ocean county modelers,ocmrc.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2015d-april.pdf · ocean county modelers,...

Safety is Your Job

Ocean County Modelers, Inc.

By-Lines & Fly-Lines

P.O. Box 569, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-0569 April 2015

Building Lighter Wings by Vic Koenig

See Building, page 2

I have seen the constant improvement of electric powered planes to the point where we now

have the ability to fly in any venue we would want to try, and win at it. Batteries, motors,

new electronics and carbon fiber are making it easier to build a plane that is light enough to not

only compete but to stay aloft as long as the wet guys. The challenge is to build your plane light

enough to take full advantage of electrics best traits. As I see it, one of the key areas we can im-

prove in is building lighter wings. I am going to list the steps I usually follow as well as give

weights as pieces parts are added or deleted. To give you something to shoot for, when you get

your foam wing cores, weigh them and record that weight on the shuck. I will label my cores

and their shuck mate and always return them to their own shuck. You will need an accurate

scale to do all this but it really is worth the extra effort.

Photo 1 shows the tools I use except for my

vacuum cleaner and my scale (I hate tracking

foam nodules throughout the house). Note.

The shiny flat 6 inch plate it's a razor saw that

has no top rib. I use it like you would use a

“Sawsall”. It allows me to make all the cuts I

want without tearing up foam, and I use it of-

ten. In electric you don't need to make any

part of the plane as robust as if it were wet

fueled. Every item you use should be weighed

so you know how much weight you are add-

ing as well as saving Core “C” will be our reference core. It came to me at 64 grams after sand-

ing it, and the mate I chose (core B) was 2 grams more.

Tools used in construction

PRESIDENT

Edward Hollema

201-320-2872

[email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT

Joseph Acquisto

732-614-2737

[email protected]

TREASURER

Tom Moore

732-644-8601

[email protected]

SECRETARY

William Martin 732-330-4680

OCM-AMA-

[email protected]

SAFETY OFFICER

Tony Riccio

848-333-8861

[email protected]

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Sue Fevola

732-477-1761 [email protected]

PROPERTY MANAGER

vacant

CLOTHING APPAREL

Paul Meier

732-859-3002

[email protected]

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATORS

Vince Scatuccio 732-534-9524

[email protected]

Asst. Salvatore Piu 732-664-2688

[email protected]

Asst. Steve Lew

732-608-9938

[email protected]

Ocean County Modelers Inc.

Club Officers

See, Building, page 3

Building, from page 1

Photo 2 shows the core after I have drilled my wing tube

holes. If you don't use tubes you can omit this step but then

you could take lots more foam out of this heaviest portion of

the core where the tube would have been. Core “C” lost a net

6 grams after installing the cardboard wing tube and honey-

combing the tip, I didn't weigh the tube. The cores were all

marked at the same time so I could be consistent on the 2 sets

I was building. We'll mark it some more as you will see in the

core lightening process.

Photo 2:

Wing tube installed in wing

Photo 3 shows how I cut my cores as well as a wing skin

ready to be glued to the core. I know some builders like to

emulate ribs of a built-up wing when they cut their lightening

holes. Do it the way you are most comfortable with. This pho-

to also shows a paper servo wire tube in place and the servo

bay that has already been lined with balsa. On that core the

bottom shuck is seen and my cut out for the servo. That's a

handy thing to do before sheeting so you can find where to cut

the servo bay, don't forget to mark the up side on the core too.

You can also see from photo 3 that out near the wing tip, not

much foam is needed for strength (foam doesn't have any

strength) as well as the marks on the inside of the wing skin

where there will be no glue. Since glue is weight and there's

no foam to glue to at the cutouts, don't put any glue where

there's nothing to stick to. I am a big fan of gorilla glue be-

cause it permeates the foam up to 1/8 inch and adds strength.

When I do the gluing, I will weigh the whole glue bottle after

doing each skin so I know how much weight I added. Glue is

very heavy so use it sparingly. I have been able to get away

with 26 grams of glue per wing and that makes a very strong

wing.

Photo 3:

Wing core layout



Building, see page 4

That's almost an ounce of glue for each wing however. It is a good idea to be very precise here

because if you get too much glue on one side, you will have to compensate with lead on the

lighter wing later. Pass the core under a water mist before applying the skins so the glue cures

faster, water is the activator. If you mist your sheeting, you may get some warping. If you sand-

ed the foam core when you got them and vacuumed the dust off, less glue will be required to

put the skins on because the surface is smooth.

Photo 4 Just to let you know where I started from and where I ended up ready to apply the

skin, here are the numbers. This core came to me at 64 grams. I cut out some (but not all) of the

foam and put in a cardboard wing tube, a false rib, and the servo bay siding and it came out at

61 grams, 3 grams less than I started. I ended up with more foam where the servo paper tube

had to go. That makes it much easier to drill the servo tube hole and removes even more weight

and gave the final total. OK, you're saying that that's a lot of trouble to save a net ¼ ounce

right? Well on electric, every item needs to be looked at to see if there's a way to cut weight. I

found my false rib is best made with 1/32 regular ply. It is lighter and stronger than the 1/8

light ply I used to use. I used that to make my root rib as well also with lots of lightening holes.

Photo 4:

Gluing up the wings

Photo 5:

Assembling balsa and marking it

Photo 5 You can see me making my skins. Before I started the skins I made a matched set of

1/16 contest balsa and even placed the sheets exactly where I needed them to be. I weigh both

ends of a sheet to see if there is a heavier end, I'll mark it as heavy and make sure it is the first

end to be cut off. I will put the heavier sheets of the set on the trailing edge to get more strength

for the aileron.


Indoor, from page 3

Photo 6 I love the old Ambroid glue we got as kids to glue skins with. It's very light, dries very

fast (acetone is the solvent) has a great applicator snout and it doesn't warp the skins. The smell

takes me back to my youth as well. I used to use Tightbond but learned better after stumbling

on Ambroid at my LHS and tried it again. The skin planks were taped with masking tape to

hold them together while applying glue and the tape removed after 20 minutes. I also sanded

the skins on my flat work table because it's easier to do sanding there while flat rather than on a

curved wing.

Photo 6:

My glue choice, Ambroid glue

Wing root and total weight

Photo 7 Here you can see the wing root and the total weight for the set, including the carbon

fiber 5/8 wing tube. This set is equal in weight on each side, total weight to that point is 13.6

ounces. Yet to come is the servo, horn, and covering.

If I had the wings ready to go they would still need to have servos and horns that will weigh

in at one ounce per wing, so weight is now up to 16 ounces total. I have been using Hitec 5245

servos for ailerons which are 1.1 ounces each which is much better than full sized servos. Cov-

ering is a personal preference. I have gone back to plastic film for my wings but I've gotten

more particular on what I use. Believe it or not, the cheap “Towercoat” is one of the lightest

coverings you can find. Different colors will weigh more so choose carefully. There are also a

limited number of color choices in that brand. Never, never ever use metallic covering, it's the

heaviest there is. I usually end up with another 1½ oz. or less for covering per side so add an-

other 3 ounces and the wing set should come in under 19 ounces. Now take it out and fly it.

You'll find the rolls you do are more precise since there's no inertia to fight against. Also if you

paid attention to keeping the wings equal when you added items you don't need to add lead to a

wing tip. You will also be able to fly at a much slower speed (saving watts and fuel). Landings

can be slower too if you are so inclined. I had to lighten all I could because I want to use better

(read heavier) 6S batteries. These are real Dirty Birdy wings and I have left the designed tips

off on purpose. Tips do nothing to aid flying accuracy or lift so why have them? Simply glue a

Welcome to our New members

James Cilino Mark Kosequat

George Kowalewski Stephen Tomlin

Carl Wagonblast



flat 1/16 end cap on and go. I will also add

some narrow clear Teflon tape strips to the

underside of the wing out on the end because

I've spent a load of time getting them where I

want them and I want to protect that area.

Don't ever throw away your shucks until you

have completed the wing. Keep each core in

its own shuck and do your cutting of the ai-

lerons, and the sanding of the lead edge. That

way your cuts will be true vertical. Photo 8

shows me getting ready to cut ailerons on my

band saw, the sheeted wing is in the bottom

1/2 of its shuck.

Photo 8:

Cutting ailerons

Recap:

1. Sand the core surfaces then vacuum.

2. Weigh and mark all the cores and top and

bottom shucks.

3. Match core sets by weight if doing more

than one set.

4. Be careful choosing wood sheeting (not

more than 16 grams per sheet for 4 inch

width X 36).

5. 1/16" sheeting is more than strong enough

for SPA planes.

6. Use Ambroid to glue sheets together.

7. Sand skins on a flat surface rather than the

core.

8. Honeycomb the foam cores (measure what

you have removed, you'll be surprised).

9. Aileron facing can use 3/16 balsa instead

of ¼ inch (it's better to have foam and not

heavier balsa). (Reprinted with permission

from Johnson City Radio Controllers, John-

son City, TN, Feb 2013)

Aviation Quotes

The only time you have too much fuel is

when you’re on fire.

Blue water Navy truism: There are more

planes in the ocean than submarines in

the sky.

You’ve never been lost until you’ve been

lost at Mach 3. —a test pilot.


V ice President Joe Acquisto called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm after the Pledge of Alle-

giance. President Ed Hollema was unable to attend. There were approximately 27 mem-

bers present including the four officers.

Secretary Bill Martin called for comments or corrections to the minutes of the February meet-

ing that were published in the newsletter. The Minutes were accepted as presented, after the

normal motion, second, and vote process. Membership has increased to 108 with addition of

new member George Kowalewski.

The Treasurer’s report was brief with Tom Moore reporting that there were no invoices re-

ceived for payment during the month, leaving the bank balance unchanged. He also advised

members that the financial statement is available at the Officer’s table for those members who

wish to review them at the meeting.

Tony Riccio reported that the field is covered in goose droppings and a little bumpy, but

about what we would expect for this time of the year. He also reminded everyone that the

spring field work is scheduled for the weekend of April 11-12th.

Joe Acquisto discussed the new construction going on right next to our gate and asked mem-

bers to avoid turning around in the neighbor’s driveway if they find the gate locked and choose

not to enter. “We do not want to create any issues with the new neighbors”.

Harry Jenkin inquired about getting stone for the driveway and also the plans to roll the field.

Joe Acquisto said that he will look into the cost of the stone. As far as rolling the field, it is

planned for some time after the work weekend, but not yet scheduled.

In the Safety Report, Tony reminded everyone to be careful when working on armed electric

aircraft. No one should be doing that on the work bench. Put the aircraft on the starting table

so that it is secure and safe in the event the throttle is accidentally engaged. It is a brand new

season, but we have already seen one mishap like this. He also pointed out that it is an AMA

rule that all of our aircraft must be identified with either the owner’s AMA number or name &

address clearly marked somewhere on or in the aircraft. Jam Rabii advised members that for a

few bucks you can go on the AMA website and order tags.

Danny Ditursi also reminded electric flyers to be careful of the cross winds at the field. They

have been strong enough to blow small electrics into the pit area even under control of the best

of pilots.

Old Business:

Bill Martin reviewed the status of the changes to the 2015 Field Rules, stating that the addi-

tional rules approved at February’s meeting have been incorporated, but that additional edits

See, Minutes, page 7

Minutes of OCM

Meeting on

March 25, 2015

are required. The officers will have a final draft before the April meeting. The plan is to post

the draft on the website prior to the meeting, so that we can complete final discussion and ap-

proval at the meeting.

Joe Acquisto reviewed the status of selecting a new logo for the organization. He stated that

we really don’t need to hurry the process as we have an existing logo. At this point the plan is

to put this on the backburner as we improve the process for submission and voting. Bill Martin

added that the original drawing was following specific design rules that the additional submit-

ters were not aware of. He outlined the issues that need to be addressed including copyright

concerns and opening the voting process up to more than the 30 people attending meetings reg-

ularly. Joe closed the discussion saying that this issue will be picked up later in the season with

the goal of having a new logo for next year.

New Business:

Mike Cook reminded everyone that the next event will be the April 4th club member’s fun fly.

This is a free event, limited to club members, to encourage people to come on out to celebrate

the start of the flying season. The club will provide sandwiches, soda, water etc. and members

may bring a dish if they choose. There will be flying games and just general fun. Bring what-

ever you feel like flying. This is a weather permitting event with no rain date. Mike is plan-

ning a couple more events like this, as well as a couple of night flights this season.

Joe Acquisto reiterated that events require volunteers and commitment. He pointed out that

most of the people at the meeting show up and help out, but we still can’t get people to make

the commitment in advance. Chris Segui talked about the lack of volunteers to shut down

events and how often the burden falls on the organizer. After the usual long discussion, Joe

made the final point that we can’t have events without commitment from the membership.

Joe began the discussion of the field work scheduled for April 11th-12th by sending around a

signup sheet for members to volunteer. The plans for the field work include filling the normal

spring runway holes and reseeding. In addition, this year we will be replacing the flight line

fence and building a number of new starter benches. There was some discussion of whether to

attempt to just paint the old ones, but the new benches will add capacity and also replace the

older “tail hold” style with the approved AMA “wing hold” design. The work on the spectator

fence, access road, and shed will be planned for later date.

Joe DiBella inquired about where the club stands on drones. Bill Martin advised that the new

rules approved at the February meeting deal directly with flying FPV aircraft. The rule was

read aloud. The officers’ position is that the rule should protect the club from unwanted drone

complaints, as long as everyone obeys and the rule is enforced.

Bill Bollard brought up three issues for discussion. First he has checked out pricing to con-

tinue indoor flying at a bigger gym in New Egypt during the same 7-9 pm period on Friday

nights. The cost for the gym is $51.00 per week. Tony Riccio pointed out that for most mem-

bers this is just something to do in the winter and that indoor flyers also have the hangar. After

several minutes of discussion it was clear that members are not currently interested in flying


Minutes, see page 8

Minutes, from page 6


Minutes, from page 7

indoors, but would like to look at this as an option for next winter. Bill then talked about work-

ing with the Aftercare Program at the New Egypt School to teach kids to fly. He would like to

put together a demonstration for the kids. Paul Meier advised that this would fall under

AMA’s “Mall Show” guidelines and if there are spectators this would require additional insur-

ance. Joe Acquisto asked Bill to put together a bit more information for the club to review.

Bill Bollard also has contacts in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) who have asked him if the club

might be interested in teaching the cadets how to fly RC aircraft. Cadets would be signed up as

AMA Junior members in order to participate. Bill feels that this would be an opportunity for

positive publicity for the club and provide good community relations. Joe Acquisto agreed;

pointing out that it is in line with the club sponsoring the Jackson High School scholarships.

Paul Meier advised that the AMA Education Department should be contacted. He is sure that

they would be happy to put together information and provide assistance. Bill Martin made a

motion to move forward with “CAP Day at OCM” as a club event. Mike Cook seconded and

the vote was virtually unanimous. The tentative date is June 13th with Bill Ballard as chairper-

son.

Member Activities:

Joe Acquisto advised members that the items out on the tables were from Ray Mangan’s col-

lection. Some of the items were; make an offer, the balance just free stuff to anyone who needs

something. Ray was a former member who passed away several years ago and his wife is now

trying to clean out the basement. Jam Rabii reminded everyone that we should all have a plan

and not to leave it to our wives with a bunch of crap to go through!

There were no Models of the Month.

Bill Martin won the 50/50 drawing splitting a $68.00 pot.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.

Submitted by Bill Martin, Club Secretary

Did Carl have any trouble adjusting to retirement life? Not really..on the way home from his retirement party he stopped at a hobby shop...

submitted by Carl Parducci ...and bought a model

airplane kit and said he was going to live happily ever after.

Ocean County Modelers

JACKSON HOBBY SHOP

2275 W. COUNTY LINE RD (RT 526), JACKSON

(IN BENNETTS MILL PLAZA)

732-364-3334 Credit cards accepted Established 1969

JACKSON HOBBY SHOP

Full Line Hobby Shop

The Parts & Service Specialists

STORE HOURS

Tuesday thru Friday: 11am-6pm

Saturday: 11am - 5pm

Sunday– until Spring 11am-2pm Monday - Closed

L.G.B. “G” GAUGE

INDOOR—OUTDOOR

TRAINS

We carry Lionel trains “for the kid in you”

Is it Spring? Buy that new plane now

so you’ll be ready!

Show your OCM

club card for 10%

discount.

(See store personnel

for details.)

Ocean County Modelers Inc. P.O. Box 569 Lakehurst, NJ 08733-0569

Some Upcoming

Events

Field Work/Clean-up Electric Fun-Fly

April 11th—12th May 16th—17th

Rain Date: April 18th—19th

Pattern Contest

May 30th

Next OCM Meeting

Wednesday

April 22nd

7:00pm

Manchester

Municipal Building

Wings and Wheels Air Show

Sat.-Sun. May 9-10, 2015

Millville Municipal Airport, 104 Leddon St., Millville, NJ 08332

U.S. Air Force THUNDERBIRDS (only area appearance in 2015)

U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team

Airshow performers include modern jets, military airplanes, historic

warbirds, exciting aerobatic act and formation flying

A display of restored classic cars

Lots of good food available!

Advance tickets before May 1st: save $5.00

At the gate: Adults $15, Children $10, under age 3—free

To purchase advance tickets go to:

www.MillvilleAirshow.com

For additional info go to website or call 856-327-2347

For more information go to MillvilleAirshow.com or call 856-327-2347

ocean county modelers,ocmrc.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2015d-april.pdf · ocean county modelers,...

Documents