Center of Gravity position

This small balsa model airplane provided me some precious information about "Center of Gravity". Small iron plate under the nose is movable anteroposteriorly, so the position of  CG is adjustable so precisely as to obtain the most suitable balanced pitching control by several gliding tests.
Now I have realized that CG position for any airplane is one of the most indispensable element to establish so to speak "Pitching balance".
I have to get back to the initial point and re-check all of CG points in the model airplanes I'm keeping!
All of the following precise adjustments should be performed after the critical accomplishment of CG!
Following my own conventions lasting long period of time, any reforms of my perception, revolutions nor progresses can not be expected.
Exactly the same is said on my business, so all the arrangements and changes by my son are acceptable with my warm and desperate assistance just only when he wants.

SAITO FA-90T

Though a new comer SAITO FA-90T has not any experience to be operated, so to speak a New Old Stock, some dried feel obliged me to overhaul kit for lubrication. Also, the valve clearances are adjusted to the standard value, zero, almost of model 4 cycle motors require the value, the cylinder vertical length would be extended a little while operation by combustion heat, this is why the zero setting is noted. Keeping an adequate valve clearance is the most importance to operate the 4-cycle motor in the utmost condition.
Delicate constructive design of this lovely model motor was observed, checking the origin of SAITO Manufacturing Company in Web sites, the representative and the designer was one of a legacy of Nakajima Airplane Company while WW2, the representative to military industries of Imperial Japanese Force. So, my curiosity exploded by the story of SAITO 4-cycle motors. My concept on the motor has changed, from "stronger and powerful with some weight" to "the lighter the better ", some extent of vulnerability is acceptable for airplane use.
I had a planning to go out for flying to Mie Pref., I decided to spend my free time by disassembling this FA-90T model motor today.
Very suitable airplane is kept on the shelf, so this motor would be actually tested on it in very near future. What must be done is increasing gradually day by day, just I'm busy, on the other hand, I'm estranged with Isomers these days?

2-cycle to 4-cycle

The physical property of model 4-cycle motors have long been preventing me from proceed to the field, because I was advocating in a lighter and powerful 2-cycle motor with Tuned Pipe. But, some thing happened at Yao airport, I was standing just under the landing phase, I head some impressive sound of Cessna motor at very near position. It was so good not as to be compared and the situation was similar with that of the my first experience that I hard the Whistle of SL at very near distance in Kyoto Umenokouji over 10 years ago. The affair had enough capability to change my mind thoroughly from 2-cycle motor and 4-cycle one. The motor sound while operation is one of an indispensable element to enjoy model airplane flight, so I realize. Now, I have several 4-cycle model motors at hand, sum are from my friend and others are from YaHoo auctions. The works to change motors would be continued for the time being.
The saddle of my bicycle was torn and destroyed it's performance by a mischievous crow before long. I shall punish it!

VW 1302 maintenance

Making use of Silver Week Holidays(we call so these 5 day holidays in Japan), some repairing procedures were performed for air-cooled VW 1302 Super Beetle 11AD. One is the replacement of boot on the left steering linkage rod inner connecting rod doing knuckle and tie rod. 19mm holed wrench and a special tool separator shown in the picture were required. Though relatively long time must have been passed, included chrome molybdenum grease prevented rain water and dust from coming in, so physical performance of ball joint is alive. As a replacement part, OHNO Rubber Company DC-2103 was applied, the quality of rubber material, such as life and flexibility are far better than an original foreign made boot.
Hard handle movement for front right side glass sliding was improved by guiding channel disassembling and re-tightening, and grease applying on pinion and guiding ruched spring, became lighter than before, but still remained some sliding resisting on the touching area with newly replaced rubber weather strips in and out, leaving its inconvenience as it is.
Thanks to some precise adjustment of basic A/F mixture control on genuine Solex 34 PICT3 carburetor, acceleration became linear and powerful, also after cold start phase. But, very little inconvenient phase remains which must be caused by the lack of the closing action of the thermostat that controls cylinder heating by closing the door on the cooling air way activating just while the initial moment of cold start phase, it's within my acceptance.

New commers

An unexpected affair happened, 4-cycle motors came to me at hand from my old friend who closed his shop a few years ago and he has been keeping his favorite good in his garage room and he made up his mind to change his residence to an small apartment just because of age, he does not have critical disease at all. Remembering my past about 40 years ago, I knocked his Radio Control Model shop by chance, story begins at time, I enjoyed to fly model air plane at his specially prepared model airplane air port for several years, I was young and had enough energy to do that at time.
After that, I made up my mind to attend F3A field and I changed the flying places into different group, some of the represents of Kansai area were there automatically my skill was upgraded to revel with them. Though some silent period with him existed for several years, the connections had been kept.
For the sake of friend ships, he gave me some model airplane good that he had been keeping this time.
Now I show Saito twin 4-cycle motor installed on Cub model that is now under my maintenance procedure. Some clogged phenomena was observed in valve movement, lubricant application there solved the problem and keeping enough compression, actually this motor was not used much just test running only? Some important modification was done, insertions of insulator system between the motor case and motor mounting. Applied rubber mounting material prevents vibration comes into servo sliding resistors well and another important moving part such as hinges and horns.  Battery and elevator servos and a rudder servo were mounted in the rear part to meet with the adequate Center of Gravity. More some few days maintenance period time would make it possible to fly this Cub model, if possible I want to take him to the place, however old this geriatric person might be, he would come with me if I call him up.
The similar one had no motor nor no servos is ready to fly with OS 40LA, as this one had no aileron, so designed as rudder control only, applied it in addition, though some destruction of appearance occurred, I need aileron control system at any rate if I try to enjoy freely and safely.

Positive Trapezoidal theory in wheel alignment

Remembering my past 20 years, I had been paying attention to the thrust angle measured from rear axle construction too much, but recently I have realized that the establishing the Positive trapezoidal figure from upper point of view while straight running is prior to the conventional way of thinking. Though driver's weight is put on the seat, the theory does not prevail at all under the actual dynamic conditions on the way. However hard and however many times I might do it, constructive axle supporting structures and wheel alignments measuring and adjusting have not been favorable at all. So, I did change the point of view of alignment of vehicles into the idea of forming Positive trapezoidal while straight running. Finally, all the trouble events of straight running were wiped out and diminished like some different world. Of course, the so to speak Thrust angle is not zero when adjusted to form Trapezoidal figure, but the steering feel is noting but comfortable and the steering wheel is fixed at the centric position with tackiness and no symptoms is felt to change lane so easily as ill-setting cars. The thrust angle is not correct numerically, but the driving feel is the best if the Trapezoidal figure is established.
As we know, indispensable conditions should be satisfied before that, the axises of front and rear should be parallel each other meaning the elimination of Setback and Swung rear discrepancies and lateral offset also leading to the equilibrium of wheel bases each other, camber values should be the same, front and rear promptly, not only that caster values also.
in short symmetric conditions should be supplied anyway, this is why I mentioned about the figure of Positive Trapezoidal figure from the upper point of view.
Though I have made up desert TOYOTA SXE10 Altezza with 30,000km use at the beginning, I feel some strong regrets attachment and lingering affection after this critical wheel adjustment. Just because of inconvenience for model airplane handling and stowage(rear gate convenience). Also, my lovely VW1302 Super Beetle still remains with the same reason.

VW1302 thrust

It's my holiday today, so made up my mind to adjust the thrust angle of Air-cooled VW 1302 Super Beetle so precisely as much as I can. Considerable discrepancy was observed, reminding the history of the replacement of the trailing bushes into genuine parts, 4 pieces of bulky horned rubber mass material, they must have caused some permanent distortion by the stress of use. Recently, realized I that the key to success of this complicated and muscle hard work is the constructive centric position of the toe direction of front wheels in order to establish the positive trapezoidal figure when judged from the upper direction of view. Frontal toe direction is marked on the handle column and the thrust should be precisely adjusted by the rear total toe direction keeping the standard value of total toe. Of course, lateral displacement of the frontal axle and rotational distortion should be checked before the work, Setback and Swung rear end. Remember that the change of the frontal toe direction causes the difference of wheel base value, this is why the frontal wheel direction should be established prior to the rear alignment adjustments. The weight of the driver should be put in the account when measured and adjusted, so I make it a rule to to put 3 of 20L plastic tank containing water on the driver's seat. This weight balance is indispensable for wheel alignment measuring procedure. It goes without writing that I realized some better, stable and comfortable steeling response immediately after that as usual.

An unexpected affair yesterday

It's a matter for great regret to report about yesterday, my first EP plane was lost never to return, just because of my fault, preparations for the flight was not enough to wipe out any anxiety. The origin of the accident caused by the falling down and destroyed the transmitter Futaba 10J and snap role switch was out of order. In spite of the replacement of the switches from old ones by myself, the original function was not obtained, so I made up mind to utilize 18MZ for all the airplanes I'm keeping. Considerable understanding capability is required to understand all the functions it has, actually not yet, especially, exponential setting for aileron, elevator and rudder functions. These potential anxiety must have guided me to some miserably worst result yesterday.  I have no intention to apologize about an unexpected affair, it was all of my business. As Mr.Akiba said 40 years ago(one of a representative member of Futaba F3A team), any anxiety should be eliminated before the flight, if any, the flight should be refrained. Lessons by a great person revives at all.

Solex 34PICT3 in VW1302

Solex 34 PICT 3 carburetor in VW 1302 Super Beetle was re-adjusted the other day, precise positioning of throttle most closed point, fundamental mixture control, Auto-choke module positioning and idle condition in combination with the ignition timing BTDC 7.5 degree conditioning with vacuum advancer activation. Change of fuel octane from premium to regular gasoline required complete change of carburetor and distributor setting from the beginning. Smooth and powerful acceleration could be obtained after the work. Fuel mixture control with smaller screw positioning is the key to establish the work especially to know the highest rotational point and to do 30 RPM downing angular position.
All the inconvenience in the phase of acceleration from low to middle rotation was wiped out with so smooth transient property. To know, feel and discern the motor combustion condition, "Fuel is rich or lean now" is some vital point at all.

Importance of initial ignition timing

Some bad throttle response has improved into normal reaction by resetting the ignition timing at the regular BTDC angle, 7,5 degree precisely. After the change of fuel from premium to regular one, the carburetor and ignition timing are clear to be in good conditioned or not. Though it took me 3 days to seek and find out the best ignition timing and idle mixture control, I found out that anything is possible for anyone if it was attempted with some good patience. The transient of the motor form low speed to middle speed become natural and coaching phenomena and jerky motions at starting phase disappeared. Too much earlier ignition timing than BTDC 7.5 degree causes several inconveniences in the acceleration movements such as coughing, sluggish hesitation and confusion especially from low speed to middle one.

After holidays

Because of Station Development Project, new buildings are under construction, new building work had started just in front of my working place, noisy, occasional rough vibration and low frequency noise caused by big diesel motor in large heavy machinery suffer our business, not suitable for precision works. Coming across with some rare big drilling construction machinery this morning, I had a permission to take photos of them. Interesting, don't you think?

About Corona DS339MG servos, they have critical defect that would not fall flat for ordinary uses. The physical property of the case material is not adequate enough, it breaks so easily by the insulator rubber continuous tress, not applying breakable shock, naturally all the plastic stays of DS339MG servos I had exactly the same problem.
Anyway they could not be used before actual flight, how come? As the function of the servo is normal, they could be utilized in a different way of body fixing, for example, plastic tie-up band holding style with some combination of adhesive tape? Well just convenience for these equipment, 1700mm wing span high-wing model has come from my 40 years intimate friend, and it requires any motor and 3 servos, no aileron rudder and elevator only. The motor for this big yellow high-wing would be ENYA 35-4C with open locker arm constructive designing of initial production. This model airplane would be suitable for an entry to Old timer & Golden age event held every Spring and Autumn.

VW1302 thrust correction

Plus 4.780 second angle value of discrepancy on the thrust angle in VW 1302 Super Beetle was corrected today. I make much of the trust line judged from front tire outer surface see through line more than that scaled from the rear wheel surfaces following to the theory. I make it a rule to establish so to speak Positive trapezoidal figure by the 4 wheel touching points from the upper point of view. This is the key to adjust the wheel alignment in order to make the center of the human senses meet with the unwavering vehicle's steering centric position. Though I felt specific discontent in steering actions before the adjustment, I have perceived some remarkable improvement after that as usual. Piling trifles is not trifle after some period of time but it's great, this is the saying by Dr. P.K. Thomas in UCLA who is one of the greatest teacher, I owe him what I'm today. Anytime to anything the saying is alive. 

As shown in the lower picture, supporting point for rear axle is very important for 1302 type swing arm construction to the height adequately, not the hub carrier but outer arm should be supported while the adjustment. Any rotated and twisted fixing would invite lowered rear suspension like a cripple.

TOYOTA SXE10 Altezza thrust fine correction

Fine correction of thrust angle in TOYOTA SXE10 Altezza was performed yesterday in spite of hottest weather in the pit room. The value of discrepancy was minus 43.00 second(angle), but even in such a trifle error, change of driving feel was clearly distinguished as it's often the case. There exists no specific steering habit, because any kind of habitual tendencies could be conquered and eliminated by scaling, adjusting and correcting errors in the wheel alignment and axle suspension constructive geometries. Although, writing like this easy but doing actually and establishing this is far above difficult, muscle pain inviting task with some delicacy and patience. In short, adjusting the 4 wheel touching points to form Positive trapezoidal from the upper point of view while straight running phase. The centric feeling of the driver meets with that of the vehicle after establishing upper written requirements. Description would not be recognized until the driver does a well adjusted one how ever hard I might explain here.

Astral X 60 wing correction

Bent, twisted and distorted main wing was corrected by cutting in the rib middle line like some fish cooking and re-adhered on a collecting jig, I have no experience to have obtained any fine main wing without any disadvantage in Chinese ARF kits. This HIROBO ARF kit, Astral X 60 Hi-Perf. was designed and production checked by former World Champ. Giichi Naruke and relatively expensive compared with other same class ones, critically unacceptable inconveniences in the main wing was the same as others. Even a cheap and ill-constructed model airplane, adequate collections, though troublesome and tiresome at all, makes it possible to take part in the contest with it. Hi-End contest flyers see through it's innate origin of cheep one, and naturally make little of a poor constructed(actually alignment collected), but I have enough confidence to reveal their nose to go on.

My home computer became out order at last after six years use, no booting following to that of my working place. The hard disk construction is just as same as the ancient Phonic system, some difference between them is signal reading point, the former is stylus mechanical vibration, on the other hand, the latter has LASER reflecting sensing mechanism. Writing about my experiences, most of the fracture in the hard disks were caused by abrasion on the disk surface mainly because of rotating disk main shaft supporting bearings, lack of lubrication is the reason for the inconvenience. It's very strange and quire to recognize such a primitive construction over a half century ago in the most sophisticated personal computer system at all, don't you think? Consequently, imagined I inviting Solid State Drive in mine, gave up because of the difference of capacities between them, probably next opportunity I'll do that.

By the way, most of the train passenger are gazing at small Mobile phone or Smartphone no matter how it's in the morning or evening. The scenery looks so strange to my eyes to see that most of all of Young and Old do the same, what makes them oblige to do the same, what's so interesting? Though, "No interference with the matter of others" is my way, I myself might be a strange person in the public without any terminal equipment in my pocket even a mobile phone? Once I get out of my home, I want to be free from any interferences nor disturbances without being controlled by an invisible long red string.

Solex 34PICT3 overhaul

Replacement of diaphragm valve in Solex 34 PICT 3 carburetor set on air-cooled VW 1302 Super Beetle AD Boxer motor brought remarkable better change especially while acceleration. Because, this drive feel has much to do with not only accelerating pump performance but the ignition timing advance system, the adjustment should be done in relation with this critical impact element. As the motor response reaction had made progress, a newer playing subject have to be enjoyed so much seeking the best and sweetest point of them. In the phase of critical adjustment and setting, I should prepare some cylindrical temperature scaling device, although I can know it by discerning the note of combustion, also, some improvement of transient characteristics should be established, slow to middle and middle to hi. It is true that the change of the motor performance affect on the character of the vehicle itself exactly.
I feel sorry for the drivers who does modern improved cars that is fully computerized motor control combustion, because that is previously set by the factory engineers and the area is closed by black box ECU, there is no way to change them. From a distorted point of view, they had stolen some enjoyment from the users by supplying well balanced and best adjusted motor combustion with electrically controlled modernistic system.

Solex 34PICT3 on VW1302

Gasoline smell from the engine room of VW 1302 Super Beetle obliged me to unburden and disassemble Solex 34 PICT 3 carburetor at last. To tell the truth, such kind of tendency has been recognized for relatively long time, just have I been neglecting it, but, fire with flammable and volatile organic solvent like gasoline might cause a result of irreparable, so made up my mind this afternoon to do that. All the screws were not tightened enough, this might be a reason for the smell, all the diaphragm valves and the gasket between the intake manifold were placed into prepared replacement parts. As a matter of fact, all the problems were wiped out and disappeared thoroughly. I will continue this Super Beetle at least for more two years, because the Legal Inspection has been passed 3 months ago. Fully mechanically controlled machinery like this vehicle produced over 40 years ago tells me what is the origin of the human using tool, without any power assists, power steering, power window, brake vacuum diaphragm enhancer and even without blower motor, electric motor is applied only for wiper arm movement and starter motor just 2 pieces?

2A3 Single Amp broke!

2A3 single stereo amplifier is out of order now, right channel does not exert signal, 5Z3 rectifier, 12AU7 SRPP and self bias simple circuitry probably makes it possible for me to find out some defect anywhere. Long period of time interval makes me difficult to remember the circuitry and the actual way to find the error, but I will do that, though there are some feeling of tiredness. This low-frequency amplifier was assembled by myself 20 years ago, I was familiar with this kind of hobby and was skillful in this field at that time. There must something new by remembering old good days. "Know the new expressions asking the old." I prefer Triode power tube to Pentode, because of the critical reason, Second harmonic distortion that a triode has, on the other hand the Third one. The latter one causes ear drum fatigue after some long listening period of time. Not because of loudness but because of the innate Third distortion.

F3A Kansai qualify & SXE10 thrust

An attendance to F3A Kansai district qualifying competition yesterday gave me some motivation to proceed to F3A field. Most of the applicants and the organized executive were all my friends. Still now they are all in trial and error condition, especially, in motor and belt rotation down mechanics. I felt some stupid longer sound drawn in the Eye break-flight, because of the 2 m full size and over power setting? Anyway, they are all some experts on Earth, but I would like to catch them up and overtake their revel to win out the selection. I can see the direction of the choice. The D-day would be yesterday of next year!

As I felt some lack of straight running stability in SXE10 Altezza on the Highway road to Iwaya Awaji Island, adjusted I the thrust angle discrepancy on the rear axle adjuster, the angle value was 14,0 second. It goes without writing that the independence stability while straight running was recovered as usual and I made up my mind that this SXE10 would be continued more two years by having legal continuous inspection. Examination reservation at Kobe Land Transportation Office would be done today, the head light direction has tendency to be slightly up, so the fuel tank on rear portion should be near empty condition for the inspection. Comparison of the degree of difficulty to pass the inspection with Talbot Peugeot 205 Rallye, there is a heaven and earth difference between them. No paying attention is required to be checked the emission exhaust gas condition for SXE10 that is precisely computer controlled, on the other hand, 205 Rallye did ultimately keen concentration to adjust WEBER 40 DCOM twin carburetors to pass the ordinary inspection line. This kind of memory in good days is recalled fondly these days.

Ashiya Symphony Orchestra

Ashiya Symphony Orchestra 83rd regular concert was held at The Symphony Hall in Fukushima Osaka the day before yesterday on Sunday. Fist of all must I report about very sad news, the string trainer Toru Inaniwa had gone away on the end of this April, who had been contributing as long as 30 years to the Orchestra. We want to express the best condolences so respectfully for him. And at the beginning, the memorial music was played prior to the event.
The conductor was Yoko Matsuo as usual and she did it perfectly.

The program were followings;

E. Chabrier: Espana, rhapsodie pour orchestre

N. Ravel: Pavane pour une infante defunte

J Ibert: Escales.....
1 phrase Roma palermo
2 phrase Tunis nefta
3 phase Valencia

H . Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Op.14
1phrase Reveries Passions phrase Un Bal phrase Scene aux Champs
2phrase Marche us Supplice
3phrase Songe d'une Nuit du Sabbat
As a bonus program replying the biggest applause by the audiences, Gypsy Festival was played, also good enough to be satisfied.

If I declare some candid advice here, the performance sound pressure level was too high for my eardrum being caused some saturation, the independence of the delicate sound of every instrument was not discerned. It should be a little more gentle, probably the instruments themselves might be caused so to speak saturation, above their capabilities?
It's regrettable to describe like this, because the capability and the potential of the Ashiya Orchestra are not the second to any other professionals.
Anyway we enjoyed enough that evening.

YaHoo Auction as a seller

In order to clean my garage, started I YaHoo Auction as a seller and my holidays the other day had been occupied by the work with contacting with buyers, packing and shipping, as shown in the photo. Short period of time like this is OK, but as a main business, I wanna refuse this work. This situation would continue more two or three weeks, it is troublesome and tiresome so much.

Bad day today

I had some bad failure today, though I was asked to take photography record of the amateur Japanese Dance at Southern Osaka this noon, I could not come the place in time, my arrival was delayed over 30 minutes. To tell the truth, from the beginning my departure was not in good condition, missed I one train with losing 10 minutes, over riding one station returning back with 15 minutes, final train I took could not come to the desired station 3 in front of that being obliged to wait next one 10 minutes loss, so 35 minutes was lost in total. Just losing one train affects so much to the result in total. It was a bad day today to have made trifle mistakes, how come?

My first EP flight

Past Thursday was the first day that I had an opportunity to try EP plane for the first time. The model airplane was my modified Majestic 30 with Futaba motor FMA-5055KV410 embeded instead of gas motor. Though 4 cell 14,8V Li-Po battery was selected at first, I realized it was not enough voltage to make maneuver and exchaned into 6 cell battery. APC 17-8E prop provided me enough capability to make patterns in the sky. The response is different from the of gas power, some different possibility to proceed into EP world was premonition. Because the center of gravity was not established in Majestic at all, the adjusting procedure was required there, too nose heavy phenomena was observed. Basically, the C/G position must be adjust by moving the heaviest component, battery(for motor and RX and servos) must be moved to posteriory, so this procedure might require the repositioning of rudder and elevator servos backward, it's troublesome and complicated manner?

Citroen C5 Tourer?

Citroen C5 Tourer is one of my favorite vehicle in the world in addition to my former experience to have used CX-2400 over 30 years ago, still now it's specific pneumatic suspension construction is inherited in C5 models with some sophisticated computer controlled design. Though I almost made up my mind to purchase it for my own hobby use, it's weight over 1,6 ton made me hesitate to proceed to go such direction. Because my concept on my vehicle is based on an old idea that the weight should be around 1,0 ton with 100 HP motor is the most well balanced power weight ratio, I cannot accept the heavier vehicle to carry myself and my hobby materials to the airport. Probably I'll buy TOYOTA Probox in near future for my hobby lives.

Working on EP

Though holidays as they were, yesterday and the day before it, didn't I go out for flying model airplane at all staying at working place with preparation work for the flights. All the traffics including highways are crowded so much with laymen drivers, it very difficult to enjoy driving without any fears of car accidents, this is why I didn't get out of here. The works on EP planes are getting well, Sonic Acro is established about 95% applying 3rd party 100A ESC, and Majestic is 100%, in addition enRoute Draco toy plane that was brought to me by my intimate friend was also done at 99%. Electric motorization in my R/C life is all set in place for this warmer season.

YS45FS motor

YS 45 FS motor obtained at 1,000 yen as a junk material has survived with perfect performance by just replacing crank shaft supporting main bearings, 6902 and R6Z. No wear was observed on the both ends of connecting rods, probably operated for a very short period of time, no scratches on the piston side wall and on that of cylinder. So, it became like new after an overhaul procedures. This motor would give me no claim no no desire if I use this on any maneuver airplanes. I have tens years of experience on FR 60 model, before I take part in the All Japan Competition, I have some good confidence to make use of this one ultimately. As YS FS and FR series on 45 and 60 had been established models in the world as the best motors, this would last me at least while I'm in this hobby life.

Distortion

In maneuver drawing in F3A field, apparent improvements are observed after correcting any torsional strain in the wing construction and assembly distortion of the parts promptly. Though a model airplane I'm flying had been constructed by some old friend and been brought to me for free of charge, Yoshioka Pegasus ST gives me much opportunity to study how to adjust and correct bad habitual reaction caused by the upper reasons and supplies me much know-hows that are indispensable to go into F3A field in future. For example, the connecting portion of the main wing R/L had much effects to eliminate a bad habit to go rolling motion when knife-edge maneuver. Very slight mal-connection causes bad habit at main wing connection in the center. So, much care must be taken when central connective construction method with a carbon pipe was invited in relatively bigger airplanes. I just remembered the Akiba's saying,"Main wing should be one-piece construction and it should be fixed tightly on the fuselage at 4 points. This is a very important theory to obtain a better F3A competition model. The more accurate fixation in the air plane is the better.

"FLAT4 Kyoto" closed

I'm surprised so much to know that the Air-cooled VW shop "FLAT 4 Kyoto branch" had been closed in the last November. I feel some melancholy because I have been relying on them not a little in special parts supply for my 11AD Super Beetle and I wonder how the representative of the Kyoto branch become of? I must nourish some independent feeling for myself because no assist would not be desired by them from now. I feel some stiffness when the rear left wheel was rotated by hand, probably because of uneven wear of the differential side bearing at left side? Now, now I'm looking for the parts, 68-41-19 tapered roller bearing, NSK 32008X \2,690@, SKF 32008 X Q \1,325@, NTN 32008X \1,739@.
I hope that the replacement of the bearings on both sides might be possible without taking down the transaxle by just opening slide cover plates of the differential gear box? It might be some too sweet and too easy way to do that, the reality is not always so convenient for the workers? In case of transaxle downing it, the clutch disk replacement and another relative parts should be also done at the same time---big and heavy works are waiting for me!,---it's just a head aching?

F3A refresh course

I participated in the refresh course of F3A field held by KMA(Kansai Model airplanes Association) yesterday. Two judges came to the party, Mr. Kambe and Mr. Ueda who are both retired experienced persons over tens years. Also, Mr. Haneda (an employee of OS and young but established person) took care of 30 applicants well, not to be mentioned, seeded F3A star player. They explained us so kindly about that how every part of every pattern should be drawn in the sky, trends of errors and demerit point promptly. The meeting was over before noon because of rain fall, but it was worth holding for me to proceed into F3A field in future, probably next year attend I the competition at Awaji Island.

Worked on Kyosho Sonic Acro 1600

Kyosho Sonic Acro 1600 is now under construction to modify into Electric powered maneuver model. All the servos were burdened, Futaba BLS173SVi for ailerons and elevator control and BLS171 was for rudder control, especially ball bearings were applied on the pulling points of the rudder horn. Aileron servos were set at the lower position than it's original design preventing unnecessary projection of the servo from the wing lower surface. Activating values are fully adjustable on 18MZ transmitter program. Chosen power source, OS OMA-5025-375KV blushless motor would play a good part of maneuverability of this airplane?

Periodical Legal Inspection VW1302

Periodical Legal Inspection Test by the Author for Air-cooled VW 1302 Super Beetle was over with success yesterday. A 21W bulb in left rear combination lamp for back gear operation was out of order that had been replaced prior to the affair. About the fulfilled clearance between the rear fender and the bumper, nothing happened. So, my Super Beetle could be driven on public road for two years from now till the next inspection. By the way, my healthy body condition has some tendency makes me feel to refrain from driving recently.

My son sticks his beak on my working place, especially on the layout of fixtures and my management policy, how come?
He is attending to our business only one day per 4,5 days next week because of private reason, is it possible to be like that as a manager, how come. He exposes himself in a sweet environment of my existence, he takes anything is permissive here?
The time for generation change is come? I should disappear myself ASAP?

Laboratory equipment repair

One of the thumb head of plugs was repaired the other day, as shown in the picture, it's a very rare special device produced over 70 years ago. This is a part of Laboratory Reference Resistor Block device specially tailored for the laboratory of Dental instruments in Osaka Dental University. Almost a perfect and mint condition except that the defect of the plastic part as it is, long kept by me who was existed by chance that had been almost deserted as a dust. Consequently, made up my mind to restore the part by myself and did I it.
After fabricating split molds with plaster, adequate amount of autopolymerizing type resin was applied between them. Then, hardened plastic part with different color was painted in Black matte color with water-based paint as shown. This memorial device would be donated to the ODU Museum immediately after I go.   

VW 1302 Legal inspection

Head light direction and exhaust gas contamination were checked for the preparation of the periodical Legal examination check performed every two years that the regulation of Japanese Road Transport Vehicle Law. Because the light direction was not checked after painting two years ago, it was an indispensable manner for the inspection coming two weeks later at Kobe Hyogo Prefectural Land Transportation Office. Too high as it was and lowered as the matter of fact, it impossible to adjust precisely as to pass the inspection by the authorities without some specific measuring device, it was performed in TOYOTA dealer also exhaust gas test. As for the gas inclusion, 0,09%(4,5% maximum) of CO and 314 PPM(1200 PPM maximum) of HC were the result, I can regard that I did well adjust Solex 34 PICT 3 carburetor utmost prior to the measurement.
Only the Front wheel alignment is inspected in our country, no rear wheel alignment and constructive axle geometry such as the most important element, Thrust angle, the Japanese regulation 100km/h on the highway relatively lower limited speed might be reason for rough standard setting in the Law. So, no anxiety exists in wheel alignment.
My Super Beetle 11AD 1302 is so adjusted to meet with the standardized wheel alignment values as followings:
Front
Camber: R/L negative 40min/40min with driver weight burdened
Toe: 0,8 mm in total
Caster:180 min.
Rear:
Camber: R/L negative 60min.
Total toe:0
Thrust Angle:0

Reinforcement

Opened fuselage hole of Kyosho Sonic Acro 160 was reinforced with 5 by 5 cypress wood rod the other day. This kind of arrangement is an indispensable measure to establish enough physical strength as a maneuver model. Though some increase might be happen if this kind of modifying is performed for the convenience of Li-Po battery replacement, we must keep in mind that the lighter the better for any airplanes so far as the physical strength should be obtained because it is in the air.

Kyosho Sonic Acro 1600 to EP

The distorted elevators on both side of Kyosho Sonic Acro 1600 were also corrected the fundamental construction, by cutting them in two pieces horizontally like fish cooking and glued together in pressurized jig condition. All the distortions were corrected fairly after this procedure.  The upper part of the fuselage was separated to open the service hole for the convenience of Li-Po battery replacement. Some reinforcement on the fuselage is required if the hole is formed on the important part to form solid strength of the fuselage construction.

Under construction

The stabilizer position of Goldwing MXS-R 30 cc has moved to posteriorly and the elevator servos on R/L both side Futaba BLS 173 SVi were set on the position promptly. The modifying method to adopt onto F3A model by extending it's tail moment would be successful, so I hope. But nobody uses 30 cc gas model in F3A field, there must be another reason? Anyway, I proceed the way to be believed by myself. Big change is nothing but that of the power source, from gas motor into electric BLS motor. Because, not so much linkage movements are not required in F3A field, horn extension adaptors are not used and the round original horns were used to put ball joint parts directly, especially, 2-6-3 radial ball bearings were set on the rudder servo horn to be connected with wire linkage directly. Setting bearings here, slipping resistance would be eliminated utmost and be prevented the occurrence of backlash.
The main wing construction accuracy was checked in Kyosho Sonic-Acro, and the unignorable torsional strain, twist, bend and distortion were found out in the ailerons on both sides, in stead, no unacceptable discrepancy was observed in the main wing construction, it's the most unlikely in Chinese factory fabrication, the main wing accuracy would be established when connected at the center.
Cold off season interval is an indispensable period for the preparation of new fabrications of new models, gradually, the competition machinery for myself are increased in number.