Photos Of My Aqua Star
06-30-2002, 01:59 AM
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Photos Of My Aqua Star
Hello to all,
Just wanted to share some photos of my first 1/2a kit. It is the HERR Aqua Star. It is powered with a Norvel .061 and is about to take it's maiden flight soon.
I have bench run the engine for 4 tanks and it still has more to go to be able to idle properly, but I will get it flying anyway!
The flying weight is 17oz without the wing floats.
It's covered in Monokote orange, Ultracote white, and Ultracote black. I decided to use Lustercote orange paint for the engine pylon instead of covering to save on the headache!
I am using 3 Hitec HS81 micro servos and micro pushrods and cables. Notice my throttle cable set up.
Can't wait to see how she does.
Take care,
Tom "Crash & Burn"
Just wanted to share some photos of my first 1/2a kit. It is the HERR Aqua Star. It is powered with a Norvel .061 and is about to take it's maiden flight soon.
I have bench run the engine for 4 tanks and it still has more to go to be able to idle properly, but I will get it flying anyway!
The flying weight is 17oz without the wing floats.
It's covered in Monokote orange, Ultracote white, and Ultracote black. I decided to use Lustercote orange paint for the engine pylon instead of covering to save on the headache!
I am using 3 Hitec HS81 micro servos and micro pushrods and cables. Notice my throttle cable set up.
Can't wait to see how she does.
Take care,
Tom "Crash & Burn"
06-30-2002, 11:34 PM
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FLIGHT TEST RESULTS!!
Ok, did the deed today.
Bench running the Norvel .061 is the way to go. I first did as the instructions say and added oil to the piston, let it soak overnight, then used my electric starter to rotate the prop (glow plug & head removed) clockwise adding oil every 15 seconds. I did this for at least a minute.
Then, I put the glow plug and head back on and ran 4 two oz tanks of 25% nitro on the bench. Needle was open 2.5 turns to start.
The first flight was perfect!! I had a buddy hand launch it for me and it flew straight away. Added just a touch of left rudder and down elevator and that's all she took! Engine ran great, no deadsticks.
After 6 flights, all is well and the needle on the Norvel is at 1 and 1/4 turns open. It's well on the way to breaking in.
I may have a touch too much right thrust built into the engine mount. I might put a couple thin washers in behind the mount to correct this.
I also had to adjust the wash out on one wing panel to correct a slight roll. Just be sure your wings are set up the same on both tips for wash out.
Over all, I would rate this model as a "10" on my list of great 1/2a models to build.
I chose not to put on the floats and left the chines off for now. This model lands great on a cut grass runway and is easy to hand lauch. If you fly on grass, this is the way to go. No landing gear to get ripped off.
Hope your model turns out as well, I am anxious to get it back in the air.
Tom "Crash & Burn"
Bench running the Norvel .061 is the way to go. I first did as the instructions say and added oil to the piston, let it soak overnight, then used my electric starter to rotate the prop (glow plug & head removed) clockwise adding oil every 15 seconds. I did this for at least a minute.
Then, I put the glow plug and head back on and ran 4 two oz tanks of 25% nitro on the bench. Needle was open 2.5 turns to start.
The first flight was perfect!! I had a buddy hand launch it for me and it flew straight away. Added just a touch of left rudder and down elevator and that's all she took! Engine ran great, no deadsticks.
After 6 flights, all is well and the needle on the Norvel is at 1 and 1/4 turns open. It's well on the way to breaking in.
I may have a touch too much right thrust built into the engine mount. I might put a couple thin washers in behind the mount to correct this.
I also had to adjust the wash out on one wing panel to correct a slight roll. Just be sure your wings are set up the same on both tips for wash out.
Over all, I would rate this model as a "10" on my list of great 1/2a models to build.
I chose not to put on the floats and left the chines off for now. This model lands great on a cut grass runway and is easy to hand lauch. If you fly on grass, this is the way to go. No landing gear to get ripped off.
Hope your model turns out as well, I am anxious to get it back in the air.
Tom "Crash & Burn"
06-30-2002, 11:37 PM
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Forgot to mention
Hey guys,
I chose not to use the plastic windshield. I went ahead and formed a chunk of balsa for the front and used some chrome tape as a windshield. I did not want the thing to leak if I ever go off the pond someday.
Tom
I chose not to use the plastic windshield. I went ahead and formed a chunk of balsa for the front and used some chrome tape as a windshield. I did not want the thing to leak if I ever go off the pond someday.
Tom
07-02-2002, 02:33 AM
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A'Star
Hi
I've flown several AquaStars and really like the way it flys. That is to say 4 of ‘em. What I don't like is it won't ROW. I'm sour. I had the first release that did not have the chine addendum. Built per plans without the chines is a lesson in futility. Water will channel right into the prop and snub any speed and subsequent lift off. After that initial bitter pill, it didn’t matter. The plane hand launches with ease. Simply give it a gentle toss and out over the water off she goes. The airframe is slick and clean… especially without the un-needed tip floats. My last version sported the Norvel Big Mig non throttled engine sans servo. No tip floats . A really zippy 2 channel plane. It will do a 15-20 feet diameter loop and we verified that with VHS tape in tow.
So all that said, if you want a ROW a small plane you’ll save a bunch of frustration by stepping up. I’m fresh back from experimenting with the HoB Cheapass floatplane. Lots to say about this design……
My first A Star launched by my buddy Russ…
I've flown several AquaStars and really like the way it flys. That is to say 4 of ‘em. What I don't like is it won't ROW. I'm sour. I had the first release that did not have the chine addendum. Built per plans without the chines is a lesson in futility. Water will channel right into the prop and snub any speed and subsequent lift off. After that initial bitter pill, it didn’t matter. The plane hand launches with ease. Simply give it a gentle toss and out over the water off she goes. The airframe is slick and clean… especially without the un-needed tip floats. My last version sported the Norvel Big Mig non throttled engine sans servo. No tip floats . A really zippy 2 channel plane. It will do a 15-20 feet diameter loop and we verified that with VHS tape in tow.
So all that said, if you want a ROW a small plane you’ll save a bunch of frustration by stepping up. I’m fresh back from experimenting with the HoB Cheapass floatplane. Lots to say about this design……
My first A Star launched by my buddy Russ…
07-02-2002, 03:04 AM
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Cabane,
Thanks for your input on the Aqua Star.
I too am planning to mainly hand lauch and not use the wing floats. The model is so easy to launch it almost flies itself.
I have now had about 10 flights with no errors or deadsticks and the landings on a well groomed grass strip are perfect and smooth.
I have a throttle servo and this baby will go for 11 minutes and more at 1/3 throttle and can really boogie on the high end!
Anyone know of other great 1/2a models that are as nice to fly??? I am thinking of a mustang without landing gear or maybe with micro retracts.
Crash & Burn
I too am planning to mainly hand lauch and not use the wing floats. The model is so easy to launch it almost flies itself.
I have now had about 10 flights with no errors or deadsticks and the landings on a well groomed grass strip are perfect and smooth.
I have a throttle servo and this baby will go for 11 minutes and more at 1/3 throttle and can really boogie on the high end!
Anyone know of other great 1/2a models that are as nice to fly??? I am thinking of a mustang without landing gear or maybe with micro retracts.
Crash & Burn
07-05-2002, 04:28 PM
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AquaStar
Crash and Burn - What idle rpm are you getting on that Norvel ?
And Cabane, how did you ever manage to get such a LARGE photo posted and accepted by RCU ? MalcolmL
And Cabane, how did you ever manage to get such a LARGE photo posted and accepted by RCU ? MalcolmL
03-16-2003, 06:28 PM
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Photos Of My Aqua Star
Hi
I have a HERR P51 with a O.S. 1.5 CV Flys great and wind hardly effects it, so when the other 1/2 are grounded because of wind I am still flying. No wind it fly's like it is on rails.
f250
I have a HERR P51 with a O.S. 1.5 CV Flys great and wind hardly effects it, so when the other 1/2 are grounded because of wind I am still flying. No wind it fly's like it is on rails.
f250
03-17-2003, 09:57 PM
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How about the Glassair Sea Easy?
Anyone know of other great 1/2a models that are as nice to fly???
Hi: I have a Sea Easy arf for sale, NIB, posted on here.
It is four channel, unlike the Aqua Star, and has a fiberglass fuse, and is pretty much pre-built. It looks like it will fly great.
Too much stuff & no time, so have to sell.
If interested,
[email protected]
Hi: I have a Sea Easy arf for sale, NIB, posted on here.
It is four channel, unlike the Aqua Star, and has a fiberglass fuse, and is pretty much pre-built. It looks like it will fly great.
Too much stuff & no time, so have to sell.
If interested,
[email protected]
