Graeme Poke

Thanks CYMAZ, Peter and Bob and all contributors. Such good ideas. I thought of all sorts of useless stuff but nothing as clever and simple as those. So I'll give them a try. All the best Graeme

DH Hornet Supermarine Spiteful/Seafang Zlin526 and at 1/7th scale. Easier to cart, cheaper (use a lot of existing supplies), easier to build. (maybe) Cheers Graeme

Thanks for that Andy. That's a very helpful article. The problem I have is alignment . No matter how much care I take I still find the flap, foe example, is slightly out. What makes the current project (Spitfire) worse is the flaps are split and I can't use the jig. I seem to remember that Peter Lowe had a way to line up the flap to the wing by inserting something in the flap hole and pressing it against the wing. Maybe it was a cut down hinge. I shall persevere and keep searching for his article. Cheers Graeme

I have trouble accurately lining up this type of hinge. I remember Peter Lowe described a technique in RCME but I can't find it. Any suggestions please. Thanks Graeme

I'm sorry but I love warm weather. 25c here today , glorious. Cheers Graeme

Hi Stu, I have seen your model elsewhere. It looks so good, so different. It's a shame you lost it. I suggest you buy another. I have chamfered the flap edges, as you suggest, well you have to in order to get the required movement but I never thought to put flap horn on backwards. I will investigate. I have fitted a Laser 155, lovely motor, but I was not happy with the landing and it was suggested that I needed more flap movement. So I am in the process of modification but it will probably be another month now (busy) before I get it ready. Then I will see if it helps at about 80degrees. Thanks for your suggestions. Cheers Graeme

Donald thanks for the tip. I will order some in the new year and then decide whether to try them. Piers, that's really helpful information. I was concerned that I might drain the battery so as Frank suggested I will change the hinges and hopefully have them work freely. The power on with flaps whilst landing has also been recommended by others with experience of such things. So thanks for reinforcing that procedure. I will give it a try up high to start with so I can get a feel for the reaction, pitching, trim changes etc. I won't be ready till mid January, busy time, so I will report then on the result.Thank you all for your help. Merry Christmas all, Graeme

Thanks Ian, I haven't seen those before. I need (?) some stuff from hk so will order these as well. Doesn't hurt to have a look. Graeme

Crikey you fellows are brave. I must be a sook. The wind has to be no more than 20km's ( even then I am reluctant) and at least 15deg Celsius. In my youth, a long time ago, I would fly in anything. Not now. I prefer the workshop and building, or more truthfully, repairing! Ah well it's still fun. Cheers Graeme

Not really well Frank. They are the fuzzy cyno type hinges and I reckon you are right. Maybe I should replace them with plastic mechanical ones. It's a pretty big angle for them and not ideal. Yes I think I will get bigger servos as well. I am using JR 539's. Thanks for the calculator. Cymaz, I have put the longest servo arm I have and the last hole just pokes through the hatch cover. So the pushrod is in that hole. The closest hole on the horn doesn't work because the pushrod scraped across the wing. So I am three holes up from the hinge. I will try bigger servos, replace the hinges, (yuck!) and get a bit longer servo arm. Hopefully that will fix it. I was being lazy and trying to avoid all that. Thanks for your suggestions. Graeme

I have a YT 72" Spitfire. It's the first time I have had flaps. I can get approx. 60 degrees but the instructions say I need at least 75deg, peferrably80deg. My book, Radio Control Guide by Norman Butcher, states "the horn should rake back if below the surface some 30deg" and "rake effect achieved by moving horn back" from the hinge line on the flap. I tried this and I do get more movement but the servo "buzzes" just about all the time. Do I get a longer servo arm, (more work for the servo)? What is the accepted way to set up flap geometry and how do I get more movement without possibly drawing on the battery to excess? Any help would be appreciated please. Cheers Graeme

Many years ago the drawing office at the company where I worked replaced all their furniture. I bought one of the old plan cabinets. Its fabulous. I was just lucky. Cheers Graeme

I also have not received my Special issue. I cannot figure out where to contact to chase up another copy. Can anyone advise please? Cheers Graeme Edited By Pete B - Moderator on 04/11/2015 08:18:21

Hello Martin, That's a very impressive rebuild. Congratulations on the successful flight. A couple of questions if I may. It appears you have fitted a Laser engine. What size and did you have any difficulty installing the fuel tank in line with the carb? I have a YT Spitfire with a 155 Laser and I need to hack the fuse to get the tank low enough. I guess yours being a scratch you were able to adjust accordingly. All the best Graeme

Staudcher, Thunder Tiger, nearly there, 2 weeks to first flight should do it. Saito 115 Zlin, Great Planes, electric Chipmunk, scratch still going, as per Danny Fenton, Laser, probably another 2 years, (at least)! Mick Reeves Focke Wulf, Probably a Saito Supermarine Spiteful scratch Followed by a massive dream list. Probably retire next year so that may help a bit!!!mmmmmm Graeme

Thanks gentlemen for all your input. I will try a pack of each. I can't believe the price. LSD, $8.45, ZN $6.13. I have been using eneloops for some years without any problems. But they are three times the price of the LSD's. So we shall see. All the best Graeme

Has anyone any experience of Turnigy 2300 4.8v low self discharge (LSD) receiver batteries? Also Turnigy NI-ZN 1500 4.8v receiver packs? Any advice appreciated thanks. Graeme

Oh, and is there any chance of a plan "down the track"? Graeme

At last Colin and it is fabulous. Congratulations. You must be extremely delighted and satisfied that you designed, built and flew it so successfully. And you even took the pictures. I have been following your thread from the start and I intend to follow in your footsteps once I complete the other four projects in the queue! I love this aeroplane. Happy flying, Graeme

Still very much watching, Danny and I do a little here and there. I am in no rush. I have just about finished an ARF, Staudacher, this is my third, love them and then I am onto another Zlin. Our flying season is gradually winding up so a lot more flying. I have also bought an E-Flight Viking for flying of an evening (daylight saving soon) in the park a couple of minutes away. I am also winding down work wise, 65 soon, so will have more time for the Chipmunk. So don't despair. I believe there is a lot of interest, well probably world wide. I am certainly enjoying your work and in awe of your skill and patience. Fabulous stuff. Please keep it up. You can't be too far from finishing. Go well Graeme.

You beauty! Nearly there at last Colin. It looks fabulous and I am watching with great anticipation. Good luck, Graeme

Gee, how good is that? Fabulous work Martin. I love that colour scheme. I have not seen that before. Cheers Graeme

A pat on the back for Richie Porte, A hero in Tasmania. Froome a terrific rider and a lovely bloke. Well deserved win. Go well Graeme

Well trebor this is a question I have been considering as well. I hope someone can provide some good info. Go well Graeme

Excellent Colin. I am keen to see how the Spiteful flys. I have ordered the Traplet 1/8th scale plan by Pete Nicholson which I intend to enlarge. And I am making slow progress on the Chipmunk. I have not given up on that. Cheers Graeme Edited By Graeme Poke on 04/07/2015 09:23:22