Dont want to open too big a can of worms. My Reactor Bipe 61 has come prehinged with CA hinges in the ailerons but remaining are not hinged (CA hinges supplied). I want to add longetivity to this model as I will be starting with the FS91SII now and move to a DLE20 after the monsoon (I have both ready and operating but just want a light easy airplane right now). So, should I replace the CA with Dubro nylon pinned hinges or retain CA in the ailerons and put in the pinned hinges in the rudder and elevator?

Ameyam

YES
The nylon pinned hinges are stronger...more durable...and move more freely.
In my opinion...pinned hinges are the only way to go.
Best Regards
JC

Depends on your flying style. You could just pin those CA hinges, but the nylon pinned hinges are much stronger of course.

Want to 3d the airplane. I am thinking to take the middle route- pin hinge those surfaces that are not factory hinged. Remaining currently with CA as from factory (will add drop of CA for good measure, seem fairly sturdy already). When the CA hinges wear out, I will pin hinge those as well

Ameyam

After I used CA hinges for the first time I never wanted to install another pinned hinge. I have used the CA hinges for 15 years that I know of and never had a single problem with them. I don't have giant scale models but for the 60 size and smaller planes I think they are the cats meow. I hated trying to get the pinned hinges in and not get the poxy all over everyting. And if they aren't all straight they work against themselves. Just a couple of months ago I gave away a big bag of pinned hinges to a buddy. He doesn't like to try anything new. After he saw me use the CA hinges I don't think will use the pin hinges I gave him.

But thats just me.

Well, along the way I obtained I think 4 packets of pinned hinges in the last year or so. Now, just this one bipe will consume 21 Nos!!!

The CA hinges I used on my high wing trainer came off after a year or so- that was a cheap product. All the older airplanes I have inherited from my mentors all have pinned hinges. Those on my 2 year old Reactor 46 are still going strong. However my second airplane- the Phoenix Tiger 40 and second-&-half airplane - Phoenix Topstar 60 (UCD 60, inherited from my mentor) both came with factory pinned hinges. So its an even game

I know pinned hinges are considered a more "secure" way of hinging as compared to CA hinges. The CA hinge is as strong as the fibreglass cloth and amount of CA used on it. But the bigger concern is that CA absorbed into the hinge line makes it brittle. For pinned hinges, I guess you need to get some oil or vaseline into the hinge pivot before you epoxy them to keep them from binding, otherwise the pinned hinges are fine

This is not giant scale, its a 61 sized Bipe and I would like to gas it in due course. Gas only if I have reliability issues with glow again. So far my 91 has been dead relaible once set and if its sufficient power, I wont change it. There are 8 servos in this airplane and I would like to keep the weight down if possible. Like I said, best thing would be to retain the CA hinges now and think about it if and when they give up.

Ameyam

I think the key to CA hinges it to get quality hinges. I am sure some of the factory hinges are good as well. I use CA mostly for up to 90 size and the Robart style for all my gassers. If the surfaces are thick enough I will install Robarts as it is a task for me to do the tiny Robart hinges. I have one plane that has around 500 flights on CA hinges and still going strong. I figure if they will last that many flights then that will do for me.

I still prefer nylon pinned hinges for their freedom of movement.Greg