Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / May 2010

I haven't been posting much because I've been flying control line a lot,
and holding the conversation over at stunthanger.com.  I had crashed the
Nobler Wednesday, so yesterday was RC and half-A control line.

Nice day yesterday.  I'm working on a 1/10th scale Laird Solution, and
finally got it all sorted out -- oh joy!  I had to enlarge the fin over
the already-enlarged fin that I had (Jimmy Doolittle complained about
yaw stability on the original).  I was despairing because even with the
larger fin the plane was still twitchy in the air and had trouble
climbing.

Then I put on a higher pitch prop and the thing came alive!  Then I put
on a bigger, even _higher_ pitch prop and it came aliver!  I'm not sure
what it is about that airframe, but the original was a 21-foot wingspan
biplane with a 400 horsepower engine, and both of the ones that I've
built just don't work right unless they're overpowered.

Man, that is one fun plane.

Now I need to check current with that monster prop, to make sure I'm not
overtaxing the motor or battery.