Dave 8

I have recently acquired a Stearman bipe with 48 inch wingspan. Not sure what artf model kit it is but am told it is a Super Stearman with single pilot and ic powered with fiberglass cowl. Can anyone help me with c of g. I have searched the web but 48 inch span seems not to be mentioned at all. Plenty of large models and small 36 inch jobs but no 48's. Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Once again the members of this forum have delivered. It looks like a 90fs will do the job. Thanks for all the answers guys and don't forget the suncream! Dave.

Hello Martin thanks for getting back so promptly. I must admit a 90 4s does seem a little low because as you suggest it is a bit on the wide side. The fuse is fibreglass but the wings are wooden. It is easily wide enough for the pilot and navigator to sit side by side with room to spare. It is probably looking like a 120 fs. I will hang on and see what the input is from the others before writing the cheque. Have a good weekend. Dave.

Can anyone advise me as to what size 4 stroke engine to put in a 6 ft span Robin? I do not want to open a debate about what make of engine is best, that has been covered a hundred times, just what size is adequate for this plane. I do not want 'rip the wings' off performance, but sufficient for general flying. Thanks all. Dave.

Thanks for the replies chaps. Will check into Alan's link thanks for the trouble Alan.

What voltage should you aply to a glow plug? The lipo type charge at 1.5volts. The rechargeable type at 1.2 volts. The plugs presumably can accept the 1.5 volts ok but does this reduce the life span and does the 1.5 make the plugs glow hotter and start easier? I am in the market for a new one and just thought I would test the water the pool of knowledge out there.

Thanks for all your replies. Sorry about your engine Phi.l You can choose your friends, but you are stuck with your relatives. Inverted it is.

Hello all, I am fitting and SC70 4 stroke engine to a scale plane. Slow lazy flying type. I have the opportunity to mount the engine either way, although inverted will probably look better with the head out of the way with the advantage that the exhaust will be at the bottom. I appreciate that the plug will also be at the bottom (flooding risks) but could start the plane upside down. Would the valves and rods get better lubrication with the engine inverted? Over to you!

Hello All, Thanks for the replies. It seems I do need to get one or two other glues, not enough to build a new shelf as BEB suggests but one or two specialists product for certain jobs. When a new boy looks at the plethora of products available and the valid arguments for each of them, it seems a move of house could be necessary. As it happens, the way the hanger is building up with planes and helicopters, that might not be too far away!! Thanks again.

Glue. I suspect that this subject has been done to death but as a new builder I am still confused even after reading the excellent opinions on this forum. I suspect that if I ask ten people I will get ten different answers but. . . . are we being bamboozled by the types of adhesive available to model builders? What with setting times, handling times, different thicknesses, dangerous fumes, etc, etc. I am about to build my second model using the same glue as my first. This being a hybrid pva resin, totally waterproof, impact resistant, dries clear, water clean up, handle in ten minutes, used in industry and stronger than the wood and no fumes. Should this not be sufficient for virtually everything that needs joining? I built my first model with it (still in one piece). Do we really need a glue that 'soaks' in or sets instantly? Does it really soak in that much to make a difference. How hard do you have to land or stress a plane to break a joint using 'my' glue when compared to soaked in or instant type stuff? Or do I need a new shelf!

Hello Bill, Your own description is accurate enough. Some people like instant response regardless of what model they fly be it something tame or wild. Some flyer's use it, some don't. It is a matter of personal preference. I personally like a bit of expo to tame my twitchy fingers although I did learn without expo. As Percy suggests, try it yourself. No harm will come to your plane and it will not do anything weird. Just gain a bit of height and play around with the values until you come up with something you like.

I think you need to isolate two wires from the motor to be sure. Nice idea though.

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like a plug is the way to go. As always, fast response and good advice.

Hello Bob. I suppose getting 40A in a nice looking and smallish switch might have been a tall order. It doesn't hurt to ask. I am guessing your suggestion of external plug is probably the way to go. At least the problem of amp rating will not be an issue. Cheers.

Does anyone know of or recommend an external switch for an electric plane pulling almost 40amp at full throttle. I need to remove the wing to connect the batteries so having a switch would be ideal to carry the plane to the patch 'uarmed' so to speak. Obviously it needs to be easy to operate and above all else reliable! Dave