Building a scale 1/4 scale Super Cub from Balsa J3 kit
02-26-2015, 06:31 PM
#977
Looks like the dual tank setup works well, very nice... that is good fuel economy Leroy, and probably will get even better as you break in the engine and fine tune things... you'll get over an hour or better at cruise speeds; your receiver batteries will run out before your fuel does 
.
I can understand the fuel spilling issue with the kwik fill valves, as bird stated, don't put it where fuel can soak into the wood... I've always used one of those medical IV line clamps close to the filler nipple, so maybe just a drop or two would drip, and always had a paper towel in hand as I disconnected the line... hell, those kwik fill valves works for some, not for others... I'm putting the fuel dot on the j3 as well, just to get rid of the visible fuel filler valve, anything that may distract from the model.
As for those 3-way valves, they are made in Japan, and the quality is good... they don't indicate whether it will work with both gas or glow fuels, or just glow fuel only... it has a threaded boss for mounting on bulkheads and what not, but if the valve leaks, its going to get fuel everywhere you don't want it, so I'll pass on that for now.
The engine test stand is always good for the first starts to set things up... but I do run the engine on in the model for a few tank fulls to see what the vibration does to things.
John M,
.I can understand the fuel spilling issue with the kwik fill valves, as bird stated, don't put it where fuel can soak into the wood... I've always used one of those medical IV line clamps close to the filler nipple, so maybe just a drop or two would drip, and always had a paper towel in hand as I disconnected the line... hell, those kwik fill valves works for some, not for others... I'm putting the fuel dot on the j3 as well, just to get rid of the visible fuel filler valve, anything that may distract from the model.
As for those 3-way valves, they are made in Japan, and the quality is good... they don't indicate whether it will work with both gas or glow fuels, or just glow fuel only... it has a threaded boss for mounting on bulkheads and what not, but if the valve leaks, its going to get fuel everywhere you don't want it, so I'll pass on that for now.
The engine test stand is always good for the first starts to set things up... but I do run the engine on in the model for a few tank fulls to see what the vibration does to things.
John M,
Last edited by John_M_; 02-26-2015 at 06:57 PM.
02-27-2015, 10:35 AM
#980
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
John M as far as flight times go 10 - 15 min. sessions are enough for these hard worked hands and that's on a nice day, winter flying, well forget it. All my planes have never had any kind of a valve used on them, can't think of any reason for one. "Hey" if you use enough of the right kind of glues you won't have to wonder what your engine is going to do to your air frame, ha, ha, just had to say that. Smile,
Bob T, good to hear the Pony Express didn't get your envelope, you doing a build thread on your bash, many just quit doing them and it's not hard to see why, I'm leaning that way for future builds as there not what they once were, it's a shame too. It's good business for the ARF & RTF guys. Temp is up to 43 deg. I'll go run my engine some more.
Leroy
Bob T, good to hear the Pony Express didn't get your envelope, you doing a build thread on your bash, many just quit doing them and it's not hard to see why, I'm leaning that way for future builds as there not what they once were, it's a shame too. It's good business for the ARF & RTF guys. Temp is up to 43 deg. I'll go run my engine some more.
Leroy
02-27-2015, 10:48 AM
#981
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: The Sunshine state, when it's not raining!
Posts: 8,131
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
John M as far as flight times go 10 - 15 min. sessions are enough for these hard worked hands and that's on a nice day, winter flying, well forget it. All my planes have never had any kind of a valve used on them, can't think of any reason for one. "Hey" if you use enough of the right kind of glues you won't have to wonder what your engine is going to do to your air frame, ha, ha, just had to say that. Smile,
Bob T, good to hear the Pony Express didn't get your envelope, you doing a build thread on your bash, many just quit doing them and it's not hard to see why, I'm leaning that way for future builds as there not what they once were, it's a shame too. It's good business for the ARF & RTF guys. Temp is up to 43 deg. I'll go run my engine some more.
Leroy
Bob T, good to hear the Pony Express didn't get your envelope, you doing a build thread on your bash, many just quit doing them and it's not hard to see why, I'm leaning that way for future builds as there not what they once were, it's a shame too. It's good business for the ARF & RTF guys. Temp is up to 43 deg. I'll go run my engine some more.
Leroy
02-27-2015, 01:40 PM
#983
My Feedback: (6)
[QUOTE=
Bob T, good to hear the Pony Express didn't get your envelope, you doing a build thread on your bash, many just quit doing them and it's not hard to see why, I'm leaning that way for future builds as there not what they once were, it's a shame too. It's good business for the ARF & RTF guys. Temp is up to 43 deg. I'll go run my engine some more.
Leroy[/QUOTE]
Yep pony express arrived package was in good order. Thanks again.
As for the threads I hear you and have cut my participation down and don't know if I would start a new one on my bash, as I have saved all of the info I think I will need from this thread. I just look a few that are about my favorite birds.
If I have a question I can ask it in the Q/A area or come back hear.
Cheers Bob T
P.S. temp hear hi 17 low -12
Bob T, good to hear the Pony Express didn't get your envelope, you doing a build thread on your bash, many just quit doing them and it's not hard to see why, I'm leaning that way for future builds as there not what they once were, it's a shame too. It's good business for the ARF & RTF guys. Temp is up to 43 deg. I'll go run my engine some more.
Leroy[/QUOTE]
Yep pony express arrived package was in good order. Thanks again.
As for the threads I hear you and have cut my participation down and don't know if I would start a new one on my bash, as I have saved all of the info I think I will need from this thread. I just look a few that are about my favorite birds.
If I have a question I can ask it in the Q/A area or come back hear.
Cheers Bob T
P.S. temp hear hi 17 low -12
02-27-2015, 01:52 PM
#985
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Understood. For what it's worth, I'm happy your guys are still doing them. For green builders such as myself there's a lot to be learned. Just because the audience isn't as big doesn't mean there's not an audience! I'm planning a big project right now--a scratch build PBY-5A, it'll be my first and I'm planning on doing a thread just to get input from you more knowledgeable builders. Some of us still need guys like you...
02-27-2015, 03:27 PM
#987
John M as far as flight times go 10 - 15 min. sessions are enough for these hard worked hands and that's on a nice day, winter flying, well forget it. All my planes have never had any kind of a valve used on them, can't think of any reason for one. "Hey" if you use enough of the right kind of glues you won't have to wonder what your engine is going to do to your air frame, ha, ha, just had to say that. Smile,
Leroy
Leroy
LoL, well its not the airframe and glue I'm concerned with... flour and water with a bit of Elmer's white glue should hold up just fine
... its all the little bits and pieces that may rub together and cause issues, things may come loose... servos and radio gear stress test ... its just part of the process of eliminating potential problems.. its the same as in real world aviation, every stage is inspected and must pass rigorous testing... the engine test stand is definitely a must have for the serious modeler, an important part of the process.Regarding the engine run up issue, do you have another ignition box you can try from another engine?, that would help eliminated the box as faulty.
John M,
02-27-2015, 03:45 PM
#988
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you, you are partly right, there has been over 15,000 views on this thread and that shows interest, when you get to yours don't mention green horn or any lack of skills, that's a turn off before you even get started, Do mention this will be my first scratch build and that you may need some help hear and there. Keep it interesting and you will gain some followers and some helpers, also build it in the right place.
Leroy
Leroy
What do you mean "build it in the right place"?
03-01-2015, 06:31 PM
#994
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Build it where other scratch builds are going on and planes similar to yours, A PBY 5A is an interesting plane and build. Check out the other sites (threads) and find the most active ones. you could always start a thread stating what your going to be doing if the interest is there, Fall is a good time to start a build like that, winter is coming and it's building time again. things to think about.
Leroy
Leroy
03-01-2015, 08:22 PM
#998
Nice job Leroy, those turnbuckles look spot on... when you put the cover over the exit, no one will know that's a dummy.
ARF.s aren't that much cheaper, and there's a lot to be desired... all they are is something to fly... a custom build like yours, you can be proud to show it off, with plenty of conversations to boot... I think I enjoy sitting around and chatting with my flying mate, as much as flying... its all part of the fun... bring something unique to the field and its going to be a good day all around.
Have you made any adjustments to the carb?
John M,
ARF.s aren't that much cheaper, and there's a lot to be desired... all they are is something to fly... a custom build like yours, you can be proud to show it off, with plenty of conversations to boot... I think I enjoy sitting around and chatting with my flying mate, as much as flying... its all part of the fun... bring something unique to the field and its going to be a good day all around.
Have you made any adjustments to the carb?
John M,
03-01-2015, 09:18 PM
#999
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Williamstown,
VT
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Leroy, that is what seperates us from the 'normal' crowd or what we used to be. It is an ascention but best we not think too much of ourselves lest we fall! Humility is a greater accomplishment than our talent! You have dont well in all of these areas my friend.
Man,it's lonely up here!
LOL!bird.
03-01-2015, 11:18 PM
#1000
Leroy, that is what separates us from the 'normal' crowd or what we used to be. It is an ascension but best we not think too much of ourselves lest we fall! Humility is a greater accomplishment than our talent! You have done well in all of these areas my friend.
Man,it's lonely up here! LOL!
bird.
Man,it's lonely up here!
LOL!bird.
John M,