I usually fly .049-powered planes on 35' lines, up to 42' if I want slower lap times.  8-lb Spiderwire is sufficient; I have used 12#, depending on what is available when I go to buy a reel. Can't tell much (if any) difference in performance. My .061-powered models use 42' minimum line length, up to 52', again depending on the lap time I want.  You have to be kinda masochistic to put an .061 on 35' lines, although I do it occasionally (too lazy to roll out another set of lines for maybe one flight).

You don't need to CA the knots if you use a Palomar knot, or two or three other kinds that are non-slip types. A standard double hard knot (square knot) will not hold in Spiderwire; it will slip out. (Unless CA'd I suppose!)

I don't have a TeeDee .049 so can't speak to the appropriate prop, but a 6x3 seems a little much, I would run that on an .061.  My .049s (Norvel, VA, Black Widow, Brodak) mostly use 5" or smaller props, down to 4 1/4", x3" pitch. Whatever it takes to get the rpms up, the little engines don't lug well. The Cox black plastic 5x3 broad-blade prop is sort of my base, then I whittle down the diameter from there as needed.   APC props perform better but will break, and will do more damage if you get a finger in one! I've found the APC 6x2 to be just about the ideal prop for an .061-powered stunter. APC makes a 5.5x2 that might work well on a good .049 for stunt.

Fuel, I've used everything from 10% to 35% nitro, castor oil and synthetic, it all seems to work pretty well--the higher nitro does I think result in easier starts. I don't habitually tach my engine runs, but I don't notice any real difference "by ear" in the various nitro levels.

You got pics of what you're flying?

OK, here's what I'm flying! Not real hi-tek. Actually a Red Reinhardt design from the 50's. He called it the Snapper, a design in "Variable Dihedral"! Yup, the 1/8th sheet wing flexes considerably in manuvers. I re-published this in FM 12/89 as a take apart. Plans may still be available.

As to what kind of knot am I using...Yes, I am a fisherman but that spider web stuff is so fine I do it the simple way. An overhand loop. Now you know why I use the CA!


W.   

I was not ready to post my latest information on 1/4A flying lines but!!!

I have not finished a series of tests on different weight lines but at present I can state that if you use any knot directly on the line clip it will fail at about 50% of the rated line test.  I.E. 20 lb test line will break at about 10 lbs load.

BUT!!!  If you tie the line around a ferrule, like you use on bigger steel lines, with a palomar knot it will hold to almost the rated breaking strength of the line.

I will add a sketch soon. 

Also do not use monofilament line!!!  Use only woven, non-stretch, line.  Ask me how I know!

Clancy

Ward,

Thanks for the info. I have lots of CA! 


Clancy,

Looking forward to your article. 

Your earlier postings were the source of the line failures I cited.

Bill

Ralph,

Those look good, and the price is reasonable enough, but have you tried them?

If so, how sharp are the small open end edges, where the line would rub?

Bill