Curse of the Spitfire

I won't be buying another Spitfire, no matter who makes it. Second Maiden of a Phoenix Model Spitfire brought down by an odd occurrence. It is simply fate. For me, the Spitfire is cursed. I think I expected this as it did not surprise me that it crashed, and I am kinda unaffected by its demise.

I lost my first one a few years ago in an accident at the end of the maiden flight, it clipped a tree coming out of an intended stall. A year later I bought another one, same model. It sat for another year, new in box. This spring I decided to just do it, and built another beautiful airplane, this time with an Evolution 10 cc engine. This entire saga is blogged out here in earlier posts.

So today I took her out to the field in fine conditions to maiden. Here's how it went down, literally.

Gorgeous Phoenix Models Spitfire with 10cc Evolution Gas Engine.

I had a feeling since the day I bought the ARF kit that there was a bad omen about it.

Pre-Maiden Walk around, started and running sweet! Controls surfaces fine, run up fine.

As Nick took the camera from me to video this maiden, he commented that doing so was itself a bad omen. A bit of over rotation on takeoff, recovered started to turn and the engine RPM drops...then it recovers within time enough the inertia let her restart: she had gone into fail-safe mode. The Fail-safe position is ignition killed. Fail-safe is set up when you program the transmitter for a model, and set what it will do if the signal between the transmitter in my hands and the receiver in the aircraft is lost. Usually controls neutral and engine stopped, to prevent it flying off. In this case a momentary "Brown Out" of signal loss is quickly recovered by the software, but by then the aircraft was in a stall spin and it was over.

Nick is noting that at the crash site immediately when we arrived, the satellite receiver was fast flashing, an error code usually meaning "bind" is lost, the unique connection between the aircraft's receiver and my transmitter. Given what we saw, what I experienced (no control) and this blinking receiver, we are confident that she browned out during climb out, she stalled, spun,  and control was impossible.

How we found her.

From the other side, before touching her.

Moved the wing to disconnect the flight pack battery.

Goodbye, Spitfire... May you rest in pieces.

So what do I do with an entire fuel/engine and electric system for a 10 cc airplane?   I am confident I will NOT be getting another Spitfire. I am thinking Corsair or Zero... For now, I am just leaving it on the floor and enjoying flying my other planes.

Resetting the crash clock, again.

History will not repeat itself...

My luck with the Phoenix Spitfire has been dismal. First one nipped a tree on its maiden after luring me with its ease and beauty of flight. Took me a couple of years to get over that. The second one I killed shortly after takeoff most likely a stall, possibly related to a radio issue (yeah, I stalled it, blinking receiver light be damned). After the second one I considered myself cursed as far as Spitfires are concerned and swore to never buy/build another. Loosing one after another on maiden flights was too much for a man to bear.

Well, today I have done a thing, and I cannot undo it. I ordered another one, the same one, from Tower Hobbies, the Phoenix Models Spitfire. How can I not? I kindled two airplanes lately, so need a replacement, and this is such a beautiful machine and model! Credit is a terrible thing for an addiction... I also picked up a new pair of the servoless retracts from Hobby King I have used twice before. I like these. I have to modify the wheel wells a bit, but this time I am going to let them stick out rather than chisel down the hardpoint. I looked at using the mechanical retracts and a retract servo, but have heard nothing but trouble from these: the servo from Hitec, my favorite servo company, is a full 180 degree non-limitable servo, so not sure that would even work and it has a poor reputation. The other is a Spektrum retract servo that is adjustable, but has barely a better reputation and is NIS until next month. Screw it, went with the electric servoless ones. The other electronics and servos will come from the dead brethren.

I have two engines for it. The one that has been a pain in my ass is the Evolution 10cc, that first "flew" in the second doomed Spitty. Not comfortable putting it in the new Spitty given the recent trials I have had with it, even though it was once again running great the day of the crash; it still has the stink of the second Spitfire crash on it. The other engine is the RCGF-USA 10cc that was on the Stik. It took quite the header last week in the destruction of the Stik, so I don't know if it will even work, if the shaft isn't somehow damaged. But I think that is the one I am going with, its a better and more reliable engine, has the power, and doesn't have that torpedo muffler coming out of it.

I think too I will build it with a 14x8 Master Airscrew Scimitar blade, rather than a 3 blade, just to get things right. On the ground statically the Spitfire looks wrong with a 2 blade, but its in the air performance I want, may go to a Master Airscrew 13x8x3 later.

So I am excited and look forward to the third attempt!

New Aircraft are ready to Maiden!

 

The Hangar 9 10cc Ultra Stick has her balanced prop on and is ready to go!

Got the cowl on the Phoenix Spitfire, and checked her CG: SPOT ON no changes necessary!

Looking good. I am ready to give this, my third Phoenix Spitfire a run for my money. I have had two previous ones perish on maidens. The first when I clipped a tree coming out of an intended stall, the second when she stalled on takeoff and torqued into the firmament. I have no doubt this one is the one.

Phoenix Spitfire MKII Build - Parts Ordered

A while back I purchased my Phoenix Spitfire MKII 60 a few months ago on a special from  Tower Hobbies.  Today I ordered the parts I need.

I plan on using Tactic TSX-47 Digital metal gear servos on ailerons, rudder, elevator and throttle. I saved $50 by using Hitec HS-485HB karbonite gear servos on the flaps that I have on hand. I prefer metal gears on my gassers, but I think this is safe and appropriate.

I will use the RCGF 10cc gas engine, the newest one with attached carb and a choke, and attach a mini-tachometer.  It will have a 4 20cc gas tank. It will have an RC EXCEL optical remote cut-off I install on all my gassers. I will install a Star dual power switch, and Kazu fuel dot and vent. I purchased two 6V NIMH reciever/ignition packs from Hobbyking. I plan to use a Master Airscrew 13x8 3 blade prop I have on hand, and ordered a Dubro 3 blade 3 inch Spinner.

I had purchased electric landing gear retracts from HK as well. I bought them as a pair, but can't find them. They weren't very expensive, I think less than $20  a pair. I just don't trust mechanical retracts.

The parts will start to arrive over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

Phoenix Spitfire Build Update: Days 1 and 2

I started the Phoenix Models Spitfire Mk2 build the other day, as the parts have all arrived. Its a slow start. I've been excited about building her, but I've been busy...

DAY 1

On the first day I wasn't very motivated and just did the aileron and flap installation.

It comes with all CA fiber hinges. I planned to use all nylon hinges, but the fit in the flaps box was too tight... The space required by the nylon hinges, even recessed, was too much, so I had to pull them and use the CA hinges on the flaps. I taped the hinges.

Installed, both wings done, called it a day...

DAY 2

I used Hitec HS-485 HB Karbonite geared digital servos on the flaps, saving me $50. I had them on hand from some other build/crash. I generally like all metal gear servos on gassers, but I think having the MGs on all the control surfaces is important, but I can get it away with them on the flaps. Tactic X47MGs on the control surfaces and for the throttle.

I noticed that there were pre-lasered holes to secure the servo cover, so flipped them over and drilled the holes for the small screws that secure them in place.

Be aware there are two different sizes of screws, long for the ailerons, short for all the others. I hate these kinds of control horn installations. If you don't get the drill pilot holes exactly straight, getting the backplate to screw in is challenging. I managed to get about half of them to work out first try.

The long screws come out a little long so I Dremel'ed them short.

Protect with a couple of layers of masking tape.

I followed the design specifically. It makes for a very short aileron control rod. The stock control arms that come with the Tactic servos are just barely long enough, and I didn't have longer ones.  I used longer ones on the Hitec servos on the flaps as I have them.

Installed and done! I set the flaps up as closed at neutral. I've not set these up before, my only flap experience being with flaperons. Once I get the receiver in line and start programming the transmitter (Spektrum DX8) I'll know more. Pointers welcome.

I am not a fan of mechanical servo driven retracts, mostly because my experience with them on the rare plane I have had them on, well, sucked. So I replaced them  on this model with electric ones. I LOVE the way they sound in motion! The struts themselves are from the stock mechanical gears. I mention this to draw your attention to the wheel cover attachment that is closer to the wing; notice that its divided. I had to do this to allow it to retract and not run into the retract unit keeping it from closing all the way. I had to Dremel a little of the wheel box to get the retract to fit properly. These struts have a tendency to fall off, so I will go back and Dremel a notch to allow one of the set screws to hold the gear more securely.

When retracted I noticed that the strut wheel cover doesn't close flush. There is no way to address this as the wheel is firmly seated against the well, which is in turn directly flush with the wing. I looked at pics of others online, and even with the original mechanical retracts this is how it comes out.

All in all they came out nice. My first time!

The wings are each done, and next I will join them permanently. Then I can get on to the fuse and the engineering installation. This is coming along nicely!

Tail's on

That took a couple of minutes... but in another brain dead moment I epoxied the vertical before installing the horizontal, but quickly recognized my mistake, removed the vert, quickly prepped the horizontal (the control surfaces already installed) and epoxied it in, then replaced the vertical, all before the 15 min epoxy set. Whew.

I had eariier picked up the Spektrum 8 Channel telemetry reciever at my LHS. I haven't used telemetry before, but it has a built in Reciever Pack Voltage Sensor I think I will need to learn how to use. I think my DX8 is capable of telemety? I guess we'll find out. I also ordered a Pulse 2S 2550 mAh reciever LiPO that I will use with the Aerotech Ultra BEC as both ignition and reciever pack. I think it should allow several long flights.

I am looking at, and expect to try out the Evolution 10cc gas engine. I saw it at my LHS the other day, and its a nice looking engine. Has decent reviews. I noticed its a single needle system, but has an attached pumped carb. Evolution moved away from the muffler pressured tank providing fuel feed. It has the torpedo muffler hanging out there... I am pretty certain I want to give it a shot. It too is a beam mount making for simple installation in an airplane designed, as the Phoenix Spitfire is, for glow. I also bought a 12x8x3 Master Airscrew prop to try on it. I usually fly a 13x8x3 on the 10cc, but wonder if more revs will translate to more thrust? I plan to try both in static thrust comparisons.

I have asked both Phoenix Models and TowerHobbies if the black rubber gasket for the fuel tank is gas safe... In the past I have simply replaced this with one that I know is, but is that necessary?  Not sure how much gas exposure is required to find out?

I read in the TowerHobbies Tech Notes that when using a fuel instead of electric model they suggest epoxying the wings together... I have used packing tape to essentially seal the outside gap, but maybe just epoxying them together is better? I think it will add wing strength? Maybe I will... Maybe I won't...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present: The Phoenix Spitfire 10cc!

Today I checked the tune up with the 3 blade prop (lost 2k RPM, now peaking around 8300) and installed the cowl. She looks amazing and I am very excited about her! This was a very straight forward build, my little landing gear diversion aside. No major screw ups. The CG was spot on! As soon as a day off and weather combine favorably the maiden flight will surely be flawless!

Powerplant: Evolution 10cc gas

Prop: Master Airscrew 12x8x3 

Landing gear: Hobby King servoless electric

Receiver Pack: Pulse 2S 2550 mAh

Ignition Power:  off the TechAero Ultra BEC

Receiver: Spektrum AR8010T with satellite

Servos: Tactic TSX-47 metal gear digital

Progress update on Phoenix Spitfire

The tank is plumbed. I stopped by our LHS, ABCHobbies today, and picked up a gas proof plug, I installed the tank using it, and the plastic pipes that came with the original set. I would prefer metal, but plastic is what they are. I don't think the metal plate that is inside the tank that compacts the rubber stopper is working right, I think it stripped. I may solder a nut on the inside of it to be sure.  You might notice that I had to move the battery, reciever, and the throttle servo to the otherside. Turns out the throttle linkage is on the other side of the engine.

Here's the underside in it's final settup. The throttle control rod is installed.

This is the Evolution 10cc engine installed, with the ignition. Right out of the box you realize that this engine is a thing of quality. Well constructed, solid, clean. The compression on the cylinder is powerfully tight. The aluminum case that holds the ignition is a solid brick of metal. Quality. I am impressed so far. That muffler is HUGE. It's going to come out OVER the wing, I think!

The view from the top.  Again, that muffler! I am waiting for the Tech Aero UltraBEC to arrive, and then I will be able to start the engine.

The fuel dot. Don't think I like it. It sticks out about 5-6 mm, clunky. I like the flat ones. I will probably replace it.

A problem presents itself with placement of the fuel vent. The cowl is large and comes back kinda far on the front of the fuse. I ran the line to the back, just behind the wing screws. I created a flat plate to make it easier to install. Its not as raised as it looks...

The Adventure Continues

A storm is coming overnight tonight, the front is moving in this afternoon. The morning is warming up and the winds are calm. I figure I can get to the field, maiden the Phoenix Spitfire, and put some more time on the Pulse XT60 with her new APC 15 x 6 prop.

I arrive to find Nick Crigo and Louis Rios flying helis. Nick pretty much only flies helis, has been for 25 yrs, so he is flying the high end stuff you only see in magazine and airshows. These are his.

Nick Crigo. Nice guy, glad to have met him.

I learned that in my haste to get out, I forgot the wings for the Pulse. I don't like to start with a maiden flight of an aircraft... this isn't good.

And it wasn't good... I did maiden the Spitty, and it ended abruptly and poorly. I posted about it.

I headed back home quickly for the wings, some lunch, and decided to bring the Stik with her new 12x8x3 prop. I downsized the prop on the Sukhoi at the 13x8x3 is a lotta prop for the RCGF 10cc, but the Sukhoi didn't perform as well, so I went back to the 13x8x3 on her.  I wanted to see how the Stik would do with the smaller prop. Flew about 4 tanks!

This is my favorite plane! She flies amazing, is powerful, stable, and a joy to fly! The Duck has done well. Flew several tanks and tuned the flaperon mix.

She really likes this APC prop, and yes we cut sone grass with the low clearance. She did tip stall the engine and did not break. I squeezed the soft gear together a bit, cracked the paint, but the added distance, balanced mixing on the flaperons, and a flared landing did the trick. I am planning a 3 blade 14x7x3 Master Airscrew if I can find an inexpensive aluminum spinner. That will make the clearance better. A little paint and she is better than ever.