Trevor

You can use the new one for spares when the inevitable happens

Thanks, that's really handy for me, I wish I had known about them before. Shame they don't do aircraft stuff.

No problem, I've had worse said about me. JIM - whereabouts in Coulsdon is this heli place, I have never heard of it?

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments guys. It seems in summary that any 5-10% nitro, 18-20% oil with at most 5% castor and the rest synthetic will do the job for normal use and more nitro up to 30% is really only required for competitive use where the bit of extra power can make a difference. It looks like MT 10% Irvine formula should do the trick for me as Jim suggested. Or maybe 12% Magnum heliplus as it seems to be a bit cheaper, BlinkTrading sell a case of 4 US gallons on ebay for 54.99 inc. delivery (1 US gallon ~ 0.8 UK gallon). Thanks again

Some of you might have noticed,I was was running in a Saito engine on Sunday at the field. Just wondering what peoples views are on the best type of fuel for general running? Saito recommend 10-30% synthetic but McGregor recommend a castor based fuel to avoid accidental lean running damaging the engine. What fuel do others use/recommend?

Jim's saying "I'm sure there are usually only two blades" or "Wouldn't it look better painted different shades of purple"

Jim, Did this method of wing fixing work okay? I am looking for a way to fix the wings on my Ultimate and I don't fancy having to screw/unscrew a dozen little bolts every time I set it up. Does anyone know a better way to do this?

Thanks Leon, the EE Yak is a nice plane. The YS170 should make it really lively. Remember me when you get fed up with it and want to sell it!

Oh, right, I've got one of those, except it is not called a Yak No, really, is it the Extreme Flight one?

Nutzzzzz, How about some details of your new Yakkity Yak? What make is it, engine, servos, battery/Rx backup etc? Any pictures?

Another way is to cover the wing and aileron together and use the covering as the hinge. No gaps but a bit fiddly to do.

What about Wensleydale (Wallace and Grommit) and Cheddar?

Next time don't go to all the bother crashing it, just give it to me

The Hurricane flew today. It needed 10oz weight in the nose to balance and the final weight is 8lb 4oz (about 3.74 kg). After spending all afternoon running in and tuning the engine and after a bit of friendly prompting from Roger and others, I finally committed it to the air. It was a bit of an anti-climax really, it took off easily and just needed a bit of down trim. It was quite well behaved and apart from a noseover on landing was uneventful. The engine needs tuning better but I was really pleased. Some pictures from after the flight:

Painted in colours I got from a book on the Hurricane (a France based squadron) and "tattified" so it looks as if it has seen action. Humbrol Dark Earth for the camouflage (leaving the base dark green solartex) and matt polyurethane varnish over the top. Underside is night/white. Dry brush Humbrol silver to simulate worn paint on the aluminium panels. A layer of matt polyurethane varnish over the top. Not too much to do now. Wonder if will fly?

Chocker reckons it's ready to paint...

Now there is a cowl too

"Chocker" the pilot inspecting the engine mounting

Put a bigger engine in, a Super Tigre 90 2 stroke. Really goes well, vertical performance.

That would look great but all those bits sticking out would be victims of hangar rash in next to no time, so I will just cheat and cover the cannon ports with red fabric like they used to to keep the guns from seizing/freezing before they were fired, it's easier that way.

I have stalled while I think about what to do next. I have made the tail fairing (from soggy cardboard as per Dennis Bryant) and it looks okay. I think I will finish the fuselage and cowl next and paint it before I do the cockpits and panels. No rush but I would hope to have it flying before the Airshow (2007 that is!)

The fus covered in dark green solartex. Really fiddly around the wing fairings

I came across this design for a steerable takeoff dolly which might interest Herr Klunk

Peter, I would very much like to see it if you can bring one club night