RTF Firewall problem
 

Well I got this cheap trainer, RTF for 40 bucks which isn't bad at all. The problem is that the firewall is not even! The enitre thing points to one side of the plane. I thought about cutting the firewall out and remaking it but if I did that I would probably weaken the plane.

Suggestions?


How about putting another piece of ply wood in front of the existing one but making it at an angle so it will be straight when I glue it up against the existing one?


I gotta think of something!

RE: RTF Firewall problem
 

a) you get what you pay for

b) many planes have right thrust built in to them to counteract the engine torque

which "plane" is it?

RE: RTF Firewall problem
 

The Firewall points to the right correct? this is normal the ponting to the right is to offset the engine torque. If it was mounted perfectly straight the plane would want to pull left constantly.

Also it's a trainer, if you look closely you will probably see that the engine is angled down a little bit also (compare it to the angle of the wing)

RE: RTF Firewall problem
 

Standing behind the model and looking forward, which way is the firewall tilting? Left or right? If right, measure how many degrees to the right the firewall is canted. If less than 5 degrees to the right, it is just fine and was intended to offset the engine's tendency to make the model go left upon the application of power due to torque generated by the engine and P-Effect of the prop. The firewall should also tilt downward with less than 5 degrees of tilt from true vertical. These could be built in intentionally to help the pilot keep things sorted out during the initial flights.

Good luck.


Ed Cregger

RE: RTF Firewall problem
 

It is this plane, not where i got it from but its the same thing. My tower hobbies trainer dind't have this tilt in it so I was concerned.

http://www.raidentech.com/stev4siiiarf.html

after crashing the tower trainer (long story) a guy sold this to me for 40 bucks brand new cause he bought a lot of them for wholesale pricing. 40 bucks isn't bad even if it is a crappy plane.

Well that does explain the tilt in the firewall. Yes, if Im standing behind the plane, it tilts to the right. Im sure it is not over 5% angle, its probably very close to 5% but its certainly not over it.


Just something I have not seen before in other trainers. Thanks!

RE: RTF Firewall problem
 

Actually it's between 2 and 3 degrees on that model.

It's not a bad inexpensive trainer, especially for the price.