2004_0910 3313 Kb - South Eastern Model Aircraft Club

Transcription

SEMAC NEWS
Newsletter Of The South Eastern Model Aircraft Club Inc
Mark Sivyer’s Saito 91 four stroke powered Model Tech “Dragon Lady” taxies in after another successful mission. Gee,
the big white and yellow foam winger’s a nice aeroplane.
AGM and GM Notes
We had an extra large turnout for the Annual General Meeting and following General Meeting, held at Dingley on 3
August 2004. Good to see so many come out on a dark mid winter’s night.
However a number of members had informally
Apologies
volunteered their services and a new Committee was
Apologies were received from Chris O’Berne, Phil
formed as follows:
Langton, Brendan Perry and Peter Harrison.
4 President - Gerald Stewart
Business arising from the last minutes
4 Vice President - Ron Paine
Minutes of the AGM and GM held on 5 August 2003
were read by Secretary Mark Sivyer and accepted. There
4 Secretary - Mark Sivyer
was no business arising.
4 Treasurer - Peter Short
Correspondence
4 Vice President - Ron Paine
Minutes of the last MAAA and VMAA meetings were
4 Committee Members - Colin Vandersluys, Rod
tabled.
Clipstone and Daniel Scicluna.
Treasurers Report
It’s not an easy job, and our sincere thanks go to all of
Ron Paine presented a detailed Financial Report. The
you for being prepared to take up the cudgels on our
2003/04 Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure
behalf, again or as a new Committee Member. A lot of
Statement are reproduced on page 11 of this issue. Ron is
effort and responsibility, with not always much in the way
now taking a breather after many years as our Treasurer
of thanks.
and Registrar - but becomes Vice President instead.
Committee Report
Many thanks Ron, for a difficult job well done.
President Gerald Stewart reported on the Committee
Election of Office Bearers
Meeting held on 14 July 2004, which rolled into General
The Returning Officer, John Andrews, reported that one
Business, as outlined below.
formal nomination had been received - from Colin
Continued over page
Vandersluys for the position of Committee Member.
SEMAC NEWS
September - October 2004
-1-
AGM and GM Notes - continued
Display Day
A static aeromodelling public display is to be held in a
venue at Moorabbin Airport on the weekend of 6 and 7
November. The VMAA has approved the display and
food and beverages will be professionally catered.
Members are asked to:
4 provide interesting models and equipment for the
display
4 help with organising the weekend
4 help out on the display days.
Thirty to forty good models only are sought, along with
related RC equipment. Please contact Mark Sivyer if
you’d like to have your gear on display.
Field Situation
Gerald Stewart has talked with VicRoads staff to clarify
our situation. While an official hand over date for the
land has been set at 1 September, this may be extended.
In the mean time we may continue to fly at Perry Field.
Gerald asked that, should members be approached by
VicRoads or related persons while flying, they should:
4 leave the field without question if asked to do so; and
4 contact Gerald or other Committee Member ASAP.
Slide Night
Peter Wright will be running a slide night at the next
General Meeting. If you have any slides that you would
like included, please contact Peter. Should be an
interesting way to finish off the evening!
Instructors Manual
Copies are now available down at the Field. Worth a
read, for instructors and flyers alike.
Member - To Member Bartering
Discussion of possibility of setting up a register of
members interested in bartering goods and/or services.
To be further considered.
The Roller
Discussion of the excellent roller built by Des Townsend.
Des is reluctant to accept any payment from the club for
the considerable sum he expended on materials and his
own labour, so it was agreed that members should each
“chip in” a small amount direct to Des.
Associate Members
We’ve had a relatively poor response so far, with fifteen
signed up. Associates will be issued with a badge.
Club Trainer
Reported that the club trainer is receiving little use.
Decided to keep it going for the time being.
Door Prizes
The excellent door prizes, which were generously donated
by Addie’s Hobbies, were won by:
4 Fuel -Steve Thompson;
4 CA adhesive - Gordon Camm; and
4 Glow plugs - Graeme Stevenson.
As if that wasn’t enough, Gary Curtis provided, from his
seemly bottomless bag of samples, a stack of Caps, won
by a various lucky flyers.
Sell and Swap Meet
The evening finished off with the swapping or selling of a
good deal of interesting models and modelling equipment.
SEMAC GENERAL MEETING
TUESDAY 5 October – 8.00 PM
DINGLEY COMMUNITY HALL
MARCUS RD
DINGLEY
Come along for:

all the latest news and reports

election of office bearers

supper and door prizes

a great Slide Night.
Wrong Again!
Last issue I thanked the wrong guy for providing the nifty little wind speed gizmo we have down at the field. Turns out
it was Steve Thompson, noted flyer of aeroplanes both fast and aerobatic. Thanks Steve
Check out the SEMAC web site - http://members.optusnet.com.au/~semac/
SEMAC NEWS
-2-
Our SEMAC Committee for 2004-05. From left to right, Rod Clipstone, Peter Short, Daniel Scicluna, Gerald Stewart,
Colin Vandersluys, Ron Paine and Mark Sivyer.
Gerald and Mark remain as President and Secretary respectively, while Peter takes over as Treasurer and club Registrar.
Ron becomes our new Vice President. Really good to see two new faces, in Rod and Daniel.
Fancy a Hot Date?
Then mark these in your diary!
SEMAC Aeromodelling Display
Our big display will be held on Saturday and Sunday 6 and 7 November. Venue to confirmed at Moorabbin
Airport - either at a location near DFO on Centre Dandenong Road, but more likely at the Royal Victorian
Aero Club Museum. A great opportunity to show case our aeromodelling talents, attract some new members
and, at the same time, add a few dollars to our coffers.
Volunteers needed to help with setting up and on the day. Contact Mark Sivyer for further information about
models and/or to offer your services.
Perry Field Working Bee
There will be a working bee at the club on Sunday 17 October to get the place looking tidy. Get plenty of you
there with your gardening tools (powered or otherwise) and we’ll knock it over in no time.
Fun Fly Day
There will be a Fun Fly with various events and competitions on Sunday 24 October. People have been
asking for ages “Why don’t we have some fun events - you know, spot landings and the like?”. Well, here’s
your big opportunity to express your competitive urges and have some fun in a nice, relaxed atmosphere.
Twilight Fly In
Celebrating 101 years of powered flight - Friday 17 December. Last year’s Twilighter was a great evening,
so we’ll look forward to seeing you all again this time.
Next General Meeting
Tuesday 5 October. Including Peter Wright’s slide show and the usual excellent supper and door prizes.
SEMAC NEWS
-3-
Message From
Marvin
Here We Go for Number Six.
The Freeway.
As you may or may not be aware the fence hasn’t gone in
and thus we are still running on borrowed time but at least
we’re able to fly. We will be negotiating with the
successful contractor when they have finally been decided
by the government and up until then we just fly and have
some fun.
I guess as there is an election on the way, most of you will
have seen the guff relating to election promises…I can’t
even begin to forecast this one folks so it’s wait and see
time.
Our landlord has indicated that he would like us to extend
the lease and the committee is in that process. We will be
doing a fair amount of negotiation on that regard so hold
tight for more news. The committee is also on the
lookout for another site because we will have to move.
As before the flying of the members is of the utmost
importance so if you are feeling a bit worried then please
talk to any of us and we will help you out. I will keep you
informed with any significant news but you may assume
that its day to day and if anyone comes in to the field
when you are there and asks questions then please abide
by their requests in a polite and professional manner and
call me ASAP on 0416 223541.
It’s still been a very busy time for me out and about with
the various meetings that occur from time to time but I am
also out and about promoting our club to the masses. In
this current period I have
flown at Temora, Sale,
Shepparton, Albury and
Lilydale and letting people
know about us so that the
whole modelling thing becomes a bit more universal.
One good thing that has come from my meetings with
others is that they have heard about us and I do get
comments like ‘we’ve heard you guys are really friendly
and non-political’ and ‘I’ve heard you blokes have a huge
mid week clan’ etc etc, so its good to be a part of
something that is recognized as friendly and cool.
These comments reinforce the direction that the
committee and members continually press to me, “lets
just have fun” so that’s the direction we want to take and
in doing so I hope you will all continue just as you are
with your input to the club.
Flying Skills
As most of you will now be aware there is a bunch of the
MAAA flight instructors’ manuals on the table in the
clubhouse. These are really there for the instructors but
you are most welcome to have a read. In fact I urge you
all to have a read from time to time so that you can
understand what it is the instructors are trying to do. Its
not hard, there is some math’s that you don’t really have
to worry about but if you take on the challenge then you
will soon discover, not only how but why, some things fly
and others are pigs and how to fix the ‘almost flying
pigs’.
Continued over page
President Gerald
completes his warm up
exercises before flying his
new P38, while new
Treasurer Peter Short
wonders just what’s going
on.
SEMAC NEWS
-4-
Message From Marvin - Continued
The Sad Side of the flying skills bit.
At our recent committee meeting it was once again
brought to my attention that the low passes are getting to
the nerves of some people so here’s the buzz…Don’t do it
unless you are on the opposite side of the runway area and
you have called it. Period…no more excuses and no more
leniency, committee members have been informed to pull
anyone out of the sky if it’s done in an unsafe manner
(and the committee will be the judges of that). A low
pass can be very dangerous and will only take one small
failure (yes you know the things that occur every once in
a while and you say is a radio glitch or similar) and there
could be a catastrophe or death (yes RC planes can kill
and if you don’t believe me then let me know and I’ll
bring you the most recent stats in official format) I’m
harping now because I’m being harped at so please no
more unless on the other side of the runway and SAFE!
The lawn
The lawn is starting to look awesome albeit a bit wet. We
may not do anything more with this at this stage as it may
be of no significance. The mowing should still be done
and anyone with a shovel can fill holes as required with
our new lot of great stuff (soil, not dirt).
The direction
Thanks for having me as president again and I guess the
vote is one of confidence otherwise I hope someone
would have stepped up to the plate As indicated at the
AGM there were a few surprises and the new committee
has been formed and with this I welcome a couple of new
faces in Peter Short, Daniel Scicluna and Rod Clipstone
for joining in and having a go.
The jobs that these people do is important as is the work
of many others like John Andrews, Ron Paine, Colin
Vandersluys and the sneaky Pete who has been putting
lots of dirt in holes…thank you whoever you are.
Without these guys and each of you there would not be a
club.
Clues
This Month’s tip is a short report on the Shepparton Giant
scale meeting.
John Wilson, Chris O’Berne and Steve Surtees all won
prizes. Go SEMAC YES!
Ron Paine took up the Nomad (nice Flying Ron, it was on
rails and looked awesome). Peter Short took up his CUB
and had a great time along with Steve who took the
Citabria and had twice as many flights as last year. Chris
took his “What, not another CUB” and brought it home
again in one piece. Peter Harrison took his “What, not
another Gee Bee Racer” - sorry Pete you have to admit
there were a few! I took my F86 Sabre and the F15. The
F15 went good and the Sabre had a bit of a bingle in the
Friday warm up (yep busted the wing after a really crappy
landing). But all in all I’m happy to report that we had a
great time.
Thanks during the meeting must go to Rod and Ben
Clipstone, Alan Ferbrache, Daniel Scicluna, John Wilson
and Des Townsend for being the seconds during flying.
Without you guys the flying would have been harder and
the Saturday night would have been boring. If the rest of
the club is not sure what I’m talking about with regards to
the Saturday Night? I guess you will have to turn up next
year and find out!!
If you do decide to come next year, here’s the heads up.
There are heaps of places to stay and camping is free,
but…get in early as it is a big event.
This Period’s Champions
Everyone who has done anything for our club (including
turning up to a meeting or Sunday) for without your
support and membership we wouldn’t be here.
The last bit
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but
by those that take our breath away.
I fly for this reason.
Gerald Stewart
23 September,
2004
Just another day
at Perry Field. A
nice selection of
aeroplanes under
shelter, while
Gary Curtis and
Paul Dzesa just
wish it would
stop raining.
SEMAC NEWS
-5-
USING THE SUPERNOVA 250S
Stephen Surtees explains the black art of battery charger programming.
I've noticed down at the field the number of members that own this great little field charger, grumbling that
they can't follow the instructions that come with it. Hopefully, the following instructions will make using the
Supernova simpler. If you only use NiCad’s and find using the automatic function suits your requirements,
fine. However, the automatic function is NOT suitable for NiMH or Pb batteries.
The symbol ☼☼ indicates the messages shown are alternating between each other.
ACCESSING THE 10 PREINSTALLED MEMORIES
1. Connect power. The screen should be displaying:
AUTOMATIC START
DISCHARGE / CHARGE
2. Press the setstop button
3. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge buttons to scroll through the four
different screens until you reach the screen displaying:
BATTERY will be flashing. The details of the second line of the display of your
charger may not be the same as the example shown.
< >BATTERY AUTO
0]NiCd 3CL 1700
☼☼
0]C:0.3A D:0.5A
4. Press the setstop button
5. Use the upcharge or the down/discharge button to scroll through the 4 different
screens until you reach the screen displaying:
SELECT will be flashing.
< >SELECT SET
0]NiCd 3CL 1700
☼☼
0]C:0.3A D:0.5A
6. Press the setstop button, the screen will be displaying:
The display shown Indicates a 3 cell NiCad of 1700mah programmed to be
charged at 300mah and discharged at 500mah.
0]NiCad 3CL 1700
< > C:0.3A D:0.5A
7. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to scroll through the 10 different
memories.
USING ONE OF THE PREINSTALLED MEMORIES
1. Scroll through the preinstalled memories until you find one that suits your
requirements - for example:
2. Press the setstop button. The screen will be displaying:
SELECT will be flashing.
3. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to scroll through until you
reach the screen that is displaying:
EXIT will be flashing.
BATTERY will be flashing.
5. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to scroll through until you
reach the screen that is displaying:
START will be flashing.
The charger is ready to use, pressing the up/charge will begin charging after it
has done a battery check to establish the current state of charge. Pressing the
down/discharge button will begin discharging the battery. When the battery has
been discharged, charging will begin automatically after a predetermined time.
SEMAC NEWS
-6-
3]NiCd 1CL 1700
< >C:0.1A D:0.5A
< >SELECT SET
3]NiCd 1CL 1700
☼☼
3]C:0.1A D:0.5A
< > EXIT CLR.ALL
3]NiCd 1CL 1700
☼☼
3]C:0.1A D:0.5A
< > BATTERY AUTO
3]NiCd 1CL 1700
☼☼
3]C:0.1A D:0.5A
< >START BATTERY
3]NiCd 1CL 1700
☼☼
3]C:0.1A D:0.5A
MANUAL START
DISCHARGE/CHARGE
☼☼
3]NiCd 1CL 1700
☼☼
3]C:0.1A D:0.5A
Steve’s Supernova 250S.
Easy to use when someone tells you how.
HOW TO PROGRAM YOUR OWN MEMORY
When scrolling through the memories, and you can't find one that suits you, you can overwrite one of the
existing memories with one of your own.
1. Scroll through the memories until you find one that you think you won't need, for
example:
2. Press the setstop button, the screen will be displaying:
SELECT will be flashing
3. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to scroll through until you reach
the screen that is displaying:
SET will be flashing
2]NiCd 12CL 1700
< >C:2.6A D:3.0A
< >SELECT SET
2]NiCd 12CL 1700
☼☼
2]C:2.6A D:3.0A
< > SET EXIT
2]NiCd 12CL 1700
☼☼
2]C:2.6A D:3.0A
BATTERY TYPE:
< > NiCd
5. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to scroll through the 3 battery
types, when the screen is displaying the battery type you require, press the
setstop button. The screen will be displaying:
BATTERY CELLS:
< >12CELL
6. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to select the number of cells
you want to charge, press the setstop button. The screen will be displaying:
BATT. CAPACITY:
< >1700mAh
7. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to select the capacity of your
battery, press the setstop button. The screen will be displaying:
8. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to select the rate of charge that
you want, press the setstop button. The screen will be displaying:
9. Use the up/charge or the down/discharge button to select the rate of discharge
that you want, press the setstop button. The screen will be displaying:
SET will be flashing
CHARGE CURRENT:
< >2.6A
DISCH. CURRENT:
< >3.0A
< > SET EXIT
your programmed
requirements
*******************
Your memory is now programmed, to use the memory you have just programmed, use the up/charge or the
down/discharge button to scroll through to the "EXIT CLR.ALL" screen and continue on from step 4 of
"Using 1 of the preinstalled memories".
Hopefully this set of instructions will enable you to make better use of the "SUPERNOVA250S". If you have
any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
SEMAC NEWS
-7-
“Impulse”
Ian Hunter reviews the latest kit from Green R/C Models
Introduction
I was lucky enough to have seen the prototype of this
model fly prior to hitting the model shops. I put my order
in with Addie, who ran out of kits within a couple of days
of arrival. Not really being a fan of ARF's, the flight
performance of this little beauty convinced me to give it
the nod.
Upon opening the box, you are presented with a fairly
typical ARF, all laser cut and built on a jig. What’s
slightly different with this sporty model is that it is
electric. It includes one RX battery pack and the motor.
You will still need to get:
4 3 micro servos;
4 10 Amp speed controller;
4 RX and TX;
4 NiMH charger capable of charging 8 AAA cells
(Super Nova to the rescue here); and
4 optionally, more 8 cell AAA batteries
Construction
Solder the speed controller to the + and - terminals of the
motor. A word of warning here. Test which terminal is
plus. The back of the motor has a red dot next to one
terminal. One would assume that red means positive. So
naturally I soldered the positive lead to it. Upon firing up
the radio, I had a very efficient 'pusher'. The motor is
mounted on a piece of 10mm sq. spring loaded post
protruding from the firewall. The instructions show one
screw securing it. The instructions say two. You only
need one, or you will be one screw short for securing the
cowl! If in doubt, refer to pictures. The rudder and
elevator servos are affixed in the standard fashion. I had
to take to the servo mounts with the Exacto knife as the
fit was a little too neat.
The main gear is held in place by a rectangular piece of
laser cut plywood. It will take some persuasion for it to
go in, but once in it won't let go. Rudder and elevator
control horns are affixed in the usual manor. This little
electric job comes with a huge 10x8 prop! On the front
of that goes a rubber spinner. Problem with the rubber
spinner is that the cut-outs for the prop are for a pusher
prop !The aileron control rods are affixed in the usual
manor. Upon trial fitting the wing, the control rods are
obstructed by the plate that secures the wing mounting
bolt. It will have to re-located such that it is clear of the
control horns.
Flying
Haven't got that far yet. Will post pics in the next edition
of our fine publication.
Left - The Impulse kit includes a
bag of nicely produced
lightweight components
Below left - The Impulse is a
delicate little aeroplane, as this
box of Paradise matches shows.
Below right - A big, big prop for a
little aeroplane.
SEMAC NEWS
-8-
The Great Indoors
Peter Short reports on the night SEMAC left the flyers of Donvale in awe. Names withheld,
presumably to protect the innocent (which is a bit odd, seeing there don’t appear to be any).
One miserable Saturday night in August, four
intrepid SEMAC pilots accompanied by a small entourage
of SEMAC supporters (read urgers) attended the indoor
flying at the Donvale sports complex. The attendance of
SEMAC members at this event will no doubt start legends
regarding the prowess of the SEMAC indoor flyers and
encourage others to vacate the airspace when SEMAC are
in the area. Models taken to the event were extremely
diverse and included an own design bipe, a scratch
antique replica, a foam 3D, a foam bipe and a DH Beaver.
First into the air was the OD bipe by “young bull” of
the father and son combo. Great success as the yellow
creation circled the hall a few times and then landed for
The antique balsa and tissue creation then took to the
air and after initial trimming flew gracefully around the
perimeter of the venue. The basketball hoops and nets
held no fear to the SEMAC pilot who ducked and weaved
and nicked some of these as he flew. However; dirty
deeds were afoot and some scoundrel put the event
control tower directly in the flight path of the little antique
which resulted in a broken fuselage (stretcher again). CA
to the rescue and back in the air in 15 mins, all be it with a
broken wheel and no spares available. Not to worry,
SEMAC members are ever resourceful, get rid of the
other wheel and let the U/C wire skid over the slippery
floor. Mission accomplished and off the little plane went
scraping and clunking over the floor until gravity was
once again overcome.
One of the villains, Daniel
Scicluna and his Spad X111.
Young Bull’s father then
discovered that 3D foam planes
and concrete walls don’t mix
(stupid place for a wall anyway).
Young Bull wasn’t the least
amused by this incident as the 3D
foam was his. The DH Beaver
then hit its straps and was flown
with skill and dexterity utilising
every bit of available space. The
turns were so steep at times that
the wheels nearly ran around the walls. This
demonstration of flying abruptly finished with a kamikaze
dive through the spectators and into the pit area
(obviously radio interference).
At the end of the night all the SEMAC planes were in
the panel shop, but all will fly again. On reflection it is
highly possible that all in attendance were in awe of our
clubs contingent, as the longer the night went on the more
the SEMAC flyers were given clear space.
A great night was had by all. There is no noise or
smell with this type of flying but it definitely
demonstrates another perspective of our sport.
P.S. The supporters/urgers are awaiting the arrival of
their indoor flyers.
some alterations. On the second flight the craft had had
enough of the weird creations that were being passed off
as aeroplanes and made a bolt for the emergency exit
door; alas somebody had closed it.
Next into the air was the foam bipe which was almost
too big and fast for the hall but with a magnificent display
of flying skills it completed numerous circuits. The more
circuits the more the airspace cleared; obviously the
others in attendance wanted to observe the skills of the
pilot in command. As the audience grew so to did the
daring of the SEMAC pilot who culminated the exhibition
in a prop hang off the roof followed by a tail slide;
unfortunately the ceiling was built too close to the floor
and the stretcher was called for again (bad hall design not
pilot error).
SEMAC NEWS
-9September - October 2004
The Waco
Colin Vandersluys asks himself “Will it ever get finished?”.
I’m now up to the painting stage. Oh, what a
problem, mainly because I’m painting on both solid
planked and fabric covered areas.
Planked areas, no problem. Fabric areas? will the
paint crack because the fabric can move? What paint to
use: acrylic, enamel, urethane etc?
Many friends in the club have used all of these
products, some with excellent results ands some wouldn’t
use that particular product again. Eventually I was told to
visit Judy Paye’s “Old Aeroplane Hanger Co” at Tyabb
airport, where they restore old aeroplanes. This I did, and
what an eye opener. I was introduced to John, who took
me into a room where he was covering a tailplane with
fabric. This fabric was American made and felt and
looked like a heavier form of Koverall. He used the same
brand of products to glue, tighten, undercoat and finish
paint. His advice? Never swap brands mid stream.
I was then offered a tour around the hangar. I
drooled. First to look at a German Storch, complete with
swastika. Next an open cockpit Waco in new condition.
Beautifully painted in cream with black striping. Next
the Mustang, with the engine covers off. That engine up
front looked huge.
A new Russian Yak looked magnificent and then that
beautiful T28 Trojan. When you stand alongside the
Trojan, it’s big.
Next I was shown a Kitty hawk that’s in the process
of restoration. This aircraft was found six years ago in the
jungle and is in remarkable condition. The engine has
been restored and the rest of it is underway. It’s a rare
aeroplane because it’s fitted with a Merlin. Finally. the
good old Tiger Moth, in good nick, and an A6 Texan
parked outside.
John said he’d like a look at the Waco, which I had in
the station wagon. “Ah”, he said,“ you’ve undercoated it
with enamel”. So, in his opinion, I should continue in the
enamel vein to finish it off. His advice was to use a good
quality auto enamel. We returned to the hangar, where I
was introduced to Judy Paye and thanked her for the tour.
A very nice lady. John said he’d like to see the Waco
again when finished (wouldn’t we all, Ed) and I departed
with a big smile on my face.
I have bought from All Tools in Warrigal Rd what’s
called a “touch up spray gun” - they’ve got a good range.
Just Paints in Cochranes Rd Moorabbin have mixed up
auto enamel in my choice of colour. I’m now just waiting
for the right day to paint. It might be done by the time
you’re reading this.
Happy landings, Colin W.
Addie’s Hobbies
The biggest little hobby shop in town...
If it’s available in Australia and we
haven’t got it , we can get it!
We stock all well known brands of
aircraft, radios, engines and
accessories.
Bulk fuels.
Ultra competitive prices on
Special for the month
Where friendly service is
A Way of Life
Every month is a Special
Your Editor’s Auster AOP9. Kit produced by Airsail and
bought from Addie. The time it’s taken me, I wouldn’t want
to be assembling kits for a living. Should fly nicely though
on 52 four stroke power.
Contact—Addie Hampson
641A Nepean Highway, Carrum.
Phone/Fax 9773-3955
SEMAC NEWS
- 10 -
SEMAC’s Financial Statements
for the year ending 30 June 2004,
as presented by Treasurer Ron
Paine at the Annual General
Meeting held on 3 August 2004.
SEMAC NEWS
- 11 -
Building The Canadair
CL215 - Ian Hunter continues
Quick progress report.
I started planking the 'hull' of the Canadair
beginning with the underside, as it is probably
the easiest place to start. Next was the sides.
Nothing special to mention here thus far other
than it eats up planks of balsa at an alarming
rate!
The front and top are the most difficult as the
balsa sheeting needs to be 'persuaded' to bend
around an arc. The secret to achieving this is to
have your balsa roughly the right size and use
CA to glue down the straightest side or edge.
Then, using a sponge or cotton stick, soften the
balsa on both sides with water. Do this for 5 or
so minutes.
Once soaked, the balsa can be 'persuaded' around
quite a small arc. I use sticky tape to hold it over
night. When dry the next day, a small amount of
re-tensioning may be necessary, run a few beads
of CA and hey presto!
Welcome
A warm welcome to new member Ian Luxton. It’s a great sport Ian, satisfying at many levels and we trust
you’ll enjoy it for many years to come.
Incidentally, we now have fifty five members - a good result with quite a small drop out level for the new
financial year.
Chris O’Berne’s big white and blue Cub trundles out for another take off.
SEMAC NEWS
- 12 -
Build Your Own Gas Turbine
Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go? Stephen Surtees attempts to answer that question.
THE BEGINNINGS
It all started four years ago when I broke my leg at
work.
While I was laid up, my brother brought me a copy of
"RC Jet International", in it was the contact details for
the Australian agent for "Traplet Publications" and I
promptly signed up for a one year subscription. When I
received my first subscription copy it contained a
catalogue of other Traplet publications, the one that
caught my eye was "Gas Turbine Engines for Model
Aircraft" by Kurt Schreckling, which I read cover to
cover umpteen times.
Then I bought "Model Jet Engines" and "Radio
Control Model Jet Guide" by Thomas Kamps and read
them cover to cover umpteen times. All three of these
books are worth while reading even if you only intend
to buy a turbine and not build one. While I was laid up
I recalled that in amongst my magazine collection I had
a couple of old copies of "RCM News" that contained a
construction series for the "JT67" turbine. I contacted
Elektronic Leisure Pty Ltd and ordered a copy of the
whole construction series for the "JT67" and while I was
at it a copy of the "GT2000" turbine drawings as well.
Once the cast came off the idea of building a turbine
disappeared until Gerald bought along his F15 to our
December Twilight Fly and I thought it was about time I
did something. Out came the drawing sets for the JT67
and the GT2000 and started planning on which one I
would build. The enthusiasm got really cranked up after
seeing the awesome display of Gerald's F15 at
Shepparton in the mammoth flyin in September.
chamber, nozzle guide vane assembly, turbine and
bearings, I should get about 5kg's of thrust, the limiting
factor being the flow break down that occurs in the JT67
diffuser. The reason I should get that extra 1kg of thrust
is that the higher spec components will allow a higher
rpm, this is the trick, because thrust increases with the
square of speed.
Early turbine designs had their thrust level limited,
from what I can understand, by the design of the
combustion chamber and the materials used to make the
exhaust turbine. The improvements in combustion
chamber design, which has resulted a big reduction in
exhaust gas temperature, the advent of exhaust turbine
wheels made from Inconel 713 and ceramic bearings
has allowed for much higher rpm. Simply put, the
fatigue stresses, high temperature and high peripheral
speeds, that the exhaust turbine is exposed to limit the
maximum rpm which in turn limits the maximum thrust.
The turbine that I'm proposing to build will have
thrust that is quite modest by today’s standards, but
from what I have read as far as takeoff and flight
performance is concerned, total thrust is probably less
important than the thrust to weight ratio and the drag of
the airframe. So, if I can keep my takeoff weight to
around 5kg, I will have a thrust to weight ratio of 1:1,
which is going to mean lots of fun.
CONSTRUCTION
Before beginning construction it’s a good idea to
assemble all the components and materials that are
needed for the project. Below is a list of what’s needed
and what its used for.
1 CV470 disposable gas canister - outer casing
2. 5/8th" high tensile bolt - main shaft
3. 2011 aluminium - shaft tunnel, diffuser cover,
diffuser
4. Nylon 66 cast - compressor cover
5. 0.5mm 316 stainless steel - combustion chamber
6. 316 stainless steel, various - nozzle guide vane
assembly
7. 1/8" & 3/32" brass tube - fuel manifold
8. 6 @ 21G hypodermic needle - fuel manifold
9. 1 @ KKK5326 123 2038 compressor wheel
10. 1 @ Artes KJ66 turbine wheel
11. 2 @ GRW608/602 bearing
In part 2, I'll get into the construction proper.
THE DOLLARS
After carefully looking over both sets of drawings and
looking at the machining facilities I have access to I
decided to build a hybrid of the two. The diffuser of the
GT2000 requires the use of a milling machine, dividing
head or indexible rotary table, both of which are beyond
me. I can purchase a diffuser, but the cost is over $200
and part of this exercise is to build a turbine to budget of
under $1000, and since the compressor and turbine will
cost around $600 and the ceramic bearings another
$200, there isn't much room for anything else. Being
employed in the metal industry the rest of the materials I
will require I should be able to scrounge without too
much trouble.
THE THEORY
In standard form the JT67 produces about 4kg's of
thrust, by upgrading to the GT2000 spec combustion
SEMAC NEWS
- 13 -
Thanks to Colin, Gerald, Ian, Peter and Stephen for their contributions to this issue of SEMAC News. If you
fancy contributing, I’d really welcome your:
4
4
construction articles or photographs
tales of your modelling or flying experiences – happy
or sad
4
4
4
tips and advice
gossip or reminiscences
advertisements
Email or disk is best, but handwritten is fine.
John Andrews
SEMAC News Editor
Want to advertise a surplus model or other aeromodelling gear in the next issue of
SEMAC News?
Give me the details down at the field any Sunday morning, or email them to
[email protected].
South Eastern Model Aircraft Club Inc
PO Box 64
Dingley Vic 3I72
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~semac/
COMMITTEE
President
Gerald Stewart
0416 223 541
Vice President
Ron Paine
9769 9462
Secretary/Public Officer
Mark Sivyer
0412 054 492
Treasurer
Peter Short
9700 0785
Committee Member
Colin Vandersluys
9589 0729
Committee Member
Rod Clipstone
Committee Member
Daniel Scicluna
0417 553 795
0414 487 520
Newsletter Editor
John Andrews
0407 364 390
[email protected]
SEMAC NEWS
- 14 -