Rich Griff

Some now old car engine con rods had a swastika cast in, Austin 7 maybe, thats the side valve rwd one. It was said to be for *good luck*...it was the swastika adopted by the nazi party which is the other way round to the one seen on that ww1 bi plane.

Hi Steven, Visit 4 max and see the list of models converted from ic etc. to electric propulsion. If not found, ask George 4 max who is very knowledgeable on this subject. Please report back here with the advice he gives you so we who are interested can also benefit and learn .

Thanks, as suspected once I saw the exploded view. These exploded views are always very informative. Thanks

Ditto Niel...

Glad you found the missing split collet, althought the exploded view is not that clear showing one collet per valve ? As a matter of interest.... Could you post a picture of the method of valve spring retention method please. Does the collet have a *double diameter hole* with the cap having a single diameter hole with recess for collet ....so all the "fits" effectively lock the spring, cap and collet to the valve stem ? The collet fits over the stem top, slides over, then is held in place by cap, valve stem and spring. This method is used in some ohv car engines etc., etc., etc... ( Triumph ?? )... 52088 only one shown...is there a picture or description, even dimensions of this part please ? No ports in cylinder sleeve on this engine ( 4 stroke ) but gudgeon pin float is usually controlled ?? Assembly lube, fuel, after run oil, some would use atf, others would use air tool oil.... Assemble and run engine sane day ? What oil mixes with the fuel you intend to use ?

So you lost a split collet ? As ed says, use a torch placed on the ground, and turn the torch so the light beam shines on the surface, similar to a light house. Look down/along the beam. When small things are dropped, sometimes they can end up stuck in your clothes, shoes, down the nearest hole or well away from where you were working. Did it spring off just missing your eye, or did you hear it tinkle down bouncing off stuff ? Did you hear it land ? Hope you find it ! It will always be in/at the last place you look/ed.

Hi John, Any conclusion arrived at or are you still struggling a bit ? Over....

Yes, a burr preventing valve removal. DO NOT try and remove valve using any force, else burr will wreck valve guide. You may have to renew valve and collets as burr probably cause by split collets rather than rocker arm actuation screw ? Can you post a good picture/s of the top of the valve stem to show method of split collet *retention* method, a circular half round groove perhaps ? Have come across this problem many times with high reving car and motorcycle poppet valves. As suggested, very very fine wet abrasive paper to remove the burr, but let's see some pictures. I am sure Jon will contribute when he gets home from work...

perhaps sobo has pulled his finger out at last. 😍

Mass production is wonderful, but faults tend to be duplicated, over ; in some cases; many many many thousands of the same product, even with good quality control apparently. A case in point... A FPV drone was purchased from my chosen mail order model shop, supplied to them by the company that imports/distributes/supplies model shops with Volantex and such like models. Anyways, time comes to connect the battery JST male plug into the drones JST socket.... mmmm, this is not good, the plug does not want to go in for some reason....i dont want to force it else something may break, even the two pins on the circuit board, which would be a disaster ! Had a good look and saw that the upper body of the drone that formed the upper part of the JST socket on the drone was ^distorted^..... Close by were two screws either side of the socket...which screwed into the upper body of the drone, forming the socket/port for the battery male plug. The upper body seemed not to fit as well as the resat of the plastic cover. Maybe if i slacken the two screws ?? Anyways, I contacted the distributor as the instructions instructed by email. I had a quick reply asking for pictures which I sent in. I remarked that i suspected that the two screws in question be slackened slightly, asking if this would invalidate the warranty ? The reply I got was not good. Anyway I asked the same chap via email to go to stores and pic the same product and check, which he did, supplying similar pictures of the similar same fault. He even suggesting that I slacken the two screws in question ! ? You are not to be congratulated for this suggestion as it was me who was suggesting the quick and successful solution, not you ! Anyway the product was not sent back to the retailer with all that hassle, waiting, loss, angst, bad feeling between retailer and customer relations etc. etc. etc.. Sometime short circuiting the official process and procedure is much more efficient. Think what you will. The chimney stack, pot and some ridge tiles need some attention this summer, as seen in the drones camera footage. Yes, a dagger board type number plate was/is fitted

Remember that Volantex models and not Toprc. They are made by a different company as far as i can tell, and imported/distributed by a completely different company to Toprc. Different animals in both respect, in effect and fact. Nowhere have I seen a Volatex advert suggesting they can be flown via none Volatex tx's, but I have for Toprc, the subject matter of this thread. Maybe Volantex models can be flown via computer programmable Tx's, even by a different protocol even. More to come on that for both Volantex and Toprc. Anyway After many many many weeks of waiting and several emails, the Toprc Importer/Distributor/model shop supplier sent to me via email the following : TopRC Mini-Plane Series Aftermarket receiver installation It is possible to pair your TopRC mini-plane to any RadioLink or Futaba S.Bus (FASSTest / S-FHSS) R/C air system and use your regular transmitter to fly the model. With this in mind please use the following pointers to assist with the receiver installation, transmitter set-up and trimming of your model. Receiver choice Your chosen Futaba or RadioLink receiver will need to be S.Bus compatible and necessarily small to fit within the fuselage of your mini-plane. From the two brands we recommend the following: ● Futaba R7201SB ● RadioLink R8SM Receiver installation 1. Position the receiver where it will not adversely affect the centre of gravity of the aeroplane and, hence, the flying characteristics. 2. Take the S.Bus lead supplied with the model and connect the micro plug to the socket marked ‘SBUS’ on the model’s pre-installed control board. 3. Attach the three pin ‘Futaba’ style connector to the protruding pins of your receiver’s S.Bus port. NOTE: Your TopRC mini-plane uses conventional channel numbers for aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle control, with channel 5 as the adopted gyro channel. Radio configuration 1. Assign a 3-position switch to Channel 5 to control the gyro function. 2. Set the aileron travel limit (EPA) to 70%. 3. The amount of aileron exponential that you apply will be dependent on personal preference but, in any event, should be set between 45 and 60%. 4. Elevator and rudder exponential can be set using more conventional values of between 10 and 15%. Flying & trimming When trimming the ailerons use the digital trim button to establish initial settings, then land, note the trim offset, re-centre the trim positions and mechanically adjust the control surface neutral positions by opening or closing the piano wire loops located close to the control horns. It is necessary that you trim the ailerons in this fashion due to the gyro’s reliance on sensing a centred aileron servo and allowing the motor to arm. The motor will not arm if the aileron trim positions are not centred. CAUTION: When paired to the supplied TopRC transmitter your mini-plane requires that the throttle stick be raised and lowered to arm the model prior to flight. In fitting your own receiver this function is disabled. As such, please ensure that the throttle stick is in the closed position before connecting the battery. My chosen radio link tx was/is the Radio Link T8FB BT which was supplied by the same importer of the TOPRC MODELS via the mail order model shop some considerable time ago. Remember the advert stated " any radio link system" not mentioning the need for an s bus "extra". Although the 8TFB BT tx is s bus capable, it does not have a 3 position switch. A 3 position switch is needed for the selection of the 3 pilot skill levels, selectable in flight, via the switch. The Toprc importer help desk ( service knowledge base ) was informed of the tx choice when the initial question of "how to control the toprc model via any radio link system" was asked, and repeated a few times. They knew I was asking about 8TFB BT TX. Anyways, the above Instruction sheet/manual was not displayed on the importers site, nor on my chosen model mail order shop, at that time, 31st. March 2025. The instruction sheet/manual was eventually drawn up and typed, to "save confusion"...is this an admission of a misleading advert ?? Since then however, this re worded instruction sheet/manual is to be found on the Toprc importers/distributors/model shop suppliers web site, as well as on my chosen model mail order shop web site, and probably on every other model shop web site the importer supplies..... Please see below.... TopRC Mini-Plane Series Aftermarket receiver installation It is possible to pair your TopRC mini-plane to an appropriate RadioLink S.Bus or Futaba S.Bus (FASSTest / S-FHSS) R/C air system and use your regular transmitter to fly the model. With this in mind please use the following pointers to assist with the receiver installation,transmitter set-up and trimming of your model. Receiver choice Your chosen Futaba or RadioLink receiver will need to be S.Bus compatible and, similarly, compatible with the transmitter you’re using. It will also need to be small enough to fit within the fuselage of your mini-plane. Receiver installation 1. Position the receiver where it will not adversely affect the centre of gravity of the aeroplane and, hence, the flying characteristics. 2. Take the S.Bus lead supplied with the model and connect the micro plug to the socket marked ‘SBUS’ on the model’s pre-installed control board. 3. Attach the three pin ‘Futaba’ style connector to the protruding pins of your receiver’s S.Bus port. NOTE: Your TopRC mini-plane uses conventional channel numbers for aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle control, with channel 5 as the adopted gyro channel. Radio configuration 1. Assign a 3-position switch to Channel 5 to control the gyro function. 2. Set the aileron travel limit (EPA) to 70%. 3. The amount of aileron exponential that you apply will be dependent on personal preference but, in any event, should be set between 45 and 60%. 4. Elevator and rudder exponential can be set using more conventional values of between 10 and 15%. Flying & trimming When trimming the ailerons use the digital trim button to establish initial settings, then land, note the trim offset, re-centre the trim positions and mechanically adjust the control surface neutral positions by opening or closing the piano wire loops located close to the control horns. It is necessary that you trim the ailerons in this fashion due to the gyro’s reliance on sensing a centred aileron servo and allowing the motor to arm. The motor will not arm if the aileron trim positions are not centred. CAUTION: When paired to the supplied TopRC transmitter your mini-plane requires that the throttle stick be raised and lowered to arm the model prior to flight. In fitting your own receiver this function is disabled. As such, please ensure that the throttle stick is in the closed position before connecting the battery. some minor re wording, yes, but........ The reason given for the re wording " to save confusion" ... Draw your own conclusion. The recent article in rcme magazine of about 2 months ago stated that the sf-260 toprc model flew "better" than the at-6 toprc model. Different models so different flight characteristics ? Perhaps it was due to the excessive play/floppy connection/extremely poor mechanical connection between aileron servo arm and aileron on the port side ? Enough "slop" and inaccurate servo control, of that aileron, the port side one, to cause aileron flutter even ? There is a lot of play....uncontrolled play. If this amount of play was in your modern cars steering system, and the car was submitted for an MOT test, it would get the modern equivalent of a RED VT22 certificate. It would not be allowed to be driven from the testing station, needing "all four wheels ( for a normal modern car ) not in contact with the road", ie. on a trailer. Mass production is great, were there is one, there is possibly thousands, and thousands and thousands. A fault in one can be replicated many many many times, even with good quality control apparently. The fault can remain in place, until complaints and returns come in. Anyways, looking forward to the next rcme mag issue which may cover some of the above...s bus, protocols, modern computer assignable function tx sticks and switches etc.. Happy landing out there everyone, and if your doing any DIY, be very very careful ! Have a great Easter folks 😍

Seems the new perkins futaba uk site is work in progress. Two routes to sign up to news letters, one which works and one that doesn't. Spares section now added, only 8 parts shown, but if search function use, more stuff is shown. Still searching for a tx on/off switch. Will probably goto ripmax if they still hold futaba spares stock. Goog luck sorting the intermitant tx fault. Hope it's something simple and an easy fix.

Below is an extract from the Toprc advert from the Importer/Distributor/wholesaler/model shop supplier for the newish AT-6, as seen on their website. The supplied model shops show the exact same advert. The advert was run form well before Christmas until early April of this year. Key Features Fully assembled and ready to fly. Everything included (nothing more to buy). 450mm wingspan. Switchable gyro stabilisation (even in expert mode). Use your own RadioLink or Futaba (S.Bus) radio system.* Exceptional 12+ minute flight duration. Exempt from the CAA's DRES scheme. Full four-channel control. Fixed demountable undercarriage. Easy to hand-launch. Suitcase-friendly. Clip-on propeller with prop saver. High-lift undercamber wing section. Includes 1S 400mAh LiPo and USB charge lead. Aerobatic when flown in expert mode. Impact resistant EPP airframe. What's in the Box 1x Fully assembled mini SF-260. 1x 4-channel transmitter. 1x Spare propeller. 1x 1S 400mAh rechargeable LiPo battery. 1x USB charge lead. 1x Demountable trike undercarriage (3 pcs). 1x Screwdriver for wing removal. 1x S.Bus Rx connection lead. 1x Instruction manual. 4x AA batteries for the transmitter. Product Description Spanning 450mm, with eye-catching detail, an authentic colour scheme and a performance that totally belies its size, this four-channel SF-260 will impress from the moment you lift the lid of the box. Perfect for small fields and impromptu flying sessions, Top RC's switchable, 6-axis gyro stabilisation system turns this attractive model into a capable all-weather flyer that practically laughs in the face of turbulence. Offered at a pocket money price, ready to fly, with everything included in the box, the versatility of this aeroplane for both indoor (large sports hall) and outdoor (small field) flying is almost limitless. Oh, and let's not forget, the duration of the SF-260 is outstanding; expect a minimum 12-minute flight from a full charge. Suitcase-friendly and supplied with a four-channel 2.4GHz transmitter (plus AA batteries), single cell LiPo, USB charger, demountable undercarriage and spare propeller, there really is nothing else to buy. With a full range of tantalising aircraft to choose from, why not get a group of friends together and get flying some of the best looking, best performing little foamies available. *Use any RadioLink system or Futaba S.Bus (FASSTest / S-FHSS) to pair and fly the AT-6 with your regular transmitter. The advert is rather misleading. Below is the current advert shown in full, which has been reworded. Top RC Mini AT-6 RTF – Mode 2 (450mm) £88.99 A fly anywhere, four-channel, gyro-equipped, semi-scale model of North American Aviation's advanced military trainer that's perfect for beginners and great fun for experts. Look forward to a performance that truly belies its size. Mode 2 Notice: Undefined variable: var_size_count in /var/www/jperkins.com/public_html/releases/2025.04.08-1753.195/products/inc-prod-info.php on line 118 2 1 Shop Local! SKU: TOP108B01 Brand: Top RC Model: AT-6 RTF 450 Categories: RC Models/Aircraft/Parkfly & Indoor Release Date: Dec 4, 2024 Spares and Manuals Description Explorer Parts Documents (1) Key Features Fully assembled and ready to fly. Everything included (nothing more to buy). 450mm wingspan. Switchable gyro stabilisation (even in expert mode). Use your own RadioLink (S.Bus) or Futaba (S.Bus) radio system.* Exceptional 12+ minute flight duration. Exempt from the CAA's DRES scheme. Full four-channel control. Fixed demountable undercarriage. Easy to hand-launch. Suitcase-friendly. Clip-on propeller with prop saver. High-lift undercamber wing section. Includes 1S 400mAh LiPo and USB charge lead. Aerobatic when flown in expert mode. Impact resistant EPP airframe. What's in the Box 1x Fully assembled mini AT-6. 1x 4-channel transmitter. 1x Spare propeller. 1x 1S 400mAh rechargeable LiPo battery. 1x USB charge lead. 1x Demountable tail-dragger undercarriage (3 pcs). 1x Screwdriver for wing removal. 1x S.Bus Rx connection lead. 1x Instruction manual. 4x AA batteries for the transmitter. Product Description Spanning 450mm, with eye-catching detail, an authentic colour scheme and a performance that totally belies its size, Top RC's four-channel AT-6 will impress from the moment you open the box. Perfect for small fields and impromptu flying sessions, the switchable, 6-axis gyro stabilisation system turns this attractive model into a capable all-weather flyer that practically laughs in the face of turbulence. Offered at a pocket money price, ready to fly, with everything included in the box, the versatility of this aeroplane for both indoor (large sports hall) and outdoor (small field) flying is almost limitless. Oh, and let's not forget, the flight duration of the AT-6 is outstanding; expect a minimum 12-minute flight from a full charge. Suitcase-friendly and supplied with a four-channel 2.4GHz transmitter (plus AA batteries), single cell LiPo, USB charger, demountable undercarriage and spare propeller, there really is nothing else to buy. With a full range of tantalising aircraft to choose from, why not get a group of friends together and get flying some of the best looking, best performing little foamies available. *Use any appropriate** RadioLink (S.Bus) system or appropriate** Futaba (S.Bus) system (FASSTest / S-FHSS) to pair and fly the AT-6 with your regular transmitter. **Consideration should be given to receiver size and its compatibility with your intended transmitter. Below is an extract of the advert from my chosen mail order model shop. Spanning 450mm, with eye-catching detail, an authentic colour scheme and a performance that totally belies its size, Top RC's four-channel AT-6 will impress from the moment you open the box. Perfect for small fields and impromptu flying sessions, the switchable, 6-axis gyro stabilisation system turns this attractive model into a capable all-weather flyer that practically laughs in the face of turbulence. Offered at a pocket money price, ready to fly, with everything included in the box, the versatility of this aeroplane for both indoor (large sports hall) and outdoor (small field) flying is almost limitless. Oh, and let's not forget, the flight duration of the AT-6 is outstanding; expect a minimum 12-minute flight from a full charge. Suitcase-friendly and supplied with a four-channel 2.4GHz transmitter (plus AA batteries), single cell LiPo, USB charger, demountable undercarriage and spare propeller, there really is nothing else to buy. With a full range of tantalising aircraft to choose from, why not get a group of friends together and get flying some of the best looking, best performing little foamies available. *Use any appropriate** RadioLink (S.Bus) system or appropriate** Futaba (S.Bus) system (FASSTest / S-FHSS) to pair and fly the AT-6 with your regular transmitter. **Consideration should be given to receiver size and its compatibility with your intended transmitter. Top RC Mini AT-6 (450mm) RTF - Yellow Key Features: Fully assembled and ready to fly. Everything included (nothing more to buy). 450mm wingspan. Switchable gyro stabilisation (even in expert mode). Use your own RadioLink (S.Bus) or Futaba (S.Bus) radio system.* Exceptional 12+ minute flight duration. Exempt from the CAA's DRES scheme. Full four-channel control. Fixed demountable undercarriage. Easy to hand-launch. Suitcase-friendly. Clip-on propeller with prop saver. High-lift undercamber wing section. Includes 1S 400mAh LiPo and USB charge lead. Aerobatic when flown in expert mode. Impact resistant EPP airframe. What's in the Box: 1x Fully assembled mini AT-6. 1x 4-channel transmitter. 1x Spare propeller. 1x 1S 400mAh rechargeable LiPo battery. 1x USB charge lead. 1x Demountable tail-dragger undercarriage (3 pcs). 1x Screwdriver for wing removal. 1x S.Bus Rx connection lead. 1x Instruction manual. 4x AA batteries for the transmitter. Manuals & Parts Explosions: Top RC Mini AT-6 (450mm) RTF - Yellow Tech Specs: Shipping Weight: 0.75kg / 1.65lbs Product Length: 312mm / 12.3in Product Wingspan: 450mm / 17.7in Completion Level: RTF Experience Level: Beginner Preparation Time: 45min Assembly Time: 5min Recommended Usage Environment: Outdoors Colour: Yellow Material: EPP Battery: Yes Battery: 1S 400mAh LiPo Notice the wording change ( did they also feel the advert was misleading ? ), AND, the instruction sheet for operating the model via radio link s bus method. Looking on the model shop suppliers site, these instructions seem to be really well hidden. More info to come/needed..... The rather comical communication back and forth with the wholesalers, and the amount of time taken to produce the Instruction sheet, such as it is, was rather long. Good luck with any Futaba issues. Do they supply any Futaba spare parts I wonder ? Trying to set up the news letters feature from the Perkins/Futaba site via a smart phone needs more work done, so no surprise there eh . RadioLink R8SM 24GHz 8 Channel S-Bus / PPM Receiver Brand: RadioLink Part No: RLKR081008 £20.69 RRP £22.99 Shadow Stock: Usually ships next day Add to Cart Collect Instore Request Price MatchAsk a QuestionWrite a Review Description Specification Shipping Reviews Q & A Key Features Compatibility: T8S , T8FB Full 2000m operating range. Voltage range 4.8 – 6V. Compatible with Pixhawk, Mini Pix, Turbo Pix, and APM flight controllers. S.Bus or PPM signal output. FHSS frequency-hopping spread spectrum protocol. Perfect for quad racers. Weights & Dimensions Weight 2g 0.07oz Shipping Weight 0.01kg 0.01lbs Product Width 16mm 0.63in Product Length 21mm 0.83in instruction sheet on above unit in next post....

Only seen for a few seconds from FR station in Porthmadog at 13:,40 ISH, very low 4 engine jet liner type over estuary mouth, probably tanker seen in Mach loop earlier. Seemed to be heading over pen llyn towards valley ? I wonder if it flew up coast from borth or even mawddach ?

See *outerzone*, Google it for free download plans. Local printers ( public library ) can print out to A3, then home printer to manual tiled A4 to correct scale. Balsa expensive so even more where you are. Foam board/floor underlay/insulation raw material is very useable and relatively inexpensive. Corrugated card board can be used, some fruit boxes had thin light useable ply sides and ends. Sadly fruit boxes are cardboard these days. Even banana boxes use plastic bottom sheet rather than the thickish card these days Sunning by the pool, best wishes to the girls, get well soon !