Reno Racer

I really do like the Pulse XT and the wing looks very stable and better still the engine is mounted the right way up. I can of course also use the flaperons, although I suspect they will not be needed. I was tempted before Christmas to buy the EP mini pulse. Of course, I can always convert the Pulse XT 40 to EP, should I wish later on. (I learnt to fly on EP- a seagull Innovator) What's your views on the Seagull Decathalon? (i've read the review, but of course need to put it into the context of my ability) Engine now run and and signing sweetly on my home made test bed (made from an old IKEA pine cabinet that cost £10) - I now just need a model to fit . Many thanks for the advice Chris

Dear all, I would appreciate your experiences and views on what aircraft to but as a 2nd model. My preferences are as follows: Have an SC52, which I would like to fit. However, this must be mounted either vertically (the right way up) or side mounted. (I've had real problems with this inverted in a Seagul PT-19, and wish to avoid this set up again) Preferably low or mid winger, but I am drawn to a few high wingers - the recently reviewed CMP cessna span can for example, I do like the idea of flaps for slower speed landings. This will be my 2nd aircraft (ish) after a trainer, so nice stable wing, minimised tip stall and generally good flying characteristics would be greatly appreciated. I tend to disbeleive most of the manufacturers claims!  A few I have looked at are: Great Planes Super Sportster Hanger 9 mustang PTS trainer Hanger 9 Pulse XT 40 CMP Cessna 182 (as reviewed recently in RCM&E) and of course a WOT 4, although I note the build quality and instructional problems noted on this forum. I would also like to NOT pay the earth for a model, Any ideas???

Then i must have missed it - I read through the intructions a few times, but didn't see this - larger diagram maybe required. Anyway, i'll now go and check. Otherwise, i think my question has now been answered and I have solved the problem.

Dear All, Thanks. The instructions or the reciever do not mention binding, although of course being a bloke i read instructions last!!!. The instructons for the Tx did mention the bind button, which i eventually found - It is very, very small and I think a picture, with arrow pointing, would be useful in the instructions. Anyway, now binded and done, thanks

Had 2.4 Ghz Futaba 6EXP for a while now, which no problems whatsoever. However, i just bought another R606FS RX to fit into another aircraft. My TX bonds in seconds to my original R606FS RX, supplied with the TX, but will not bond with the new RX.  - I get a green flashing light on the RX, rather than the solid green light i should get (which i what i get in my other Rx). Is this binding automatic or do i need to do anything else to get this Rx binding ?

I'm in - I'd loveeee one, particularly since I entered the Christmas draw every day and didn't win a sausage

Dave, My suggestions would be: Hawker Hurricane  - They seem to still be the neglected cousins to the far too numerous Spits, Mustangs, P-47s etc. (although this also seems to be a the top of the list for the next Hanger 9/Eflite model) Scottish Aviation Bulldog - A good solid everyday hack Grob motorglider - any type - a good hack with good glide ratio, hence duration (potential suitable for electric) Chris

Dear all,  After 'getting into' electric and owning some park flyer types, I though I should get a proper EP trainer and join a club. Both of which I've done -the aircraft of a Seagul Innovator EP. Its an excellent trainer, particular when combined with the capabilities that 2.4 Ghz offers. However, I feel I have hit that magic weight, where to get good EP duration I need BIG lipos and an even BIGGER wallet! I have just bough a Thunder Tiger GP42 engine and would like to convert my spare Innovator airframe from EP to IC, rather than spend more money on another model (which I'd have trouble convincing her indoors!) The Innovator is a fairly solid model, oodles of light ply and structural rigidity. I would hope that the airframe would take the increased vibration converting to IC would bring. The model is also designed to take electric components (Lipos, ESC etc), so fitting a fule tank might be tricky (I asume it would have to be over the centre of gravity to avoid trimming against fuel weight decreasing?)  Help - has anyone done a 'backwards' conversion and can offer some advice to whether this is realistacally achievable or not?. Your views would be greatly appreciated. Chris

Timbo, Apologies, I only noticed that after I'd posted mine. I would add one of those smiley things but don't know how. Regards 

Timbo, It may be sunday night, or I'm a thicky. I've tried to follow your calcs: I have a 400 Watt motor on 2200mah 3S lipo, pulling 36A max at max throttle (16C?) If I use a 2200mah Lipo, rated 20C, which therefore delivers 44A, how do I work out flight duration for this battery??, when pulling 36A (if this is correct) I also assume that If i connect 2 identical batteries togther to get a 4400mah 3S2P lipo, I will therefore get twice the duration?? What does an increase in prop size do to this figure, say moving from a 10" to 11" x6 Apologies for the raft of questions, I am keen to add these calculation formula to my database, whcih currently just calculated Watts required for scale (80W/Lb), sport (100W/Lb) and 3D (200W/Lb) and relates to IC equivielant outputs. Regards Chris

Malcolm, forgot to mention, In terms of cheapish ESCs; I have been using a Duramax 60A ESC (80A burst) for sometime now. Its an excellent little ESC, I've had no real problems, it can be programmed either by card (about £12) or by using the instructions and the throttle stick. It too has a switching BEC caple of a 5V/3A output to power a few more servos, without resorting to a seperate Rx battery pack or UBEC. It also allows from 2-6 Lipo, or 5-18 NiMH/NiCad if you prefer. It cost be about £35. Chris

Malcolm, Dualsky motors can be bought in the UK through Als Hobbies.  www.alshobbies.co.uk I have used a 0.21 class for ages and they are very good motors, and much cheaper than the E-Flite ones, although the dualsky ones are slightly less powerful for the same IC rating. The motor mentioned available in the US looks good, certainly for the cash, although I'm not sure how long the post would take, or more importantly how much it would cost - of course, this could make the cheap option actually more expensive (although Timbo would be better placed to comment on that). The other good thing about Dualsky motors is that they specify its IC equivilent, power output (although this is the max power for short durations), number of lipos required and ESC Amp rating required. I have also used a HIMAX (JPerkins) C3520-0700 motor which is a 400watt motor - although not the size you require, these motor do come complete with all mountings, prop spinners and much more. They are quite powerfull outrunners and they are pretty cheap. I have one mounted on a Seagull Innovator (1.6Kgs), which should require at 3.6Lbs should require a 350 watt motor (according to my excel homemade EP database). This HIMAX motor is rated at 400watts, but pulls the innovator into the sky like an aerobat!!

I just been browsing (as I say to my wife, of course not buying!!) on the horizon hobby website, since the weather has been far to bad to go outdoors, let alone fly.  In addition to the Taylorcraft 450 ARF mentioned above, 2 other seemingly new models took my fancy: EFL 2650 Piper Pawnee 15 EP ARF, looks rather large, should suit my spare 0.21 glow class dualsky motor, although not pretty it does look good and very different from all the other AT-6s, Piper Cubs et al.  I note that Podium RC has started listing it on their website. EFL 2550 Pitts 12 15e EP ARF. Looks very pretty, same power set up as the Pawnee above, but much more aerobatic. I love the look of this model, but i suspect its abilities maybe beyond my own at the minute and not sure whether to buy this, a Diamante 25e or be a bit sensible and get the Pawnee of Taylorcraft.... I welcome your views. Anyone any ideas when and if we can get these in the UK and how long this money in my pocket has to keep burning until i can get one of these fantastic looking models. I would really welcome another David Ashby review soon in RCM&E. Chris

Paul/David/YakMad, Many Thanks for the updates, I might just hold off buyinh another model and wait for this one to arrive in the UK. Paul, In terms of setup, I might use a slightly more powerful setup, using a Dualsky motor, fitted with a nice prop and shiny aluminium spinner for either model. For the Pitts I think I might use the Dualsky 0.21 equivilant motor, rather than a 0.15, depandant upon weight, hence size/capacity of Lipos to get a decent flight time. Regards and Happy Christmas, Chris

I've just seen the new E-Flite models on the horizonhobby webiste, both the EP Pitts 12 15E and Taylorcraft 450 ARF, look realy nice, but i can't seem to find any available in the UK, anyone know where these might retail?? On a seperate point, if I can't find these i'm tempted to buy an IC aircraft and convert, something like the JP piper cub 40, but i'm not sure how to do this, particular in terms of placing lips etc in an accessable place - has anyone does this and can offer advice? Many Thanks Chris

I like the look of the GP super sportster mk2 .46 artf and would like to convert to EP, preferably using a Dualsky motor. Does anyone konw how i would go about this. I've always been a 'electric' and i'm not sure is the fuselage is wide enough or capable of taking and easily changing lipos. any suggestions?