ALFIEV

Wings almost done without any drama .Just need to fit the gear doors, have just purchased a 2-56 tap for that!!! Started on the tail-feathers and their control linkages, then I need to sort out the electric retracting tailgear. Previous posts suggest that won't be as straight forward as the mains. We'll see how we go!1

ALFIEV

Well... as feared the electric retract does not fit properly, will have to manufacture some kind of long-reach dremel sanding drum to remove some plywood which appears to stop the retract motor from moving all the way forward. I believe this is a known fault, either I have old stock or Topflite haven't done anything about this known issue.
I must also say that I find the rudder and elevator push rods to be a PITA. The rudder rod fitment is tricky, doable but tricky, and then when you have it fitted you find that they expect you to cut to length and solder a clevis on the forward end!!
Well, I use a naked flame soldering set, and I don't think I'll be soldering the ends in situ unless I want the whole thing to go up in flames, which would mean removing them from the frame again, soldering them, and then putting them all back again. Not that big a deal for the elevators, although I have put some bends in the rods so they come to the elevator at the correct angle since the pre-installed guides don't line up the rods for the correct angle!!. This will make them difficult to remove for soldering!!!

No, I think I will use Dubro E/Z servo connectors at the front end!!!!

SWORDSN

My Feedback: (13)

I place mine in the fuse,marked them and removed them, and then did the cutting and soldering. After completing the soldering you can slide the rod back in(from the inside) and add the aft end clevis.This worked well for me.Hope this helps.

ALFIEV

Thanks for that. Unfortunately I had to bend the rods to get them to line up with the control horns on the elevators. The pre-installed tubes were too high up the fuselage and the rods needed to be bent outwards slightly as well. Once bent they could not be slid back up the tubes. I have a alternate method of fixing them at the servo, should be fine.

ALFIEV

Engine runs without cowl complete, throws sorted except for a little adjustment needed for flaps. Hoping to fit cowl and check balance this week!

aquaskiman

My Feedback: (46)

here is a pic of mine when it was almost done

ALFIEV

Looks awesome aquaskinman! Love the panel line details. I am not quite that dedicated, but am happy with my efforts so far. Did you use the Saito 60R3? If so, how did it balance? Did you have to add nose weight?
Weight and balance soon, cowl first, then she's almost ready to take flight!!

aquaskiman

My Feedback: (46)

Yes I did use the saito R3 I added about 8 oz of weight. after I flew it at the stock balance. I wanted it a little more nose heavy. I also reduced the flap to 30 deg George

ALFIEV

Thanks for that. I also like my warbirds a little heavier on the nose so will expect to add a bit up front. Interesting on the flaps. I haven't quite got the full throw on flaps yet, sounds like the amount I have is probably plenty then.

dionysusbacchus

My Feedback: (25)

Ordered the Top Flite Zero from Tower a couple of weeks ago, here is what I'm doing with mine.

Painted the gear black
Made my own control horns so they are low profile
Internal flap linkage
Sliding canopy made out of fiberglass, vacuum formed my own clear parts
EME 55 with starter
I am roughing up the Monokote in preparation for weathering and PPG flat clear coat

It will look more realistic as I progress with the panel lines and weathering, matching the TF Flat Green Monokote is not easy!


This shows internal flap horn

SWORDSN

My Feedback: (13)

Looks great,keep us posted. I would also like to know how the EME55 performs.

Got about 75 flights on mine and it's a good flyer.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

There doesn't seem to be many videos posted on this plane. Does anybody have a video or 2 they haven't released?

dionysusbacchus

My Feedback: (25)

Thanks Swordsn, I'll let you know how it does.

Only time I can get video is when I have a local photographer come out to the field, and that is not very often unfortunately. I will try to get a video of my plane though.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks!

dasintex

My Feedback: (10)

How well did the EME and Electric Start fit in the Cowl? did you have do any major surgery to get it to fit?

Thanks.

dionysusbacchus

My Feedback: (25)

Tons of room in the cowl, only cut out is the stock one on the bottom for cooling. Only thing I changed from the instructions was the choke and throttle servo, they are in the stock location, I just switched them.

I thought initially there was little interest in this plane, it surprises me a bit because I know it's a great flying plane. But maybe I was wrong, I will post more complete pictures of my install for those that are interested.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Count me in. My first giant scale was the World Models G.S. Zero. I was just finishing 20 years of pylon racing so landing a heavy plane with flaps was a learning experience. I beat that poor Zero to death. I swear it would tremble when I was carrying it out to the car.

dionysusbacchus

My Feedback: (25)

Lol! Speaking of flaps, I was told that about 3/16" down elevator is needed with full flaps on the Zero. Not a big deal, but it's nice to have that programmed in before the maiden!

dionysusbacchus

My Feedback: (25)

I'm finishing the molds for the clear parts of the canopy, it didn't rain for a few hours today so I could let them dry outside a bit. I've started the weathering and I've ordered my flat clear so I will be ready to paint next week weather permitting!

I'm going to show progress pictures, so keep in mind the Monokote is actually quite shinny and I'm using a flat black for weathering, the contrast between the two does not look good at this stage. The clear coat will tie it all together and only at that time will it look as I intend. I'm using Model Masters enamels and a silver pen for some of the fine panel line detailing.

I was thinking of having a servo lock on the canopy, that way when the lock is released the vibration and wind will actually slide the canopy back when in flight! If it works that would be cool. The canopy slides very easily in the track, so I think it might be possible.

SWORDSN

My Feedback: (13)

I did not add down elevator w/flaps,but you will have to hold some down elev. when landing .Same with my P47.I only use about 1/2 flaps. The Zero has a good bit of weight up front. Just my experience.

ALFIEV

So.... finally maidened the TF Zero running the Saito radial 60cc engine. This model flies very very nicely. Easy take-off, good climb out, great aileron rolls, relatively good loop although I pulled it a bit tight at the bottom coming out of the loop. Only problem was that I deployed half-flap at too high a speed and got into all sorts of bother. First it ballooned, then it went into a spiralling dive, when I pulled out of that I was inverted flying away from me with a tail wind. Managed to retract flap and roll it right-side up and brought it back. Too scared to deploy flaps again so I went for a flapless landing. Was o.k, but when I taxied back I noticed one of the main landing gears was not fully extended.

Have pulled the retract apart and found that a pin on the upper trunnion has bent which jams the gear. I have used Robart electric retracts on this model, and they weren't a cheap option!! I would not expect a bent part in the retract out of that landing, and using gear of that quality and expense!! Has anyone else found similar issues with the Robart electric retracts??

I will try to straighten the pin, but once it has bent I wonder if it will continue to bend.


Anyway, an action packed maiden!! One I would not like to repeat. Appears I will have to slow this baby right down before thinking about deploying flap. Bloody scary, I thought I had lost this model straight up!!!

What I do feel is that this model will be a great flier once I feel confident in the set-up. The Saito powered it great and sounded superb. Just have to work on the landing gear, something I didn't think I'd be doing given the expense I went to.


P.S Sorry, no video. I had someone taking video, but the quality is no where near good enough to post. Will try again next time.

aquaskiman

My Feedback: (46)

Have pulled the retract apart and found that a pin on the upper trunnion has bent which jams the gear. I have used Robart electric retracts on this model, and they weren't a cheap option!! I would not expect a bent part in the retract out of that landing, and using gear of that quality and expense!! Has anyone else found similar issues with the Robart electric retracts??

The pins they use are very soft. Any side load will bend them. Grind the weld off, knock it out and get a hardened pin for it. In the electric gear some guys are using two pins and 2 locking pieces

ALFIEV

Cheers aquaskinman, so it looks like a known fault. So be it. Pretty disappointing considering I almost needed a second mortgage to be able to purchase these.

aquaskiman

My Feedback: (46)

I know .....for what you pay you would think it could take a little side load.

patrnflyr

My Feedback: (7)

Same thing's going on with all the TF planes using Robart gear.

i started this previously but not much of a response over in the Jet forum but relates to Warbirds directly.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-j...-retracts.html