Exhausting... Trex 500 is back up!

I had given up trying to get the Align 500 4-Blade Head to work. Coulda, but didn't wanna... was just becoming a debacle. So I went back to 2 blade. This meant returning to the 2-Blade head and replacing its swash follower arms. I ordered the same one's I always had, these. They are the same ones I have ordered for this same head in the past. Look at the fine print. The screws that secure it to the head are M2.5. Bothe the 4-Blade and this Tarot 2-Blade head have always used M3. I tried installing them and the screws wouldn't bite... that's when I discovered a problem. I am confident the part did not change specs! I verified that the previous ones were M3, and they are. I had to pull them off the 4-Blade head and install them mismatched ones on the 2-Blade head. I could not get the 2.5mm ID bearings out of the new ones. Jeez... 

The free bearing is from installed swash arm. The one I am holding is the new 2.5mm ID bearing.

This is the existing non-damaged swash arm with the 3mm ID bearing. I pulled it off the 4-Blade head along with its mismatched opposite arm. The plan had to have two matching red arms.

The mismatched swash arms with the M3 bolts securing them in place. I cannot find swash arms for 500 sized helis with M3 bearings. I could and tried to change the M2.5 bearings but I can't get the bearings out of the new arms. This sucks... but it works.

I then found that there is a bad vibration that wanted to shake the aircraft apart. Turns out there is a subtle bend in the main shaft. I then replaced that. She is now balanced, tracking well, and ready to fly again, with her mismatched swash arms. If I bend these I am screwed. Literally.

I was in a bad mood when I started. Imagine how pissy I am now!

Flying the Hacker MX-2, MX-Bach RCGF-USA 35cc

Hot, Mississippi HOT!, But virtually windless. I wasn't entirely feeling it, but once I got everything in the car, I was pretty game! Took the Hacker MX-2, flying 3S. Its the first time on the iX12, had to program it at the field, made a few adjustments. Before leaving I decided to put slightly bigger wheels on the mains and tail, which helped, but she still would trip over the mains if ai wasn't careful. She has really super flexible mains, almost like paper... but I can land her super light, she's such a great flier, that its not much of a problem.

Fun flier!

First flight of the day with the MX--Bach. I was really distracted, not focusing well on the tasks at hand. I wasn't even there while flying my plane.  Unstable approach, unstable landing, tipped a little and prop strike...that was the end of the day. No other damage, so I'm not calling it a crash, though I guess technically it is... okay, fine, resetting the crash clock. I was flying a 19x8on this 35cc, the smallest recommended. I am 9ut of props for this one, so ordered two Turnigy 20 x 8 props, scimitar shaped. They'll be here in a week. Can't eat the price, $14 a piece.

Anthony was there with his 350, on the left, the 250 on the right benched for a split in the tail belt. He be humble, but the boy got skilz and it was fun to watch him enjoy himself. He prefers the smaller helis, something unique among pilots.

Well, the heat is something else, but that wasn't my excuse for anything. I wasn't feeling it today, though I flew the MX-2 well, but I was absent flying the MX-Bach. I just haven't felt much like flying lately, mostly because of the cost of the risk of a crash repair,and partly because I have been blue with all the crap going on. Today took  me away from all of that, and reminded me why I fly! Need to get the MXS-R and the Waco in the air, and get back to the 600's while I wait for parts for the 500.

It's all good.

MX-Bach RCGF-USA 35cc Update

Pre-flight checks after changing the prop. Sweet engine. 

Gotta love RCGF-USA for excellent pricing, quality engines and great personal service!

This is a good video of her sound, power and nice transitions. There are 3 idles, Flight, Approach and Landing, to prevent stalling out at lowest idle. I do this on my engines that run for about 30-60 secs and may quit at low idle. This guarantees a safe flight idle, and an effective approach and landing idle. Each are heard distinctly here. I also have a 2 sec up throttle speed, and a 1 second back throttle speed, both give a smooth transition over the throttle range when sudden changes are made with no noticeable effect.

Time to fly!

4 Blade 500 Not So Much

Since I had to change the swash control arms, and the Align 4-Blade Head already had them, I decided to try that head again. I bought heavy duty 600 sized control arms and cut them to fit, and made some mods.

I raised the butt a bit.

And put 600 size tail blades to help with the extra torque. 

Not sure they are needed, but why not. With the 500 tail fin the longer blades were not getting a safe clearance. 

These are wide chord, and clearly MUCH bigger at 93mm than the 500 size, about 78mm.

I put a 600 size tail fin, stiffened with the original 500 tail fin, giving good clearance.

Well, it was always one thing or another, and the blade holders were a tad loose no matter what. It just really wasn't worth it, other than being cool; it doesn't add anything so was becoming a pain in the ass. I know I could make it work, I just kept thinking how much easier it is to just be a two blade. So I ordered a new set of swash control arms today, be here in about a week, put the Tarot 2 blade head back on, and made the tail 500 size again. Waiting for the swash arms, just don't want to take them from the 4-Blade head.

Painted the tail blades white, putting a red strip on them, will balance them and reinstall. Kinda glad to have a flying machine rather than a flying experiment.

Tower Hobbies Uproar V2

I am looking for a nice flier to replace the Ugly Stik 40 that I loved, but killed. I was looking at the more expensive Hangar 9 Ultra Stik, which is sweet, but expensive and a bit overpriced. Instead, I found this smaller plane, 1200mm (48") that can handle a 10cc engine lijte the Evolution 10cc which would be a little big for this plane, which is perfect. This is the Tower Hobbies Uproar V2, for $100, fits the bill perfectly. A fun simple aerobat, its a nice fit for the subjectively weaker Evolution 10cc. I would put bigger, stouter gear on the front and back, probably with the oversized big wheels from the Stik, and use standard sized servos. I would need to beef up the hardpoints, but she can take the weight. This would be a nice plane to thrash around and practice with.

This is a bit exciting!

(Hmmmm...  can't help but think I am settling and just need to wait and get the Ultra Stick.)

RCGF-USA 10cc at the shop...

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I pride myself on being able to work on pretty much every part of my aircraft, but no pride is lost sending the RCGF-USA 10cc to the shop where the company owner will personally take a look at it. I think this is only the second time in a decade I have had to send one in. It needs work I just don't have the tools to do. It needs a new cylinder head since the spark plug hole is stripped, which I can do and likely at least a front main bearing, which I could do, but I couldn't get the front base off to get to it. One of the things I love about these RCGF-USA engines is Joe Nelson's personal advice and care. I can call him, email him or send something in to him.

I am a bit worried he may tell me it just needs to be replaced, in which case I plan to put an RCGF-USA 15cc engine in, instead of the 10cc. I should know in a couple of weeks. Int the meantime, there the Spitty is, naked and cold... this one has at least 6 years on it, I think.

Spitfire Engine Blown Sparky, Kaput

I thought that I was nearing the end of the Spitfire #3 build, but during the engine run-ups the post-crash RCGF-USA 10cc I just didn't like the sound of the engine, and she didn't seem to get up to full RPM/power. I found the following thrust results, average of 3 measures of static thrust, the aircraft weighs 8 lbs dry. Using a Thrust to Weight ration of 0.7, the plane would fly fine with 5.6 lbs of thrust (I couldn't find any other estimate of Thrust to Weight for gas):

14x6x2: 5.4 lbs

13x6x2: 4.2 lbs

13x8x3: 4.4 lbs

She just doesn't sound right. I am not confident the bearings, especially the front one, are okay, and I think she should produce more RPM.

The spark plug stripped, I think it was coming free during these run ups, and afterwards it just came loose, and it wouldn't tighten. I will be sending this engine to Joe Nelson at RCGF-USA to take a look at and see if he can solve the problems he finds. I suspect she will need a new cylinder head and bearing(s), possibly a new spark plug. 

In the meantime I am considering taking the RCGF-USA 10cc from the Sukhoi and moving it to the Spitfire. That engine runs perfectly, is the same exact engine, and would be a simple exchange. When the repaired engine comes back I can put it in the Sukhoi. I am stalling on that because it runs and works perfect in the Sukhoi and I don't want yo screw around with that. Patience...

Spitfire #3 Essentially done!

Last night I essentially finished the third Spitfire. I installed the fuel system, engine, and the electronics, the wing is joined to the fuse and everything works!

Rather full upper equipment bay. Fuel tank forward, reciever on the starboard side, 2S 2300 mAh LiPO on the port with the mai  power switch on underside of  th throttle switch. Snug and cozy.

I really like the simple switch from Hobby King. Its electronic so will fail "on", and has a nifty multicolored battery charge detector. On line in, one out. I hadvto trim of the handy flanges. Great price even if shipping was steep, almost the same price as the part for the guy on the bicycle speed delivery.

Another view of the equipment bay, looking aft.

The cowl is done, the engine and muffler holes cut out and it has been fitted. Needs to have needle access drilled out still, but its done. Leaving it off for the first engine start to make sure there are no issues. That's really all that is left, first fuel, first start and run up!I do need to find some letters for the side, didn't like the ones ai got for being too narrow (ordered them online, didn't get a good look). I'll put my initials on either side of the fuselage rondels.

Dry weight is just shy of 8 lbs (~ 3.6 kg).

Spitty Update: Wing joined, Tail feathers done

Tail feathers done. Completed the horizontal stabilizer and the rudder, connected their control assemblies.

I completed the wing Y harnesses and joined the wings. I decided as before that its just easier with all the wiring.

Tail feathers and wing joinery setting and drying.

Elevator and rudder servos and their connecting rods.

Red fuel vent. I decided this time to put it aft of the wing. There isn't really a good place anywhere forward.

I also plumbed the fuel tank, clunk and vent. I am thinking about how to get the 3-way in place without crimping it with a tight turn while keeping the line to the carb short. 

Next I will set up the engine, then the electronics.

Spitfire #3 Underway

Tempting fate, trying a third Phoenix Models 10cc Spitfire. The first two were both lost on their maiden flights. I am resolved to greak the curse.

And AWAAAAAY we go!

Thought these servoless retracts were $17 a piece from Hobby King. Nope, a pair, says so right there on the listing, so I have an extra set of retracts.

The box, she be opened. No ghosts or wights came out, whew....

Fuel proofing on the front inside of the fuse drying. I kinda sm stalling...

Wing one. Let the games begin.

Painting the wheel hubs white, the flap well is primed, will be painting it red.

Tip: I learned before to put the flap control horns on first, then install the flaps. To do this the servos had to go in first so I could know where the horns would go. I amusing Tactic 47s from previous models.

Wings are done! Took about 3 days, mostly due to issues getting the landing gear to work right (see below).

Red came out great! Not sure how I am going to set up the flaps...  They are on a Y, so I am not sure how I will get the end points to match. I don't remember how I did them before. I am using an 8 channel receiver.

I wonder if I should leave the landing gear cover off to keep the underside of the wing flat and unobstructed? The gear is well into the wing with the changes. 

Once again putting the non-stock servoless retracts on took a lot af work, trial and improvements on first takes. I haven't done them quite the same on any of the three models  but this approach worked the best.  The issue is they are full 90 degree retracts, and if it binds at less than 90 retracting up, it gets stuck, won't budge, and is locked.had to remove them to let them unbind. That's how I figured out what the problem was. I had to raise the hardpoint the thickness of a popsicle stick, which I tailored two for each gear. Further I had to make a round hole in the center of the wheel well creating another 1 cm of space by allowing the head of the bolt holding the tire on to pass through and a bit under the well. Lastly I had to trim one of the gear cover support brackets so it wouldn't bind on the gear retract body. Now they work perfectly! Took some tiresome trouble shooting to figure this out, and the differnt sites causing binding.

As with the last two Spittys I had to cut the back off one of the gear cover supports so the gear could retract completely, not blocking full retract by running into the body of the retract.

My, that is a big bolt head right there... It ran into the wheel well cover before it fully retracted, causing binding. Partly relieved by raising the hardpoint, and by making a space for the bolt head in the bottom of the well,

Melted with soldering iron then Dremel sanded a hole in the center of the wheel well for the gear bolt. The underside of the wing is several mm deeper, more than enough room for the bolt. I located the spot by removing the wheel and reinstalling the volt by itself and seeing what it ran into. Made the hole there.

Taking a break. Next how to fit everything in. Using a single LiPO with a Tech-Aero UltraBEC, saving space and weight. I am going to use a Hobby Eagle 3-Axis stabilization system on it*. Not sure where that's going. The receiver is a big Spektrum AR8010T with a sat. Not sure where that's going either. 

More adventure to come!

* Um, nope. Says specifically not for glow/gas aircraft. This solves another problem, lets me assign separate flap channels if I need them.