Monday, October 14th, 2013
Last night I sought out a better looking Business End (Propeller with Spinner instead of the Ugly Nut). Of course that Compression Collect type Propeller adapter that came with the Model was just too short and it just could not allow a Spinner Back plate as there was just not enough shank threads for the securing nut. I looked and looked in all my hobby drawers and found the Great Planes 4mm Collect type Propeller Adapter that had a longer shank and provided a good amount of threads for the Nut. (
Part Number GPMQ4965) The spinner itself is a cheap all plastic from the Great Planes Super Sportster EP model.
FLIGHT SUMMARY (10-14-2013):
I took the SA Cap232 40A out to the RC Club again and by the time I got her out to the taxi way, it got pretty windy and wind direction changed every 5 minutes!
I selected the Low Rate setting 43% for Elevator and performed flawlessly.
However, the first flight take-off was okay but, I hear something NOT RIGHT and turned the model around and found the propeller not spinning so, I throttle back to Null (OFF) and it performed the best DEAD STICK landing you can imagine and all down wind!
Well, back at the Setup Table, I found the Hacker Motor separating from the Front Bell Pressure Plate (It is an In-runner). I recall that the smaller HIMAX motors did the same thing. I was not going to Quit and luckily I came prepared with Medium CA and Activator (Hardener) and wasted no time and disassembled the model's propeller, spinner, cowling etc..
What I found was exactly what I saw through the Cowling after I recovered the model at the field after its DEAD STICK landing. The Front Pressure Plate came undone and required some adhesive.
I took a small flat screw driver and cleaned off the surfaces that would need new adhesive (CA) and applied and quickly pushed the two pieces together. I did this with the model slightly angled downward and motor facing me so as NOT to get any CA inside the motor by accident.
Once all was cured, I assembled everything back together and the model flew without any disappointment. I have never felt such a relaxing time with a highly aerobatic model such as this CAP232. I believe the "Super" Light Wing Loading is the key to carefree lazy like maneuvers without the traditional UGLY like manners that we all see on a heavier Glow / Gas Cap232 and perhaps heavier Electric Cap232.
For seven (7) minutes of mixed throttle, I was able to command the model for all kinds of snaps, loops, rolls, hammerheads, Inverted Flight you name it!
I am very satisfied with this project and the looks of my very first CAP232 after applying some ORACAL adhesive Mylar UV resistive trim sheets.
Here are a bunch of POST FLIGHT pictures I like to share!
