Northstar mods - Tell me what you think

Northstar mods - Tell me what you think Gallery slideshow

slideshow

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: LADISLAV

Search This Thread

Printable Version

All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Seaplanes >> Northstar mods - Tell me what you think Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 next > >>

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/28/2008 10:33 PM

Deadeye

Posts: 4515
Score: 119
Joined: 7/17/2002
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: Dutton, 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!

_____________________________

Randy Rossmiller, member, Golden Triangle Flyers
Theres no such thing as too much power. Member, Club Saito
Ultra Sport Brotherhood #52

Hide Signatures

Post #: 1

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/29/2008 1:22 AM

jeffo

Posts: 203
Score: 105
Joined: 12/8/2003
Last Login: 5/23/2013
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

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 2

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/29/2008 8:40 PM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 195
Score: 100
Joined: 12/1/2005
Last Login: 4/29/2013
From: northern, 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.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 3

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/29/2008 11:27 PM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 1098
Score: 100
Joined: 3/29/2002
Last Login: 5/20/2013
From: New London, OH, USA
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.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Lamoilleriver)

Post #: 4

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/30/2008 8:19 PM

Deadeye

Posts: 4515
Score: 119
Joined: 7/17/2002
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: Dutton, 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.

_____________________________

Randy Rossmiller, member, Golden Triangle Flyers
Theres no such thing as too much power. Member, Club Saito
Ultra Sport Brotherhood #52

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mscic-RCU)

Post #: 5

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 4/30/2008 8:47 PM

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 195
Score: 100
Joined: 12/1/2005
Last Login: 4/29/2013
From: northern, 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.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 6

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/1/2008 10:16 PM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 1098
Score: 100
Joined: 3/29/2002
Last Login: 5/20/2013
From: New London, OH, USA
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.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Lamoilleriver)

Post #: 7

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

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 195
Score: 100
Joined: 12/1/2005
Last Login: 4/29/2013
From: northern, VT, USA
Status: offline

bump

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mscic-RCU)

Post #: 8

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/19/2008 6:09 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 58
Score: 100
Joined: 5/2/2007
Last Login: 1/31/2013
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 -- 6/25/2008 1:05 AM >

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Lamoilleriver)

Post #: 9

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/19/2008 11:12 PM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 1098
Score: 100
Joined: 3/29/2002
Last Login: 5/20/2013
From: New London, OH, USA
Status: offline

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

Hide Signatures

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 10

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/20/2008 7:16 AM

MartyB-RCU

Posts: 18
Score: 100
Joined: 1/13/2002
Last Login: 5/11/2013
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.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mscic-RCU)

Post #: 11

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/20/2008 7:20 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 58
Score: 100
Joined: 5/2/2007
Last Login: 1/31/2013
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 9:00 PM >

Hide Signatures

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 12

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

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 195
Score: 100
Joined: 12/1/2005
Last Login: 4/29/2013
From: northern, 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!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 13

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

Lamoilleriver

Posts: 195
Score: 100
Joined: 12/1/2005
Last Login: 4/29/2013
From: northern, 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.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 14

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/25/2008 1:53 AM

MartyB-RCU

Posts: 18
Score: 100
Joined: 1/13/2002
Last Login: 5/11/2013
From: Laddonia, MO, USA
Status: offline

Waiting for better weather. Here is a picture hope I can get it to post.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 15

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/25/2008 2:15 AM

MartyB-RCU

Posts: 18
Score: 100
Joined: 1/13/2002
Last Login: 5/11/2013
From: Laddonia, MO, USA
Status: offline

Try again

Attachments

Click to see fullsize image.

Click for fullsize

Hide Signatures

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 16

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/26/2008 7:03 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 58
Score: 100
Joined: 5/2/2007
Last Login: 1/31/2013
From: Salinas, CA, USA
Status: offline

It looks great. How is builing the canopy? I am a little nervious about it not fitting right.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 17

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 5/27/2008 3:55 PM

MartyB-RCU

Posts: 18
Score: 100
Joined: 1/13/2002
Last Login: 5/11/2013
From: Laddonia, MO, USA
Status: offline

Got the first flight in yesterday. This is a sweet flying plane. Give it full up right before touchdown and it lands like a butterfly. Using a 46 and could have more power. Add on to the rudder if you can cause mine would not turn in the water. Other than that I think I will like this Plane.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 18

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/10/2008 7:07 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 58
Score: 100
Joined: 5/2/2007
Last Login: 1/31/2013
From: Salinas, CA, USA
Status: offline

has anyone tried covering the wing before they attached to the body? I am trying to make the covering a little easier.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to MartyB-RCU)

Post #: 19

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/13/2008 7:19 PM

Deadeye

Posts: 4515
Score: 119
Joined: 7/17/2002
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: Dutton, MT, USA
Status: offline

My friend switched to a 60 two stroke with a mini tuned peipe. It's a real rocket now, and he is estimating a 100+ MPH top speed.

I started on my wings Monday, and am at the LG block mounting stage. I'm still really tempted to scoot the whole tail section forward ala the Arrow. I wish Laddie would pop in here and give some advice.

_____________________________

Randy Rossmiller, member, Golden Triangle Flyers
Theres no such thing as too much power. Member, Club Saito
Ultra Sport Brotherhood #52

Hide Signatures

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 20

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/13/2008 11:41 PM

Strykaas

Posts: 4559
Score: 123
Joined: 3/21/2003
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: New York, NY, USA
Status: offline

quote:

My friend switched to a 60 two stroke with a mini tuned peipe.

Mhhh... I bet he installed the fuel tank at cg location... A .60 is considerably heavier than a .46-.50 engine, so not very friendly with a tail heavy configuration. Which .60 is it ?

_____________________________

ProBro #2077
http://image2-0.rcuniverse.com/e1/forum/upfiles/57402/Nl29490.jpg

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 21

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/14/2008 2:09 AM

Deadeye

Posts: 4515
Score: 119
Joined: 7/17/2002
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: Dutton, MT, USA
Status: offline

He didn't move the fuel tank to the CG. Not sure of the make, but it is an older 60. I'm sure it's lighter than the 65 4 stroker he had on before. He's happy, anyway.

_____________________________

Randy Rossmiller, member, Golden Triangle Flyers
Theres no such thing as too much power. Member, Club Saito
Ultra Sport Brotherhood #52

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Strykaas)

Post #: 22

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/20/2008 6:01 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 58
Score: 100
Joined: 5/2/2007
Last Login: 1/31/2013
From: Salinas, CA, USA
Status: offline

Have any of you guys installed your throttle servo in the tail. I am going to and am searching for the best location. Any thoughts?

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Deadeye)

Post #: 23

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/21/2008 1:28 AM

Strykaas

Posts: 4559
Score: 123
Joined: 3/21/2003
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: New York, NY, USA
Status: offline

Depending on the servo you plan to use, I would have installed it directly near the engine (micro servo) or right behind the fuel tank with a sullivan link. I think there are not that many options actually.

_____________________________

ProBro #2077
http://image2-0.rcuniverse.com/e1/forum/upfiles/57402/Nl29490.jpg

Hide Signatures

(in reply to knifeedgeyak)

Post #: 24

RE: Northstar mods - Tell me what you think - 6/23/2008 5:57 PM

knifeedgeyak

Posts: 58
Score: 100
Joined: 5/2/2007
Last Login: 1/31/2013
From: Salinas, CA, USA
Status: offline

Thats what I did. It is about 5 inchs from the engine with the servo facing down. So the linkage is outside the narcle. That way it does not interfer with the fuel tank and will be easy to make changes.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Strykaas)

Post #: 25

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 next > >>

All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Seaplanes >> Northstar mods - Tell me what you think
Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 next > >>

Jump to:

Google

Search | Marketplace | Event Calendar | Local Clubs | Magazine | Product Ratings | New Products | Discussion Forums

Photo Gallery | Instructor Search | Field|Track|Marina Search

Advertisers | Hobby Vendor Resources | Rate Manufacturers | Sign In/Sign Up

SITE MAP! : : FORUM RULES

RC Universe is a service of Internet Brands, Inc. Copyright © 2001-2013.

Charities we support that also need your help
Yorkie Rescue | Humane Society | ASPCA | Crohn's-Colitis America

0.484RCU1