Andy Nash

Hi Arthur I think we have a few things to resolve here. The push rods to the head need to be stiff. Not able to bend under the effect of wind hitting the rotor. To resolve this they should be mounted on the front of the mast. If the rotors try to tilt back the rods stop this happening. Next the rotor blades need neg shims approx 0.5mm. Then if required add 2 or 3 bits of tape to these shims to get the rotors to spin. Holding the model into wind and see how each added bit of tape helps. If the shims are too thick i.e. too much neg angle we loose lift. Next hang-angle. A model that is tail heavy will never fly for very long. Add more nose weight to get the hang-angle more like 15°. Last idea would be to add a bigger front wheel to get the nose up higher. This will allow air into the rotors for a better head speed when on the ground. Hope this helps Andy

Chas I am sorry to read we have lost Zane. My thoughts go to his family and friends. Andy

1. Atom Special 2. Limbo Dancer

Fantastic video Rich. A lot of water under the bridge since then mate. I love the video, reminds me of fun days at the field, and there are bits of mine in that grass too! lol But the difference between these two models could not be greater. I would not want to loop or roll the model in the video, but I have seen it done with the Spyro; fantastic little flyer. Andy

Hi Martyn My vote, if that is ok, is for the 'ATOM' autogyro. Free plan in the Autumn Special RCM&E. fantastic! Regards Andy

I was given the opportunity to be a test pilot yesterday with Rich's "Atom Special". Top marks Rich, you have another wonderful flyer. There was a mild wind, not too strong, and it allowed me to feel if there were any surprises. There were none. I have to say it flies as well as it looks. Due to the small fuzz it does not get much effect from the wind, and Rich has the engine power just right. Enough to make it shift if needed, but also give a long flight time. Thanks mate for allowing me the pleasure of flying your “Atom Special”. Now I am not saying anything other than I return her in the same good condition you let me have it, unlike others! LOL Andy

Thanks Steve for a fantastic days flying. How much did that weather cost! bright sky with only little clouds to block the sun when we needed it, and a perfect breeze. Top marks on the BBQ mate, thanks again for a very happy day of flying. Andy

Hi Andre This is the type I am using on my Panther and my RPG autogyro (which is older than the Panther) I like the grub screw design. The prop adapter is not going to detach as it is secured by a grub screw. Also the gearbox is all metal. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RC-Model-A...item3a92347187 Hope this helps Andy

Looking like your having fun there Rich, you won't want to get back to work. Chris and Steve your builds are looking good. Andy Edited By Andy Nash on 04/09/2014 21:57:17

Hi Steve Great day last year mate, already in the diary. 17 days now, lol See you soon. Regards Andy

Very nice Rich. Any ideas on what colours to use yet, I always fine this to be a challenge. Andy

Wow you are quick Rich. I am sure there will be builders interested in the foam alternative. I have used builders foam for the wheel spats on my Panther. Perhaps this material could be used as a replacement for the balsa block ontop of B5? Keep up the good work mate. Andy Edited By Andy Nash on 15/08/2014 23:48:10

She looks great Rich. Does it take off from water; it’s raining cats and dogs here! Water floats perhaps, but is there enough space on the page? Serious mate looks good, well done. Andy

Thanks Tim for a great Autogyro Fly In, and thanks also to the Chiltern Model Flying Club. I was in a bit of trouble from home, should have left earlier. Wow time does fly when your having fun! See you all again soon Regards Andy

Well done Tim, I am pleased the maiden flight is done. She does look good. Today was welcome break form the rain and winds. A good design Rich, and a well done to you also. Andy

Well done Steve, and nothing broken! Very good news. I expect Rich will sleep well tonight, dreaming of his old friend the RPG. See you soon Regards Andy

Looking very good Steve; very good indeed. Have you tested the thrust, and found the position for the engine yet? Regards Andy

Hi Steve She looks very good, well done. My RPG blades are slightly different dimensions than the plan so I had to understand what was required to get mine to fly. I now have a 4 cell battery and still needed some lead. My advice would be to have a bit more nose weight as she will fly, a tail heavy model will fly, but not for very long! When I tried a set of Panther blades on the RPG I had more lift than the original blades. It was a fight to get her to land. I needed more nose weight and more forward movement on the servos arms. My advice would be to try hops. On a day with a gently breeze. The blades should spin up without too much forward speed. During the hops don't drop the engine power too much, only reduce it by one or two clicks and fly the RPG into a landing. I remember the chaps all shouting "don't cut the power" when I did my first hops at Winterton. Wise words. Remember the RPG is different to the Panther. A modification I have done to mine is a longer nose wheel leg. This points the nose up and helps get the rotors to spin-up. Hope this helps mate. Regards Andy Edited By Andy Nash on 22/12/2013 22:10:15

Hi David Please put my son and I down for a pair of tickets from your draw. I remember the model events in the past. They were good. Regards Andy

Yes I agree Dave, a very good video Rich. Sorry chaps I missed the day, but I hope to see you all again soon. Regards   Andy Edited By Andy Nash on 19/11/2013 20:19:59

Hi Dave Rotor head must be fitted. You would not check a fixed-wing machine CofG without its wing attached would you? Set the 3 blades fixing bolts tight enough so you can set them at 120°. I understand that you would think that two pointing forward or one pointing forward would change the CofG but remember the blades are balanced and fitted to one steel shaft. So it does not matter where they are pointing to check you have the correct CofG. Just have them at 120°. Note: It is better to have a nose heavy machine rather than a tail heavy one. This rule will apply for both the fixed wing and the autogyro. Mine is nose heavy by about 4mm forward of the CofG shown on the plan. That is how I like to have my setup. Also you can move the rotor gear box forward or backward on the top of the model to reduce or add nose weight. I refitted mine forward 5mm from the plan position to reduce the nose weight. Due to the ASP 52 four-stroke engine. Hope this helps. Regards Andy Edited By Andy Nash on 13/11/2013 20:34:13

I will add an extra log on the fire! For me it depends where the joint is located. Near an IC engine and I will always use an epoxy glue. Actually I used a lot of epoxy on my Panther as there was a lot of ply to balsa joints. The 5 min stuff gives me enough time to move and pin the joint. Regards Andy

She is looking good Steve. I used a metal geared servo (MG995) in the front of mine. I needed to as my landings are not always ideal! Regards Andy

Hi Andy Welcome to the mad house! Well done to your son on passing the A Cert. Passing the A is all about safe flying rather than trick flying. All the best, or is it Break-a-leg. Regards Andy

Hi Richard Now there are 3 Richards, this could get confusing! Welcome to the thread Richard. Pictures and progress reports please. We like pictures! Engine. I have used a ASP 0.36 2-stroke and she was a bit over powered. 0.32 looks to be better. I now have a ASP 0.52 4-stroke (inverted) and this is a bit over powered again. I do like the sound. OS 48 might be better but I don't have one to try. I know from Rich E an old OS 40 4-stroke is not ideal. Not enough power. Sorry can't help you with electric setups. Regards Andy