RCVFR

My Feedback: (7)

I was losing hatch bolts on mine, as well. My "fix" was to put small "O" rings on, sort of a soft washer, that kept them from vibrating out. The nylon screw is a good fix, but I like using a bolt with a socket head, easier to get on and off.

spaceworm

It sounds like you have a vibration issue. Suggest you check your prop and/or spinner balance. Good luck

RCVFR

My Feedback: (7)

Single cylinder gas engines have vibration.

spaceworm

N. S. Sherlock!

Proper fasteners and techniques along with balanced spinners and props should eliminate the problem.


Sometimes, people are exactly as they appear to be

AA5BY

The hatch screws on the SW are prone to coming out unless tightened enough one thinks they are going to crush wood.

I think I promised a report on adjusting the wheel position. I haven't done that yet but did check the tail weight and found it greater than my other models of similar size, significantly so. For example, the tail weight of the SW is 26oz whereas my Ultra Stick Lite which is also a 120 size model and of similar size albeit a lb or so lighter, was 12oz. The SW then has almost one pound more tail weight than does the USL. To clarify, what I'm measuring is the weight sitting on the tail wheel.

I think it goes without argument that the mains position of a tail dragger is somewhat critical. Too far aft and the plane is tippy to taxi and too far forward and the plane will experience both hobby horse landings and may experience premature takeoff. The USL with 12oz on the tail wheel has no taxi problems or hobby horse landings. I'm thinking the 26oz on the SW is excessive and a problem and I may try later this evening or in the morning to shim the gear to move the main wheels aft.

The other issue that plagues my SW is that power on and power off trim are still not the same. When trimmed for full power, the glide slope for landing under no power is too shallow. There is currently some up trim witnessed by the forward ends of the elevator balance tabs being down one eighth.

I've mixed the elevators to go neutral trim at low throttle and will check tomorrow to see if that produces a better landing glide slope.

Previously, wing incidence was increased to reduce the up trim needed, which had been a quarter inch of up elevator and a more severe disparity in power on/off trim. Perhaps a little more positive in the wing is needed.

I'll report results of the changes.

AA5BY

I provided a 15° wedge shim to angle the gear back. It looks bad and only reduced the weight on the tail wheel by 6 oz (half what is needed). To do that is not the answer or a reasonable fix. I expect what is needed is to move the mains about half way from where they are at towards the CG. Unfortunately to move the gear mounts internally would require significant effort so it might be more reasonable to move them externally.

To do so, it might be possible to mount a 1/4" aluminum plate in the stock holes that extends aft the necessary amount to provide a new mounting location for the gear. I estimate that the wheels should be moved aft between 2-2.5 inches.

AA5BY

Bingo... the throttle to elevator mix that neutralizes the elevator at low throttle solved the trim disparity between power on/off trim to allow a correct landing glide slope.

scubaozy

Its been quiet here in the thread, I have now several hundreds of flights with mine and it comes nearly every weekend with me to the field. Just a short video from this weekend.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdHVERkCtuc

gavinwebb

I maidened my SpaceWalker yesterday. It was way too nose heavy - but I wanted to try it that way first. I'm running a Saito 30cc 4 stroke gas engine.
I'm moving my batteries further back and am also going to install a new fuel tank - also further back. However this will create problems in doing up the wing retaining bolts.
So, I'm thinking of using the existing wing bolts as pins (by chopping off the heads) - so this will make sure the wings are sitting correctly then putting some sort of retaining straps across the bottom of the fuselage that stick out either side that I can then screw up some retaining bolts into the wings. Anyone done anything like this?

scubaozy

I think you can get away without major mods. I moved the batteries behind the hatch, tank to the center and added 10-15g of weight.

ScaleRCpilot

My Feedback: (1)

You don't want to add more weight with a strap - just move the battery and tank back- small changes at a time you will get there!

cdrc1

Is it possible to install engine at 90 degrees instead of upside down?

BlackPhantomDragon

You could but you would have to cut a hole in the side of the cowl. Looks much better inverted. You can fit a 30cc in the cowl.