twinman
Posts: 1628
Joined: 1/19/2002
From: Katy, TX, USA
Status: offline
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YOUR KILLING ME!...Tee Hee.
Ok the production versions will be here Next Friday..or so Neil Tells me
The sample for production just arrived this week...No, it is not ready to fly...Neil!!
This is Mother's day...she does not see me on RCU!!!
To answer your questions.
Saito 40's would in my opinion be over kill,,,,,,but...the first two prototypes, I flew had Magnum 32's two stroke and scale three blade propellors...Can you say unlimited vertical!! IF sanity...and remember you are on the twin forum...twinsanity rules... prevails here then yes they could work, but four ounce tanks are about the max size for the nacelles. Would use three blade propeler..you do not need the extra thrust of two blades...and it looks cooler sitting there on the flight line! Could you put larger, yes, but the neat built in servo tray would not work for throttle. This servo set up in on the left side of the nacelle, so it allows your throttle mechanizm to connect with no headaches.....Yes I am working on pictures...Your killing me.
FYI, this is the final version of FIVE prototypes to get his right. The first one, http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2447788/anchors_2454095/mpage_1/key_four%252Cengines%252Cone%252Cfuel%252Ctank/anchor/tm.htm#2454095 and I told him that asking the pubic to buy four fuel pumps was out of the question.
The kit progressed with further improvements and modifcations...note, two were never built, but Neil was determined...What you want me to fly another plane that is not mine...I'm IN!! Linkage to the tail wheel..solved..Servo modual for the tail wheel...no linkage...fuel tanks..one no way..four and scale look...big mess...solved..engine control...where to put servos??? solved..neat way...Inside nacelles and still scale look. 81" wing and four engines too hard to move...( Personally I have Suburban and it fits just fine, but big SUV's are out right now..but I am keeping it!!)...now two piece wing...scale look, can accessability...removable canopy arrangement with dove tail interlock..neat...Landing gear scale look...oleo struts standard...no retracts are designed at this time...not sure of Neils future plans on that one. Problems with elevator and rudder strength and control over long distance..two elevator servos in tail area and pull pull for rudder..Not sure if the pull pull is standard, but I would recommend for installation ease. Nacelle design..plastic..crummy..fiber glass..cracks on most planes..built up with fake cylinder..or spokes..Good. You guys paint as you want.
How does it fly?..Well, this is my first experience with four engines...(OK, the five engine Kadett does not count!!!. )There are others who are more experienced with this bomber. In a word, really MUCH easier than I expected and MUCH lighter wing loading than other bombers. Landing was just slightly more than most sport planes due to the large wing area.
Now, Take off...This is a tail dragger and four engines. I have been told that one of the problems with the B-17 is low speed control as you roll out. You hit a transitional area as you roll where the tail wheel comes up, but the rudder is not effective enough yet. This I was warned about and took it to heart..IS true. It goes where it is started and pointed. I chickened out and had assistant hold the plane in a safe direction and let it go at full power..no problem..(shaking hands do not count)( WISH THE PEANUT GALLERY WOULD STOP THE BETTING ON CRASH ZONES!!) Now, I have a few ideas on this, but on prototypes I could not experiment with gyros for the engines..and yes on twins I have done that successfully, There is also the coupling of rudder to engines which I do on a regular basis for aerobatics,but have not tried here. One note on that coupling..DO NOT allow it to work at low throttle settings..or you will have the plane running away from you each time you hit the rudder. I set it up for high,,above 50% settings.
Would I suggest to ANYONE that you rush into a four engine bomber with NO multi engine experience?? NO WAY..My favorite question,,do you ALWAYS fly coordinated with ailerons and rudder input?...no?...don't do this!!! While I have been lucky to not experience and engine out on the prototypes,,I have had it on the vertical test and at full throttle the Plane will YAW BAD!! This is NOT the time to get good with rudder control to correct yaw due to a failed engine in flight.
Now, I am not trying to scare anyone, but the same holds true for ANY multi-engine plane. Fly with rudder, or you are going to crash some day due to a spin at the loss of an engine. Also always do the vertical test...particulary with FOUR engines...do with a helper!!
As for special radios..no..I flew both prototypes on only four channels...so far...see above...I bought this one..it is mine to do whatever I wish!!. You must have at least six Y cords..Three for the engines to one channel, one for the ailerons..one for the elevator.
Let me get back to you on description of the servos and number. The throttle servos are special due to size. The tail wheel servo is a mini metal gear recommended. The others,,two for ailerons, two for elevators..one should be reversed and one for rudder are ALL standard servos..nothing special.
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Cedar Hobbies B-17???? - 
