I got hold of a Wattage camel. Took my time putting it together. Brace wires(upholstery thread) on the wings. Carbon fiber strip in the wings. Brushless motor. Pull pull controls. 6 nihm AA under cowl. CG just right. Took off with slight turn to left give it slight turn to right then more right, into tight spiral into the ground from about 50 feet. Hit on the nose. Only damage is broken brace wires. Foam planes are tuff. Have new wires on now waiting on calm day. Going to have to be real easy on the controls on this one till I get used to it. May have to use the landing wires to force more dihedral in the wings.

Hey degreen60 I had one of those Camels!!! Built it stock and it flew SO SLOW!!! The only thing I had against it was the landing gear pulled off every time I landed in grass. As far as the turn and crash have you figured out what caused it? If you haven't you might check to see if one of the wings are twisted. If I remember right it was easy to do if the struts were not lined up well. But I'm sure you knew that, just tryin' to help if ya need it. You'll like what a relaxed flyer it is when you get it dialed in. Steve.

I read every thread I could find on the Wattage Camel before building it. I did check the wings for a twist but with my eyes it could slip by. I was hoping the wire bracing would keep the wings straight. I X braced both the wings and the struts. The problem was probably more my flying than the plane. I just started flying multi channel about 6 months ago. In the 60 I flew single channel but that was more like free flight with some control. I plan on making new landing gear like I have on my scratch built Sopwith triplane as soon as I get it to fly. I had trouble flying my Albatros until I pulled more dihedral into its wings with wires. I built the Albatros as shown and used kit motor and gearbox. The motor lasted 4 flights before the comutator went south. It now flights half throtle with 9x6 prop. I didn't even try the kit motor on the Camel just went brushless. 11x8 prop really pulls it nice.

Hi guys, I have really enjoyed reading this thread and getting ideas from the masterpieces you have created. I am currently working on a DH1 from LX models. This is the same company that GiantScalePlanes was sourcing their models from that are mentioned in the opening post of this thread. Their standard DH1 model has a 76cm wingspan, but I managed to source a 1.0m beastie from a model shop in HK. They apparently make a 1.3m model but I couldn't find one anywhere. The LX website is pretty toxic and they never answered my e-mails. About half way through the build and I must say I am very impressed with the quality of the model. The only gripe I have is that some of the linkages were a bit basic and attachment methods would not have lasted five minutes in flight. Just replaced them with some quality hardware.
Some pics below together with some pics of a DH1 and a DH2 that my finished model will be based on.

KiwiKid

congragtulations.
 

you do good work. your stable looks impressive. dick

Wow Kiwikid that's some cool stuff!!! Can't wait to see it finished!!! Steve.

Thanks guys, heres a link to some more of my models - I sleep on the floor:)

http://www.rcuniverse.com/gallery/ga...emberID=158340

KiwiKid

I can't remember if I posted this or not, but the Guillows SE5A is a decent flier, that will ROG with a steerable Dubro micro tailwheel. My most recent, and favorite WWI plane.

Bill

You've got some great planes there Kiwikid!!! Steve.

Hey!! Any of you guys seen the Neiuport 17 and Sopwith Camel ARFs at www.powerlinehobbies.com yet? I think I posted the site correctly. They already have flying wires, outrunner motor, ESC, and servos installed!! A little pricy but cool non- the- less!! Steve.

ZEBERA S.E.5a. update,
 

WARNING! Pix are grafic and my be distrubing to younger and more sencitive scale viewers, The fly'in pett'in zoo's expand'in at excellerated place! I should have her stirip'ed and fly'in by the weekend, don't think I lose her against the tree-line anymore, the old storm lanchers about to be the parrot. Now won't that be a hoot! ya'll's bub, steve

foto's
 

so what? we build and fly for OUR personal enjoyment. we are proud enough to show others what we have accomplished and to also help them, if needed. its still a lot cheaper than WOMEN, even sometimes all most as excieting. dick

And the planes are usually a LOT more cooperative. And quieter.

did LOVE her scale!
 

OOps::I guess I should of addressed the post to my bub, Scaleflyer, We had a-bit of fun about the subject, (and I rememered the RED CAMO post awhile back)I did LOVE her scale! but my eye's are gett'in old with the rest of me, Oh well, ya'll's bub, stevecooper PS 50+ & dick, I know ya'll know from wence I speak!HA!!

My airplanes never complain about having headaches!!!! Steve.

And they still care
 

WW I Ace: I've giv'in my planes lots of headachs, And they still care, (care for some C.A. or epoxy!) your bub, stevecooper

Yikes Dick and 50+!

There are a few women who fly and read these post... No need to be degrading.

Frances

Huh????????
 

Did I miss something?:D :D :D :p

Sorry Guys,

The comments about women just rubbed me the wrong way... No biggie... Maybe I completely mis-read... If so my apologies...

Franny

Franny (my wife's name is Frances, she is Fran, or sometimes Frankie, to me:D ), I think the guys were just indulging in a little "light hearted" MCP humour; I'm sure no offense was intended. We do that once in a while:rolleyes: .

My SE5a was completed 10 days ago. So far this month we've had 21 days of rain, and the 3 that weren't wet occured before I finished the build:mad: . Sure would like to get it airborne sometime this Spring!

Brad.

If I refer to the feminine side, it will be>> She flys like a beauty.Or, Ain't she a beauty. Sometimes I will say>> Boy she sure does purr. LOL! Scott.

Brad & Electric,

I'm sure you are right... Now back to airplane stuff!!! :)

Brad, Any pictures?

Franny

Brad.....it's sunny, no wind.....GO FLY !
maybe we should see if we can get the D V11 maidened too.

Coping With Winter
 

:cool: Hi Franny.....When I first saw the mention of women flyer's, I was thinking these guys should look in the Sailplanes posts..and ..pow ... here you are...LoL...My B.o.T. is ready and waiting, along with my SE5a,400 GWS Tiger moth with a brushless motor,GWS Beaver,GWS Corsair pilon racer,Modified GWS easy Starter with a DF brushless on 3 cells,Scratch built Kadieto(39in ws ) with a Brushless motor,(Floats too),RC Universe -Electrify Bipe with Rimfire Outrunner motor,3D charger with geared brushed Kontronix speed 400....Today we set up and finished a 60 glow Uglystick just to use up my cases of old glow fuel, a 46 glow something Extra, and adding a second wing to my Gws Slow Stick , which I coverted to brushless and 3 cells on Floats.... I was borded stuck in my basement this winter..slightly.If I don't get flying weather here soon, I'll need another garage.
I bought a small digital camera to mount in my slowstick too, but haven't got the weather yet to try it....oh I forgot, I converted my Gentle Lady glider to "E" power, added a brushless motor & esc, 3 cell lipo and a 10x5 folding prop. I flew the Lady once on New Years day , just to say we got a flight in...Winds were gusting at 35 km/hr and it penetrated well and flew well. The best set up yet as I've launched it many times on an .049 glow mounted on a pod .The new "E" conversion works really well for this model, the motor is a BM24-08-21 tower pro combo that is priced right ($29 for motor & 18amp esc) 3cell Apogee lipo and a Graupner 10x5 folding prop.This will be some great relaxed flying when the weather breaks...:rolleyes:

Franny, as I mentioned over in the SE5a thread, no pics of my plane, since it looks identical to all the other GP SE5a's in the thread!

Ron, being the first dry day in ages, I had to hustle off to work to keep the customers from lynching me, and then up to MSA hospital to visit my Mom, she's in with pneumonia right now. She's doing well, but at 82, it takes a while to recover from these things. So with all that, no models of mine saw air time today.:(

Brad.

We have a number of wives and significant others who are associate club members. A number have tried flying, got good, but possibly got bored. But, they are still great contributory members. Several ladies over the years got an excellent membership tracking program going, better than what the guys who handled the membership before were able to do. These ladies are a definite asset to the club. I'd like to see more of them flying. Most of the women I've known who got involved with building or flying have learned quickly and become quite good flyers. They also have been excellent builders. When our club put on mall shows, there were quite a few trophy winning planes which were built by a male half of a team, but the award for the finish was actually won by the female team member who did the fiishing and decoration. One lady actually did such an excellent job on the monokoting of a 1/2A plane that it looked like a well rubbed out dope job, the job was even flawless on the wheel pants that covered the 1 1/2" wheels.

I did not and have never tried to put women down through my comments. But, as someone who despises the trend to political correctness, I would have no trouble making derogatory comments about a particular individual.

your one talented R.C.'er
 

Frannie: I've been at this for 40+ years, but after reading some of you past post an history I'm humbled, your one talented R.C.'er, Not spead'in butter,just admiration, your bub, stevecooper

I ain't commenting, as I stuck my neck out too already. there was NO intent to Offend anyone. sorry if it did. dick

Okay ladies and gentlemen lets get on with the planes!!! Did anyone get to fly this past weekend? We had bad thunderstorms here and a few tornadoes within a 100 mile radius. Not exactly prime flying weather!! My tripes and bipes on my Realflight 3.5 sim got a workout though!!! Steve.

Dare Fokker DRI Triplane "maiden"
 

Hi Steve,

I got out and finally maidened the DRI. (my avatar). I'd love to say the flight was a complete success, but at least it didn't get destroyed. It was pretty unstable and managed to go in on the top left wing after about 10-15sec or so. It cracked a spar and loosened the front landing gear mount, but all in all not bad. I went through and fixed all the bobos and then added a little weight in the nose. I also took some of the slop out of the ailerons. All the controls are pull-pull and are a bit difficult to get adjusted in that small fuselage. I *think* it has a better chance now, but does anyone have a good position for the CG on the DRI? It is a Dare kit and it balanced out just fine but I'm not so sure it is correct. I do have one picture in the air to prove that it "flew". Next week?

Steve: Thanks for the nice comments! I had a productive winter in my "hole" and managed to get three new airplanes out and two conversions done. I really love building! That and it is nice to have a few new choices ;) f.

Franny

That is a good looking tripe Franny!!! You did a good job on the build. I'm not sure where your CG should be on the Dare kit. On my Aerodrome 23"ws DR1 it's approx. even with the spar on the middle wing. I've found that a touch nose heavy doesn't hurt. That's how I balance all my WWI planes. Their noses are all short as well as their tails so it seems that if you don't get 'em a little nose heavy they are a handful because of their short coupling. Steve.

This is tak'in fly'in out a whole new door
 

Franny: I blew-up the pix where your pull'in it around and it seems your elevaors your throws Way up, I know you know (probly better than I) how to set-up a plane for it's maiden flight and don't think you'd have the throw set up that high, maybe a glitch? funny pixs angle? may-be my old eyes(happened before!) anyhoo, I just thought I'd ask , your bub, stevecooper

Thanks Steves,

Yeah, the elevator had quite a bit of throw. Believe it or not, I actually like it that way at first as I have had airplanes go in due to too little control. The throw isn't that severe but I saw that too in the photo and wondered it it just wasn't a motion blurr or something. It does look bad... I'll try to lower the throw a bit. Good call!

f

I though you had it setup as an airbrake. HAHA

Just don't destroy it Franny. It is too nice of a plane!!! Steve.

Oh, don't worry... The Fokker DRI is my all time favorite airplane. Absolutly cutting edge in it's time and, in experienced hands, one heck of a flier. So,... I think a few careful mods and maybe even a little time on the sym and it will fly. On the other hand, I won't beat it up either... I have my eye on an AerodromRC triplane for AXI2826. Maybe fall... I hope to try again this weekend if the winds chill. I'll let you know!

Franny

Nice job on the Tripe Franny....looks Good.I would suggest moving the CG forward until you get a few flights on the plane, then work it back as desired.Your elevator and rudder will have less effect with weight forward of the cg and should help tame this short coupled plane for first flights a little.I understand your choice of elevator throw and your reason for that choice as I too set up my models in a similar fashion.If you have D/R on your radio, Dial in 30/40 % if you find the elevator too Responsive for first flights.That way you could just hit the D/R switch if you needed more throw once in the air.I'm sure you'll get it worked out. I hope our suggestions help rather than confuse.Good luck with your Tripe Franny
Don
PS..I can see in the Pictures the intensity of focus on your face at the field...LoL.Keep up the great work Franny

Hey Franny, when you get that Tripe in the air,you'd better watch your six for those pesky SE5's...LOL...here's a pic of mine but no grass showing here yet :rolleyes:

Hi Don, Thanks again for the comments. I actually spent all evening on it last night. I even moved the elevator servo so I could adjust it easier. Those pull-pull deals are a little difficult to set up, but are really cool once they are working. I have moved all the attachment points to the inside of the servo arms. I can't change the control surface horns. I have a couple of old lag bolts in the nose and it now balances a 1/4" or more ahead of the CG so I'm psyched about that. There is no reason it can't fly and it should be super fun in the air. I can't wait!!

I'll be watching my six, but beware the Fokker scourge! We come out of nowhere! You are on!

Franny

P.S. Oh, don't you just love that photo? That look. Franny was not happy... I always expect things to work perfectly on the first and they almost never do and I'm always suprised...

Now there's another SE5a to hound your DR1, Franny, as I finally got to maiden my GP model this evening. First flight was a little scary, since I had way too much control throw, so the plane was extremely touchy as soon as the wheels lifted off, but some very gentle stick nudging got me a few nice circuits, and then a picture perfect landing, which was unexpected on our very soggy grass strip:) . I programmed some expo into ail. and el., and took off again on the same charge, for a much longer and much more relaxed flight, including some attempts at rolls, loops, and stall turns. Even with my modest power , the plane is capable of much more than scale performance, and rolls can be nearly axial, or very barrely, whichever you choose. Rudder is definitely needed for decent looking turns, and some downtrim improved the "sit" in flight. My second landing was a little too hard, bucking a gust just before touchdown, and the only damage was a small piece broken off a corner of the battery hatch, which popped off when I plopped the plane down. I'm very pleased with the model, and look forward to exploring the capabilities as the season progresses.

My flying buddy did get some pics, so when he sends me copies, I'll post a few.

Brad.