Trevor

Don, the Old Warden winner must have been quite a plane if your Blackburn didn't win. At least you won something, well deserved.

The first attempt at taxiing resulted in a spread undercarriage and a broken u/c linkage. The mechanical retracts as supplied only opened to 80 degrees and with the wing dihedral this resulted in an effective 70 degrees which made it look as if it was doing the splits. When I looked at the retracts I noticed that if one particular part was turned around it would open to 90 degrees instead of 80 degrees. It was probably designed to do this but it wasnt obvious. So I did this and it now sits much better. I also upgraded the u/c linkages to M3 so just waiting for Sunday to try taxiing again

I guess this is the next step in pilotless air warfare. Technically, it is a terrific advance in autonomous aircraft design. Not sure about the moral aspects of it though. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/23276968

Just a few pictures of the finished plane. The pilot looks suitably swarthy with a nice thick moustache. Hope to maiden it in the near future. The only thing I have doubts about is the undercarriage which seems to want to spread too easily.

Hi, I would have thought it would be easier and cheaper to buy a new trainer. The HiBoy is not the easiest plane to learn on and a major rebuild with covering and wood costs could cost as much as a new trainer. Failing that, the HiBoy is an old model so I would be surprised if any plans exist. Have you searched the net for any?

I agree, quite a model and sounds superb with all 4 engines revving

Nice work Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

Molto bello. And nicely under the weight limit for such a big plane.

Now here's a thing, controlling a model by thought alone. Also an idea for a future fun fly obstacle course? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22764978

Decals painted. Now the cockpit.

This is more advanced than a stabiliser, it is a fully fledged auto pilot that can navigate a vehicle on a set course without having to control it at all, at least potentially. How it works out in practice is yet to be seen and I am not sure the BMFA has any rules for this yet.

Ok, who's going to be the first to try it? http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... source=EDM

I like this one. Must try and clear some space in the workshop and do something like this.

It's coming on, slowly due to lack of spare time, but should be ready for the static competition in June. Painting is done, now for the decals. The three part cowl was a nightmare to get aligned with the 4" spinner but it went right in the end.

Here is a useful RCM&E video about electric model aircraft safety http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9l8uHN5W8g‎

Here is a good article about safe starting of an IC engine. Please take note! http://allrcflight.wordpress.com/2013/0 ... ne-safely/

I would just like to remind people who fly electric planes about restraining them even when they are not in use. Unlike ic engines, electric motors can start by themselves. It is all too easy to forget to unplug the battery after a flight then, when the transmitter is turned on for the next model the electric one can start up. Another scenario is if the Tx fail safe is set incorrectly and when the transmitter is turned off, the plane can go to full throttle. This could occur in the pits area with lots of people in close proximity and these planes can potentially cause a lot of damage

Looks really nice Peter Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

Kings Lynn Models is doing Phoenix for a good price £64.90 http://www.kingslynnmodelshop.co.uk/Fli ... ning+Offer

Yes, I notice there are some on the Purley Way and on a recreation ground in South Croydon, so be very careful about locking the gate after entry and exit.

Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22256505

Takes your breath away!

One other thing to note in case you didn't already know, tuning an engine on the ground is one thing but when it is flying it is possible to over rev an engine by, say, a power dive and it is this that the engine should be tuned for, so that in these circumstances the richer setting on the ground becomes a "normal" setting in the air and you don't damage the engine. This is just stuff others have told me over the years and I am passing on.

I think you are right Shane. If you want one of the cheaper engines there is no detectable difference between, say, SC and ASP and you might as well shop around for the cheapest deal. I have some ASP 4-strokes and an SC 2-stroke and they all perform very well with no real issues, though I have known people who have had these engines and could not get them running properly. Whether this was poor running in or a manufacturing problem, such as yours with the needle valve, who knows. Buying from someone like Just Engines could help as they have good after sales service and can help correct su