Steve Dunne

Hi Ron, I'm intrigued - my 200i is (so far!) running very well, apart from an occasional vibration issue that causes the carb needles to unwind. I've fixed that myself. Perhaps you can let me know what the issue is, so that I can get it sorted if needs be? Many thanks, Steve.

OK, point taken. In my view, the importance of starting the rubber band stretch at the front dowels, is to ensure that the maximum tension is at the front (Leading edge) of the wing, so as to minimise the possibility of LE wing lift when the LE is raised relative to the air flow. 😶

I agree - On the Falcon, all eight bands are fitted diagonally, alternating from left to right.

Unless I attach the bands front peg first, and stretched very tight...

8 bands, very strong 8" x 1/2", fitted very tightly. I can't lift the wing LE by hand, but a loop definitely lifts it at least 1/4" to put the wing off its location points!

Just my 2p worth... I have used rubber bands on many lively aircraft over the past fifty years or so, and I agree with the advice to fit to the front dowels first. The latest banded model is the 102" KK Falcon, which although designed as free-flight and built as a tame rudder-elevator model, is occasionally persuaded to loop and roll 😬. During these manoeuvres the wing definitely lifts off the fuz to an "interesting" degree, primarily at the leading edge. When fitting the wing bands, 8" x 1/2", fitting them from the front dowel allows them to be stretched very tightly over the leading edge, minimising the wing lift. The slacker part of the band is over the trailing edge, which does not have as much lifting tendency. I have observed the same on previous aircraft, such as the Andrews Aeromaster. So - I agree with KD, front dowels first every time! Steve

Very nice flight, Ron! I have a very old 3-channel version now dropping to bits due to over-use and imperfect landings... Seeing yours, I have now ordered one of the same as a replacement - should be better with ailerons. Are you able to let us know where your finally settled CG point is? Many thanks, Steve.

Was really looking forward to this, but now unable to go due to health problems. Have a great day everyone! Steve.

I was looking forward to the fly-in, and swapping notes on Laser engines, but sadly due to health problems I won't be able to make it. Have a great day, everyone! Steve.

What a lot of lovely Stampes!

What start time do you expect, please?

I have no strong feelings either way - both sound good - but am all for the structured flying, dedicated slots. Looking forward to the day!!!

I use an old DX9 which is DSM2 compatible with several models, updated to the latest firmware versions as they are issued. The DX9 still works happily with my old DSM2 receivers. The "unusable model" issue is an old one, fixed some years ago by Spektrum. The fixes and other benefits of the latest firmware are valuable - I suggest you'll have no problems updating. Steve.

Hi Basil. Tail mounted servos are not shown on the plan - we have to work it out for ourselves. You can just see mine on some of the photographs on my falcon thread. The two servos are attached to plates on either side of the fuselage, opposite each other.