ASH.

Posted by john stones 1 on 29/11/2016 11:34:47: It winds me up a bit to be honest this topic Why ? Well i get tired of hearing people telling newbies or club mates " You want X amount of this that n tother in " No..they want it set up to suit themselves not how it suits you, Most newbie don't have a clue about expo and think it's too complex and beyond them when in fact it's quite simple. Anything that improve one's flying (especially in early days) is a plus in my books.

Great posts gents, learning a lot. It's good to get a take on how others do it and their reasons for it. And thank-you Gary for your thorough explanation above. It confirms that I have it nearly right with my 12%.   Edited By ASH. on 29/11/2016 09:21:39

I know this is down to personal preference but I'm always interested in how much expo people use when flying. I use 12% - 15% and find that suffices for my style of flying which is smooth aeros when possible. Anything more than that and I feel less in control, less connected. I know the 3D guys can use around 50% but the norm seems to be 25%+ even for precision aerobatics. Have I got a sensitive touch or am I just too lazy to move the sticks. Being a firm advocate of expo I always try to get newcomers to use it. I try to persuade it's nothing sinister and helps smooth out the erratic flying. Your views please - always willing to learn.   Edited By ASH. on 28/11/2016 00:36:14

Posted by Jon Harper - Laser Engines on 24/11/2016 12:06:30: "Its not just engines, dont get me started on the misuse of expo!" Jon, would love to hear your take on it's misuse. As always I find your posts most informative. Ash

Jonathan, I use Solarfilm Clearcoat (clear synthetic resin) as fuelproofer. The 'old timers' have been using it for decades and I find it works well for me. In engine bay and firewall I would put on a couple of coats regardless if already done at factory. A good coat on inside of firewall and tank bay is a must. Also a thin coat on any exposed balsa and ply in fuselage/wing doesn't hurt. It strenghtens the wood, protects and keeps clean from fuel/oil from exhaust etc. Also, I would go over ALL film edges throughout with Clearcoat with a fine brush. It's time consuming but it stops the film lifting due to fuel/oil ingress. 'If a job's worth doing...' Good luck. You're going to enjoy flying with the IC engine.

Impressive.. but give me a Norton Commando or Triumph Bonneville any day!

Sorry, you've lost me there Peter.. not up on motorbike or aircraft engines.. only know a little about small model engines. You are the designer.. and characteristics are important. So respect.

That's true.. I don't believe in overpowering models. No point in that when fuel consumption and weight have to be taken into consideration. But the 62 is lighter and possibly better value for money. Or there's the 72

Okay.. Peter, why not just limit the carb opening mechanically or on the radio if one feels they couldn't practise self-control. I know I would have to.

Richard, the engine I would go for is the Saito 62.. it's very light and powerful. It's versatility means it can be put to good use in future models. Ash

With a 10cc petrol you could use a 6 or even 4 oz tank. No?

+1 for Dubro tanks. Artf tanks can work well too. With minute air bubbles you can sometimes just push/pull on the tubes a bit so rubber forms a better seal or tighten/slacken the centre screw if bubbles are coming from there. Putting on the final fuel tubing may also put a strain on the seals so best to check again. I also like to put fuel line clips on to ensure everything stays in place. They are fiddly and sharp so care has to be taken.I then wrap masking tape around the whole lot. Job done and it's fit and forget. It's a pain otherwise having to remove the tank to fix fuel supply/engine problems. Best to get it right first time! I also use the smallest tank possible for the engine to get a good 15 minute flight. No excess baggage!

Colin, I agree, balancing a prop is a no-brainer. I do that easily with a small hand held GP one. Though I have never attempted to balance an alloy spinner I would like to in my future installations. The trick is I suppose in marking-out and cutting for the blade roots exactly so they're symmetrical. And then? It's funny this subject is one that's always skipped over.

Eddie, PM sent.

  The Z bend is the least desirable method for attaching rod to horn. The hole has to be larger than normal which causes slop. We are talking fractions of an mm but it is there when it needn't be. Far better to put a 90* bend in the last <10mm of rod and secure with plastic keeper at the servo end and clevis at the other. For a fast high-powered models I prefer 2mm ball joints threaded onto push rods for elevator and rudder. Edited By ASH. on 16/02/2016 17:52:54 Edited By ASH. on 16/02/2016 17:59:52

Thanks Donald, My Verniers are indispensible and have served me well for years.However, the last battery leaked so now I have to remove it everytime. It was a cheap poundland make. So will go back to expensive quality battery. Aldi have good value for money tools which last, my Powercraft dremel is still going strong. And I appreciate guys posting in of lastest deals. We modellers do love to help each other.

  I loved my time in the ATC, they were memorable days and I remember them fondly. I was so keen to join I went along twice a week for months before I was old enough for my uniform. I learnt how to 'spit & polish' so my boot toecaps were like glass and used soap in my uniform creases to make them razor sharp. Learnt how to shoot, march and drill, read map and play snare drum. Proper littIe action men we were. I even persuaded my father to get me an air rifle for my thirteenth so we could practise for father and son comp.. he was a lousy shot Flew in many different aircraft from Puma,Wessex and open canopy gliders, my favourite being the Chipmunk of course. I remember cold Sunday mornings at Cambridge, clambering onto the Chippie wing with propdraft in face and parachute hanging down behind. And flying over the local flower gardens upside down to get a better look. Those were the days.   Edited By ASH. on 09/02/2016 01:37:00

Congratulations Timothy, Hope the maiden goes well, I'm sure she'll be a superb flyer.

Phil, if you go for Cloud Dancer you could put in retracts - looks so much nicer.

I have a bottle of rare virgin 'Snake Oil' - last one! £99 When it's gone it's gone! Lubricates all.. Cure-all for models

Yes.. you have to be in the 'inner circle'

It's a shame about the store closures. My nearest at Enfield was convenient for fuel and miscellaneous items and quite well stocked. Vic the manager and his staff would order things in that I needed- like paint etc. Now everything will have to be bought over the internet with the relevant postage for each item.. not practical with metre long things.

Thank-you Percy. You are a most helpful gentleman.

Jon, no minions in your vicinity to share the workload?

Nice one! Any more going Percy?