Engine offset on profile fuselage
 

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

RE: Engine offset on profile fuselage
 

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

Jim

RE: Engine offset on profile fuselage
 

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

Ron

RE: Engine offset on profile fuselage
 

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

Hothandle

RE: Engine offset on profile fuselage
 

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