Moveable Surfaces + Operating Features

[ADW 123]

I have a B-17G in my stockpile now, probably will build for static after i build my U control Cessna (if i can wait that long) I need some opinions as to moveable surfaces and operating features. I normally talk myself into adding them, just because i feel like if i dont then maybe some might think i was lazy, or incapable. Something like that. I considered not adding moveable surfaces on this one, but am unsure as to how this will effect the overall quality of the model. I do have a heck of a time with the parts, because they rarely fit properly, especially when you are adding moveable surfaces. I think i would spend much more time fidgeting with the poor parts than actually building the thing. Opinions welcome.

[rayd]

Say ADW...I'm kinda impressed with some of the biggies made by Bill Parker, Dave Duckett, and some others. Perhaps they'll chime in with some opinions. I'm getting a Mitchell soon. Completion time another story. In my head though, for my static build, whenever, no moving flying type surfaces...on wings or tail section...but, gonna try to make it interesting...like a toy maybe, with moving turrets and guns, I've got some small electronic gizmo, batt. operated that was once sold to sound like a tommy gun in a car to supposedly relieve road rage stress...wll use this for gun sounds or a newer device, maybe some motor to wheels with simple on/off switch to have plane taxi (hmm, I better watch out for the dog)...dunno, just something novel, different.

Think I'd rather put my time into novel fun stuff more than moving surfaces with hinges, etc,if I'm not intending to fly her. NOT that there's anything wrong with realism and moving surfaces, but I'm gonna try for a fun type thing for a change. Just an idea to share. Maybe I'll include some wireless "stuff"...some simple cheap motors to turn the props, maybe more gadgets still. Crazy idea? Yeah, probably, fun? probably...will small nephews break it when visiting? Probably. Aah, part of life's experiences.

[BillParker]

Alex:

twin engine u-control...


only way to go... I have two of em in stock, gonna fly em both... and will be blowing the plans to 135"... gotta find a home for it before I build it tho...


bp

[ADW 123]

I cant even get a single engine U control to fly. I woudlnt want to wreak a twin engine. besides, my history teacher from last year got me that kit. I was going to built it and hang it up in his room. He has another one of my planes too that i gave him a couple years ago

[rayd]

Ok...so, build the thing as a static model, but instead of bells and whistles (or gun sounds) install some electronic gizmo with a remote that recites some Shakespeare or whatever history he likes. I see good references if you can pull this off.

Sometime though, if you've the inclination, space, and are ok with your local municipal rules and regs, U Control can really be a lot of fun. Maybe do some reading up on it, check on clubs,...Bill or David can likely recommend some good books or sites to explore. I had a ball with U-Control way back. Can't now, too many rules, regs, ordinances, too crowded where I'm at, so I'm limited. Plus, no near sources for "hot fuel proof supplies" and on-line S&H pricey. It's best if your not too far from a nicely stocked real hobby shop, and just don't ever fly if you see ominous clouds or hear thunder.

[ADW 123]

Trial and error is the way to go i think for U control, but not on my shiney new B-17! Sometimes its hard to explain why certain things happen.

[cliffm]

I tried to add a little detail to this o[img]http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/cliffm1/045.jpg[/img]ne.

[cliffm]

[BillParker]

Rayd:

Alex knows what he's doing around circle planes. He's just upset because he made a crater in the ground with his Corsair... He'll get back on the horse.

I will admit tho, that making two 1/2a engines run at the same time is a pain in the buttocks... But when you gettem in the air, they sound way too kewl fer skewl...

[rayd]

Ah ha! I wan't attentive enough to the posts...all these initials ADW, VHS, DVD, IPod, rayd, etc. Now I recall...that pix with the fellow holding the giant Corsair...so that was a U-ee ship and the little plastic pilot inside bought the farm, eh? Hey, ADW...Alex, sorry to hear about that, but aah, the fun is mostly in building it...sometimes. I had my share of crashes,

A story..once built a Sterling Ryan scale, covered with sheet balsa curved over steamy pot of hot water...many hours, I think a Fox .35 Combat and maybe 5 coats total of dope/paint involved. Should have been display really, hot red/sport decorations. But, the bug got me...ok, Maiden flight...not much wing area this baby, chord not great for flying, and too much paint. We'll just keep her level. First quiet level flight ok but landing....like a brick, but only damage, a busted wood prop. No sweat. Quick change, some racing fuel, and off again...will try again and revs seem better this second time. See a few cute gals walking, my adrenalin going nuts, and Ace rayd here feels like showing off, flying brick or not.

Really should have logically just let fuel run out and land it...sensed early it was not for acrobatic stuff like profile Ringmasters. But no, we gotta impress those gals looking this way. Ahh, a wingover followed by a loop and a figure 8 (yeah, in my dreams...stuff tough enough with Ringmasters)...but I'm the Ace here. Well, got thru easy wingover ok, but into first loop, "the brick" does a hammerhead/lomcevak, crashes heading toward me! I go home with just engine, and various salvageable parts... gals just kept on walking and talking.

Hey Bill...what happens with a twin engine when one motor faster than other or when one stops. I know the engines are close to fuse and in real deal, it passed test of going over mountains on one engine, but what do you experience in model world in U Control. Your not using any RC stuff to control speed differences. How does she react compared to a single engine job. Whenever you get chance...was alway curious about a twin like this....was once going to build Ford Tri-Motor from plans, and use eg Enya .60 or .45 for main center engine, with outer ones just dummies. Thanks Ray

[BillParker]

what happens with a twin engine when one motor faster than other or when one stops.

you take a giant step BACK...

It's not as bad as you think. There's generally lots of airspeed, so there's time to get her real close to the ground... Then you just ride it out.

If it was easy, everybuddy would be doing it...

[ADW 123]

which motor do you start first? outside to the flying circle or inside? or does it not matter.

maybe someday, but not anytime soon.

[BillParker]

well, let's see...

crouching down in front right or the plane... I think I'll start the one furthest away first, so that my arm is not nearly cut off by that spinning right hand motor...

Reality: I start both on the bench in the garage first and run a tank thru each motor.

Then while they're red hot, I hook up the lines out in the circle, (I live on a culdesac and fly right smack in front of my house) fire up left engine first then right, then get my groundcrewman to hold her down while I haul a$$ ou to the middle, then YEEEEEEHAW!

Hold her KNUTE, she's a rearin'!



bp

[mustangman]

I was thinking when i was growing up and guillows had just came out with the B-26 and the mosquito . My friend and I had purchased both of these , him the B-26 and me the mossie. Well he finished his , he put two cox babebees in the B-26. He did a great job on it but he was too chicken to fly it!! He was afraid he would crash IT!!He had a Spitfire that he flew control line! It Flew awesome!! as for me I never finished the mossie!! And it languished in his basement untill his dad and mom had died , and the house went up for sale. we used to fly alot of control line models and cox planes!! He had a flite streak with a Fox 35 on it 35 foot lines. I flew it a couple of times ,It was a handfull to fly!!I still have one plane that I flew back then I just need to recover it and it will be air worthy!! Mark

[rayd]

Go ahead....do it. I' m not putting down 1/2A for U Control, but man...if you've got the space, oks, supplies....there's nothing like the heftiness and maneuverabilty and fun with a larger plane, like that Top Flight or...I tended to favor Sterlings, maybe because my LHS carried them mostly. Power...Fox .35 often, but sometimes their .29 "Combat" gave higher smoother revs, albeit a tad slower at times, but great aerobic capabilities. K&Bs were also good then, and this new Enya was coming out with good engines, and some biggies, like .45 and .60...just watch your fingers with those things.

If you wanted performance, and fun, it was often some profile type, about 42" span, clear dope only and so called "contest balsa" was then coming around, so we often exchanged some pieces for less weight. Sometimes, covered wing with paper too, instead of silkspan! The thinking was that it made plane lighter and quick field fix if needed using paper. Not good lookin' but fun. Don't recall details about the prop, but this was critical...the different pitches and sizes to fine tune your plane. Go for it Mark, make it airworthy. I tried some 1/2 A stuff, made me dizzy! tried some Jr. Ringmaster sizes also using .09 to .19 power, but not enough heft or pull and not good in wind, for me anyway. Yeah, Top Flight....didn't they have one with swept back tail I think? Yours like that?