Plane storage questions
 

First of all I would like to say hello as a newbie to fllight. Im moving over from 1/10th and 1/8th scale offroad racing. Upon moving over to planes, I did alot of reading on this site and must say, its a great site with alot of great information. I chose my plane (hangar 9 mustang pts) joined the AMA and have talked with a local flight club which I intend on joining. Ive already talked to a club member who will help me with training. In the mean time, I spend countless hours on the sim.
My question is about storing my plane in the garage. Here in Utah the temps can get very cold in the winter (sub zero) and often around 100 in the summer. Will these temps 1. cause any warping with the plywood/balsa in a plane? 2. Will it have any effect on the covering bubbling or seperating? 3. will it result in condensation in the engine leading to rust etc?
When I raced nitro offroad, this wasnt much of an issue as my cars were in the house. I dont have the room for the larger plane. I have seen the thread on the racks for storing and if there are no issues to be concerned with, I will definately build one in the garage.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks, Shawn.

RE: Plane storage questions
 

I live in Minnesota and keep many planes in the garage all year. No problem

RE: Plane storage questions
 

Hi, here [Iowa] my planes are stored in the garage also, put some after run oil in the engines and crank thru several times and they should readty to go in the Spring.

RE: Plane storage questions
 

After run oil in the engine and you will be fine.
The only problem I had with garage storage was mice. They got into my wings and deposited dog food inside.
I removed more than a cup of dog food from the wings of my AT-6 and had to cut open the covering to get it out.

RE: Plane storage questions
 

Be sure to keep your radios inside. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to take out your battery and maybe your receiver for those really cold days.

Austin

RE: Plane storage questions
 

A cure for the mice and "creepy crawlies" during outside building winter storage:

Take a couple of zip-lock bags and punch a bunch of holes in them with a hole punch. Next put a couple of handfuls of mothballs in each bag and close the zip-lock bag (Yes, mothballs).
Now take the bags and put them in various locations in your shed. A 10x16 shed would need 3 - 4 zip-lock bags. The mice and "creepy crawlies" don't like the smell and vacate, usually within a couple of days. You could also scatter the mothballs around the shed, but this is neater, and if you have a cat or dog you don't have to worry about them eating any of the mothballs.

I found out about this several years ago when I had my boat. The mice got in it over the winter and did a number on the wiring and upholstery. A friend told me about the mothballs, so I tried it. No mice.

Just make sure you air the shed out for a couple of hours in the spring.

This will also work for the UNOCCUPIED AREAS of your house (attic, possibly the basement if it is very infrequently used) to get rid of mice, etc.

RE: Plane storage questions
 

Be sure to take your battery OUT. Cycle it during the winter. The rest is OK as long as you protect the engine with some after run oil.

RE: Plane storage questions
 

Thanks for all the responses. I will get to work on the storage rack.