While browsing for C/L sites, I saw a tapered plate for use on profile fuselage planes to set engine offset. Now I've got a Top Flite Flite Streak ARF and would like to buy one of those tapered plates, but I can't remember where I saw it and can't find it again. I know that I can use washers, but because of the light, crushable wood used on the FS ARF, a full engine mount plate seems like a better idea.

Do any of you C/L guys recognize what I'm talking about? Can you point me to it with a URL?

Ron

I don't use engine offset on profiles; however, the plate you want is available from Brodak.

Jim

Jim, why don't you use engine offset on profiles? What method do you use to maintain line tension? Leadout rake? Rudder offset?

Ron

You can go to your friendly hardware store, and they sell small tapered nylon shims that work , cheap.

Hothandle

I ordinarily use no rudder offset. I do use adjustable leadouts. The leadouts, in my opinion, should be as close together as you can get them and still be comfortable. There is a formula as to where they should go. I start out the leadouts coming out a little behind the CG and them move them 1/8 in at a time (usually forward), until the airplane is flying such that I can look straight down the wing when it is flying, good tension everywhere, and no noticeable yaw on any corners. I have built 1/2A and OTS models where I thought it was too much bother to make adjustable leadouts. On these I made adjustable rudder and it worked pretty well. I understand the real pros use both adjustments, and of course, an adjustable wing tip weight box.

Making everything adjustable is a pain, but worth it in the end. Also you can learn a lot by moving things around and seeing what happens.

Jim