ORIGINAL: slipkid
Hi All,
As of today, I am the proud new owner of a Black Magic VF3 in the bones with a full YS 170 dingo and Hatori header + Short Pipe. I am an expreinced pilot, but new to pattern and have admired the looks of this plane for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to buy one. It will take me a while to get to finishing it off, as I have 2 other projects ahead of it, but I would like to ask the group a few questions
1) Has anyone covered thier VF3's purley with covering rather than the paint route? - I have painted before (WWII scale), so it does not scare me. but I would still like to cover this plane rather than paint if possible. I am concerned about the ''crunch'' factor with covering only when the wing is picked up by someone not familliar with the fragility of this structure against crush - I would think covering would be
lighter as well - Any opinions here?
2) The ship has a DEPS setup using clear tubing and I am quite concerend about how stiff the setup is by hand. I was considering using two low profile servoes in the horizontal tail with short direct linkage, but am wondering if this is possible, given the significant distance the tail is behind the CG - anyone try this and get the CG OK ?( Keep in mind, powerplant will be the YS 170 and I may also use dual A123 lfight packs up front) - Otherwise, I am going to be stuck trying to figure out how to get the DEPS setup to be much smoother
3) I am also considering using 2 A123 packs for reiever power, as I have dual batteries, switches, and wiring to my reciver in all my planes tthat will take the setup - never had a problem with this setup and I trust it - I am wondering if I can use the A123's to help offset the possible dual elevator servo idea from #2 above
AS of now, I do not intend to compete for a season or two, and then it would only be in the lower classes. I bought this ship also to be a regualr flyer at the field, as I am getting tired of aimlessley boring hoels in the sky with YAKs, extras, etc. and have always admired how a pattern ship flies
I fly with and am an instructor with Skymasters RC club of Troy, MI. -any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated
THanks in advance
Joe F.
Joe,
Since I have probably over 2000 flights on this airframe, I will answer your questions, and feel free to PM me or whatever with any other questions,
1. There is nothing wrong with covering the plane with Monokote. The original prototype was done this way and had MANY MANY flights. It dings easier, and probably doesnt give quite as nice a finish, but there certainly is nothing wrong with doing it that way.
2. Use the DEPS. It is more than adequate. My plane has never had a problem, and I personally like the feel of the plane with the DEPS. Many guys have used the 2 servos in the tail route and been successful as well. The DEPS setup you are talking about is more than adequate as my new one is setup the same way. My original (the oldest living V3) has never had any issues. Yes if you grab it, it feels kind of flexible, but once hooked up, you wont have any issues.
3. No reason you can't run an A123 setup in the plane. It is very easy to end up with the plane tail heavy as it has such a long tail moment. You want the CG just at the front of the wing tube is where I've been the happiest with mine.
The plane has no bad habits and you'll be very happy with the setup. Since you had the 1.70DZ, I would definitely consider getting the CDI kit from central as it cuts WAY down on fuel useage and you just get a better behaving engine all around. Your idle will amaze you with the CDI setup. 1200-1300 is pretty normal with this setup. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have,
Have fun,
Arch