Just finished up with final engine tests on the Herk. Tested each one individually and did the vertical test individually, then all 4 together, checking high end, mid range and idle positions, etc. Everything seems fine and I'm satisfied with them. Even at 15k still getting a little smoke out of them like they were somewhat rich, but they sure don't sound like it. I removed the wing and added some extensions from the receiver, and sat a stool under the center section of the wing. My son held the wing while I started and tinkered with the engines.
After that we put the wing back on the plane and taxied a bit in the back yard, then did range tests with power on, testing landing lights, rotating beacon for any interference. Everything seems OK. My son could not believe how much thrust the 4 .25FX's provide.
So, the next decent Sat. afternoon I get, I guess I'll have a flight report and hopefully some pictures. Anyone have any other suggestions before that happens, or see something I missed or do before that?
Randy

rryman

What are the dimensions and size of your Herc. I am thinking of doing one next, after my Lancaster is built. I will have 4 OS .25 FX waiting for another home. Good luck on your maiden flight. I look fwd to seeing some pics.
Craig.

This Herk is from Quality Fiberglass, Cookville, TN.
Length:72"
Span: 102"
Finished weight: 17.25# dry
Engines:4 x O.S. .25FX
Radio: Futaba 6XAS
Additions: RAM landing lights/rotating beacon.
Gear: Fixed (but retracts could be easily added later due to the room available)
Finished: Camo/Gloss Black in markings of AC-130 gunship "THOR".

That sounds like a good size. Should be a great flying bird. Is the wing one piece? or are they plugged in. Looking forward to the results of your first flight. Good luck. Thanks for the information.
Craig

It's a three piece wing deal. The center section has the 4 nacelles on it and the outer wing panels plug in. The fuse comes in two pieces. The tail detaches just behind the wing saddle. Makes it nice for installing the main landing gear box and stuff like that. Jimcork built his tail so it is detachable due to transport considerations. I attached mine permanently. The stab can either be built on or bolted on. there's lots of room inside to work.
Randy

Sounds like a well thought out airframe. One day I will do a C130. Thanks for the information, I do appreciate it. So many planes to build. Just cannot get enough. The multi engine aircraft are not very popular up here. Thats why I like them. I need to build something that no one else has. The pics in my gallery are usualy one of a kind, at our club anyway.

Craig.

Randy, Good luck and wait for clam days. Did you do a final incidence check on the wing and engines vs the stab. according to the plans?

Again good luck, dont rush, happy flying and keep us posted.

Thanks
Gunny

For anyone interested:
I just couldn't wait to build something on this 133 inch Herky bird so here is a picture of the 40" core down the center of the fuselage. This starts right behind the cockpit and runs back to the ramp hinge area. You can see the open area here for the wheel wells and gear. This section measures approximately 10" x 11" x 40". I don't use clamps, instead I use lead weights with the frame all squared up. Each weight is a pound of lead I usually use for casting my own black powder bullets--they do double duty for me.
Now I can start measuring formers for the four sides and laying out on sheets of balsa to be cut out and glued. I have card stock templates for this but now I can be sure they are the correct size before tracing them out.
I was hoping to find someone else that would like a kit like this so I could cut 2-3 kits at the same time. It would be easier then cutting a second one a few months down the road. If anyone knowes of someone have them get in touch with me. I am writing a construction, instruction sheet, at the same time I build this one.
Thanks everyone for listening. Mark

rryman

I tried looking up the website for Quality Fibreglass that you mentioned in post # 164. It did not seem to work. Do they have a different address? I want to get some more info regarding the C 130 that they sell.

Craig.

Try this address. I just used it and it works. I think he changed site addresses.
Randy


http://www.qualityfiberglass.net/

Thanks. I will give it a try.

Craig

Thanks rryman

Now I am very interested thats for sure. I do have a few questions for you regarding the Engines and fuel tanks. I have purchased 4 OS .25 FX engines for my Lancaster. I was wondering what glow plugs you are using? Are you using the A3 or NO 8 that they suggest in the instructions? As well did you break your engines in following the instructions that came with the engines? I have seen on RC Universe some comments regarding the instructions being inaccurate, that is why I am questioning the Breakin procedure. What size fuel tanks are you using with the .25 engines?

Craig.

As far as glow plugs, they are #8's in the engines now. I used the break in procedure called for in the instructions and it seemed to work well. And, I believe I used 6oz. tanks. Not much room for much larger in the nacelles, but they should be adequate since I don't plan on very long flights with it at a time. Still had lots of fuel left after considerable run up time here in the back yard. I had planned on flying it this past Saturday but weather still not good, and I'm tied up for the next several Saturdays, so the first flight may be on hold for a bit.
Randy

Well guys, I finally put the nose gear in. I finally broke down and took the time..... I am going on vacation this week.... so I hope to see some progress in here by the time I get back.
Bill R.

Hi,
Maybe what I'm going to ask here had been asked before, so please bear with me.
I'd like to ask some questions about the Engine setting.

1. For 4 engines, are you using 4 servos ?
2. Are you using program mix for all 4 servos?
3. Do you use throttle Curve for each engine/servo?
4. Are you using Glow Plug Driver so that at idle, the glow plug will lit ?

Thanks a lot in advance n Best Regards,
NICK, Jakarta

PS. I'm building JHH C-130. plan of using OS 61.

1. For 4 engines, are you using 4 servos ?
2. Are you using program mix for all 4 servos?
3. Do you use throttle Curve for each engine/servo?
4. Are you using glow plug Driver so that at idle, the glow plug will lit ?
================
I'm not building the JHH model, but I'll take a stab at a couple questions.

1. I'm using a mini servo for each engine, located behind the firewall. Tight fit, but short hook up on linkage!
2. I'm not using any mixing for the engines. The set up is working good and they are all pulling together enough for my
satisfaction. I was prepared to resort to one of those "Matchboxes" if this didn't work. Didn't want to do that, because it
would have required a separate wire from each nacelle to the center section of the wing to connect to the box.
3. I'm not familiar with question 3
4. I am not using glow drivers on mine. the engines seem to be very reliable as is. Of course, my engines are set at about
80 degrees from vertical. If they were inverted, like some on here are doing to hide more of the engine, I'd probably do
the glow driver thing. I've never had any luck getting an inverted glow engine to idle without a glow driver.

The reason I didn't mount the engines 90 degrees is simply for convenience of getting the glow driver on the 1,2 & 3 engine. Learned my lesson on that one from my Top Flite DC-3. Had to buy a short glow driver to get in on the port engine between the fuse!

HI rryman,
Thanks a lot for your reply.
brg,
NICK

Just info..

I used a micro 12 oz servo directly behind the firewall with linkage about 1 1/2"
I have a full computer radio I fly, but I used no mixing/curving on the throttle
The saitos do a great job and reliability is solid. I use no glo drivers, although I consider doing this.

I do use Ail/Rud mixing for cordinated turns.

I did use expo on elevator but this was a real negative on landing. I could not get quick enough response around neutral for landing. This resulted in my first landings being very hard and a drop in from 3'.
I do mix FLAP to ELEV. This was a really big deal. Large pitch changes with full flaps. Once I added mixing I can add flaps, slow down with little pitch changes.. vettdvr

One additional point,,

I take off with 100% flaps and land with 50%.

I add a very slight amount of power just when I begin the flare and then do a very low power landing.

Landing without adding power resulted in a DROP in landing. vettdvr

Any first flights ? Pics? Weather getting better.

I'm glad it's getting better somewhere, it certainly hasn't here. the last several weekends have been windy and cold. Didn't even take anything to the field last Sunday. Had enough of the wind the Sunday before. Got to start improving soon.
Randy

Randy The 130 sounds like its getting close. I bet the four motors running sound neat. I have a 130 kit from fiberglass masters needing some attention . My outer wing pannels were not drilled out for the wing tube. Did your foam wing pannels come in 6 pieces? Thanks Rich

Rich, I believe the foam did come in 6 pieces. I know that each wing tip was two pieces, and I believe the center section came in 3 pieces. Been awhile and I forget, but looking at the pics, I believe that is the way it came.
Randy

None of the wing panels are drilled for wiring. I used a 1/2 " aluminum tube heated carefully and burned a (straight) connecting hole through the entire wing. I used a 1/4" brass tubing heated slightly to make the channel for the wiring to the engines and flaps. I also used 1/2" paper tube to line the larger wing wire passage. vettdvr

WOW! What a day-Clear skies, temps. heading above 50 degrees, and nothing to stop a test flight on the new Herk--except the &&*#$#@@ WIND! And lots of it. And tomorrow it's supposed to be windy AND colder!. I'll be a nervous wreck till I get in that first flight. At least my OV-10 arrived and I have that to keep me occupied.
Randy