PT-19 Maiden Flight

Ian the engine was running poorly wouldn't wind up after it got in the air / but was very stable at that slow speed Eric

Well done Eric!

It's a good feeling to finally fly a model you have built, better yet one you created from scratch.

Sorry I hadn't commented sooner, I have been following though.

Don't fret over the bad runs, welcome to cold weather engine operation.

Ron

It appears there is nothing at all wrong with the plane since it will fly that slowly and stay tight enough to control. Looks like a good one. Just need to get an engine that will run now. I think you did good work.
Rusty

Way to go Eric !!

I haven't watched the video yet (running out of WiFi), and am gonna run tot he airport tomorrow mooch some of their WiFi to watch it.

Congrats !!!!!!!!!!

Hey Eric, Nice job! I'd give anything to have a field that big on my property! I've seen you fly there before.. but this time was different. Maybe it was the suspense of your PT-19's first flight.. I don't know. It seemed like a dead-calm day.. and so quiet until the Bee started to pop! The model seems to fly great.. Was it cold out that day? Phil has mentioned wrapping the top of the cylinder with a couple turns of knitting-yarn... although I don't think your trouble was temperature related. It almost seems like a reed issue. That backplate doesn't use the circlip reed holder.. does it? Either way.. the reed could be creased.. or some crap could have gotten under it. That's the only thing I can think of.. being that an engine doesn't usually go "rich" in the air. Is that what was happening?

Eric, please turn your phone/camera sideways, that's the way my computer screen is shaped. Then we can see the whole field and sky. I want to see that plane when you get the engine screaming.
Mr. Half A

When temps start to drop the castor oil thickens so the needle setting on the ground can differ

On large models with external tanks this phenomenon is really apparent. Sometimes I have to launch lean to get the right setting when the fuel is forced to the outside of the tank in the air.

Of course Eric could have been experiencing a mechanical problem, I wouldn't rule that out either, just when temps drop engine runs become erratic.

What was the temp outside Eric?

Ron

Rusty , will do on the phone camera thing, It was 51 degrees 3 mph wind and I actually cleaned and inspected the engine , but didn't test it before the flight ! I Thought the second run was going to work out but still lost power after a few rounds . Maybe some hand warmers will help I know it would me , Had my reed speed plane out there witch I have not ran since last year and it wouldn't stay running and wanted to run backwards even w/ starter spring ? That was my 16 yo neighbor , he seems to be interested in flying told him when I get things ironed out I 'll let him get a hands on , and that we would run some engines . Thanks Guys I guess I just needed a pick me up All last week was a bummer , I don't have a lot of friends and I consider you all my best even though we have never met . Thanks to the CEF Forum !!  Getback

Shoot man! You got friends here!!!!

getback wrote:Rusty , will do on the phone camera thing, It was 51 degrees 3 mph wind and I actually cleaned and inspected the engine , but didn't test it before the flight ! I Thought the second run was going to work out but still lost power after a few rounds . Maybe some hand warmers will help I know it would me , Had my reed speed plane out there witch I have not ran since last year and it wouldn't stay running and wanted to run backwards even w/ starter spring ? That was my 16 yo neighbor , he seems to be interested in flying told him when I get things ironed out I 'll let him get a hands on , and that we would run some engines . Thanks Guys I guess I just needed a pick me up All last week was a bummer , I don't have a lot of friends and I consider you all my best even though we have never met . Thanks to the CEF Forum !!  Getback

Hey Eric, sorry to hear of your rough week... truly. It's good that the neighbor kid is interested. It will give you more incentive to work out the issues with your Bees.. while teaching him about the engines.. and how they work. Maybe he just wants to try flying.. That's ok too! The new trainer fly's great.. and you could teach him with it. Either way.. I hear ya' concerning not having many friends.. and I feel the same way as you do about my CEF forum friends. People who have never taken an interest.. or not had any exposure to Aero-modelling (in particular) simply don't understand our mutual passion.. and comradeship.

Hey Eric, X2....................