RE: u-can-do 60
 

Got some well deserved stick time in this afternoon. I'm still smiling. The YS started right up and flew without touching a needle. Awsome power. Got some serious play with KE and feel that I got the settings nailed down. Even with all the rudder area removed it only needs a little on the stick. Low rate, full stick and the plane will stand up. Now to try some high alpha KE. On the mix, as Coo mentioned, cross wind landings and KE. It goofs up a hover. I will leave it on and just turn it off for hanging. Looks like it will be a good season. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Just putting the final touches on the UCD 60 just discovered a perfect way to install the cowl. The idea just came up out of my own mind, but I'm sure some one else has come up with it. I took 3/32 or maybe 1/8 balsa sheeting (thicker is better) cut it to 1/2 x 5" strips, tack glue the strips to the wood block so the top corner of each strip is centered on the cowling support block (mark the balsa edge that centers on the block so that you don't accidentally use the wrong side to measure from). Put the cowl over the strips, then put the spinner back plate on, I tacked glued balsa strips to the back plate of the aluminum spinner to use a spacers, I wouldn’t do this with a plastic spinner. I then lined up the cowl with the spinner, put a lot of tape around the cowl to hold it in place (the 3M blue tape used for wall painting works great, it sticks well and is easy to remove). I then laid a ruler on top of the balsa; measured 5 inches from the end of the balsa stick to the cowl, and drilled the hole. The great thing about using somewhat thick balsa sheeting is that it wedges the cowl on, making it uniform in shape and holds it in place while it’s adjusted to the spinner. What drove me to this method was that I didn't have one of those top flight markers, and I didn't want to mark up my plane with a pen, as suggested by the manual.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

This thread was buried on page 4. Everybody quit or what? Finally got a scale. AUW of the UCD is......................8lb. 8.6 oz. The YS 110 added 6 oz. over the Saito. I am very impressed with the YS. More so, now that I see just how much weight its hauling around.

Martin, I read in another area where you were wondering about the landing gear. If you want more strength in that area you can add another dowel between the two existing ones. Also, if you can get in there, you can install 4 short pieces of 1/4" leg tri stock with epoxy, vertically, at the inside corners above the landing gear mount block. Inside you will find the back of the main former and an inch forward, towards the engine, another half former and the mount block is sandwiched between the two, with dowels running through it all. Worst case scenario is to cut out the cooling ramp underneath to gain access. If you want to go back several pages, there are pics of the inside of that area. Another area that you want to pay attention to is the block that sits on top of the horizontal stab. On the front and back of the block, epoxy it where it meets the fuse before you screw it on. No need to glue it to the stab or the stab to the plane, just the front and back of the block itself. Its a high stress area and movement will loosen up the former inside that is between the elevator servos. Should hit that with some thick CA while your at it. Good luck with your UCD. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Update

installed 4 degrees of right thrust with the Ernst thruat plates. Fairly straight forward install. Also got the cowl on, installed a Dubro fuel filler and ran the plumbing, started it up to test and all is well now! Didnt get a chance to fly it as storms and time were the enemy today. Now I will do some mixing on the radio to help with the ke coupling and ill be all set for the coming weekend flying!

pics of her in the current state to follow

matt

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Got the UCD out this Sunday for its first flight, beautiful weather, 85 deg F, and 5 mph wind right up the runway. I flew the hell out of the plane, really fun plane to fly. I have built about 7 kits, and 2 ARFs, and I have never put one in the air with out at least putting in about 3 clicks of aileron trim, however, this plane required none. My head was sweating, and my thumbs were poised for trim, as usual on a first flight, none needed, and could not believe it! I haven’t beefed up the gear yet, landings were really easy, and light, just put in a little power and up before touch. I will have to do something about the cowl, I can see where the screws are reaming out the fiberglass holes, and I will probably just epoxy some thin ply to the cowl fiberglass mount holes, and go to a little bigger screw. The OS 91 pumped 4 stroke settled down to a nice smooth idle after about 4 flights. The plane balanced to 5 inches with a 5 cell 1800 NiMh pack back at the wing mount. There were 3 other UCDs at the field, all put on a good 3D show, I’m just begining 3D, so I wasn’t able to do a hover, or rolling 180, but I will get there.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Martin, the only issue with the landing gear is from some, landing the plane too hot. This bird can float in like a butterfly and when landed correctly, it is very substantial. Think about how high the gear is compared to the small mount it is bolted to. There is a lot of leverage there and considering that, I feel that the undercarriage is being unjustly criticized. With the light wing loading and very predictable stall speed, the only time the gear comes off is when it is knocked off. You can do that to any plane when not landed correctly. I fly off one of the roughest grass fields around and the gear has never been an issue, even with the fact that my UCD is carrying an additional pound over the specified weight. Good to hear of the success on your maiden. This plane will make you look good and the 3D maneuvers come easily. Good luck, Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

I've been trying to do a 'wall' the last two trips to the field. I guess thats one more maneuver the UCD won't do. I think the wing is just too big to let the plane slide forward once vertical. Then I thought, I havn't done a shoulder roll with this yet, forgetting that on exit, the plane is usually pointing to the left. Without thinking I flew from the right to the left. Bad move, exited on the pitts side. Talk about nervous people. All in all, it was a good evening. Just enough pilots to have a good time and still get the sky to yourself to practice some moves. Later, Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Joe we must do walls differently that each other but what I call a wall and what I've seen in videos the UCD does a terrific wall. What do you mean when you say slide forward? When I get into a wall I pull hard up elevator from horizontal and the plane looks like it's hit a wall. That just happens to be a good time to sit there and hover. In fact I can remember some guys doing a Knife Edge wall when the plane first came out. It was much trickier considering the KE naticely sucks on teh UCD, but they accomplished it none the less.

How do you do a wall? Do you have any video?

RE: u-can-do 60
 

I attached 4-40 washers to the inside of the cowl with CA to hold them in place. Once the CA dries I covered them with some epoxy. After the expoxy dried I took a small drill bit and redrilled through the hole and the epoxy. It works great. No way the cowl hole will enlarge themselves with the washer there. I do this on all of my planes that have cowls.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

coomarlin, those washers sound like the ticket, simple yet effective.

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Coo, I am under the impression that in a wall, the plane, once vertical, is to slide forward, on its belly, without climbing, then pull out or into a hover before it falls. My plane does indeed, very accuratly, pull up as if its climbing a wall. I've never seen one and this is just from what I have gathered here in the forums.

On the cowl mounts I have used servo grommets and the rubber isolators with the only drawback being that over time the fuel eats the rubber and must be replaced occasionally. I have now been using cowl binders from PSP Mfg. with great success. They incorporate a male/female configuration that is engineered to pinch and lock on to the cowl. No vibration, cracks or hole wear. Pretty slick, looks good and are cheap. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Check out this video and go to the 35 second mark. It's a video of a guy doing some "Walls" with a Yak 54.

http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi...53/EFYAK68.wmv

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Coo, thanks, but I can't view WMV, I'm on a Mac. Rarely get to see any vids. Is it done as you have described? I really don't have much to go on. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Pretty much Joe. Start out flying stright and level. In the blink of an eye jam full up elevator and chop the throttle. The plane will turn vertical like it's hit a brick wall (hence the name "wall"). It's not supposed to move any further forward. There are a couple of things consider when doing a wall. It's a high stress manuver. It stresses the wing and the airframe quite a bit. Some planes can handle more speed than others when getting into a wall. The wall will look cooler when the airspeed is high going into it, but a lot of planes can't take such a violent manuver. Also make sure you know how to hover enough to fly out of it. Else your plane will end up in the ground.

Lastly, that sucks about the WMV files. Are there not any codecs or media players you can download to view them? WMV is actually a great effiecient format for internet based videos. It seems like 80% of the videos you see are WMV. It's kind pushed MPG and quicktime out of the way in terms of web based video.

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

I have to tell you, this YS engine has renewed my interest in the UCD greatly. Been getting out every night and loving it. Got a new move and do not know if it has a name. High rate tail and low rate ailerons. Level flight and slow it down pretty good but not to a stall. Apply full throttle and full left rudder with full up elevator and right aileron at the same time. Or left stick to upper left corner and right stick to lower right corner. From level flight it will spin on its own axis 180 degrees, level, like the blades of a helicoptor, with out loosing or gaining altitude. Pretty cool to see. Tomorrow is training night and if I get there early enough, I'll get another session in.

Coo, tried the wall at all speeds and its held up. High rate elevator is a dead out 90 degree. Ending with a hang or a hammer head or a couple high rate elv. outside loops. With a blip of the throttle at the top it will swing around the wings axis on the outside loop and fly out inverted.
As for the WMV files, I have Real Player as well as Q Time. I will see if the RP works. Later, Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Where is the other big UCD thread, can’t seem to find it? I’m looking for generic type mixing instructions. I have a Futaba 7C and know how to program it. My CG is at around 5 inches, and the plane has a nasty low speed wing dip when you apply more than a 1/4 rudder , can’t remember whether it was left or right dip on right rudder, I think it was a left dip of right rudder. I thing you need to mix a little up elevator and coordinate the aileron slaved to the rudder for slow speed landings. Also interested in 3D settings, I know there has to be an extensive thread on this, just can't find it.

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

The big UCD thread is at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=226620&key= It has over 2400 replys. This one is just a baby compared to it :)

As for the wing dip, it's very common on the UCD. Theye are instruction in one of these threads on how to mix it out.

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Thanks, I swear I looked up and down all the posts, and couldn't find it. I knew it was big, so I ordered the posts by replies. The problem I was looking for it in the ARF section.

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Martin, the wing dip is opposite to whatever the rudder input is. Right rudder, left wing drop. It also dives severly to the wheels when rudder is applied. I modified the rudder to stop the wing drop, but the dive to the wheels has to be mixed out. Elevator is slaved to the rudder. Good luck, Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Joe, Coo, Roger..Matt...Autoguns..?..?..et al..:)

..Where is everybody..[:-]..at the beach..?..:)..its like a graveyard around here...;)

Anyways..couple more flights on the UCD :)..begining to appreaciate the issiues talked about here regarding coupling etc[:-]..re-reading some of your previous posts....Hmmmm

A few real crappy w/ends ...wather wise, mixed in with two or three Major summer events :)...this w/end its our clubs " Scale weekend " loads of the best big scale stuff in the country have graced us with there presence..camper vans , support teams etc ....yesterday , Sat...was an absolutley stunning day..i know its off thread but i'm sure youl like the pics..the B-52 in particular..8 ..yes EIGHT [:-]..turbines...the Vulcan , Comet , Fokker airliner were equally exciting..much more today
Roger ..if your listning.:)..." Big Bird International " ..Sounds great.;)...what model to bring though.[:-].couple of ideas for the winter project mind..!

More later..Dave

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Dave, stunning pics. You guys really know how to do it. Looks like a great event. Pulling off anything takes a lot of work, but to get all those big birds there is quite an accomplishment. I guess the low forum activity is the result of good flying weather. Its been hit or miss here, but we have been getting some fantastic days out. Today is one of them and I find myself committed to a 'Princess Party' for my grand niece. She is five years old. I will pack up the UCD though and if I can sneak away there is one of the best flying fields about 15 minutes away from our party. Finally got the Formosa that I mentioned up yesterday. Interesting flight, all of 4 seconds, what a pig. No more foamies for me. Looking forward to more pics. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Joe..glad someones still around ..:)

Couple of questions if your available ...did you ever get a new cowl for the UCD..?..was it as good as or better than the orig...y'know what i mean..;)....still running those 811's..?..Oh here's one for you...how close is the Sig Senior to the world models Super frontier 46 ..i know you regard the senior pretty highly ...whats the WM job like..

Bit more of a naughty day at the field today ...weather wise:)..none of the big jets flew ...not just windy but Blustery ....Ugh[:o]...but ..few mor pics from yesterday...some realy inspiring stuff ...straight talking everyday guys too, brilliant day yesterday..;)

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

David, your building quite an archive of some fantastic model pics. You may have to do a book of some sort. Perhaps the coffee table variety.
The closest I've ever gotten to a WM plane was the Ultimate that I almost traded my helicoptor for. We will not go into that sordid mess. From what I understand, World Models products are held in high regard as far as quality goes.
Yes, the 811s are pulling their own weight just fine. Did a rebuild on the gear train X 4 unnecessarilly. Traced my flutter to the servo horns. I mentioned earlier that the rep at JR recommended to avoid a 1 to 1 linkage setup to ensure longer life and stronger, but slightly shorter throws. Choke up on the servo horn and leave the control horn longer. Although the manual suggests incredibly extreme control throws for 3D, I've found that if not toned down a bit on the tail, they will stall the plane.
The 'Princess Party' for my grand niece went well and the grand finale' was the trip to the air field in that area. Perfectly flat flood plain, in a valley, trees well off, with a 60' X 300' runway. The local boys have never seen a UCD and a few simple manuevers was enough to wow them. After some Qs on the YS 110, I'm sure they all went home to tune up their tractors. Tonight is club night and will have the UCD in the air again, weather permitting. Later, Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Forgot, the cowl that I ordered for the current UCD, as I remember, is more substantial than the previous and also weighed more. I posted it way back, but did not keep any notes. Unfortunatly you must dive for that info. I will be ordering another when I decide what header I will be useing on the YS, as I want to route it down the center of the tunnel and out by the UC. I am still useing the one from the Saito, but it now has two many holes in it as nothing lined up at the time of the upgrade. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60 II
 

Joe
..'Princess Party'.:)..we've not done that one ..yet ..most all of the other's...Halloweens the Fave here though ...my fault realy ...i like to blend in easily.;)

Oh...forgot to mention...the " Red Barron" electric fiasco...:)..O.K ..bit of a breeze at the field so we went up top in the longer grass... launch (hand ) into wind ...all of a sudden the model feels very heavy and the wind seem to have got up...[:-]
...virtually no headway was made to start...in all fairness i was a bit flippant with this thing...after all i was now a true Jedi UCD master...;)..Hmm...well slowly made about 30m progress turned into wind and the thing came past us like a missile..[:-]...quick turn Back into wind and blown straight into the deck...busted prop..severly dented Ego... then we saw someone else do exactly the same thing, same model, over the tarmac ...cartwheel...and oblivion..

Plan "B".. remove expesive LiPo's etc, hang model in Peters room..Buy another Kyosho " Spree Sports "..(pic...now got two ..even better with these LiPo batts) + a 2.2m electric sailplane & a 1.4m elec sailplane for small trousers ;)...cant bear to go to Norfolk on Vaccation with no toys...:) LiPo's have transformed this electric ...glider stuff ;)

Sorry to be off thread all :)..just keeping in touch at this quiet time.. wait till the 1.20 UCD arrives this fall.;)