ORIGINAL: MLee
I built a 3 channel Mini-Telemaster using an outrunner motor. The power is fine, but it pulls to the left. When I trim the rudder to get it to fly straight I have to give it so much right rudder that I cannot fly the plane to the right. I have adjusted the motor, pointing it more to the right as well as added weight (taped pennies) to the right wing tip. I checked for wing warp, but the two halves of the wing are exactly the same. When I add power I have right turn control, but with reduced power (i.e., landing) my right is almost nonexistent. I also checked the elevator, and it is square and even on both the left and right side. I really like the plane, but need some help figuring out how to trim out the plane and get right turn control. HELP!
Your description isn't actually very clear about the power. If you were to run along with the airplane as if to handlauch it, does it try to turn left? Or does it simply turn left when you increase the throttle. Does it glide straight? Even after the pennies were added? (Why did you not have weight and now do?)
That Mini ought to be fairly good at gliding. Most are. And it ought to test glide straight and true if the airframe and balance is straight and true. Have you tried to test glide it? Take all the normal precautions. Calm day, somebody who has handlaunched before to toss it for you while you hold the TX, etc. One thing you want to find out is if the airplane flies straight in a glide, and if it flies straight under constant power.
You know that the Mini-Telemaster has an excellent reputation. And you've run through a list that should cover everything that would cause the behavior yours has shown. And everything looks good to you. What can be assumed from that? One is that we're all overlooking another cause. Another is that you're not seeing something that is wrong. If you could take a couple of digital pictures and post them, maybe an experienced eye will spot the problem. Or better yet, haul the little sucker out to a club field and ask one of the experienced guys there to take a look.