GWS Slow Stick

[Gauge]

Just wanted everyone to know the good news I had from GWS today.

I purchased a Slow Stick with my wife and baby girl on Saturday. We drove 40 miles to Burlinton, Ontario to check out Skycraft Hobbies. A great RC store. Everything I wanted was there and the shop owner actually knew what I was talking about when I asked for it. We finished our shopping then returned home :). I started to assemble the kit, then realized that the front wing stiffeners were missing. After doing a kit inventory (I know, I should have started with this step:D) I realized I was missing 2 front wing fiberglass stiffeners, 2 tail gassets (their spelling), and double sided tape.

A quick email to their customer service on Saturday night explaining my troubles. The next night I had a request for pictures and proof of purchase. I sent this via email. I did not receive any confirmation of reciept. I was going to give it a week and contact them again. I was surprised tonight when I stepped in from work to find a strange cylinder sitting on the kitchen table. Curious I checked out the mailing label and found it was from GWS. All my parts were shipped via air mail. Good on ya GWS. :) Cheap plane but I did not want to correct their errors by purchasing my own replacement parts. Nice for them to correct a problem. I will buy GWS again. I find this hobby has a lot of stand up people backing their products. I'm sure I'll be told otherwise, but my experience has been different.

[nova801428]

That is the best trainer plane in my opinion. That was also my first palne to. I wish I could show you a video of my totaling my slowstick. The hinge tape came off, BEWARE that the hinge tape eventually will fall off and cause you trouble. packaging tape works well.
Nova

[Rugar]

Glad to hear you had good cutomer service from GWS.

As nova said, beware of the hinge tape that comes with the kit. It will come loose eventually. I dont use any of the hardware items that come with the SS kit except for the linkage rods (wire), the control service horns (they need to be epoxied on or they may come loose), the plastic wing mounts, and the servo mounts. I epoxy the tail feathers on and replace the fiberglass wing stiffeners with carbon fiber rods (also epoxied to the wing and center tube). Have fun with your new plane :).

Gerald

[I_Love_My_ABC]

I agree 100% the Slow Stick is a great plane to have in your hangar. It was my first build kit and it teaches you the very basics of good building practices too. It only took me two days to have it in the air. Not bad for a first build. I recently did the aileron mod and now I'm running the Slow Stick as a 4 channel aileron trainer which is working beautifully!! Here's the link with a few pictures too...

http://www.rchobbyhub.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2861

[flypaper 2]

Tape hinges will stick much better if you stick it down with an iron. Activates the glue a bit.If you have a monocoat iron, set at 200F or a household iron at LOW.

[rcers]

Well I don't use the tape on GWS foam models. I have not found any that will stay "stuck" here in the TX summers.

I use regular CA hinges, cut them narrow to 1/4" strips and use regular white glue to hold them. Works great!

Mike

[flypaper 2]

We up here in igloo country we don't think of those things:D but I use your method also and as you say, works great.

[Gauge]

This is not my first plane. However all the tips are great. I did use the tape and it has fallen off (before first flight ;)). After reading other posts on how much fun and how relaxing a Slow Stick can be, I decided to pick one up.

As for another question, all my other planes have been ARF's. I am curious as to the best practice to hook up the pushrods to the servos control horns. Any good ideas? What hardware should I look for?

[rcers]

I am curious as to the best practice to hook up the pushrods to the servos control horns. Any good ideas? What hardware should I look for?
I use a "Z" bend on the horn end and Dubro Micro ez connectors on the servo end. They are the best thing, super easy to make adjustments and I have never had one come loose in flight!

I love them...

Mike

[Twmaster]

I'll echo what Mike just said about the Dubro micro EZ connectors. I use them on all my planes these days. They are simple, light and do the job well.

One thing I do before putting tape on any surface is to wipe it down with alcohol first. Removes any mold chemicals and other things that might keep the tape from sticking.

[meegosh]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good prop replacement for a stock setup? I am looking at purchasing the gwsexpert slow stick 400 combo and want a back up. Also I need some help with batteries. I am going to be getting a MK11 charger so I would have to get batts that can be charged with that and work in my stock SS setup.

[dregsfan]

This is not my first plane. However all the tips are great.

Here are some SS tip sites and posts I have found useful. I am just finishing up a SS 400. Hope to have it in the air next week, if the wind cooperates.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242539

http://mattsrc.rchomepage.com/ssir/allinone.shtml

http://www.verrill.com/rc/ss/

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273180

http://www.rcwing.co.uk/Slow%20Stick%20Build.html

Good luck!

[jimjxsn]

I think the prop I used on the stock motor was an APC SF11x8. I switched over to dubro micro push rods and taped them to the fuse. Switched the hinge tape out - bought a roll from NE sailplane. I Replaced the vertical stab with a slightly larger depron one. After the stock motor wore out I replaced it with an Esskay 400XT outrunner. Love the slowstick for relaxing flight at the local park.
Jim

[qban_flyer]

I think the prop I used on the stock motor was an APC SF11x8. I switched over to dubro micro push rods and taped them to the fuse. Switched the hinge tape out - bought a roll from NE sailplane. I Replaced the vertical stab with a slightly larger depron one. After the stock motor wore out I replaced it with an Esskay 400XT outrunner. Love the slowstick for relaxing flight at the local park.
Jim

Hi Jim,

Where did you get that motor mount for the 400XT? I have two 400XTs and would like to fit one on my S/S.

Thanks

[hasbeen]

actually i think you could use medical bandage tape for any hinge(s).
it's paper tape but with small hole for air to get to the wound.
i agree with the person who suggested cleaning the surface with alcohol first. not that i have a lot of flying time on mine but i did clean the surfaces before applying the "tape" and it has been assembled over a year and the hinges are stuck down tight.

hasbeen

[tallflyer]

I'm Working on my new Slowstick site www.flyelectricplanes.com (http://www.flyelectricplanes.com) If anyone wants to send me pictures of there slow sticks I will update my photo page to include your pictures.

[flyranger]

I love my slow stick. It's my windy flyer, thats why I added a brushless and converted it to ailerons.

[tallflyer]

flyranger

I added some of your pictures to my site http://www.flyelectricplanes.com/photos.html

[Steve]

The Slow Stick is a great plane to learn and grow your knowledge about RC flight. I'm working on SS-IV as we speak...

This is one of the best sources of information I've found

http://www.verrill.com/rc/ss/

Enjoy!

[tallflyer]

Also a good building tip is that you dont even need a drill to make the holes a brand new sharp xacto knife blade number 11 works well also, just mark the fusealage with a pen and then line up the tip of the xacto blade with the mark slowly turn the xacto blade applying a little amount of down force as you turn the medal is soft enough you can make great starter holes that your screws will go right into!

Tip From Robert Viskil
san Diego Ca

www.flyelectricplanes.com (http://www.flyelectricplanes.com)

[Dr Kiwi]

Hi Jim,

Where did you get that motor mount for the 400XT? I have two 400XTs and would like to fit one on my S/S.

Thanks
The Cobri outrunner ["rotating case"] stick mount (www.e-flightline.com (http://www.eflightline.com)) would be fine - otherwise go to www.topcreations.com (http://www.topcreations.com) - they have various stick mounts - one of 'em must suit.


Cheers, Phil

[qban_flyer]

The Cobri outrunner ["rotating case"] stick mount (www.e-flightline.com (http://www.eflightline.com)) would be fine - otherwise go to www.topcreations.com (http://www.topcreations.com) - they have various stick mounts - one of 'em must suit.


Cheers, Phil

Thanks Phil,

I found the one by E-Flite ($4.99) I am using fits that motor as well. The prop offset is exactly the same as the GWS gearbox/motor combo.

[CustomCougar]

Just wanted everyone to know the good news I had from GWS today.

I purchased a Slow Stick with my wife and baby girl on Saturday. We drove 40 miles to Burlinton, Ontario to check out Skycraft Hobbies. A great RC store. Everything I wanted was there and the shop owner actually knew what I was talking about when I asked for it. We finished our shopping then returned home :). I started to assemble the kit, then realized that the front wing stiffeners were missing. After doing a kit inventory (I know, I should have started with this step:D) I realized I was missing 2 front wing fiberglass stiffeners, 2 tail gassets (their spelling), and double sided tape.

A quick email to their customer service on Saturday night explaining my troubles. The next night I had a request for pictures and proof of purchase. I sent this via email. I did not receive any confirmation of reciept. I was going to give it a week and contact them again. I was surprised tonight when I stepped in from work to find a strange cylinder sitting on the kitchen table. Curious I checked out the mailing label and found it was from GWS. All my parts were shipped via air mail. Good on ya GWS. :) Cheap plane but I did not want to correct their errors by purchasing my own replacement parts. Nice for them to correct a problem. I will buy GWS again. I find this hobby has a lot of stand up people backing their products. I'm sure I'll be told otherwise, but my experience has been different.

This also happened to me. I was missing pushrod tubes for my E-Starter. I phoned GWS and they had me email copies of my reciept. No confirmation, but a few days later they arrived in the mail. What more can you ask for (besides all the parts being there in the first place).

[flyranger]

flyranger

I added some of your pictures to my site http://www.flyelectricplanes.com/photos.html

Thanks, tall flyer. I'm flattered! Next step for the "stick" is to mount a cheap brushless outrunner I bought on ebay from china. Seemed to be somewhere between a 370 and a 400 in performance. Want to get away from the gearing. I break way too many gearboxes!!!:(

[kuzikood]

ive had a couple hundred flights outta my SS and havent had the wing snap yet been thrue 4 gearboxes and 2 speedcontrols....not for over loading just from sooooooo many flights...so what to do ...well i found an old brand new modified 540 motor and gearbox from an old "hi performance"electric ...hmmmmmmmmm this will be fun espeacially with lighter batteries' lighter radio gear ..and a very very light airframe..ima gonna go try this right now i held the motor on with a hose clamp lolol now thats low buck!

-kuzi-

[kuzikood]

ok now that was fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 man it hauls tail ....lol it moves like its got a brushless!!!!!!!!!!!and the torgue good ness!!!!! oh i gotta put ailerons on this thing now!!!!!only gets about 5 mins flight time but who cares what a blast to fly im gonna have to pu in some stiffeners for the tail feathers cuz they were just contorting all sots of ways lol and its heavey now so it goes in the winds awesome ...wooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooo

-kuzi-

[Steve]

Yo kuzi,

Me too. I've never had a wing fail and I've done some pretty outrageous stuff with my SS! I'm currently working on version IV. I decided to keep the dihedral and not go with aileron setup, but I'll have a Himax 2025 at 6:1 with a 1280 prop on a Cobri gearbox. I stick built the tail feathers and covered with Solite. I'm also using minimal epoxy,etc. to keep the weight down as much as possible. Hopefully, I'll be able to put a camera on it later.

[kuzikood]

everything i i fly has to be heavy cuz i live in a windtunnel and remember
heavy=better wind penetration but heavy also =deeper ground penetration

-kuzi-

[qban_flyer]

ive had a couple hundred flights outta my SS and havent had the wing snap yet been thrue 4 gearboxes and 2 speedcontrols....not for over loading just from sooooooo many flights...so what to do ...well i found an old brand new modified 540 motor and gearbox from an old "hi performance"electric ...hmmmmmmmmm this will be fun espeacially with lighter batteries' lighter radio gear ..and a very very light airframe..ima gonna go try this right now i held the motor on with a hose clamp lolol now thats low buck!

-kuzi-

NAW!

It's not low bucks, it is "economical". If it works and you are satisfied, use it.

[kuzikood]

and if it dont work...bang on it and glue it till it does..... a neighbor gave me a old electrajet and buy the time i finnaly retired it it had over 8 ounces of hotglue and strapping tape on it and was an inch and a half shorter than when i received it lol

----------kuzi-

[kuzikood]

but it still flew great

[qban_flyer]

but it still flew great

I'd bet it did!!!

Fun isn' it? :D :D :D

[kuzikood]

i think i need to start a whole forum group on r/c cannibalizing and frankensteining what do ya think lol
cuz ive got a perfect set of wings to laniermariner40 most of a CG edge 540 and several other things laying around.... hmmm maybe a contest of who can make the ugliest plane out of old parts and household supplies that actually flies ...now that would be fun

-kuzi-

[qban_flyer]

i think i need to start a whole forum group on r/c cannibalizing and frankensteining what do ya think lol
cuz ive got a perfect set of wings to laniermariner40 most of a CG edge 540 and several other things laying around.... hmmm maybe a contest of who can make the ugliest plane out of old parts and household supplies that actually flies ...now that would be fun

-kuzi-

That I like very much. To see who can come up with the weirdest looking flying thing made of regular "materials" and cheap stuff! :D

[kuzikood]

have to have pics in flight or at least off the ground to prove it....only new parts allowed are props and thats just for safety ...hmmmm wait ive got about 30 broken props laying around and..........no wait new props are allowed lol

-------------kuzi-

[qban_flyer]

have to have pics in flight or at least off the ground to prove it....only new parts allowed are props and thats just for safety ...hmmmm wait ive got about 30 broken props laying around and..........no wait new props are allowed lol

-------------kuzi-

HMMM!

You mean it has to fly too?

30 broken props glued two together would give you 15 almost as good as new ones, won't they????? :p :p :p

[kuzikood]

hey do you use aim or yahoo?
-kuzi-

[qban_flyer]

My latest Blucor flying "creation". Scares the living daylights of people at parks who haven't got a clue as to what is it!

400 feet up and some think it's a flying something or other since it makes no noise and is rather "maneuverable". :D

It even 3Ds! Landings are falling leaf like. Harriers? NAW!

[qban_flyer]

hey do you use aim or yahoo?
-kuzi-

Neither. I used to ICQ but gave it up three years ago. :o

[Dr. Who?]

I love my slow stick. It's my windy flyer, thats why I added a brushless and converted it to ailerons.

too bad the aerilons don't work well.

I have had 3 slow sticks so far, oneis stock, the seconds one is a canard stick,a nd the third one is a 6ch plane.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435781 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435781)

O have done the external aerilons on my 2 and third slow stick. they do not work. no prop wash. I have flaperons, and a parachuit, that I can deploy that will glidet the plane to the ground if in trouble.

[kuzikood]

if ya make the ailerons big enough and give them enough throw they will work . :)

[flyranger]

too bad the aerilons don't work well.

I have had 3 slow sticks so far, oneis stock, the seconds one is a canard stick,a nd the third one is a 6ch plane.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435781 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435781)

O have done the external aerilons on my 2 and third slow stick. they do not work. no prop wash. I have flaperons, and a parachuit, that I can deploy that will glidet the plane to the ground if in trouble.

Did you remove the dihedral in the wing? I cut my wing and rejoined it with fiberglas tape and 5 minute epoxy. If you leave the dihedral in, the ailerons wont be very effective.

[qban_flyer]

too bad the aerilons don't work well.

I have had 3 slow sticks so far, oneis stock, the seconds one is a canard stick,a nd the third one is a 6ch plane.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435781 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435781)

O have done the external aerilons on my 2 and third slow stick. they do not work. no prop wash. I have flaperons, and a parachuit, that I can deploy that will glidet the plane to the ground if in trouble.

If you are using independent servos for each aileron and a computer radio, use the largest arm available for each servo. Adjust your aileron deflection to 60 degrees up and 45 degrees down on each one of them. I can guarantee you will see that thing turn with authority and even roll.

The large deflection and differential dialed in will overcome most of what the dihedral and undercamber in that wing are tying to prevent, the roll.

[gladtofly]

I just started flying my slow stick, ant there is quite a bit of "wing flutter" as i loop. Will putting straping tape on the bottom of the wing help?

[stevecooper]

I just started flying my slow stick, ant there is quite a bit of "wing flutter" as i loop. Will putting straping tape on the bottom of the wing help?
gladFly'inBub::Renforced pack''in tape works well, but if she's got alot of " smiley-face" when you pull out you may want to use spars like wood dowels or carbon rod's,, wood works great for me ,an a bucks worth all you need, your bub, steve