Bob Skidmore

Yes please, I've just started learning and after the other week I am now in need of a new trainer

Why not make the full size plans available as an electronic file, (after all, they are supposedly "free" in the magazine)? That would alleviate the problems RCM&E have with paper size, we could print off our own copies and every-one's a winner . There are certain areas of the forum that are for "subscribers only" so if RCM&E were feeling a bit protective, the electronic plans could be restricted to that area. If the intention is truly to bring "traditional building" back to the great unwashed, surely this would be a better way forward.

With regard to the Tony Nijhuis Trainer 40 mentioned by Terry, I believe he is referring to the "Sky 40". BEWARE of the cost of this model. I have just ordered it from "myhobbystore.com" £64 for plans and CNC wood pack plus £16 for two plastic components (cowls). When the pack arrived there were no plans but there was a little note in it detailing 3 further packs I need to purchase from SLEC in order to complete the model @ a further £50.30 and I haven't even started on buying the covering yet. All in all, this "trainer" will cost in excess of £130 to £150. Not something you will see mentioned on the "myhobbystore.com" website!!  

Simon, Thanks again and will do.  Steve, that's a great offer and I would be most obliged. Check your PM for my e-mail. Cheers guys, you have been most helpful. Kind Regards Bob

Many thanks Simon, that's very helpful and in language I can understand I'll give it a go asap (need fuel first) and report back here when it's done. Thanks again, I appreciate the trouble you have gone to to help me. Kind Regards Bob

Hi Simon, thanks for your reply. Regard setting up a motor, I have absolutely no idea at all. The last time I got anywhere near a R/C plane and ic engine was28yrs ago and even then it was only for a couple of ill-fated flights using an Irvine 40 engine. So in truth, I know absolutely nothing.

Hi folks, I purchased some second-hand planes a couple of years ago and I am just getting round to sorting them out. I have started on a Piper cub which has an SC61 mounted inverted. There have been drips of gloop issuing from the silencer for quite a while. I have completely stripped the engine, removed the piston, completely stripped the carb (every last screw) and washed the whole lot in thinners. Then, using my dremmel and felt polishing pads I polished the piston top and sides to a high shine and also the barrel of the carb. My questions are: 1). having done all the above, am I right in thinking I will need to run it in again? 2). If the answer to 1 is yes, does anyone know the correct technique for running this particular engine in? 3). I have no idea how to "set-up" I/C engines in general or this one in particular, could anyone offer specific advice regarding my engine? 4) as this engine is "pre-owned" and I have no idea of its history, also the only SC website I can find is written in Chinese, would anyone be kind enough to scan in the owner’s manual for the SC61 and e-mail a copy to me please, even if it is just the relevant parts relating to running in, setting up and general operating procedures.Thanks in advance, all advice gratefully received

Hello guys and gals.I suppose I could be classed as another "returnee". When I was about 24yrs old I met a chap called Ian Peacock (some of you will know him as the airbrush guru). Well, Ian had this idea that it was possible to teach someone to fly using a low-wing sports aircraft. He provided a glass-fibre sport model with sheet skinned foam wings and showed me how to build and paint it. After about 6 weeks she looked gorgeous and I bought my Radio gear (Fleet) and engine (Irvine 40). On its maiden flight, Ian took off and after a short while flew it into the sun, lost sight of it and she came down with a thump.  Back to the building shed and after effecting repairs we set off again. This time Ian trimmed her out and after satisfying himself that she was behaving properly, handed me the box. Not too long after I had control something awful happened... The model stuck at full throttle and started a high-speed dive almost vertically, back to mother earth. I handed the box immediately to Ian but the poor bloke didn't stand a chance. The model struck with such force that the engine had to be dug out of the ground, everything else shattered into millions of tiny little pieces. There was no rebuilding it this time  and that signalled the end to my R/C Flying days.Here I am at 51yrs of age and have just lost my aviation medical, so no more flying real aircraft for me . 2 or 3 years ago I bought three aircraft from eBay (Piper Cub; Cessna 172 and chipmunk) Being full time employed etc I didn't really have the time so they have just been hanging up in my garage awaiting attention. I also bought the JR Propo X-387 radio gear from eBay at the same time. I am now semi-retired and it's time to try R/C again. Last night (or was it the early hours of this morning) I ordered the Nijhuis Sky40 trainer plans pack from www.myhobbystore.com  as I am keen to build something from plans and this seemed to be a good place to start. All three planes from eBay require some TLC and will be restored to flight. The Cessna doesn't look like it needs much and may well be my trainer while I'm building the Sky 40. I will be guided by the guys at my local field (Norton, Nr Daventry, Northants) who I hope to meet this afternoon.Well, I've probably bored you all to tears by now, so I'll say TTFN for now and hope to speak to you again soon.