Tim Campling Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 This happened several months ago but I'm only just about over it. I'd just rebuilt the wings after Horizon Hobby had replaced them (faulty retract supports/poor QC). Perfect conditions for the re-maiden and quite a few members at the patch. I'd assembled the model at home to save time. After the usual pre flight checks all seemed good. The Saito throttled up and a she took to the air smoothly. She flew beautifully with poise and authority. After minimal trimming I tried a few gentle aerobatics and then a low pass up the strip. As I pulled up and away from the pits at full throttleI realised I had no control. Everything seemed to go in slow motion, I tried all the controls, tried to shut the throttle, I could even visualise the flight path. As forseen she pulled round to port, climbed and then dived. Crashed through a tree, ripping off the wings and the prop bades, I can remember hearing the engine revs rise before she hit the ground leaving a 2 inch deep gouge in the field. Everything was broken or pulled apart and I was gutted. It was obviously radio failure of some sort so I reconnected the flight pack to test, all fine. Then I realised there was no retainer on the battery plug. I've searched but this had not been ejected at the crash. I had forgotten to replace it when I assembled the model after replacing the wings and it must have separated under the g loads. I lost over £300 worth of model for the sake of a 50p clip. BUT more importantly I had a 13lb out of control missile in my charge and that is what still haunts me. I guess I was over eager and paid the price but it could have been worse. Not a mistake I'll ever make again. Next project the 120 YT Spit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Cantwell Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 just 2 weeks ago, i but these clips under the noses of my mates at the crossgates shop in leeds, no-one bought any, with the excuse, i only have ailerons to plug in, i mentioned the battery pack, but still no purchase, there problem, i commiserate, we have all done such things, learning from our mistakes, but damn, its painfull, hope you have better luck with the YT spit, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Oh Tim, so sad. We all do it of course - the rush of enthusiasm, then miss a vital check. But boy does it hurt! And while the money is an issue, its not really the money is it, its the loss of an attractive promising model. I'm a devil now for clips on plug/socket joints after I had a "near miss" a while ago when one aileron went "out" on me due to a parted lead. And I saw a mate put another model in recently exactly like yours - only this time it followed a heavy previous landing. Obviously it partially separated the plug and the joggling at take off next time did the rest. As you say we live and learn - a 50p clip can save a lot of heartache. Hope you have better luck with the Spit - nice BEB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Jones Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Oh I bet your gutted Tim but you do make a very good point about the the safety clips. It would probably be a good thing if Alan 4's mates saw your photo. Tough luck all the same & I'm pleased you are looking forwards to the next aeroplane. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly boy3 Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Comiserations Ian, I think we all know that bad feeling in the gut that lasts weeks. I also wrote off a lovely flier on Sat. due to an almighty glitch, bought second hand for only £20, but the feeling is the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josip Vrandecic -Mes Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 It is always painful to lose a model...no matter how......New Spitty (new Little friend), will be fine.... Rgds Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piper Cub Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Posted by Alan 4 on 06/07/2011 21:23:22: just 2 weeks ago, i but these clips under the noses of my mates at the crossgates shop in leeds, no-one bought any, with the excuse, i only have ailerons to plug in, i mentioned the battery pack, but still no purchase, there problem, i commiserate, we have all done such things, learning from our mistakes, but damn, its painfull, hope you have better luck with the YT spit, Er, wot clips are these!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 fourth item down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Whybrow Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 I use these, similar idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Campling Posted July 22, 2011 Author Share Posted July 22, 2011 Thanks all, I now make up and solder all servo extensions but clip ALL the joints. I now worry about leads coming out of the receiver! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myron Beaumont Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 I always use masking tape on all joins .It's permanent for as long as you want ,but is easily removed when necessary . Skinflint Myron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eck Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 A length of heatshrink over the joint does the job as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 but what about the aileron leads when you unplug/unbolt your wings? That's where the clips come into their own. For battery connections and the like I've been using 'rescue tape' as I now have an excess of the stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 Ashloks...I use em all the time for wing to fus connectors. Easily parted, but locked in use, and can carry loads of connections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 Found my crimping tool HERE also Heres a UK distributor of the ashlok connectors. Edited By Tim Mackey - Administrator on 22/07/2011 12:10:10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Campling Posted July 23, 2011 Author Share Posted July 23, 2011 That looks a great piece of kit. I wanted to do something like that but couldn't find a connector I liked. Might give them a call on Monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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