Woody49

RCME did a review of the Black Horse Robin - November 2014 - by SimonCocker. He had fitted an NGH 38 4 stroke petrol engine which seemed to suit the model. I have the both but yet to assemble the model. The review rated it as a good flier and a likely glider tug.

Hi Bruce. Sorry not to reply earlier. I have sent you a PM on this website. Please read you will find it useful. Regards Steve

I have two of these engines, one in a Sig 4 Star 64 and one in a Seagull Gypsy Moth. Both now run very well with no unduly significant vibration, in fact vibration levels are very similar to a glow 4 stroke. I did have very similar problems to you when running the first engine in, very frustrating it was too! This eventually proved to be a self induced problem with the mixture high speed/low speed needle balance. To resolve it I reset both carb needles to the default settings (given in the instruction leaflet if I recall correctly). The instructions stress the need to make very fine adjustments - one click at a time rather than the quarter turn approach used on glow engines and they are absolutely right about this. Adjustment from the default took a fair amount of time (about 1/2 an hour) - adjust, try, stop, adjust, start repeat as needed etc. Once adjusted the engine has been fine with normal vibration levels. On both models I use a felt filter "clunk weight" in the tank rather than an in-line filter - no problems with bubbles. The 4 Star has 55 "transmitter" hours on it now and all with the FG 14. Re the plug cap coming loose; I had this problem on the 4 Star. No amount of fiddling with the Saito cap retaining spring worked. Resolved by using a light spring one end attached to the exhaust pipe and the other to the carb intake pipe with the spring passing over the top of the chrome plug cap. In the Gypsy Moth the approach angle of the ignition lead is different and the problem hasn't occurred so your solution should work. I also bought an "on board mini tachometer" just over £15 from Just Engines. It plugs into the tacho lead on the CDI unit. I don't leave it installed, but use it for setting up the idle and top end RPM - much more accurate than my ears! Once set, the engines don't seem to need any more adjustments. 14x7 APC props used on both engines. I also have an FG 17 fitted in a Hangar 9 Katana artf. This is a very lightly built model fitted with digital servos. On the ground and at low idle rpm the airframe definitely vibrate much more than the the 4 Star and Moth. This vibration clears as soon as the throttle is opened and is not apparent in the air at all. Servo's are not affected by this and operate normally at all times.

Pm sent to you - if you still want a copy of the TT manual Regards Steve

I have one of these models, I fitted a Saito 82 four stroke (14cc approx) and a 14*7 APC prop, it flies very well, half throttle most of the time. No vices. A good quality kit that is easy to assemble too. The model can be flown in a scale like manner and will do loops/rolls/immelmans/stall turns/spins etc.The designer used to do these in the full size in the USA (but not allowed on the UK register!). The 82 gives a comfortable amount of power but doesn't overpower it. Something like a 70 FS would be ok as well. I think a .52 would be just about ok for straight and level but marginal considering the capabilities of the model. Pic shows the Saito installation in mine. (see my album for some flying shots)

Hi Geoff, you will find Gordon's u/c design in the Stampe 1/4 scale thread on here - page 119. Thanks for posting your build thread - I have the 80 inch version of the kit in my loft! Regards Steve

Sorry, forgot the second blog! **LINK** Steve

Hi, I have also recently considered this model. It is a fairly complex /challenging build for both the fuselage and the wing plus the plan includes a design for the mechanical retracts that are needed if you wish to be "true to scale" I found two blogs that relate to building this model, neither seem to have progressed to completion. I decided that I have too many projects "available" just now so have put it on the back burner. **LINK** **LINK** I have some further info which I will PM to you but this will take a few days before I get time to scan the info etc. Regards Steve

Very interesting modification, thanks for posting the pics and the detail. Looking at the tailplane fixing bolts I guess the fin will have a seperate fixing too, look forward to seeing how you do this and the rest of the build as it progresses. Regards

I like the way you have arranged the split wing, nicely done and also the frise ailerons look to have worked out well. I will incorporate both modifications when I get round to building mine. Thanks for posting, I'll look forward to the updates. Regards Woody