tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53414119931871910122024-03-06T04:26:53.171-05:00The 3D Flying PastorThis is a blog dedicated to all things EPP... click around, enjoy!Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-28369368426584197942011-11-23T21:12:00.027-05:002011-11-25T11:49:26.784-05:005oz w/Bat - Trenches-EPP Pro F3P<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7KCyv0Atztrksk7B-3AR9I69X-ZAyvi5fmEB8ROirDDkJKl2xDFtPZqmENisUV-Pu1AwPIcilpIezg7HaTzBUXMj2Cd9L6VTShSvhLrcORZyMn5JK80G5PRE17OltXEGD79TaYHKRVBW/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7KCyv0Atztrksk7B-3AR9I69X-ZAyvi5fmEB8ROirDDkJKl2xDFtPZqmENisUV-Pu1AwPIcilpIezg7HaTzBUXMj2Cd9L6VTShSvhLrcORZyMn5JK80G5PRE17OltXEGD79TaYHKRVBW/s320/IMG_0503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span id="goog_1284764019"></span><span id="goog_1284764020"></span>1 - 9g servo for ailerons</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 - 3.2g servos for rudder / elevator</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">T1805 T-Motor w/8-4 prop</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Thunderbird 9 esc (it's what I had laying around)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Dualsky 300mAh 2 cell 7.4 (it's what I had laying around - plenty of power)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Nano-Tech 460mAh 2 cell 7.4 (it's what I had laying around)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I've got to admit, I'm not a pattern guy at all but I am into " How light & slow can I get an EPP plane?" ...so when I first had the opportunity to fly one of these I jumped at it. I wasn't 30 seconds into my first flight when I knew that I just HAD TO HAVE one of these! Flying this slow is wild - I love it! Now, it's not slow 3D, as the drag plates slow EVERYTHING down... including those violently quick / snappy 3D moves. But, I'm loving flying slow... and am enjoying the new challenge of figuring out this SLOW slow flight envelop. Loving it actually! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">WARNING: The directions for the plane have you installing the servo arm backwards. I was so intent on following the directions that I didn't notice it till I was setting up the control throws and realizing what I didn't have. Hopefully TechOne will change the directions on this but if not, or if you happen to get an older kit - make sure you note this as you are building.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I built the plane "stock" / just like the instructions said - except for two things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When I got to fly my friends Trenches the cross bracing kept popping apart in flight. Too much stress at the point where they attach to the fuse. On other EPP planes I have I've discovered that a little heat shrink tubing does wonders to solve this! :-) see the pics below. Basically I put a drop of CA on the tip of each piece of carbon fiber and put it into the heat shrink tubing - heat to shrink - then glue to plane as per the regular instructions. See pics below. NOTE: The bracing that kept breaking was the four that brace the wings... so that's all I saw "fail" on the plane built stock. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtoyridYBlr9Jb88CTaVZVOqsACUc1MxfL1ey2Y-SUlbB1d5VQ1CyfWxdwOGDYA-F1Oij5XSSHSVex1Fmy2yFqLIPR1IFUe_qEbG0iXwOZiuju3oNVU_eaYdcRYzsaYrU6C_RSJC8gGWI/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtoyridYBlr9Jb88CTaVZVOqsACUc1MxfL1ey2Y-SUlbB1d5VQ1CyfWxdwOGDYA-F1Oij5XSSHSVex1Fmy2yFqLIPR1IFUe_qEbG0iXwOZiuju3oNVU_eaYdcRYzsaYrU6C_RSJC8gGWI/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6voyvUiHPfSH1yBiIwwYOmhmRDQpBSZv9l2mBtIH0P1QkEix0MfjYgV5Vcg20nCqUyo0SSxyl6updObRBbXomfYXJfaZ33NjPoKjCKl6DdIutEpq7vwGAGQyf9-F_mUs21pgoBVxwl26B/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6voyvUiHPfSH1yBiIwwYOmhmRDQpBSZv9l2mBtIH0P1QkEix0MfjYgV5Vcg20nCqUyo0SSxyl6updObRBbXomfYXJfaZ33NjPoKjCKl6DdIutEpq7vwGAGQyf9-F_mUs21pgoBVxwl26B/s320/IMG_0535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The other mod I made was on the hinges. When you use tape as hinges on EPP planes... you've got to be very VERY careful as its very easy to inadvertently stretch the tape as you are applying it. When you do that... the tape "pulls" itself back to close to its original size... stretching / warping your wing in the process! :-( So, instead of doing this I mostly use the "welders hinge" technique. I did that on this plane - sparingly - and it worked very well.<br />
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The WILDEST thing on this plane is the amount of embedded carbon fiber - its everywhere! The EPP is crazy thin yet they make up for this by embedding carbon fiber all over the plane. Note it on the following pictures - its on the ailerons, the elevator & the wing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26PYzggyd3s8j_Hs3yi3VgEw9SDxYy16y4fdCK7ajgJ2zQ_C_bG-M66Aav1DJzW3NduHIQDTJY2aIvgx1DkZKJqXD1xWGGaXCde34cEjaTpiGM8fqvgDA2Mw3KpxdLwut_3tThfjJkQq5/s1600/IMG_0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26PYzggyd3s8j_Hs3yi3VgEw9SDxYy16y4fdCK7ajgJ2zQ_C_bG-M66Aav1DJzW3NduHIQDTJY2aIvgx1DkZKJqXD1xWGGaXCde34cEjaTpiGM8fqvgDA2Mw3KpxdLwut_3tThfjJkQq5/s320/IMG_0506.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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This is NOT an outdoor plane (unless flying in absolutely ZERO wind) but its not designed to be. This is a brilliant performer indoors. So silky smooth - you'll love it! <br />
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So there you have it - a great plane! A total blast to fly. LOVING it! :-)<br />
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<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>UPDATE</u>:</b></span></div><div style="color: blue;">Based off of a blog readers question I felt I should update this post with a clarification. The Trenches utilizes what is called a "pull pull" system (instead of push rods) on both the elevator & the rudder. See pics below - click to enlarge.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT17hbnFiwe0_1cgSOlV-W9Zj512NUC3YCH56rvwdu_eHxOrMtcq8POxejS_ChJJTai0PzRJGCBDOb-RbIgEm1ML34JA2gR4dGEmjFIwm9LCWb3r2zDDQa0Iy0-4JPJY29xA7dpF-CHe0p/s1600/DSCN0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT17hbnFiwe0_1cgSOlV-W9Zj512NUC3YCH56rvwdu_eHxOrMtcq8POxejS_ChJJTai0PzRJGCBDOb-RbIgEm1ML34JA2gR4dGEmjFIwm9LCWb3r2zDDQa0Iy0-4JPJY29xA7dpF-CHe0p/s320/DSCN0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: blue;">These aren't "hard" to setup - just takes a bit of patience playing with it. The only "downside" to them is durability. Comparing to my previously posted plane, the McFoamy - it does NOT use pull pull - intentionally, so as to GAIN durability. With a pull pull system if you plunk the plane in rudder first (which many people do while trying to learn to hover) or whack the elevator "landing" right side up or upside down... the rudder / elevator YANK HARD on the servo... usually stripping the gears immediately :-( ...as there isn't any "give" in the linkage between the control surface (rudder / elevator) and the servo itself. With pushrods there is a "give" / a flex that happens the length of the pushrod / it'll bow a bit if the rudder or elevator gets whacked. With a pull pull setup - both sides of the servo are taunt... so no matter how the rudder / elevator gets hit - they yank directly on the servo.<br />
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Now, :-) ...this update is NOT INTENDED TO DISCOURAGE YOU from getting a Trenches! :-) It is a great flying plane! :-)<br />
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My only reason for the update is to let you know that to gain the super slow flight this plane gives you... you are going to take some hits in durability. This pull pull system is a good example of that. Its a fantastic setup - works very VERY well! I highly recommend it - love it! :-) Almost all of the ETOC pilots use it as it saves a bunch of weight! :-) But... those guys don't crash as much as us mere mortals do. :-) So... depending on where your flying skills are at, and how much of a risk this issue may be to you - this may or may not be the plane for you. Me, where I'm at with my flying right now, this is an acceptable risk to me. You, I don't know you and your capabilities. So, FYI - now you know - and can make an informed decision for yourself, based off of your own flying capabilities and budget (though light weight servo prices keep coming down - and they are super easy to change out on this plane if need be).</div></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-35702800878787608682011-09-16T20:19:00.003-04:002011-09-16T20:23:30.067-04:00McFoamy by Wmparkflyers.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Double click the following video to jump to it on YouTube... otherwise blogspot cuts off the right edge. :-(</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mor87yb8F8U" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMb5zNskwrfX5pWIEfZYdBLT_aoCDdtk85M7PG2h-ifVaVujVWdxMhHA-H-bTpUtkcqKPEcJQh6Z2xT8AhqvnNIJoYDpB_pjiKdXcwz_KLo1vRjfpsel6K3v_znnqfqR-toUCDXyrCOhW/s1600/DSCN0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMb5zNskwrfX5pWIEfZYdBLT_aoCDdtk85M7PG2h-ifVaVujVWdxMhHA-H-bTpUtkcqKPEcJQh6Z2xT8AhqvnNIJoYDpB_pjiKdXcwz_KLo1vRjfpsel6K3v_znnqfqR-toUCDXyrCOhW/s320/DSCN0571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAG_2kyhbghstVXRWKCuzQHoFUJpIc9a9l97ueVhisnAd954cLdBHLjJGhzADxndfGioQAgaJo0zCkRCw3AVHdMRF1-EOJc_lNuqYrob7xdL0pT2YLfIPfziZj3cYHzJRmlfCDpqDe2Ax/s1600/DSCN0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAG_2kyhbghstVXRWKCuzQHoFUJpIc9a9l97ueVhisnAd954cLdBHLjJGhzADxndfGioQAgaJo0zCkRCw3AVHdMRF1-EOJc_lNuqYrob7xdL0pT2YLfIPfziZj3cYHzJRmlfCDpqDe2Ax/s320/DSCN0570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">The West Michagan Park Flyers “McFoamy” has proven itself to be an EXCELLENT plane! It’s extremely durable (have I mentioned I like epp?) and engineered to fly very well! I honestly have NOTHING negative to say about this plane.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Though – I am interested in building a milled version (click <a href="http://3dpastor.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikitis%20Animal%20In%20Milled%20EPP">HERE</a> to jump to one of my milled planes) – but that’s just me! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Check out the video above if you’ve not done so already – I think you’ll be impressed with how she fly’s.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">But THAT’S NOT ALL you need to know about this great plane!!! :-) There is at least ONE more major thing you need to know.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I bought (and you can too!) this plane COMPLETELY assembled and ready to fly!<br />
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As in BNF! </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Seriously!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Even the receiver was built in! </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I only needed to bind the plane to my transmitter, attach my Velcro (Velcro was included but not put on – so that I / one could use their own preferred kind to match with any other previously “velcro’d batteries” they may have laying around), plug in the battery & launch!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Yes – this means it needs to be shipped to my house – in a very VERY large box! But, I learned something here – did you know Greyhound does shipping? Me neither! But they do! I googled it & found some flying forums on this with several people having issues with Greyhounds shipping – but I found mine here in the Syracuse area to be very helpful & professional. My shipment arrived on time & in good condition – not so much as a scratch on the box let alone any wrinkles from being “crushed.” So far – I’m a fan of Greyhound shipping.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Some quick background… as I usually build my own planes – but, I’ve been “stupid” busy lately (can you relate?) and was nearing my vacation without a new plane to fly. TRAGEDY!!! Also, I was vacationing “on the road” this year (usually we vacation in one location) traveling to Gettysburg – then over to Amish country (Lancaster PA), etc, etc – so I was wanting a plane I could somehow box up with all of our family luggage in the back of our minivan (back two seats taken out).</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Thinking through my dilemma I remembered hearing that Greg at wmparkflyers.com would from time to time offer built planes shipped right to your door. I dropped him an email – and the rest is history as they say! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">First thing I did when I received the box with the plane in it was cut it down a bit… as Greg needed it to survive shipping – I only needed it to survive my minivan & “gentle” bumps from shifting luggage. :-) Here is a picture of what I ended up with:</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKkPvGSTsAtQb9ZPspLcRt6RtxoCswUFjUudE_ZD39kzvKSpAeimU-fxUTsgh9eV7Am7y-A_HXQ3tgp4DVOmjMmPMFgKXYvTj-9_a7wIFy4n4arkrlFflkHqM6CE-j9U6Qck21eqwI2Iq/s1600/DSCN0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKkPvGSTsAtQb9ZPspLcRt6RtxoCswUFjUudE_ZD39kzvKSpAeimU-fxUTsgh9eV7Am7y-A_HXQ3tgp4DVOmjMmPMFgKXYvTj-9_a7wIFy4n4arkrlFflkHqM6CE-j9U6Qck21eqwI2Iq/s320/DSCN0561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">So Greg really helped me out here by providing me with an excellent flying plane – which I had an absolute blast with while on vacation. THANK YOU Greg!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Price you ask? Well as with all things, prices vary depending on how you get it setup. I got mine as per his 2 cell setup there on his website. You can visit the McFoamy page (click <a href="http://wmparkflyers.com/McFoamy.aspx">HERE</a>) to see that setup – and all of the prices on the various options… including at the very bottom of the page the ALL UP price for one completely built & shipped to you BNF.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">FYI - for me, the fully built plane was a life saver – well worth the cost when you consider the cost of all the components - the value of having it professionally built (dude, its gunna fly straight!) – and the pure value to my schedule (how much are you willing to pay to fly rather than build?). To me – the all up price was very reasonable. Greg is charging what he needs to in order to make money / stay in business – but he is not asking anything unreasonable considering the cost of parts and his time in building them.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Personally, I’m very hopeful that Greg will continue to offer these already built & ready to fly / BNF. And… I’m very VERY much hoping that other EPP builders will follow suit – as I’m confident that there are many people like me out there – that are super SUPER busy – and as long as they aren’t being ripped off (charged a STUPIDLY obscene amount of money) – they / I / we would be willing to pay to have quality indoor EPP planes built & shipped to us.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Not to mention – all of us novice builders will fly a LOT better with a professionally built plane! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">As always – if anyone has any questions for me on this plane – epp – building in epp – whatever – please feel free to connect with me at my email address (see my profile or go to my church website & follow the link there… as, that site has spam blockers – but if I list my personal email addy here it’ll get spammed to death!).</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">And… if you are interested in hearing this here skinny flyin preacher man speak – we have video of our morning church service posted on our website <a href="http://www.imperfectchurch.com/">www.ImperfectChurch.com</a>. Click <a href="http://imperfectchurch.com/media.php?pageID=22">HERE</a> to link directly to the page with me speaking. Even better yet - if you are ever in the Syracuse NY area - drop me a note & we can meet up for coffee - or even go fly together (our indoor club flies Tue's & Thur afternoons)! And of course - if you are in our area on a Sunday you are more than welcome to join us at church - we'd love to have you!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Hope you check out the McFoamy – you won’t be disappointed!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Pastor Mark Ferry</div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-86512625164915482762011-03-07T16:28:00.001-05:002011-03-07T16:28:55.880-05:00Techone Fun Fly Trainer RC EPP Plane Combo!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ok, so I don't usually do this, but as I can't possibly afford to go and buy all of the planes that are out there - I do want to take the time to point my readers to what look like great sources for EPP planes. One such source is <a href="http://www.2dogrc.com/product/techone-fun-fly-trainer-rc-epp-plane-combo">www.2dogrc.com</a> - where I personally just got off the phone placing an order with! :-)<br />
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Read around on this site and you'll see that I'm a big fan of Jimmie Wades designs. While Jimmie is no longer designing & selling planes, when he was - <a href="http://www.2dogrc.com/product/techone-fun-fly-trainer-rc-epp-plane-combo">2dog</a> carried his planes! And, they have continued to carry many really great looking designs. I'd encourage you to check them all out.<br />
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Of particular interest to me for this particular post is what looks like a great trainer plane.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVI3jqZbY4O49lJ2x-Mk43rzoo4vC9z05uKT_cTT_8ESOzfK1tP8-520hvW-TZkRahDUL2Ich8FnLUrLXjIb5Z8QXeiPBI7bR3J8Kh0xMPgO9rlZAZRHQgmTnCbSxrIOwp6EwLZJTqD6v/s1600/111+EPP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVI3jqZbY4O49lJ2x-Mk43rzoo4vC9z05uKT_cTT_8ESOzfK1tP8-520hvW-TZkRahDUL2Ich8FnLUrLXjIb5Z8QXeiPBI7bR3J8Kh0xMPgO9rlZAZRHQgmTnCbSxrIOwp6EwLZJTqD6v/s320/111+EPP.png" width="320" /></a></div>The package is pretty much all inclusive (assuming you already have a transmitter & charger)... and looks to be perfect for the new pilot in design, and in durability! THAT's key for new pilots! :-) As you expand, and want to move up to full 4 channels (ailerons) this plane looks like it could easily be adapted for such.<br />
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Check it out! And... if you find any other great looking sources for EPP planes - let me know! :-)</div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-14267229442847700822011-03-07T16:06:00.002-05:002011-03-07T16:16:20.317-05:00E-Flight Extra 300 3D BNF<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9i1HbFcHFgu6lnKY0tPczsZj_QBCYwuSmwNi6MEb9YoOCkAe16aWX5E4hlGQeRWZQFE5akIiYwZUyRmc3vV7LEW1JvdcmGaSwYIQL3pEqyUTRGVLqNh_uo6OjcbDRt5QZWtFTzSEg4HNn/s1600/DSCN0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9i1HbFcHFgu6lnKY0tPczsZj_QBCYwuSmwNi6MEb9YoOCkAe16aWX5E4hlGQeRWZQFE5akIiYwZUyRmc3vV7LEW1JvdcmGaSwYIQL3pEqyUTRGVLqNh_uo6OjcbDRt5QZWtFTzSEg4HNn/s320/DSCN0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD56aiyWclE9zEqx9lP2ZSGa3u1rqMxCCVeyIqlhkBzr0M_cHDeoVBZ9EZxFh7AzqxYfCsYn4S1RQV-YsmQ-d8a45OA4pXrRlFv-Gop84XvyWNLjDLYnmo-EUWuzeREQeVtSYp7BIj4dlN/s1600/DSCN0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD56aiyWclE9zEqx9lP2ZSGa3u1rqMxCCVeyIqlhkBzr0M_cHDeoVBZ9EZxFh7AzqxYfCsYn4S1RQV-YsmQ-d8a45OA4pXrRlFv-Gop84XvyWNLjDLYnmo-EUWuzeREQeVtSYp7BIj4dlN/s320/DSCN0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i><b>(Click on either of the above pics to enlarge them)</b></i><br />
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Ok, so this is a depron plane - and depron is the enemy (on this blog anyways) - but... I LOVE micro planes - and I love 3D flying... so how could I resist trying out this little plane that promised so SO much in performance!?!<br />
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Easy really... as its expensive! :-(<br />
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However, Jan 9th was my 40th - and my wife wanted to know what I wanted for such a momentous occasion. Without hesitatioin - I pointed her to this plane! :-) And I'm glad I did - as this little plane sure delivers!<br />
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I really enjoyed the micro 4-Site... and certainly thought it was ground breaking for micro 3D - but, it has many quirks to it. Quirks that micro guys are "used to" so to speak. Well, when I put the Extra 300 in the air I was expecting these same quirks... and boy oh boy was I WRONG!!! This plane flies very VERY well! In my opinion it flies just as smoothly as a "full size" foamie does! Its silky smooth - and can be slowed down quite easily.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jLdJUAGHcdU" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe> <br />
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<i><b>(Double click on the video & it will go to full screen... as if not, blogspot "cuts off" the right hand side of the video.)</b></i><br />
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The video I posted shows me all over the place with the plane. This footage was taken of just my first few flights with the plane, so I was still shaking it out so to speak, getting used to it. That... and I'd not flown in months. :-( Been too busy. :-( Got it Jan 9th - and didn't get to fly it till last week. :-( So... yeah, in the footage you see... I'm shaking out the plane - and my rusty thumbs. :-(<br />
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Performance - I love this plane! I was even able to do knife edge loops! And, I DID NOT use the optional side force generators to do it. Saw no reason to. The rudder has plenty of authority - and the side force generators would add weight - so I left em off... and have no intention of ever putting them on. Performs just fine without them.<br />
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One last word on the video itself. We have recently started video "taping" (though there are no video TAPES anymore - its all digital straight to a hard drive) our church services / my messages for posting to our <a href="http://www.imperfectchurch.com/">church website</a> where you can jump to <a href="http://www.imperfectchurch.com/media.php?pageID=22">this page</a> to see me preach! If... you are having trouble sleeping, I'd highly recommend you keep that link on hand! :-)<br />
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So - on the video itself - I purchased Final Cut Pro to do the editing for our web posting of messages - and have been playing around with it / learning how to use its many MANY features. Wanting to "play with" some of the other "fancier" features... I decided to use this flying video as part of my learning curve. So... its a bit A.D.D. / "all over the place" in its approach - but... hopefully it'll still be fun to watch! :-)<br />
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Any questions on this plane, feel free to shoot me an email.<br />
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PS - I just ordered a plane & some supplies from <a href="http://www.2dogrc.com/">www.2dogrc.com</a> - and spoke at length with Mark Grohe. Sharp, friendly - very helpful - thats how I'd describe him! And, he has MANY EPP planes! So if you are looking for 3d EPP planes - or trainer / starter EPP planes - he's got you covered!<br />
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No - I get no kick backs! :-) I'm just a satisfied customer - and I just like to steer people to "good people" - ya know?<br />
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</div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-42746731241105873022010-11-16T17:38:00.006-05:002010-11-17T08:10:36.513-05:00The BOUNCER by Tufflight.comFirst off – I LOVE this plane! Knife edge loops - no problem! Ha! I've only been able to do those on a sim - never on a real plane as none of mine have had the rudder authority to handle it - but wow - check out the video below for yourself! This plane really performs!<br />
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AND - as readers to my blog know, I love building in epp as its very forgiving in crashes. The only limitation I’ve had with it is that no one has been designing anything in epp that is BIG enough for flying outdoors in wind. Mostly I fly indoors, so this hasn’t been too big of an issue – but on those nice summer days… I’d LOVE to be flying outdoors – and my 6oz 3D planes just get blown around in those summer breezes! :-( Well, the BOUNCER has changed everything! Now I can have a BIG outdoor plane that can handle the wind – in an epp airframe that can handle the crashes! :-) Check out my video below to see crashes for yourself! One was “dumb thumbs” – one was battery running out (and I was inverted, so cart-wheeled it in for a "landing" trying to right it!) – and one was of me over shooting the runway by a bit! :-)<br />
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Also, see down below the video & pictures in this post for more info on this great plane! <br />
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Ok… now for a little background:<br />
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Living in the same geographical area as a major RC Plane designer – has its benefits! Mark & Joe from Tufflight.com have recently designed & launched this new plane, the BOUNCER. When I got wind of a Beta version they were testing, I wanted in! A few email exchanges later – and I was taking possession of the plane. Well, of a pile of foam, parts & electronics actually... :-) ...as obviously it wasn't built yet!<br />
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Now, on the build itself, I built mine completely stock – using the exact electronics that they recommend and sell for use on it. I highly recommend this approach – as then you KNOW that the plane will perform as per the designers intent. And PERFORM it does!<br />
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The plane itself went together very easily. As this was a Beta version of the plane, I was building from pictures only – so I can’t comment on building from the instructions that they now include with the plane. I can say however that the build is pretty straightforward – and that I have seen the instructions that now ship with the plane – and they look great. Should easily facilitate the building of this plane.<br />
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Building in epp greatly increases the "crashability" of a plane - however, one down side is the need to stiffen the plane up so that it performs crisply. But, make it too stiff, and it won't survive crashes well. Well... Mark & Joe have engineered this plane perfectly in my opinion... stiffening the plane up in all the right places to make a very competent 3D performer - while at the same time, keeping all of those "crash spots" pure epp so that the plane can take a beating. Add to that their ingeniously unique motor mount and landing gear - and wow - what a plane!<br />
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To see more pictures & video of the plane visit tufflights website by clicking <a href="http://www.tufflight.com/bouncer.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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Wingspan: 40”<br />
Length: 44”<br />
Weight: 24oz w/1250 mAH 3S lipo<br />
Motor: Himax HC3510-1100 Outrunner or 250 W equivalent<br />
Radio: 4 channels<br />
Wing Area: 429 sq in<br />
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MY STOCK SETUP<br />
(4) Hitec HS 65 Servos<br />
(1) Castle Creations Thunderbird 36 ESC<br />
(1) Himax HC3510-1100 Outrunner Motor<br />
(1) APC prop, 11x5.5e<br />
<a href="http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Products/airRadios.aspx">Radio</a>: Spektrum DX7 Transmitter<br />
<a href="http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Products/airReceivers.aspx">Receiver</a>: Spektrum AR6110E DSM2 Microlite 6-Ch. End-Pin <br />
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Have any questions – let me know. You can contact me here through this blog – or, by using the comments section under the video on YouTube (click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Vw6KcZmCM">HERE</a> to jump to it).<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10032246/tm.htm">HERE</a> to see RC Universe thread on the plane & build.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ici-1LbTVIA">HERE</a> to see the BOUNCER flying with lights / LED's at night - very cool! And click <a href="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10129081/tm.htm">HERE</a> to see how they did it / a RC Universe thread showing "how to" put the LED's on the BOUNCER.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.theprofilebrotherhood.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=27616&sid=3edcde48783c67e971873d7d68355f66&start=80">HERE</a> to see a Profile Brotherhood thread on it.<br />
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In summary - I love this plane! It performs extremely well - is straightforward to build - uses economical batteries - is in a size & weight range that makes it very suitable to outdoor flying - and best of all - its EPP durable!Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-21636450097210934732010-02-01T18:56:00.010-05:002010-02-02T10:53:04.146-05:00Milled EPP “How To” & First Demo Plane w/It @ 5.5oz's w/Battery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo14a_miLrUJ5JDu_aL0h-puvNtSrKYvlRg42-naXGivrD_Eq9DmPlxS_DGig9pUdENIoerX0nd0t0cLitKbu6MNK9K4x9Hlk1WhErgCYY-AVjqHcBL7bWfeE9Mqa9WHdPkXIXst7TZXBB/s1600-h/DSC_0949_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo14a_miLrUJ5JDu_aL0h-puvNtSrKYvlRg42-naXGivrD_Eq9DmPlxS_DGig9pUdENIoerX0nd0t0cLitKbu6MNK9K4x9Hlk1WhErgCYY-AVjqHcBL7bWfeE9Mqa9WHdPkXIXst7TZXBB/s640/DSC_0949_2.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FgC1EBcuRdHSPGgycpBJXDf0l9RSJ8DoPD1Die1ZfSBdVd8t327AdVLftouCoVHE7IwFhwR_BGgHzIroBfGSJIeAO2onQrmOGCr7-P4C9-5N_s8nK0PoSRw0G9BDtB_IfT0xDcYoXmku/s1600-h/DSC_0950_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FgC1EBcuRdHSPGgycpBJXDf0l9RSJ8DoPD1Die1ZfSBdVd8t327AdVLftouCoVHE7IwFhwR_BGgHzIroBfGSJIeAO2onQrmOGCr7-P4C9-5N_s8nK0PoSRw0G9BDtB_IfT0xDcYoXmku/s640/DSC_0950_2.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ixXY_hU-JVg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ixXY_hU-JVg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
“I wonder if anyone’s tried milling EPP?” <br />
<br />
THAT was the very <b><span style="color: red;">SECOND</span></b> thing I thought when I first saw milled depron.<br />
<br />
The <b><span style="color: red;">FIRST</span></b> thing I thought was…<br />
<br />
“Wow – that’s a great idea! Take an already extremely fragile material and make it even more brittle! Nice!!!” :-)<br />
<br />
Seriously – that was my 1st thought! :-)<br />
<br />
That said – the idea of milling depron to lighten the overall load of the plane was indeed brilliant… a game changer for sure… if… IF you have the time… and the finances… to keep building plane after plane after plane… after smashing these now “hyper delicate” 3D machines. :-(<br />
<br />
Being the preacher of EPP as the “budget conscience builders friend” :-) …I just had to give milling a try in EPP! A quick search online gave me nothing. I couldn’t find anyone else trying it. :-( So… I was on my own. <br />
<br />
I gave it a shot – and came up with a plane design I liked to test it on - the Nikitis Animal.<br />
<br />
WHY THE NIKITIS ANIMAL?<br />
<br />
Because I absolutely LOVE a fast roll rate – and the Animal is WAY quick that way! :-) This isn’t a post on the Animal though – so, for more info on that, please click <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379327">HERE</a> for a link to an RC Groups build thread on the Animal. NOTE: This is also the plane that won the 2005 ETOC! It’s a great plane! Devin McGrath (ETOC E-X Games winner 2006) was kind enough to answer my many questions on his a few years ago. You can see a picture of him “one hand” hovering his <a href="http://www.devinrocks.com/">HERE</a> (1st & last pictures on the page show him with the Animal) – and more pics of his Animal, including the setup he was flying it with <a href="http://www.raymondstacy.com/devin/Animalsetup.htm">HERE</a>. And lastly on Devin, you can see him fly his Animal at the ETOC competition by clicking <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showatt.php?attachmentid=799583">HERE</a> (note, this may download the video directly to your computer depending on your computers settings).<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">Lastly on the Animal itself – let me mention that this was the also the plane that Scott Foster used to win the ETOC 2005 with… and… the plane that he used to introduce to the world the potential of airplanes with variable pitched props! Check him out flying it with a variable pitch prop by clicking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adGZnEU0xx0">HERE</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><br />
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">Ok, now on to milling EPP. First let me explain the tools. As you will see in the pictures below in a minute, I have a standard Dremel tool. Nothing fancy. It’s a setup my wife bought me years ago – before I was even into this hobby. It came with a few drills, sanders, etc. VERY basic. I think it was in the $30 or $40 dollar range at the time. So, that was what I had in my “shop” already to work with.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">By adding just 3 parts to that basic Dremel tool… I was able to do the milling. Total cost was under $25 (not sure the costs now?) not counting the Dremel tool I already had.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">THE THREE THINGS YOU NEED besides the Dremel.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">FIRST – you need a “Dremel Multipurpose Cutting Kit, Item # 565.” I bought mine at Home Depo – though I’ve seen them at Lowe’s, WalMart, Target, etc. Pretty much anyplace that sells Dremel tools should have it. See picture below (double click on it or any of the pictures below, to make them bigger)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-ay3nkCvEkg74838eOseHCSam52xVO8lKe92pbsMr0n0ZzFH6bX1DE6hQ8ocOAwWiFJvg_cJKQH6-KFE1har08TikeBmOsfRAiIP-il47zvCsvY-jCzuX6d8gZpBwjsG_VK5tJeMOZNl/s1600-h/DSC_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-ay3nkCvEkg74838eOseHCSam52xVO8lKe92pbsMr0n0ZzFH6bX1DE6hQ8ocOAwWiFJvg_cJKQH6-KFE1har08TikeBmOsfRAiIP-il47zvCsvY-jCzuX6d8gZpBwjsG_VK5tJeMOZNl/s400/DSC_0943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">SECOND – you need a “Dremel High Speed Cutter, Item # 115.” You can purchase it at the same places I mentioned above.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdZCwQ79Y9y7umlXwRvkavFi-eRhFXh_Q1GWKnqd1C0I6xBv2hSe2p64D1CKWuZkAK5mQxpU1eMmnInHtFkWYn4J8tanpVmQgRU4TlD5Yb2K7BqLwEqbI-LtgPDZ1KKGgPxs5-PNvGhR7/s1600-h/DSC_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdZCwQ79Y9y7umlXwRvkavFi-eRhFXh_Q1GWKnqd1C0I6xBv2hSe2p64D1CKWuZkAK5mQxpU1eMmnInHtFkWYn4J8tanpVmQgRU4TlD5Yb2K7BqLwEqbI-LtgPDZ1KKGgPxs5-PNvGhR7/s400/DSC_0948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">THIRD – you need a small piece of Plexiglas. Buying full sheets of this is expensive… so I checked out my local Home Depo for scrap pieces – and they had a whole bin of them. So I picked this up, a piece plenty big enough – for only a couple dollars. NOTE: I only wanted mine to be about 7 inches – but if you intend on milling out spaces BIGGER than 7 inches – you will obviously need a bigger piece of Plexiglas than I’m using. The idea here is simply to use the Plexiglas to “extend” the base of Dremel Item # 565 (shown above) by gluing it to the Plexiglas.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">So, note in the pictures below, that I cut the Plexiglas into a circle approx 7 inches in diameter. I did this by taking rough measurements then drilling a hole in the center. From there I traced a circle using a nail in the hole I just drilled attached to a string – attached to a pen! :-) Pretty “low tech” huh!?! :-) </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I then cut out the circle with a coping saw and sanded down the edges to make them smooth – so it would be easier to work with – and not liable to “snag” the EPP while I’m working. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMduxTgTzoCu3O2-nyBB1DopXVRl_NI3_blICyM2xXijDW0I9YRSG9loo0ckJedar1O8zarW-nBRw2zQDfJcUABJuCo1TD_Og9zebhZ0UKu1a2cuuBCudHOuFouD2O46WViWSCXrpdeBtU/s1600-h/DSC_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMduxTgTzoCu3O2-nyBB1DopXVRl_NI3_blICyM2xXijDW0I9YRSG9loo0ckJedar1O8zarW-nBRw2zQDfJcUABJuCo1TD_Og9zebhZ0UKu1a2cuuBCudHOuFouD2O46WViWSCXrpdeBtU/s400/DSC_0946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Next I used a Dremel bit to enlarge the hole in the center of the Plexiglas (where I’d originally drilled the hole in the center) so that it’d be large enough for…</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">a.) The bit to fit through (Dremel Item # 115)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">b.) “EPP Dust” to pass through unhindered while milling! :-) Don’t want that to get balled up in there & melt! With the space I left for it to pass through, it worked fine. ZERO overheating! NO melting issues whatsoever!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: magenta;"><ul><li><b>PS – this might be a good time to mention – that ANYTIME you are working with fine dust particles… from pretty much ANY MANMADE product… you should wear a facemask of some kind while you work!</b></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Note the space for a & b above in the following picture.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVxa_A_IivOnyZSY9gPyCOq7CfR8_Nn-T1JHJercRNm6S1Rw80q65DCaf80bGFcWLAqYLj7lDyAgIVMraKcUvf472Do38LVVG36k5PO0HeiWcMh3BXaFvPIzN9QpT2jG3p8dnwWlFyXq7/s1600-h/DSC_0947_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVxa_A_IivOnyZSY9gPyCOq7CfR8_Nn-T1JHJercRNm6S1Rw80q65DCaf80bGFcWLAqYLj7lDyAgIVMraKcUvf472Do38LVVG36k5PO0HeiWcMh3BXaFvPIzN9QpT2jG3p8dnwWlFyXq7/s400/DSC_0947_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">NOTE: Don’t forget to sand / smooth off the edges of the hole you just enlarged in the center of the Plexiglas… before proceeding.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Next, glue the Plexiglas to Dremel Item # 565 as shown in the following pictures. NOTE: I used a flexible glue (“UHU Creative, Foam Safe” to be exact) so that I could remove it if I wanted to – but pretty much any glue that adheres to plastic should work just fine. If you are having trouble getting it to adhere, just rough up the surface where you’ll be gluing (on the surface of BOTH the Plexiglas & the Dremel Item #565) with some sandpaper. That usually does the trick.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Next, insert the cutter, Item # 115 into your Dremel tool – then screw it into Item #565. NOTE: You will have to unscrew the front “cap” (for lack of a better word) off of your Dremel tool – to expose the threading that is there. The pictures below show it better than I can explain it. So, take that “cap” off to expose the threads, then screw on Item # 565.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzWviAYjkfL6YnjTK2Y9Nm_ADacyeFhH6GD0jP35FngSrAnctYiBQNVgJLE9geo6CSwSnKP9V-jVvUQ3SrxQ7fMIkG0IwP2BpR3akekMdaGVj093gXu4XmesUw7zRcVoK_XC72mcmwLKP/s1600-h/DSC_0941_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzWviAYjkfL6YnjTK2Y9Nm_ADacyeFhH6GD0jP35FngSrAnctYiBQNVgJLE9geo6CSwSnKP9V-jVvUQ3SrxQ7fMIkG0IwP2BpR3akekMdaGVj093gXu4XmesUw7zRcVoK_XC72mcmwLKP/s400/DSC_0941_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgNHAuRD06s1kvJfhttn3Yj8FklYR5PGYXyLsnu6Viqqe09EPTZHal1ackKNNmAATtJ6wTozO9PObVUSEqKEUJI48r1EmtLZfoOert-84iV4qlCTVsXmY9fKbvL0FJT3A3gDsXuO_l_L1/s1600-h/DSC_0942_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgNHAuRD06s1kvJfhttn3Yj8FklYR5PGYXyLsnu6Viqqe09EPTZHal1ackKNNmAATtJ6wTozO9PObVUSEqKEUJI48r1EmtLZfoOert-84iV4qlCTVsXmY9fKbvL0FJT3A3gDsXuO_l_L1/s400/DSC_0942_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Now, notice in this picture below, how the bit is extending out below (or "above" in this picture) the surface of the Plexiglas. Obviously, the depth at which you have this protruding below the Plexiglas – is the depth of which you are going to REMOVE material / EPP. So, adjust this to whatever depth you choose to remove material. To adjust, simply use the adjustment knob (knob is on left in picture below) that is built into Item # 565. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh0IhUfGbkp9jPesQxQsXn0jI1p8sJhFaNvffXZBMYwplkg83BlrpSFvCtCU64PrdxTGOgGHmn8-1iv1CJaZl8XI9M_frCWd5Qjx9KN1KdkKlNLOkvACIdDULaUUg6tnm0tbMiBfkexRO/s1600-h/DSC_0946_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh0IhUfGbkp9jPesQxQsXn0jI1p8sJhFaNvffXZBMYwplkg83BlrpSFvCtCU64PrdxTGOgGHmn8-1iv1CJaZl8XI9M_frCWd5Qjx9KN1KdkKlNLOkvACIdDULaUUg6tnm0tbMiBfkexRO/s400/DSC_0946_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Congratulations – you are now ready to mill some EPP! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">“But wait!” you say, “I don’t know how deep to go / how much material to take away / how much to leave – AND – I don’t have a pattern for my plane!?!”</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Good questions – for sure!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Well, on the depth question first. Honestly… I can’t answer that – as, first of all, I don’t know what depth / thickness EPP you are using! :-) Secondly, I don’t know the density of the EPP you are working with. Yes, I could tell you the density & the thickness of what I’m using – but in my opinion, that would probably only lead you astray – and here’s why…</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I’ve purchased EPP from a variety of vendors (the ones I recommend are listed in the right column of this blog) and one thing I’ve noticed is that each vendor’s density & thicknesses… are slightly different. They are almost ALWAYS different from other vendors – but, often times slightly different from batches I’ve ordered from the same vendor too. So… for me to get super precise on depth / me telling you to remove or leave “X Amount” – would be foolish of me… as the batch of EPP you are working with… is virtually guaranteed to be different from mine.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Don’t fret though! :-) </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">This is still VERY doable for you!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Simply take some scrap pieces of EPP that you have on hand / THE SAME BATCH YOU ARE GOING TO BUILD / MILL FROM – and experiment a little – to see how much material you can remove / how thin you can go… and still have enough thickness / “skin” left to hold the milled sections together. You want it as thin as possible / you want them light (that is the point here after all!) but you don’t want it to end up so thin that they tear to easily! :-( Experiment a bit – and you’ll quickly discover a depth that you are comfortable with. Try it – and you’ll see that its really a straightforward process.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">So on the “How deep should I mill it?” question – that’s my answer.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Now, on making a pattern for your plane / templates as to what material to mill away & what material to leave the “full thickness” of the EPP… now that’s a tough one! :-) </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Honestly, this was by far the most time consuming part of the build for me – making the templates! First off, let me show you what I came up with, and then I’ll try to explain how I made them.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpMZyYXxNJf2xHKE51QZlI689OBI9WCqGPe76mc19COhMwzAuPARy6g7pwNBhLv75P7A3KwTVEqwq8_xgbUEFOAsp4iRt2TDE8LtXGHxNkp1kDwOWxPpjo5qSlTsHOwsZOZag9fGW9V14/s1600-h/DSC_0914_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpMZyYXxNJf2xHKE51QZlI689OBI9WCqGPe76mc19COhMwzAuPARy6g7pwNBhLv75P7A3KwTVEqwq8_xgbUEFOAsp4iRt2TDE8LtXGHxNkp1kDwOWxPpjo5qSlTsHOwsZOZag9fGW9V14/s400/DSC_0914_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">First, obviously, I needed to get plans for the plane I wanted to build / mill. I had previously traced out plans off of a Nikitis Animal – so I was all set with that. If you need plans – I don’t have any for the Animal that I can email legally. But, there are plenty of sites online where you can download free plans for a variety of other planes (see links for some such sites in the right hand column of this blog).</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Once I had plans, I made a 2<sup>nd</sup> set of plans and started experimenting with how I was going to remove as much material as possible… yet still leave myself enough structure to support / maintain the shape of the plane. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I poured over many MANY pictures of depron planes that had been milled for idea’s… looking to “discover” the strategies that they had employed. My thinking went this way – “Since depron is way WAY more brittle than EPP – then a strategy that works for depron milling (where to leave the depron full thickness & where to mill it out) should work brilliantly in EPP!” Or… so my thinking went! :-) And, it seems to have worked out well. :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Here is a picture of the fuse and the way I drew it out. I’d measured everything out and then shaded with pencil the parts to REMOVE / to mill out. I then went through with an exacto knife and cut out all the parts of the template that would be milled out in EPP. In the following picture you can see the shaded area’s yet to be cut out – and the top already cut out.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lhfB6Js24rgfGjyj2NtIRIx30LdmgCAjRgF_QmiwWwWo8rcrgDfe77mxuTHX5OpIpYl5vJgOb9_YjgOx7pErv8E5H8X2xQFdFVogRrkTXTA1PmyBEx9_H9BBS-3ogPYsl7ebGVYugVhk/s1600-h/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lhfB6Js24rgfGjyj2NtIRIx30LdmgCAjRgF_QmiwWwWo8rcrgDfe77mxuTHX5OpIpYl5vJgOb9_YjgOx7pErv8E5H8X2xQFdFVogRrkTXTA1PmyBEx9_H9BBS-3ogPYsl7ebGVYugVhk/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Notice in the following picture the many MANY lines I drew out. I had everything measured very precisely – so as to be sure to ALWAYS have at least “X” amount of structure left over / full thickness of EPP to “frame out” that piece. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61ThWFvC1mV7D-MzSAILczW4qM74O-c5AC5apqzsIBQp6BBB7yAOjYWUFIVHZgdmcsMMPFn5G4EaIiXJvfsg3cpbgFilLeeZAO87_2H7nIVsxmNOXaMR6AeYkxIwssFDlpI2tD6IyM9J9/s1600-h/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61ThWFvC1mV7D-MzSAILczW4qM74O-c5AC5apqzsIBQp6BBB7yAOjYWUFIVHZgdmcsMMPFn5G4EaIiXJvfsg3cpbgFilLeeZAO87_2H7nIVsxmNOXaMR6AeYkxIwssFDlpI2tD6IyM9J9/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">How much “structure” did I leave? Again, I can’t answer that – as it’ll depend on both the thickness & the density of the EPP you are using. You are going to have to experiment with that & decide it based on the exact foam you are working with.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">So yeah - this step took allot of playing around to get it worked out – but, it was well worth it! And, I now have plans for this plane – and I can build em rather quickly now that the plans are done – as the milling itself goes very VERY quickly! Just “sink” the bit into the foam, and then move it back & forth within the space you are milling – kinda like you’d mow a lawn… back & forth across the space till it’s done.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Easy.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Quick.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Now – a couple comments about the airbrakes… and how I milled those.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Below are several close-up shots of the templates I made for my air brakes. Now… I’m very much still experimenting with air brake designs – so I’m in no way “pushing these” as the best or anything… I’m simply showing you how I did what I did – and showing you the exact air brakes as used on the plane in the pics & video.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dddFXo_vIU7wZ6zs4SiL8jiC3aN5MIlw_dpeDKzYkCPQTZwpt3ZOyyEWZOgUw93126uT8_ZbX8kDKThGIOvoZSu01aMyKCumN8fOVlG2Z7cup9pxBNAlE3RE6YCiUi1ka_VANKf7HLHR/s1600-h/DSC_0917_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dddFXo_vIU7wZ6zs4SiL8jiC3aN5MIlw_dpeDKzYkCPQTZwpt3ZOyyEWZOgUw93126uT8_ZbX8kDKThGIOvoZSu01aMyKCumN8fOVlG2Z7cup9pxBNAlE3RE6YCiUi1ka_VANKf7HLHR/s400/DSC_0917_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">You’ll notice that I used a foam board material to make the template (rest of the plane’s template is made out of “3 for a $1” poster board at the Dollar Store!) for these air brakes. The reason I did that was because I wanted to be able to make it so that it’d fit together like a puzzle (note the A:A, B:B, a:a, b:b, matching system) so that everything would be precise / both brakes identical left & right. The entire thing put together makes up the SIZE of the brake. Take out the middle 2 pieces (see picture below) and that space that is now “missing” is the space that gets milled. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_HasyQJGmMVd2ajQ58yTSyQNJ3kHVg5pQ89gaE5Q1EqiZBgtW974ZP2eFhBgdOekuvJySTf7tol5uf_Cp2ITsEPRLCwZXHXP_Li2y4l7w6kOj3ZR0rt1DOnluQQQ7ykkWS50lehHGQa8/s1600-h/DSC_0916_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_HasyQJGmMVd2ajQ58yTSyQNJ3kHVg5pQ89gaE5Q1EqiZBgtW974ZP2eFhBgdOekuvJySTf7tol5uf_Cp2ITsEPRLCwZXHXP_Li2y4l7w6kOj3ZR0rt1DOnluQQQ7ykkWS50lehHGQa8/s400/DSC_0916_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">The holes in the air brakes template? Those get removed ENTIRELY !!! See picture below of the finished Air Brakes to see how the holes go all the way through the milled out section.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5WnEEN7Lz7cylFDg-xY8T37Y6LgHjvghjYhAZCnIuQ4JPl6m6DlgHWvlG3uJIeJAAbS1QwphLL5tBzXx1nXgkqTV5z3s8IAEfJWnTX8FKqNSk1u8MdltgB1LQyYF3sCM_HC83G7n0h52/s1600-h/DSC_0909_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5WnEEN7Lz7cylFDg-xY8T37Y6LgHjvghjYhAZCnIuQ4JPl6m6DlgHWvlG3uJIeJAAbS1QwphLL5tBzXx1nXgkqTV5z3s8IAEfJWnTX8FKqNSk1u8MdltgB1LQyYF3sCM_HC83G7n0h52/s400/DSC_0909_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyEJ2vK1Z4ZUp0D6yDPSWeVIgRGXbzWvOH_qNINYlJdMmcsRDB5pRv-ZBbLFNmNBs9j8sD8h5oY3ly-61h3_ry7akxNFnzAnw7p5yQlB949udY2kgOeDr4MgkdC6rfk2HIHkepGTktt8p/s1600-h/DSC_0907_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyEJ2vK1Z4ZUp0D6yDPSWeVIgRGXbzWvOH_qNINYlJdMmcsRDB5pRv-ZBbLFNmNBs9j8sD8h5oY3ly-61h3_ry7akxNFnzAnw7p5yQlB949udY2kgOeDr4MgkdC6rfk2HIHkepGTktt8p/s400/DSC_0907_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">TO CLARIFY THE ABOVE – SO THAT YOU DON’T TEAR THE EPP WHEN YOU MAKE THE HOLES</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">FIRST – trace out the template for your air brakes / the outside shape </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">SECOND – trace the 6 circles / “holes” that will go all the way through the EPP</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">THIRD – trace the inside “milled shape” (by removing the 2 removable center pieces)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">FOURTH – “drill” / mill ALL THE WAY THROUGH the EPP / make the holes now (if you wait & do it later, you’ll rip the EPP. :-(</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">FIFTH – mill out the center 2 area’s (the space in the template that is removable) </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p>See the above finished air brakes.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">The “pins” you see sticking out of the air brakes (in a couple of those pictures) I made from really REALLY small pieces of Carbon Fiber – with a small piece of tape at the top (so I can get a grip on em). I use these as pins – so that I can take the air brakes on & off the ailerons. I did this for 2 reasons. One, because I wasn’t sure if I’d like them on / how the plane flew with them on! So I didn’t want to “commit” to them by gluing them down! :-) Turns out this concern was unfounded – as it flies GREAT with them on! Wouldn’t want to fly it without them now! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span> The second reason to have them removable though – is the weight of them. If you leave your plane sitting around for a length of time… the extra weight of the ailerons (with the air brakes on them) starts to bend them down… because the weight is so far back behind the hinge line. This is NOT a problem in flight – as the brakes themselves “pull” the ailerons to “center point” during flight. But, have them sitting in your hobby room… and they’ll pull the ailerons down. :-( So, I made them removable to alleviate this problem – a problem I’d discovered while experimenting with air brakes on other EPP planes I’ve built.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Now, having said all that about making them removable – another option storage wise is simply to hang your planes by the prop. The air brakes aren’t on the plane in the following picture – but, you can see how I’ve simply hung my plane from the ceiling of my hobby room.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2gt38i-qnTfPjmc0kXqxH_rlCSKzyYF7DunHJj8k3oc6iYd2gnrnLBIy_3VX7ugREwrbmzmWsduzsjvjGo-DfGtJZ4an3PIf5vzohfO-0uLOp5aWjAFP_oySKvHF_hupfbHcID6z95iq/s1600-h/DSC_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2gt38i-qnTfPjmc0kXqxH_rlCSKzyYF7DunHJj8k3oc6iYd2gnrnLBIy_3VX7ugREwrbmzmWsduzsjvjGo-DfGtJZ4an3PIf5vzohfO-0uLOp5aWjAFP_oySKvHF_hupfbHcID6z95iq/s640/DSC_0939.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Well, that’s about it. I’m sure many of you out there will have all kinds of questions for me. Please DO write & ask! I love interacting on this stuff. If I don’t know the answer – I’ll tell you – as some of you are WAY beyond me / way more technical on things than I am. But, if there is some way I can help, I want to. After all - that’s why I bother writing all this down on this blog! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Have fun - and please send me pics of any planes you build in EPP and mill out! </div><br />
Oh - and be sure to watch the video of this plane (click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixXY_hU-JVg">HERE</a> or view at the top of this page) and comment on it on YouTube.<br />
<br />
Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.<br />
<br />
Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-16950537350160654022010-02-01T17:25:00.005-05:002010-02-01T17:52:32.923-05:00Ultra Micro 4-Site “Real World” Review<meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/markferry/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">In this blog entry I try to answer these questions:</div><ol><li><o:p></o:p>Can a somewhat experienced 4-channel pilot handle this plane?</li>
<li>Do the air brakes slow it down enough to be manageable by lesser-experienced pilots?</li>
<li>Do I like this plane (clue – “YES I DO – LOVE IT!!!”) and why or why not.</li>
<li>Do you have Video (crash footage too!?!) and Pictures? (clue – “YES I DO - taken Jan 30, 2010”)</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipleLJlp1dzr16_1zcBMWaQtiUAouT_oLHa-H3gBmMFklHV5ejcOGp9SQdqkGEaXRnh2hFKI8Gx5vIgcdc75R44J9654f_wkf9ex8TSnLwYfuvc_L6WSWQVR6NGo9GLgiI4x0Q1RGd9eoX/s1600-h/DSC_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipleLJlp1dzr16_1zcBMWaQtiUAouT_oLHa-H3gBmMFklHV5ejcOGp9SQdqkGEaXRnh2hFKI8Gx5vIgcdc75R44J9654f_wkf9ex8TSnLwYfuvc_L6WSWQVR6NGo9GLgiI4x0Q1RGd9eoX/s400/DSC_0885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_tAexN7LkE8uaeik2D4aN5DpxfCUdWlqjPI9RLfKk0OTuS33ba-34T3r04dq0IbIuSSqMeS1A4FnjXiUPTrxlDhXkWeb9knfHwTw4gCI7oBDaMlOqnqymRbjtFPLwNXLlz_kKrPSNBqU/s1600-h/DSC_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_tAexN7LkE8uaeik2D4aN5DpxfCUdWlqjPI9RLfKk0OTuS33ba-34T3r04dq0IbIuSSqMeS1A4FnjXiUPTrxlDhXkWeb9knfHwTw4gCI7oBDaMlOqnqymRbjtFPLwNXLlz_kKrPSNBqU/s400/DSC_0893.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Like everyone else – I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of this little plane! We were told originally mid to late November 2009… and here we are finally getting our hands on it late Jan 2010. Was it worth the wait!?!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Bottom Line – YES! </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">:-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Before I comment more on why I LOVE this little plane… I want to cover the questions I'm getting emails from people on.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">FIRST – people have been asking, “Mark, do you think a novice / someone with limited 4 channel experience / a non 3D pilot… can fly this plane?”</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">The short answer is, “No.” I mean… it can certainly be flown – but this is one twitchy little plane. That’s micro! Their small size makes them EXTREEMLY maneuverable for one thing. But, their small size also makes them VERY difficult to see in the air. So… things happen very VERY fast LITERALLY for the plane… but… very VERY fast perceptivity wise too because the plane is so SO small that “untrained” eyes have a hard time seeing & responding to the quick little movements.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">3D pilots LOVE this snappiness in the air! But, for those without these kind of eyes / thumbs… this plane is just too much of a handful to enjoy. Too much so in my opinion. Unless... you want to be doing lots of repairs... on a tiny tiny plane. Have you ever tried to repair something this small!?! I have! I got my start in micro - and I can tell you, repairs are tricky... not only because BIG hands & small plane parts don't mix - but - because every drop of glue or small piece of tape you add... adds to the weight of the plane... and before too long - she just won't fly. :-(<br />
<br />
Or, at least not as per her design. :-(</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">So, if your thumbs / eyes are not trained to 4 channels… or more specifically, to 3D type flying… where you respond immediately out of “reflex” rather than a thought process – <b style="color: red;">“Oh, the plane is</b> <b style="color: red;">turning to the right… I’d better…”</b> :-( ... then this plane really isn't for you.<br />
<br />
“Reflex” works for this plane.<br />
<br />
But, if you are still at the place in your flying where you have to think things through as you fly – then this plane is just too much for you. Too twitchy. In the above illustration, you’d of crashed at, <b style="color: red;">“Oh the plane is…”</b> :-( The plane is that fast.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Can you “turn it down” by utilizing your radio to limit control throw? Certainly – but as you can see from the video below – the results are less than satisfactory. Radio settings don’t make up for pilot skills.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Don’t take my word for it though. Watch the video I’ve posted below. It includes good and not so good (experienced 4 channel guys, but non 3D guys) pilots flying it. See for yourself how fast it goes from level flight to <b>Terra Firma!</b> :-(</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">SECONDLY – people have been asking, “Mark, do you think the air brakes slow the plane down enough to give the novice pilot the ability to fly it / to think through the flight?” </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">The short answer is again, “No.” I don’t think so – but again, you be the judge. Watch the video below. It’s divided into sections – some with the air brakes – and some without. Some with GOOD pilots using the air brakes – and some with NOVICE pilots using the air brakes. I also have footage on there with some GOOD pilots NOT using the air brakes – and some with NOVICE pilots NOT using the air brakes. So check it out. You tell me what you see. <i style="color: magenta;"><b>NOTE: Each section is labeled - so you'll know what section you are watching - and please note that even the experienced pilots have trouble with it at times!</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Me, I don’t think the air brakes really slow things down all that much. A little bit, certainly – but, the speed is more in the throttle management / the skills of the pilot… as you’ll see on the video. The slowest footage I have of guys flying with the air brakes… I have footage to match (if not beat) of a good pilot flying it WITHOUT air brakes… but just as slowly! :-) So… no… I don’t think the air brakes will make up for the lack of pilot skill.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: magenta;"><ul><li><b>SIDE NOTE: I have not put the air brakes on mine – and I do not intend to.</b></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">The book that comes with the plane – and virtually every write up on this plane says the same thing… this is not a novice plane. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">What it is… <b>is a very VERY capable 3D machine!</b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">As such – I LOVE IT!!! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">It is a very VERY good airplane! It has plenty of power to hover – and to pull out of a hover with a decent amount of authority. It knife edges like a champ – does rolling harriers easily, etc, etc! :-) Check out the video! :-)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Want some good crashes? Yup – I’ve got those on there too! There were many MANY crashes the day I filmed for this… so you not only see footage of me flying mine (I’m the “full 4 ½ minute flight” on there) but of a whole bunch of other people flying theirs. Some crashes captured on here… there was significant damage. Other crashes during the day I missed / didn’t get footage of – but, the planes were destroyed. Several were by guys that had a good amount of 4 channel experience, but, not 3D experience, so they weren’t used to the snappiness of this little plane. It’ll change direction on a dime – and often times the “default direction” is the gym floor! :-( </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">As the old adage goes: “Gravity still works.”</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Ok, video is pasted below, but first, two pictures of the packaging - so you can see how nicely they've done at making the case a protective travel case. <b><span style="color: magenta;">(Double click on any of the pics on this blog & they will jump to High Resolution Picture size & quality)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHdXChjxvAIZktqB9591SsGINaUyA7P9pjIT4vzxQT1igkLSP2E-LjBYE1wY4SpzNyLNGS8FicB97VC93TSq63BXdAqlXZeFMRiLn8YMKKCmLdNWX_g7seMIqe-LYRnG-JsXbLjVP2_gR/s1600-h/DSC_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHdXChjxvAIZktqB9591SsGINaUyA7P9pjIT4vzxQT1igkLSP2E-LjBYE1wY4SpzNyLNGS8FicB97VC93TSq63BXdAqlXZeFMRiLn8YMKKCmLdNWX_g7seMIqe-LYRnG-JsXbLjVP2_gR/s400/DSC_0889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P9pVekpkjE69w6YN6CD0DOpHdto7JNpGZQE-hHu0rUBUrptx6GnbzXH6zfPnna6Ut2u12Zqe7_Tn7naXXkrrnSQC4ZRIjMWulZTJyb_l4raBvVq8Jxhzva9MhAl12gqG2vJbwnCpLhCN/s1600-h/DSC_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P9pVekpkjE69w6YN6CD0DOpHdto7JNpGZQE-hHu0rUBUrptx6GnbzXH6zfPnna6Ut2u12Zqe7_Tn7naXXkrrnSQC4ZRIjMWulZTJyb_l4raBvVq8Jxhzva9MhAl12gqG2vJbwnCpLhCN/s400/DSC_0890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">So, if you are not a very competent 4 channel pilot - or not so hot at 3D - but still are tempted by the plane... <b>and you have the cash to blow</b> - then go for it! :-) Its only money! :-( If not... (and you are like me financially) then I'd encourage you to consider the 3D trainer I recommend in the right hand column of this blog. Start there. Learn that... and then move on to tougher planes like this one.<br />
<br />
Either way - I hope you enjoy the video!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eThm9RvEPhE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eThm9RvEPhE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-63147220283799199232009-06-16T10:47:00.007-04:002009-06-18T14:33:54.890-04:00Flight Simulators - the basics!I absolutely LOVE flying on a flight simulator - and - I owe most of my flying abilities to the <a href="http://www.realflight.com/">RealFlight G3.5</a> - which is now many many versions past that - G4.5 as of this writing actually! :-) Also, there are TONS of users developing custom airports and airplanes for this simulator - so you gain access to many airplanes that you'd usually never have a chance to fly! :-) Head to <a href="http://www.knifeedge.com/forums/downloads.php">knifeedge.com</a> to see the FREE downloadable airports & planes that have been developed so far.<div><br /></div><div>Anyways - my point is - I'd not be flying today if it wasn't for a simulator! <div><br /></div><div>Seriously - I wouldn't of been able to afford the cost of this hobby if it weren't for a flight simulator giving me the ability to crash thousands & thousands of times without losing any money! :-) <div><br /></div><div>Actually, I wrote an article on it all, including how I disciplined myself in using a flight simulator to learn to fly. And thats an important detail - as, if you aren't careful, you can do what my kids did... and that is just take off & then fly all over tarnations! That won't teach you to fly! Any idiot can keep the plane in the air after awhile! </div><div><br /></div><div>No... "keep it in the air" wasn't my goal! </div><div><br /></div><div>What I was looking to do - and what I presume you are looking to do - is to learn to fly - and fly well - eventually even getting into acrobatics - 3D - or pattern flying. To do any of those, you have to master the basics of flight. Me, I did it all without an instructor or a buddy box. I did it in the dead of winter with 3+ feet of snow on the ground and no indoor facilities to fly in that were big enough for my LACK OF SKILLS! </div><div><br /></div><div>How you ask? </div><div><br /></div><div>I did it - through a disciplined use of a flight simulator.<br /><br />Note below - there is an arrow along the right side of the picture - click this & it takes you to the next page. If its too small to read on your monitor - just move your mouse to the center of the picture and then click & it'll jump to full screen (hit the "escape" key to come back). </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my story:<br /><br /><div><object style="width:420px;height:544px"><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf?mode=embed&viewMode=presentation&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=2A5083&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=090616143643-9b2afaed046d411d8eddbff74bdd3277&docName=training_on_a_flight_simulator&username=3dpastor&loadingInfoText=Flight%20Simulator%20Training&et=1245163583252&er=5"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="menu" value="false"><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" style="width:420px;height:544px" flashvars="mode=embed&viewMode=presentation&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=2A5083&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=090616143643-9b2afaed046d411d8eddbff74bdd3277&docName=training_on_a_flight_simulator&username=3dpastor&loadingInfoText=Flight%20Simulator%20Training&et=1245163583252&er=5"></embed></object><div style="width:420px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://issuu.com/3dpastor/docs/training_on_a_flight_simulator?mode=embed&viewMode=presentation&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=2A5083&showFlipBtn=true" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=rc" target="_blank">More rc</a></div></div><br /></div></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-40148193667121818642009-04-06T18:23:00.019-04:002009-04-06T18:53:53.720-04:00Raptor GS 3D - A MICRO 3D Plane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P9fEW9Z4HUpOKLJYiaa3I0doVttGI5HvL0sLC4QDisfTRm4gxmBJLzdFNDVisQEaKbHizH8huluTebd4JyYxV-8Qg7YRftteoKpDu04L7X8Fis41w19QPY7T04pesRrT2PjyskSeclD9/s1600-h/raptor_hand.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P9fEW9Z4HUpOKLJYiaa3I0doVttGI5HvL0sLC4QDisfTRm4gxmBJLzdFNDVisQEaKbHizH8huluTebd4JyYxV-8Qg7YRftteoKpDu04L7X8Fis41w19QPY7T04pesRrT2PjyskSeclD9/s400/raptor_hand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321709417790083314" /></a><br />WOW - A truly 3D Micro Plane!<br /><br />FINALLY!<br />Now we can CRASH in smaller spaces! :-)<br /><br />Seriously now...<br /><br />I don't ussually post on planes I haven't flown - but, the RaptorGS 3D looks like its going to be a groundbreaking plane... and, its designed by wonder kid pilot and ETOC competitor, Ryan Archer!<br /><br />This video below showcases it pretty well, but <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=985009">CLICK HERE</a> for a forum thread on this plane on rcgroups.com where there are many more video's & lots of pics!<br /><br />What follows is the information at <a href="http://axonracing.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=0_28&products_id=44">axonracing.com's</a> website on the Raptor GS - here is how THEY DESCRIBE IT:<br /><br />"This is the new Raptor GS 3d micro aerobatic plane. Its a durable micro plane that is fun for hover practice in your house, aerobatics in a gym, backyard, or your garage! The airframe is designed by ETOC pilot and Tuscon Shootout winner, Ryan Archer. This plane only weighs 1 ounce! The receiver ready kit comes with cut and painted foam, instructions, carbon fiber, lipo battery, brushless motor, ESC, and 3 Falcon servos. It is compatible with most 2 or 3 gram receivers, such as Spektrum Ar6300. If you want to use the Spektrum receiver, we recommend the 2s version of the plane for best performance. Now comes in Blue!"<br /><br />"Specs:<br />Auw: 28g<br />Empty weight (no battery) 25g<br />Wingspan: 16.5"<br />4 channel, rudder, elevator, ailerons<br />servos: Falcon 1.6g (1.7g with connector)<br />(also a BA 2.5 can be used on ailerons, stripped down)<br />Airframe: 2 mm EPP foam, silkscreen printed 6.8g<br />ESC: XP-7a lightened to 2g<br />Motor: AP03 3.17g outrunner including mount 45g of thrust<br />Prop: 4025<br />Battery: 140mah 1 cell lipo 20c<br />2s Version:<br />Comes with 2s lipo and C05 motor<br />Weighs approximately 6 grams more<br />More power, but not as floaty or slow, works with spektrum Ar6300 no mods"<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3704695&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3704695&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/3704695">Raptor GS Ef Expo, uncut!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1243888">Josh MetroidRC</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><br />Next To Some Other Popular MICRO Planes For Comparison<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKLJ9G47j4N20bhODW7ILUvwlzRz_Vb8z4DA_hDMWoeq_FYWyKHzlKYZ-dTyYtpA7-cvz8xJt_2yV27lArojfqsdcVCb-5F5_jRABghcIVXrM2DchHIyS8j9_4X2Ak-Ni7FvPeIRGmlBy/s1600-h/raptor_citabria.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKLJ9G47j4N20bhODW7ILUvwlzRz_Vb8z4DA_hDMWoeq_FYWyKHzlKYZ-dTyYtpA7-cvz8xJt_2yV27lArojfqsdcVCb-5F5_jRABghcIVXrM2DchHIyS8j9_4X2Ak-Ni7FvPeIRGmlBy/s400/raptor_citabria.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321709419182473682" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8os1fGAxSC5n3flxNT3gQXKYaWikcNQoZB6_ZnqTsfn1Vy2vJ0W_MCmONwPIXEt_YTYB_IJPR0j45tTDeGiRpvajl-MXDsO5iJAcbeVkWmICIqG5VLEGBM763d3ZatRlp1_npCuZiwseY/s1600-h/rapkoi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8os1fGAxSC5n3flxNT3gQXKYaWikcNQoZB6_ZnqTsfn1Vy2vJ0W_MCmONwPIXEt_YTYB_IJPR0j45tTDeGiRpvajl-MXDsO5iJAcbeVkWmICIqG5VLEGBM763d3ZatRlp1_npCuZiwseY/s400/rapkoi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321709417582527122" /></a>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-67742185472739554112009-03-04T16:56:00.016-05:002009-04-14T17:19:13.021-04:00Hinges Made Easy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4EZ77snfJs_ChSpCKVhSNRQgEiw8akzjPv1ZoZ3OP5ecytzHe17L84bPrMC8e8Op271mBgAaft1hyT0izySJfcR65pfTdBuwyqoRmml28itMGtB9m9N5z7G-p44c6qwLQ5NM4w0HxV7m/s1600-h/4+14+09.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4EZ77snfJs_ChSpCKVhSNRQgEiw8akzjPv1ZoZ3OP5ecytzHe17L84bPrMC8e8Op271mBgAaft1hyT0izySJfcR65pfTdBuwyqoRmml28itMGtB9m9N5z7G-p44c6qwLQ5NM4w0HxV7m/s400/4+14+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324659319170913890" /></a><br />First off, let me say that the attention I've been getting over this blog being featured in "Model Aviation" magazine has been staggering! <div><br /></div><div>The picture above shows a "World View" of the most recent hits to this blog (double click to enlarge it slightly).</div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty wild huh!?! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, thank you to all of you who have been emailing me with such nice words. I'm grateful! And, a special thanks to Jay Smith, the assistant editor from "Model Aviation" who wrote it. Thanks for featuring a "normal guy" like me in such a stellar magazine!<div><br /></div><div>Ok - now on to the hinges!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I first got into this hobby I've been frustrated trying to cut perfect hinge lines. I was told when I got into this to just "eye it up" with an exacto knife & that was good enough. :-( The results however... were not good enough. Lots of gaps (bad for flight) and ugly too!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was in a "Michael's" craft store getting a matte made for a frame... when I realized that those matte's are made with a 45 degree cut! :-) Hhhmmm... now I wonder what tool they were using to do that! :-) A quick search online FOUND ME a slew of devices! :-) The cheapest was this. I bought mine for under $20 at <a href="http://www.misterart.com/g8199/Logan-Foamboard-Cutter.htm">MisterArt.com</a> but it can also be purchased at other places like <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/logan-foamboard-cutter/">dickblick.com</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFGjK7dUw4S7NnCGiwCAvdKd6_MW_asMhNhD1W54TLzs-sbDWu5l8JKPfDujQLMqKo0OOYfdGMtyrS7GJOc17N3DwFMrFU57sdnjVa1ntTZVMhDas6m4yiIcTtuf_VaCdWS6FfSL1RvnF/s1600-h/DSCN9139.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFGjK7dUw4S7NnCGiwCAvdKd6_MW_asMhNhD1W54TLzs-sbDWu5l8JKPfDujQLMqKo0OOYfdGMtyrS7GJOc17N3DwFMrFU57sdnjVa1ntTZVMhDas6m4yiIcTtuf_VaCdWS6FfSL1RvnF/s400/DSCN9139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309457264827922290" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Its not "cheap" - but, it does an excellent job! I've been using it ever since - and making NICE hinges! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>(Double click the picture to enlarge it)</div><div><br /></div><div>The rc hobby industry has caught on to this idea & is making similar tools now. I've not tried any of them as I already have the tool above - but, of the ones I've read about - this one is the cheapest (as of this post anyways). It is available from <a href="http://www.lightflite.com/">lightflite.com</a> for only $12 (scroll down the page to find it).</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pm0eG0RMgA1vFre4lxCJ6l48ksnKk-sExsZTEX0uJsUdvBDPlViykHIUz0dyl9JDpjTkF3IC8MpW-Z2JJMcamFjv55iDh1WxTXYB9Wr1OqTKIZ3UpTZOUVgWHAAlWOlHagEA-7D3Vkus/s1600-h/easy+bevel+45+web+%2412.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pm0eG0RMgA1vFre4lxCJ6l48ksnKk-sExsZTEX0uJsUdvBDPlViykHIUz0dyl9JDpjTkF3IC8MpW-Z2JJMcamFjv55iDh1WxTXYB9Wr1OqTKIZ3UpTZOUVgWHAAlWOlHagEA-7D3Vkus/s400/easy+bevel+45+web+%2412.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309457611717426114" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope this helps!</div><br /></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-77637163106647423792008-11-29T14:00:00.007-05:002008-11-29T14:48:18.622-05:00MICRO SumoOk - this is NOT in epp - but - as promised... here is my friends MICRO Sumo!<br /><br />Now, the original designer of the Sumo made "The Sumo" and then made what he calls a "Micro Sumo." Uhm... that is cool - and I did a post, pics & video already on that plane - but - the designer obviously hasn't run into my friend Norb Adams! When Norb says Micro... he means Micro! :-) So, here on my blog - and at my local flying club... we have 3 Sumo's! We have the original size Sumo, the Mini (what the designer calls Micro) and then Norbs MICRO Sumo!<br /><br />For those interested in micro planes - this is pretty cool - but, please don't email me asking me allot about his setup as I know nothing about micro stuff. I do know that Norb makes allot of his own stuff. Years before micro servo's were comercially available Norb was making his own! This enabled him to do some pretty cool stuff long before the rest of us. In the micro scene - Norb is definitely one of my hero's!<br /><br />For the original plans to this plane you can click <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=710077&highlight=mini+sumo">HERE</a> and download them. Download the "Micro" Sumo... but, know that this is NOT Norbs plan - this is WAY bigger... but, it'll give you plans that you can then shrink down on a photocopier. Do a page at a time at the same percentage - then cut out & tape together. I've not done it with this plane - but back when I first got into rc I did this with a couple planes trying to build a micro plane. It worked well.<br /><br />Enjoy the pics and video - and happy flying - as we in the Syracuse NY area are FULL BORE into the indoor season now!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6MJVQQJzORw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6MJVQQJzORw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KvbRL-P35qnNgsRtPhypdq2tosAPykQDqLqTcjDiqkp0GgIg0k1LxPX1vAcP3D6a7RmdebWzuZ5JvTpm5yswod4NwzZcy8YaBr92hBviktG8raNsFEtaCHimRPV0avBjXE6NkCQY5_9p/s1600-h/DSCN0351.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KvbRL-P35qnNgsRtPhypdq2tosAPykQDqLqTcjDiqkp0GgIg0k1LxPX1vAcP3D6a7RmdebWzuZ5JvTpm5yswod4NwzZcy8YaBr92hBviktG8raNsFEtaCHimRPV0avBjXE6NkCQY5_9p/s400/DSCN0351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274163986520676338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XBaYsvlNnT_BfGfEALaYfJGntaCyg5QrMYQDeCI3is1e9HLzSkX0EMhqD-6R5lLdJ3PjIl2_O1uq3fYCMriYgrz_Q-vrU9orO9KD-WwFx1dfL_6_-sPVaOZPUVbj2BVgqbS73a3yeF-l/s1600-h/DSCN0349.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XBaYsvlNnT_BfGfEALaYfJGntaCyg5QrMYQDeCI3is1e9HLzSkX0EMhqD-6R5lLdJ3PjIl2_O1uq3fYCMriYgrz_Q-vrU9orO9KD-WwFx1dfL_6_-sPVaOZPUVbj2BVgqbS73a3yeF-l/s400/DSCN0349.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274163982716997570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzM9KWMRRo-KXKM5l5lkYBAK58pbX8tg1WrP2aY2iL6U67QscG2ZP-xhtWYSh66Up1IdapSfuW_Cfu-k_a3ecTJkrq0LKLe5gYuOf32vjnFb8OUmQ9wepp1pbyEsXhlDX_dUx1h3v3kJB/s1600-h/DSCN0348.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzM9KWMRRo-KXKM5l5lkYBAK58pbX8tg1WrP2aY2iL6U67QscG2ZP-xhtWYSh66Up1IdapSfuW_Cfu-k_a3ecTJkrq0LKLe5gYuOf32vjnFb8OUmQ9wepp1pbyEsXhlDX_dUx1h3v3kJB/s400/DSCN0348.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274163964981325794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRIML8JVQ3thb5Y57TfB5U4B1Yf2e3VZN-Xjlh5VukFC6LK_C4Q51z2h-NTTvd3j8npL5Z8AGP5lrkPxz9NiGzu4JEoTbSanmoanKXhgUH2jQaXTq0XM1iQ3kpDzmnlTcz89HFp61t3Uw/s1600-h/DSCN0347.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRIML8JVQ3thb5Y57TfB5U4B1Yf2e3VZN-Xjlh5VukFC6LK_C4Q51z2h-NTTvd3j8npL5Z8AGP5lrkPxz9NiGzu4JEoTbSanmoanKXhgUH2jQaXTq0XM1iQ3kpDzmnlTcz89HFp61t3Uw/s400/DSCN0347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274163960447124578" /></a>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-71232937373276912582008-11-28T14:29:00.009-05:002008-11-29T14:37:06.645-05:00Mini SumoMy friend Larry Vogt is at it again! He's taken the rather popular Sumo & built a Mini version of it! Its a fun little plane! It uses the electronics off of the Mini Bug from <a href="http://www.lightflite.com/">lightflite.com</a>. Build it light - and its a fun little plane to fly! I'm thinking of building one - but with the E-Flight Park 250 motor. I think this should provide STRAIGHT UP flight! :-) Thats another post though! :-)<br /><br />The plans for this plan can be downloaded <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=710077&highlight=mini+sumo">here</a>. It says "Micro Sumo" - this is the "Mini" that Larry built... so if you are looking for the plans for this plane - thats it.<br /><br />It IS NOT "Micro" however... I'll show you micro in another post! A friend of mine built a Micro... it fits in the palm of your hand! So, regardless of what the designer of this plan calls it... its not "Micro" - its "Mini." :-)<br /><br />Enjoy the pictures & the video below. Notice the full sized Sumo in the comparison pics! Pretty cool! :-)<br /><br />In the video - Larry flies it first - then lets me take the sticks. THANK YOU Larry!<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qejF5vkVHJg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qejF5vkVHJg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGLC6kB0hru66D_Vzzfd57uW-hZ-X73T01DhWbJs59jAW-Rww_YGtd55EcOnhK83Yt1kwUDwyy3J_oKvCIeEHGRQwZAR-sTAtEq7vPwnujKAPSuHkjlDVvHvPqtiZRl1fwovkXrELqY66/s1600-h/DSCN0324.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGLC6kB0hru66D_Vzzfd57uW-hZ-X73T01DhWbJs59jAW-Rww_YGtd55EcOnhK83Yt1kwUDwyy3J_oKvCIeEHGRQwZAR-sTAtEq7vPwnujKAPSuHkjlDVvHvPqtiZRl1fwovkXrELqY66/s400/DSCN0324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273797938988828178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a5vmaCePwewK67EjEuVoCEr64l_HSozUxABpc4Afn4V2LdQYJr3FaO59iPCg9Ik18oHdIRnvLEbq4rltM5Hfj46UBCl37P8YDd1adPvk0ffMTXY0HIsl1lnXrPPIurEsulY7C_DoyY4J/s1600-h/DSCN0342.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a5vmaCePwewK67EjEuVoCEr64l_HSozUxABpc4Afn4V2LdQYJr3FaO59iPCg9Ik18oHdIRnvLEbq4rltM5Hfj46UBCl37P8YDd1adPvk0ffMTXY0HIsl1lnXrPPIurEsulY7C_DoyY4J/s400/DSCN0342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273798843873732418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_ahEB6EQv7QDlf5GCi2YoMwLepfWtMaKVWK9rQmeo57_Fod0RpZjsr1lqACc6K4fM2kdr9nFUSd_Q_nJao4HH40Xt3lDbageX3eg7lyxCktWKql6hnLjfL_c2CHTlXYm7bztWDs_FLg0/s1600-h/DSCN0318.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_ahEB6EQv7QDlf5GCi2YoMwLepfWtMaKVWK9rQmeo57_Fod0RpZjsr1lqACc6K4fM2kdr9nFUSd_Q_nJao4HH40Xt3lDbageX3eg7lyxCktWKql6hnLjfL_c2CHTlXYm7bztWDs_FLg0/s400/DSCN0318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273798407052029442" /></a>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-24348705807579379582008-11-28T13:45:00.003-05:002008-11-28T14:17:02.135-05:00Kyle Stacy - 13 Years Old - Flying @ Walts Hobby, Syracuse NYHelicopters?<div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I know - not my normal thing - and they don't make em in epp! :-) But, Kyle is an incredible pilot - and a really incredible young man. I feel privileged to of gotten to know him a little bit... and what he can do with a heli indoors... in a small space is just incredible! I'm not into heli's myself... but... I can't help but post a 2nd video of Kyle! :-) My first post of him was shot when he was only 11. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>This video of Kyle was shot at Walts Hobby - a local hobby store here in the Syracuse NY area. Walts has an annual sale & they make a big full day of it marking everything in the store down by 20% - but - also bringing in many top ranked pilots. <a href="http://www.qqaircraft.com">Quique Somenzini</a> was here a couple years ago. This year, <a href="http://www.devinrocks.com">Devin McGrath</a>, <a href="http://www.claytonrocks.com">Clay Wheaton</a> and... <a href="http://www.kylerocks.com">Kyle Stacy</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>He's only 13 years old - but he is an excellent pilot - and only getting better! So is the technology he's flying. I remember just a few years ago when he could only flip a heli upside down in Walts room... but couldn't right it because there wasn't enough room. Now... in that same space... he can do WAY MORE than just flip it! :-) Check out the video!</div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ikmaMyJgQEc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ikmaMyJgQEc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-22721426657374604722008-11-20T12:30:00.005-05:002011-03-07T16:38:50.763-05:00Terminator by Jimmie Wade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MUCH to my chagrin... Jimmie Wade is no longer designing & selling planes. :-( So... DO read on, as you will learn some things. However, you will note that the links are all dead, as his planes are no longer available. MISS YOU JIMMIE!!!</b></span><br />
<br />
Jimmie Wade has done it again! Here is yet another great flying plane he's designed for epp!<br />
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The pilot is someone from over-sea's - and the video is evidently shot from a tripod - so the plane goes out of the frame often - but... all & all... it still gives you a taste of what the plane can do! :-)<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>To see other great flying planes designed by Jimmie Wade & to purchase - check out his website at <a href="http://www.alphafoamies.com/">alphafoamies.com</a></div><div><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OwUVrHpU_20&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OwUVrHpU_20&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-1804722880604592492008-11-10T21:43:00.005-05:002008-11-10T23:03:42.129-05:00My 2nd EPP Design - A Tensor Sobre Hybrid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDvjbJi08BLprQQ0a8e8W5vu5mc0zjO1y10CAE5MgMIuuxx-hW93YpJlE1wELRwLA7oGi4ksItmNsYEMjU7xrofgYDoDRiti0aQCvxNXg_YmRsiKbj16u249LaitABTV4DRU9GuDq5nFb/s1600-h/TensorSobre2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDvjbJi08BLprQQ0a8e8W5vu5mc0zjO1y10CAE5MgMIuuxx-hW93YpJlE1wELRwLA7oGi4ksItmNsYEMjU7xrofgYDoDRiti0aQCvxNXg_YmRsiKbj16u249LaitABTV4DRU9GuDq5nFb/s400/TensorSobre2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267235483262461266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvS-ZoLpO9nRJF9hWUBakoLQK4eTRn81DPrz0-FreSVoyb4sEpncJwW0TW7NcUlph_F-FdI2DuykAx0AQXnFXl2TemxfJvqIGLqXN31xKvNkYOiKK_Zgr3VZV9VHHFoEA59DLqhO0rYbJ/s1600-h/TensorSobre.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvS-ZoLpO9nRJF9hWUBakoLQK4eTRn81DPrz0-FreSVoyb4sEpncJwW0TW7NcUlph_F-FdI2DuykAx0AQXnFXl2TemxfJvqIGLqXN31xKvNkYOiKK_Zgr3VZV9VHHFoEA59DLqhO0rYbJ/s400/TensorSobre.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267235481150604210" /></a><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BmLoYQ0rNQY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BmLoYQ0rNQY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br />Ok - I'll admit it - so far "my" only designs have been me just messing around with other peoples work - trying to combine idea's - and mostly - build in epp! :-) Since I've run into Jimmie Wade from <a href="http://www.alphafoamies.com">alphafoamies.com</a> I've no need to keep messing around with designs... but I just can't help it! :-) Its just too fun to keep designing! :-) Seeing something you built from scratch actually fly - now thats just cool! :-)<br /><br />So - this is what I came up with here about a year and a 1/2 ago - a hybrid of sorts betweeen the Tensor and the Sobre. I like both of these planes & have had the privilege to fly them both. But, they are in depron - which is no privilege at all. :-( So, I started combining what I liked from both planes & came up with a pattern on heavy posterboard - cut it out - then laid it over some epp foam. Thats where things got weird.<br /><br />All I had was some really big - crazy thick epp left over from a shipment of epp where I was experimenting with sizes. Some of it was way WAY to thick & heavy for my normal building purposes. For this one - I thought it would be ok if it was heavy - because I was looking for a plane to fly outdoors in a little bit of wind. These other light weight planes I was flying didn't fair so well in wind. Also, I was wanting to use a bunch of odd electronics to fly it anywas. A heavy battery - heavy motor - big clunky old servos - etc. All from that first JUNK plane I had (see <a href="http://3dpastor.blogspot.com/search/label/First%203D%20Plane">First 3D Plane</a> blog entry) so - I had all those heavy electronics sitting around doing nothing - so why not build something to put em to use! :-)<br /><br />The Tensor Sobre Hybrid was born!<br />:-)<br /><br />Shortly after shooting the video - I dismantled it. It flew ok... as you can see - but, it didn't perform as I wished. So, the electronics are back on my shelf. I have a thought for a new design... but thats another day - and another blog entry!Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-39138140502413883242008-11-06T16:28:00.012-05:002011-09-20T12:20:15.314-04:00EPP Vendors I Use And Why<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ok, I've been building in epp for quite awhile now and I've tried foam from a variety of sources. Some I've built with - others I've seen my friends build with. One thing that stands out quickly is that NOT ALL epp is the same!<br />
<br />
Me, I've been ordering exclusively from <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/">rcskyflyer.com</a> until recently when I was introduced to <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam.com</a> and <a href="http://wmparkflyers.com/Products.aspx">wmparkflyers.com</a>. Now I recommend all three!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>How do I choose?</div><div>Why order sometimes from one & and; sometimes from the other?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Good questions! :-) </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">Rcfoam.com's</a> and <a href="http://wmparkflyers.com/">wmparkflyers.com</a>'s epp is allot more dense than <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/BuyEppFoam_.html">rcskyflyers</a> epp. I almost always build in the 1.9 lb... but, as you will discover when ordering from the various companies - 1.9 one place isn't the same as 1.9 someplace else! :-) So, <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam.coms</a> 1.9lb is much more rigid than <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/BuyEppFoam_.html">rcskyflyers</a> 1.9lb for instance - apparently because it actually has a higher density. Is one accurate - and the other wrong - or are both of them off - I have no idea! :-) All I know is that I like these companies epp!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ok, one having a higher density than the other... this of course adds a little weight to the plane - but - it also makes it more rigid! :-) Which then requires less carbon fiber for stiffening! :-) So, depending on what I'm building - and what my rigidity needs are, it may be lighter to stiffen with Carbon Fiber... or... it may be lighter to just use the higher density epp <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam</a> sells. Other times, its purely a weight decision... so, I choose the <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/BuyEppFoam_.html">rcskyflyer</a> epp for the most weight conscience applications - and the rcfoam and wmparkflyers epp for the more "rigid" applications. :-)<br />
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Lots of epp vendors out there... so - why have I settled on these three?<br />
<br />
From many vendors you recieve epp that is NOT consistantly the thickness that you ordered. Now, no one is perfect (see my unique <a href="http://www.imperfectchurch.com/">website</a> on that) and that goes for epp thicknesses as well - but - you can get pretty consistent. Hands down to me - <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/">rcskyflyer.com</a> <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam.com</a> and <a href="http://wmparkflyers.com/Products.aspx">wmparkflyers.com</a> have the best - most consistent epp thicknesses. This is very important for building planes that fly straight & true!<br />
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Another issue with epp is ease of ordering. Some sites give you goofy choices - or no choices. Some sites just say, "Epp sheets for $6." Ok... so... what sizes are the sheets? How can I price compare if I don't know how big the sheets are? Other sites give the size of the sheets - but not the density of the foam (density of the foam indicates its stiffness - and weight. Larger the number, the stiffer & heavier the foam). I primarily use 1.9 - and sometimes 1.3 - but - on some of these sites - you have no idea what the density is that you'd be getting from them. Another ordering issue is thickness. Allot of guys are ordering 9mm epp for all their building needs. To match this, most vendors carry just 9mm epp. But... <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/">rcskyflyer</a> and <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam</a> in particular... offer TONS of other choices... which is great for guys like me who are wanting more building options (especially for trying to keep things nice & light for indoor flying!)<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Also, on <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/BuyEppFoam_.html">rcskyflyer.com</a> you can order individual sheets in whatever quantity you want - without being restricted / having to order only in "sets" / "bundles" of 5 or 10 like other sites do. Similarly, <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam.com</a> is working on adding that feature to their site - but even without that currently available - all you have to do is call them & say, "I want 2 of these, 4 of those, 10 of these & 3 of that one!" - and they'll do it for you right over the phone! :-)<br />
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A major issue for me when dealing online with folks - is dependability. Will the vendor stand by his product & give "after the purchase" service to me as a customer? I've found some vendors to be plain obnoxious. Ed (the owner) of <a href="http://www.rcskyflyer.com/">rcskyflyer.com</a> Steve (the owner) of <a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=75">rcfoam.com</a> and Greg (the owner) of <a href="http://wmparkflyers.com/Products.aspx">wmparkflyers.com</a> don't run their businesses that way!<br />
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I am not being paid for this - I'm just a happy customer - and believe in spreading the word!<br />
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I've got links to other vendors in the right hand column of this blog - vendors my friends have tried with success... because I want to offer this blog as a resource to all builders & fliers of epp planes. So - with that goal - I want to post multiple suppliers. But, I personally buy exclusevely from these three vendors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuUGowYZ9j_Oiq-TotHSvwFNDLYtJu_NYHUw_IwZzZSJg2jNHepwfEcqQ-ivagmldDT-ej8Dm6AzyGL7JFuaO6slaRulJr-mIJIT03b8rAxRE4EkD7Wqcu165Dm427SfHrBnQUf44BN3d/s1600-h/DSCN8982.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160731516202644274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuUGowYZ9j_Oiq-TotHSvwFNDLYtJu_NYHUw_IwZzZSJg2jNHepwfEcqQ-ivagmldDT-ej8Dm6AzyGL7JFuaO6slaRulJr-mIJIT03b8rAxRE4EkD7Wqcu165Dm427SfHrBnQUf44BN3d/s400/DSCN8982.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a><br />
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</div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WmZ36mj7Omk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WmZ36mj7Omk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-78986255361496453662008-10-27T14:27:00.026-04:002008-11-29T14:37:29.117-05:00THE SUMO 3D - designed by Firetrappe - this one built by my friend Larry Vogt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvTKgSpAL99PMYN0I9YfsySe7OPfLaJWMSBV-APG8kSrqRC7aiB_QpxICCZrSk3lmpNI8I58GaBbo1-KxHGLMAWapSmZEgwJWR4jwK3iat36pxynyL7vaooDbV5aYfpUrYNP2khTGUkMo/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvTKgSpAL99PMYN0I9YfsySe7OPfLaJWMSBV-APG8kSrqRC7aiB_QpxICCZrSk3lmpNI8I58GaBbo1-KxHGLMAWapSmZEgwJWR4jwK3iat36pxynyL7vaooDbV5aYfpUrYNP2khTGUkMo/s400/1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261909113919851330" /></a><br />Here is a unique little plane! ☺<br /><br />(See more pictures below this write-up. To get a bigger view, double click on them to enlarge.)<br /><br />Have you ever seen something as repulsively ugly—and yet so utilitarianly elegant at the same time! ☺<br /><br />This plane has been around for awhile – I’ve seen it online many times. It has a pretty hefty fan base – which I’m thrilled because its highlights so well all of the EXCELLENT qualities of EPP! ☺<br /><br />Even so… with its “different” look, I wasn’t convinced at first that this was a plane I should build. Another strike against it in my book is that I’m pretty much a 3D only guy – and while I do fly park flyers from time to time… this just didn’t look like it would be much fun for me. So, I never pursued it.<br /><br />That is until now! ☺<br /><br />A few weeks ago I received an email from a friend who flies frequently at a local indoor flying club. He told me that a couple guys had built the Sumo & were really enjoying them. So I grabbed the first day I could get free & ran up to the club with my camera & my video camera – hoping to get some footage for my blog & a short post on this quirky little plane! That was this past Thursday—and boy oh boy am I glad I made the trip! ☺<br /><br />I walked into the club and immediately Larry Vogt (the gentleman pictured with the Sumo) waved me over – pointing excitedly at the Sumo! Larry didn’t know I was coming – but – he knows I’m an EPP lover! ☺<br /><br />Larry walked me through all of the details on it then took it for a flight so I could get some footage. I’ll post the “specs” below – but for now, the flights he took in the gym / the footage in the video were all of this plane flying on a 2 cell battery. This produces great “park flier” like flights, but no 3D capability. Being a 3D guy, this plane was turning out to be what I’d expected—a fun & unique park flier, but… nothing worth building myself, as I’m into 3D. Larry himself even said it wasn’t capable of much in the way of acrobatics.<br /><br />☺ Then it happened. ☺<br /><br />Larry offered to let me fly it.<br />☺<br /><br />Now… I’ve got to tell you… I DO NOT like flying other guys planes… but, this is an ALL EPP plane…. with the prop COMPLETELY protected by epp! So… there’s really NOTHING to break on this plane! ☺ So… I accepted his invitation to fly it! ☺<br /><br />Larry had it set up with high & low rates; with the low rates set with coupling on had the aileron & rudder – and nothing on the high rates. Larry recommended I start with the low rates (as some others in the club had been a bit afraid of the plane… thinking it might be too twitchy on high rates – being flown in such a small confined area)… so I did. As you can see in the video (I’m the 2nd guy to fly on the video… he’s the 1st) that only lasts me about a minute & I’m bored. I needed more throw – more 3D type control surfaces – so I landed & had him switch his radio to high rates and then launched again.<br /><br />☺ That was fun! ☺<br /><br />This unique little plane, underpowered on a 2 cell (for 3D flight) still flew pretty well—even got some inverted flight in—but, as you can see on the video—not much hovering capability without a 3 cell battery.<br /><br />I think you can hear me on the video say something like, “Larry, I think it’s got more acrobatic ability than you thought!” ☺ That’s code for “I’m having a TON MORE FUN with this plane than I thought I would!” ☺<br /><br />THANK YOU Larry! ☺<br /><br />Many thanks to Larry for giving me access to his plane for this write up—and for letting me fly it! I am very grateful! It definitely changed my view of this unique little plane!<br /><br />I must say—I’m going to have to build one of these now! I’m a busy guys – so I’m not sure how long that’ll take me to get to – but – stay tuned & I’ll post on it eventually! ☺<br /><br />Turn up the throws—put a 3 cell on it—and it should be some VTOL fun—with epp “crash & survive” ability! ☺ Nice!<br />I LOVE this epp stuff!<br /><br />To download the plans to this great little plane, click on <a href="http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=710077">THIS at rcgroups.com</a> then scroll the thread to get the plans, building instructions & all stats on the plane - and a ton more pics & video's. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HNwcnjBIQmU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HNwcnjBIQmU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVhkCh12BnmKaR_U_0mzuhP-JlFf4Y55vy483SlJ5SZDsWWlV0no49XNFs0Cy4tXIXrNuKaMFmkYGhgN5PGNjRyLLzgGYe339t4dOpNP1O3J8DAFITO2VLJRSF9tmGxo1zr7-8g3SiBHt/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVhkCh12BnmKaR_U_0mzuhP-JlFf4Y55vy483SlJ5SZDsWWlV0no49XNFs0Cy4tXIXrNuKaMFmkYGhgN5PGNjRyLLzgGYe339t4dOpNP1O3J8DAFITO2VLJRSF9tmGxo1zr7-8g3SiBHt/s400/2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261915011154654210" /></a><br /><br /><br />See below these pictures for Larry’s thoughts & setup / specs on his Sumo:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJse4NL7zg0D2IjIBTQoDh9xlJ8_4xBHIXDTPAlOsLqhBxc0ASnP8BY7OLMXVgH8-9xEOS1x38yJvcVpTITQ2RifUIqa9CiPr_odcAeFWrmTWR5zOxonrSsYJUSEqqKBR2tnyOx_T4LHk/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJse4NL7zg0D2IjIBTQoDh9xlJ8_4xBHIXDTPAlOsLqhBxc0ASnP8BY7OLMXVgH8-9xEOS1x38yJvcVpTITQ2RifUIqa9CiPr_odcAeFWrmTWR5zOxonrSsYJUSEqqKBR2tnyOx_T4LHk/s400/4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261916165394179154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Srv8gZZSuXdTBrHHlZ6XLWav7DmjpYms_gem74H8joAVitvzlRfv-1nkw4DJ-rVsTnTetWEFWj6W0Q0XX8ls2qHrCmg5EMAaxoc-AhaL49LsoXI4VeZK4QxRrolNt76Pz1SfvlYHAnmb/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Srv8gZZSuXdTBrHHlZ6XLWav7DmjpYms_gem74H8joAVitvzlRfv-1nkw4DJ-rVsTnTetWEFWj6W0Q0XX8ls2qHrCmg5EMAaxoc-AhaL49LsoXI4VeZK4QxRrolNt76Pz1SfvlYHAnmb/s400/5.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261916156171113314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKUQdasp_1YSMnyoXtCSLg0G0ZZNAZoUFGxQang00Cb6F9yY8snUqk9YUNSFwEvAa_SS-93zrqGMxYvwWedGEvIvbeeaJEycbMCydvNcjJhDRYtocYFo48DRgCQuL3W4EfWRjWKcf7XSb/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKUQdasp_1YSMnyoXtCSLg0G0ZZNAZoUFGxQang00Cb6F9yY8snUqk9YUNSFwEvAa_SS-93zrqGMxYvwWedGEvIvbeeaJEycbMCydvNcjJhDRYtocYFo48DRgCQuL3W4EfWRjWKcf7XSb/s400/6.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261916152155429890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7_pjiGrSbr19CpB4wJU_CT7_ixmO9Ap_6C1Sw5la6EcUkcIiUQ2C-fh-HusdH_WolqueKrgI5IeNbV__cPXwZcWaNwmUh8djwjetlkaAQP367FQTBQ5HqfPb7cfN2hpT8fZBIzENK1IQ/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7_pjiGrSbr19CpB4wJU_CT7_ixmO9Ap_6C1Sw5la6EcUkcIiUQ2C-fh-HusdH_WolqueKrgI5IeNbV__cPXwZcWaNwmUh8djwjetlkaAQP367FQTBQ5HqfPb7cfN2hpT8fZBIzENK1IQ/s400/3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261915739976459666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ua9XiAs_JHJDiyrUa0OP_xTj_G5EZVEq1Rjxvro9Vcwj-Mb4ijzmzM-Za7CeSmyO8KlL6HHANrL9T0I7z6DYEQXnNi_F58Cb3n8RKl9eUVmPRVQJ3Dj8lL6K8-mOyq90K5nsfPXrUcO_/s1600-h/8.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ua9XiAs_JHJDiyrUa0OP_xTj_G5EZVEq1Rjxvro9Vcwj-Mb4ijzmzM-Za7CeSmyO8KlL6HHANrL9T0I7z6DYEQXnNi_F58Cb3n8RKl9eUVmPRVQJ3Dj8lL6K8-mOyq90K5nsfPXrUcO_/s400/8.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261916130752040722" /></a><br />*********************************************************<br /><br />***All electronics are the same as “The Bug” setup—see their website <a href="http://www.lightflite.com/">lightflite.com</a><br /><br />***Indoors Larry flies a 2 cell, 3 cell outdoors<br /><br />***He couples aileron & rudder for indoors (flew fine on full rates w/ no coupling for me – though for personally I’d set it up with WAY more throw especially for the elevator & ailerons. Not necessary for the rudder as it was pretty effective as it was. It’ll fly knife-edge with almost no rudder because of the MASSIVE amount of surface area on the side of its fuse! ☺)<br /><br />***Does NOT hover on a 2 cell, but does fine on a 3 cell for VTOL (Vertical Take Offs & Landings) and hovering (I haven’t seen a VTOL or hover, but trust Larry’s word as he says he’s done it outdoors easily with the 3 cell)<br /><br />***He cut a 9.6 prop down to fit the size he wanted (this is the way its flown in the video)<br /><br />***Only carbon fiber used is along the trailing edge of the wing – and – a piece above & below where the propeller “almost” touches the fuse—as the epp is thin there & needs reinforcing. Double click on the pictures above to enlarge them… and you’ll see these 3 pieces of carbon fiber.<br /><br />***He buys his epp, "9mm medium" (through r<a href="http://www.rcfoam.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=83">cfoam.com</a> for $37.50 he got 6 pieces of 9mm epp in 12x36inch sheets. Other guys at the club have purchased theirs through <a href="http://www.graysonhobby.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=104">graysonhobby.com</a> (Larry raved about their Tower Pro SG51R servos—a <a href="http://www.graysonhobby.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=16">3 PACK for only $19.95</a> – I haven’t used them, but for the price, he says they are great – and don’t strip out like others do.)<br /><br />***His Sumo turned out to have the CG 1 inch behind the prop (w/his mods – he extended the nose by an inch & the length of the rear fuse by 1 inch)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaXipMg0muVIorBWVKfjzUJnA8b3eKf-QZOMStassNUJ_nMZuFSW1aM-CcYxIzcUVMg2_TDTHss2_H5ayr0jpp1K8xff1IMvGrSg-52oQN7xd5SKLyGX4Mw13gTrwBBFHm8zcfZBqYwaM/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaXipMg0muVIorBWVKfjzUJnA8b3eKf-QZOMStassNUJ_nMZuFSW1aM-CcYxIzcUVMg2_TDTHss2_H5ayr0jpp1K8xff1IMvGrSg-52oQN7xd5SKLyGX4Mw13gTrwBBFHm8zcfZBqYwaM/s400/7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261913532431930402" /></a><br />***Hinges—Larry used hot glue as hinges, not blenderm tape! Interesting idea! He takes a hot glue gun & runs just a couple inches along the hinge line, then wipes it clean / smooth along the hinge so that there is just a little bit along the hinge itself. He does this a couple inches at a time till each hinge line is complete. When this dries it makes a nice flexible hinge that works great. The Sumo in the video has all its hinges done this way (see picture of hinge).<br /><br />***Larry also recommends the new radio for only $99 that <a href="http://www.polkshobby.com/">polkshobby.com</a> carries. It’s not spread spectrum, but—bang for the buck, he swears by this radio’s amazing features at such a low cost (again, I’ve not used it, but it does sound intriguing—and does indeed appear to be a good value for what you get, especially if one were just getting into this hobby).Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-24186411170194469222008-10-16T14:44:00.007-04:002008-10-16T15:16:44.726-04:00The "4D-Lite" from tufflight.com - The Plane That Taught Me 3D!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wtBXxNRXbcQybKyYT9G8jEbwNzSgbnnC_TDLlfjzJK6vzvdQ52tsBtk871mQOs7i2k7v-EfszTzm3uR4cDbwws-F46k_u6E4NGSD2LbTlBGda-y0nXaDikKS8p-rKLPhvFepHmlWLLI2/s1600-h/DSCN8091.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wtBXxNRXbcQybKyYT9G8jEbwNzSgbnnC_TDLlfjzJK6vzvdQ52tsBtk871mQOs7i2k7v-EfszTzm3uR4cDbwws-F46k_u6E4NGSD2LbTlBGda-y0nXaDikKS8p-rKLPhvFepHmlWLLI2/s400/DSCN8091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257829133925884050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny4ORydSwcAqDx1FLzgdIGVgnNr7tO_QR859SbdHGRKLBApkTLf6rozBGQA-hzRRre4HOlXGdUzSCuReCfO7Epzae4yTsqGGEP_8-TwiqHAYWV2Q78bMilULtcR2lwKgHkMWZ3vc3e8Q4/s1600-h/DSCN9323.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny4ORydSwcAqDx1FLzgdIGVgnNr7tO_QR859SbdHGRKLBApkTLf6rozBGQA-hzRRre4HOlXGdUzSCuReCfO7Epzae4yTsqGGEP_8-TwiqHAYWV2Q78bMilULtcR2lwKgHkMWZ3vc3e8Q4/s400/DSCN9323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257829127742976306" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mESvnmbT7_k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mESvnmbT7_k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Wow… it’s hard to explain just how important this plane is to me! Let me say it this way. If it weren’t for this plane from <a href="http://www.tufflight.com">tufflight.com</a> I wouldn’t still be flying. That’s the straight up – flat out truth! I wouldn’t be in this hobby still if it weren’t for this plane!<br /><br />I had been flying all Depron (the enemy! of aspiring pilots) planes and crashing regularly as all new pilots do… and I could neither afford the CONSTANT repairs, nor the nerves!<br /><br />“NERVES” you say, “What’s that about?”<br /><br />Glad you asked! ☺ I was getting pretty good on my flight simulator, but, when flying “the real thing” my nerves were just SHOT because I knew that if I crashed on the sim – you just hit reset & you’re off. With the Depron (the enemy!) planes I knew that if I crashed – I was not only DONE for the day – but that I was heading home for an hour or more of repairs via a glue-y gooey mess… every ounce of which (glue) I was adding more and more weight to the plane (3D planes MUST be light to fly 3D well indoors, say 6oz or less). Needless to say, that made for nervous “thumbs” as I flew – as all I could think about was “don’t crash” instead of focusing on my flying / development of skills. ☹<br /><br />I was about to quit the whole hobby when God (I believe) allowed a “chance” meeting with Mark & Joe – the owners of <a href="http://www.tufflight.com">tufflight.com</a> both great guys, great pilots – and engineers! ☺ They introduced me to their plane, this plane – the 4D-Lite. It’s gone through several revisions from that initial plane (the one I have pictured here) but, all the improvements have been very beneficial.<br /><br />To me, this is hands down the best plane for making the jump to 3D flying. Its as the owners purport – TOUGH! Yes, like an unbreakable comb… you can break it – but, doing serious damage… is something you will have to really work at to accomplish! ☺ Mine has taken serious crashes – hundreds probably – and keeps flying! Epp is good like that! ☺ Hence this entire blog! ☺ This plane however, makes the most of the material, combining it with carbon fiber supports in all the right places, a virtually indestructible landing gear design – and… <br /><br />…HERE IS THE BEST – the motor mount is “sacrificial.” ☺ What that means is when you crash nose 1st, the motor mount breaks cleanly – which protects your motor, propeller & plane from serious damage. The mount can be swapped out in less than a minute and you are back in the air. This is a BRILLIANT idea that saved my bacon bunches of time – and – kept me flying rather than repairing – which rocks in my book! <br /><br />If you enjoy the workbench – have at it – buy whatever junk you want. If you want to learn to fly – and are serious about learning 3D – this is the plane to make the jump. <br /><br />I think they still have my initial reaction to my first flight with it up on their “testimonies” page. Check that out… it’s a funny read! ☺ The skinny is, I really screwed up my first flight with it and SLAMMED it in hard. ZERO damage! ☺ THAT was my baptism into epp! <br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.tufflight.com">tufflight.com</a> & my testimonial<a href="http://www.tufflight.com/4dlite_pride.html"> (CLICK HERE) </a>on my first flight with it! BAD Crash - but a fun read! :-) (you’ll have to scroll down till you see the one in Pepsi colors, Red & Blue – as I’m a Pepsi nut too! ☺) <br /><br />They have several other video's - and some design changes to the exact plane I have shown here... for instance - the current design now has a FULL FUSE!!! How cool is that! These guys are always improving their designs! Do check out their page for several great videos of this plane in action. Nice!Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-45011186666596451072008-07-30T00:15:00.003-04:002008-07-30T00:32:06.256-04:00One More Reason For EPPMy boys have helped me discover ONE MORE GREAT USE for EPP foam - Nerf dart wars! :-) Yes, this is not directly related to rc airplanes - but, its related to my affinity for epp and its overall durability for use in rc construction... and it proves my point for this blog - EPP is GREAT stuff!<br /><br />Ok - do I know FOR SURE... 100% for a fact that "Nerf" material... is actually epp foam? No. :-) But, its very similar - and - the resiliency all of us enjoy in a Nerf ball when playing Nerf football with our kids or grandkids... thats the joy I get out of the durability of my EPP planes! :-)<br /><br />Now - back to the video - it features the "gang" in my neighborhood... my two boys and a WHOLE LOTTA friends... all from within just a few houses of ours! :-) Its a fun & lively neighborhood for sure! Well - this video shows multiple Nerf guns firing WAY MORE darts than you can appreciate. Most of these kids are shooting guns that unload 20 darts in less than 3 seconds! Thats allot of flying foam... flying EPP foam! :-) Not my usual way of "flying EPP" - but... I thought it'd be fun to post!<br /><br />Go EPP!!! :-)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YsOznHcxlVs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YsOznHcxlVs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-16561118471928709752008-05-27T19:20:00.007-04:002011-03-07T16:13:52.793-05:00BEST Starter Plane - $30 Aero Ace by Air Hogs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1GA7AhFz81NE-r-tJgQNEfhXuJHVyE3EcKmyliSliDbuXc4cHwKCIRdr39Bt6ro_cEUSH1MAjSJMHPd9xfau4lS_TUCijytXl5rkQVevJPoHxN_CDnyvYIsiEg_7kyOjnWHd2JmHO98Z/s1600-h/1+MAC+Tract+AERO+ACE+PAGE+ONLY.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205202832677425298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1GA7AhFz81NE-r-tJgQNEfhXuJHVyE3EcKmyliSliDbuXc4cHwKCIRdr39Bt6ro_cEUSH1MAjSJMHPd9xfau4lS_TUCijytXl5rkQVevJPoHxN_CDnyvYIsiEg_7kyOjnWHd2JmHO98Z/s400/1+MAC+Tract+AERO+ACE+PAGE+ONLY.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpO8rUSkdzkbGngS1qQwYBi7nZ7MyahM9qTcT0CyqMq5LI1uW23MC37uwpJmfyCjIJAFvthA9OnXE1zs0-l7sjsaL-mG-wGEQzjO8juMWj4NNrE9Kh1k1i5kFfi-BYNU2Hc7DCPnB_lym/s1600-h/aeroace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205202836972392610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpO8rUSkdzkbGngS1qQwYBi7nZ7MyahM9qTcT0CyqMq5LI1uW23MC37uwpJmfyCjIJAFvthA9OnXE1zs0-l7sjsaL-mG-wGEQzjO8juMWj4NNrE9Kh1k1i5kFfi-BYNU2Hc7DCPnB_lym/s400/aeroace.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>UPDATE 3/7/11 - Unfortunately this plane is no longer being offered by the fine (but not listening) folks at Air Hogs. I have personally spoken with them about this plane... yet they insist that they have better & better planes being offered. Uh - they don't! :-( This plane was seen at almost EVERY indoor flying event I went to for 2 years! I personally bought a dozen or so of them for non-fliers as gifts - so they could learn to fly. It was a great plane. But... </b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Air Hogs</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> insists their "new ones" are better. Well - they are wrong. And... its been years now since I've seen ANYONE at a flying club flying - or recommending ANY </b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Air Hogs</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> product. Too bad. They had a good thing going. To see what you missed - read below on this fine fine plane... </b></i></span><br />
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FIRST Picture <br />
– a JPEG of a write up I did on this plane for people I meet in parks - as people are ALWAYS asking me how they can get started in rc... inquiring as to what kind of plane to start with. So, I wrote this up to give out to folks that ask! :-) It's the teacher in me! :-) Anyways – click to enlarge, read & or save it for printing.<br />
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SECOND Picture <br />
– the $30 “Aero Ace” distributed by “Airhogs”<br />
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THIRD <br />
- is a video "Review" / "Test" I did to show the plane fly & to demonstrate its incredible DURABILITY! For "straight into walls" crashes... check this out!<br />
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WRITE UP: <br />
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Listen, it may sound “cheesy” but – I’d honestly recommend that you start with a “toy” plane from Wal-Mart... the little itty Biplane pictured. It only costs $30 bucks! It's called the "Aero Ace" and is distributed by "Air Hogs" and sold at most Targets & Wal-Marts. They sell out quickly - so check back if they are out. Some managers will even let you order them!<br />
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Why do I recommend these? Well, click on the first picture above & you can read a full write-up I wrote for complete "newbies" to rc flying. But, the basic reason is simple. Its a cheap way to see if you are really going to have what this hobby takes! <br />
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Seriously! To go out and spend $500 - $1000 bucks is EASY to do when getting started! ☹ If you do that... and then find you don’t really enjoy it – or that you don’t have the hand eye coordination for it… is a really dumb $500 / $1000 mistake! ☹ Get the plane pictured and practice with it - you won't regret it. <br />
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Oh - and please, DO NOT buy something else – most toy planes are JUNK and nearly impossible to fly – very breakable also! ☹ <br />
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When you get where you can fly this little gem easily in the space of an average driveway – doing circles left & right – and doing figure eights… I’d say that with that skill set – you’re now ready to advance to real rc planes. <br />
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(((Please, don’t be so arrogant as to make the $500 mistake I’ve seen others make. Buy the $30 toy first… please… I almost beg you!)))</div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-2385540934862513122008-05-17T14:44:00.006-04:002008-11-12T20:33:18.097-05:00The Bug<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l4FgBD8rrqztzKiOaOky3svw4EZQsB0reRM5s1HQk9hSt38wKRIBlV7JvyAvX51eJ8wu8uy-2H-_wzMgo63KOTAeZB24wL4ownmCrK_1uCImnSfX6GaOBESrW_L7VfAodRVrFSOzNOx4/s1600-h/DSCN8973.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l4FgBD8rrqztzKiOaOky3svw4EZQsB0reRM5s1HQk9hSt38wKRIBlV7JvyAvX51eJ8wu8uy-2H-_wzMgo63KOTAeZB24wL4ownmCrK_1uCImnSfX6GaOBESrW_L7VfAodRVrFSOzNOx4/s400/DSCN8973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201422037820002946" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>INDOOR Video In Gym<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t1b38hsBBwA&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t1b38hsBBwA&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>OUTDOOR Video In Park<div><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MMPDOUzfPso&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MMPDOUzfPso&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /></div><div>From: <a href="http://www.lightflite.com/">Lightflite.com</a></div><div><br />The Bug rocks! This is a fantastic kit – fit for novice – tough – not TRULY 3D, but… a great plane in all respects! I love it! And at an all up weight of only 6 oz’s – how can you go wrong! Even in a bit of wind… I have a blast flying this thing! It is my official “yard” plane! I fly it in both my front & back yard – and I live right in town – with houses right next to me… but this plane easily maneuvers in such tight spaces. A true joy to fly in my yard! Watch the video’s of it – and note the tight turning ability! NICE!!! </div><div><br />The Bug is a great example of why I love & promote EPP as a building material. This plane is lightweight – yet as durable as they come! There are “old timers” at my club flying this plane… and smashing it into EVERYTHING in the gym (walls, backboards, the rim, nets, bleachers, lights, speakers, PEOPLE) you name it, they’ve hit it! And… the ingenious design, coupled with the resiliency of EPP… and those old boys can just walk over & flip the plane right side back up… and go fly again! ☺ Now THAT’S a good plane!</div><div><br />Mind if I tell you my story on how I hooked up with this plane?</div><div><br />One of guys at my club was flying one, and encouraged me to get one. I’m flying all lightweight 6oz 3D planes… so “IFO” looking planes just didn’t catch my attention… but, I was kinda looking for something I could fly with these guys that they could relate to (the pastor in me probably!). So, I bought one… and had a blast building it (learned a ton of building techniques from their instructions too!). I took it to the club for the maiden flight and the gentleman that recommended it to me was standing right next to me as I plugged in the battery & checked the controls. I could tell he was nervous… as he’d recommended it… now… what if I didn’t like it! ☺ Well, used to 3D planes, I without even thinking about it… I hit the throttle. The plane leapt off the ground within 3-4 feet… and just clear of the ground… I did what I always do… I rolled the plane over on its back. The Bug tracked beautifully inverted – perfectly balanced… it flew only a foot off the ground. I applied rudder… and very smoothly… it turned, maintaining altitude easily with only a bit of “elevator & aileron” input. I circled it back around to myself, still inverted a foot off the ground… now flying straight towards myself… and then 4 feet from hitting me, I pulled it up into a hover… and that’s when it happened.</div><div><br />I smiled… and actually giggled… out loud! ☺</div><div><br />Yeah… I know, a bit corny for an adult male – but, its true! I had done everything kind of on 3D “auto pilot” till that moment. But, sitting there with an “IFO” in a VERY stable hover… 3 feet from my head… now that is just plane CRAZY fun! ☺</div><div><br />Our club only lets you fly for 5 minutes, then its someone else’s turn… so… for the next 4 minutes and 40 seconds… that smile never left my face! I couldn’t believe how fun this great little plane is!</div><div><br />CROWD STOPPER: As odd as it may sound… I’ve flown all kinds of really cool – fun looking planes… in public parks and such with many non RC people around and they are ALWAYS fascinated with the planes. But… what really REALLY surprised me is the amount of attention this particular plane draws. I can’t explain it. Is it its looks? Size? Color? I don’t know… but, I’ll be doing crazy stuff with my full out 3D planes… and then run a battery through the Bug doing basic (in comparison to the full out 3D maneuvers) stuff, and when I land… people flock me with questions on the Bug. ☺ Isn’t that weird!?! ☺</div><div><br />I can’t explain their interest… but it’s easy to explain mine! This is a fun little plane to fly – and durable as all get out, by design… and by its building material, EPP. Frequently I’m heading out on the road with a trip for church, or vacation or something with my family and I don’t have room for all my “stuff.” The Bug… my transmitter and my charger… are all I grab… and I know that I’ll be able to get in some flying wherever I end up! ☺ I literally “hang it” from the carbon fier “loop” on the front of the plane. I usually hang it on the clothes hooks in my car or van – whichever I’m taking for the particular trip. It’s the “take anywhere with ease” plane that fits almost any space requirement – and flies in almost any space available… as you’ll see from some of the TIGHT cornering I demonstrate in the video!</div><div><br />Get one of these – you won’t regret it! And, learn from the instructions… STUDY them… as there are many great building tips for building planes with EPP.<br /><br /></div></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-68708430560201245812008-03-11T13:25:00.004-04:002008-03-11T13:44:40.341-04:00Helicopter Ace Kyle Stacy - Only 11 Years Old!Helicopters?<div><br /></div><div>Yeah - not exactly my thing as you can tell from the rest of my blog - but, a few friends of mine are into them so I plan on touching on them here every once in awhile... just for them! :-) </div><div><br /></div><div>One is a young man I've had the privilege to get to know a little as he lives just a few hours from me & fly's at several of the same places I do. So, as a nod to him & his incredible "thumbs" - I thought I'd post this video of him flying in the summer of 2007. You'll be amazed at what this guy at only 11 years old (at the time) can do with a helicopter!</div><div><br /></div><div>In future posts I'll write on inexpensive (under $100) helicopters for beginners - that are made out of mostly... guess??? ...epp! :-) Till then - theres no better way to introduce you to what can be done with modern rc helicopters than to introduce you to this young man! Check out the video below - and find more on his website at <a href="http://www.kylerocks.com">www.kylerocks.com </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zFa3-PtLQA8"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zFa3-PtLQA8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-17723782373730898872008-03-07T13:38:00.004-05:002008-03-07T13:58:21.177-05:00Imperfect People, Part 1Perfect? Me neither! Fortunately for me, God not only loves me, sent His Son to die for me, and forgave me... but, He also lets me be a part of some of the big things He's doing in this world. But, I don't get to be a part of it because "I'm all cleaned up & perfect." :-) No. I'm growing, but... definitely not perfect.<div><br /></div><div>The Bible is clear, God doesn't choose us because we are qualified. No, He chooses the unqualified, qualifies us through His Son, and then makes us quality... like His Son!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Very cool!</div><div><br />If this doesn't sound like the "Bible" you know - check out this video... then do some "fact checking" for yourself.<br /><br />We are indeed, unqualified - imperfect - yet loved! Good stuff!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QnoPIuENS-I"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QnoPIuENS-I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-52787367273983486092008-02-24T20:08:00.015-05:002011-03-07T16:41:23.286-05:00Challenger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LZh4dQw6hFQ&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LZh4dQw6hFQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MUCH to my chagrin... Jimmie Wade is no longer designing & selling planes. :-( So... DO read on, as you will learn some things. However, you will note that the links are all dead, as his planes are no longer available. MISS YOU JIMMIE!!! </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the "Challenger" the latest from designer</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jimmie Wade (<a href="http://www.alphafoamies.com/">alphafoamies.com</a>) and boy oh boy does </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">it fly with the right "thumbs" on it! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have it - haven't built it yet. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Will post when I do... but certainly not with the thumbs</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">this guys got! As you'll see on the video!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was shot at E-fest, 2008 with R.J. Gritter at the sticks. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He's competed the last two years at the ETOC - and boy oh </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">boy can this guy fly!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;">Here's the particulars!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><b>Wing length =28” </b><b><br />
Fuselage Length = 29 3/8”<br />
Wing Area = 436 sq.-in.<br />
Side Area = 242 sq.-in.<br />
</b><b>Flying Weight =10.4 Ounces<br />
Weight without electronics 4.0 ounces<br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;">ALL 6mm EPP Foam</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;">Enjoy the video!</span></div></div>Pastor Mark Ferryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249434602541220970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341411993187191012.post-91445203517157276662008-02-08T19:27:00.014-05:002011-03-07T16:48:53.825-05:00Epp Contender<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIQ43mjQ4ipSsopaWE6N-ZZgdWqvL85B0salrOe7TQZuzOYtyNjkqlqgxxep3wN-r-ueDaYOIa7QXgdcNGLVKQ5A6wYU2S8lZ0AOsix617NaMD-6FEcPXBnujKldvA9LF4OqsPR4i4Hn8/s1600-h/DSCN8969.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164772006686356642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIQ43mjQ4ipSsopaWE6N-ZZgdWqvL85B0salrOe7TQZuzOYtyNjkqlqgxxep3wN-r-ueDaYOIa7QXgdcNGLVKQ5A6wYU2S8lZ0AOsix617NaMD-6FEcPXBnujKldvA9LF4OqsPR4i4Hn8/s400/DSCN8969.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">All I can say about this plane is WOW! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MUCH to my chagrin... Jimmie Wade is no longer designing & selling planes. :-( So... DO read on, as you will learn some things. However, you will note that the links are all dead, as his planes are no longer available. MISS YOU JIMMIE!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">This plane has revolutionized my flying!</span><br />
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<div>It weighs just 6oz & is made entirely of epp and carbon fiber. I'm running an E-flight Park 300 motor with a APC 8 x 3.8 prop (hovers easily at 1/2 throttle), ESC's a Phoenix 10, reciever's a Berg 4L microstamp, the aileron servo is E-flights e75 (heavy at around 9g's, but needed some torque to drive the FOUR huge ailerons!), the rudder and elevators are driven by small 3.7g servo's I bought through <a href="http://www.lightflite.com/">lightflite.com</a> (scroll WAY down their home page to find them) for only 9 bucks! How can you go wrong for 9 bucks! The plane is a full out kit (all epp parts already cut, includes all carbon fiber - already cut to length, wheels, etc) from designer Jimmie Wade and can be purchased directly from him at <a href="http://www.alphafoamies.com/">alphafoamies.com</a>.<br />
</div>It has ALL of the benefits of a lightweight flat foamie – without the downsides! The downside mainly being that most flat foamies are made out of depron (the enemy) and are therefore very VERY fragile. This plane is as tough as can be – while at the same time flexible enough to crash & still fly afterward!<br />
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Click on “EPP Crash PROOF Videos” in the right column under “Entries by Topic” to see a great video of crashes (more to come I’m sure! ☺) where this exact plane took a bunch of really hard crashes with ZERO damage!<br />
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Here’s my story with this plane. I had noticed another plane advertised online that Jimmie Wade had designed, but, being that it was built out of depron (the enemy) I wanted to see if he would sell me plans only – not the plane… as all I’d do with the plane would be to trace the depron (the enemy) parts… throw the depron (the enemy) out… and then build Jimmies design out of Epp. ☺ After several email exchanges – we got together on the phone & much to my surprise – Jimmie was WAY ahead of me!<br />
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Something I’ve since learned to expect from him! Jimmy rocks!<br />
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Jimmie told me that he was way ahead of me and already designing in epp… and he would send me a prototype within a week. I was headed out on vacation & didn’t get it in time (shipping issue, not Jimmy’s fault). Because of my busy schedule… that plane ended up sitting on my workbench for about 3 months… basically untouched. I had done just a couple assembly steps on my last day of “summer” vacation (I split my vacation time up). That was it.<br />
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Three to four months later, having a couple days vacation left… I took off… and finished the plane. That week I took it to a new indoor club north of me (Oswego Armory!) and maiden flighted her.<br />
Wow!<br />
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I landed… hands LITERALLY trembling with excitement! I had NEVER flown so good in all my life!<br />
I was immediately surrounded by guys asking questions about the plane.<br />
FULL DISCLOSURE – I was the only 3D pilot there that night. It was mostly slowflyers – 35 or 40 guys who’d never flown indoors before. I was like superman to them. Several asked if I was competing – or heading to the ETOC. ☺ I was polite… but told em no… I’d never flown that good in my life! It was the plane!<br />
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I unplugged the battery, shut the transmitter off & shook out my hands / fingers… I was literally trembling! ☺ I answered every question with a grin… as I explained to the guys that that was her first flight. They were blown away. This plane flew on rails… “right out of the box” so to speak!<br />
I called Jimmy on the way home & apologized to him for having left such a superb plane sitting on my workbench un-built all those months! I did! Honest! Ask him!<br />
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Jimmie’s instructions are superb. Don’t question the instructions – just obey them. If you do – you will be rewarded with a plane that flies on rails! It’s an incredible plane!<br />
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I’ve been flying on the simulator for a while now (more on that in an upcoming blog) but have been unable to get a depron (the enemy) plane to fly like the simulator showed me I was capable of. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Partly…</span> that’s because of building – and Jimmies instructions help you build her right! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Another part of it…</span> is the epp. Without the fear of any even minor crash sending me home…. I was / am able to relax… and concentrate on flying. My flying has improved markedly because of this. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Obviously, the remaining component is…</span> design. Straight up, the design of this plane is fantastic. From wingloading bla blaa bla details… to proper carbon fiber stiffening at all the right places… this is a wonderfully designed plane!<br />
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Oh… and I’m like a real life person with a very VERY full time job don’t forget! ☺ Kinda like a Doctor… but without the high salary (haven’t seen me on tv asking for any money have you! ☺).<br />
I’m on “call” all the time… and do NOT have the luxury of flying / practicing much. But… again, that’s why I started this blog. I KNOW other guys are out there like me… wanting to FLY. They / we DO NOT want to spend our only free hour each week… repairing depron (the enemy) planes! We want to FLY! And when we do… when I do… and I can stay in the air for the whole hour (virtually no repairs necessary) then I can improve my skills!<br />
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To me… that’s what its about! I didn’t get into this to become glue champion of the world! I wanted to learn to fly like QuiQue (<a href="http://www.somenzini.com/">QuiQue Somenzini</a>) like everyone else does!<br />
Which reminds me… QuiQue… if you are reading this… my NY buddies <a href="http://devinrocks.com/">Devin</a> & <a href="http://www.claytonrocks.com/">Clayton</a> are going to catch you man… they’re awesome!<br />
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This is a great plane guys & gals! Order one from Jimmy… you won’t be disappointed! See his site in the left column under “Pastors Visitation List” or click "<a href="http://www.alphafoamies.com/">Jimmy Wade</a>."<br />
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Check out the video below or bigger on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J00o71xWL_Q">YouTube</a>. I couldn’t fly like this before Jimmy's plane. I could on the sim… but not for real. Not till Jimmie Wade put the Epp Contender in my hands. Check it out. Oh… and QuiQue… Devin… Clayton… you don’t have to worry about me! ☺ I’m loving this 3D thing… and I AM improving thanks to Jimmy Wades designs… but, you guys rock!<br />
BUT… all three of you really should take a look at Jimmie’s planes! ☺<br />
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