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Building Tips and technical articles. => ARF'S => Topic started by: Allen Eshleman on June 07, 2015, 12:12:21 PM
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Thanks to the many of you who answered questions on two other posts. We, my brother and I, thank you so much.
This kit has a long story. I bought it about two years ago. Later, I decided I was too busy and sold it. I sent it to Canada by mail but didn't double box it. Parts of the wing were crushed in the mail. The person kindly sent it back. Meanwhile, my brother retired. He likes building. He looked at it and said he thought he could get it back together. He made about half, perhaps more, new ribs and repaired some other parts that were broken.
I am attempting to post pictures of it. The blue and yellow covering are ultra-cote and the power is a Randy Aero LA 46. Next is break-in of the engine and hopefully a first flight during this coming week.
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A few more pics
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A few more pics.
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Hi Allen,
Looks really nice.
How did it balance
with the LA 46 and
stock muffler?
George
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Looks great to me. Going to Brodaks with it? I don't know how close to Carmichaels PA you are. I'm not able to be there this year, but am planning on 2016.
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Beautiful job!!! I am more amazed at how much garage floor space you have and how clean it is!!! Lol
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Great save, Allen! Your brother does excellent work y1
Have you had a Vector before? Should fly great with the Randy Smith LA .46!
BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM
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The Vector has flown!
To answer a few questions.
I had to add 1 3/4 oz of weight to the back.
It finally flew today - two flights - no maneuvers. It needs more weight in the wing tip. I think that my 11/4 Power Point Prop is not big enough. I have one Master Air Screw 12/4 and some 11/6's. I am planning to go to Brodak, Monday and Tuesday. Will try to procure some 11.5/4, or something like that.
I'm taking my time. I already ready wrecked the Magician I want to fly at Brodak. It will be back together tomorrow, thanks again, to my brother.
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Hi Allen,
Try the Thunder Tiger Cyclone 11X4.5 prop.
A tongue muffler weighs about .5 oz. and the
stock muffler weighs about 2.5 oz. and find
the lightest spinner you can and you may
be able to get rid of the tail weight.
George
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Hi George,
Do you know where to obtain the Cyclone props. I want a batch of them.
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Hi Allen,
Randy Smith use to have them
and I think he has the best Mufflers.
Thunder Tiger could have quit making
props but I hope not. I think their 11X4.5
prop is the best for the LA 46.
George
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I will ask around at Brodak to see if anyone knows where to find the Cyclone props. I know Brodak has Big Art mufflers.
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Hi Allen, WOW!!!!!! That looks great!!! I'm so glad it all worked out. People, if you saw the plane when I did when it arrived in Canada you would be astonished and to see it all in beautiful shape and that makes me happy. I felt so bad about it, that I sent Allen 2 McCoy engines, a 19 and a 35 to use. Allen, you are a great guy and and I'm flabbergasted as to how the vector turned out. Brought a tear to my eye actually, lol
cheers
Rob
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Hi Rob,
Thanks so much for the kind words. Also the engines. I am using the 19. I need to get the courage soon to really fly the Vector. So far four flights - mostly level. I 've got to get over my fear of really flying it. I have about 40 minutes on the motor.
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The real hero of this story is my brother, Ron. He spent many hours of many days, building this plane. When I figure out how, I will post his picture with the plane.
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Here are some pics of my brother with the Vector.
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Has your brother got to see it fly yet? I see he is using a walker. If he knows how to fly put him on a swivel chair with help to turn it. Looks like you both did a great job on it. H^^
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Hi John,
He was with me for the first two flights. We are considering something for him to fly sitting down. Haven't decided yet on what.
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Allen,
Outstanding job with that model.
Nice color choices, great color arrangement!
Amazing how you cut all those graphics.
My guess is you have a background in design?
H^^
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HI Allen and Ron, What a Team you two are! I note that Ron is using a walker how Great is That! The plane looks really fine and I'll bet you will enjoy flying it quite a bit! Sorry that you chose not to fly at Brodak's but by next year you both might be ready! I sure hope so.
Have you flown the Flying Fool as yet? That bird turned out very nice! It too will fly fine for you.
As to the LA .46's I like the Pro Zinger 11 X 5 props over all. They are usually balanced or close to it. If it's necessary to balance at all I have been using Rust-O-Lium clear (shinny) to refinish the scrapings and standings. It's worked well for me thus far. If the weather gets really muggy you might try an 11 X 6 prop for more bite in thinner air.
Phil Spillman
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Thanks Phil,,
I think I have some of the 11/5's. We haven't gotten around to flying the Vector again. We haven't flown the Fool yet but we are going to soon. I saw the one you put in CL world.
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I have finally flown the plane again. Wow! It was the best run I have ever had on a motor and the plane. - It had a low growl, 4 - cycling and stayed that way through the run. -
The "fly" was so smooth. Wow again! What a feel! This is the first time I have I have done 8's and loops with this plane. This is the first plane of this caliber that I have flown.
Using 60 ft. lines. Is that too short? I didn't feel that way.
It seems to sail a bit when landing. I'm thinking it might be a bit tail heavy. Also, might need a bit more weight in the wing tip. I saw it flip a bit "up" in the wind.
Also, the landing was on some dirt on a ball field. I have some dirt on the motor and a bit in the venturi. I plan to work on that with a que-tip. Is there any advice for engine cleaner and for getting dirt out of the engine fins. I tried to spray some of my cleaner on it and to use the edge of a fine micro-fiber cloth. It's not all out yet.
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Questions: What length of lines are you using for your Vectors? I've been using 60 ft.
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I fly my Vectors (one kit-built, one ARC, both LA46 powered) on 62 or 63 foot .018 lines with hard point handle. I think 60 feet is too short. You may get away with .015 lines depending on flying weight.
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I have finally flown the plane again. Wow! It was the best run I have ever had on a motor and the plane. - It had a low growl, 4 - cycling and stayed that way through the run. -
The "fly" was so smooth. Wow again! What a feel! This is the first time I have I have done 8's and loops with this plane. This is the first plane of this caliber that I have flown.
Using 60 ft. lines. Is that too short? I didn't feel that way.
It seems to sail a bit when landing. I'm thinking it might be a bit tail heavy. Also, might need a bit more weight in the wing tip. I saw it flip a bit "up" in the wind.
Also, the landing was on some dirt on a ball field. I have some dirt on the motor and a bit in the venturi. I plan to work on that with a que-tip. Is there any advice for engine cleaner and for getting dirt out of the engine fins. I tried to spray some of my cleaner on it and to use the edge of a fine micro-fiber cloth. It's not all out yet.
Hi Allen
your Q: Is there any advice for engine cleaner and for getting dirt out of the engine fins. I tried to spray some of my cleaner on it and to use the edge of a fine micro-fiber cloth. It's not all out yet.
Answer: cleaning engine fins ? I use a tooth brush (from the field box) to do the job.
Peter H^^
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Thanks guys for the advice. I flew it once this evening, using 10% nitro. I opened the needle a bit but the run was too fast and too long - probably 9 or 10 minutes. I think I am going to get longer lines and .018. I am using .015 60 ft. lines. My brother has 70's.