This is encouraging. Back in the 90s when I started flying I had an ARF. After crashing that pretty big I learned how to rebuild. Everything from the front of the fuselage to manufacturing wing ribs.
Good story, Tom. There are times when I see people get very discouraged after an unplanned encounter with the ground. The vast majority are only experienced with ARFs so they lack the knowledge of how the structures go together and what stress damage to be wary of (you explained well). In many cases ARFs can be rebuilt or reassembled with the availability of spare parts out there by the manufacturers. It isn't like the old days of going and buying a bunch of wood to rebuild parts that were damaged and months later having it ready to go again. In your case a flap fix, saving the tail feathers and new fuse did the trick in short order. Nice!
HI thintz12. I notice that you were using one of the NGH 9cc petrol engines. Was this a later version? I purchased one when I was over in Florida in 2012, but read all sorts of negative reviews about this engine, so decided to leave it in its box. My engine had a separate crankcase actuated pump, which a lot of folks said to ditch, and to use exhaust pressure. Your carburetor seems different to mine. Have you had any running problems with your NGH 9cc engine so far?? I am interested in any help you can give me. I might be persuaded to get a different carburetor and give it a try. Did you weigh your Valiant by any chance,its a nice looking aircraft. Many thanks...Anthony
The NGH 9cc isn;t a rocket by any means but it does the job. I was a bit hard starting right out of the box but that got better on about the third tank of gas. I suspect it just needed to seat the ring a bit and start inhaling better. Other than adjusting the carb (very little) I haven't done anything to it, just flew it.
This is encouraging. Back in the 90s when I started flying I had an ARF. After crashing that pretty big I learned how to rebuild. Everything from the front of the fuselage to manufacturing wing ribs.
Good story, Tom. There are times when I see people get very discouraged after an unplanned encounter with the ground. The vast majority are only experienced with ARFs so they lack the knowledge of how the structures go together and what stress damage to be wary of (you explained well). In many cases ARFs can be rebuilt or reassembled with the availability of spare parts out there by the manufacturers. It isn't like the old days of going and buying a bunch of wood to rebuild parts that were damaged and months later having it ready to go again. In your case a flap fix, saving the tail feathers and new fuse did the trick in short order. Nice!
Very good explanation still learning after 52 years
Replaced, not repaired. Nevertheless, your pointers for checking for damage are good advice. I like your honest appraisal of your own mistakes.
Love the laconic presentation.
" Now we are already for the maiden flight, except we want this one to go better"!
Oh yeah!
Where do you get those tail feather removal tools?! I need one!
I always run a air filter on mine. A piece of pantyhose stretched over the carb opening and held on with a rubber O ring works fine.
Send me the old fuselage and I will have it like new ! you did a good swop out any way.
HI thintz12. I notice that you were using one of the NGH 9cc petrol engines. Was this a later version? I purchased one when I was over in Florida in 2012, but read all sorts of negative reviews about this engine, so decided to leave it in its box. My engine had a separate crankcase actuated pump, which a lot of folks said to ditch, and to use exhaust pressure. Your carburetor seems different to mine. Have you had any running problems with your NGH 9cc engine so far?? I am interested in any help you can give me. I might be persuaded to get a different carburetor and give it a try. Did you weigh your Valiant by any chance,its a nice looking aircraft. Many thanks...Anthony
The NGH 9cc isn;t a rocket by any means but it does the job. I was a bit hard starting right out of the box but that got better on about the third tank of gas. I suspect it just needed to seat the ring a bit and start inhaling better. Other than adjusting the carb (very little) I haven't done anything to it, just flew it.
Bot really what I thought it was gonna be. U basically replaced it not rebuilt it.
Many times replacing ARF parts is cost effective or just easier for lots of people who don't have time or the skills to rebuild such extensive damage.