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Peter Jenkins

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  1. Peter Jenkins
    Has anyone got a Capiche 140 (the Weston ARTF one) with a Saito 180 installed? Mine registered 89 db during the noise test today and I wanted to know what others had done to make the 82 db. I'm using an 18 x 6 Graupnic G-Sonic prop which the Saito is turning at just over 10,000 revs.   As I see it, I could go up in diameter or pitch or both. Before I start experimenting (spending money!) I thought I'd gather any experiences that there are out there. @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  2. Peter Jenkins
    Andy,   Just stumbled across this thread when looking for a solution to another problem. I have 2 Saito 100s, a 120, a 150, a 180 and a 200 Ti. They all have a slow running needle mounted on the other side from th needle valve in the middle of the throttle barrel. I have found that you can adjust the low speed needle while running the engine although, as Steve remarks above, you do need to release any pressure on the screwdriver to allow the jet to return to its normal operating position. I have found it a very simple engine to sort on idle mixture - but then, I might just be lucky.   Best   Peter @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  3. Peter Jenkins
    Hi folks, I took the Saito 180 up to the field (in the Capiche) to check the exhaust and for a noise test. I had used the high temp Loctite silicone on the threads put on on Thursday evening. I ran the engine for a couple of minutes and ..... the exhaust came loose! So, cowl off, tighten up the exhaust lock nut again. The nut holding the pipe to the cylinder head was fine. I then ran the engine again and stopped it and while still cooking tightened the locknut from the pipe to the muffler as much as I could. I then put the aircraft through the noise test which meant full throttle running for approximately 30 secs on each direction - 2 mins total with a lot of idling in between. Nothing came loose but I failed the noise test! 89 db recorded with the prop facing the mike! Hmmm - have to check the forum on others expriences on this issue.   So, the lessons to be drawn are: use a high temp silicone but back it up by tightening the lock nuts when the engine is hot to make doubly sure that all remains fixed!   Thanks for all of your inputs. @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  4. Peter Jenkins
    Ed,   Thanks for the caution. Yes, I have screwed the manifold into the head as far as it will go and then backed out less than a turn to get the exhaust pointing in the right direction. I've put the silicone on both ends of the manifold pipe and am due to run the engine tomorrow - so we shall see how it goes! @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  5. Peter Jenkins
    I've just bought some Loctite 5920 Premium Copper Silicone sealer from Halfords (£5.49 a tube). The panel on the side says it is good for 200C continous and 350C intermittent. So based on Steve Hargreaves good experience using humble plumbers tape, I should be OK with the stuff I've bought. I'll let you know how I get on this weekend when I run the engine again.   BEB - I've only run in the Saito 180 and had 2 x 5 min flights. The engine stopped on the second flight which I put down to the silencer coming loose and the tank depressurising. No nasty black oily residue - so far. In fact, neither of my Saito 100's has displayed this residue either despite the exhaust coming loose a couple of times.   Thanks everyone for your inputs and advice. @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  6. Peter Jenkins
    Ed   It would be useful to know if you were suffering from exhausts coming loose on your 82a or whether you are merely taking precautions. YakMad reported that he had not had problems with his 72s and 82s so I was interested in learning if you had experienced problems. @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  7. Peter Jenkins
    Thanks YakMad, I'll give your suggestion a try.@import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  8. Peter Jenkins
    I have run 2 Saito 100s and now a Saito 180. All three suffer from the exhaust pipe retaining lock nuts coming loose despite tightening them as much as possible. I've also tried loctite (ordinary and not high temperature) but that made no difference either.   I am considering running the engine up to operating temperature and then tightening the lock nuts. Alternatively, to find a high temperature loctite but the best I can find is Loctite 278 that only guarantees performance up to +200C.   What do others do to keep the Saito exhaust in situ?
  9. Peter Jenkins
    PatMc - thanks for your thoughts. The Fox 15 in this guise has an integrated carb so I'm not sure how to introduce a throttling device that does not completely blank the intake. I was also considering going electric but I think what I'll do is see if I can get dispensation to fly the model as is apart from fabricating a silencer. I have built two in the past, one for Mills 75 and one for my beloved WenMac Hot Shot (I lent it to an acquaintance when it was attached to a LM/Aermacchi Santa Maria who promptly moved away taking the model and engine with him.)   As you say, re-engining with a small RC engine is probably the easiest way to go.   By the way, I have been making reasonable progress with Sainsbury nappy wipes to remove more of the ground in crud from the covering. I don't know what they put into nappy wipes but if I were a baby I'd be seriously concerned about my nether regions! @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  10. Peter Jenkins
    Erfolg, you are quite right! Spend more time flying than rebuilding is a good maxim.   PatMc, never having used silk before (only nylon) I think your suggestion is sound.   Now, on a slightly different tack, the aircraft is powered by a Fox 15 without any silencer or throttle. Any suggestions on addressing either or both of these issues? @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  11. Peter Jenkins
    Alan, yes it is silk and not nylon (I am told it comes from parachute silk of which there are a few bits left). The silk feels pretty flexible and tough. I've only ever covered in nylon and not silk. The proofer has peeled off in some areas and crazed in others, although whether the crazing is only the proofer is by no means clear. Thanks for the suggestion of Nitromors and using eye protection.   Martin, I suppose using fuel might work but might damage the silk in the process.   Thanks guys. @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  12. Peter Jenkins
    I am trying to rejuvenate a model built by my neighbour in the early sixties - it is a Sterling Mambo radio trainer for the days of valve radio equipment and rubber powered escapements. It looks like the fuel proofer has yellowed as where it has peeled off the paint underneath is quite sound.   So, is there any one out there who knows how to remove the old fuel proofer without damaging the underlying paint and silk covering? If there is no way of preserving the paint under the proofer that's OK as I don't think much of the existing colour scheme (black and white) - a nice red and yellow scheme would aid visibility and provide a new look!   @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  13. Peter Jenkins
    I am now on my 3rd E Flite Sea Fury!  Bought the first one for less than £60 but that died when I misjudged how far away a large lighting stanchion was and managed to fly the SF into the stanchion right on the nose!  Couldn't do that if I tried,  I then hunted around for another and found out that E-Flite had stopped making them., Finally found that Galaxy Models had two but at £70 each so bought both!  The 2nd SF had quite a long life but finger trouble finally consigned it to the dustbin bag.  So the 3rd and final SF is now flying.  I have put u/c doors on it and now have a 5 bladed prop but am still casting around for a suitable prop driver as the hub is much thicker than the supplied 2 blader.  If anyone is interested I'll put a picture of the SF up once I get the prop mounted.@import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  14. Peter Jenkins

    Peter Jenkins posted a gallery image in Member Albums

  15. Peter Jenkins

    Peter Jenkins posted a gallery image in Member Albums

  16. Peter Jenkins
    Isn't the issue one of what threat we are facing or rather believed to be facing?  Under current assumptions (which could be wrong of course) there isn't a threat against the UK that would need a carrier borne strike force.  Of course, in 1982, pulling out the RN's survey ship sent the wrong message about the Falkland Islands to Argentina but then, of course, the Argentine junta needed to distract the Argentinian population from the internal problems and resorted to the age old ploy of creating an external problem by invading the FI.   Anyway, even if we did have any carriers, as we cannot afford proper AEW protection and would have continued to rely on helos limited to 10,000 ft, the carrier would have been very vulnerable to air attack.  The plan was to shelter under a US carrier task force.  But that would need the US to accompany our carrier to discharge purely UK requirements.  Is that likely?     Ho hum, what a pickle.  Let's hope nothing happens that needs a carrier task force before the RN gets the largest ship it has ever had and, with a bit of luck, some decent combat aircraft to fly off it!     One point on the Harrier, its design has never been bettered for elegance.  If the STOVL JSF survives it will come close but the Harrier (or rather P 1127)  first  flew in the early 60s which just goes to show what an inspired design it was. @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  17. Peter Jenkins
    I wonder how long it will be before some crazies decide to use model aircraft for carrying out terrorist attacks based on this video.  On the other hand, it's relatively easy to produce a UAV these days with off the shelf equipment and carry a 5 or 10 lb payload and have it programmed to deliver it with GPS accuracy.  it would be a very difficult target to take down.@import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);@import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  18. Peter Jenkins
    1. Best high street retailer - Model Junction, Bury St Edmunds   2. Best mail order retailer - Motors & Rotors   3. Best ARTF kit - Weston Capiche 140    4. Best UK distributor - Horizon Hobby @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  19. Peter Jenkins
    Iain and Adrian,   Many thanks for describing your experiences.  I have done a quick balance and it seems sit just in front of 180 mm aft so I think I'll leave it there and see what it's like in the air.  Iain, I have already dialed in a good amount of expo on all the flying surfaces and also have reduced travel from the recommended throws on the rates switches.  So, I'm hoping the first flight will be uneventful.   I'll let you know when I've managed to fly it but the current weather conditions and the approach of Christmas may mean I'll have to wait until the back end of December.   Cheers   Peter  @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  20. Peter Jenkins
    In the Sep 2009 RCM&E, Mike Williams reviewed the Weston Capiche 140 - which got my attention.  I have finally got around to getting one of these kits and have now finished assembling it.  In passing, it was remarkable easy to put together with all the fittings living up to Mike's description of being top quality.   Mike said he flew his with the CG at the centre of the wing tube and it produced a "comfortably neutral".  The instructions give the CG position as 180 mm aft of the LE which places it almost 1 cm behind the position that Mike used.  The manual goes on to say that experts use between 240 - 260 mm aft of the LE.   Now, can some existing Capiche 140 operator comment on whether the position Mike used or the furthest forward CG mentioned in the manual would be the best starting position for a slightly worried, yet to fly it, so called pilot?   Thanks.   Peter  @import url(http://www.modelflying.co.uk/CuteEditor_Files/Style/SyntaxHighlighter.css);@import url(/CuteEditor_Files/public_forums.css);
  21. Peter Jenkins
    Erflog   I forgot to say that what really made a difference to me was finding the magazine Model Aircraft.  At the time, RCM&E was not focused enough on aircraft for my liking and had lots of stuff on electronics - not something that interested me then.  Through Model Aircraft I found out about a whole host of things to do with modelling that I would never have found out.  It also provided me with the free plan of Early Bird.  There was also a wonderful book by Peter Chinn (the engine guru) entitled All about Model Aircraft.  That was an invaluable resource for someone entering aeromodelling on their own. You don't find books like that easily today.  I just went into my local model shop today looking for a book to give an even older friend to try and get him to take the plunge into RC.  The recommended book was David Boddington's Building and Flying RC Model Aircraft.  Ofcourse, RCM&E also now does some very good beginner features and there have been good articles on the A and B tests so there is still that helping hand for the potential lone modeller as well, of course, as the internet which is  such a powerful tool - something today's young people take for granted!  I have to admit that quite often I don't think about going on-line to find the answer and when finally I do I am amazed at the amount of information that you can access.    So, should we worry about the lack of youth in the hobby - probably, but there are lots of other more pressing issues to concern us.  
  22. Peter Jenkins
    Having missed BEB's call to arms, may I just add the following.   I am going to hit 60 this year and had my first aeromodelling experience at age 11 with a KK Hurricane, not brilliant, before moving onto free flight gliders, Jetex and then control line. C/L was a great joy and gave me much more fun per pound spent than I got from my attempts to get into radio - build it your self kits by MacGregor (of the carrier wave only sort).  I  stopped aeromodelling when at University to go onto Gliding and then power flying and did not return to model flying till I was 52.  I have not done as much as I would have liked since due to pressure of work and the arrival of grand children!!   Point I would make is that I do not remember more than 2 of us at school being interested in building and flying model aircraft and that included those in the school ATC squadron.  So are things really that different now than when we oldies first dabbled in model making/flying?  My lucky break was that there was a model shop within a mile of my house (I lived in South London in those days).  The flying field was a good three bus routes away so it was on my bike with the models strapped to the carrier.  My folks didn't own a car so could not easily accompany me and I could not find a local club.  So it was very much a case of teach yourself - using the excellent Peter Chinn publication "All About Model Aircraft".      
  23. Peter Jenkins
    Having a nice break from work over Easter and managed to get in some flying with my E-Flite Sea Fury in the field behind my house. End of day produced calm air on one day only and a fight on the other day!  Still, at least I'm keeping my hand/eye coord alive for when I get down to the patch and give the IC brigade an outing.
  24. Peter Jenkins
    As an asthma sufferer, I was pretty badly affected by CA so I went to B&Q and bought a mask with double canisters.  Works a treat and I am also protected from some of the balsa dust in the air in my shed!  Only problem is that it's a bit restrictive when trying to work close up in a fuselage...but it sure beats feeling as if your lungs have been torched! 
  25. Peter Jenkins
    Thanks everyone for your input.  I went back to the model shop (Model Junction in Bury St Edmunds) and asked for help which was instantly given.  They identified one of the blades having an unusual upward twist towards the tip.  They swapped over a blade set from another MSR going back for a sticky servo and test flew the MSR which flew very much better!  I've now flown it myself indoors and it is quite entertaining. I do find that you have to be well ahead of the MSR otherwise you're in trouble - no different from twitchy aerobatic devices I suppose.
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