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.

I too used the SLEC GRP cowl - very substantial, and I was easily able to cut hinged access doors from them. Recommended.

Hi Skippers, Yes, the BBuckle plan shows dowel and bands. In t'olden days there wasn't enough room in most vehicles for such a large tail permanently attached, and there was also the "knocked off rather than broken" effect for less than perfect landings (originally a free flight design, remember, then modified for single channel...) I ignored the dowel, lengthened the fin to go down through the stabiliser and fuz, glued the stab to the fuz top and the base of the fin to the fuz bottom. Oh - and fitted two servos in the back of the fuz... Steve.

My Falcon weighs 8lb 5 oz, no ballast required with the cg at 130mm, just 5mm behind the plan cg. Steve

Offering a different view... My KK Falcon maidened just a year ago, and has had a lot of flying since. The elevator and rudder servos are in the tail, the battery is at the trailing edge of the wing, and there is no ballast at all. Powered by an OS56 four stroke originally on a 14x4 prop, now on a 15x4 prop, takes off at half throttle, flies around just above idle, and only sees full throttle for the occasional loop or roll. It was modified slightly to allow access to the undercarriage in case of bent legs, but not needed so far. Touch and goes are interesting! https://forums.modelflying.co.uk/index.php?/topic/49098-ben-buckle-kk-falcon/&tab=comments#comment-905197

Stampe, Spitfire, Jungmeistar for me...

Sounds good for me! Friday is good.

I find the Fastrax Remote glow clip extender works very well on all my Laser engine installations. Easy to fit, easy to remove, available from many model shops for around £8. Steve

Hi Martyn, My Precedent Stampe has been going for a couple of years now, and flies scale aerobatics very well on the Laser 180 FS. It is fitted with a scale-looking Falcon 20x6 prop turning about 6400rpm, which pulls it around loops in a very scale manner. The engine is entirely enclosed except for the exhaust stub. I recommend this combination!

Hi Skippers, I used a 10 metre roll of Natural Oratex, with some left over for repairs! It was trimmed with leftovers of red Solartex, donkey's years old, probably about 4 metres. Oratex paint (100ml can) was used around the nose area, and a little around the tail. Only used perhaps 20ml. Oratex is excellent, easy to apply and very stable. Enjoy!

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