New Supercub :)

[Aryna]

hi,
i just bought my new Hobbyzone super cub lp today
i maidened at my local park and all went well. i had 1 crash but no damage done
the only part of the plane that got hammered even on the first flight was the cowling.
i was just wondering what people out there are using to fix their supercubs?? and how they are renforcing them??
also any flying tips couldnt hurt?? (landing is damn HARD )

thanks for any help

[NJSwede]

Landings are hard and supercub cowls are brittle. Two unfortunate facts of life... :-)

I tried to make it stronger by putting two cowls on top of each other, but that didn't work, since the prop is spinning very close to the cowl. Luckily they're cheap, so I would just order a bunch and change them every time they break.

As for landings... I've found that the Super Cub lands best with almost no throttle. Apply just a tiny tiny amount of up elevator during the final 40 feet. But in all honesty, I still have to change cowls from time to time...

[dumo01]

Best thing I found for the Super Cub cowl was vinyl electric tape. Comes in a number of colors so you pick whatever looks good to you and reinforce the inside and outside of the cowl. The tape has enough flex to allow the cowl to absorb some impact, but is strong enough the the cowl will not flex enough to crack ( well there are limits but works pretty well as I found out)

Agree with Swede on the landing technique

[theoldALFER]

TAILDRAGGER TECHNIQUE:

About four feet from the ground you should be at 1/4 power; then bleed off the power as you bring in up elevator. Slow n smooth will do it. Once on the ground full up to hold the tail down and rudder to steer. That should produce a nice flair to landing.

Enjoy.

[Aryna]

thanks for the tips
any advice an how to repair damaged foam??
(hopefully wont need to ;P )

[NJSwede]

The community seems split 50/50 on foamsafe CA vs. 5-minute epoxy. You take your pick! Sometimes you may have to reinforce a structure. I've found that cardboard and epoxy works well for that. I use the cardboard from the box the plane came in...

[1320fastback]

Excellent choice of airplane. The HZSC was my first ever RC plane also and I put it thru WW3 teaching myself how to fly.

For the cowls I use clear packing tape all over the INSIDE which helped keep them together.

For foam repairs I used Gorilla Glue and tooth picks if needed like when I broke the tail off.

I suggest using clear packing tape on the leading edge of the wing now, it will make it more resistant to any future impact. Also taping the sides of the fuselage under the tail and forward 6" or so. This will help make the plane stronger.

One thing about Gorilla Glue is that it does expand as it cures so while it still fresh put some tape over the repair to help keep the glue inside the foam. It is a great glue to use on this plane.

[Aryna]

hi thanks for all the great help!!!
just wondering if the tape on the leading edge of the wing would effect the flight and aero dynamics of the plane???

and isnt all the tape and glue heavy and affect the weight of the plane??

[1320fastback]

Well its more of a preventative measure. If/when the LE gets impacted the dent will be far less with the tape than without. For the tail if it does ever get broken off then it will weight more than if it were taped and it didnt break.

3 pieces of clear packing tape will have a insignificant weight penalty.

[TylerJCooper]

All my planes are made of Gorilla Glue and packing tape. The packing tape will smooth out surfaces and dents if needed. The Gorilla glue expands in the foam pockets and makes an excellent bond.

[1320fastback]

As for landing, I know its hard in the beginning.

One thing I tell people I am helping to learn how to fly is that landing is simply flying the plane onto the ground. It is hard to make it look smooth and dont think you need to touch down in a certain spot, if the plane lands 40' farther away than you wanted so what.

The HZSC dead sticks beautifully. It will glide at almost the perfect decent attitude and even though its a bad habit to pick up for now it is alright to land like that.

Later on you will want to keep some power on throughout the landing procedure.

Here is a video from 2 years ago when I had my HZSC, I was practicing keeping power on before I maidened the FW190 you can see sitting on the ground.

http://vimeo.com/3792721

And this is one of my best ever landing. Talk about greasing it in!

http://vimeo.com/3197382

[Aryna]

haha love the second vid :S.. thts nasty!!
in the 1st vid it looks like you have added ailerons ??

thanks for all the great help

[1320fastback]

Yes I did add ailerons but only after flying it stock for a few months.

I was a little nervous about flying my 2nd plane as it had ailerons and was made from balsa and also is a low wing.

I think the 2 best trainers are first the Super Cub and then the Super Cub with ailerons and a flattened wing.

[Aryna]

just went out to fly again
almost lost the plane down wind :s managed to regain controll and bring it back
all went well from there best landing yet but theb the wind picked up

i am addicted to this hobby!!