Brian Clamp

I have had the Acrowot ARTF wooden version powered by a Saito 80 for some time. see previous posts.It has not been used for a while so took it out yesterday. 2nd landing ( not a greaser but not too heavy, worth only one small bounce ) and the U/C came off. I know ARTF models are suspect in this area so I strengthened it during the build, so I thought. what happened I have never seen before. the ply layers totally de laminated. see the pics. an easy repair but surprising. will add more strength.

Poll is a little confusing especially when you look at the results. does the question refer to the transmitter or the receiver used? i voted JR as that is my tranny but I mainly use SPECTRUM receivers. May be that is why SPECTRUM is coming out on top. Results of the poll could be inacurate.

Getting to grips with the landings. Slowed the tickover to 3300rpm on the Saito 82. This is improving matters. Prop is a 14x7. Getting a lot of vibration from the plastic engine mount supplied. Will be replacing it with a hangar 9 Ali version. Then may be able to slow the tickover a tad more. May be getting some foaming of the fuel. What is fish tailing that keeps being mentioned. Mine flies like on rails. beginning to get wrinkling of covering.will have to deal with that.

Thanks for that. Will do ASAP. It is a new engine so idle is a bit high at the moment.

Finally got out to finalise set up of my Acrowot. I had my first flights. I am not the best of flyers but this is a sheer delight. Flies like on rails. Tracks true whilst taxiing too. Just does not want to come down. Needs plenty of space to land. Floats like a trainer. A bit of wind and she just floats on.

Keep seeing mention of the captive nuts for the wing mounting. This was (thankfully) highlighted very early on in this post. And the first job I did was to replace them. The thread is too shallow and they should be replaced. Surely the manufacturers should have cured the problem by now. Maybee someone should tell them ?

Hi Flanker, the problem with the wing bolt captive nuts was highlighted very early on in this forum. replacing them was the very first thing I did. The nuts have practically no thread depth. The screws look like 1/4 whitworth. I started out by buying captive nuts from B&Q before I realised the screws are not 6mm thread. Had to get matching my nearest model shop. Not as close to me as B&Q unfortunately. beware if buying on line there are two sizes of screws available some black some white. To me the illustrations show different threads.

Have signed the petition. Should we not inform Chris Foss of the faults as well? It is after all a reflection on his design which is an all time great.

I am very surprised that so many builders are having problems with the push rods / cables on this model. They match the items provided with the "Proper" kits in this range. I had only one problem, with the throttle linkage, not mating with my Saito. I promptly remade it to suit. I found the wire quite soft and it bent fine. I DID CHECK IT WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS FOLLOWING THE REPORTS OF CRACKING. I am wondering if it the black coating cracking not the wire itself. This could cause the illusion of the wire failing. My dowel push rod for the elevator fitted straigh in and did not foul anything. Had it done so I would have used a Golden Rod snake straight away. ( with a wire insert to prevent flexing). I think the kit is for experienced builders really, who can change undesirable items to suit themselves.

I agree. I found the circular holes easier than I found the servo mounting holes.I just cut a small slot in the covering for neatness. biggest puzzle I found was the alignment of the throttle pusrod with the carburettor arm on my Saito. Had to completely remake the wire linkage to reach as it was miles out. This kit is not for tthe first time builder.

Hi all, Following some comments about the size of the 'lump' up front on my Acrowot ARTF, Just for fun I offer the following as justification / defence / EXCUSE. Before deciding on the Saito 82 I looked at a number of engines. The one in the video has an ASP 70 and the comment is "very nice" It appears that this unit requires 8oz of church roof adding to the front. Weight of the ASP is listed as 640gm + 8oz (227gm) = total weight up front is 867gm. Kits give a range of suitable enegines which can be used. In this case: 40-55 2st / 70-80 4st. I like as big an engine as poss in the range. You cannot have too much power available. There is no need to fly flat out all the time but a reserve of power is a security if needed. Will also allow for a day with a bit more wind than usual. My choices: My spare Super Tigre 61 2st. weight 759gm needs approx 108 gm of lead - saves 119gm of the church roof - good for conservation laser 70 weight 560gm but too long overall Saito 70 weight 470gm - 1.2 hp needs approx 397gm of lead Saito 82 weight 460 gm - 1.5 hp lighter and the same dims as the 70 needs 407gm of lead not so good for conservation. had a look at the review model and the 70 4st looked neat. compared it with my ST61 see pictures and the choice is clear. besides the Saito SOUNDS GREAT. No contest. The model flies fine and is quite sedate. ST 61   I rest my case. Saito 82 finished product Edited By David Ashby - RCME on 25/10/2012 15:19:27