speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

Well I hope it’s been quiet around here because everyone is out enjoying the warm weather regardless of the activity. First big weekend for me with two clubs having their official opening days. Hope everyone stays safe while getting into the flying season. Keep an eye out for those Jet Packs.

jcmors

Definitely looking forward to some good flying weather at last here in South Dakota! When we get close to winter again, this time I'm looking for skis to put on my rc aircraft!

mongo

My Feedback: (15)

floats will work on a good snow layer as well...

jcmors

Good tip, I'll keep that in mind. Maybe line the bottom of the floats with some packing tape? Or just leave them bare?

mongo

My Feedback: (15)

packing tape...
probably not a bad idea, to prevent float damage, could also reduce initial drag in soft snow.

R_Strowe

Also let the float/skis get down to ambient temperature (ie:cold) before setting them down in the snow. Keeps the snow from melting and then freezing to the bottoms of them, so they'll slide freely.

jcmors

Another good tip! Now if only I still remember these great tips come winter again.

Hydro Junkie

I know this will add a bit of weight but, something else that you might want to do(if you haven't already), is add a very lite layer of FG(half ounce) to the bottom surface(s) of the float to protect it from impact damage, then apply the packing tape on top of that. I know some floats are plastic and that can take this option out if done with polyester as it can melt many plastics. Just a thought

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

In order to get any kind of impact resistance you would need to go at least 3oz cloth, Kevlar would be even better. Glassing would work on built up balsa/ply or foam floats but all the plastic floats I’ve seen are blow molded and typically neither epoxy nor polyester resins will stick.

Hydro Junkie

Many of the boats we race have parts made from one to three layers of .5 ounce FG over a single layer of 1/16th or thinner ply. Granted, ply will take a much bigger hit than balsa but, at the same time, I was never expecting or claiming that floats would need to take more than a glancing shot. Add to that the layer of packing tape and the floats should hold up to flying off and landing on snow. I would agree that poly won't stick as it really doesn't stick to anything, other than maybe wood but, with a bit of the correct type of prepping, a few plastics will work with epoxy resins. The problem is that, as you stated, most of the ones used for blow molding are not in that group

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

.5oz glass offers virtually zero additional strength. It’s just a good base to paint on.

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

One of my local clubs hosted a night fly on Friday. I flew my Divergent and heli until dark and then watched the night fliers while toasting marshmallows with a few guys and wives, Great fun.