Stuart Z

Thanks for the input folks. It is a glass or similar fuselage but I do fancy the idea of an internal motor. Just wondering how to assess the cut. Not keen on keeping it for bungee or tow launches as I’d rather be lazy and launch from a standing position. No longer built for hurrying around a field. I have an Ares Alpine which is great fun and wanted to do something similar. Already have a RES Eagle and motor in the queue. Found the Apex in the loft and was looking how to go about putting a motor in that as well. S

I bought one of the above at the Sandown Expo m-a-n-y years ago. I would like to put an electric motor on it, not the over wing pod type. How do I set about it. No doubt a bit of maths needed. New to gliders so all a bit of a mystery at the moment. Hope you can help. S

Hi Only just getting in to gliders - would a gentle stall work. (Small up elevator?) I can’t see a turn working out that well. From full size flying they seem to need balancing out all the time to stop tightening up. Stall would also be a risk but is this not the point where 3rd party safety overrides?

Thanks Nice to know.

Just received my CAA e-mail confirming my registration - it's staying the same as last year. S

Too late for your battery Nigel but mine are separated from the power panel by a separate On/Off switch. Batteries seem OK after around 2 years lay off. I have used an Optimate on them a couple of times but not left them connected.

Just spotted this thread, I'm on my second S60 the first was KK original and the second is a Ben Buckle. The first was sold on to a gentleman that wanted something less fast and "brick like" than a Hi Boy as he was of advanced years, I think the engine was an OS 35FP. I'm just about to fit an OS 35FP or OS 40FP into the BB version. It was last flown with an Irvine 40 which was seriously heavy for the plane. The 40FP I'm looking to put in the BB version was the one I used in the KK version 40 plus years ago, still has good compression. The 35FP I picked up somewhere more recently, looks hardly used. Still tossing the coin on which way to go. Guidance is still the Futaba FF7 I bought all that time ago, I had it serviced just a few years back to make sure it was still up to spec. So to reference the OP I think more than a 40 2T will be much to much, mine can aerobat (vaguely!) on the 40 size.

Interested to hear more on this plane, I built the Boddington version, a little smaller than the full size Super 60. Built as an ic version with a 15 up front. Yet to be flown but looking forward to it. It was a tad narrow to get the tank in but it looks great when partnered by my Super 60! Matching colour scheme and decals. S

I bought servos (“FUTABA 3003”) and they didn’t centre and could not be positioned by hand-unlike the real thing. They went in the bin, lesson learned and ordered from the Servo Shop, Steve Webb. Better quality, behaved like the should and still good value. (I remember the cost in the 70’s. )

For washing down I use soapy water with a dash of white vinegar! Seems to deal with the oily residue OK. S

From Overlander direct for me. Always been good service.

I learnt on Mode 1 in Essex and must admit I do get strange looks, seems that Mode 1 is fading out around here S

I’m amazed that a Mode 1 outfit was supplied, they are becoming quite rare now S

I won’t answer about your thrust line as I can’t remember how mine was set up but I do remember that the undercart was very pliable. It did however have a very slow and gentle approach as I remember so I left as is. Yours however will have a more weighty engine so may be best to go with your ideas and see what looks best. Great plane with gentle Aeros. I’d do another but don’t have the space. It is a bulky bird! S

For me a 4x2 of 1/2 inch ply to which I glued plasterboard the same size. Very heavy, very flat and easy to push pins into the plasterboard. Hard to beat. S

Hi 12 made up of 6 3S 6 1S all stored in a Battbox. Batteries get replaced every couple of years or sooner if they puff. I won’t charge a puffed one. Costly but easier on the mind than some batteries I’ve seen. S

I think the reason for a horizontal tank is the fuel height will only vary by a smaller amount compared to a vertical tank. In your illustration you can see the fuel height will vary much more than the other way round. S

+1 for Battsafe. 👍 S

Hi, I see that the concern is getting the younger people into the hobby. Is there an issue with our general new members being north of 40? These people will still be a valuable contribution to the club and can afford the hobby. Yes, it would be nice to get the youth away from computers (if that is the issue) but they will probably grow out of that go through youth to middle age and then maybe when other commitments are no longer an issue, can become steady members of our club environment. Just my view of things S

Posted by Andy Symons - BMFA on 25/01/2021 16:47:29: Posted by MattyB on 25/01/2021 15:57:49: Ultimately we have to remember we are in competition with many more activities than in aeromodeliings heyday, and any barrier (perceived or actual) will have an effect on participation. Whilst I am thankful for the work of the BMFA and the other national associations (who have been dramatically more effective than the AMA in the US) I'm not confident they will be able to effectively fight the rising tide of regulation backed by big business interests. I hope I'm wrong, but only time will tell. We are indeed in competition with many more activities, which is why we don't need those already within magnifying the size of any barriers that are there beyond all reality. Tell people the barriers are high and complicated and they will believe it and will be put off from getting involved, it is very damaging. I can't think of a more effective way of killing model flying off. There are a few barriers to participation, they are small and they are easily cleared without breaking step and certainly not worthy of all the angst and very damaging negativity that people are putting out. Lets keep some perspective, tell people that any barriers are small and easily cleared, put your energies in to attracting new blood not actively pushing people towards other activities. I really struggle to see the motivation to talk down our amazing sport and all its amazing facets. Spot on Andy!

Posted by Ray Wood 4 on 25/01/2021 14:23:53: Hi All, Remember those good old days before Social Media Forums, when we were all happier building models and flying them ? You only moaned to your clubmates and they didn't care Regards Ray Agreed, the lockdown will end and flying will get going again and I for one am pleased that the BMFA are doing their stuff. Looking forward to getting a plane in the air! S

Variou viewpoints coming through and understandable frustrations. As I see it, if we stand back and don’t support clubs etc leases might not get renewed and the when lockdown lifts there’ll be no club to go to. I belong to 3 clubs a mix of model flying and archery so it is quite a commitment but I’d rather try to help my clubs stay solvent. Just my view. S

Bearing in mind the almost no flying in the last year I don’t blame shops for keeping low stocks. Interesting to note though that new engines are appearing on the market from Just Engines the SH and the Force brand in SMC spring to mind as examples of smaller engines, plus the OS range. Plenty of second hand stuff as well on your favourite app. S

Birgir Expo might be helpful to desensitise the controls. Not a great user of expo myself but others on here may have some recommendations. It’s better the flying a twitchy model. S

Posted by Phil Green on 14/01/2021 18:49:09: For trimming I use car wheel balance weights, they're not lead but are quite heavy and self-adhesive, they come on a strip marked with individual weights. Bought a box of these off eBay - very handy! Easy to use.