p51. Converted the cub over to this set up w/out too much trouble.

I had three awesome flights around 3 pm today. The difference b/t the set ups was drastic to say the least. Although there is really no speed difference, control is off the chart. The stock cub has some servo chatter in flight, and I'm guessing this leads to it being a little squirrelly. B/C now it is rock solid and very easy to trim. I was able to pull some moves that I haven't tried yet, including more upside down flying, crazier stall turns, and seeing how much vert I could get out of the little sucker. Low speed flight is also drastically improved.

I also now have the option of buying another servo or two and some linkage parts and getting full 4 channel w/ ailerons for about another $30 or so.

[Ghettojeep]

So basically the meaning of the title of this thread has a lot more meaning to me. :D

[ColoradoSkier]

You are in for way more than $20 now! :evil:

You know, I love R/C Helo's (even if I don't have one), but I can't say I would trust mounting my camera on one...

Aerial Panoramas from an R/C Helicopter

http://photographyforrealestate.net/2007/12/01/aerialpan-imaging-360vr-and-video-from-rc-helicopter/

[Colorado 5.9]

Concidering the price of the camera to the price of the heli. It's a drope in the bucket.

This baby was between 10k to 15k. It's turbine powererd.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Colorado59/RC%20Helicopters/IMG_8174.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Colorado59/RC%20Helicopters/IMG_8175.jpg

[ColoradoSkier]

Is that the one that was for sale on CL recently?

That's insane.

[Colorado 5.9]

I don't know. I didn't see the listing. I took the photos at the heli fun fly this last may with my dad's canon a75.

[ColoradoSkier]

Someday I'd like to have a turbine powered plane. Or boat. :evil:

[ColoradoSkier]

Let's hope today is less windy than yesterday (or last night!).

[Ghettojeep]

Yeah windy as hell today. I flew a little on Sunday, that was pretty good. The diff w/ a real radio system is night and day. The plane is silky smooth now, whereas b/f it was rather "jerky"

Also added ailerons to it last night after I got back from the summit. So now it's a true 4 channel. I even hooked up the
"flapierons" Should be able to float it around at about walking speed. :D Trying to decide if I want to go skiing or fly tom. I cruised through westminster earlier as I had a business appt in Arvada. Stopped at the hobbytown just to pimp on their simulator for about an 1/2 hour. lol

[Ghettojeep]

Got off work late, so I don't think I'm heading up to the summit tonight. Prob going 2 hit up Copper or Breck tomorrow. But I may try to squeeze in a flight b/f I head up if it's not too windy.

According to NOAA:

Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 52. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

:D That means the cub goes 20 mph one way and 10 mph back the other. lol

Everything else later in the forecast calls for crappier weather.

[ColoradoSkier]

Yeah, look bad for the next 5 or 6 days at least... Today appears to be the day.

[Ghettojeep]

Flew w/ ailerons a little bit ago. It was just borderline on wind, pretty breezy but managable. What a blast. I had the travel cranked up too much and reversed at first. :D after that I had one digger that took a prop and a little wing tape, then was good to go. It took me a battery to make the transition to the ailerons feel comfortable.

Then I was able to do a few rolls and such. They're not exactly snap rolls but I can crank a little more travel into the ailerons when I get comfortable with them


I also did some crazy immelman stall thingy. Going with the wind, I dove for speed, brought it vertical then rolled it. It stalled over and I brought it back out. It completed about a roll and a half. :D


charging....

[ColoradoSkier]

Seems calm out there right now...

[newracer]

Too bad I am still at work and it's getting dark.

[Ghettojeep]

Flew one more time around 4ish. Almost no wind to speak of. The plane came home in one piece and didn't take one hard hit. SUCCESS. The plane is flying really well. I'm suprised that my modding it actual turned out. lol. It's much easier to make landing approaches on the ailerons vs the rudder. I'm not even really using the rudder in flight. Played w/ it a little but thats it.

Got some more manuvers under my belt. I don't even know what some of this crap is called. :D

For the next time out I'll increase the throw of the new control surfaces and see how hard I can roll it over. I'm flying it pretty low in the settings now.

Getting use to the full sticks is getting easier too, using the left thumb for the throttle, plus steering on the ground was pretty hard at 1st.

The JR has a dual rate function so thats pretty cool. You can keep two aileron and elevator settings so you can try a new one out and revert back to the one your use too. Handy for training w/ the ailerons for shizzy.

[ColoradoSkier]

You've graduated beyond us, oh great one. :flipoff2:

[newracer]

Speak for yourself. :flipoff2:

The learning curve is pretty fast if you fly often.

We need to get together and fly.

[ColoradoSkier]

Yeah, well, I don't have time to fly "often". I have been working out every other day at lunch, so I have missed a few optimum flying days. It's worth it though, lost 23 pounds in the last 11 weeks.

[newracer]

Here is the next one I am going to build. The kit has been hanging on my wall for a while.

http://estore.websitepros.com/stores/1732294/catalog/newaf37003%5B1%5D.jpg

From their web site:
The Adrenaline 3-D is an exiting new foam aircraft that puts u back in fun. It is cut from 6mm Depron with CNC equipment. It incorporates many new cutting edge design features like real hinges (not tape) on all control surfaces, carbon fiber wing spar, a four point carbon fiber reinforced fuselage that does not flex in flight, carbon fiber motor mounts that prevent the motor from falling/breaking off the nose of the plane, carbon fiber push rods with Dubro Kwik Links and Hobby Lobby control horns. With it's 37" wing span, It is larger than your typical "foamy" but still has heart stopping 3-D performance do to its light wing loading, weighing in at 15.5 oz. all up weight ready to fly with battery and motor, huge control surfaces and throws up to 85* (if your up to it). It is almost immune to the occasional DFA (dumb finger attack) because of the super strong carbon fiber reinforced fuselage and unique motor mount system All this in a fast and easy building, well designed airframe that will get you in the air quickly learning new 3-D maneuvers that you might be afraid to try with a built up plane.

[ColoradoSkier]

That sounds cool. A lot to be said for building with foam...

[ColoradoSkier]

Looks pretty calm out right now, at least in this part of town. Might have to go out at lunch.

[Ghettojeep]

You've graduated beyond us, oh great one. :flipoff2:



Speak for yourself. :flipoff2:

The learning curve is pretty fast if you fly often.

We need to get together and fly.


Lol, c'mon I'd never leave you guys behind, we're pals. :flipoff2: :D

It is pretty nice out here right now. Maybe able to fly today.

Congrats on the working out thing, I've been trying to get back into the saddle with that crap myself.

[ColoradoSkier]

I went out at lunch and flew. It was fun. Decided I don't like the StarScream (radio problems), so it is going back. LOVE the Mini-XPV. Might take the $$ from the SS and get an AA Sport. People seem to love it, so it's probably worth checking out.

[ColoradoSkier]

Just stumbled across a relatively inexpensive 4ch trainer. Looks to be hobby grade electronics too, for $159.

http://www.parkflyers.com/html/begin-air.html

[ColoradoSkier]

Amazon has the full size XPV 2 for $27.99 w/ free shipping and the Mini-XPV for $12!

[newracer]

I may have to pick one of those up. For the kids of course. :D

[ColoradoSkier]

I really want to try a full size XPV 2...

I'll save people some searching.

XPV 2.0 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX7ZWM/bullockfamily-20)

Mini XPV (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX52KE/bullockfamily-20)

[ColoradoSkier]

Still $29.99 at Toys-R-Us...

[newracer]

XPV 2 is $80 at TRU, Amazon is a good deal!!!

[Ghettojeep]

Just stumbled across a relatively inexpensive 4ch trainer. Looks to be hobby grade electronics too, for $159.

http://www.parkflyers.com/html/begin-air.html

That looks pretty nice. I think I would take a hard look at a 4 channel b/f buying a 3 channel, as your gonna pick it up really fast and want more.

Ideally if you could get a 4 channel w. servo reversing you could find a way to lock out the ailerons, and run the rudder on that channel.

[ColoradoSkier]

After all I spent on this camera, I don't see myself spending much on planes anytime soon. At least not in one shot... ;)

[newracer]

I did not get out to fly any of my planes today but did fly my Picco Z heli a few times.

[Colorado 5.9]

If you want something like the XVP 2 but larger. You might like this. click on the ViperShark. There are some reviews on RC groups for it. One guy is in the Springs that has been testing it.

The other two models are not selling just yet. They had problems with the TigerShark if I remember.

http://www.sharkjawtoys.com/

[ColoradoSkier]

I don't have a helo yet. Not sure if I want one honestly. Flight times sound to be too short, and the IR control makes me wonder.

[ColoradoSkier]

Prices dropped again. $24.99 and $9.99. If you ordered at the earlier prices, email Amazon and tell them. You should get a credit back.

[newracer]

The controls car fine but I am having a hard time getting enough lift. I have hacked a whole bunch of the body off and it is better but still not what I want it to be.

That is so cheap on the XPV mini I might have to buy two and take the two I already bought at TRU back. :idea:

[ColoradoSkier]

I tried flying the Transformers Apache thing at Radio Shack today. Lifted off the counter, slowly sank to the floor and crashed into the side of the counter. I think I'll pass on that.

[newracer]

With a fresh charge mine will fly and lift pretty good for about 2 minutes. After that it will just keep altitude for several minutes until it does just what you described. I am in the middle of the latest hacking and am going to move the battery forward, might make it better. It's an altitude thing, fly one at sea level and they will do fine.

[ColoradoSkier]

Just not for me I think...

[ColoradoSkier]

Just ordered an XPV 2 and a mini-XPV. :evil:

[newracer]

I was going to order 2 mini XPVs but they only had 27mhz for 9.99. 49mhz was 24.99 :wtf:

I wanted different frequencies so my kids can fly at the same time

[ColoradoSkier]

Off, I couldn't find a 49 in the Mini-XPV at all. Wonder if they are out?

[newracer]

Probably, I noticed that a lot of the guys on rcgroups want the 49mhz for some reason. :shrug:

[ColoradoSkier]

They claim that there is more interference on 27. I haven't seen any in my AA Jet, so I don't worry about it much. Having 2 different freqs would be fun though, especially so the kids could fly at the same time. My one at work (slightly used) is a 49, I'd be willing to trade if you want. But if this is for Xmas, you may not want to do that.

[newracer]

I already have a 27 and 49 that I bought from TRU. I was thinking of returning those and getting them from Amazon since it would save me $20, oh well. Thanks for the offer.

[ColoradoSkier]

Of course. Can't wait to fly the full size one.

[ColoradoSkier]

Just saw they will be here Thursday. That's good, the weather is supposed to improve slightly by then... :rolleyes:

[ColoradoSkier]

No flying today. :(

[Colorado 5.9]

Here's the mini review thread on the SharkJaw Viper I posted about. You'll have to go to the front page I think.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=755745&goto=newpost

[Oscar]

No flying today. :(
What no anti ice?

[ColoradoSkier]

The little planes can't handle the weight of the snow. :)

[ColoradoSkier]

Prices dropped again...

XPV 2.0 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX7ZWM/bullockfamily-20) - now $17.50

Mini XPV (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX52KE/bullockfamily-20) - now out of stock

XPV RAD (full size) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RYMTIK/bullockfamily-20) - $26.49

Mini RAD (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RYQJEA/bullockfamily-20) - $15.99

[ColoradoSkier]

My XPV 2.0 arrived. Just from the weight of the box I can tell this thing is pretty beefy. Not sure when the weather will cooperate for flying though. :(


Good news is, there are a bunch of planes on sale (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=785160) right now at ridiculous prices...

[ColoradoSkier]

This XPV 2.0 is a lot bigger than the Mini...

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=7662&stc=1&d=1197583095

[newracer]

Did you fly it yet? I have heard the props are fairly easy to break.

[ColoradoSkier]

I haven't. Didn't realize it needs AAA batteries - all I have are AA's. And it was cold out today, so I figure it will be next week sometime. Might ground roll around the office though. :D

Have you heard anything about replacement props and their availability? The fact it needs a shroud on each prop is scary. Could lose a finger I guess...

[ColoradoSkier]

http://static.rcgroups.com/forums/attachments/1/7/6/5/1/0/a1613187-96-xpv_headon.jpg

[newracer]

Just briefly saw some discussion about it on rcgroups. Some were going to contact the manufacturer to see if they could be purchased. I guess the biggest problem is they are counter rotating motors so the props are different from right to left. Might be able to switch the wiring and use standard props on both motors. GWS makes props that are probably pretty close to those.

[ColoradoSkier]

We'll see what happens. I can't imagine doing something to break a prop. I have seen where people have broken them on my other planes too, and I have never come close...

[newracer]

The same guys that break props are probably the guys that remove the shrouds to try and gain a little performance. One guy said he had two or three planes that were all missing the right prop. :shrug:

[ColoradoSkier]

Just retarded then. Or crashing them into trees.

[newracer]

Yep, like most things it is probably user error not product failure.

[ColoradoSkier]

What amazes me is how quick some people are to return items, or how much abuse they put them through before they take them back and expect a refund or exchange.

[newracer]

I have noticed that too. Guys that gut them and totally modify them, then return them to TRU or Walmart.

[ColoradoSkier]

OMG - just did a "ground roll" with the XPV 2.0 through the office. Lots of power on this thing. Then I held it in my hand and ran up the throttle. DANG. This is going to be all kinds of fun...

[ColoradoSkier]

After my second StarScreamer had the same problems as the first, I wrote ITC to complain. Got an email back. They are sending me two brand new ones (one in each frequency) to test and review for them. This could be the start of something cool!

[Ghettojeep]

Nice dude, you get to be a product tester. Thats tight. Those little ones look like some fun. Power is a good thing :D

I haven't flown since last weekend. I'm iching to get something new, gonna stay in the park flyer class for now. But I want something with a buncha power and more aerobatic manuverabilty then the cub. With ailerons it's a blast but the lack of power and the high semi-eliptical airfoil hold it back from some manuvers I'm dying to try.

There's a ton of stuff out there. I've been looking at some affordable plug and play planes, just add your own rx/tx. There's a few available from overseas that come lipo and brushless equipt for close to $100.

[newracer]

my XPV 2.0 shipped today, I mean my kids. :rolleyes:

[ColoradoSkier]

If you want to stay in the micro flyer class, but go 3ch, there is the "Rolling Fury" from Air Hogs. Not on the shelves yet, but there have been reports of happy people ordering from play-asia.com (http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-9an9-71-11l-49-en-84-j-70-244p.html) - $40 + shipping.

http://image4.play-asia.com/640/5h/pa.98665.1.jpg (http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-9an9-71-11l-49-en-84-j-70-244p.html)

[supremebeholder]

So I crashed my plane this morning. The fishing line that controls the elevator froze to the tail boom where it comes out and that locked the elevator in about a ? up position. I had a short 2 minute flight on it and I brought it in for a landing to adjust the angle of attack on the wing. I think I got snow in the hole and it melted when I was holding it. Then when I was flying again, it refroze. The plane kept stalling one me and while I think I mitigated the damage, I still clipped a tree and smacked it pretty hard into the ground.

It took a half-dollar size chunk out of my good wing and slightly cracked the tail. A little tape and I was flying again. It probably isn?t wise to fly at sunrise in subzero temps but I think as long as I keep the snow off it I?ll be fine.

I?m getting this: http://www.hobby-lobby.com/mustang.htm for Christmas. I know it?s a big step but I think as long as I fly with at least 30? of altitude I can recover from those rookie mistakes. I just wanna get a lot more landing practice in before Christmas.

[Colorado 5.9]

Honestly you should fly something much slower before trying the Mustang.

[Ghettojeep]

I looked at those p-51's I still haven't flown the gas one I pick up off craigslist.

I've messed with my cub for a little while now and put a buncha money in it and have flown it a ton. Prob have at least 30-40 flights or more on it.

I really have been iching for more power and aerobatics, after getting comfortable w. full 4 channel control. It's really not that hard of a transition, I did it on my own, if you had a skilled buddy or instructor that it would have been cake. Are you on ailerons yet?

I threw down on a Parkzone T-28 Trojan today, at hobbytown. The 1st one I bought smoked the motor esc when 1st assembled. The 2nd one was fine. :rolleyes:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo/PKZ/450/PKZ4400-450.jpg
Anyway this plane went together in a snap. I flew a couple of batteries on the cub then maidened the Trojan.

All I can say is woooo hoooo. It's a whole new ballgame. The plane is about the same size as the cub, but has a 480 size brushless motor and 1800 mah LiPo. Plane is fast, agile, and has tons of power. I'm not sure on mph but you can bring it in on a steep dive to max speed, and then pull it into a 600ft or more straight vertical climb b/f it stalls. Roll rate is significantly improved from the high wing cub, and upside down sustained flights are possible. All the manuvers I've had the cub do, this thing can just smoke through. Boy it's a blast. I need to order up some extra lipos from Hong Kong.


For a step up to ailerons I'd think about this plane. It's a ton of fun and really seems to fly nice. It deadsticks similar to the cub and can just float in in nice and slow.


Not my video but a good youtube one. This thing is sweet!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=74a383ET4sY&feature=related

Also saw one of these at Hobby Town. A GWS F-15. These look awesome for a ducted fan.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Mzp3qs1u9ok

[Colorado 5.9]

I finally found a vid I wanted you guys to see.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=17565804

[Ghettojeep]

This one seems pretty crazy. With the combat module. You can shoot down the other guys plane. Or at least freeze his controls for a sec or so.

Don't get shot down. Could cost you a hundred bucks. lol. I don't know about that it seems nuts! :D

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9nyepzcho6w

Don't have to work until later today, I'm throwing the skis back on the cub. I switched up the mounting a little. Heat shrinked a 7/32 tube to the axle. Roughed up the ski, then epoxyed the tube to the ski. Then just to be sure I put a peice of 3M Extreme tape over it. This stuff is like gold to these foamies. I highly recommend it over anything else fo shizzle.

Holds up well but has more spin then how I did it before. Requires the use of the rear guide spider wires too, which isn't a big deal.

[ColoradoSkier]

Have you guys seen the P-38's people are making out of the Mini Storm Launchers?

[cheftyler]

Nope, youtube? Pics?

[ColoradoSkier]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=785360

http://66.51.162.143/trust/IMAG0029.JPG

[cheftyler]

Sweetness

[Ghettojeep]

That is teh are the shizzle. There are so many things you can do w/ rc, I love the scale stuff. Personally thats where I really feel a connection to it.

I flew out at the Boulder RC club today. It's still kind of intimidating to roll out there with the old dudes and their oooodles of stuff. A couple guys had some big 3d Planes. A Yak 54 and another one that had close to 6 ft wing spans. Those planes are nuts.

I took a spin at my school field b/f I headed out there. Just to warm up a little bit. The Cub on skis in the parking lot is awesome on packed snow. You can literally drift it around like a car in a Japanese video game. Plus you can throw in Touch and Goes. :cool: I wanted to take a short vid of it, but by the time I had the cam, etc together on after I went back to the house, the parking lot snowpack was gone.

Out at the club I managed to get the Cub to take off of the runway on the skis. It took me 3 tries, but it was the only little plane able to do it. :D Even got a couple of approving shouts from the peanut gallery.

It's def an experience to fly out there, it's challenging for sure. I flew with other planes up in the air for the 1st time today. Overall it went well, I was able to hold my own, my landings and patterns were decent. One guy gave me a hard time about pinning up. I pinned both my frequencies when I rolled up. A little later he walked up to the board then came over to me and asked what I was on. I told him "21 and 30, they're pinned up". He told me that I needed to put up more then a pin, something else to ID me. I was cool with it, just walked over and added my trial AMA card print out. I turned around and smiled at him, and asked ,"will that work?" :flipoff2: buddy. lol

I also took the T-28 up. I hand launched it and I made adjustments from the last time I flew it, ie added the landing gear, and better tape to a couple of control surfaces. It took a little bit to trim it out again. I centered everything on the tx b/f this flight. Why... I don't know. So after a couple of rocket laps that made me look like a total newb I had it trimmed out again. The rest of my 2nd Trojan flight went well and the plane flew great. I'm getting some more aerobatics down. I did have a "HOLY CHIT" moment though, and reversed the contols for a second. After a hammerhead I was headed straight down in a dive. Instead of pulling the elevator up I moved the throttle to zero. Talk about an oops, especially at the speed on the the Trojan. Things happen alot quicker for sure. Gotta keep a cool hand and quick mind when up in the air.

[ColoradoSkier]

Too cool. Damn, this is going to get expensive for me...

[newracer]

FYI TRU has a whole bunch of planes 50% of, not as cheap as Amazon but still a good deal.

[ColoradoSkier]

Yes, I need to do the update to the discount page on RCGroups... Damn Mondays - actual work is getting in the way of my hobby.

[newracer]

I just bought a Storm Launcher from Walmart, less than $28 shipped. I already have 4 batteries that I got last year on clearance for $4 each. Was goign to use them for something else but now I got the plane. :D

[ColoradoSkier]

Sweet. Let us know how that thing flies. Went to one of my Wal-Mart's yesterday, they don't have a clearance aisle until after X-mas. Just as well, their selection sucks right now.

[supremebeholder]

Funny. I just picked up 2 of those Storms too. I went to get a plane for my brother-in-law and the Storm was the only one they had that I didn't already have. Well, I couldn't just get one ;)

I spent a few minutes trying to get mine in the air but it was just way too windy. So far, it seems like the thing is a little low on power but I won't be able to tell until the conditions get better.

[ColoradoSkier]

Funny. I just picked up 2 of those Storms too. I went to get a plane for my brother-in-law and the Storm was the only one they had that I didn't already have. Well, I couldn't just get one ;)

I spent a few minutes trying to get mine in the air but it was just way too windy. So far, it seems like the thing is a little low on power but I won't be able to tell until the conditions get better.

Did you buy them online, or was this in a store?

[supremebeholder]

Store. I paid thirty something. I'll have to look for the receipt but I think it was $34. I know I could've found them cheaper somewhere else but it was kind of a last resort decision after I spent several hours looking for a present for him.

I tried the chapel hills Wal-Mart but they had almost nothing so I stopped at the Monument one which is considerably less busy and usually well stocked. They had the Storm Launcher, the Aero Ace biplane, the F-16, and one of the helicopters, as well as some Estes stuff.

[ColoradoSkier]

The 2 Wal-Marts in Lakewood have very little in the way of planes at the moment. There were a couple Estes 4160's in a basket, which I think means they are headed for the clearance aisle. Might have to go check back at that one and see what the clearance price is. I really like the 4160, if you get a good one.

[ColoradoSkier]

Prices are fluctuating wildly on Amazon again. Glad I got the XPV when I did - it's $89 now!

[newracer]

$89 :eek: Glad I got mine when I did too, I mean the ones for my sons. :rolleyes:

[ColoradoSkier]

:D

So my fleet now consists of:

1 Estes 4160 (yellow/ purple)
2 Mini XPV (one 49MHz, one 27)
1 XPV 2.0 Shadowhawk
1 Air Hogs Jet

And hopefully soon 2 ITC Starscreams for review.

[supremebeholder]

My Storm is a dud. In calm conditions it is all I can do to keep it at the same altitude. I throw it hard and it climbs to maybe 15' and then I can do three or four 75 yard circles and maybe gain a few more feet of altitude. Then I try to turn sharper or do a maneuver and the thing loses all speed and height.

I'm wondering if it was returned. It looked to be still in the original packaging but when I went to charge it the first time it was already fully charged. Wouldn?t even charge for three seconds.

I guess I'll take it back and see what else they have.

Incidentally, I read on some forum that some of these planes are old stock and that retailers were trying to get rid of them to make room for the newer stock and models in time for Christmas. That might be why Amazon was selling them so cheap. But apparently the lipos aren?t supposed to sit so long on the shelf, and a lot of them are going bad. That or they just have some serious QC issues with these products.

[supremebeholder]

Also, this weekend I converted my Sky Fly to ailerons. I used Legos, some 20# test fishing line, and lots of tape. While it worked, the little built in servo just isn?t powerful enough to give me the throw I need. Still, I got in 2 flights and had 2 landings.

http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/aileron.jpg
http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/top.jpg
http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/front.jpg

Now that I proved I could do it, I?ll go back to using the rudder.

And since I?ve had some free time during Christmas break, I?ve been playing a little with this ( http://www.flying-model-simulator.com/) sim. It?s free and since I already had an old xbox controller hooked up, I didn?t even have to get a new radio/controller.

[newracer]

lipo is supposed to withstand long storage times better than nicd or nimh. I have let some of mine sit for over a year with no problems. I hope the planes I get work OK.

[supremebeholder]

Then it sounds like the planes are pretty hit and miss.

[ColoradoSkier]

Incidentally, I read on some forum that some of these planes are old stock and that retailers were trying to get rid of them to make room for the newer stock and models in time for Christmas. That might be why Amazon was selling them so cheap. But apparently the lipos aren?t supposed to sit so long on the shelf, and a lot of them are going bad. That or they just have some serious QC issues with these products.

I don't know that is 100% true (the Amazon stuff anyway). The Mini I got is an 07, as is the full size XPV. I think QC issues is more likely. It feels like QC issues pop up all the time on RCGroups. I know that was the case with the StarScreams I had.

[newracer]

I just put all 4 of my Storm Launcher battery packs on the chargers. I bought them almost a year ago. So far they are charging fine.

ETA: batteries charged fine.

Got the two XPV 2.0 today from Amazon, both are 2007 models. I really wanted to bust one open and charge it for tomorrow. Guess I have to wait until Christmas. :(

[ColoradoSkier]

All these news planes and I haven't had a chance to fly any of them yet. Maybe tomorrow...

[ColoradoSkier]

Not sure if anyone caught this on rcgroups, but the mythical Jetscream has finally hit TRU shelves. Not sure about the one here, haven't been there for a while (anyone close that can check).

Bad news - it's $40, 2 channel, and they aren't true ducted fans- just shrouded props. At that price, I'll pass for now, especially given AA performance. <edit>Someone flew it this morning. Said it is VERY slow.</edit>

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=773919&page=29#post8766380

If you like the full size storm launcher, Wal-mart.com has them for $15 (minus the battery) with $.97 shipping. Quite a deal on that one.

Have errands to run today, but am thinking I might take the XPV 2.0 out for it's first flight if the weather is good...

[newracer]

I wonder what walmart.com policy is for price reductions? I bought mine at $25.

[ColoradoSkier]

I'd email them and ask. Amazon gave me a refund when the XPV 2 dropped in price.

Now I wonder if I could buy more at what they charge now, then get the cheaper price from last week? :evil:

[newracer]

I did email them, we will see. I could just order another and take one back or for that price just get another for spare parts.

[ColoradoSkier]

Crap - just remembered I need to get AAA batteries for the XPV 2...

[ColoradoSkier]

Finally got a chance to get my XPV 2 in the air. First impressions:

1. Because of the size, it feels slow.
2. The turning radius is pretty large.
3. Out of the box, mine wants to fly left. Either going to alter the motor mounts or do some tweaking of the airframe.
4. Bounces pretty good on asphalt.
5. Makes an awesome jart in the snow.
6. No way it would be worth $90. For the $20 or so I paid for it, I'll keep it.
7. I like my Mini XPV better.

[ColoradoSkier]

Thought about it more and wrote a full review at http://www.microplanepilot.com

[supremebeholder]

Lucky. It has been windy here since sometime Tuesday with no sign of calm conditions until the storm hits tomorrow.

I'm just hoping it is calm on Christmas. :D

[newracer]

Walmart credited my card $10 for the change in price. :D Makes the two more I bought even cheaper, at least that's how I am thinking of it.

[ColoradoSkier]

Supposed to snow on Xmas. Thats cool about the Wally World refund. After flying the XPV 2 yesterday, I am thinking that if I am going to go with anything that big or bigger, I need to go hobby grade for better performance.

BTW - Mini XPV's are $19.99 at Amazon today (on the off chance you missed out when they were even cheaper).


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GB0CyrbML._AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX9R3M/bullockfamily-20)
Orange 49MHz Mini XPV (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX9R3M/bullockfamily-20) - $19.99 (was $27.99, 12/21/07)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SR3CSO%2BqL._AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX52KE/bullockfamily-20)
Yellow (some say Green) 27MHz Mini XPV (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QX52KE/bullockfamily-20) - $19.99 (was $27.99, 12/21/07)

[ColoradoSkier]

If you are giving any of these micros for Xmas, don't forget batteries. 36 Energizer AA's are $10.99 at Home Depot. :thumbsup:

[Dave McDonald]

Hey RC gurus... Is there a universal remote control for toys? I'm lookin for something you can use one handed to fly or drive RC toys.

Any ideas?

[ColoradoSkier]

Never heard of one, but that would be pretty cool. With a built in scanner to match frequencies on the fly. :evil:

[Dave McDonald]

Never heard of one, but that would be pretty cool. With a built in scanner to match frequencies on the fly. :evil:

That's the kinda thing I got in mind. I have several cool RC toys, but my son only has the use of his left hand.

[newracer]

A basic three channel aircraft remote would work. Like this

http://www.hitecrcd.com/transmitters/show?name=Neon+SS+FM

http://www.hitecrcd.com/product_picture/picture/352/NeonSS.jpg

You could set it up so you push the stick forward to accelerate and side to side to steer. Back for reverse. For a plane some one else could work the throttle (it's on the back) and he could use the stick for elevator and rudder. Only problem is technically it;s for aircraft only. You coudl switch out the crystals to a surface frequency or take the slimm chance the FCC will bust you.

[ColoradoSkier]

As you might expect, with the weather yesterday, we weren't flying Garrett's Mini XPV. But much to our surprise, we got 2 sets of the Havoc Battle Choppers - one from my mom and one from Jen's.

I must admit, I have been pretty iffy about these things. Seem like more work than they are worth. Boy was I wrong. Once we got them trimmed, we have been having fun flying them around the house. Pretty indestructible, and more than enough fun. I can now safely recommend them.

[supremebeholder]

Are those the ones with the counter rotating rotors? I?ve seen ?em before at Wal-Mart but the ones on the shelf always looked like they took a serious beating during shipping. I might have to blow some of the money I received on one of those.

I was in for a major disappointment yesterday morning when I opened my P-51 box. They sent the wrong plane. I got all the right spare parts for it but they sent me an EasyStar. Called them this morning and they said they would send me the right one and I should have it by New Years. Sucks, because today looks like perfect flying weather.

[ColoradoSkier]

No, not counter-rotating. It's one of these:

http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/toys/detail-page/B000NSFO3W-2-lg.jpg

They take a while to get dialed in, and I would have preferred a dial for trim as opposed to another button to push while trying to fly, but we got through it OK. Garrett is much better at flying it than I am, but I am getting there. Might have to bring it in to work. Proper review at http://www.microplanepilot.com

Sucks about the P-51. Did you have to send the Easy Star back?

[supremebeholder]

Yeah, I have one of those Havoc Helis. It is all kinds of fun, but after a year it is losing efficiency and I can only keep it in the air for 2-3 minutes. You can pull the foam landing gear off and cut the sticker off the tail to gain a little more performance. ;)

I didn't ask to keep it. It's comparable to my SkyFly and I really don't need another. They're paying for DHL to pick it up, and they gave me a $25 credit, which might be great if I need some more parts, otherwise I can just get another battery. They said they had a lot of problems with the seasonal workers messing up orders and the EasyStar box is labeled almost entirely in German.

[ColoradoSkier]

That's kinda funny, since it didn't happen to me... ;)

[supremebeholder]

Yeah, I really should've checked the box before Christmas. I had it for more than a week and never even thought to open it. I've been ordering stuff off the web for years and I have only received the wrong item once before.

On those Havocs, instead of adding more weight to the front to make it move forward faster, you can tweak the tail rotor a little to make it produce a little bit of lift, doing the same thing as the weight in the front.

[ColoradoSkier]

I'm reading through some of the tweaks in rcgroups.com that should help. Biggest thing for me is getting used to the controls - very sensitive with catastrophic results.

[jredmond]

anyone have a Spin Master Air Hogs XTwin Stunt Flyer?

[ColoradoSkier]

I don't. They have been talked about a lot at rcgroups though.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/search.php?searchid=13028855

Did you have a specific question?

[newracer]

One of our Mini XPVs won't work more than a few feet away. I'll need to exchange it tomorrow at TRU. Flew the other and was pretty impressed. Did not get a chance to fly the standard ones yet and my SL has not arrived either.

[ColoradoSkier]

Watch the standard XPV closely. Mine pulls left pretty hard. I need to fix the angle of the motor mounts I think.

[ColoradoSkier]

Tried flying the Havoc in the hall at work - I think the fluorescents screw with the IR. It flies better in my office, which is lit with one compact fluorescent and one halogen.

[ColoradoSkier]

This thing is so not graceful, and yet so much fun to fly. Just crazy.

[ColoradoSkier]

OK, so if you have a Havoc or Picoo Z, someone from rcgroups.com compiled all of the tips and tricks. I took his WorPerfect doc, made a PDF out of it and linked it at www.microplanepilot.com (http://www.microplanepilot.com/2007/12/27/havoc-picoo-z-tips-and-tricks/).

[cheftyler]

I wasn't a fan of the Havoc, even before the cats ate it...it now lives in a landfill.

[ZooMad75]

my son's havoc was fun to fly in our living room with the vaulted ceiling. Then he hit the wall with it and broke the tail rotor. I can't find replacement ones to save my life. I was in denver and got a couple for a venom copter at Colpar Hobbies, but the hole for the rotor shaft was too big. The rotor slides on, but won't hold tight so once the motor spins up it chucks the rotor blade off to the other side of the room. The Air Hogs website has nothing on replacement rotors. I did notice, some sets come with multiple extras so this tells me the tail rotor blades are a weak point...

Any Ideas where to get the right one so I don't have to super glue the venom blade on?

[supremebeholder]

Mine came with two but I cracked them both at the base. I trashed one and fixed the other with JB Weld. As long as I don't hit anything, it holds up fine.

[ColoradoSkier]

Been hitting all kinds of things and haven't had to replace one yet. ZooMad - lemme check around a bit.

[newracer]

I have an extra, I wonder if it would make it through the mail?

[ColoradoSkier]

I'd think they should mail fine.

[newracer]

Just got done flying/driving one of the Storm Launchers I got from Walmart. It is awesome!!! Best toy R/C I have ever used. Sustained flight time was a little short but that might be due to the extreme cold today. I could only have long sustained flights for about 1/3 to 1/2 of the battery. But It is just as fun cruising on the snow as it is flying in the air and that is no problem until the unit shuts down from the low voltage cutoff.. Really fun to get going, lift into the air for a while, then land and keep going. It is susceptible to tip stall so you have to keep the speed up during flight and not turn too sharp unless you have plenty of altitude. Well worth the ~$30 I have into each one.

My only complaints are the battery is a little hard to get out (but it is really secure so you won't loose it) and one of my propa was cracked right out of the package.

[ColoradoSkier]

Sounds fun, guess I have to get one! (you have PM)

[ColoradoSkier]

Finally got a chance to take Garrett out with his Mini XPV yesterday. He loved it. And mine survived a direct step on from my size 12 Sorels. :eek: Thank goodness the snow was deep and it mostly just pushed the plane into the ground. Some scotch tape and we were back in the air!

[ColoradoSkier]

I now give you the Micro Airplane, Helicopter and Vehicle Price Index at http://www.microplanepilot.com/2007/12/31/micro-airplane-helicopter-and-vehicle-price-index/ if you want to keep up on the pricing of these things.

[ColoradoSkier]

I added Helicopters and helo parts to the price list at http://www.microplanepilot.com

Wasn't someone here looking for Havoc rotors?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/01PqoNHLseL.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RK43FG/bullockfamily-20)
Havoc Main Rotor (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RK43FG/bullockfamily-20) - $11.99

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/01KoNJJdyFL.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000PW00K8/bullockfamily-20)
Havoc Tail Rotors (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000PW00K8/bullockfamily-20) - $5.95

This is a good deal.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21htsis2q4L._AA115_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000O288EE/bullockfamily-20)
Micro Mosquito (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000O288EE/bullockfamily-20) - $29.99

[newracer]

My Havoc (actually Picco Z) will not fly right so if anybody needs spare parts just let me know.

[ColoradoSkier]

Also found the Havoc Battle set at Sharper Image for $89.95 (Amazon sells it for $170).

$89.95 from Sharper Image (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=hPUPlBnd*7I&offerid=137177.685931083&type=2&subid=0)

[supremebeholder]

I got my P-51 today and got it put together. But by the time I got it together it was dark out and the charger says it takes 3-4 hours. Too bad too, because there was almost no wind all day.

The kit looks pretty nice with the exception of the radio. I didn?t expect a top of the line radio with a RTF kit but the one they sent feels like it will fall apart in my hands. The receiver is 6 channel so I might invest in a better radio at some point down the line. The directions left a little something to be desired as well, but with my mad mechanical skills I made quick work of it :D

[ColoradoSkier]

:worthless:

[supremebeholder]

I think someone is trying to tell me I shouldn?t be flying today. At dawn I tried to fly but after I got the plane out on my road and made a few test taxis to see how it would handle the gravel for takeoff and landing, when I went to full throttle the motor would cut off. So I brought it in and diagnosed it. The prop was on properly but I guess I had to be careful when I tightened it because it wasn?t quite balanced. Got that fixed and now it revs up fine.

I?ve been checking the wind all morning but it is too unpredictable for flying. It is temptingly calm most of the time but every five or so minutes a 20 mph gust comes out of nowhere and lasts for 20-30 seconds.

http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/p51b.jpg
http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/p51a.jpg

[ColoradoSkier]

With that purdy of a plane and variable wind, I'd stay inside!

Nice bird.

[ColoradoSkier]

A guy at work just gave me a Firebird II that he flew twice, crashed once, and hasn't messed with for a couple years. Now to see what, if anything, is wrong with it and get it in the air!

http://www.hobbyzone.com/images/airplanes/HBZ5500-350.jpg

Didn't someone here crash one of these last summer?

[supremebeholder]

Nice. Free planes are always great. Is that a 3-ch, or 2?

You?ll probably need new batteries if those have been sitting uncharged for a few years.

[ColoradoSkier]

IIRC it's a 3ch, or can be with an aftermarket radio that has v-tail mixing.

[Ghettojeep]

Nice, that'll take the park experience up a notch. I've been flying the cub on ski's and touch and goes are a blast. That plane is about the same ball park as the cubbies, they can handle light wind, ~5 mph, and are great in a couple soccer or football fields sized area.

I've had my p51 up 8 times, it's been going well so far. With the exception of a 100ft loop when I needed a 97 ft one... Was a flying really agressive and ending up smashing it on the belly. About $100 later and she's back in flight shape. I also am ebaying the stock motor b/c it's a little lethargic and had the opportunity to pick up a evo .46 for a song.

During my flights I'm too busy screwing around w/ aerobatics when I should be flying laps and working on glide slopes and slow speed characteristics. The glow stang is a big step up ability wise you really need to have your stuff together it's a whole new world from the foamies. I have a long long way to go on this plane as far as landings. If I crash it again the internals will be swapped to a more docile handling plane.

On the other hand, I had the AA out in the back yard, now that thing is still a blast.

[newracer]

Going to order a lipo battery for my 3d plane to get it up and going. Might start building it this weekend.

Also I am for sure going to swap in some hobby grade components into one of my Storm Launchers. Brushless and elevons. :D Saw a video of one on rcgroups that was sweet!!!

[Ghettojeep]

Going to order a lipo battery for my 3d plane to get it up and going. Might start building it this weekend.

Also I am for sure going to swap in some hobby grade components into one of my Storm Launchers. Brushless and elevons. :D Saw a video of one on rcgroups that was sweet!!!

My HZ lipo from my T28 is on the fritz, Although it hasn't puffed, it is shorting on the charger. I'm not sure if it's the batt or charger, but since the batt has zero juice I'm thinking thats what it is.

Soon I'm gonna make an order from unitedhobbies.com, they're out of Hong Kong, but I've heard good reviews about their Lipos, and they have some great deals on high rated chargers as well. You can get a couple batts and a nice balance charger for around 100 bucks. I may switch the cub over to a brushless set up and scrap my nimh all together.

So CS if your looking for a couple of nimh for that firebird I may be able to help you out. I have a couple decent 8 cells, a 7 cell and a decent hobbico dual charger that allows you to charge 2 packs at once.


I've had some experience w/ the havoc helis too. When I worked the holiday gift show in Nov I bought an apache out of boredom. great fun in the convention center, but the one i had couldn't be trimmed out and could only make left hand turns. I gave it to the girl who helped me at that show. I bought another havoc, and the thing was a dud, it would barely get airborne and was a lame duck. I returned it and got another one. This one actually flys pretty well, although it's not gonna be doing any aerobatics. You can get it trimmed and have a little bit of forward flight w/ out a problem. But the challange w/ these pretty much is to make them fly around the room and not crash into anything. If you accomplish that it's a sick flight. I stripped all the stickers off mine as well as cut the landing fins off.

My buddy and I also bought a battle set. both of those copters had their problems. One wouldn't fly, but could shoot the IR beam, the other flew, crappily I may add, and couldn't shoot the IR beam. Needless to say they went back really quick. On the return to wally world my buddy bought another apache. And it fly's like poo too, imo it's got too much on the airframe and can't do much.

So out of 6 helos, we ended up w/ one that actually works and can be manuevered although it's a tough bird to so so w/ any precision.

the little air hogs helos are hit and miss at best I think.

[Ghettojeep]

I think someone is trying to tell me I shouldn?t be flying today. At dawn I tried to fly but after I got the plane out on my road and made a few test taxis to see how it would handle the gravel for takeoff and landing, when I went to full throttle the motor would cut off. So I brought it in and diagnosed it. The prop was on properly but I guess I had to be careful when I tightened it because it wasn?t quite balanced. Got that fixed and now it revs up fine.

I?ve been checking the wind all morning but it is too unpredictable for flying. It is temptingly calm most of the time but every five or so minutes a 20 mph gust comes out of nowhere and lasts for 20-30 seconds.

http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/p51b.jpg
http://www.theperfectpaper.biz/p51a.jpg


Looks sweet man, any info on the manufacturer, motor/batt set up, and the like? From what I've learned flying my glow mustang is that they are a fast flyer w/ a tendency to take a lot of speed to take off and land. In the air they are great flyers. They do have a tendency to tip stall though, so keep your airspeed up in the turns as if you loose to much speed at the wrong speed the inside wingtip will go into a stall and the bottom falls out.

Over all I love the classic lines of that plane, that kit looks pretty sweet from the pics.

[newracer]

There might be a loose connection is your pack if there is no volts.

Pretty much all my planes are lipo and brushless. Only one I have not converted to lipo yet is my 36" wing. It will take two packs that will cost me about $75 each and it will also though off the CG too much since the lipos are so much lighter. Only my Tiger Moth is still brushed, if the motor ever fails I'll switch it over.

FWIW over on rcgroups a guy did a lot of testing cheaper lipo packs and he came to the conclusion that it is worth the extra money to buy the name brand ones that cost a little more. They just did not last.

[Colorado 5.9]

FWIW over on rcgroups a guy did a lot of testing cheaper lipo packs and he came to the conclusion that it is worth the extra money to buy the name brand ones that cost a little more. They just did not last.

Or they puff way too easy.:(

[supremebeholder]

Looks sweet man, any info on the manufacturer, motor/batt set up, and the like? From what I've learned flying my glow mustang is that they are a fast flyer w/ a tendency to take a lot of speed to take off and land. In the air they are great flyers. They do have a tendency to tip stall though, so keep your airspeed up in the turns as if you loose to much speed at the wrong speed the inside wingtip will go into a stall and the bottom falls out.

Over all I love the classic lines of that plane, that kit looks pretty sweet from the pics.

Made by Art-Tech. I think they make planes for a few different companies. It is lipo/brushless. The battery is 1300 mah but I haven?t been able to find out what the motor is and I haven?t pulled the front apart yet to look.

I chose this one because it is supposed to be docile and stable as far as P-51s go, and the stock 4-blade prop is supposed to make it relatively slow, but later on I can replace to prop with a 2-blade to make it faster.

This one was most appealing to me because I?m not too interested in flying fast, and I have a fairly limited area to fly in my front yard. I like the convenience of flying on my property.

[ColoradoSkier]

Ghetto - I need to see if this thing is salvageable at all first, but I might be interested. At first glance all looks fine in it, we'll know more this weekend I think.

[ZooMad75]

We had a firebird. Flew on the second try, but then I made a lawn dart out of it. Broke the tail spar completely and the cost for a new airframe was about $10 less than a new plane. We lost intrest (son and I) and it sits in the basement storage area. I think our problem was flying in near freezing weather. It seemed more brittle in the tail than normal.

I still think it was a good plane though. We just should have started on something smaller.

Thanks on the tip for the havoc rotors! I'll have to order some extras. Did get another havoc for one of my nephews for x-mas. Trims out ok and He was able to manuver it into position to land it on the top of one of the ceiling fan blades in my FIL's basement. I tried for a complete battery cycle and almost made it and he does it on his third try. Pretty funny.

[Ghettojeep]

Ghetto - I need to see if this thing is salvageable at all first, but I might be interested. At first glance all looks fine in it, we'll know more this weekend I think.

Cool, I have some extra parts laying around that may fit that thing too, ie 5 wire servos, etc.

[newracer]

ZooMad75- PM me your address and I'll send you my extra rotor props. I have decided mine is a dog and will not fly more than about a minute so it's only good for spare parts.

[supremebeholder]

I got a total of about 10 mins of time with my P-51 this morning.

First flight was a ROG down my road. I damn near crashed it once it finally did lift off because the controls are way more sensitive. Bit I saved it from shearing a wing on a fencepost and it climbed up into a nice slow turn, then when it got too far away from me I lost track of the aspect ratio because it was still a little too dark to see the details on the plane. I screwed the turn up and somehow did a split S, returning to horizontal about 4? off the ground. I said screw it and dropped the elevator to land it in the field. It clipped a yucca, causing no damage, and did a 180 on a hard snowdrift.

So I waited 20 minutes for the sun to come up and then biked to the field I used to learn to fly my SkyFly. That was a much better place because there is a lot more room. I got two more short flights in. Since I was in tall grass, I took the wheels off and it looked awesome flying without them.

It flies wonderfully. Loops from level, rolls, immelmans, and inverted flight. I heard that this was a slow plane but tools along pretty nicely. And it is surprisingly stable. I didn?t have to worry about taking my eyes off of it to trim the controls. It really is like I heard it described, it produces a lot of thrust at a low speed, so it can sustain about a 45-50? climb almost indefinitely.

But on flight 2 I noticed some lack of response from the elevator and brought it back in for a landing. Turns out that the servo wasn?t working consistently. So I packed it up and rode back. When I got it apart I found that the wires were shorting where they were soldered to the servo. Clipped a few loose strands and put it back together but I don?t know what glue to use.

And that brings me back to my question. What?s the best glue to use to attach the servos to the foam? The kind of stuff that was on there was rubbery and tacky, and not too strong. I just don?t want something so strong that I have to destroy the foam to get the servo out if I have a problem again. Checking the forums, it looks like hot glue is a good choice.

[newracer]

What type of foam is it, EPS or EPP? Shoe Goo works good on EPP but it will attack EPS.

[supremebeholder]

It's EPS.

I think I'm going to try the hot glue.

[newracer]

I can't remember what I used on my Tiger Moth, probably the glue that came with the kit. It's a type of rubber cement.

[supremebeholder]

The stuff that was on there reminded me of rubber cement but I wasn?t sure if rubber cement would hold well enough. I?ve got some of that too. I guess it wouldn?t hurt to try that first.

[newracer]

If you try the rubber cement use a small amount first to make sure it won't attack the foam. I don't think it will but just to be safe.

I just looked on rcgroups and from what I quickly saw hot glue should work too.

[ColoradoSkier]

I use Gorilla Glue.

[newracer]

I have used Elmers Probond (same as Gorilla Glue) for repairs and building but not to attach a servo. It would have to be held in place for a long time.

[supremebeholder]

Used hot glue. Looks like it will hold up fine.

Unfortunately, now it is too windy out.

[Ghettojeep]

There might be a loose connection is your pack if there is no volts.

Pretty much all my planes are lipo and brushless. Only one I have not converted to lipo yet is my 36" wing. It will take two packs that will cost me about $75 each and it will also though off the CG too much since the lipos are so much lighter. Only my Tiger Moth is still brushed, if the motor ever fails I'll switch it over.

FWIW over on rcgroups a guy did a lot of testing cheaper lipo packs and he came to the conclusion that it is worth the extra money to buy the name brand ones that cost a little more. They just did not last.
I'm not sure whats wrong with the bat, but when you plug it in to the charger through the balancing jack, the connector sparks and then the charger goes into error mode. :eek:

It's a relatively new pack, from my t28. I need to find the reciept so I can return it.

Asfa the HK stuff, it's 3 times cheaper. 2250 20C's 11.1's for around $20 each. I really don't want to drop the $75 on a pack let alone 2. It makes glow look economical. Electric stuff is expensivo. when buying through a lhs..

[Ghettojeep]

Made by Art-Tech. I think they make planes for a few different companies. It is lipo/brushless. The battery is 1300 mah but I haven?t been able to find out what the motor is and I haven?t pulled the front apart yet to look.

I chose this one because it is supposed to be docile and stable as far as P-51s go, and the stock 4-blade prop is supposed to make it relatively slow, but later on I can replace to prop with a 2-blade to make it faster.

This one was most appealing to me because I?m not too interested in flying fast, and I have a fairly limited area to fly in my front yard. I like the convenience of flying on my property.

Cool, It looks really scale with that prop. :thumbsup: And brushless and lipo is key as far as performance.

I just took my mustang out for 2 flights this morning, just got a little window of calm wind. Making the transition to glow is kinda fun. Finally got my motor tuned so it's running really well. Nothing like a low flyby in a stang!!

Take offs are getting better, and both landings stayed on the runway. lol

[Ghettojeep]

I got a total of about 10 mins of time with my P-51 this morning.

First flight was a ROG down my road. I damn near crashed it once it finally did lift off because the controls are way more sensitive. Bit I saved it from shearing a wing on a fencepost and it climbed up into a nice slow turn, then when it got too far away from me I lost track of the aspect ratio because it was still a little too dark to see the details on the plane. I screwed the turn up and somehow did a split S, returning to horizontal about 4? off the ground. I said screw it and dropped the elevator to land it in the field. It clipped a yucca, causing no damage, and did a 180 on a hard snowdrift.

So I waited 20 minutes for the sun to come up and then biked to the field I used to learn to fly my SkyFly. That was a much better place because there is a lot more room. I got two more short flights in. Since I was in tall grass, I took the wheels off and it looked awesome flying without them.

It flies wonderfully. Loops from level, rolls, immelmans, and inverted flight. I heard that this was a slow plane but tools along pretty nicely. And it is surprisingly stable. I didn?t have to worry about taking my eyes off of it to trim the controls. It really is like I heard it described, it produces a lot of thrust at a low speed, so it can sustain about a 45-50? climb almost indefinitely.

But on flight 2 I noticed some lack of response from the elevator and brought it back in for a landing. Turns out that the servo wasn?t working consistently. So I packed it up and rode back. When I got it apart I found that the wires were shorting where they were soldered to the servo. Clipped a few loose strands and put it back together but I don?t know what glue to use.

And that brings me back to my question. What?s the best glue to use to attach the servos to the foam? The kind of stuff that was on there was rubbery and tacky, and not too strong. I just don?t want something so strong that I have to destroy the foam to get the servo out if I have a problem again. Checking the forums, it looks like hot glue is a good choice.

On my cub I used 5 min epoxy, that way I could get it back out if I really needed to just by using my hobby knife.

[Ghettojeep]

At some time we have to have a CO4x4 flght session. :thumbsup:

[ColoradoSkier]

I agree, although it is hard enough to find a wind free day, much less one where we could all meet.

[newracer]

I'm not sure whats wrong with the bat, but when you plug it in to the charger through the balancing jack, the connector sparks and then the charger goes into error mode. :eek:

It's a relatively new pack, from my t28. I need to find the reciept so I can return it...[/QUOTE]Yeah that's not good!!! Probably a short somewhere. I am surprised it has not puffed yet. I'd keep it away from anything combustible if I was you.

Asfa the HK stuff, it's 3 times cheaper. 2250 20C's 11.1's for around $20 each. I really don't want to drop the $75 on a pack let alone 2. It makes glow look economical. Electric stuff is expensivo. when buying through a lhs..That is cheap, probably worth looking into.

We do need to have a flight session as soon as the weather gets a little more predictable.

[newracer]

I agree, although it is hard enough to find a wind free day, much less one where we could all meet.You guys just need to get some planes that can handle a little wind. :idea:

Actually the greenbelt behind my house is fairly protected from the wind and is large enough for parkflyers. But if you go above the roof tops the wind can catch the plane and make some intersting moves.

Also there is a vacant field just down the street that has a partial street that is a perfect runway. Not as protected from the wind but is large enough for just about any plane.

[ZooMad75]

ZooMad75- PM me your address and I'll send you my extra rotor props. I have decided mine is a dog and will not fly more than about a minute so it's only good for spare parts.

PM sent! Thanks again!

[Ghettojeep]

You guys just need to get some planes that can handle a little wind. :idea:

Actually the greenbelt behind my house is fairly protected from the wind and is large enough for parkflyers. But if you go above the roof tops the wind can catch the plane and make some intersting moves.

Also there is a vacant field just down the street that has a partial street that is a perfect runway. Not as protected from the wind but is large enough for just about any plane.

Yup it all depends on the airframe. 10 mph is the max I've flown the cub in, with gusts up to over 15 or so. I know this b/c at times I had it flying backwards lol. The T-28 is better but still gets tossed around as it's less then 2.5 lbs.

My Stang does a bit better. I actually like flying it in a little bit of wind as it makes take off and landings a bit easier, as long as the wind is with a runway. Other then that it can handle a bit of a breeze a little better. But it's a fast plane for it's size and motor.

I've flown the mustang today and yesterday for a total of about 10 flights. I still have a lot of learning to do. I've been flying down at the Boulder Club field. Intimiadating as it is down there, it seems to be a good group of guys. A couple have really helped me out with the set up and tuning on my planes. As well as helping with some coaching on aerobatics.

I'm progressing on my takeoff and landings, but still have some work to do. If it weren't for these, flying would be cake. :D I'm getting the slow flight characteristics of the stang down, but it is def a war bird. It likes to come in hot and use up a lot of runway, the same for takeoffs. Although I have some good power, it pulls left hard, and doesn't exactly jump off the runway. You have to haul some ass..

[newracer]

Just bought 2 lipo packs, really nice charger, and some misc parts from All e RC www.allerc.com Got a little carried away to the tune of $264. :eek:

Batteries are to get my 3D plane up and going.

FYI orders over $100 get free shipping and coupon google10 gets you 10% off, one time use only.

[Colorado 5.9]

So what charger did you get?

[newracer]

Hyperion EOS 0610i NET (http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=3366)

[ColoradoSkier]

Flew that plane that was given to me, after an hour or so off going through it. It was too gusty for me to get an accurate read, but it feels like it wants to fly left too much. Might have to order a new v-tail for it, as I think the foam has developed a bad memory for what position the elevons should be in.

[Ghettojeep]

Just bought 2 lipo packs, really nice charger, and some misc parts from All e RC www.allerc.com Got a little carried away to the tune of $264. :eek:

Batteries are to get my 3D plane up and going.

FYI orders over $100 get free shipping and coupon google10 gets you 10% off, one time use only.

Nice dog, Funny, I actually ordered a charger and some lipos from HK a couple days ago. :)

I got this charger : http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5549

and also, I accidentally ordered two of these set ups (check that cart 2 times boys and girls.... ) , one is going in my cub, the other is up for grabs if someone wants it for a foamie.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4711

[newracer]

I can't believe how cheap soem of the stuff from Hobby City is. The only bad thing I have heard about them is shipping can take a while and only order stuff that is in stock as backorders can take a long time.

I looked as those IMAX chargers too, they look nice and should work well for you.

I might take that extra brushless setup off your hands.

[Ghettojeep]

Cool, I've heard about the shipping lag too, but damn yo this hobby has drained my "fun $" considerably, so I gotta stay cheap.

I crashed the stang yesterday due to my error. It was flat light and far away, and I screwed up lol. I banked it too far over in a turn shortly after take off, and rolled it over so it was upside down. I realized this when I pulled up and the plane went for the ground.... I could have saved it but kinda froze up vs doing what I needed to on the sticks, all I needed to do was roll it back over and I would have been fine. :rolleyes:


I better learn to stop crashing my chit, or stay w/ milder planes for now. But what fun is that?

[supremebeholder]

Crashed mine yesterday too. The mustang is way more quiet than my SkyFly and I couldn?t tell when the battery was getting low. It cut out when I was in a hard turn at about 15? and I didn?t have the airspeed to keep it in the air. It dropped like a rock and broke the prop and one of my wheels.

I put the new prop on but I guess I didn?t get it tight enough because the propeller left the plane about 4 minutes into my next flight. It only came with 2 nuts originally and I had one in front and one behind, but that just doesn?t seem to work. Now I have the prop double-nutted on both sides.

I think I?m going to have to paint the bottom of my wing a different color. There?s something about the silver that makes it hard for me to tell which side of the plane I?m looking at. Several times when I?ve come out of a roll, I couldn?t quite tell which way it was heading.

[Ghettojeep]

Yeah, the warbirds are tough in low light, or just basic orientation. There is something about flying a gray plane against a gray sky that doesn't jive. :D


I ordered a new airframe since mine is toast (again). After damage assesment I could have got by w/ only a new fusalage as I have a wing and tail that are still ok. It prob hit the ground at 50-60 mph.... Ouch.... It did make a lovely "thump" noise though.

What sucks is I was doing pretty damn well. I'm not ready to give up the mustang yet.

Man it steams me. I was having really good flights. Just getting in the realm of some fun aerobatics, knife edges, etc.

Then I have to go do something stupid and there goes another $130 bucks. If my next mustang eats it I may have to throw in the towel and get a diff type of plane.

This is bad, it's gonna be my 3rd airframe. At least all the servos, rx, and motor are fine. I swear this is the last stang, (again).....

Although, on the other hand, this was not the planes fault. It was lack of concentration, I should know better then this by now.

[Ghettojeep]

Btw, one of the reviews about the motor/esc/prop combo I bought was talking about the art tech p-51 if it comes time to do a power upgrade, it seems that the $20 combo puts some more oooomph behind it.

[Ghettojeep]

Once I get my new lipos and charger, I'm gonna get rid of my nimh and hobbico dual charger.

I'm gonna ebay it most likely, but if anyone here wants the stuff I'll hook up a deal to avoid the ebay hassle.

I'll have 2 HZ batts, one 7 cell, one 8 cell, both 1000 mah, then 2 8 cell 1400 mah packs, and the Hobbico dual charger that goes for around $50 bucks, I'd let all the packs plus the charger for $60 or so.

I also have a castle creations 35 amp brushed esc and a stryker motor, that'll be going up for sale. I'd let these go for $30 together.

Also I have a complete Evolution A glow engine, along w/ 2 props and spinner. I'd like $60 for it.

Just a heads up to y'all if anyone wants it, all this will be going up on ebay in the next week or so.

[Ghettojeep]

Flew that plane that was given to me, after an hour or so off going through it. It was too gusty for me to get an accurate read, but it feels like it wants to fly left too much. Might have to order a new v-tail for it, as I think the foam has developed a bad memory for what position the elevons should be in.

Don't worry about ordering the parts, check out the local hobbytowns one of them will have that part in stock. They tend to stock most firebird and cub parts in the stores, as the parts get replaced quite often.

[supremebeholder]

Yeah, the warbirds are tough in low light, or just basic orientation. There is something about flying a gray plane against a gray sky that doesn't jive. :D


I ordered a new airframe since mine is toast (again). After damage assesment I could have got by w/ only a new fusalage as I have a wing and tail that are still ok. It prob hit the ground at 50-60 mph.... Ouch.... It did make a lovely "thump" noise though.

What sucks is I was doing pretty damn well. I'm not ready to give up the mustang yet.

Man it steams me. I was having really good flights. Just getting in the realm of some fun aerobatics, knife edges, etc.

Then I have to go do something stupid and there goes another $130 bucks. If my next mustang eats it I may have to throw in the towel and get a diff type of plane.

This is bad, it's gonna be my 3rd airframe. At least all the servos, rx, and motor are fine. I swear this is the last stang, (again).....

Although, on the other hand, this was not the planes fault. It was lack of concentration, I should know better then this by now.

Ouch. I think I can get a new airframe for about half that. And sometime down the road I?ll probably be getting another since mine is already showing a little wear.

Have you spent much time on the sim? I?ve never really had problems with coordination like some people do, I know a lot of people have a hard time reversing their movements when the plane or car is coming toward them and they?ll turn the wrong direction, but I felt much more confident in my coordination and flying skills after just half an hour on a sim.

I?m getting used to the mustang but I?m still struggling with the landings. I know it?s because I?m landing on snow and gravel, but I think I?ve nosed over every time I?ve landed.

On my last launch I didn?t throw it hard enough and it nosed in pretty hard and broke the prop and motor mount. I have a spare mount but I foresee doing it again sometime and I don?t see them available on the spare parts list. The closest one I?ve found is this one: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLCL3&P=7 but the bulkhead mounting holes aren?t far enough apart. The bulkhead holes are 35mm center-center in a square pattern, and it needs to extent about 40mm forward. Has anyone come across a universal mount that might work? If not I?ll get the aluminum one and make it fit.

I?m thinking about extending an extra wheel far enough below the nose so that it wont hit the propeller when it noses over.

[Ghettojeep]

I have actually been ok with it as far as orientation. This is the 1st time I really lost it. I'm not sure if it was flat light, or I took my eye off it just for a second, but it was def pilot error.

It's a glow powered 46 size stang, so it gets moving pretty well on 20% nitro and a 10x7 prop. I've had comments from a bunch of people on how fast it is. I can keep up with some really high powered 3d planes. It even has outpaced a 27% 540 edge w/ 50 cc's.

It is a pretty advanced plane for where I'm at in the learning curve. But I should be well past the point of doing what I just did. It was kind of a fluke. I just froze instead of using my instincts.

After really sorting out the damage, I found out I could have just got by w/ replacing the fusalage for around $70 or so.

[ColoradoSkier]

I think for now I'll let you guys keep speninding the big bucks and I'll keep it simple with the $30 jobs (and the free one). Looks like Air Hogs is releasing an F-18 this summer. Pics make it look pretty cool.

[supremebeholder]

I freaking dropped it. I am so unbelievably pissed at myself. I had a great flight this morning and when I picked it up to bring it in, it slipped out of my fingers, and I broke the wing.

[ColoradoSkier]

:eek:

[newracer]

You know you can fly and 4X4? There are a group of guys that go up one of the trails and slope soar planes. I have an old Zagi that I plan on converting to a slope soarer but just haven't yet.

[ColoradoSkier]

Recovery could be a b&^$h, especially from the top of, oh, I dunno, Red Cone? :flipoff2:

[newracer]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713038

http://www.slopecolorado.com/Events/GlacierRidge/tabid/55/Default.aspx

[Ghettojeep]

I freaking dropped it. I am so unbelievably pissed at myself. I had a great flight this morning and when I picked it up to bring it in, it slipped out of my fingers, and I broke the wing.

That sucks , but you should be able to fix it since it is EP. Did it crack, or what is the extent of the damage.

Fixing EP is pretty straight forward, just use a foam safe CA, thin or gap filling works. You can further reinforce this by using packing tape, plus small lengths of carbon fiber rod or balsa in there if you think it needs it.

I broke the cub wing in half and have made some repairs to my trojan in this way. EP is really easy to fix, as long as all the little bits are there.

If there is a gap or dent in the leading edge or something you can cover that in packing tape. I use 3M extreme tape, it's the best thing out there that I've found asfa strength. Of course you use reg clear packing tape too, but it's not as strong and doesn't stick to the foam as well.

Hope this helps

[supremebeholder]

Cracked the wing in half right at the inside edge of the aileron. The pieces went together perfectly. The glue is drying, and when it?s done I?ll cut some grooves and stick some balsa stringers in there, just in case.

I just can?t believe that I had probably my best landing ever, and when I picked it up, I dropped it and broke it.

[Ghettojeep]

Thats rough. I was flying the trojan today and I hit the throttle inadvertantly. It took off across the ground towards a fence. Nothing a little rudder couldn't handle though.

I'm still working on my glide slopes for landings. It seems like you just want the plane a couple feet off the ground. Let it come down slowly, then flare at the end. Sounds so simple.....

I had some good touch and goes today w/ the t-28, the trycicle landing gear is def a little easier to land then the tail draggers fo shizzle.

I was having some fun taking it up as far as I could get it and then see how many laps I could get in while just gliding. I was suprised. From a couple hundred yards or so in height I could keep it up for about 2 minutes b/f I had to give it more gas.

Good fun. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough for foamie flying tommorrow.

[supremebeholder]

Yeah, I haven?t quite figured out landings with my mustang. They?re pretty hit and miss.

My SkyFly really glides well. It is oddly fun to try to see how long I can keep it in the air. I need to take a watch out and see how long I can keep it flying on a battery. I think I could get close to 20 minutes if I go easy on the controls.

[Ghettojeep]

I've been watching the way some of the really good flyers have been bringing their planes in and have tried to take the same type of approach, although to me it feels like I'm setting up a little fast.

Normally I take it pretty far out and bleed speed and altitude w/ a turn and come out of it low and far away, then trying to control the glide slope and approach angle from far out. This long flight time at low altitude has given me some problems on my bigger stang as it's close to stalling at the landing speed, plus it gets jittery right there and is hard to hold in that long straight line. Your making lots of corrections.

They way I've seen the really good flyers come in is different then my approach in that their final turn is much closer to the landing strip. So although it doesn't feel as comfortable to me. I've been trying to do it basically by mimicing them.

It makes the approach easier as you don't have to hold it low off the ground for a long time. Bring it around and bleed the alt so that your pretty close to where you want to land, then it's only a matter of a correction or two to get you lined up. VS bringing it low and long, and having to make multiple corrections at low altitude.

I hope this kinda makes sense. This has seemed to be my issue of landing, at least if I'm trying to land it in a really specific place. lol. The field is still intimidating b/c as your coming in, there maybe a guy or two standing right next to you and the runway.

Kinda puts you in the pressure cooker so to speak. :D I feel much more comfortable out there by myself still, and it's wierd, I feel that I fly better too. :shrug: prob just the added stress of having the guys who know whats up watching.

[Ghettojeep]

Also if you get a bounce on the landing blip the throttle. This will give you a little lift, as when your bouncing your not really flying and that 2nd touch down is a lot lighter if you just give it that little bump. (tip from a excellent flyer) This helped me smooth out my landings for sure.

[supremebeholder]

Yeah, I?m doing it like you used to. Get it way out there and bring it in with a real flat trajectory bleeding off speed to drop altitude, essentially stalling it as I land. I think this is the best method for my landing area, since my surface isn?t smooth at all and I almost certainly nose over.

I?ve started landing with more speed and while the approach is easier, the ride after it touches down isn?t.

I?ll have to post up a pic of my training wheel. I bent some wire and taped it on so that I have a nose wheel just below and behind the prop. Hopefully this will be enough to keep it from nosing over.

[Ghettojeep]

If your doing rough field landings, you may look at a little larger diameter tire too, depending on what it has on it now.

[ColoradoSkier]

Looks like tomorrow might be the next window for me to get my Micro's out there...

[ColoradoSkier]

If you're going to fly today, do it this morning. Afternoon calls for wind gusts to 35MPH. :eek:

[Ghettojeep]

Sunday looks good for flying. I took the rebuilt mustang on a maiden earlier on Sat. It was windy man, but the flight went well. Landing wasn't that dead on, but close enough considering the conditions.

I changed over to a new tail wheel. The stock one is one a linkage epoxied into the fuselage and then epoxied again into the tail. In the system there is no shock absorbtion.

I switched over to a kit that mounts to the bottom of the plane and has more surface area, it is spring loaded both between the wheel and mount, as well as between the wheel and servo.

http://h1069809.hobbyshopnow.com/ProdInfo/sul/450/sul860-450.jpg

From what I can tell so far it is the way to go on a tail dragger. The springs not only cushions the landings, but also acts as a self straightening tail wheel. The spring gives it just enough lag and resistance to make it handle like a dream compared to the stock hard mount which was kind of squirly on take offs. Now it seems to track so much better.

Sunday is suppose to have light wind, and I'd like to fly, although there's football on tom, and always a ton of people at the field which is annoying as hell.

I also have decided to add some more color to my plane, although it will take away the authentic factor, I think I'm gonna add some yellow and black checkerboard monokote to the underside of the wings and tail.

[supremebeholder]

I figured out how to land my mustang. I start bringing it in about 100-150 yards out and maybe 15-20 feet up. I get roughly lined up and then cut to half power and let the plane do the rest. At that throttle level the plane naturally starts to drop and I just have to keep it level and pointed the right direction.

Since I?m landing on gravel, I put a wheel on the front and that makes all the difference. Even with up elevator, it wants to nose over when I land but the front wheel keeps the prop from dragging.

And as a temporary solution I put some day glow orange shooting target stickers on the bottom of my wing and it makes it much easier to tell which side I?m looking at. I might paint the bottom wing a bright checkerboard like you mentioned.

Oh, and mine came with a pretty nice tail wheel. It has some spring in it and it swivels easily, but it isn?t steerable.

[Ghettojeep]

So I'm out of the Stang flying for a bit. I lost my new one on monday morning. Had 4 good flights that morning. I also flew on Sunday and had a really good day. I went through a gallon of fuel and only nosed it over on one landing, and that ended up w/ only a small dent on the tail.

Anyways on monday I was really working on landing approaches and even managed a couple touch and goes, instead of just punching holes in the sky.

I'm still not sure what really happened, but I was up really high doing axial rolls (one of the few times I was actually doing aerobatics instead of practicing my approaches).

The plane was not that far away, but I lost all radio control of it,