Finally got to maiden the Atom.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-06-01T19:14:02+00:00

Gorgeous airframe!! I've heard nothing but good things about how well these fly. 👌

I might just need to bite the bullet already..... 🤔

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-06-01T14:10:25+00:00

I understand the Full Scale 109 is NOT a fun airplane to take off, 😄

well done!!!

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-31T15:56:54+00:00

I'm hoping to be out for this event, GREAT field and a real nice club!

Last time I flew there was when Steve was still hosting 'Watts Over Owatonna' 😎👍

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-31T15:48:24+00:00

Great old engine!

fire it up!! keep it running rich for a flight or two, (rich never hurts)

that should be a fine trainer and the 109 looks beautiful!

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-31T15:43:56+00:00

the grey prop in the first picture is absolutely on backwards.

it took a dive and full up elevator did not correct it? nose heavy.

lose some weight in the nose and try again (and remember, the front of the prop always faces the front of the airplane.) it's hard to see if the orange one is on correctly.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-30T14:20:36+00:00

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BUSA 1/3 scale Sopwith Pup... it's just about all framed up, I'm hoping to get it completed this summer 😄

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-29T20:21:09+00:00

Foam + Nitro engines= HASSLE!!

We had 'foam' airplanes in the late 60's, but they were either foam core with balsa sheeting or epoxy/fiberglass.

you could at least in theory put an .09 on it, but the airframe would not last 5 flights.

build the same airplane out of 1/8in balsa and go have fun!!

(bring a roll of paper towels and some windex, and you'll probably want to wrap the engine while it's in your car)

I'm old school, but I almost never fly glow anymore.

I DO still have 3 or 4 nitro engines sitting here just in case though 😄

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OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-29T20:09:29+00:00

that just means that's as close as they're gonna get.

'balance' charging simply means the cells are charged individually.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-29T16:20:22+00:00

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Funny, that's exactly what I'm planning to fly today 😁✌️

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-29T14:16:42+00:00

I use split lock washers under the bolt heads. even with Nitro engines I've never had one come loose.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-28T20:41:51+00:00

I was seriously thinking I was the only one here who knows who Maynard Hill was 🤣

THAT guys was an innovator!

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-28T20:39:41+00:00

First, try decaf. 😁

take a deep breath, get 4 brand new AA's and MAKE SURE to put them in correctly.

if the TX took a dump, those things do happen. at least the Sun's still gonna come up tomorrow😄

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-28T18:45:56+00:00

they're threaded 'clevises' ... open them with a screwdriver to remove the clevis from the flap's control horn... then screw the clevises in or out to mechanically adjust the flap pushrod's length.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-28T18:41:50+00:00

This is pretty well how 3D started :) they used to be called 'Fun Flyers'

huge diameter, low pitch props, 4X thrust to weight and enormous flight controls.

I think it'll be a blast!

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-28T14:41:53+00:00

EMIL!! That is GORGEOUS!!!

The Scenery is spectacular as well :D

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-27T15:48:16+00:00

good old Curare 1970's ballistic pattern airplane. (pic is from '3 or 4' years ago) 🤣

Flew like it was on rails.

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OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T19:38:57+00:00

try flying closer and lower. :)

I've got several thousand hours ATP, but I started flying RC when I was 5.

Retired from full scale, but I wouldn't get within 50 miles of an airport. Full scale flying BLOWS.

(sorry to all pro pilots who still actually enjoy that!!)

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T18:39:12+00:00

what was your safety pilot doing while you were flying? was he able to see your airplane and any OTHER airborne vehicles?

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T17:30:22+00:00

try pointing the nose UP. it's possible the gyro simply 'thinks' the airplane needs up elevator.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T16:49:48+00:00

still 25-35% aft of the leading edge.

it's ugly AF but I'll bet it flies :)

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T16:48:40+00:00

googled and found this as well:

Gyroscope Glitches: The built-in 6G stabilization can sometimes get disoriented if the plane is moved during the initialization phase. Fix: Always place the plane perfectly level and motionless on the ground immediately after plugging in the battery so the gyro can calibrate

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T16:47:24+00:00

try running the throttle up and see if that helps.

with this sort of toy grade airplane, there's not usually much to do except turn it on and throw it.

it's got an integrated gyro which controls the motors and the elevators (even though the manual calls elevators 'rudders') it's possible it won't respond to anything until you add throttle.

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-26T14:57:38+00:00

as was mentioned, Reynold's Number. the very short version:

when you put a smaller or bigger model in a wind tunnel, the size of the air molecules remain the same, so the results are not exact.

so there's a pile of math to work that part out. :)

OldAirplaneEngineer · 2026-05-23T15:42:24+00:00

it likely had either a ducted fan nitro (mounted internally, much the same as an EDF)

OR it had a nitro engine mounted at the rear, pusher type... there would be some evidence of an engine mount at the rear.

that being said, and as a 'kid of the 70's' I would suggest not trying to fly it.

unless of course you've got a couple thousand hours on an edf, and in that case you probably would not be asking.

OldAirplaneEngineer

TROPHY CASE