Northstar mods - Tell me what you think

Northstar mods - Tell me what you think
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Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/28/2008 7:33:38 PM

Deadeye

Posts: 3611
Joined: 7/16/2002
From: Conrad, MT, USA
Status: offline

After having finished a Northstar for a friend this winter, I got the itch and got a kit myself. On his, I modified the engine compartment so it is 1" higher, and 1 1/2" farther forward. We did this to accomodate a Saito 65 swinging a 12X6 prop. He still has 1 pound of lead in the front. On mine, I am considering moving the entire tail assembly so it is flush with the ailerons, like the Arrow. It will also be raised to accomodate a Saito 82, swinging at least a 13" prop. Does anybody see any problems with this?

I've also considered modifting the entire tail section to resemble the Arrow. What should I do / not do?

My friends Northstar has flown, and that 65 is barely enough power for it (3300 ASL). We have also noticed a lateral 'wobble' or wing rock. Is this because it is underpowered? Is it stalling? Thanks fellas!

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Post #: 1

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/28/2008 10:22:12 PM

jeffo

Posts: 132
Joined: 12/8/2003
From: new baltimore, MI, USA
Status: offline

The engine of choice in my club is the O.S 55AX.You want the most power at the least amount of weight.A lot of guys put the fuel tank on the C.G. and you can balance it close to the step.Jim Casey has a lot of mods on the Arrow thread-very helpful.-Jeffo

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 2

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/29/2008 5:40:51 PM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 83
Joined: 12/1/2005
From: fairfax, VT, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Deadeye

After having finished a Northstar for a friend this winter, I got the itch and got a kit myself. On his, I modified the engine compartment so it is 1" higher, and 1 1/2" farther forward. We did this to accomodate a Saito 65 swinging a 12X6 prop. He still has 1 pound of lead in the front. On mine, I am considering moving the entire tail assembly so it is flush with the ailerons, like the Arrow. It will also be raised to accomodate a Saito 82, swinging at least a 13" prop. Does anybody see any problems with this?

I've also considered modifting the entire tail section to resemble the Arrow. What should I do / not do?

My friends Northstar has flown, and that 65 is barely enough power for it (3300 ASL). We have also noticed a lateral 'wobble' or wing rock. Is this because it is underpowered? Is it stalling? Thanks fellas!

Deadeye, Thanks for asking the wing "wobble" question. Have same problem with my Northstar. Built mine according to plans and I'm using a OS .46FX with a MAS 10x7. Don't have many flights on this plane yet, flying season ended too soon last year. Anyone can answer the wing "wobble" question? Thanks in advance guys.

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 3

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/29/2008 8:27:38 PM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 926
Joined: 3/29/2002
From: New London, OH,
Status: offline

I have a .47 GMS on mine. I do not know what the wing wobble could be, unless you are approaching stall speed. If I ever would build another one, I would put a micro servo in the tank compartment for the throttle. My throttle is a little sluggish with that long cable throw. It sure is a lot of fun though! I also skinned the bottom of mine with 1/16" aircraft plywood and skipped the fiberglass bottom. It is holding up real well.

(in reply to Lamoilleriver)

Post #: 4

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/30/2008 5:19:47 PM

Deadeye

Posts: 3611
Joined: 7/16/2002
From: Conrad, MT, USA
Status: offline

Either my friend's is built way heavy (it was 95% built when I got it, AUW is 8 pounds), or that Saito 65 is gutless. I see no way a 46ish two stroke would fly this. Maybe it is our altitude (3300 ASL)? He is going to try to attach winglets and see if the rocking goes away. I will post results.

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(in reply to mscic-RCU)

Post #: 5

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/30/2008 5:47:05 PM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 83
Joined: 12/1/2005
From: fairfax, VT, USA
Status: offline

Hey Guys,

My Northstar is covered only in monocoat with some fiberglass reinforcement of the pylon area. I have no good way to measure the weight of my model, but feel it is similar in weight to my other .46 size models. I'm still experimenting(or will as season begins shortly I hope and Turkey season ends) with various props on my OS .46. Currently have fine results with a MAS 11x6 on my other .46 FX's, but the Northstar as built only allows a 10" prop. Waiting to see how your mods workout.

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 6

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/1/2008 7:16:12 PM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 926
Joined: 3/29/2002
From: New London, OH,
Status: offline

Mine falls within the weight on the plans, 6-7pounds. 8 pounds is not out of the range. With the GMS .47, it is a real speedster. It is the fastest one usually at our float fly. 8 pounds with the 4 stroke 65 might be too much. The secret to these is keeping the weight down and selecting the correct engine. I chose the GMS because it is light in weight and very strong in its class. Your friend might consider changing to a 2 stroker to lower the overall weight. With a two stroke, he might be able to shave 6 to 10 ounces of total weight from the airframe.

(in reply to Lamoilleriver)

Post #: 7

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/15/2008 2:26:37 PM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 83
Joined: 12/1/2005
From: fairfax, VT, USA
Status: offline

bump

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Post #: 8

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/19/2008 3:09:42 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 24
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Salinas, CA, USA
Status: offline

Hey all,

I am right in the middle of building my first Northstar. I am at the step of shaping and adding weight to the nose cone. How much weight have you guys been using. I am running a O.S.ax .46. Any thoughts would welcomed. By the way, what a fun kit to build so far. Knock on wood.

< Message edited by knifeedgeyak -- 6/24/2008 10:05:10 PM >

(in reply to Lamoilleriver)

Post #: 9

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/19/2008 8:12:48 PM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 926
Joined: 3/29/2002
From: New London, OH,
Status: offline

most guys add 16 oz or so. mine has about 12 oz

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 10

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/20/2008 4:16:47 AM

MartyB-RCU

Posts: 18
Joined: 1/13/2002
From: Laddonia, MO, USA
Status: offline

Have mine almost covered. I cut out as much as i could and fill it with lead shot and will need another oz to balance. Using a thunder tiger 46 hope to fly it this week.

(in reply to mscic-RCU)

Post #: 11

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/20/2008 4:20:01 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 24
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Salinas, CA, USA
Status: offline

Covering these things seems like it is going to a be a nightmare. I wish they were in like three parts when you covered them, but what can you do. Any tips?

< Message edited by knifeedgeyak -- 5/20/2008 6:00:39 PM >

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 12

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/22/2008 2:34:16 AM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 83
Joined: 12/1/2005
From: fairfax, VT, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: knifeedgeyak

Covering these things seems like it is going to a be a nightmare. I wish they were in like three parts when you covered them, but what can you do. Any tips?

Lots of coffee.

I cut some templates from butcher paper(have a lagre roll of it for some reason) to fit the plane and then cut them oversize where necessary to make it easy to apply. Remember the template for the right wing when turned upside down is now the template for the left wing.

Good Luck!

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 13

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/22/2008 2:35:36 AM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 83
Joined: 12/1/2005
From: fairfax, VT, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: MartyB-RCU

Have mine almost covered. I cut out as much as i could and fill it with lead shot and will need another oz to balance. Using a thunder tiger 46 hope to fly it this week.

Hope to read your report next week.

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 14

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/24/2008 10:53:39 PM

MartyB-RCU