Condor060

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The final FM built to Dons specs is under construction as we speek. Should be completed by Monday.

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

That's great news!

Thanks Condor!

flyingmachine

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hows that COMPOSITE IDEA???? Still out there?

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

I'm guessing this was being built at the factory in China?

So did it get built on schedule?

Condor060

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The final prototype is completed. They are covering it today. I will find out Monday as to when Don will receive it. All of our prototypes are built in China but we are going to ship it directly to Don. Should only take a few days.

flyingmachine

My Feedback: (9)

will there be video of the maiden flight?

[X(]

mrsand

Yes, it would be mosting interesting to see a picture of the latest proto and how its powered. Thanks

mrsand

Condor060

My Feedback: (2)

The final prototype is completed and was shipped out (air) today to our seattle plant. As soon as it arrives we will fedx it to Don for final flight test. It was built according to Dons exact spec so this should be the last proto.

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

Thanks for the update Condor!

These weekly progress reports are very nice for maintaining the interest in the FM ARF, even if the progress during the past week was very small.

As for me, I'm now beginning to truly believe that a Flying Machine ARF might actually become a reality, and I can't wait to get one!

Condor060

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Brick by brick my citizens
Brick by brick

mrsand

Reading through some of the discussions about this plane makes me realize it will probaly be able perform beyond my present abilities. Sounds like as long as the plane is in the air it will do whatever its ordered. I have a new Saito 82. Does that motor fit well for most of the planes flying characteristics? Thanks for any advice.

mrsand

Condor060

My Feedback: (2)

The final prototype has arrived in Seattle. It was shipped to Don yesterday.

bkg1956

Mrsand, I think you're gonna want a pretty hot two-stroke for the FM. Weight and speed are important here.

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

Thanks for the update Condor!
Hopefully the prototype won't need any modifications, and the FM ARFs can start rolling off the assembly line very soon.

Mrsand, the Flying Machine can be setup as wild or as tame as you like, so it's definitely not beyond your abilities. But save the Saito 82 for another plane, and get one of the recommended 2 stroke engines instead.

mrsand

ok, I'll remember that advice. maybe a os 55 ax is a better choice...I've run about 60mph before with a WM skyraider...sounds like the FM would smoke that with 1/2 cubic motor or so..what say you all?

RC MANIAC119

My Feedback: (14)

Mrsands..........

Just make sure you set this bird up EXACTLY as Don instructed. Don't over think it, or even try to improve this design in ANY way.

It also sounds like you may want to get some serious stick time in before you tackle this bird.

bkg1956

Don used to recommend even the .46AX with tuned pipe. Personally I've used the .55 AX with tuned pipe and had excellent results! Either will work fine.

Also, don't worry about flying the FM. As McDDD said, the plane will be as wild or as mild as you set it up to be. Great landing plane. Very predictable.

bkg1956

Don used to recommend even the .46AX with tuned pipe. Personally I've used the .55 AX with tuned pipe and had excellent results! Either will work fine.

Also, don't worry about flying the FM. As McDDD said, the plane will be as wild or as mild as you set it up to be. Great landing plane. Very predictable.

mrsand

what happens to the motor output/ performance when a tuned pipe is attached...in terms of speed...are they expensive to buy?

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

A tuned pipe boosts the top end power by about 10 to 20 percent, and the extra power is very noticable on a 2 stroke.

An actual tuned pipe isn't cheap. I prefer Mousse Can Pipes because they have better throttling, a similar power gain, and they are cheaper. All you need for a MCP is the correct size Macs header (which you'll need for a tuned pipe too), and the right size aluminum can.

I now own 6 55AX engines, and I love the way they perform in 3D profile planes, especially with a Coke Can Pipe. But I haven't been very impressed with the 55AX in Q-500 type planes or sport aerobatic planes. I'd choose a piped 46AX any day in a Flying Machine.

mrsand

Thats interesting Dave M

is there a picture of any of your planes with the MCP on the blog?

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

Here's a photo of a MCP on a Super Tigre 45 in an old Spickler Quickee that was used for sport flying.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Dave,

Depending on the pipe shape and tuning, porting, etc., a pipe can double the engine's power. You lose mid-range, of course.

mrsand

Thanks for the photo Dave, what manifold is that?

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

It's a Macs standard header attached to an aluminum hair mousse can.

Here's the standard Macs header that fits the 46AX:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXZ611&P=ML

Lifer, you're absolutely correct about being able to nearly double an engines power with a tuned pipe, if the engine has been timed and ported specifically for a tuned pipe. But in the case of the OS 46AX, I suspect the power gain is more like 20%.