Magic 3d tips...?
 

I did post part of this in the engines forum, but I also I figured I'd try it here for a more 3d specific answer. I'm sure this question is repetitive so bear with me, lol.

I just acquired a Modeltech Magic airframe from our club's president. I bought a Magnum .46 LXS and I pirated my 4-channel skysport radio out of my trainer. This thing is a blast, it's nice to have an airplane that goes where you point it. Tuesday I ran 7 tanks of fuel through it, without incident, till I hit a stake in the ground on a low inverted pass(my stupid lack of depth perception). Just smashed in the leading edge, and it will be ready for some more action tomorrow.

What prop size should I be using for this thing? I am trying to practice harriers and hovering(among other things). It harriers ok for a while till I either get the angle of attack wrong or feed it too much/too little throttle. As far as hovering I can hang it for 3 or 4 seconds, but that's about it before it falls off forward/backward/to the side. Of course I don't expect to be able to learn how to do any of this in a day, but I think there may be a few things I can change to make it easier on myself...? Right now I've got a 10x6 prop on it but from what I've read, that might be too small? Any recommendations of prop size for 3ding? Also, if a certain brand is preferred? I am trying to lean away from Master Airscrew props, they always seem to be WAY out of balance when I buy them.

Also my CG is in the "stock" location, how far back/in what increments should I move it to help the situation? My radio equipment is packed in pretty tight, so I was going to pick up some stick-on lead weights. I can get these in 1/4 oz increments.

Also, I have a throttle transition problem. If I throttle it up and down quickly and repeatedly, there is good transition. But if I let it idle for about 5 seconds, then snap it wide open, it dies. Would this be a high speed or a idle setting problem? Which one do I need to lean or richen?

Any other hints and suggestions are appreciated. Unfortunately my skysport radio is a cheap FM 4 channel with NO features lol. I've done the appropriate things with the control horns to get as much throw as I can without binding, but I'm sure it's not the same as high rates!

TIA for any help.

-Bill

RE: Magic 3d tips...?
 

That is one of this airplane's good features, generally easy to get flying again in a short time. :D
I prefer the APC 12.25x3.75, extra mass for idle and a good low gear wide prop for slow speed thrust and airflow over the controls. The engine / prop combination will allow for up / down hover control, tailtouch, etc.
My CG is at 5 1/8" back. It will be your personal preference, I have seen people fly them anywhere from 4 to 6 inches and do 3D.
Avoid adding on dead weight if at all possible. I ended up putting my battery in the tailboom.
With the information presented I am guessing it will be the low needle to adjust. How so depends on what is the engine doing... ie, is it stumbling and cutting off or just cut off like you turned it off... Stumbling indicates the low needle is rich. Backfire or cutoff tends toward a lean idle. Turn the screw just a 1/16th of a turn at a time till the engine performs satisfactorily.
Enjoy the plane ! [8D]