Author Topic: Cursed Shoestring! (Read 8019 times)

Randy Ryan · « **on:** August 30, 2010, 05:26:44 PM »

Frikkin, frakkin' Frikken!!!!!

My little CG Shoe is the sweetest little model. I keep messing around and getting better performance out of it. But, seems every 4th or 5th flight something happens to it (or me). First hit was a flameout, it sat for a year before I got back to it. Fixed it, flew it and even placed in out Profile event a couple years ago. Out this spring, flying, had put up 3 passable patterns and on the 4th flight managed to fly it inverted into the turf taring off the rudder! Crap, not a big deal, I fix it and get a couple flights on it playing with props and find that the McCoy Redhead .35 is as happy as a clam on a Zinger 11-4, whoda thunk it!? So I go to our contest last weekend, put up a practice flight and all is sweet. First official, signal, crank, running, touch up the needle, ready to rock and somehow, as I stand up I pull the tips of fingers on my left hand through the prop. Just the tips, but 10 stitches in 2 fingers worth.

OK, so I'm in the back tonight trying to sort some other airplanes out and identify that one needs the tank lowered, one has something in the needle and a third just flat needs a new engine. So I says to myself, "self, go get the Shoestring." And being obedient to myself, I do. Light the fire, grab the wire and I pumped out a really sweet patterm, REALLY SWEET. It ran a little long so I climb and try a shutoff loop, unfortunately it worked halfway through. The model fell in toward me, I ran and fell down so never regained tension and you know the rest. Frikkin' Frakkin' Frikken, tore the gear off, AGAIN. Man, that ol McCoy was just doin it for me and I was feeling good, now I gotta fix it again. GRRRRRRRRR!!!!

I sure am glad this only happens once every so often, wouldn't be hard to quit if it happened allot.

Wynn Robins · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:50:21 PM »

we all have planes like that -make it electric - no more issues HA HA

wwwarbird · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2010, 06:16:32 PM »

So Randy, is there something unusual about these experiences?

I'm currently on my second Shoestring. The first one lived way more than nine lives and used up two OS.35-S's. The current Shoestring is Fox .35 powered and once had the stab fail at the fuse joint (odd, yes) and the elevator split at the joiner all at once. Luckily, I was flying level and only a few feet off the ground when it happened and it just pancaked in. Shortly after that repair with a new stab and elevator, it got the fin and rudder peeled off on the bottom of an outside loop and skidded to a stop. Repaired once again it still flys great and I still fly it often because it's a "low pressure" airplane compared to something bigger, more complicated, and more expensive. I've got a bunch of other ready to fly models, but it's pretty hard to beat the pure fun that can be had with a good running Shoestring.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2010, 06:21:37 PM »

Randy, sounds like you need to pass that Shoestring to someone else. I have had several planes that I couldn't get to work all the time for me. But, in another persons hands they never had the problems I had.

ray copeland · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2010, 06:27:40 PM »

Randy, just sounds like pure fun to me!!

Bill Little · « **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2010, 07:14:52 PM »

HI Randy,

Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield.........

Good thing is that the plane doesn't get tore up too bad!

You will fix it and have it back in the air having fun again before you know it.

Big Bear

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2010, 09:09:42 PM »

Thank you Randy!
I thought that I was the only one with cursed Shoestrings.

Many many moons{in the sky type}ago somewhere around 1968-69 or there abouts had to give the first cursed shoe away, one of us had to have some relief!
My Buddy Tommy loved that thing.

A few years later Tommy, Bobby, Me decided to build 3 matching Shoes and do a 3 man something or other.
Follow the leader?
Bobby's flew good
Tommy's after breaking something and then gluing it back on flew good.He always broke then fixed something before maiden so it would fly better not being so nice and all. Seemed to work.
Mine? That dog went home with someone else real soon.

Well figured that 30+ years later or somewhere there about that I could build a super straight light weight and succeed and it flies great!
Now if one of 3 Fox Stunt will quit flaming out and knocking the rudder off OH! cant forget the tree limb....

It looks so good and flies so good that the foxes make me afraid to fly it.

Busters were good to me, until recently.

But now I feel better!
Thanks Randy

David

Garf · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2010, 10:23:29 PM »

Mine would always quit on the upside of a wingover. It would come in on the lines, glide across the center of the circle, hit the end of the lines, then float down flat.

John Stiles · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2010, 08:05:28 AM »

Never. Never run.........a squished LG or hole in the wing, is always better than a broken hip!!

mike hartung · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2010, 09:47:23 AM »

Some days your the hammer and some days your the nail (BUMMER).

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2010, 09:48:02 AM »

I have certainly had a love/hate relationship with Shoestrings (though mine are the Simons variety). I love the planes, they hate me.

jim gilmore · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2010, 10:24:51 AM »

I can sympathise with you, but. I do not think the problem lies with the shoestring. It does lie with how you relate to this plane. Seems you do some things that you would not do with more valued models in your hangar.
You attempted to make the engine quit , and it came in on the lines ? Would you have done that with the number 1 model in your hangar, or just flew it flat till it quit ?
You did not do something top fliers have not done either so do not take my comments as a fault. Just that when we take risks more with a particular model there usually an underling cause.

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #12 on:** August 31, 2010, 02:31:46 PM »

Randy,
I don't mean to sound like a "wise guy", but it seems to me that you really need to learn how to do a proper "shut-off" loop. Do it right and it doesn't matter where the engine quits the momentum of the airplane will cary it through. Start fairly low about shoulder height start a big open loop , then just before the top tighten the loop drastically. Try it you'll like it. This process insures enough momentum to complete the maneuver dead stick.

Randy C.

OpusP51 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 31, 2010, 03:54:53 PM »

Hi Randy,

Good to hear your fingers survived. Sure was great to see you over the weekend, even with the "cursed" shoestring. Looked to me like you had great time flying it! You didn't miss much other than more RAIN!!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and a renewed realationship with the Shoe.

Fly Stunt, Todd

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #14 on:** August 31, 2010, 09:27:47 PM »

Thanks all, I put this on here more for comic relief then anything else, but let's see..

Todd, sure was great seeing you again, but you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO MAKE THE WEENIE ROAST NEXT YEAR!!!

Randy C. Yes I know how to do a proper cutoff loop, had I flown another 1/4 lap I wouldn't have had to try

Jim Gilmore, Not really, I'm pretty careful with all my models, even the beaters.

Randy P. I heard THAT!!! Your Shoe was a show stopper!

Mike Hartung, I've been the nail allot, but to be honest, this is really just about getting more practice in.

John Stiles, Do you know how old I am???

Phil, At least it was consistant!!

W. D. Roland, Glad it helped someone!!

Ty, I heard that, maybe I'll join you

Brudder Bill, I consider myself "bugged"

Thanks guys hope it was good for a laugh!!

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #15 on:** August 31, 2010, 09:33:08 PM »

Quote from: Randy Ryan on August 31, 2010, 09:27:47 PM

Thanks all, I put this on here more for comic relief then anything else, but let's see..

Todd, sure was great seeing you again, but you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO MAKE THE WEENIE ROAST NEXT YEAR!!!

Randy C. Yes I know how to do a proper cutoff loop, had I flown another 1/4 lap I wouldn't have had to try

Jim Gilmore, Not really, I'm pretty careful with all my models, even the beaters.

Randy P. I heard THAT!!! Your Shoe was a show stopper!

Mike Hartung, I've been the nail allot, but to be honest, this is really just about getting more practice in.

John Stiles, Do you know how old I am???

Phil, At least it was consistant!!

W. D. Roland, Glad it helped someone!!

Ty, I heard that, maybe I'll join you

Brudder Bill, I consider myself "bugged"

Ray Copeland, Very Funny!!!

Doc Holiday, Got anybody in mind??

Wayne Willey, I guess not since I don't gert out nearly enough anymore.

Wynn Robins, I gets no jolts from volts, castor & ethanol for me!!

Thanks guys hope it was good for a laugh!!

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #16 on:** August 31, 2010, 11:31:46 PM »

Twas much fun Randy.

The way my Shoestring luck runs and my recent rash of Buster troubles I can probably, single handedly
keep your thread going for awhile. All other airplane are doing fairly decent so possibly I have contracted Goldberg's syndrome.
I have a double VooDoo kit but am afraid if I build and fly the they will chase me down, both at the same time

I ran from a VooDoo .36X once many moons ago when I could run FASTER

8X8 yellow tornado[ mental picture I still have]

Your thread had me grinning every time I read it.

Thanks

David

John Stiles · « **Reply #17 on:** September 01, 2010, 06:52:45 AM »

Quote from: Randy Ryan on August 31, 2010, 09:27:47 PM

Thanks all, I put this on here more for comic relief then anything else, but let's see..

John Stiles, Do you know how old I am???

Uhhhh no, how old? I know how old I am, 61

I used to run out to the lines after starting my planes, but now when I try that my feet get in an argument about who gets to go first.

I remember running once to try and gather up the slack in the lines of my P-51, and right as it hit the ground I was falling backwards.......pulled out the bellcrank, broke the engine mounts off, and had a bruised tailbone for about 4 weeks.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #18 on:** September 01, 2010, 10:17:32 AM »

Quote from: John Stiles on September 01, 2010, 06:52:45 AM

Uhhhh no, how old? I know how old I am, 61 I used to run out to the lines after starting my planes, but now when I try that my feet get in an argument about who gets to go first. I remember running once to try and gather up the slack in the lines of my P-51, and right as it hit the ground I was falling backwards.......pulled out the bellcrank, broke the engine mounts off, and had a bruised tailbone for about 4 weeks.

OK, I'm 60, and I know what you mean, but its still in the mental program to TRY!

John Stiles · « **Reply #19 on:** September 01, 2010, 04:54:21 PM »

Quote from: Randy Ryan on September 01, 2010, 10:17:32 AM

OK, I'm 60, and I know what you mean, but its still in the mental program to TRY!

Thanks for divulging your age, but it's okay....you didn't hafta. I'm actually in the same shape one would expect to find a 75 year old in. Got a lotta miles on me!

Dave Adamisin · « **Reply #20 on:** September 01, 2010, 05:10:43 PM »

Guys.... I have flown a lot of Shoestrings and ALL of them had a demon of sorts. Either they would randomly "dart" about or the enginme never ran right. Of the three 1/4 midgets from GB the only one that I though approximated a reasonable flight profile was the Comic String. I had one with a G21 bb35 that would do about 107 mph inverted and 101 right side up...... It was a LOT of fun...

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #21 on:** September 01, 2010, 05:33:19 PM »

Quote from: Dave Adamisin on September 01, 2010, 05:10:43 PM

Guys.... I have flown a lot of Shoestrings and ALL of them had a demon of sorts. Either they would randomly "dart" about or the enginme never ran right. Of the three 1/4 midgets from GB the only one that I though approximated a reasonable flight profile was the Comic String. I had one with a G21 bb35 that would do about 107 mph inverted and 101 right side up...... It was a LOT of fun...

Dave, wish you could have gotten a change to see mine fly on a McCoy .35 turning a Zinger 11-4, that prop made an astounding difference in the directional stability of the Shoe. The tracking was never as good in level flight as with that prop. At first I thought it would load too hard, and it is indeed on the "edge" I think, but it really works for me. That's why I felt like such a dope when I dorked my fingers Saturday (it was the extra 1/2 inch of tip arc) and then when I needlessly pranged it again Monday evening after enjoying the much improved performance.

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #22 on:** September 01, 2010, 06:10:00 PM »

Well Randy; I am taking notes here. LOL. All of the McCoy 35's I got from you all run extremely well, and all of the planes I have them on have never crashed. But! And this is big, I have never flown a Shoestring with one. Ringmasters, Skyray 35's, and an Eldiablo. So maybe it is the Shoestring McCoy combo that is jinxed.

You just have to stick with this until you get it to not do all those nasty things. It will be a victory for all of us who might try that combo in the future. Remember, we're pullin for ya, were all in this together.

Mike Keville · « **Reply #23 on:** September 01, 2010, 06:35:11 PM »

I don't understand all this negative "Shoestring" talk. I've had several (Goldberg kits, not the updated Brodak version with the vastly different wing construction). ALL flew wonderfully --- one with a Fox 35 and the others with (wait for it!) McCoy 35s. One of them won Beginner when I came out of F/F....another scored 370-plus in Intermediate a few months later....ALL were very pleasant flying machines....especially the ones with the McCoys.

Never had a problem with any of them. Wish I still had one!

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #24 on:** September 01, 2010, 06:53:10 PM »

Quote from: Mike Keville on September 01, 2010, 06:35:11 PM

I don't understand all this negative "Shoestring" talk. I've had several (Goldberg kits, not the updated Brodak version with the vastly different wing construction). ALL flew wonderfully --- one with a Fox 35 and the others with (wait for it!) McCoy 35s. One of them won Beginner when I came out of F/F....another scored 370-plus in Intermediate a few months later....ALL were very pleasant flying machines....especially the ones with the McCoys.

Never had a problem with any of them. Wish I still had one!

Well Mike, this started as a spoof on myself, my "cursed Shoestring" is a victim of myown low frequency activity lately. I really like the airplane, its pretty and it flys very well. And, I LIKE Red Head McCoys, I have had the occassional clunk, but for the most part, with proper fuel, they're really nice running engines with reasonable life.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #25 on:** September 01, 2010, 06:57:12 PM »

Quote from: Jim Kraft on September 01, 2010, 06:10:00 PM

Well Randy; I am taking notes here. LOL. All of the McCoy 35's I got from you all run extremely well, and all of the planes I have them on have never crashed. But! And this is big, I have never flown a Shoestring with one. Ringmasters, Skyray 35's, and an Eldiablo. So maybe it is the Shoestring McCoy combo that is jinxed. You just have to stick with this until you get it to not do all those nasty things. It will be a victory for all of us who might try that combo in the future. Remember, we're pullin for ya, were all in this together.

Glad to hear it Jim, wish I still had the .40 The airplane's fine, I just have to fly enough to get back in the groove and all this nonsense would fade away. Things seem to be looking a bit more positive for me for the coming year, so maybe I'll be able to do that, sure would like to get back on the contest circuit.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #26 on:** September 01, 2010, 07:04:18 PM »

Quote from: John Stiles on September 01, 2010, 04:54:21 PM

Thanks for divulging your age, but it's okay....you didn't hafta. I'm actually in the same shape one would expect to find a 75 year old in. Got a lotta miles on me!

Well John, I'm still pretty "spry", I still run up stairs 2 at a time, but I am getting to like to take a short snooze after dinner!

Marvin Denny · « **Reply #27 on:** September 01, 2010, 07:10:49 PM »

HMMM. It looks like I may have to give that combo a try. I have four Shoestring kits (all goldberg) and have just won a big batch of "stuff" off the bay. In that batch I can see at least three McCoys. They appear to be of the 29 to 35 size. I guess that will have to become a project.

Bigiron

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #28 on:** September 01, 2010, 07:25:32 PM »

Randy; I hate to even tell you this, but the 40 I got from you is the best running stunt engine i've had. I run a 12-6 APC cut down to 11, and it doesn't even break a sweat. Runs almost the whole pattern in a very strong 4 stroke. Perfect Magician engine.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #29 on:** September 01, 2010, 07:28:56 PM »

Quote from: Jim Kraft on September 01, 2010, 07:25:32 PM

Randy; I hate to even tell you this, but the 40 I got from you is the best running stunt engine i've had. I run a 12-6 APC cut down to 11, and it doesn't even break a sweat. Runs almost the whole pattern in a very strong 4 stroke. Perfect Magician engine.

GRRRRRRRRRRRR Grumble grumble. Then on the other hand, we made a nice trade, I'm happy,,,,,,,,,,,,, mostly. HEE HEE!!!!

Pretty Magician!!!!

John Stiles · « **Reply #30 on:** September 01, 2010, 09:10:52 PM »

Quote from: Randy Ryan on September 01, 2010, 07:04:18 PM

............ I am getting to like to take a short snooze after dinner!

Uh oh......that's a sure sign right there........then when you start going to bed early, like 7.00 PM well; there ya go.

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #31 on:** September 09, 2010, 05:58:33 PM »

Randy
Flew 5-6 absolutely enjoyable flights on the Shoe the other day. Old Fox running near perfect arplane was wonderful, only needing the push rod moved out a hole.
We are still having off and on rain so figured with the damp ground today a few more flights on the Shoe would be in order.
Well probably need to work on things that will be needed for the full pattern, like outside squares.
Dog gone ground elevation raised up or more than likely pilot rust

.... well picture below.

Need a bottle of 'Pilot Rust Remover'.

Do we need to start a Shoestring support group?

David

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #32 on:** September 09, 2010, 06:02:50 PM »

Jim
Wish I still had the Magician I had when I was 12-13. Man was that a sweet airplane.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #33 on:** September 09, 2010, 07:00:41 PM »

Quote from: W.D. Roland on September 09, 2010, 06:02:50 PM

Jim
Wish I still had the Magician I had when I was 12-13. Man was that a sweet airplane.

Second shot looks like maybe a CG P-40?

ROTC Uniform?

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #34 on:** September 09, 2010, 07:02:23 PM »

Quote from: W.D. Roland on September 09, 2010, 05:58:33 PM

Randy
Flew 5-6 absolutely enjoyable flights on the Shoe the other day. Old Fox running near perfect arplane was wonderful, only needing the push rod moved out a hole.
We are still having off and on rain so figured with the damp ground today a few more flights on the Shoe would be in order.
Well probably need to work on things that will be needed for the full pattern, like outside squares.
Dog gone ground elevation raised up or more than likely pilot rust .... well picture below.
Need a bottle of 'Pilot Rust Remover'.

Do we need to start a Shoestring support group?

David

Pilot rust is certainly my problem, the airplane really is nice to fly, I just have to get back into a routine.

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #35 on:** September 09, 2010, 07:23:43 PM »

Wow Randy!
Good eyes to see that P-40 in that blurry old Polaroid!
That is my little brothers airplane.

On the rust thing
Am seriously considering dragging out a 16oz combat plane with a Fox Mk III this weekend.

Son will be in town so I have a launcher.

If that wont remove some of the rust it is permanent!

Rust Never Sleeps.

David

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #36 on:** September 09, 2010, 07:40:17 PM »

Whoops!
forgot

Those are our Military school dress uniforms.

To Mom and Dad WWWHHHHHYYYYYY WHY?

David

Randy Powell · « **Reply #37 on:** September 09, 2010, 10:36:25 PM »

>>Randy P. I heard THAT!!! Your Shoe was a show stopper!<<

Well, the show stopped, that's certain. It's sitting in the rafters right now awaiting me cutting the stab out and building another.

Sigh...

Dave Adamisin · « **Reply #38 on:** September 09, 2010, 11:43:39 PM »

Quote from: Randy Ryan on September 01, 2010, 05:33:19 PM

Dave, wish you could have gotten a change to see mine fly on a McCoy .35 turning a Zinger 11-4, that prop made an astounding difference in the directional stability of the Shoe. The tracking was never as good in level flight as with that prop. At first I thought it would load too hard, and it is indeed on the "edge" I think, but it really works for me. That's why I felt like such a dope when I dorked my fingers Saturday (it was the extra 1/2 inch of tip arc) and then when I needlessly pranged it again Monday evening after enjoying the much improved performance.

Me too. I remember one we had. It was a base yellow covered with silk. I think dad git it from Joe Hass (Sr) while he was working for Joe at Wayne Hobby. Dad put an Enya 35 with the low compression head on it. It actually ran pretty nice. It flew at a 424 and you could do a pattern if you were careful. I gotta tell you that if you like the Shoe you'd love the String..... The Shoe IS a lot prettier IMHO.....

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #39 on:** October 28, 2010, 05:56:07 PM »

Cursed Shoestring back inthe chocks! Still may get some flying weather yet the fall, I'll prolly just do it all over again!!!

Bill Little · « **Reply #40 on:** October 28, 2010, 11:39:36 PM »

Quote from: Randy Ryan on October 28, 2010, 05:56:07 PM

Cursed Shoestring back inthe chocks! Still may get some flying weather yet the fall, I'll prolly just do it all over again!!!

Brother Randy,

That looks WAY too good for a CG Shoestring!

And this is AFTER you have repaired it a couple times? My man, you really know how to makes things nice.

Bill

Allen Brickhaus · « **Reply #41 on:** October 31, 2010, 11:20:15 AM »

Quote from: Ty Marcucci on August 30, 2010, 08:54:44 PM

Ahh, yess, the frikkin cut off loop. Cost me my Mimic up at Paducah a few weekends ago. Finished the pattern, but no, I just had to cut the engine and land it. Blammm. Dammm. Got it all fixed, again. NO MORE cut off loops dummy.

I find that flying at 5 feet after the pattern uses more fuel and helps to shorten the run length after the clover. Flying high lets it run lean and allows it to run longer. Yes, cut off loops can be done, but just be careful. I am glad the Mimic is back flying.

Allen Brickhaus

W.D. Roland · « **Reply #42 on:** November 03, 2010, 02:13:38 PM »

Well Randy
Have ( or had) mine flying real well even fighting a vibrating Fox.

Flew it in the BR beginner event and beat me myself and I for 1st

So got home and decided to put a real good running OS .35s on it................

OK start all over again!! Quit inverted and pancaked it in upright with only bent landing gear.

Conclusion is this airplane makes the engine vibrate as the normal smooth running OS is almost as much vibes as the Fox was!!!

I think the aircraft structure is resonating to the 8500-8750 rpm range........all fine at 9thou
Hate to add mass to the nose and screw up the balance.

Think i might park it for awhile and sort on something else for relief.

David

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #43 on:** November 03, 2010, 09:01:36 PM »

Well David, that's what its all about isn't it, sorting them out. I'm hoping to get a little flying weather yet this year so I can fly the repaired Shoe and the re-engined Ring' Sportster. Dumb actually, I have a new Nobler and a 3 year old new Sabre Stunt that need sorting for contests and here I am playing with these silly things.