New Old Timer
 

I just ordered a "baby flightstreak" from Bordak and two .049 OK Cubs from OK Engines to get back into control line, I hope I did not screw up too bad. I have been flying some D@#$%$$##@ plastic models for a time after being out of the sport for abt 45 years. I fly R/C but still like the feeling of having a "hold on it". Did I make a mistake or is this ok to get back with? I flew a "Ringmaster/Johnson .035 in the late 50's and early 60's. Any and all comments will be appreciated and I am a first cousin to a duck so all adverse comments kind of roll off my back HIHI and I take them to learn and not get angry.

Any replies will be appreciated.

fly the airplane first please excuse the spelling but I am from TEXAS

Lee K5MRC

RE: New Old Timer
 

OK Cubs vary. Some run pretty good, some don't. I think you would be better off to get one of the Cox 049's Mr. Say has at the MAL hobby shop in Dallas. The Dallas Model Airplane Association flys at Hobby Park at Garland Road and Northwest Hwy. A good bunch of guys and you can get a lot of help. The Baby Flitestreak is a good airplane. I would beef up the nose a little, however.

Jim (DMAA member)

RE: New Old Timer
 

A norvel .049 would be a good engine for the baby streak. They run good and start easy, and run constant. THey have the most power of any 1/2A size engine I saw. I have the Brodak Baby Flite Streak but with a Norvel .061. It really moves, it flies more like a fast combat plane.

RE: New Old Timer
 

Lee,

One problem you may run into is engine mounting. I think the only Cub .049 available now from OK is the "A" which has the plastic tank. It is radial mounted like the Cox Bee engines (same mounting hole locations). I THINK the Baby Flite Streak has provisions for beam mounting. The Baby Lightnin' Streak has provisions for radial mounting.
Of course you can saw off the front and add a plywood firewall for radial mounting. An OK is not usually the most powerful engine, but they can provide lots of fun.

George

RE: New Old Timer
 

Thanks all.

I really appreciate all the comments and I am trying to learn from all of the people I meet here.

I also have 3 of the radial mount COX .049's without the fuel tank that I can utilize if they would be better suited to this plane. I guess I will just have to wait and see.

One question I do have is what length lines and what material would be reccommended for the above set up?

I have a real problum turning a circle for several minutes with out getting dizzy, any help?

Thanks again for your replies.

please excuse the spelling but I am from TEXAS

fly the airplane first

Lee K5MRC

RE: New Old Timer
 

Probably the Cox engines you have will be your best bet. I'd suggest mounting them up on a stick (I use a stirrer stick from the paint store) and see how they run. With those engines, 25 - 30 ft lines are going to be about right. You can use the Dacron lines to start with, and later get some 008 cables. Use a small tank at first so you don't get dizzy.

Jim

RE: New Old Timer
 

Lee:

I'd forget the Dacron lines. They stretch and flop in the air. giving you anything but positive control. I've heard good things about "Spider Wire" from your local sporting goods store, though. Best is 0.004" ot 0.006" steel wire, but the steel wires are easily damaged, don't use them if you get a kink. They can break without warning afterward.

Dizzy? Best way I've found to introduce someone is telling them to keep their eyes on the airplane, and not the background. Usually works fine.

Enjoy.

Bill.

RE: New Old Timer
 

Thanks all for the replys. Mounting the engines will not be a big problum as I have a complete wood working shop and can build anything from scratch when I want to HIHI. I have received the "kit" and it does provide for inline mounting but, as I said "no problemo". I am really lucky to live only about 3 blocks from A-1 hobby in Mesquite and June really knows the available products and their applications so maybe I can get this thing in the air soon.

Does any one know if the OK engines utilize the same fuel as the COX engines?

Also I am tempted to cover the wings with mono-cote in lieu of the supplied silkspan, any comments,good or bad?

fly the airplane first

Lee K5MRC

RE: New Old Timer
 

Lee,

The OK can use the same fuel as Cox. It is generically referred to as 1/2A fuel. Any good fuel containing 15% to 25% nitro and 20%-22% oil is good.
Two things you might want to avoid: RC fuel that is designed for large BB engines and some model car fuels. Many of either of these do not have enough lube.
Look for fuel with the ingredients known. Some fuel companies will not post the contents, just the nitro amount.
I prefer fuel using all or mostly castor oil lube. Some prefer mostly synthetic. The ball socket in Cox engines prefer castor.
SIG makes good fuels. There are other good ones...just look at the ingredients.

George

Edit: Thought of some additional stuff. Whether you use Dacron, Spyder wire, or steel cable, about 30' to 35' should do well. The Cubs won't handle much more. I would start with Dacron or Spyder wire since you can easily adjust length.
About the OK Cubs: They should be broken-in first in a series of half a dozen two-minute runs in a rich two cycle for best performance. If the needle has not been changed, you might want to add some taper to it or you go full rich to full lean in about one turn. Another option, posted by another flyer, is to remove the needle assembly and replace it with one from a RTF Cox. I have not tried the latter. To taper the needle, I just filed and sanded in a little taper. Works fine.

RE: New Old Timer
 

Use the monokote, unless you're looking for nostalgia. I certainly wouldn't cover an Old-Timer or Classic stunt entry with monokote, but otherwise - why not? Use a little paint for fuel-proofing on the fuselage and tail, and go for it.

Kind've-also disagree about the Dacron. I've flown 1/2A for years and years - combat, sport, built-up wings, Baby Bees, Golden Bees, Black Widows, and TD's. Never used anything but the good old dacron. Buy the simple Carl Goldberg 1/2A handle and dacron, cut to about 30 - 35 feet, and forget about it. (I actually prefer Cox's handles for 1/2A, though - much more simple.)

Unless you've got a full-blown 1/2A Precision Aero stunter, the steel lines are not worth the trouble or expense - fishing line will be a huge headache, too. Have fun - get perfect later.