Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / June 2004

refer to http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/
and scroll down to a lot of very useful information under section "Floats
and Skis"

Float cores - DIY foam cores and floats
Floats - Ironsides
Floats for electrics - J Spencer
Floats, plans and downloads etc
Float size Calculator - single or twin floats - download
Skis - Ironsides
Skis and floats - George Nichols (ex RCM)
Ski Kits for R_C Aircraft
Ski kits - how to make
Winter Float Flying - snow & ice

regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC Web Links
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong

Use an 11x6 on your .46, the extra speed will help your plane get off
the water quicker, and if you're flying off salt water, take some
fresh water to flush out your radio gear if you dunk it. Sea water and
receivers don't play well together.

1)Thank engine and prop should be fine although the plane is a little heavy.
Use a long takeoff run and let the airplane lift when it is ready. Horsing
it off the water is a sure recipe for a snap-crash.
2) Move the switch to the inside, operated with a thin wire pushrod. If
impossible, put electrical tape over the switch before each flight (after
turning on of course!)
3) If you have a choice, fresh water is preferred. If you dry the engine
with WD-40, FOLLOW IT IMMEDIATELY with LOTS of after-run oil (Marvel Mystery
Oil or any automatic transmission fluid). WD = water displacement = white
death. WD-40 is NOT a quality lubricant and is banned for many critical
uses. If salt water gets in any of your electronics, disassemble and  rinse
them IMMEDIATELY with purified (bottled) water and let them air dry, and
test them thoroughly. Many times any electronics in contact with salt water
are no longer useable.
4) Make sure the step of the float is at or a little ahead of the CG.
5) Adding a fixed sub-rudder (fin on the bottom of the rear of the fuselage)
aids handling on many planes.
6) Equip at least one float with a water rudder. Many ways to do this -
simple to complex. A water rudder on a long wire down from the aircraft
rudder works too.
Have a great time!

A fine pitch prop is preferred for float flying.  You will do fine with the
11X5.

Move the switch inside and operate with a L shaped wire.  Push 'IN' for ON
and pull 'OUT' for OFF.  Waterproof the receiver and plugs but NOT the
batteries.  A wrapped battery will corode very quickly and cause lots of
intermittent problems before the light goes on in yr head and you unwrap it
to see the mess.  If you dunk it, simply pull the batteries and let them dry
off in the sun.

Man, I wouldn't fly off salt water.

Yes.  And also seal the wing saddle with silicon or some sort of wx
stripping.

Add a water rudder or two.  A float plane is just about impossible to steer
without it.  You may also need a sub fin depending on how twitchy the 'plane
seems in the air.

Don't fly without a retrieval boat.  Other than that, a float 'plane flys
just about the same as on wheels.  Let us know how it works out! And welcome
to the wonderful world of water flying.

Gord Schindler
MAAC6694