Project

Project

Converting a Petrol Strimmer or Chainsaw into a Large Scale R/C Model Aircraft Engine

 Before looking at the actual process of converting a garden power engine for model aircraft use, we need to know what considerations must be taken into account when looking for the most appropriate type of engine to use. Many of the commonly available Strimmer and Chainsaw Petrol Engines are suitable for conversion for Large Scale Model Aircraft use, but some have hidden drawbacks that will make the conversion technically difficult or too expensive to be viable. Typical DIY market low cost machines are those made by Homelite, Ryobi and McCulloch. When converted, these will produce a low performance, relatively heavy model aircraft engine suitable for high wing or trainer models such as a Cub or our own 1/5 scale RAF Chipmunk Trainer.

Power will be a similar to the average 120 4 stroke, but at twice the weight. Higher performance machines, aimed at the professional horticultural market, come from manufacturers such as Stihl and Makita. Listing the best conversion candidates from the currently available low cost machines is difficult because the manufacturers keep changing the model numbers and specifications as they further develop their products. The good news is this means an on ongoing price reduction of the source garden machine. The bad news is that due to the manufacture’s ever pressing need for cost reduction, they are utilising unsuitable (for our aircraft use) carburettors, etc.

Read more: Converting Strimmer Motor for RC Use

Project

Der Messerschmitt BF 109 (aka ME 109) war ein deutsches Weltkrieg-Kampfflugzeug, das von Willy Messerschmitt und von Robert Lusser während des frühen zu den mittleren dreißiger Jahren entworfen war. Er war einer der ersten zutreffenden modernen Kämpfer der Ära, einschließlich solche Eigenschaften wie ein Ganzmetallschalenaufbau, eine geschlossene Überdachung, ein einziehbares Fahrgestell und wurde durch liquid-cooled, aero Maschinen inverted-V12 angetrieben. Die 109 ersten sahen Betriebsservice während des spanischen Bürgerkrieges und waren noch im Service an der Dämmerung des Strahlenalters am Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges, währenddessen es das Rückgrat des Luftwaffe' war; s-Kämpferkraft. Vom Ende von 1941 wurde der BF 109 durch das Focke-Wulf FW 190 ergänzt.  Frühe Modelle hatten Jumo 210 Maschinen, aber später wurde das leistungsfähigere Daimler die Maschine mit 600 Reihen verwendet.

FThe Messerschmitt Bf 109 (aka Me 109) was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, a retractable landing gear, and was powered by liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 aero engines. The 109 first saw operational service during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the dawn of the jet age at the end of World War II, during which time it was the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force. From the end of 1941 the Bf 109 was supplemented by the Focke-Wulf Fw 190.  Early models had Jumo engines but later the more powerful Daimler engine was used.

Read more: Messerschmitt ME109

Project

West Wings Hawker Tempest Mk V

Monday, 3rd July 2011.  I had this kit as a Birthday present about 5 years ago. The original intention was to put a 120 cu mm twin cylinder CO2 motor in it, rather than use the foot of elastic band that came in the box, and fly it free flight. This summer (remember it?) I took it on holiday in the caravan and got the fuselage about half built.

The intention now is to electrify it with RC on throttle, rudder and elevator. This involved a bit of redesign. I opted for the “build then modify” approach, rather than think it out first and do some drawings. I am completely new to electric flight, LiPos, ESCs and all, so it’s a learning curve. I purchased a Mini Combo kit via Channel4 from TechOne Hobby. After obtaining a balancer to fit my Pro Peak charger, I did some tests on the motor and ESC. Eventually got it working, after finding on the web blogs that the Spektrum AR6300 (2 gram) is wired differently from all their other receivers. The JST ZXH mini plugs have the black neutral wire on the middle pin. Fiddly, aren’t they?

Read more: West Wings Hawker Tempest

Project

This article describes my build of the CMPro Ventus 2HX near scale glider.  Not top end of market as models go but will enable many to get into gliding either off the slopes or via aero-tow.  This glider is a 2.6 meter model with air brakes, retractable wheel and should weigh in at about 1200g  - 1300g depending on your set-up.  It can be flown using the minimum of three channels or 6 -7 depending on your build and type of use.

The first thing you notice is the finish of the fuselage which is GRP on ply formers.  Decals are pre-fitted and lay under a protective gloss coat.  Larger decals are included for the wings but are not applied.  The wings are traditional built-up balsa/ply and covered in a white film.  The wing tips are finished with plastic winglets.

In the parts bags are the undercarriage/wheel (assembled), gear doors, lots of small ply parts which when glued together become the cockpit lock mechanism.  Laying and taped down in the main box is the steel wing spar (the Discus used carbon rod) some wire rods (which will become control rods) and a bag of tiny plastics parts which include small clevises, rudder control wire & fittings, grub screws for collets etc.

Read more: Ventus 2HX