What did you fly today?

[SanExup]

davegee In Cheyenne at the Air National Guard Museum. I don't make it to Cheyenne much, twice in 25 years, but it'll be worth a visit the next time I find myself down there.

[davegee]

I had my FMS 1500mm P-47D Razorback "Ole Cock" hanging up in the garage all winter. The other day, I took it down, ran some checks on it, and today I took it out to the field early and got 5 flights on it. Went pretty well, every plane flies just a little bit differently, but it flew ok. I have some minor issues with it tracking properly on the ground during taxi, and after a smooth landing, I have some control issues keeping it straight down the runway. When it gets slow, it wants to do a ground loop, which is hard on the gear and structure, even while going pretty slowly. I'm going to work on that today before I fly again. It's possible I'm oversteering the tailwheel and rudder on landing rollouts, not totally sure on that. My other P-47s don't have this issue.

This plane has a 3D printed spinner to simulate the Curtiss Electric prop and also scratchuilt cooling cuffs at the base of each prop.

For those interested, this is a replica of a plane flown by Lt. Donavan Smith, 61st fighter squadron of the 56th Fighter Group in WWII. He eventually became a Lieutenant General in the Air Force, but unfortunately passed away at age 51 from a brain tumor. He is buried at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Davegee

[davegee]

As I said earlier, don't go by a supplier's labeled C on any battery. It's all just marketing. I've tested a multitude of brands with the Progressive IR meter and the actual C is no where near the advertised C. SMC'S are the closest to real. I've found the real C in most cases to be only 20% to 50% of advertised. A popular 100 C tested out at 18 C.

MCS Guys independent study is quite eye opening and will help make lipo decisions.

Good info, as always.

Thanks, Hugh.

Davegee

[Hugh Wiedman]

I'm going to get a 5000 mAh battery, I can't remember the C value, but it is quite a bit higher than the Admirals, and price is much cheaper, too.

Davegee

As I said earlier, don't go by a supplier's labeled C on any battery. It's all just marketing. I've tested a multitude of brands with the Progressive IR meter and the actual C is no where near the advertised C. SMC'S are the closest to real. I've found the real C in most cases to be only 20% to 50% of advertised. A popular 100 C tested out at 18 C.

MCS Guys independent study is quite eye opening and will help make lipo decisions.

[davegee]

davegee Nice spring weather in the Tetons means cold rain and some snow, but we've had some warmth and I went south a few weeks ago to the warmth and got to fly. And I bet the lakes are thawed enough to go float fly, that'll be my weekend if the weather isn't too crazy. I'll have to post some pics if I can make it happen.

Here is the WYOANG T33, the shiny silver would be the crux but near scale would probably be satisfactory to pass the 70 mph rule, if it looks good at 70mph I'm happy with it. Cheers! I will make it to Cody this summer!

Hi SanExup: Great photos of the Wyoming ANG T-Bird! That would make an excellent and probably unique scale contribution to aviation history, as told by RC aircraft. I hope you go ahead with that scheme on a Shooting Star! Be sure to post pics for us all to see!

Do you know where those photos were taken? Where is this aircraft on display? Is it at Warren AFB in Cheyenne? Just a guess.

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

Don't get me wrong Dave, I do need to point out that Admirals are a solid pack, especially since they went to GreyPower (the 1000 pound gorilla of lipos ) to make them a couple of years ago. They're just a bit heavier. And the "advertised" C on all suppliers labels are pure fantasy. And the "Smart" batteries are way too expensive/heavy and generally suck for power!

Danny with SMC has spent years getting specific lipos to his specs manufactured and IMO has become the gold standard for Flight Lipos. I used to fly exclusively Admirals and must have tried out hundreds of different brands but in the last 2 years I have now gone to SMC alone. The 5900 pack (in 6S and 8S) is what I now use in almost everything, except the SMC 4400 HiV (8S & 6S) in a few aircraft. At 740 gr, the 5900mah is the same weight as the Admiral 5000 and the 6200mah at 850gr and 7200mah at 928gr compares to the Admiral 6000 mah at 910gr. The actual C of the SMC's is also above the Admirals. I suggest you go to the SMC Racing website and click on the area that takes you to the independent testing of over 30 batteries that MCSGuy posts on RC Groups. SMC is at the top of his studies. The price for the SMC HiV's is very competitive and the prices of his non HiV packs is about 1/2 that of others.

I used to fly my F-18, F-16 and both F-4's on the Admiral 6000 packs, then went to the non HiV SMC 6200 pack (definite improvement in power-weight 830gr). Then when Danny introduced the 740 gr HiV 5900 pack I tried it in all those and loved them, actually got more flight time with the loss of some 90 gr and the aircraft flew much better and got off grass runways much quicker. I've since converted the F-16 and the 2 F-4's to 8S (using the SMC HiV5900 8S) but still use the 6S in both F-18's and in the A-10 (which saved 180 gr and allows me ridiculous flight times). That same pack in the Corsair gives me over 10 minutes of flight time and over 12 minutes in the Spitfire. I've sold off all my other 100 packs and brands.

I sound like an SMC advertiser, but am finally content that I have been able to reduce my inventory of lipos from over 100 to about 20 and don't have to worry about flight pack issues-kinda. Concerning SMC, I'm now like the mass murderer on death row claiming I've "Seen the Light" and should be released into society to change the world of RC. Danny also has the best customer service I've experienced.

I'll get off my soap box now, but you'd be remiss in not giving those packs a looky loo

Not at all, Hugh! I appreciate your opinion on batteries and electrical systems for RC airplanes. I went online last night and read through some of the tests they do to rate the power of their batteries. I was going to buy one, but it is out of stock right now. I'm on the notification list once they come in again. I'm going to get a 5000 mAh battery, I can't remember the C value, but it is quite a bit higher than the Admirals, and price is much cheaper, too.

I'll get back to you with a flight report once I do get one of the backordered batteries to test out on my Hornet and F-4.

Appreciate your comments and recommendations!

Cheers

Davegee

[Elbee]

Hugh Wiedman

Thanks Hugh, these are now on my to do list.

I've been wanting some fresher packs and by your comments the 5900 sounds like a solid replacement for my RT 6250s.

Best, LB

[Hugh Wiedman]

Thanks, Hugh. I know you are the "guru" of power systems, and your word means a lot to me. I did order a 6S Admiral which has been my "go to" for years as a replacement for an old battery that went south. I've had a few of the more expensive Horizon Smart batteries 6S 30C, but have been disappointed that it loses a cell here and there even though I "baby" them. I only have one of those left to fly, but the 30 C rating seems low for my Hornet at this altitude (5,000 feet MSL) if I understand the "C" rating correctly. My Admirals are 50 C and they seem to perform ok at this altitude.

I'll buy one that you recommend and try it out. For most of my prop planes, no big deal, but for my jets like the F-18 and F4, I want more power at this altitude.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Cheers

Davegee

Don't get me wrong Dave, I do need to point out that Admirals are a solid pack, especially since they went to GreyPower (the 1000 pound gorilla of lipos ) to make them a couple of years ago. They're just a bit heavier. And the "advertised" C on all suppliers labels are pure fantasy. And the "Smart" batteries are way too expensive/heavy and generally suck for power!

Danny with SMC has spent years getting specific lipos to his specs manufactured and IMO has become the gold standard for Flight Lipos. I used to fly exclusively Admirals and must have tried out hundreds of different brands but in the last 2 years I have now gone to SMC alone. The 5900 pack (in 6S and 8S) is what I now use in almost everything, except the SMC 4400 HiV (8S & 6S) in a few aircraft. At 740 gr, the 5900mah is the same weight as the Admiral 5000 and the 6200mah at 850gr and 7200mah at 928gr compares to the Admiral 6000 mah at 910gr. The actual C of the SMC's is also above the Admirals. I suggest you go to the SMC Racing website and click on the area that takes you to the independent testing of over 30 batteries that MCSGuy posts on RC Groups. SMC is at the top of his studies. The price for the SMC HiV's is very competitive and the prices of his non HiV packs is about 1/2 that of others.

I used to fly my F-18, F-16 and both F-4's on the Admiral 6000 packs, then went to the non HiV SMC 6200 pack (definite improvement in power-weight 830gr). Then when Danny introduced the 740 gr HiV 5900 pack I tried it in all those and loved them, actually got more flight time with the loss of some 90 gr and the aircraft flew much better and got off grass runways much quicker. I've since converted the F-16 and the 2 F-4's to 8S (using the SMC HiV5900 8S) but still use the 6S in both F-18's and in the A-10 (which saved 180 gr and allows me ridiculous flight times). That same pack in the Corsair gives me over 10 minutes of flight time and over 12 minutes in the Spitfire. I've sold off all my other 100 packs and brands.

I sound like an SMC advertiser, but am finally content that I have been able to reduce my inventory of lipos from over 100 to about 20 and don't have to worry about flight pack issues-kinda. Concerning SMC, I'm now like the mass murderer on death row claiming I've "Seen the Light" and should be released into society to change the world of RC. Danny also has the best customer service I've experienced.

I'll get off my soap box now, but you'd be remiss in not giving those packs a looky loo

[SanExup]

davegee Nice spring weather in the Tetons means cold rain and some snow, but we've had some warmth and I went south a few weeks ago to the warmth and got to fly. And I bet the lakes are thawed enough to go float fly, that'll be my weekend if the weather isn't too crazy. I'll have to post some pics if I can make it happen.

Here is the WYOANG T33, the shiny silver would be the crux but near scale would probably be satisfactory to pass the 70 mph rule, if it looks good at 70mph I'm happy with it. Cheers! I will make it to Cody this summer!

[davegee]

Dave, you should check out the SMC High Life Cycle packs. I use the 6S HiV 5900 packs in virtually all my 6S aircraft now,; Corsair, Spitfire, FW 190, and all my 80-90mm EDF's. If you're not into HiV packs, his standard packs are also exceptional. Lighter weights and higher actual C. The HiV 5900 weighs in at 740 gr.

Thanks, Hugh. I know you are the "guru" of power systems, and your word means a lot to me. I did order a 6S Admiral which has been my "go to" for years as a replacement for an old battery that went south. I've had a few of the more expensive Horizon Smart batteries 6S 30C, but have been disappointed that it loses a cell here and there even though I "baby" them. I only have one of those left to fly, but the 30 C rating seems low for my Hornet at this altitude (5,000 feet MSL) if I understand the "C" rating correctly. My Admirals are 50 C and they seem to perform ok at this altitude.

I'll buy one that you recommend and try it out. For most of my prop planes, no big deal, but for my jets like the F-18 and F4, I want more power at this altitude.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Cheers

Davegee

[Hugh Wiedman]

Thanks, Elbee. I am finishing up painting the wingtip repair tonight and ordering some new batteries from MRC now. I still have a few newer 5000 6S batteries I can fly, but I really need to have some fresh ones to replace the ones I've been using for years!

Cheers

Davegee

Dave, you should check out the SMC High Life Cycle packs. I use the 6S HiV 5900 packs in virtually all my 6S aircraft now,; Corsair, Spitfire, FW 190, and all my 80-90mm EDF's. If you're not into HiV packs, his standard packs are also exceptional. Lighter weights and higher actual C. The HiV 5900 weighs in at 740 gr.

[davegee]

With better Spring weather taking hold, I'm able to dust off planes I haven't flown for awhile and test them out. Today I flew one of my P-47s, Penrod and Sam, and my E Flite LOU IV. They both flew beautifully, and the weather was just perfect. Just a little headwind, which helps for takeoffs and landings, and very smooth weather that allows these planes to fly like they are on rails. A good time to get some flights in today, before heading for the pool to do some laps.

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

I took a little inspiration from your P-47 and with the help of callie graphics - My plane came out great! I painted the canopy trim red and added some wet decals along with the callie graphics.

Nicely done, Peajay! Now tear up the skies with your 9th USAAF Jug!👍👍👍

[Elbee]

Peajay5,

Bravo Zulu, Sir.

She's a looker for sure.

Good livery choice.

Best, LB

[Peajay5]

Thanks, peajay5. It was a fun makeover and allowed me to detail some of my personal favorite things to do on these airplanes. I am going to add a few more photos taken just a couple hours ago when I got a flight on with the new V3 Corsair prop which is much more in scale to real thing. The stock prop works fine, I guess, but it looked a bit goofy to me when you look at photos of the real airplane! Flies beautifully on this larger prop.

Cheers

davegee

I took a little inspiration from your P-47 and with the help of callie graphics - My plane came out great! I painted the canopy trim red and added some wet decals along with the callie graphics.

[f4u ausie]

As always great shots,, luv that f4

[davegee]

Brought my Freewing F-4N and B-2 Spirit out to the field today. Great weather, low winds, so perfect to fly the B-2. Lots of fun.

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

davegee

That is one fine looking Bug, Sir.

Best, LB

Thanks, Elbee. I am finishing up painting the wingtip repair tonight and ordering some new batteries from MRC now. I still have a few newer 5000 6S batteries I can fly, but I really need to have some fresh ones to replace the ones I've been using for years!

Cheers

Davegee

[Elbee]

davegee

That is one fine looking Bug, Sir.

Best, LB

[davegee]

I got two more flights on the Hornet today, and two with my dependable T-33. A bit cold, but the snow was off the runway from the recent storm, a bit of a right crosswind, but I opted to fly.

After I did my warm up flights with the T-Bird, it was time for the Hornet. First takeoff roll was a bit shaky but I got it off the ground ok. The rest of the flight I felt much more in control of the situation, and didn't have the problem I experienced on earlier flights where I was going too fast when I brought the first notch of flaps down. This caused the plane to "balloon" up and pitch up fairly sharply (no gyro installed presently), but was plenty manageable. I'm getting back in the groove with gauging the speed of the jet when I apply flaps/gear.

I flew one flight with the wings "clean" of any ordnance, and the second flight tested out the new 3D printed AiM-9s on the wingtips. Couldn't see any problems with drag or directional control, it was as if the airplane didn't even have them on the wings. The landings were also better and I'm learning techniques to allow me to carefully move my left thumb on top of the rudder/power stick and move my left index finger on top of the bind button on top of the transmitter where I simply need to press down on the bind button to apply brakes, as needed. All the while, i'm using my left thumb to keep the steering straight down the runway as it is decelerating to a stop (in theory!). For me, a bit tricky, but I'm getting better at it. Brakes on all my jets are a good thing, and well worth the price.

So, it was a good day. No scratches or dings on the aircraft this morning, no "dumb thumbs" and takeoffs equalled landings, which is always a good thing. I'm hoping to improve my flying skills with this challenging aircraft (for me, a nearly 70 year old-"old fart") and enjoy what these planes do for me and my interest in this hobby.

Cheers

Davegee

Took the F-18 and the T bird for a few flights today. Nothing special about the T-bird, loving its performance and also the wheel brakes are great at this altitude and type of runway that I am operating out of.

The F-18 I reinstalled the "Elbee cockpit" with all the beautiful 3D printed details that he designed for this special improvement to the cockpit. It is heavier, almost twice that of the stock cockpit so I had to move the battery back over an inch to get the correct CG. Most of my flights, today (with the old and new aircraft from the previously reported crash landing last year) was flight number 33 and it flew great with the missiles and the detailed Elbee cockpit onboard.

The second flight was somewhat of a problem, though. I have several 6S 5000 mAh 50C Admiral batteries that have gotten a LOT of use, as I have been flying almost exclusively 6S batteries for years. Everything was charged up properly and I was ready for another fun flight. However, on the takeoff roll, it seemed a bit "off" from the high pitch I'm used to hearing on full takeoff power. When I took off, it was definitely lacking power, and I brought the gear and flaps up. The plane was slow and struggling, so I figured I better bring it right back around for a landing. I wanted to be sure I didn't stall it or do something stupid so I flew it in high and landed pretty far down the runway. I have JP brakes so it came to a stop ok, but it tipped onto one wingtip and caused minor damage that I'm repairing now. I have retired that battery to ground ops from now on.

I need to purchase a couple more batteries, fresh ones that I can count on. The ones I was using are about 2 1/2 years old so maybe I need to change out batteries sooner than I have been doing them. For planes like P-47s and P-51s, they're probably fine, but for big battery eaters like jets and the F-18, I need good fresh, high power batteries.

Was wondering if anyone has a consensus how long they fly their better jet airplanes on batteries before they retire the batteries for new ones?

Cheers

Davegee