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-   -   SIG Kadet LT-40 (https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/glow-electric-conversions-132/11621940-sig-kadet-lt-40-a.html)

guapoman2000 09-21-2015 08:56 AM

SIG Kadet LT-40
 
Hello guys,

This SIG Kadet LT-40 was acquired about one year ago and finally took it down from the hook and took out the Gas Tank out, cleaned it some from the slime and set it up as Electric.

At first, I was looking for a E-Flite Power 46 motor for it and instead found a combo motor/ESC in my hobby drawer that really does the job perfectly. My goals are long flights with very mild sport flying.

The motor is known as the Thrust-50 Brushless motor and Quantum 65-AMP Brushless ESC. This combo has been reviewed and is recommended at the Precision Acrobatic (PA) web site noting a very efficient motor/esc combo.

PA Web Site Providing additional information:
http://www.precisionaerobatics.com/t...s/thrust50.pdf

The entire setup is as follows:

* Thrust-50 Brushless motor
* APC 13 X 8 "E" Propeller.
* Quantum 65-AMP ESC (BEC Disabled).
* Separate RX Battery with switch harness (Thunder Power 2-Cell, 1800mAH, Lithium Polymer).
* Futaba 7-Channel Dual Conversion (FP-R1270F) receiver. (72-Mhz, FM)
* Futaba 4-Channel Transmitter. (72-Mhz, FM)
* Futaba Standard Servos (1303's)
* Turnigy 5-Cell, 4,000mAH, Lithium Polymer flight pack.

Flight Summary:
This model has amazing lift capabilities and as heavy as it is the thing can stay in the air with as little effort as possible. I have never had a "TRAINER" such as this and I am amazed and impressed with its manners. I believe that notwithstanding all of the FOAM Electric Trainers out in the Market, this one (SIG Kadet LT-40) is by far the best trainer that I have come across in a long time.

As a matter of fact, the model still performs even though I changed the main gear wheels (Tires) with some warbird looking 3 inch diameter tires for those occasions when the model goes off the runway. Unfortunately, the tires are flat as they are made from some cheap rubber / plastic material and they gone flat.:eek: Even though they are flat the model still manages to gain speed and take off with minimal WATTS (Power).

In Flight it is a baby doll like a true trainer should be and yet, I can manage some mild sport maneuvers such as effortless loops, rolls and hammerheads.

An amazing trainer with super design qualities.:)

This is not the first GLOW-TO-ELECTRIC conversion done on a slimmer SIG Kadet LT-40 as I had one with a much heavier 22oz ASTRO FLIGHT 60 direct drive motor and you can visit at:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1482085

PICTURES of the Latest LT-40 Conversion:

The Beginning.......
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psmv5w5bvs.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psmt8fnsb2.jpg

Before Cleaning the GLOW Slime:
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psr24mjrfm.jpg

After Cleaning the GLOW Slime:
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psoqkwsm9l.jpg

Added Bulk Head Plywood to avoid Battery from sliding AFT into FUSE:
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psq9hff5bt.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psxroktihk.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psgdwfvn58.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psp2pud1rr.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psgoj7pgqk.jpg

Never Trust an OLD Ni-MH Receiver Pack that has been lying around your hobby drawer!
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psi50grcsr.jpg

Selected the Thunder Power 2-Cell, 1800mAH Li-Poly Receiver Pack instead!
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pspf6bwcqp.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psvtiapmdz.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psxgpme0ob.jpg

VIDEOS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnu5s2awJLw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30ub-PGcy0

skylark-flier 09-21-2015 10:12 AM

I think you're going to find that no matter which Kadet variant you might want to fly, it's going to be one of the best and most comfortable flying airplanes you'll ever have.

ALL Kadets are great!

blvdbuzzard 09-21-2015 10:37 AM

Is there such a thing as a bad flying Kadet? patched, repaired, more glue than balsa, over weight, bent twisted they still fly well. You will have fun with it.


Buzz.

guapoman2000 09-22-2015 09:23 AM

Thanks guys! Totally agree with your views and experiences on the Kadet Line.

My main Love is the SLOW flying characteristics as you don't need any flaps!

This model floats and I mean "FLOATS" in like nothing I have ever seen before. Well maybe a Telemaster-40.

guapoman2000 09-22-2015 08:47 PM

Hi guys,

I perhaps forgot to post a picture of the final internals (FUSE) showing the final setup such as servos, links etc........

Here is this picture showing such items and presently I am topping off the Separate Receiver Battery (Thunder Power 2-Cell, 1800mAH) from the switch harness.

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/at...Top%20Off2.jpg

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/at...Top%20Off1.jpg

Additionally, I didn't like the NUT look up front at the Propeller Adapter so, I changed the NUT for a nice F4U Corsair NUT.:D
http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/at...20-Spinner.jpg

Finally, changed out the Main Landing Gear tires as they were completely Flat and replaced them with a pair of Dubro Foam Tires (3-inch diameter) and made slight adjustments to the Main Landing Gear Wires and was able to give the model improved look and functionality.

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/at...m%20wheels.jpg

guapoman2000 09-23-2015 10:19 AM

Guys,

I tried the 6S (Two 3S in series 5,000mAH) Li-Poly and my 5S (5-Cell, Turnigy 4,000mAH) Lithium Polymer.

The 6S really didn't provide any additional performance and perhaps slightly a little more airspeed. It did have a greater climb rate, however.

The 5S using the APC 13 X 8 "E" propeller is the best for this Thrust-50 power system and airplane model frame. There is just no need for additional power required.:)

I was thrilled to have an opportunity to fly the LT-40 Kadet before heading to work this morning and it was a total success.

The newer 3-inch diameter FOAM wheels on the Main Gear were terrific and I didn't see any bounce at all and performed a few Touch & Goes and the model handled like a baby doll.:p

I am having lots of fun with this model.:)

guapoman2000 09-23-2015 06:10 PM

Good evening guys!

As I was show-&-telling at the RC Club this morning, we had one sponsor for Precision Aerobatics there who informed me that these "THRUST" motors are available at the USA web site. I just got home from work and it was a long day but, I was able to find the motor at their web site like the gentleman informed me.

Here:
http://www.precisionaerobatics.com/p...ls.php?pid=592

Additionally, seems like the Quantum 65-AMP ESC has been discontinued and instead I saw the 70-AMP.

http://www.precisionaerobatics.com/p...ls.php?pid=591

guapoman2000 09-25-2015 02:00 PM

In case you missed it!
 
Never Trust an OLD Ni-MH Receiver Pack that has been lying around your hobby drawer!
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psi50grcsr.jpg

The above Ni-MH pack is several years old and lightly used and this battery just quit while my model was being setup on my work bench! I am glad this happened.

Here is an important Video for all to watch for those trying to setup their own models, especially Electric!

https://youtu.be/ow4VmOwIdYA

guapoman2000 09-26-2015 06:47 PM

Just checked the 2-Cell, 1800mAH, Lithium Polymer RECEIVER Battery pack and it is still fully charged. Checked all linkages and all Flight (Power System) battery packs are fully charged up.

Ready for another two flights in the morning!http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/imag...es/popcorn.gif

I am hooked on this trainer.http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/imag...es/biggrin.gif

skylark-flier 09-30-2015 09:37 AM

We're ALL hooked on Kadets! Best "fun" plane ever designed.

guapoman2000 10-03-2015 07:47 AM

2 Attachment(s)
Guys,

Yes, it flew on Sunday, September 27th, 2015 for two flights and the flight battery (5-Cell, 4,000mAH, Li-Poly) measured 11.9 Volts after both flights of 6 minutes each.

Today it flew for 7 minutes with great results and with mix throttle and mild sport maneuvers such as loops, rolls and sustained inverted flight.

Just an amazing model for sure.http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/imag...lies/smile.gif

================================================== =============
Today!

Guys!

Just look at what was placed back into the battery after a 8-minute flight of my SIG Kadet LT-40!http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

A whopper of just 871 mHA and it charged back in just 20 minutes!

This was with mixed throttle so, it means that at 1/2 Throttle the AMP (current draw) must be in the area of 7-AMPs!http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/imag...es/biggrin.gif

Amazing!http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/imag...lies/smile.gifhttp://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2123326http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2123327

blvdbuzzard 10-03-2015 12:57 PM

Any one who does not like trainers, a Kadet in particular, has issues. I enjoy flying them just above stall speeds, as slow as they will go without falling out of the air. You will be surprised at how slow they will go. A touch of throttle, nose up, holding elevator, they just sort of hang there, you wonder how they do it. Slam the power, pull straight up. climb out, bring it around, slow fly by.

I have parts of the old Tower Trainer 60. I may scratch build one with a nice "E" setup.

I have a Low Wing Trainer. I have a 60 sized E power setup, I use (4) 3250mah 3s batteries in a 2x2 setup for 6s power. I did 2 glider tows and then flew around for another 20 minutes while the gliders were in the air. Just as I was on approach, the LVC kicked in. Tons of fun, with "E" power..



Buzz.

guapoman2000 10-04-2015 06:39 PM

Buzz, you are so correct! I have all kinds of other airplane models and a trainer like the SIG Kadet whatever is something to marvel at!

Okay, did a little flying with it at the local Middle School near my house rain and clouds were coming in fast so, I wasted no time to go to this middle school with a terrific Track and my mom even came with me and we both enjoyed two walking laps after flying my Kadet LT-40.

Additionally, I did a little shopping for it and went to a HOBBY TOWN USA (only Hobby Store open on Sundays), I found a pair of some beefier 3.5 inch diameter wheels by Dubro and found an APC 12 X 8 "E" so, off I went back home and installed the new main gear Wheels and they look fantastic plus it raised the rear FUSE section a whopper of 4.25 inches.

Another thing I did was to finally stop guessing on the weight of this model and got accurate readings with my digital weight scale and can you believe this thing is just slightly over seven (7) pounds fully flight ready!

Weight1 (FUSE): 4.0lbs. (64oz.)
Weight2 (Wing): 1lbs. - 13oz. (29oz.)
Weight3 (Battery): 1lbs.-3 3/4oz. (19.75oz.)

Adding the Ounces all together: 112.75oz. (7.047 lbs.)

================================================== ==================================================

Pictures of main gear wheel retrofit:

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psp5vaxhvy.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pswclnmgac.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pswkgjquw1.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psixwttach.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psidlm4lqh.jpg

Weigh-In Session:
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps1iohprfm.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psgc39h2j9.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps83uumvhi.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psle1yzuqq.jpg



A few pictures!

guapoman2000 10-04-2015 06:49 PM

A few pictures at the Track!

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psmmtawjof.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psoyzzeefi.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pszb4xbejw.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psbmaakk3b.jpg

skylark-flier 10-06-2015 07:18 AM

You won't be sorry that you changed tires. I fly from rather rough grass/ground and every one of my planes has somewhat oversize Dubro tires. They help a lot when you're out in the rough taxiing around.

guapoman2000 10-08-2015 01:12 PM


Originally Posted by skylark-flier (Post 12109374)
You won't be sorry that you changed tires. I fly from rather rough grass/ground and every one of my planes has somewhat oversize Dubro tires. They help a lot when you're out in the rough taxiing around.

Thanks Skylark-flier!

Yes, the larger wheels really make things much more easier!

Thanks for your reply.

guapoman2000 10-15-2015 01:39 AM

Guys,

Enjoyed both hobbies on Sunday morning, 10-11-2015!

Flew my SIG Kadet LT-40 and transported it using my 1987BMW 325i Convertible Project.:D Both did great!:)

The picture showing the Charger represents how much charge placed back into the battery after a typical 12 minute flight.

A few pictures!

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pskzwymdxd.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps5ctitxlm.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psuioak95k.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pspwoij1dt.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps1e5no5w9.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pssylzd6wv.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pslvno5hsa.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...psmjzefrg2.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pse3zl5dme.jpg

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/w...pslpoeyjzj.jpg

skylark-flier 10-15-2015 05:48 AM

SWEET!!!!!!!

Cool plane, fabulous wheels!

guapoman2000 10-15-2015 08:17 AM


Originally Posted by skylark-flier (Post 12113219)
SWEET!!!!!!!

Cool plane, fabulous wheels!

Thanks so much Skylark-Flier!

Those larger 3.5 inch tires did great!

Guapo

skylark-flier 10-15-2015 07:55 PM

Yeah, but I meant the BMW. That's OK though, it's ALL good.

guapoman2000 10-15-2015 10:38 PM


Originally Posted by skylark-flier (Post 12113569)
Yeah, but I meant the BMW. That's OK though, it's ALL good.

Ha! Yes, I know you were referring to the BMW.

Funny how things get muddle up as I posted the bit of the larger wheels on the RC model and forgot to say....

"Thanks for the kind words of my BMW"

"Oh, I almost forgot how well the newer 3.5-inch wheels performed on my Kadet LT-40."

;)

guapoman2000 02-01-2016 06:13 PM

Well, all things come to an end and I will be selling the LT-40 as an RTF minus the Battery Pack!

Let me know if anyone would like to purchase a super nice flying LT-40

guapoman2000 02-06-2016 02:29 AM

Going to fly this majestic lady again in a few hours!

Central Florida's weather is like a Yoo Yoo! You have to be vigilant on the weather forecast!

Heading to the RC Club in a few hours!

averagebear 10-07-2016 07:04 PM

Nice looking Kadet

Where did you get the motor mount;
it doesn't appear to be on the PA website

guapoman2000 10-08-2016 02:20 AM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by averagebear (Post 12265457)
Nice looking Kadet

Where did you get the motor mount;
it doesn't appear to be on the PA website


Hello!

I don't recall where I got this Electric Motor Mount / Stand-Off but, it seems like it came with a model I purchased used from someone and re-used it on the Kadet.

However, I did some searching for you and found this one that looks even better!

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s..._85_36mm_.html

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2184907

guapoman2000 08-05-2020 11:26 AM

Almost 4 years on the ground! No more!
 
Hello good people!

Anyone in the mood for a relaxing RC Trainer Airplane model?

Well, after not flying my SIG LT-40 for several years (Almost 4 years) it performed like a baby doll on Tuesday morning , August 4th, 2020!

The Electric Setup is as follows: (Still)

* Thrust-50 Brushless motor

* APC 13 X 8 "E" Propeller.

* Quantum 65-AMP ESC (BEC Disabled).

* Separate RX Battery with switch harness

* RX (Thunder Power 2-Cell, 1800mAH, Lithium Polymer).

* Futaba 7-Channel Dual Conversion (FP-R1270F)

* Futaba 4-Channel Transmitter. (72-Mhz, FM)

* Futaba Standard Servos (1303's)

* Turnigy 5-Cell, 4,000mAH, Lithium Polymer flight pack.

This setup allows for a super long flight(s) on just one battery run or multiple, assuming if you land and allow the pack to rest and Voltage slightly increases after cooling down, however, nothing ever goes warm to the touch as all components never get warm after almost 10 minute flight.

The airspeed is respectable for a trainer RC Model and some has commented it is too fast at 3/4 throttle. Yes, most of the flight is right at 1/2 throttle and allows for just amazing touch & goes. Since this SIG model is the LT-40 and came with ailerons it performs just amazing rolls and of course loops with no issues.

A few pictures up in-flight and static pictures on the setup table.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...a8765db543.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...507183c6a4.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...171fd8a127.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...25ec87db7e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...fd94658731.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...4ce957d929.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...d471f634e7.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...6e4686143d.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...747be315e5.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...89f9904883.jpg


sensei 08-06-2020 04:33 AM

Nice!

Bob

guapoman2000 08-06-2020 08:23 AM


Originally Posted by sensei (Post 12622874)
Nice!

Bob

Thank you, Bob!

It is a very relaxing RC Trainer but, has some neat moves that many don't realize.

Glad you enjoyed.

jollyroger 09-24-2020 12:23 PM

Built one from a Kit last year. Powered with a Cobra 4120/710KV motor and 4S pack. Made it a tail dragger, chopped the elevator in half, made the rudder longer so it reached the bottom of the fuse and used a Dubro tailwheel . I added a second LG mount to the fuse for floats. Landing gear is Dubro for both mains and for the floats.
Covered in Ultracote Brushed Aluminum and red. Also added wing struts. Uses separate aileron servos.Removed all the dihedral.
Floats are from Seaplane Supply. (Currently being fitted to plane.)

guapoman2000 09-24-2020 12:57 PM


Originally Posted by jollyroger (Post 12634278)
Built one from a Kit last year. Powered with a Cobra 4120/710KV motor and 4S pack. Made it a tail dragger, chopped the elevator in half, made the rudder longer so it reached the bottom of the fuse and used a Dubro tailwheel . I added a second LG mount to the fuse for floats. Landing gear is Dubro for both mains and for the floats.
Covered in Ultracote Brushed Aluminum and red. Also added wing struts. Uses separate aileron servos.Removed all the dihedral.
Floats are from Seaplane Supply. (Currently being fitted to plane.)


We need pictures! Thanks!

tedsander 09-24-2020 07:59 PM

My club gave me one, to use as an instruction plane. Here's what happens when the instructor allows a beginner to get too low...

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...a39b436269.jpg

tedsander 09-24-2020 08:01 PM

But here's what happens after 12 hours of bench time....

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...70de1867ed.jpg

Someday I'll buy a new decal set, to replace the windows!

Glad they used cheap glue on it. Ply interior formers on the fuse had to be separated from the balsa skins, but the pieces then jig sawed right back into the place. Then a new 1/8th balsa skin added. Needed a new nose gear steering arm. Cowl is pretty rough - but CA made it rigid again (ARF has a cowl that the kit doesn't have). Will fill/refinish over the winter.
Using a NIB HB .40 Goldhead. with an 11x5 prop. Didn't pay attention to the TX timer on the first training flight after the rebuild. On an 8 oz tank, ran out of fuel after 38 minutes (!) (half throttle). Has now had three hours of flight training time on it since the oops!

Andrew124C41+ 06-25-2022 02:15 AM

Shocks
 
I just inherited one of these from an RC club I just joined. It was converted from glow to electric with a quad motor, 30 amp ESC and initially a 14 X 12 Prop which I switched out for a 13 x 12 3 blade prop at the advice of one of the guys who had been instructimg me. It flies very well much better for training than the 1.2 m Apprentice I initially purchased upon the recommendation of a local hobby shop. We fly on a tarmac runway, Had a couple hard landings and had to do some minor repairs.

Anybody figure out how to put shocks on the mains and nose gear?


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