It's a boring day here. Ninty-seven degrees F,( for you Canadians) 12-15 mph wind and Thunder showers, and my Venus is on the way. So I went back over this entire thread and looked at all the pictures and ran my own Poll on how you all mounted your engines.

Results: 8 inverted 4-strokes. (These results are from pictures only but probably representative)
4 135* mounts. 2x4-s and 2x2-s
1 90* mount. a 2-s

It makes perfect sense since inverted requires the least cowl cutting. Two strokes don't really like to be inverted.

So I'm going to mount mine inverted with a TurboHeader muffler so I'll have cowl holes only for the needle valve adjustment and fuel probe.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/ite...itemId=411691#

I'm also using one of these mufflers to eliminate the muffler vibrating loose problems I have had with both the Saito 150 and 180on My DP Ultimate.

If you can get a matching hyde mount to your engine, by no means get it. It definitely will reduce the stress on the firewall and the noise. The mount can go together with the engine for whatever project(s) in the future.

What are the best servos for the Venus II and similar planes?
There are so many choices.
Is there any consensus as to which Futaba and JR servos are best suited for the Venus?
Regards
JC

I'm running JR DS-821's.

Futaba 3050's ail/elev, Hitec 5625 rudder

Hi-Tec HS-6965HB on all surfaces except throttle.

The Venus II represents the type of plane Karbonite gears were designed for according to Hi-Tec.
(Under 12 lbs, and precision desired.)

I am running futaba 9001s on airelons and 9202s on elevators and the rudder. Quite happy with spee, centering and synch capability. The two elevators are Y-harnessed.

my venus is 1 year old I have many flights. I push it pretty hard. I have a saito 120 on the factory mount. I am using futaba 3004's all the way round, no problems. Servo's mounted in the tail, added 1/2 oz. to balance. Fly's great, unlimited vertical with 16x6 apc prop. Do whole routine add @ half throttle.

I have a question.
I have noticed that several of you have darkened the canopy. I would like to know how to darken the clear plastic so it is somewhat transparent but much darker. I don't want to ues a pilot.

I forget what it's called but you can get it in the plastic model paint section. It's marketed for use on transparent car bodies.

spray paint (in a rattle can) for polycarbonate r/c car bodies; in "smoke" or similar color. tamiya paints are pretty good for this, but there are plenty of others too. the more you spray, the darker the canopy gets. wash the canopy first, rinse thoroughly & dry, then spray the inside of the canopy 'til you reach your desired tint.

there's also the dye method where you soak the canopy in a hot water & "rit" dye combination, but i've never found out where to get hold of said dye.

good luck.

Jo-Ann fabric and craft store should have the dye. I did that once a while back and the result is not bad.

I used Tamiya for Polycarbonate PS-38 Translucent Blue on the canopy inside. Took several coats to get it dark enough to suit me but turned out nice.

I have the wings on my Venus II and was just checking it out.

I just stuck the cowl over the front of the fuselage and [code]IT'S A DIFFERENT SHADE OF RED!!!!![:'(]

The Monokote is True Red and the Cowl is Missile Red. Much lighter than the covering.

Have any of you hade this experience??

Both the cowl and the front of the fuze of mine are missile red, and match nicely. Have you called Tower hobbies about it?

No I just noticed it and they are closed. Probably won't get an answer till Monday??

The New Manual and info page on Tower.com says True Red (TOPQ0227) Which it is but the cowl is Missle red.

I just went back through this thread an looked at the pictures and they all seem to match?

Tom,

Yes I had the same problem with different shades of red. You can see a picturte of mine (the last picture in the lineup) and comments on post:
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7443334]Venus cowl is A different shade of red[/link]

I just used mine like it was, but definitly a manufacturing issue.

I saw your picture and it was the only one that showed the different color. Mine Is definitely different. See Pix. I could live with it if I have to but it isn't right.

I thaught it may have changed since I have painted the entire inside with a coat of thinned epoxy with fiberglass powder. I do that on all my cowls for strength. The after I cut the cowl I reinforce around all the holes, including mounting holes, with fiberglass tape and epoxy. However, I'm sure the epoxy didn't change the color.

For some reason I can't find the picture in My Documents with the browse feature on this page?? Try Later!!

TopFlite LusterKote fuel proof paint is available in colors which match MonoKote. Thanks for your information on strengthening the fiberglass cowl. My new Venus II arrived yesterday, haven't opened the box yet. First thing I'm gonna do is wax all the MonoKote with Turtlewax Ice so hopefully the MonoKote trim won't peel as it has on my Kaos.
Regards
JC

Please check your box and see if your cowl is a different color. It may be something that's happening in this run??

Thanks

Will check the colors and report. 10-15 min.
JC

I just called Tower and they are going to send a replacement cowl. They are not sure what color I received but it supposed to match??

Tom,
The colors match. This cowl does match the red MonoKote on the plane. Tower does have great customer service....the best I've ever experienced with any company any time.
Regards
JC

Thanks, JC. I don't think they have changed the Monokote so I musy have gotten a bad cowl?? Hope the one coming matches.