Road trips: 2024
01-01-2024, 09:34 AM
#1
Road trips: 2024
January 1, 'Freeze Fly' at one of my local clubs.
DANG; another year 'gone by'. The older I get the more 'exponential' the time elapses!
No snow but cold at around freezing.
If it's not 70 degrees, or more, I don't fly but I'll 'watch'!
I remember in the CORP, many moons ago, it was in the 30's and we were all 'bundled up'
except for one dude, he was in shorts and a T-shirt; growing up in Alaska it was 'Spring' to him!
There were a lot of pilots attending; Well, most of us watched as the 'tough ones' flew in the 2 contests: gas and electric.
Train of life:
HAPPY NEW YEAR:
DANG; another year 'gone by'. The older I get the more 'exponential' the time elapses!
No snow but cold at around freezing.
If it's not 70 degrees, or more, I don't fly but I'll 'watch'!
I remember in the CORP, many moons ago, it was in the 30's and we were all 'bundled up'
except for one dude, he was in shorts and a T-shirt; growing up in Alaska it was 'Spring' to him!
There were a lot of pilots attending; Well, most of us watched as the 'tough ones' flew in the 2 contests: gas and electric.
Train of life:
HAPPY NEW YEAR:
04-07-2024, 01:43 PM
#2
F4U Corsair by Hanger 9.
New purchase from a local RC plane friend.
Used my Toyota Corolla instead of my truck and trailer.
JUST got everything into the vehicle.
Glad the back seats 'fold down'.
Into the shop.
Got a spare DA-50 for it.
Functioning canopy.
Full cockpit detail.
Nice scale tail wheel doors with a scale amount of wheel showing.
Functioning main gear doors. Electric gear.
Bomb drop racks.
Functioning 'nav' lights.
2 cowls and bombs.
New purchase from a local RC plane friend.
Used my Toyota Corolla instead of my truck and trailer.
JUST got everything into the vehicle.
Glad the back seats 'fold down'.
Into the shop.
Got a spare DA-50 for it.
Functioning canopy.
Full cockpit detail.
Nice scale tail wheel doors with a scale amount of wheel showing.
Functioning main gear doors. Electric gear.
Bomb drop racks.
Functioning 'nav' lights.
2 cowls and bombs.
Last edited by samparfitt; 04-07-2024 at 01:48 PM.
04-26-2024, 02:11 PM
#7
Dayton show (CONT).
My booty:
A CY 95" F4U corsair.
Darrell's wheels.
Parts. 2 cowls.
The previous owner did a nice job of detailing the wings.
Needed some glow fuel for the Zirolit F4U that I acquired at an estate sale that has a Seito 90 radial.
Must be a good 20 years since I've needed 'glow fuel'!
A brand new small air brush 'paint booth' that I can use when I want to paint some of my railroad engines without having to go to my detached shop where it's too cold in the winter and I'm too 'cheap' to heat it in the winter!
Can't beat 50 bucks!
Detached shop.
I'm accumulating too much stuff!
My booty:
A CY 95" F4U corsair.
Darrell's wheels.
Parts. 2 cowls.
The previous owner did a nice job of detailing the wings.
Needed some glow fuel for the Zirolit F4U that I acquired at an estate sale that has a Seito 90 radial.
Must be a good 20 years since I've needed 'glow fuel'!
A brand new small air brush 'paint booth' that I can use when I want to paint some of my railroad engines without having to go to my detached shop where it's too cold in the winter and I'm too 'cheap' to heat it in the winter!
Can't beat 50 bucks!
Detached shop.
I'm accumulating too much stuff!
06-01-2024, 11:46 AM
#9
June 1, 2024. Springfield, Ohio club social event.
Miles: 60.
A nice 700' all grass runway.
This was not only my first flyin of the year but the first time I've flown a plane this season.
I managed to get 3 planes PM'ed so far this season.
Doug and I attended.
Full size.
Went through a nice small town.
Miles: 60.
A nice 700' all grass runway.
This was not only my first flyin of the year but the first time I've flown a plane this season.
I managed to get 3 planes PM'ed so far this season.
Doug and I attended.
Full size.
Went through a nice small town.
06-05-2024, 02:54 PM
#10
Last fall I picked up 4 planes at an estate auction.
Started working on 2 of them, so far.
=========
Gilmore race plane.
Did some research and found this ARF was made by Black Horse and is 84.5" WS.
Looks like a well made ARF.
This is the first non-military plane I've had since 'training days'.
There are 2 plastic black screws that secures the top hatch to the fuse.
I removed the tank for PM.
A huge cowl.
No engine came with it but plan on installing a Zenoah G-62.
Will have to move the engine about 4" on a mount to clear the front of the cowl.
Tail wheel assembly.
Took me a few minutes to figure out how the outer wings are removed.
The wings just slide off the wing tube. There were no wing nuts securing the wings to the fuse.
After removing the wings I noticed some threaded holes on the inside ribs of the wings.
Looks like 1/4X24 bolts will secure them from the inside of the fuse.
Started working on 2 of them, so far.
=========
Gilmore race plane.
Did some research and found this ARF was made by Black Horse and is 84.5" WS.
Looks like a well made ARF.
This is the first non-military plane I've had since 'training days'.
There are 2 plastic black screws that secures the top hatch to the fuse.
I removed the tank for PM.
A huge cowl.
No engine came with it but plan on installing a Zenoah G-62.
Will have to move the engine about 4" on a mount to clear the front of the cowl.
Tail wheel assembly.
Took me a few minutes to figure out how the outer wings are removed.
The wings just slide off the wing tube. There were no wing nuts securing the wings to the fuse.
After removing the wings I noticed some threaded holes on the inside ribs of the wings.
Looks like 1/4X24 bolts will secure them from the inside of the fuse.
06-05-2024, 03:19 PM
#11
P-40 ARF made by SkyShark.
82" W/S.
FG fuse and wood wings.
It came with an extra wing!
There was only one gear in the wing (left one in picture).
I had some 'left over' gear from an 85" Corsair so I'm using them.
The 'spare' wing has a wing tube through the gear area and it must of been a problem because the previous owner cut it out and added CF rods.
Had to re-drill new holes for the screws.
Had to remove some screws to insert the gears.
Also, had to grind some wood so some of the 'button' screws that protrude on the sides of the gears.
Air valve on wing so I hooked up a tank to it to test the gear.
Down and...
Up.
With the gear so close to the fuse and having another pilot saying to 'toe out' the wheels on a 109, I figured I'd try that on this plane.
Onto the fuse.
Spinner removed.
Prop removed.
Interesting: I only use 8's on WW I planes and 10's and 12's on WW II planes.
I'm not a big fan on weighting the cowl but it's 'done'.
Some 'heat shield' on the muffler's side.
I have no idea what engine this is so 'respond' if you 'know'.
The ignition battery is being replaced as well as the transmitter battery.
Cool. The previous owner put the ON/OFF switch on springs so able to remove the cowl.
I have no idea what this is!
Previous owner had this manual choke cable. Not sure how he accessed it!
I replaced it with a servo operated choke.
Started installing the receiver and the choke servo installed.
Removed the tank as the clunk is 'hard'.
Cleaned out all the 'skuzz' in the tank.
Nice: importer added CF to the sides of the fuse.
82" W/S.
FG fuse and wood wings.
It came with an extra wing!
There was only one gear in the wing (left one in picture).
I had some 'left over' gear from an 85" Corsair so I'm using them.
The 'spare' wing has a wing tube through the gear area and it must of been a problem because the previous owner cut it out and added CF rods.
Had to re-drill new holes for the screws.
Had to remove some screws to insert the gears.
Also, had to grind some wood so some of the 'button' screws that protrude on the sides of the gears.
Air valve on wing so I hooked up a tank to it to test the gear.
Down and...
Up.
With the gear so close to the fuse and having another pilot saying to 'toe out' the wheels on a 109, I figured I'd try that on this plane.
Onto the fuse.
Spinner removed.
Prop removed.
Interesting: I only use 8's on WW I planes and 10's and 12's on WW II planes.
I'm not a big fan on weighting the cowl but it's 'done'.
Some 'heat shield' on the muffler's side.
I have no idea what engine this is so 'respond' if you 'know'.
The ignition battery is being replaced as well as the transmitter battery.
Cool. The previous owner put the ON/OFF switch on springs so able to remove the cowl.
I have no idea what this is!
Previous owner had this manual choke cable. Not sure how he accessed it!
I replaced it with a servo operated choke.
Started installing the receiver and the choke servo installed.
Removed the tank as the clunk is 'hard'.
Cleaned out all the 'skuzz' in the tank.
Nice: importer added CF to the sides of the fuse.
Last edited by samparfitt; 06-05-2024 at 05:27 PM.
06-06-2024, 02:56 PM
#12
P-40 ARF made by SkyShark (continued)
Used clear bath caulk to secure the air tank behind the canopy.
To insert the air tank had to remove the rudder servo arm and found the support ply loose; some epoxy fixed it.
Battery tray.
1/4" ply.
Holes and slots for the velcro.
I wanted to put the batteries under the tank but unable to cut that 1/4" thick ply to insert the batteries into that cavity.
Two 4,200 MA packs for the receiver.
All the planes get 2 battery packs.
Clunk made with Viton tubing. Brass tube to keep the clunk from 'folding'.
Used the original 'stopper' so did a 'bubble in water' test to insure no leaks.
Only a 24 ounce tank but I think this engine is a 30CC engine made by AGM.
Did a 'google' on engines and the one in this plane appears to be an AGM.
30CC isn't much but this is an 82" WS ARF, it's pretty light so I hope it can 'fly the plane'.
Arrow on the end of the tank as I have, in the past, inserted them incorrectly!
T connection for the fuel lines.
Overflow and fill lines.
Choke servo. Usually I use 'ball sockets' but went with a clevis on this one.
Used the transmitter to adjust the choke so no 'binding'.
Found some 1/4X20 bolts for the wing nuts.
Just did a 'copy' of one plane to another and changed the name so all my functions stay the same for each plane.
Used clear bath caulk to secure the air tank behind the canopy.
To insert the air tank had to remove the rudder servo arm and found the support ply loose; some epoxy fixed it.
Battery tray.
1/4" ply.
Holes and slots for the velcro.
I wanted to put the batteries under the tank but unable to cut that 1/4" thick ply to insert the batteries into that cavity.
Two 4,200 MA packs for the receiver.
All the planes get 2 battery packs.
Clunk made with Viton tubing. Brass tube to keep the clunk from 'folding'.
Used the original 'stopper' so did a 'bubble in water' test to insure no leaks.
Only a 24 ounce tank but I think this engine is a 30CC engine made by AGM.
Did a 'google' on engines and the one in this plane appears to be an AGM.
30CC isn't much but this is an 82" WS ARF, it's pretty light so I hope it can 'fly the plane'.
Arrow on the end of the tank as I have, in the past, inserted them incorrectly!
T connection for the fuel lines.
Overflow and fill lines.
Choke servo. Usually I use 'ball sockets' but went with a clevis on this one.
Used the transmitter to adjust the choke so no 'binding'.
Found some 1/4X20 bolts for the wing nuts.
Just did a 'copy' of one plane to another and changed the name so all my functions stay the same for each plane.
06-12-2024, 02:49 PM
#15
P-40 by Skyshark (cont).
First engine test:
I thought I'd have this plane ready today in a few hours; it took about a half a day and I'm still 'not finished'!
The plane wasn't 'binding' to the transmitter.
Since it 'bound' with just the fuse, I figured it was one of the wing servos; NADA.
The 2 elevator servos were bad.
I've never seen this manufacturer.
Replaced them with my 'trusty' HS-645MG's.
Had to drill/tap 4/40 for the 'ball sockets'.
Made a tray for the ignition battery.
I, usually, install them inside the fuse but I'll try this location!
A CEM-1205C mounted 'in line' with the battery.
'Googled' it and found it's an auditory device.
Removed it.
For now I 'hard wired' the battery to the ignition to test the engine.
I'm going to run the on/off switch for the ignition back next to the receiver switch.
Getting around 6,200 RPM's on the 23/8 prop.
As mention, previously, I usually use 10's or 12's but I think this is only a 35 CC engine so I'll test fly it with this prop.
I may have to 'switch' to a 20/10 or 12.
First engine test:
I thought I'd have this plane ready today in a few hours; it took about a half a day and I'm still 'not finished'!
The plane wasn't 'binding' to the transmitter.
Since it 'bound' with just the fuse, I figured it was one of the wing servos; NADA.
The 2 elevator servos were bad.
I've never seen this manufacturer.
Replaced them with my 'trusty' HS-645MG's.
Had to drill/tap 4/40 for the 'ball sockets'.
Made a tray for the ignition battery.
I, usually, install them inside the fuse but I'll try this location!
A CEM-1205C mounted 'in line' with the battery.
'Googled' it and found it's an auditory device.
Removed it.
For now I 'hard wired' the battery to the ignition to test the engine.
I'm going to run the on/off switch for the ignition back next to the receiver switch.
Getting around 6,200 RPM's on the 23/8 prop.
As mention, previously, I usually use 10's or 12's but I think this is only a 35 CC engine so I'll test fly it with this prop.
I may have to 'switch' to a 20/10 or 12.
Last edited by samparfitt; 06-12-2024 at 02:56 PM.
06-13-2024, 03:03 PM
#16
P-40 by Skyshark (cont)
Had to use a long drill bit to drill a hole through the first 2 fuse formers to route the ignition switch wires back to the new on/off switch on the bottom of the fuse behind the wing.
A long wire used to pull the extension wires 'through'.
The tail wheel rod 'fell out' of the threaded clevis. Added a nut to secure it.
I used these marks by the previous owner for the CG.
Gear down; slightly nose heavy.
Gear up: slightly tail heavy.
Good enough.
Right flap adjusted to match the left flap on deflection.
Good space between spinner and fuse.
Large air intake and same for the bottom rear of the cowl.
Full cockpit.
Nice pilot.
Also, nice instrument panel.
With the P-40 done will, probably, work on the Ziroli F4U Corsair.
The Zero is by Toprc.
Others that need assembly/PM.
Hanger 9 F4U.
Byron F4U.
CY F4U.
Under 'cover' is a Ziroli P-47 and a Ziroli F4U.
TF FW-190.
Also a Phoenix Spitfire in the box yet and a built Ziroli F6F Hellcat.
Had to repair my 50 year old file set container.
Had to use a long drill bit to drill a hole through the first 2 fuse formers to route the ignition switch wires back to the new on/off switch on the bottom of the fuse behind the wing.
A long wire used to pull the extension wires 'through'.
The tail wheel rod 'fell out' of the threaded clevis. Added a nut to secure it.
I used these marks by the previous owner for the CG.
Gear down; slightly nose heavy.
Gear up: slightly tail heavy.
Good enough.
Right flap adjusted to match the left flap on deflection.
Good space between spinner and fuse.
Large air intake and same for the bottom rear of the cowl.
Full cockpit.
Nice pilot.
Also, nice instrument panel.
With the P-40 done will, probably, work on the Ziroli F4U Corsair.
The Zero is by Toprc.
Others that need assembly/PM.
Hanger 9 F4U.
Byron F4U.
CY F4U.
Under 'cover' is a Ziroli P-47 and a Ziroli F4U.
TF FW-190.
Also a Phoenix Spitfire in the box yet and a built Ziroli F6F Hellcat.
Had to repair my 50 year old file set container.
06-14-2024, 03:03 PM
#17
Skyshark P-40 (cont)
A few minor updates.
Forgot to balance the prop.
Only needed one 'spray' of clear lacquer.
Initially I thought this engine was a 35CC (manufacturer unknown) so I checked the cylinder diameter to my DA-50 and they are the same so I'm assume this is a 50CC.
Shouldn't have any 'over heating' issues since there is a large intake as well as 'out take' in the back of the cowl.
Original owner had all the 'controls' located here so ditto.
Never throw anything away!
While 'cleaning up' the shop I came across a piece of round FG sheeting.
A little trim and some 'rattle can' and used clear window caulk to secure it in the wheel well.
Some 1/64" thick ply would work well for the outside wall.
Some damage on the wing.
Mixed 2 colors to get a 'close match'.
Also, painted all the white control horns.
The tail wheel was 'falling' forward.
Found the original owner used a retract but installed it backwards and the glue he used to keep it from 'rotating' came loose so I wired it.
In storage.
A few minor updates.
Forgot to balance the prop.
Only needed one 'spray' of clear lacquer.
Initially I thought this engine was a 35CC (manufacturer unknown) so I checked the cylinder diameter to my DA-50 and they are the same so I'm assume this is a 50CC.
Shouldn't have any 'over heating' issues since there is a large intake as well as 'out take' in the back of the cowl.
Original owner had all the 'controls' located here so ditto.
Never throw anything away!
While 'cleaning up' the shop I came across a piece of round FG sheeting.
A little trim and some 'rattle can' and used clear window caulk to secure it in the wheel well.
Some 1/64" thick ply would work well for the outside wall.
Some damage on the wing.
Mixed 2 colors to get a 'close match'.
Also, painted all the white control horns.
The tail wheel was 'falling' forward.
Found the original owner used a retract but installed it backwards and the glue he used to keep it from 'rotating' came loose so I wired it.
In storage.
06-14-2024, 03:27 PM
#18
F4U Corsair by Ziroli.
Another plane I acquired at an auction last Fall.
Not glassed and has 'monocot' on it.
PM the fuse.
The cowl seemed to be semi glued to the fuse plus there is 1/2" thick hard rubber semi forced around the engine cylinders!!!!
A Saito 450 3 cylinder radial engine. Glow and not gas.
I haven't had a glow engine in about 20 years.
My only experience is with Moki 250's in my Carf F4U and P-47.
A Keleo custom made muffler. Very cool.
I had him make me one for my World model's P-51 about 20 years ago.
Cool having the exhaust coming from a scale muffler.
I'm guessing he's no longer is in 'business'.
I had to remove the engine from the fuse as the throttle linkage did not move.
I'm assuming this is the 'ignition'.
The throttle body was 'frozen' so I sprayed some WD-40 on it and it, finally, 'broke free'.
Each cylinder has 2 'glow plugs'.
At the last plane show bought some glow fuel.
Printed off the engine manual; guess I'll have to read it!
Removed the tank for inspection. It was epoxied to the fuse.
The ignition battery was, also, epoxied to the fuse!
As well as the 2 receiver batteries.
First time I've seen batteries epoxied to the fuse.
Part of the fuse came out with the battery!
The receiver batteries were epoxied on both sides behind the wing mount.
Wing detail.
Flap hinges.
Mechanical door closures.
Functional bomb drop 'releases'.
Cleaned up the shop to store some of these PM'ed planes.
TF F4U that I crashed. Got 2 good sets of outer wings. Unfortunately the center wing and fuse is damaged.
Not sure why I keep all this crap!
FG Ziroli fuse that I crashed and no wing but I do have the plans!
Spare parts that I got from a fellow pilot that crashed his Skyraider that I may have use for should I damage my Skyraider!
A Phoenix Spitfire that I crashed. Damaged fuse but wings are good.
Got a new one in the box that's been there for about 5 years!
Another plane I acquired at an auction last Fall.
Not glassed and has 'monocot' on it.
PM the fuse.
The cowl seemed to be semi glued to the fuse plus there is 1/2" thick hard rubber semi forced around the engine cylinders!!!!
A Saito 450 3 cylinder radial engine. Glow and not gas.
I haven't had a glow engine in about 20 years.
My only experience is with Moki 250's in my Carf F4U and P-47.
A Keleo custom made muffler. Very cool.
I had him make me one for my World model's P-51 about 20 years ago.
Cool having the exhaust coming from a scale muffler.
I'm guessing he's no longer is in 'business'.
I had to remove the engine from the fuse as the throttle linkage did not move.
I'm assuming this is the 'ignition'.
The throttle body was 'frozen' so I sprayed some WD-40 on it and it, finally, 'broke free'.
Each cylinder has 2 'glow plugs'.
At the last plane show bought some glow fuel.
Printed off the engine manual; guess I'll have to read it!
Removed the tank for inspection. It was epoxied to the fuse.
The ignition battery was, also, epoxied to the fuse!
As well as the 2 receiver batteries.
First time I've seen batteries epoxied to the fuse.
Part of the fuse came out with the battery!
The receiver batteries were epoxied on both sides behind the wing mount.
Wing detail.
Flap hinges.
Mechanical door closures.
Functional bomb drop 'releases'.
Cleaned up the shop to store some of these PM'ed planes.
TF F4U that I crashed. Got 2 good sets of outer wings. Unfortunately the center wing and fuse is damaged.
Not sure why I keep all this crap!
FG Ziroli fuse that I crashed and no wing but I do have the plans!
Spare parts that I got from a fellow pilot that crashed his Skyraider that I may have use for should I damage my Skyraider!
A Phoenix Spitfire that I crashed. Damaged fuse but wings are good.
Got a new one in the box that's been there for about 5 years!
Last edited by samparfitt; 06-14-2024 at 03:42 PM.
06-16-2024, 04:03 AM
#19
June 15: Clinton RC club father's day flyin at Wilmington, Ohio.
Miles:41
About a 700' of a full size runway; all grass .
Doug and I attended.
My favorite time of year.
Everything is green and acres of farmers crops.
Always enjoy driving the 'back roads' of Ohio.
Miles:41
About a 700' of a full size runway; all grass .
Doug and I attended.
My favorite time of year.
Everything is green and acres of farmers crops.
Always enjoy driving the 'back roads' of Ohio.
06-16-2024, 03:02 PM
#20
June 15/16, GCRCC annual Circus at Butler county airport, Ohio.
63 years 'long'.
One of the few events in the USA specifically aimed at the general population.
About 24 separate venues that last about 8-10 minutes, each.
It takes a lot of members to host this event.
All planes supplied by members.
63 years 'long'.
One of the few events in the USA specifically aimed at the general population.
About 24 separate venues that last about 8-10 minutes, each.
It takes a lot of members to host this event.
All planes supplied by members.
Last edited by samparfitt; 06-16-2024 at 03:15 PM.
Yesterday, 03:53 PM
#23
Ziroli F4U Corsair PM (cont).
A plane obtained at an estate sale.
Today was 'daughter day' but managed to get a few items 'done'.
Hotter than hades today (low 90's).
Lots of trees help at my detached shop.
Installed the receiver and batteries (with tray) and checked the gear.
One air line came loose.
Had a little trouble getting the gear off the wood mount as the previous owner, also, semi glued them in place.
A flat screwdriver and small hammer freed it from the mount.
The 'covers' over the sides of the gear where the screws are located was glued.
Fortunately, able to 'break' them free and just used some tape to 'hold them down' on the wing.
Had to screw one hinge for one of the front doors to the wing.
The previous owner used a simple mechanical 'means' for the doors but it's effective.
Connected the ailerons and flaps and adjusted them manually at zero trim.
The flaps come down really far so it will look cool on landing.
There's one wire left which, I assume, is for the bombs which needs to be 'set up'.
I epoxied 2 trays with slots with velcro to hold two 5,000 MA batteries.
Also, glued to 3/4" square blocks on each side of the 2nd former to hold the tank (2 clamps holding them while the epoxy dries).
The original air tank was small so I added another second tank to the 'air system'.
Receiver installed and all moving surfaces 'zeroed out'.
A plane obtained at an estate sale.
Today was 'daughter day' but managed to get a few items 'done'.
Hotter than hades today (low 90's).
Lots of trees help at my detached shop.
Installed the receiver and batteries (with tray) and checked the gear.
One air line came loose.
Had a little trouble getting the gear off the wood mount as the previous owner, also, semi glued them in place.
A flat screwdriver and small hammer freed it from the mount.
The 'covers' over the sides of the gear where the screws are located was glued.
Fortunately, able to 'break' them free and just used some tape to 'hold them down' on the wing.
Had to screw one hinge for one of the front doors to the wing.
The previous owner used a simple mechanical 'means' for the doors but it's effective.
Connected the ailerons and flaps and adjusted them manually at zero trim.
The flaps come down really far so it will look cool on landing.
There's one wire left which, I assume, is for the bombs which needs to be 'set up'.
I epoxied 2 trays with slots with velcro to hold two 5,000 MA batteries.
Also, glued to 3/4" square blocks on each side of the 2nd former to hold the tank (2 clamps holding them while the epoxy dries).
The original air tank was small so I added another second tank to the 'air system'.
Receiver installed and all moving surfaces 'zeroed out'.
Last edited by samparfitt; Yesterday at 03:59 PM.
