Rob Lewis

Thanks guys, I thought it was a bit strange that it happened after a low speed prop strike. Just confused me as it never gets as stiff as it was. The engines no where near new, must be coming up on 14 or 15 years now, although there was a 10 year gap where it wasn't run. I'll pop some fuel in and have another look later.  Cheers for the help

Well last week at the field, had a fine landing but the wheels caught in a pothole on the roll out and tipped the nose over, striking the prop. I changed the prop, and the engine was turning over fine and nothing felt wrong. It was the last flight of the day anyway so i fired her up quickly just to use the last of the fuel in the tank and check the engine, all seemed ok. Bit windy to go to the field today so decided to do some cosmetic work on the old girl instead. Thought i should just check the engine and it is now very tight around TDC and clicks as if something is slipping. The crankshaft doesn't have any play and the engine usually just has nice smooth compression.  I'm guessing the rear bearing has had it but not being an expert in engines thought i'd ask first. Is there anything else it could be or should i just dive in and inspect everything to see whats happening?  CheersRob

Well, shes had 9 flights so far and i'm pleased to say shes still in one piece. First flight was a bit twitchy even with the rates on but soon enough i fell back into the saddle, the rates came off and she was shooting around the sky.  Just needs a bit of tuning on the engine after i (while half asleep) adjusted the idle mixture needle rather than the control arm....Doh, and all will be well. Already looking around for a 2nd model to build, thinking a nice .40 to .60 size P51D, always had a soft spot for them. Just need to find a decent kit. Looking for something with precut major parts as i don't have the tools to do major building, but i prefer to build myself rather than the ARTFs.  Rob

Don't mind if i do  Now how do i delete some of these other posts....

Well picked up the xtreme today, not going to get a chance to work on it until the weekend as away on hols at the mo but should hopefully have it ready to fly by early next week, although away for a few days again so heres hoping for nice weather next weekend.  For an aircraft that hasn't been in the air for over 10 years she doesn't seem too bad, one hinge on the rudder has decided to snap, and the fuel tubings shot but other than that she seems spot on, well apart from the usual wear and tear on the covering. So a few hours work, new hinge, fuel tank and tubing and new batteries with a good charge and she'll be good to go.     Edited By Rob.. on 13/04/2011 23:03:17

Fingers crossed it won't take too long. Just like riding a bike hey... Feels like I've come full circle. Started with the models then got my ppl, then commercial and now I fly for a living but want to get back to the models again. Definitely no escaping once bitten by the bug.

Thanks guys, Think i'm going to have to have a read up on all this 2.4 stuff......... Was all 35 in my day and thats what i'll be using to begin with anyway.  Definately glad i had a look for a forum, looks like a great place.

Cheers fly boy, to be honest can't wait to get back into it.

Hi there, I'm Rob and currently living in 'sunny' Belfast although i'm originally from Swindon. After a long 10 years i'm getting back into model flying. Used to fly them for around 12 years before getting drawn away by the marvels of full size.  I mainly used to fly fun flys, although had a short venture into gas turbines before being drawn away. To name just a few of the models residing in my dads garage..... A trusty Junior 60 which i learnt on some 22 years ago, a Wot 4, Fracas, Extreme 3D, scale mustang, canard gas turbine (unfortunately in bits bue to epoxy failure), blue foam delta, paper dart polysteryne thingy, and a couple i've most likely forgotten about. I'm getting my Extreme 3D brought over for me next week so i can get back into flying. Hopefully it'll stay in one piece long enough for me to get the hang of it again. I've brought a set of new batteries for the rx and tx and going to change the fuel tank / tubing and hopefully she'll be airworthy again. Is there anything else i should change / check? Other than a full check over of electrics and joints etc.  Anyhow a lot has changed since the last time i flew so may take me a while to learn it all but looking forward to getting the models back into the air again.  Rob