toto

Hi Aidan ..... any help is good help so feel free to add your photo's. The 3mm studded rod has been purchased from SLEC so hopefully I will be able to progress again within a couple of days. In saying that .... Saturday .... flying ... and Sunday .... cutting my mums hedge and continuing with my wedding speech. Its all go. cheers toto

Resolved. SLEC sell 9" lengths of 3mm studding. Just bought 3 lengths for now. on its way. toto

OK ..... my first hurdle ..... went to fit 2mm brass threaded rod stud as bought from SLEC part No SL 017. When you have screwed the rod into the inner hole of the snake ...... you can actually pull it out. I think 2.5mm or 3mm diameter is required. I cant see these sise studed rod available. Can anybody give me a pointer. cheers toto

and as mentioned above ......... the Tiger 60 is back on the slab .....😄 and a few things need attention from where I last left off ....... the first .... The snake connections ....... front ....... and rear ....... I also decimated the covering in places along the side and the underneath to try and get access when fitting securing the snakes ... a picture or two of that later .... but for now ..... its getting my head around the snake connections etc. back on the case .... toto

Out of curiosity .... what is the wing span? My Quantity Surveyors head says that basing each of these driveway sets at roughly the same length as a standard brick ..... 215mm ....that its span is around 1600mm ... am I near Very nice and punchy colour scheme. Toto

The ScaleMeDown reviews I have watched so far have been OK ( ish ). He done a review on the TQ twin Otter and made a criticism that the instructions made little reference to the installation of the electrics. ....... then ..... went on to do the exact same as he explained / illustrated very little himself. So whilst the presenter is a very nice chap and watchable, I wouldn't say that he is that much better than average. I dare say that he is probably on par with a lot of these video builds in that many are guilty of bypassing any of the more difficult elements of these assemblies. ...... the bits that most of us tune in to see in the hope of getting answers to. .... However ..... he won't be on his own there. ..... thanks for the attempts anyway. Toto

Yes ... the midges are horrendous. I am going to Glendochart up near Crianlaraich on 1st week in July for a holiday and I fully expect to encounter a whole gang of them. They come tooled up with boots on and mean business. Even have their own flick knives over our way. Toto

Some folks have all the luck ..... Very nice colour scheme indeed. Very vibrant. Excellent Aidan Toto

Hmmmm . I think by the sound of the feedback I had, it was crosswinds. A couple of other newbies were definitely struggling making things unpleasant. My decision not to go was made for me due to overlapping work commitments so I'm glad it was sort of taken out of my hands. I have flown in crosswinds before on the same site. Readings of 20 - 25 mph gusts and came out of it fine but you can certainly notice the difference. Anyway .... my Supercub survives to see another day ..... Until Saturday anyway ...... Cheers Toto

I have one and can vouch for the easy nature of the build. Also the point about the paint on the ball joints being a PITA. Never maidened so can't say anything on that so far. It's a nice model Toto

A little bit of an impulse buy Gary. I saw it ..... then done the usual internet search for reviews .... which seemed good. I like the sise and the fact that it was running a 6S. I already had the required batteries which helped and obviously the required transmitters so it was just the model itself and my go too Spektrum AR 620 receiver. It gives me choice when I pass my A test as I am looking to stay electric and make use of the easier foam nature of the ARTF's as everything is installed. You still have to set the model up and set your rates etc but a lot easier than getting servos installations etc correct when building the equivalent balsa ply kits. I have several of the balsa models but initially as I get my A test and start to experiment a bit with which models I use and introduce into my newbie fleet ...... I'll stick with electric ..... and the easier pre installed foam range. You can still have loads of choice with what you can buy and add a bit of variance into you journey. I must admit .... the last one statement must be becoming closer to a reality though ....... the shed is stowed out. 😄 cheers for now. toto

Ok .... a very quick unboxing to show the main idea of what comes with this ARTF kit. As always ..... The big ... adrenaline ..... box of anticipation .....😄 and some of the box detail ..... and another .... then we get set in about it with the main elements ..... that'll be one of the wings then ..... and the underside showing ready installed push rods, horns and servos. I did not remember to check but I am sure the hinges are the hidden mechanical type ..... too much of a rush. the second wing which I did not bother unboxing .... its just the same but the other side and ....... it was the last part in the upper of the two box layers ...... destructions as usual ...... and a sheet informing of the vector stabilisation thats built in ..... As we go into the lower tier of the box ..... we continue with ....... vertical tail piece ..... The horisontal tail plane .... got it right this time " tail plane " not " piece " ..... plonker. The supplied wooden prop ..... The spinner etc .... bag of accessories ....... The fuselage ...... not the best photo I must admit ..... with hatch off showing the inside battery compartment and the vector stabilisation unit. The hatch itself ...... The under carriage ....... and my usual weapon ( Receiver ) of choice for most of my models ..... so far anyway ... ( please note a seperate purchase ). and there we have it. As I said ..... 1800mm wingspan ..... works with a 6S 4000mah battery ( seperate ) Has vector stabilisation and flaps... built in navigation lights, steerable tail wheel etc. any other questions ..... feel free to ask. cheers for now. toto

As the title suggests ..... more retail therapy This time in the form of the Arrows Husky 1800mm wingspan 6S version. Another nice big floaty foamie to add to the fleet to give me some choice until some of my other slightly more complicated balsa and IC come of age along with my experience. Not a lot different from my current training victim the PA 1700mm span 4S Supercub. Slightly wider span by 100mm and of course working on a bigger battery pack. My foamie choices now consist of the following FMS PA supercub 1700mm 4S Arrows Husky 1800mm 6S FMS Beaver 2000mm 6S Xfly Twin Otter 1800mm 6S Xfly Tasman Bush plane 1500mm 3S Plenty there to keep me going and probably the best options for a change in model ..... once I am past my A test and have flown the life out of the Supercub. I need to unbox and check it over so there will be some pictures later. Should have done it yesterday but didn't have time and since my potential flying opportunity is off for tonight due to working on and gusting winds it will give me something to do . That's it now .... the very last ..... Cheers Toto

Well ..... the 5 o'clock finish is out of the question. I am awaiting an email from a Client which is due and looks like it will go too the wire. I'm twiddling my thumbs as I type. One consolation is that I have received a WhatsApp from the site saying that the wind is on forecast for 10 mph but is gusting up to around 20mph making take off's and landings a bit of a challenge. Don't feel so bad ..... looks like an hour or two in the shed at best. There is always Saturday. Toto

Inspiration provided ..... Great flight and sounds amazingly raspy. Good stuff Aidan and as always ..... thanks for sharing. Toto

So ...... phone call last night confirms a possibility of some stick time on Wednesday night. If I can finish work for five o'clock..... depending on the traffic on the Edinburgh bypass ..... I could be on the field by about six and get two or three flights in. Fingers crossed and an eye on the what's app page in case anything changes. Things are looking up two flying sessions per week. I need to try an look out a copy of the BMFA A test flying schedule. I only have the LMA version printed off at the moment. ..... tonight's homework. Toto

Maybe not such a good idea. Where exactly are you intending to fly it .... by yourself. Are you prepared to lose it ? Your instructor should not be so blasé about your bit of plastic. I wouldn't be happy with that attitude either. Maybe time you looked for another instructor. With regards to flying when others are flying , my instructors past and present always give me the choice. I tend to wait for a clear flight window although I have flown with other more experienced flyers in the air as well. They tend to stay out of your way. Don't let this experience get you down or push you into making rash decisions. A mangled model may just be enough to put you off .... unless you have deep pockets. Anytime my instructor is taking control, he always tells me ..... or if the reason for taking back control is not of a critical nature ...... he will even ask me. If what you are saying is accurate ..... his attitude sucks and you'd be better off with someone else. .... don't be tempted to go it alone...... hit the reset button and try again. Best of luck Toto

Hi John, I have to. The whole thing could just drag on unless I drive it. My flying skills are coming on leaps and bounds but it's not down to my mentor to take the overall responsibility for my progression. He is doing a great job getting my flying skills kicked into shape, I need to own and drive the rest so that the theoretical and ground handling side of things are progressing at the same pace culminating in a candidate that's ready to go for it. I'm confident that things will gel towards booking the A test for this summer. Maybe a bit slower than some but that for me hasn't been an issue. Simply progress at my pace with a patient mentor has been my driver. .... the pace is now gathering a head of steam. Toto

Had a call with my Examiner who is based in my West Calder Club and organising some mock sessions on the pre-flight checks etc. He's more than delighted to take me through this part of the procedures. .... that should be happening soon. Had a further chat with my mentor and we shall be starting to incorporate both figure 8's and dead stick landings into the mix as well. This weekend if all the stars align. The bigger picture is starting to form and come together. Toto

Thanks Peter .... just sat and passed it. You get a funky wee certificate too. ..... now the the guidance notes .... Ticking the boxes one by one. Toto

Thanks Peter. Apparently there is a BMFA test online that if you pass ( and take the required paperwork to evidence to the Examiner on the day ) then this covers the 5 legal questions that you would otherwise need to answer in addition to the other 5 other questions. I will be looking on the BMFA website and nailing that upfront of the exam. Toto

Thanks PDB I've been watching this already and find it a great guide. A couple of things that are not shown are .... Demonstrating to the Examiner that the battery is fully charged before commiting to the flight. He mentions the transmitter battery but not the main model battery. A C of G demonstrating to show the model is balanced correctly and a range test to confirm the connectivity of transmitter and receiver signal strength. I think he done well mentioning the I side of the fuselage equipment ..... servos links etc but no mention of the condition of the velcro battery harnesses. Could be worth a mention as well as the condition of the hatch fastenings. It is a good video as it covers about 95% of what's needed which gets you into thinking of the entire procedure. A great starting point. Toto

Given the rollercoaster ride that I have had in my RC modelling journey to date, it only recently that I have managed to gain a bit of consistency due to many reasons most of which are well enough documented on these forum pages. So ..... I have decided to blow my cover ..... yet again .... stick my head above the parapet and very coyly suggest that I am starting to think that planning some logical steps towards sitting my A test are on the cards....... I will stick my neck out further and suggest that even possibly by the end of June or July given the restricted stick time that I manage to get in. I started to look at what's required and was a bit overwhelmed. I started with the guidance videos as issued by the BMFA which I found very helpful. Then ..... in order to make it a bit more digestible, broke it down into the following areas which I could focus on bit by bit. PAPERWORK copies of proof of current operator and flyer ID'S Copies of BMFA membership and insurances copies of any online competency tests achieved INITIAL SET UP OF MODEL ON THE DAY ( as witnessed by the Examiner) 1. Initial model set up at the field on the day of the test 2. Demonstrating both the CoG and Range test to the Examiner 3. Showing a clear understanding of what should be checked out on a pre-flight check ie, control surfaces, prop and motor security, a suitably charged battery, general model condition etc. 4. Show consideration as to any risks present, wind direction, site specific risks and where possible any mitigation plans undercutting foreseeable conditions. ACTUAL FLIGHT TEST Demonstrate the correct protocol for approaching the runway from the pits and the correct set up on the runway of your model prior to presenting yourself on the pilots stance awaiting instruction to commence the test including any warnings / calls to be undertaken showing the knowledge of your consideration of safe operating procedures with regards to your fellow flyers and other visitors in general. demonstrate or ask for clarity as to the examiners required flying diet of manoeuvres and in which order. POST FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS utilising the correct protocols for the retrieval of your model on completion of your flight. Post flight checkover to check for any damage / potential issues with the model especially if its came down hard. Post flight questions by the Examiner and debrief on how the flight went, any issues and feedback to your examiner on why you maybe took certain actions at specific stages. So ....... I think I am going to book out some time with my area Examiner whom I know from my local club. I may take parts of the above and see if he will take me through mock tests on each part of the jigsaw until I am confident enough that I can pull it all together ........... that's the plan. I dare say that there are other functions that I have miss3d in the above but will identify them and put them into their relevant place. Some of the above can be done in tandem with some of my flight sessions. Time to get the show on the rather bumpy road. ..... watch out ........ I'm coming through Toto

Yes ..... unfortunately we can't pick our neighbours ..... just the way we shoot them....... Visited my old club today. 2 members were there. The score line was 1 - 1 both having written off 1 model apiece and trying hard not to increase the score line any further .... agreeing with the draw. It was a bit gusty up there but I had not taken model with me anyway so .... it made no difference to me. I've not checked the forecast for tomorrow yet but ..... weather permitting, I may visit and take something with me. It was good just to have the chat for a while enjoying the company. Who knows ...... maybe tomorrow. Cheers Toto

What a day NOT TO BE FLYING ..... Beautiful weather and at a loose end. I'm thinking of paying my other ( original ) club a visit today just for the Craik. I may see if there is a chance of a flight tomorrow with them. In reality, this is probably be where I sit my A test as the Examiner is a member here. If I get a flight or two in, it will let me refamiliarise myself with the set up. However, better news ...... it looks like I will be losing one of my dysfunctional, one man crime wave neighbours. Not confirmed as such but a very strong rumour from a good source. .... this means that I can make use of the good weather and do some of my model set ups outside the shed as there will be no prying eyes. Cheers for now. Toto