Author Topic: Anyone using spectra lines for scale? (Read 167 times)

Matt Curtis · « **on:** **Yesterday** at 02:24:26 PM »

Just wondering if spectra lines work well for scale airplanes and what weight of line are you using?

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #1 on:** **Yesterday** at 06:17:11 PM »

I've only flown GSUMP lines on 1/2-A sport models, but I suspect it'd work great for scale.

Note, though, that the wording for line requirements in the current rules clearly assumes that you'll be using steel lines, and not all that is said makes sense for GSUMP -- given that I wouldn't take GSUMP lines to a contest unless the event director had said it was OK, and I may even want to get that in writing before I potentially wasted a contest weekend on a plane that I couldn't fly.

Note that the whole conversation in stunt circles about lines got so complicated, between material requirements and attachment methods and whatnot, that the rules about lines is now boiled down to -- essentially -- "use whatever, so long as you pass the pull test".

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #2 on:** **Yesterday** at 10:42:41 PM »

Quote from: Matt Curtis on Yesterday at 02:24:26 PM

Just wondering if spectra lines work well for scale airplanes and what weight of line are you using?

I don't know about the legalities of it, but I think you can let stunt use be your guide. If using a 2.4ghz radio for throttle or any other functions, that should make things easier. I have a profile model of the full scale Dusty Crophopper airplane I have flown in C/L profile Scale with a 2.4 radio for throttle, and also in profile stunt and it would be a good candidate for Spectra lines. Line weight will be a function of model weight. I'll just use 60 ounces as a random number. Going by the AMA stunt rule of thumb that I think most follow, pull test for that airplane at that weight will be 60 ounces time 10 to equal 600 ounces. Divide that by 16 and your pull test is 37,5 pounds. If you round that up to 40, and add 10 to make 50 pounds, that would be a good place to start with line weight. And keep in mind that you will have two lines to share that pull test and flight loads. That is more or less how I have been picking my flying line weight for my stunt models. Read the rule book carefully and slowly, then consult whoever is the Event Director for C/L Scale at the NATS for some guidance.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #3 on:** **Today** at 10:30:24 AM »

My 2 cents. I am 2 years into Spectra with no desire to change back. In the weight range I fly (60-70oz - I know it is heavy) the lines and plane hold up to the pull text. I am on the other side of the scale so I question if the pull was actually 50lbs (10x) but I have pulled both the 80lb and 100lb sets to 60lbs pre-stretching the lines with no hint of failure. Your pull test at my weight is 1/2 that so I see no reason not to use Spectra, especially if you are using 2 lines. On three lines you need to make sure you pre-stretch them till you are tired of stretching, or the family start laughing. Spectra lines seem to have a very small memory. Just learn the knots. Whichever one you use; it has to be a self-tightening knot. I am more worried about the bellcrank mount that I am the lines.

It is fishing line so what do the fishermen use to catch Marlin and Tuna - 30lb Spectra (but they cheat and use a flexible rod and drag).

Ken

Author Topic: Anyone using spectra lines for scale? (Read 167 times)

Matt Curtis

Anyone using spectra lines for scale?

Tim Wescott

Re: Anyone using spectra lines for scale?

Dan McEntee

Re: Anyone using spectra lines for scale?

Ken Culbertson

Re: Anyone using spectra lines for scale?