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Post by jhillsmo on Jun 9, 2008 19:25:16 GMT 1
In my newness as a RC Flyer I have thrown two SC's into the ground trying to launch them, with predictable results.
I have the area available on property I own to build a runway out of 4x8 treated plywood. so the question is, "How long does it need to be for the SC and other models of RC I might decide to purchase after I learn the SC?" Nice thing about it is I can easily add 8' at a time for about $20 and being treated it should hold up for quite a while.
Thanx
JHillsmo
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Post by flydiver on Jun 9, 2008 20:00:27 GMT 1
Is it too rough to just get big 3" fat wheels? The stock wheels are inadequate for anything except smooth ground. Lots of info in the forum about adding larger wheels for less than $10 total. Looks better too.
fly
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Post by flyinghigh on Jun 10, 2008 1:10:13 GMT 1
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swimmer
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 95
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Post by swimmer on Jun 10, 2008 2:51:45 GMT 1
In my newness as a RC Flyer I have thrown two SC's into the ground trying to launch them, with predictable results. I have the area available on property I own to build a runway out of 4x8 treated plywood. so the question is, "How long does it need to be for the SC and other models of RC I might decide to purchase after I learn the SC?" Nice thing about it is I can easily add 8' at a time for about $20 and being treated it should hold up for quite a while. I'm a newbie and have had only 11 flights but have learned just a little. Forget the plywood and find an out of the way road, asphalt strip or concrete, heck cut the grass short and take off from there to learn ROG takeoffs. The plywood is 48" wide and you may not be able to keep it on this narrow wood runway. Right now, just concentrate on getting it into the air. There are many variables to say just how much runway you will need and there is no quick answer. Just give yourself plenty of room and take off into the wind if there is any and concentrate getting it to a safe flying altitude. This will give you the lift you need. I thought I could take mine off real short on flight 9. Well, too much elevator, not enough speed, stall and winged over to the right and I had to epoxy the motor mount back onto the fuselage. Ah, but tonight, I gave her plenty of runway with full throttle and the SC glided into the air with little difficulty or input from me and might I say, it was glory! I'm getting better each time I fly, gaining confidence (not cockiness because when I do I get smacked down) and I learn something each time. Spend the plywood money on more RC stuff. Thanx JHillsmo |
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swimmer
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 95
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Post by swimmer on Jun 10, 2008 2:52:45 GMT 1
Wow, that post is small. Guess I goofed.
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Post by snapperz on Jun 10, 2008 17:38:37 GMT 1
Thanks for the link. I went to my LHS, where they had some 3" du-bros, but they were too wide for the axle (meaning, I couldn't screw the nut back on the metal post (axle?)). So these look great and I just sent in an order. Thanks Flyinghigh! |
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Post by flydiver on Jun 10, 2008 18:29:44 GMT 1
Often when you up size wheels you have to deal with a skinnier main axle and a larger new hub hole. One method is to buy the right sized brass tubing for the new hub, cut a bit longer than the hub width, epoxy it on the original axle, then fix the new wheel on with a wheel stopper (available for many sizes at hobby stores). Works great
If its a small up size you can sometimes just wrap the axle with a bit of electrical tape cut to width.
fly
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Post by flyinghigh on Jun 10, 2008 21:39:42 GMT 1
I agree with Fly. I had to use a few brass tubes to get the wheel to fit perfectly on the axel. I can send you some pieces if you don't have any.
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Post by snapperz on Jun 10, 2008 22:48:00 GMT 1
FlyingHigh,
Do you think the electrical tape will work, or should I go get some brass tubes? In addition, did you get the wheel stopper?
Thanks gents.
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Post by flyinghigh on Jun 10, 2008 23:18:45 GMT 1
I can see electrical tape working. The only thing I see wrong with it is the wheel not spinning very well on it. But if you don't like it, you can always rip it off and put in some brass tubes. I didn't get the wheel stopper, I just used the stock plastic nut, but the wheel stopper may be a nice upgrade.
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Post by cjg on Jun 10, 2008 23:20:07 GMT 1
I used Dubro wheels by grinding the hub a bit narrower. Worked fine with brass tubing. Look over the section on landing gear/wheels in this forum to see pictures and options.
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Post by flydiver on Jun 11, 2008 1:26:20 GMT 1
The basic idea is you want the wheel to turn easily without any (much) wobble. Since the SC is whomping down and bending the s**t out of the LG all the time anyway this is NOT a high precision component.
I use the tape if the fit is 'close' and I don't have other parts at hand. For something that is a fair sized step up in diameter and width I'd go the extra effort to make it run properly.
FWIW d**n near ALL planes come with what might be considered scale LG but is wholly inadequate for this size of aircraft in any but smooth conditions. I generally upgrade/upsize most everything.
fly
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swimmer
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 95
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Post by swimmer on Jun 11, 2008 2:53:52 GMT 1
The Dubros wheel hub is 5/32". At least it is on my 2.5" wheels and the others look to be the same. Cut a short piece of 5/8"OD brass tubing, mine are 5/8" long, and smear epoxy, I used 5 minute, onto the landing gear hub. Slide the tubing on and work it back and forth to evenly spread the epoxy inside the tube. Be careful not to get the epoxy on the threads or on the tubing surface and wipe the extra off both ends of the tube. Just looks better. While it is setting try to keep the hub centered inside the tubing by eyeballing it. When set, the Dubros wheel will slide on and reconnect the black original plastic nut or use a 4-40 locknut. I also apply some graphite on the hub before sliding the wheel on. There is absolutely no wheel wobble and the wheels turn freely.
The wheel hub will have to be spot faced. In other words the Dubros wheel is wider than the gear hub is long and you will have to find some way to indent the hub area where you can get the nut back on. A dremel works also.
Note: Keep the epoxy off your hands. Some people can have a bad allergic reaction to it. Isopropyl alcohol is a good clean up for epoxy. Learned this from my rocketry days.
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swimmer
Flight lieutenant
Posts: 95
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Post by swimmer on Jun 11, 2008 12:44:06 GMT 1
"Cut a short piece of 5/8"OD brass tubing"
This should be,
" Cut a short piece of 5/32"OD brass tubing."
5/8" may be a little big. Sorry for the confusion.
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Post by snapperz on Jun 13, 2008 18:19:04 GMT 1
I should have studied the Landing Gear section before asking questions about the tires. Sorry about hijacking the thread.
Speaking of runways, I went to a local RC airport in Spanish Fork Utah. The runway was 50 yards long, but looked like crap. It had 1-1.5' ridges running perpendicular to the runway, So I guess if you can't take off in 20', your toast. (Next time I am there, I will take a picture)
Hopefully those wheels will be good enough for a ROG in the park's grass!
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