To the Cognsceti:

I got one of these (new old stock) for the princely sum of $0 - quite the bargoon, eh? Bench run under my tutelage and mounted on a mini-Ringmaster. Flying it and think it still needs more run time.

I’ve modified the sketchy NV to get a steady run. So far, kinda good. Not sure if I should invest more time in it or consign it to the hurl. What might the future portend for those of you in the know?

Dave Mo…

I acquired a new Fox 15 a few years ago. I decided to give it a try and did some bench running-in, then strapped it to a Jr Flite Streak. It seemed to run reasonably well on the bench, but it did have a few issues in the air. Maybe more running in time was needed. But I decided to abandon it.

I've already sent it to Uncle Jimby to mount on a Hurl trophy. I left specific instructions that it was not to be thrown, but it was only to be used for mounting on the Meet-n-Meat contest trophy.

(He already has one to throw at Meet-n-Meat in a couple of weeks in Napa, CA. I believe the one that is thrown at Napa is highly modified (NVA removed) which allows for less in-flight resistance and longer distances. But I might be wrong!)   

Gents:

Good to hear, John, that these motors can be run. So Collin, likely I’ve arrived at the point when you consigned your 15 to its best (?) possible use. At any rate Dan, the prop is APC 7x6, 50 feet of Spectra lines, small uniflow tank. Might switch that to clunk tank.

Much obliged.

Dave…

Gents:

Good to hear, John, that these motors can be run. So Collin, likely I’ve arrived at the point when you consigned your 15 to its best (?) possible use. At any rate Dan, the prop is APC 7x6, 50 feet of Spectra lines, small uniflow tank. Might switch that to clunk tank.

Much obliged.

Dave…

  Too much pitch. Try some 4 and 5" pitch props, wood if you have them.  Lines should not be any more that 20 pound test if that helps any. Same fuel as Fox .35 stunt also and add some fuel line to the needle to seal the threads.

  Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

I ran my fox 15 on a wooden zinger 8x4. Contrary to the expectation of the hurl commissioner, it ran fine in an acromaster.

Hello I know the basic Fox 15 can be a terrible engine but a good one like a 15X or latter 15 BB can be a very good engine with the right fuel and smallish prop.
If you need to use a muffler on a Junior Ringmaster I would prefer a more modern OS or Enya 15.

regards Gerald

PS why hurl a little Fox 15 when a OS LA 46 will make a bigger hole and exercise your arm more?

David:

So the winner is the 8x4 wooden Zinger on the Fox. No contest, really, after putting four others to the test.

Thanks to you and the others.

Dave Mo…

PS:

Now, another fish or two to fry on this bird. Think I’ll continue the discussion above in “At the Handle.”

Dave Mo…

   That's what I thought would happen. I used mainly 8-4 and 9-4 props depending on the size and weight of the airplane. I used the Fox .15 mostly on the SIG Akromaster and it's a bit bigger and heavier than the Ringmaster Jr I think. Using wood props helps here also, but I would not be afraid to try Master Airscrew props in this range. I have been playing with 1/2A stunt models lately, and having fun with them and liking the smaller airplanes. Might be time to revisit the Fox.15. 19 and some models sized for those.

   Type at you later,
    Dan McEntee

Hello Dan and Paul:

It's perhaps better to continue things here.

To wit: It tips the scales at 18 ounces. Using 50 feet of Spectra, it seems to like the 8x4 lumber. For a decent run (4.6 seconds lap) it has to be launched lean. Tank is a good, home-built small Uniflow at just over an ounce. I prefer short flights at this stage.

Decent enough wingover but the motor slows during hard maneuvers. Likely too lean. Though fore-aft balance seems good, at the handle climb response is slower than dive response. No inverted yet - just too sketchy to try. I just don't see line weight as a problem. Not sure about line length, though.

I've got some ideas but will await anything you gents can provide.

Dave Mo...

Hello Dan and Paul:

It's perhaps better to continue things here.

To wit: It tips the scales at 18 ounces. Using 50 feet of Spectra, it seems to like the 8x4 lumber. For a decent run (4.6 seconds lap) it has to be launched lean. Tank is a good, home-built small Uniflow at just over an ounce. I prefer short flights at this stage.

Decent enough wingover but the motor slows during hard maneuvers. Likely too lean. Though fore-aft balance seems good, at the handle climb response is slower than dive response. No inverted yet - just too sketchy to try. I just don't see line weight as a problem. Not sure about line length, though.

I've got some ideas but will await anything you gents can provide.

Dave Mo...

  Don't give up until you try some other 8-4 and 8-5 props of other brands. The only ting Zingers are good for is mixing paint, epoxy, or carving them into something you can really use!! Lots of props in the 8-4, 8-5 and 9-4 and 9-5 range turn up reasonably priced on eVilBay. I wouldn't discourage trying Master Airscrew plastic prop. Keep your flying lines where they are for now. Lap times at 4.6 sounds a bit fast, but keep plugging away in that speed range until you get the feel that you are comfortable with. I don't think 18 ounces is too heavy. I am flying a Doodlebug powered with a .061 Norvel that is 207 sq. in. and weighs 12 ounces on 45 foot lines at 4.5 seconds for comparison. Keep at it, take notes and keep us posted.
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

Good to hear another point of view, CT. With respect to the diversity of experience here, I suspect there’s something unknowable embedded in the early Fox 15 mills.

Dan and MMan: I’ve got four more props to try out this eve, all 8 inches. Time will tell!

Dave Mo…

Just back in after a good time at the field. Props I tested: MAS 8x3, APC 8x4, MAS 8x4, and MAS 8x4 narrow. Hands down, the MAS 8x4 did the job best out of 11 props all told. It worked so well that I’m confident enough to work it through some maneuvers this week.

 You weren’t just a whistlin’ Dixie when you said to keep at, Dan! Thanks much.

Dave Mo…

Just back in after a good time at the field. Props I tested: MAS 8x3, APC 8x4, MAS 8x4, and MAS 8x4 narrow. Hands down, the MAS 8x4 did the job best out of 11 props all told. It worked so well that I’m confident enough to work it through some maneuvers this week.

 You weren’t just a whistlin’ Dixie when you said to keep at, Dan! Thanks much.

Dave Mo…

     OK, Now!! Don't get rid of the other props!! They may work just fine on a different model/engine, and the MA 8-4 might not!! I have tried some of the new Master Airscrew props since they changed the airfoil on them or something like that, and they have worked pretty well. I will try some more in the future.
    Type at you later,
      Dan McEntee

GMA was George M Aldrich.  He is gone now.  Ritch's Brew is the current leader in glow fuel.  He has anything anybody needs or wants.

There is a point in getting all fuel sensitive with a new high quality engine. 
But an old sport engine has, most likely, been abused in the past and maybe worn out.

GMA was George M Aldrich.  He is gone now.  Ritch's Brew is the current leader in glow fuel.  He has anything anybody needs or wants.

There is a point in getting all fuel sensitive with a new high quality engine. 
But an old sport engine has, most likely, been abused in the past and maybe worn out.

I tried to order fuel from Ritch's Brew like a year ago. I actually talked with him and emailed him wanting to order fuel. Then he just totally stopped corresponding with no explanation. So, I finally gave up. I guess he did not want my $$.

I have been able to source my fuel from others.

Brett,

Thanks for the clarification, Brett.

I have some Red Max 15/22 (11% syn/11%castor).  I'll give that a try.

I've had the same experience with Ritch's Brew (no response).  I hear that brings fuel to some contests.

Who distributes Power Master fuel these days?


Joe Ed

Don't buy your fuel from VP, you'll pay through the nose. Give Stan a call at S&W fuels 610-252-2024.

MM

Been through this thread a couple of times and haven't noticed what version of the Fox .15 the OP is asking about. The earlier "steel fin" is ok with an 8-4 (I used a Tornado nylon), but the slant plug .15X likes smaller props and higher revs.

If you look at the APC line, they have some fractional diameters (like 7.5") and a variety of pitches. It's highly unlikely that your LHS will stock them, but the APC factory is extremely fast and they give excellent service. I got my order in 3 days, but it's a pretty straight shot up I-5.  Steve