Top Flite Cessna 182 ARF
09-16-2014, 04:06 AM
#1254
Mostly just things that I did on the first one. How the power switches are mounted, interior setup, nose wheel, etc. There's really nothing wrong with the plane design except for the rudder control setup, I'll do the mod to it that I did on the first one. I really hated the nose wheel wire and the robart robostrut would bend if you looked at it wrong. I eventually used the nose wire from the kit built 182. I'm going to look around and find a different nose strut.
12-15-2014, 06:54 PM
#1256
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Will this airplane fly using an O.S.61 FX ? Top Flight claims in the instructions that a .61 FX "is plenty of power for scale flight and mild aerobatic maneuvers". Has anyone tried to fly it with that engine and if so, how did it do? Going thru this thread I found most who use a two stroke went for the 75 AX or the 91 FX /95 AX. I didn't find anyone using a 61 FX (I have read many but not every post). My question is, will the .61 fly it? I have just purchased a lightly used example less engine and at first considered going with the .61 FX . I currently fly a kit built Top Flight Cessna 182 powered by a Super Tiger 75, and it has more than enough power for my flying style (scale flight off a grass runway). After thinking about it today, I have decided to go with an O.S. 91 FX but I still wonder if the 61 FX would work. I have both engines "in stock" in my stash so I am free to use either (neither engine currently has an assignment). This used plane was previously flown with a 75 AX so the 91 FX will be a bolt in, and so would the 61 FX. I know the bigger one will be better but will the little one fly it?
Last edited by 52larry52; 12-15-2014 at 06:59 PM.
02-10-2015, 12:38 PM
#1261
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Yes they are just for looks only. As they have just a small wood screw attaching them,into a hardwood block. The struts on the ARG version are very nice looking tho. I would definately use them
02-21-2015, 02:46 PM
#1266
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rene3706 - I think you will find the wing struts are very necessary items to help hold the wing to the fuselage and give the triangulation needed to stop the wing moving in relation to the fuselage - on my ARF the struts are secured to both the underside of the wing and near the bottom of the fuselage by socket head bolts - as the wing is held to the fuz by two nylon bolts, any rolling or other spirited flying without the wing struts I am certain would cause the wing to depart from the fuselage - think of the full size Cessna 182 or a Piper Cub - would you fly in either of those without wing struts - same applies to a model - cheers - maxiemac
02-21-2015, 04:34 PM
#1267
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Of course you wouldn't fly a full sized cessna without struts. But to say that same thing applies to models is laughable. I have both the ARF and Kit built versions. My kit built version has never had struts,and my ARF version are held on simply by wood screws into a hardwood block. For them to take on ANY LOAD they would have to bolted into a blind nut(or similar) and this nut would have to be very securely fastened into bulkheads,plywood doubled ribs etc. Fact is it's not. As an A&P lichen end aircraft mechanic. And an avid RC modeler for over 40 years. I can ASSURE ANYONE if your wing fold in half on your Top Flite Cessna. It is not because the struts were not used. How many thousands and thousands and thousands of RC planes have remained in place with only two dowel fitting into bulkhead at leading edge,and two nylon bolts on trailing edge? Pretty much EVERY plane you have ever flown. If you think this tiny wood screw is holding your wing on then by all means,use it. But for those posing a serious question. NO you don't need the struts
04-12-2015, 08:10 PM
#1269
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Today I test flew my refurbished T.F. 182 ARF for which I had earlier inquired about engine size choice (61 FX or 91 FX). When it came time to bolt in an engine the O.S. 91 FX got the nod. It was replacing a previously used O.S.75 AX (by previous owner) so it was a straight forward bolt in with new cowl holes for a different needle valve location. A lot more repair work was required to get this bird up to flight ready status than I anticipated, which seems to be normal for me when I buy a used airplane. I guess it is my pair of "rose colored " glasses that I wear when looking to buy a "bargain plane"
. Oh well, three months of on and off repair later I maidened it today. Nice flyer, it lifted off when I was barley above 1/2 throttle on the take off run and I never completely throttled it up to full as it climbed out strong. Two clicks of up elevator and three clicks of right aileron and it was flying straight and level hands off. This was a new engine with only one tank run through on the ground so it was set rich and I never punched it, just cruised around. Nice flyer! I did manage to bend the nose gear a little while landing. It was windy and I didn't do my best landing but no damage, just a bent nose gear wire. I'll straighten it out for another try before I go for an upgraded nose gear. I'll play with the flaps next time too. This plane was more work and cussing to fix than I knew going in but worth it in the end. Thanks guys for the engine choice advise, the 91 FX is overkill but it's staying in.
. Oh well, three months of on and off repair later I maidened it today. Nice flyer, it lifted off when I was barley above 1/2 throttle on the take off run and I never completely throttled it up to full as it climbed out strong. Two clicks of up elevator and three clicks of right aileron and it was flying straight and level hands off. This was a new engine with only one tank run through on the ground so it was set rich and I never punched it, just cruised around. Nice flyer! I did manage to bend the nose gear a little while landing. It was windy and I didn't do my best landing but no damage, just a bent nose gear wire. I'll straighten it out for another try before I go for an upgraded nose gear. I'll play with the flaps next time too. This plane was more work and cussing to fix than I knew going in but worth it in the end. Thanks guys for the engine choice advise, the 91 FX is overkill but it's staying in.
Last edited by 52larry52; 04-13-2015 at 07:48 AM. Reason: typo
04-19-2015, 12:07 PM
#1270
Struts are not functional
To answer the question of whether or not the struts are functional take a look at these pictures. I had a dead stick landing yesterday and tall grass knocked one of my struts off. There is practically no glue holding the block to the rib, which is very lite ply. You can see in the photos there is not much to glue to anyway. The mount block in the fuselage is a little stronger but I can't really see a #4 screw holding much and mine actually pulled out.
10-21-2015, 04:45 AM
#1271
Hey all,
Just started this project myself after being impressed with the scale looks and performance. My son and I thought this would be a good first plane for us, but we have since purchased another trainer for learning. That is going well. Right now we have started assembly and plan on using a Saito Fg-21 for power and Futaba T10J with SBus for control. I saw a video on YouTube (TinkermanRC) of this aircraft using an Fg-21 and liked it so well we bought the same setup!
I have to admit the ARF kit had some things that were disappointing, such as covering issues and hearing some of the flutter issues others are having as well. I subbed out the foamy tires for actual rubber ones (I prefer more realistic stuff, and durable too) and I have the Robart Nose strut ready for installation.
I plan on keeping this thread alive and current. I find it interesting all the latin modelers building this airplane!
Just started this project myself after being impressed with the scale looks and performance. My son and I thought this would be a good first plane for us, but we have since purchased another trainer for learning. That is going well. Right now we have started assembly and plan on using a Saito Fg-21 for power and Futaba T10J with SBus for control. I saw a video on YouTube (TinkermanRC) of this aircraft using an Fg-21 and liked it so well we bought the same setup!
I have to admit the ARF kit had some things that were disappointing, such as covering issues and hearing some of the flutter issues others are having as well. I subbed out the foamy tires for actual rubber ones (I prefer more realistic stuff, and durable too) and I have the Robart Nose strut ready for installation.
I plan on keeping this thread alive and current. I find it interesting all the latin modelers building this airplane!
Last edited by MFIGHT43; 10-21-2015 at 04:53 AM.
10-21-2015, 05:37 AM
#1272
I would suggest you go with the 7/16th diameter robart strut and make sure you have at least 10 degrees of rake on the nose strut mount. I bought so many of the 3/8th struts that I got tired of buying robart products, they would bend sideways on a fast roll out if I turned the front wheel any at all.
10-21-2015, 07:25 AM
#1273
I would suggest you go with the 7/16th diameter robart strut and make sure you have at least 10 degrees of rake on the nose strut mount. I bought so many of the 3/8th struts that I got tired of buying robart products, they would bend sideways on a fast roll out if I turned the front wheel any at all.
10-21-2015, 04:51 PM
#1275
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The flutter issues come from the rudder. I changed out the factory wire rod with a much stiffer version. Fixed the problem
the Robert strut can also be a problem in combination with the week firewall I suggest adding two layers of plywood one inside and one outside of the firewall Mine broke on it's very first flight
here is my email hit me up I'll send you pics of what I did to mine. Not sure how to add pics here
[email protected]
the Robert strut can also be a problem in combination with the week firewall I suggest adding two layers of plywood one inside and one outside of the firewall Mine broke on it's very first flight
here is my email hit me up I'll send you pics of what I did to mine. Not sure how to add pics here
[email protected]