Erfolg

I use all the above as I perceive the appliability. Just a few extra words, I intend using long life cyno in future, although ordinary cyno is a good substitute for Zap a dap a doo, when it is almost off, ie has thickened. From time to time I use Polyurethane adhesive, it is gap filling, water proof, sticks to almost anything. But does need moisture to iniate the cure. There are to many brands to mention, some slightly different. I also use contact adhesives ie Evo-Stick, since it has gone water based, not as strong, but does not attack foam. If I have it, or have need for it, does influence what I use.  PVA is the must have! Regards Erfolg

Lee Look on the internet for glass covering, there are a number sites you can find, which deal with Epoxy glass covering. Some detail methods which do not require vacuum bag techniques, may be considered old fashioned, they do work, do not necessarily increase weight disportionatley, and provided a good finish. Although time consuming. They nearly all describe a wetting out process, using to much resin, than either removal with kitchen towels  or a squegy of some type, or scraping with credit card (defunct ones work as well as your current issue, and do not mess up your card holder). Often there is then a filling process later, to give a gloss finish. Like many things, there are many ways to skin a cat (or Jart), they all work if done patiently, and a modicum of care.

Jetsome You start to make me think, can Spain be that more dangerous than the UK. Having been in a Head on crash, knocked of my bike from the side, rear ended twice, all in the UK, yet in Europe, no accidents. I had a look at the EU road Safty website, the risk of injury quoted is UK 500 per 100,000, Spain 280 per 100,000 miles traveled, yet Britain  has 6 road deaths per 100,000 and Spain 12 per 100,000 population. It appears Brotains roads are the least efficint in the EU, Km per Hr and the British travel less distance than others. I personaly believe, the difference in safety between each country owes as much to perspective and the point of veiw we wish to adopt. I feel no more safe in a the UK with its safety Warriors, than in Spain (or most EU countries) with there far more pragmatic aproach to safety. Erfolg

I would ask if the Spanish are so irresponsible, do they have more accidents than we in the UK? I would guess they are roughly comparable (making allowance for Government spin). We in Manchester have now had the community police stand and watch a little boy drown, Health and  Safety you know. The Chief Constable defend the inaction. A police constable who arrived later, thereupon dived in to do a search, has been questioned on the advisability of his actions. In many countries failure to take reasonable action to help others in distress is a criminal offence (eg France). Never mind the excuse of Health and Safety needs to be observed  Soon the fire service will only respond to a fire after it has self extinguished. Has the Health and Safety pendulum swung to far? In many areas no, yet in many others it is a curse.   

In the case of building a turbine, I get the impression that there are many claiments. It would appear that the Swede did actually build one, I looked on the Stockholm museum web site, there is a picture of what perports to be the machine. It does not say anything about if it worked though. It would also appear that Brown Boveri (Swiss Engineering company) built a gas turbine to power a German Steel companies Open Hearth furnace. Supposed to be to ineffient to be practical. Of course Von Pabst appears to have built a working Propane powered jet engine before Whittle built his. I am beginning to think that this is really a Alexander Fleming (penicillin). Logi Baird and Dyson, type situation.   Fleming did not discover the medicinal properties of penicillin, Baird did not discover or develop the Electronic Television, nor did Dyson invent the cyclone.  Although granted a patent in the UK, (although John Barbers patent predates Whittles) I wonder if he would have got one in other countries? I am also beginning to think that being British in a war situation may have helped, building up his claim.  I am now really puzzled what Whittle really did, although I acknowledge he contributed ( certainly to the allied cause), it would be nice to acknowledge the others if appropriate (particularly Barber, we seem to owe a lot to the clergy).  Erfolg

I think Terry is possibly an experienced free flighter, when models were very carefully built. Being lazy and less skilled, I use water to swell the fibres back up, a light sanding to smooth everything back down again. Depending how I am going to finish determines what I do next. 1) With film just iron on the material, covers a lot of sins, does film. 2) If tissue covering, a bit of talc in the dope, fill in the dents, the rest is covered in a thinner talc/dope solution. When dry, sand right back, then cover with tissue. 3) If glass covering, dents filled with micro ballons and resin. When dry sand back. Cover with cloth using resin. I do not use any other systems, so have no further techniques. I very rarely look for a perfect finish, my poor after build care, my tendancy to crash at some point, seem to make it all a waste of time. I think this is particularly true for older scale models, many full sized planes are not super finished, unless in a museum collection etc. Regards Erfolg 

Postscript Before I identified the right charger for me (I am only intersted in Lipos), I saw a short piece in the BMFA Magazine. It is for a Gadget which cycles through your individual cells (within the battery), providing details on the voltage (plugs into the charging socket). It cost about £7 from BRC, works well. It confirmed what I suspected, in that the charger somtimes trips out before the full charge or balancing is completed. If that happens I just restart the charger and the balancer takes the battery to full capacity and balanced. Erfolg

David I must congratulate you for the Safety Video on "Model flying in the Community" or "Safe Flying in Tunnels", which has been showing in the "video section". The video clearly demonstrates how we can interact with the community, bring our hobby to those who would otherwise be unaware of the capabilities of model aircraft. careful selection of the location makes sure that audience cannot escape. I am now making my plans to fly through the "Mersey Tunne" Within the next few weeks I will be ready. I will use my Helicopter, as I think this will be marginally safer. Being able to go from the hover to 30mph. I now only crash every 10 to 20 minutes, which should see me through the tunnel, without a major incident. If I choose peek time the maximum number of people can see the incident, the event could make local news, or the national tv news. Think, what would it do for modeling? Seriously I hope the stunt shown, was actualy arranged with operators of the tunnel. Where have all the safety missionaries got to? I expected a tidal wave of condemnation, thousands of words expressing displeasure, and statements of irresponsibility. I have my theories as to the lo key response. Regards Erfolg PS. May be I could do it blindfolded.     l

I think Johnathan is almost certainly right, a waste of time. As a Professional Engineer, I had an active interest in Heat Engines and theory. Having gone around the Science museum and from my own practicle experience, I am convinced me that most theorectical gains are never achieved, the museums are full of models of compounding engines, regenative heat exchangers etc. which never delivered the improvements hoped for, or were to maintainance intensive to keep running efficiently. I have been told in the past, just keep it simple, do the basics well and copy anything that actually does work (not just claimed). May be I have been lucky, but i have not suffered the overhating problems that i have observed by others. I use a Watt meter and keep the right side of the component rating. Heat in this instance is wasted energy, do not try to recover it, avoid generating it as far as possible. Regards Erfolg    

Post some pictures of the kit content and your build. It will certainly interest me. I have only heard of the model, I guess it is similar to the "Clean Machine" and the "Bird of Time" (the BOT). Look foreword to your build (you are not going to put it on top of the wardrobe are you? and periodicly druel over the box). Regards Erfolg  

Electric power is now most effective, will power your model just as well if not better than an IC motor. If you are concerned about cost, seriously consider the budget suppliers.  A 2200 mah batery being operated at 20c as a 3s will give about +200 watts. If the model is kept to about 1kg, the performance will be vertical, at about 2kg it will still give many IC motor airframe combinations a run for there money. There are many 200w motors, Thumpers, Scorpion, HET in the £20-30 range. Budget contollers range from £15-25, Robotbirds, Tornado, TowerPro etc, the batery about £30. For approx. £70, you can have a power system that is as effective as an IC, yet can be operated at any time without the noise upsetting the comunity. Go for it, give yourself a treat.  Erfolg

Lord Lucan Your words are what I call getting things into perspective. It is worth noting that at the speeds we all fly at there is no aerodynamic advantage from a needle point nose. Contrary to our perceived expectations this shape of nose will tend to generate (be the source of) substantial turbulence in any yaw type situation. I think we do need to recognise as you imply that mass and velocity are the fundamental units in determining the energy or momentum. The shape is important in how the force is transmitted. To that end a uncovered crankshaft end, with retaining nut, is of as much concern as a spinner. How about that propeller, should it be nylon, carbon fibre or wood? Spinnered off Erfolg 

I have generally had no problems getting a plane to fly from the slope, with the right wind speed for that slope (steep or gradual). When the lift is low and running parallel to the slope, all turns are away from the slope, the figure of eight previously mentioned. Sometimes you can push straight out from the slope and the model just keps going upwards, the distance out can seem incredible (to novices like me). It is the landing that I find can be quite a challenge. Best of luck Erfolg

This is my first kit, for about 30 years, an ARTF, which has taken me abour 3 months. It is a Fantastic Models R1 Gee Bee. I normally either design my own or build from plans. As a plan (all electric) I would like a) Dornier Pheil b) An pattern type aircraft c) An oldie conversion like Keilcraft Spectre, Nobler, Thunderbird Regards Erfolg

I find the discussion of propeller noise interesting. I fly electric, the most powerful motor I use on a reregular basis is drawing 350w, the revs/min is some 10,000. The noise is from everything is that of a fan room heater. It is almost silent. I have noticed that flying wings, using 480 motor running as pushers are noticably noiser than those runinning as tractors, I assume it is the masking effect of the wing, loading and reloading the propeller.  The motor must be the equivalent to a 0.30 ts, ic. The revs are lower 2,000 ish. I do wonder what makes an ic propeller so noisey. Questioning Erfolg

Is there not a fault with the transmitter or receiver? There must be thousands of this model Futaba in the UK, not heard of any widespread problem? Although I have heard people complain of interference from other sets, JR, Multiplex, I find this hard to believe, as I would hope that in this day and age, reputable sets do not swamp other frequencies. In the past we blamed CB radio. This Rubber Duck, signing off  Erfolg

Most gliders I have seen or built, are in multiple sections. Each section joined to the other by a dowel system. This can be a rod (often Piano wire), a tube (Aluminium), Composite (Pultrusion) or Flat bar. There well could be others. To keep the wings together many systems are used. Tape around the joint, Stretched elastic bands (with cup hooks), cam locks or just plain old fashioned friction. I have some wings of half span 72", which take some transporting, are difficult to store, even assembly is not without hazard. I would not want to make your wing a single entetity unless realy pushed. Regards Erfolg

Grant Thank you for your very generous offer. I will gracoiusly decline, as you may need them yourself. However, this very morning I spoke to Robitbirds (Andy), explained my stupidity. He is sending me some as replacements. I will have to buy more things from them (and make sure they add the arms to the bill). Due to their excellent service, keen prices and excellent goods, I do as much mail order through them as possible. After all, I carelessly lost my local model shop, I certainly do not want to loose my E-Retailer. Thanks again Grant for your offer. Best Regards Erfolg

Most of us (when I used smelly, inconvienant, noisy) glow motors, would run the motor for a maximum of 5 minutes at a time. Surely your neighbours have no trouble with this! The suggestion that the airframe is the cause will have some truth (I think most is still the engine). Engineering type solutions to resonation, is to alter the frequency of body.  Fill with foam, add additional bracing, change the covering, remove some of the bracing, change the shape (alters frequency), alter the input frequency (the motor mount idea). The amplitude of the input effects the movement in the body rather than if it resonates (enough energy and destruction will be assured). As an aside all bodies resonate, it is the frequency that this occurs, which most seek to control (with the amplitude doing the damage). Erfolg

Looks suitably weather beaten, that Welsh mountain air wrecks the complexion. Does he sing as he looks? Erfolg

I seem to have suffered another senior moment. What with all the safety kafuffle I cannot find my servo arms for my Tower SG 50s. I have more servo arms than you can shake a stick at. Yet not one fits. Now my local model shop has closed, I cannot go easily go there to find out if they are usually stocked. Does any one know how or where these things can be obtained. I have nearly finished my fantastic Gee Bee as Myron would say. A servo arm, a servo arm a flight for a servo arm. It to will be posted on the Pictures section, Myron. This thing is now blocking my electrocution of the Algebra project.  Feeling Old Erfolg

I would always advocate a measure of care, towards yourself, club members, the public as a whole, in addition to the environment. What I am finding objectionable, is the increasing number of people and individuals, who know what is best for others and seek a measure of control. Unfortunately there objectives are often couched under the safety flag. If you "do not do this", or "take that action" your are socially irresponsible, appears to be a favoured tactic. There is very little sense of balance in some parts of British society at present. Yes we must be responsible, risk cannot be eliminated, other than ceasing the activity. A foreign relative who was visiting this country recently found it unbelievable the chaos on our roads, with miles of traffic cones, limited contractor activity. I told him it was for safety reasons. His reply was "safe working is not necessarily efficient" but "poor safety is inefficient" and you guys have managed both.   Yes, I believe in safety, but we all need to balance risks, benefits and safety . Erfolg

I would contact Overlander, and ask about their "Thumper Range" of motors. I have seen their base motor (circa £20) power a "Spacewalker" must be in the +50" span, most effectively. This range is extensive and at low cost. I agree also with Robotbirds and BRC, all sell good motors at reasonable cost. AXI are amonst the best (suitably priced), but do you need the best? There are many very good budget motors, but I guess some dogs. The battery is also very important, you need to consider this after defining the motor. I would go LIPO anf forget scare stories. But operate conservatively. Regards Erfolg

Wolf I think that measured and proportionate action to reduce risk is precisely what Timbo is talking about.  I will add cost.The legislation that controls motor vehicles is designed in such a way that, individuals pick up the cost, not large well represented groups. I am sure that this is the reason that regulations which could improve pedestrian safety are not introduced. A significant number of accidents occur with public transport in limited access, central/pedestrianised areas, which involve public service vehicles. Buses and trams could be regulated to less than 10-20mph, in these areas. There overall shapes are not pedestrian friendly. Yet government does nothing. It is possible to cite many other instances, where much could be done, but is this the forum.I find it curious that Autobahns are safer than Motorways. Yet "safety people" will stand on their heads rather than acknowledge this fact. Safety is often driven by a set prejudices, as by fact. Reports are re-drafted until the right conclusion (balance) is reached. By and large most model flying does not included the public. The public often has to or accepts risks from others (commercial aircaft, nuclear incidents, chemical spillages, transport). Yet the risk we present from a historical perspective is very small. That is why any incident involving model aircraft is noteworthy and may be reported in the national press. Any reduction we can reasonably achieve will probably have no stastistical impact on the number of unfortunate incidents. Yet, I would argue that we are all responsible in limiting risk to ourselves and others. We should and do need "good practice guidance", but from balanced opinion. Definatly not from "Safety Warriors" I to have been a cyclist, club member, competitor (now only cycle to the shops). I have been hit by a car pre rounded edges, I survived. Two acquaintances of mine, hit by buses did not. Please lets keep things in perspective. If the present commom sence balance is discarded in favour of safety committees and advisors we will need. a) Safety cloothing (approved) to fuel and operate models b) A predefined operating plan, in accordance with safety procedures, signed of by safety advisor c) All people and equipment not directly involved in the operation of the model, removed to a defined safe distance. d) A flight line clearly defined by a visible and preferably physical barrier, with safety approval certificate e) Inspection of model, equipment and certification to verify compliance with safety bye laws, by an independant suitably qualified person f) This list would be endless when written by "Safety Centred" individuals A  suggestion to all you guys who see me and others like me as threat, go set up your own club, lecture, write procedures, undertake safety audits, safety inspections for each other and maybe fly? Regards Erfolg 

I have fuel proofed using Polyurethane. Ronseal (thinned with white spirit) works well sprayed (use my cheap badger, would not risk a proper airbrush), with a number of thin coats. What seems as good is Wickes fast drying Polyurethane (water based), dry as soon as it hits the surface (well almost). I have also used epoxy resin (not sprayed, as I was told it is leathal). One of the best finishes I have had recently was obtained using Pelikan Ink sprayed. FW Acrylics also sprays well. I have then glassed clothed over the finish, works well. For scale, I would stick with Humbrol. Sprayed it really goes a long way. Again I would spray polyurethane over the top (if nasty fuel is involved, particularly nito). Amylnitrate (chemist gave a funny look the last time I asked for some, then said he would have to add it to the ether himself) does nothing good to some finishes either, but you do not use diesels do you?  I am never sure how serious you are, when you hint at using the equivalent of Valspar or Snowcem. But I would stir clear of them, they generally weigh to much, although I guess Snowcem would turbulate the wing effectively. Erfolg der maler