Where have all the builders gone
#1251
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Location: Sutter Creek,
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The plane was built a few years ago from a Sig kit (1/4 Scale).
In the last few years I have become interested in metal working and started adding some upgrades to my Cub. First came a set of spring struts modeled after a set available for a full scale. Just today I finished up a set of aluminum wheels with ball bearings for the Cub. Usually I do so many touch-n-goes searching for that perfect touchdown that I wear out the wheels rapidly.
The struts can be purchased... But why buy when you can make!
SunDevilPilot

In the last few years I have become interested in metal working and started adding some upgrades to my Cub. First came a set of spring struts modeled after a set available for a full scale. Just today I finished up a set of aluminum wheels with ball bearings for the Cub. Usually I do so many touch-n-goes searching for that perfect touchdown that I wear out the wheels rapidly.
The struts can be purchased... But why buy when you can make!
SunDevilPilot
#1252


I am in the process of building a Veron Cardinal which is a little vintage high wing monoplane produced in kit form by the Vintage Model Works of London. In 1960, when I was twelve years old, the Veron Cardinal was the third model I built and by far the most successful, free flight of course on those days. Had it not been successful I would not be writing this now. It was powered by a Mills 75, that's 0.75cc or a little smaller than an 049. I am using the same engine in the current model but I will also be installing a couple of micro servos to control the rudder and elevator. I'm blowed if I'm going to be chasing it or climbing trees at 68!
I wrote an article about the first model for a British magazine and will post it if there's any interest.
Picture of my current model under construction.
I wrote an article about the first model for a British magazine and will post it if there's any interest.
Picture of my current model under construction.
Last edited by Telemaster Sales UK; 06-11-2016 at 09:52 PM.
#1254

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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: The Woodlands,
TX
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Doing my part and keeping the builders/building alive!
2 under construction these days
1/4 sc Nosen Citabria Bush Plane
Robinhood 99
lot of sticks, lot of cutting, lot of shaping and a lot of sanding
would not trade it

2 under construction these days
1/4 sc Nosen Citabria Bush Plane
Robinhood 99
lot of sticks, lot of cutting, lot of shaping and a lot of sanding
would not trade it
#1259

#1261

Clear is also used to keep fuel off the graphics. Most graphic inks will wipe off with Windex or, in many cases, milder cleaners. That is why the home decal kits include a fixative, to protect the ink from being rubbed off or damaged by accident
Last edited by Hydro Junkie; 06-14-2016 at 12:06 PM.
#1263

I'm not a fan of clear coat, but it has it's uses.
I believe that Rustoleum is fuel resistant, but the polyurethanes adds an additional layer of protection.
I have used it on glow powered models in the past, and have had no problems with it.
The poly also improves the gloss, which I wanted, on this air frame.
I did get the clear sprayed on the fuselage today.
I wasn't particularly worried about the graphics lifting, but the poly does insure that they will stay in place.
I believe that Rustoleum is fuel resistant, but the polyurethanes adds an additional layer of protection.
I have used it on glow powered models in the past, and have had no problems with it.
The poly also improves the gloss, which I wanted, on this air frame.
I did get the clear sprayed on the fuselage today.

#1264

I have heard in the past repeatedly that Rustoleum is about as good as it gets for rattle can paint from a home store.. BUT I have heard it isn't truly dried out and cured for about a month !
#1266


I am still a builder but nowadays, I build scale electric powered models. That may be where some of the builders went. There are a number of us electric scale types hanging out in the RC Groups Scale kit/Scratch Build Forum. Most do a lot of lurking and some doing actual building, a few are doing some exceptionally interesting, unusual and challenging projects. We have "fun" design and build contests. Designers Pat Tritle , Peter Rake and others do prototype build threads and market their short kits through Charlie Bice at Manzano Laser Works. There are also a number of active IC power scale and sport builders forums on RCG. You can find much of interest to builders in over-lapping subject forums.NO!!! I am not trying to attract people to RCG.
#1267

My Feedback: (1)

We live in an age where the younguns have grown accustomed to instant everything. Many of them have no concept of "wait". They want it all now! And I think this has also impacted the RC hobby. "Why take weeks to build a plane when I can just take it out of the box, do a few simple things, and go play?" Sad. When we're gone "Lord, I wonder, who's gonna fill our shoes?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi3GgoLtlWk No matter how many times I watch this video, it still gets to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi3GgoLtlWk No matter how many times I watch this video, it still gets to me.
#1268

I had something like that happen at work tonight. Had a lady come into my area for testing, finished two with 45 minutes left in my shift. When I told her there wasn't time enough to do more, she went "nuts", I was wasting her time and going to get her in trouble with her supervisor. She claimed she was out for several months with a broken wrist, why didn't she do what she could prior to today, the last day of the month?
#1270

Well, that's the 'Merican way! We want it all, we want it now, and we want it free, and if we don't get it, we will protest and call everyone a racist, cause that's the 'Merican way!
Sad isn't it.
Sad isn't it.
#1271

I've been back in the hobby 2 years now. I haven't flown as much as I would like but I sure have been building. I'm working on my 5th airplane now. All were scratch built. I just draw the plans out to the size I want. I did buy an Uproar kit as the price made it a must buy. Not sure when it gets built.
I have my own airstrip which I mow and maintain. I have only used it once this year. No flying at the club field either. It seems every time I decide to fly something always comes up. So I just continue to build a little at a time. It has been one busy year for me. Once I complete my to-do list, I can concentrate more on flying. For now, I just build.
I have my own airstrip which I mow and maintain. I have only used it once this year. No flying at the club field either. It seems every time I decide to fly something always comes up. So I just continue to build a little at a time. It has been one busy year for me. Once I complete my to-do list, I can concentrate more on flying. For now, I just build.
#1272
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Seaford, DE
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I am still a builder after 62 years. My current project is a 1/4 scale Balsa USA De Havilland dh4. Just finished a Ziroli 80 inch Taube. Since I retired in January I have been busy catching up. Have built 10 airplanes. All but 2 were kits one arf and the Taube was scratch built. Pictures in my gallery of photos . Jusft havent figured out how to find them.
Last edited by tomb29; 07-05-2016 at 04:23 PM.
#1273


Superb stuff Tomb29. I've always admired the DH4. It was in a class of its own in the Great War, at one stage capable of outrunning the German fighters once it had dropped its bombs. In that respect it was rather like the Mosquito in the second lot.
#1274
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Thank you for the compliment. I am really enjoying the retirement and glad I am still able to build. The DH4 has been a lot fun and now the finishing touches is the best part. Not sure if I want to do it as English or the post war American trainer. I'm leaning towards the latter for obvious reasons. I will add that on occasion I do build an arf in wood or foam so I can fly in an area that is restrictive. Some a real blast to fly and also keep up the reflexes. Outside the shop where I am doing my building is a small field that is perfect for a 35 to 50 inch arf or bnf. Basically run out for a flight to take a break
Last edited by tomb29; 07-05-2016 at 04:52 PM.
#1275
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I have found in a lot of things I paint that using enamel paints, you will get some yellow tint from clear coats especially over white. And polyurethane is no exception. When I build a plane I try to use Tamya paints if I power with electric. Will find out with my 1/4 scale DeHavilland what will be good. I know it will be covered in solartex in 2 different collars so painting will only be limited to trim work. To get a pure white you may have to go to dope or lacquer