Skyraider Brotherhood (All Skyraiders Welcome)
04-09-2015, 11:08 PM
#51
My Feedback: (13)
Aloha Gentlemen,
I've been waiting on my retractable tail wheel from Lado, to begin the instillation of the stab and rudder. I also decided to toss out the pull/pull elevator and rudder system and go with carbon fiber rods. The ESM system sucks, the hardware in the kit is not up to the job...and I'm going to change over. The carbon fiber rods seem to be a nice step up from using Golden Rods or a pull/pull system, for this size model. I will use a pull/pull set up for the tail wheel steering, but my rudder and elevator will be carbon fiber rods. I will be installing the speed flap on the belly and there is more then enough room back there to get it all installed. I need that retract tail wheel to finalize where every thing is going and install the tail feathers. But the real nice thing is...I can reach all the way into the fuselage to do the work...it has a big fuselage.
I found that the fourth bulkhead aft of the fire wall is not glued in. Only about 1" on top and along the bottom and no glue on the sides at all...not good. The fire wall has no over flow of glue anywhere and I will need to fix this also. My ESM F6F fire wall came lose on the third engine run and I did had to do a repair re-glue. This one looks just like my other fire wall, so before I move on to installing anything more, I'll fix it. I'll need remove everything attached to the fire wall. I use finishing epoxy mixed with shredded fiberglass and just pour it onto the fire wall with the tail sticking straight up...and let the epoxy flow into all the cracks and open area's. It did the trick and I no further issues with the fire wall, but I let the epoxy sit for three days. I'll use 30 minute epoxy on the #4 bulkhead and do this after the fire wall is epoxy is set up properly.
I used to build from kits...and I've been building for 60 years. These ESM kits are not built per say...but more like assembling pre-built parts. The ESM ARF's are a bit more complex of an assembly then lets say, a Top Flight ARF. But what I do now is modify these airframes into something just a bit different. It takes a bit of time to do it all, but this is the fun factor for me. Some folks build works of art...and the skill level to do this kind of work is truly amazing. I love really love this hobby and it keeps me smiling.
Soft Landings Always,
BobbyofMaui
I've been waiting on my retractable tail wheel from Lado, to begin the instillation of the stab and rudder. I also decided to toss out the pull/pull elevator and rudder system and go with carbon fiber rods. The ESM system sucks, the hardware in the kit is not up to the job...and I'm going to change over. The carbon fiber rods seem to be a nice step up from using Golden Rods or a pull/pull system, for this size model. I will use a pull/pull set up for the tail wheel steering, but my rudder and elevator will be carbon fiber rods. I will be installing the speed flap on the belly and there is more then enough room back there to get it all installed. I need that retract tail wheel to finalize where every thing is going and install the tail feathers. But the real nice thing is...I can reach all the way into the fuselage to do the work...it has a big fuselage.
I found that the fourth bulkhead aft of the fire wall is not glued in. Only about 1" on top and along the bottom and no glue on the sides at all...not good. The fire wall has no over flow of glue anywhere and I will need to fix this also. My ESM F6F fire wall came lose on the third engine run and I did had to do a repair re-glue. This one looks just like my other fire wall, so before I move on to installing anything more, I'll fix it. I'll need remove everything attached to the fire wall. I use finishing epoxy mixed with shredded fiberglass and just pour it onto the fire wall with the tail sticking straight up...and let the epoxy flow into all the cracks and open area's. It did the trick and I no further issues with the fire wall, but I let the epoxy sit for three days. I'll use 30 minute epoxy on the #4 bulkhead and do this after the fire wall is epoxy is set up properly.
I used to build from kits...and I've been building for 60 years. These ESM kits are not built per say...but more like assembling pre-built parts. The ESM ARF's are a bit more complex of an assembly then lets say, a Top Flight ARF. But what I do now is modify these airframes into something just a bit different. It takes a bit of time to do it all, but this is the fun factor for me. Some folks build works of art...and the skill level to do this kind of work is truly amazing. I love really love this hobby and it keeps me smiling.
Soft Landings Always,
BobbyofMaui
04-12-2015, 05:58 PM
#52
Bobby, The Skyraider is looking great. I have a dive brake on my AD-5 that I am, with Masor's help, working to complete now. Hope to post some pics soon. The brake is hinged at the front and the servo is mounted on it's side so the arm pushes the brake open to about 45 degrees.
The green in the first photo is the brake and the cutout can be seen in the second.
Keep us posted on the progress.
Say, Gains, how are you and Howard coming on the A-1 and AD-5?
The green in the first photo is the brake and the cutout can be seen in the second.
Keep us posted on the progress.
Say, Gains, how are you and Howard coming on the A-1 and AD-5?
Last edited by WARBIRDRCER; 04-12-2015 at 06:06 PM.
04-12-2015, 08:25 PM
#53
My Feedback: (13)
Aloha,
I pulled the engine and everything off of the fire wall and poured in the epoxy (2 oz.) with milled fiberglass. It set up in about two hours and then I pulled the tape and cleaned up the firewall. I then cleaned out all the mounting holes and used metal tape, and taped over the fire wall. I will let it set up for a couple of day's then when my Lado retractable tail wheel arrives, will start on the fuselage once again. The last thing I'm going to do is set up a lower cowl attach brackets and move over to the wings.
It will be nice to see how the retracts fit into the wing...for these were made specifically for the ESM Skyraider-so was the retractable tail wheel.
WARBIRDRCER,
Thanks for the pictures of your speed brake and I will be adding one to my bird too. I will have it deploy to the point that it does not rub onto the ground, with the wheels down and oleo's depressed. I do not want to drag the flap if its deployed, on a less then perfect landing. Great pictures and have you ever seen the dive brake deployed in flight on a model? I would like to know how it effects the flight characteristics.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
I pulled the engine and everything off of the fire wall and poured in the epoxy (2 oz.) with milled fiberglass. It set up in about two hours and then I pulled the tape and cleaned up the firewall. I then cleaned out all the mounting holes and used metal tape, and taped over the fire wall. I will let it set up for a couple of day's then when my Lado retractable tail wheel arrives, will start on the fuselage once again. The last thing I'm going to do is set up a lower cowl attach brackets and move over to the wings.
It will be nice to see how the retracts fit into the wing...for these were made specifically for the ESM Skyraider-so was the retractable tail wheel.
WARBIRDRCER,
Thanks for the pictures of your speed brake and I will be adding one to my bird too. I will have it deploy to the point that it does not rub onto the ground, with the wheels down and oleo's depressed. I do not want to drag the flap if its deployed, on a less then perfect landing. Great pictures and have you ever seen the dive brake deployed in flight on a model? I would like to know how it effects the flight characteristics.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
Last edited by Bob Paris; 04-12-2015 at 08:35 PM.
04-13-2015, 04:37 AM
#54
My Feedback: (37)
Going well! Howard had his nearly completed 120" AD5 out this Saturday for show and tell. We put the lower dive brake on Howard's AD5 and my A1H is being fitted with the lower dive brake today and will have the side dive brakes as well. I'll post some photos later of the dive brake install on our Skyraiders. I'm using a commercial Clippard air cylinder to operate them.
Here are some very short videos of the first start-ups and some taxiing of Howard's AD5 around the field.
We balanced it at the field with plenty of help and with the weight he needed to remove from the nose it should weigh in at about 53-54 pounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmT4svABcNA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CazaUGF2nwA
Here are some very short videos of the first start-ups and some taxiing of Howard's AD5 around the field.
We balanced it at the field with plenty of help and with the weight he needed to remove from the nose it should weigh in at about 53-54 pounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmT4svABcNA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CazaUGF2nwA
04-13-2015, 03:19 PM
#55
My Feedback: (13)
Aloha Gentlemen,
Today I took out the wings and started to set up the landing gear...and that is when I ran into a serious issue with the Century Jet electric retracts and my ESM Skyraider kit. The wing opening for the retracts is 1.085 inches wide and the retracts are 1.185 wide. If I just file the sides of the retract mounting blocks and side ribs that hold onto the mounting blocks, I'll make the ribs supporting the retracts way to thin for a 15~18# model. The retracts are tenth of an inch to wide. Now that may not seem like much, but I'll have to open up the wing, move the support ribs, landing gear blocks and reset the landing gear area of the wings. The wing is built up, covered and painted. Not very happy with this at all.
What now...do I tear into the wing to make things work...or see what ARFPRO's and Century Jet handle the issues I have come across.
Has anyone else had these issues with their ESM Skyraider kits?
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
Today I took out the wings and started to set up the landing gear...and that is when I ran into a serious issue with the Century Jet electric retracts and my ESM Skyraider kit. The wing opening for the retracts is 1.085 inches wide and the retracts are 1.185 wide. If I just file the sides of the retract mounting blocks and side ribs that hold onto the mounting blocks, I'll make the ribs supporting the retracts way to thin for a 15~18# model. The retracts are tenth of an inch to wide. Now that may not seem like much, but I'll have to open up the wing, move the support ribs, landing gear blocks and reset the landing gear area of the wings. The wing is built up, covered and painted. Not very happy with this at all.
What now...do I tear into the wing to make things work...or see what ARFPRO's and Century Jet handle the issues I have come across.
Has anyone else had these issues with their ESM Skyraider kits?
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
Last edited by Bob Paris; 04-13-2015 at 06:56 PM.
04-13-2015, 05:26 PM
#57
My Feedback: (37)
I just finished the installation of the bottom dive brake on my A1H. I should start on the plugs and molds for the side brakes tomorrow. The photos show the installation of the bottom dive brakes on Howard's AD5 and my A1H. The video is of my A1H. Will keep you posted on the progress and how they function in flight.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch...?v=CazaUGF2nwA
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch...?v=CazaUGF2nwA
04-14-2015, 07:21 AM
#58
My Feedback: (13)
Aloha,
I was able to contact Century Jet this morning about my landing gear for my ESM Skyraider. I told them of the issues I was having and I was instructed to mail them back...with one half of the wing, so they can properly fit the retracts. So today I'll mail in what they need and see if I can get these units to fit properly. C.J. didn't give me any problems...were interested in knowing the truth and pleased with their support.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
I was able to contact Century Jet this morning about my landing gear for my ESM Skyraider. I told them of the issues I was having and I was instructed to mail them back...with one half of the wing, so they can properly fit the retracts. So today I'll mail in what they need and see if I can get these units to fit properly. C.J. didn't give me any problems...were interested in knowing the truth and pleased with their support.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
04-14-2015, 07:29 PM
#59
My Feedback: (13)
Good News,
I contacted Ms. Robin of ARFPRO's and Bruce at C.J.M., and found a solution to my landing gear. Bruce had the wrong dimensions for the ESM Skyraider, landing gear bay's. So I took accurate readings, then I diagramed the mounting rails and wheel wells. I also took a few pictures, with a dial caliper, and sent all the information to Bruce. He now has all he needs to make a set of drop-in retracts for my ESM Skyraider. The landing gear will be electric servo-less gear, with struts. I shipped out the set he sent me by U.S.P.S. Priority mail this afternoon.
The measurements I took where not the same for both wing half's. They were close...but no cigar.
It sure is nice to have this kind of support from the hobby.
Next I'm going to set up my drop tanks to be an easy R&R kind of thing, and set up my aileron, dive flap and wing flap servo's. I'm still waiting on the Lado tail wheel retract unit.
Soft landing Always,
Bobby of Maui
I contacted Ms. Robin of ARFPRO's and Bruce at C.J.M., and found a solution to my landing gear. Bruce had the wrong dimensions for the ESM Skyraider, landing gear bay's. So I took accurate readings, then I diagramed the mounting rails and wheel wells. I also took a few pictures, with a dial caliper, and sent all the information to Bruce. He now has all he needs to make a set of drop-in retracts for my ESM Skyraider. The landing gear will be electric servo-less gear, with struts. I shipped out the set he sent me by U.S.P.S. Priority mail this afternoon.
The measurements I took where not the same for both wing half's. They were close...but no cigar.
It sure is nice to have this kind of support from the hobby.
Next I'm going to set up my drop tanks to be an easy R&R kind of thing, and set up my aileron, dive flap and wing flap servo's. I'm still waiting on the Lado tail wheel retract unit.
Soft landing Always,
Bobby of Maui
Last edited by Bob Paris; 04-14-2015 at 07:38 PM.
06-23-2015, 11:48 PM
#65
My Feedback: (13)
Aloha Gentlemen,
I've finally been able to get back at assembling my ESM Skyraider. As it sits now, the Lado tail wheel retract is in and the cowl cover piece has been cut and fit. The Lado gear works just fine and hooking up the steering was a simple affair. I needed to get the retract tail wheel in first, then assemble the stab, elevators, rudder and push rods for the controls. I did not use the kit supplied way of using the pull/pull wires...for hooking up the elevators when assembling the model is a real pain in the butt, but try to do any maintenance on the controls once installed and hooked up, is near impossible. My ESM F6F taught me that lesson (may its pieces rest in peace). So I went with Sullivan fiberglass push rods and 4/40 wires. No bends...just a straight shot from the servo to the control surface. I used the shortest length of 4/40 wire I could at each end of the push rod and went with Sullivan metal 1-1/8" control horns.
I would have liked to use carbon fiber control rods...but had no source for them where I live. The Sullivan fiberglass push rods were easy to set up, drill out and install. You just have to take care in how you cut them to length. The fiberglass will splinter on you if you go to fast with the cutting procedure. All the servo's are in and push rods cut, tail feathers installed and flight ready.
To install the Lado tail wheel assy. I had to cut out a portion of the #3 bulk head to get it to fit and I made a good strong doubler for the two top attachment 4/40 bolts to go through-on the opposite side of the bulk head. I used a 3/8" sq. hard wood piece to support the inner retract frame, that two 4/40 bolts went through, to supported this part of the tail wheel assembly. I used blind nuts, Allen head 4/40 bolts, washers and lock nuts...all set in with blue lock tight (to keep it all together). Its stiff and strong and the tail wheel retracts fully into the aft fuselage and has a nice retract speed too. It was a simple chore really and the results are really nice. This is my second model with tail wheel retracts installed. I've flown a P-51B with a S.T. G90 with a Robart retract tail wheel for ten years. It took a bit of a learning curve to set them up, but once I understood what was needed to make the tail wheel steering work reliably...I fell in love with the instillation. The retract portion of the Robart tail wheel assembly has never failed me once and has always worked perfectly. It will be nice to see how the Lado's work out for me.
I used two servo's for the split elevators and may dial in elevator/aileron mix. I could have gone with just one servo, for it was strong enough, but I wanted to see how this would effect the flight characteristics of the airframe. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice my first modeled handled with this mix. I'm using HD1501MGBB servo's and with 6v they put out over 200"#,s of pull. More then enough to do the job and I've had really great good luck with these servo's.
The Lado electrical retract has a small electronic board you need to strap down and I used Velcro and a bit of foam to do the install. This rests on the bottom of the fuselage, half way to the wing.
My ESM Skyraider did not have the usual markings they usually come with. So I have almost a clean slate here to dress up the model. I've yet decided how to do this...but looking forward to the finish work.
I am now going to install the engine and all fuselage electronics. I'm going with my Airtronics 10 channel Rx for the radio and four on off switches (one for the ignition, two for the receiver batteries and one for the main landing gear battery) The servo-less electric retracts came from Century Jet, were nicely done, But not as clean as Lado's are built.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
I've finally been able to get back at assembling my ESM Skyraider. As it sits now, the Lado tail wheel retract is in and the cowl cover piece has been cut and fit. The Lado gear works just fine and hooking up the steering was a simple affair. I needed to get the retract tail wheel in first, then assemble the stab, elevators, rudder and push rods for the controls. I did not use the kit supplied way of using the pull/pull wires...for hooking up the elevators when assembling the model is a real pain in the butt, but try to do any maintenance on the controls once installed and hooked up, is near impossible. My ESM F6F taught me that lesson (may its pieces rest in peace). So I went with Sullivan fiberglass push rods and 4/40 wires. No bends...just a straight shot from the servo to the control surface. I used the shortest length of 4/40 wire I could at each end of the push rod and went with Sullivan metal 1-1/8" control horns.
I would have liked to use carbon fiber control rods...but had no source for them where I live. The Sullivan fiberglass push rods were easy to set up, drill out and install. You just have to take care in how you cut them to length. The fiberglass will splinter on you if you go to fast with the cutting procedure. All the servo's are in and push rods cut, tail feathers installed and flight ready.
To install the Lado tail wheel assy. I had to cut out a portion of the #3 bulk head to get it to fit and I made a good strong doubler for the two top attachment 4/40 bolts to go through-on the opposite side of the bulk head. I used a 3/8" sq. hard wood piece to support the inner retract frame, that two 4/40 bolts went through, to supported this part of the tail wheel assembly. I used blind nuts, Allen head 4/40 bolts, washers and lock nuts...all set in with blue lock tight (to keep it all together). Its stiff and strong and the tail wheel retracts fully into the aft fuselage and has a nice retract speed too. It was a simple chore really and the results are really nice. This is my second model with tail wheel retracts installed. I've flown a P-51B with a S.T. G90 with a Robart retract tail wheel for ten years. It took a bit of a learning curve to set them up, but once I understood what was needed to make the tail wheel steering work reliably...I fell in love with the instillation. The retract portion of the Robart tail wheel assembly has never failed me once and has always worked perfectly. It will be nice to see how the Lado's work out for me.
I used two servo's for the split elevators and may dial in elevator/aileron mix. I could have gone with just one servo, for it was strong enough, but I wanted to see how this would effect the flight characteristics of the airframe. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice my first modeled handled with this mix. I'm using HD1501MGBB servo's and with 6v they put out over 200"#,s of pull. More then enough to do the job and I've had really great good luck with these servo's.
The Lado electrical retract has a small electronic board you need to strap down and I used Velcro and a bit of foam to do the install. This rests on the bottom of the fuselage, half way to the wing.
My ESM Skyraider did not have the usual markings they usually come with. So I have almost a clean slate here to dress up the model. I've yet decided how to do this...but looking forward to the finish work.
I am now going to install the engine and all fuselage electronics. I'm going with my Airtronics 10 channel Rx for the radio and four on off switches (one for the ignition, two for the receiver batteries and one for the main landing gear battery) The servo-less electric retracts came from Century Jet, were nicely done, But not as clean as Lado's are built.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui
Last edited by Bob Paris; 06-24-2015 at 12:08 AM.
07-17-2015, 04:10 AM
#68
My Feedback: (37)
Howard and I completed the re-test flight on my nearly completed 120" A1H Skyraider this week. We now have his AD5 and my A1H about ready to show off. Here is a video of the flight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxRODKGbuV8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxRODKGbuV8
07-27-2015, 05:43 AM
#70
Skyraider Brotherhood Update, we now have 14.5 in our squadron.
Welcome to the Skyraider Brotherhood
14.Dago Racer13
Skyraider Brotherhood
Start Date: 07-23-2014
Current Date: 07-27-2015
Roster
1. Flight Lead: The late Charlie Kellogg
2. Warbirdrcer OK, USA
2.5 Talimena Kidd OK, USA
3. SBDdauntless PA, USA
4. P51NUT OK, USA
5. brn2fly FL, USA
6. Don Perry OK, USA
7. leadgofer IL, USA
8. planerc49 PA, USA
9. gsmith6879 OK, USA
10. SIXGUNS MN, USA
11. BobParis HI, USA
12. Ram-broNE, USA
13. chistechMA, USA
14. DagoRacer13
If you would like to join the Skyraider Brotherhood please send me a PM, or ask by posting your request here. I will track and assign youa number.
Never can tell when you may run into another Skyraider Brother some where, so join now.
Welcome to the Skyraider Brotherhood
14.Dago Racer13
Skyraider Brotherhood
Start Date: 07-23-2014
Current Date: 07-27-2015
Roster
1. Flight Lead: The late Charlie Kellogg
2. Warbirdrcer OK, USA
2.5 Talimena Kidd OK, USA
3. SBDdauntless PA, USA
4. P51NUT OK, USA
5. brn2fly FL, USA
6. Don Perry OK, USA
7. leadgofer IL, USA
8. planerc49 PA, USA
9. gsmith6879 OK, USA
10. SIXGUNS MN, USA
11. BobParis HI, USA
12. Ram-broNE, USA
13. chistechMA, USA
14. DagoRacer13
If you would like to join the Skyraider Brotherhood please send me a PM, or ask by posting your request here. I will track and assign youa number.
Never can tell when you may run into another Skyraider Brother some where, so join now.
08-08-2015, 08:32 AM
#71
My Feedback: (77)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Bryan, TX
Posts: 3,157
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Fellow SKYRAIDER enthusiasts...
Great news... We have just finished the NEW VIETNAM CAMO for the popular 71" ESM SKYRAIDER !
Production is underway and we should have these here in Texas to begin shipping to our customers
in approx 6-7 weeks +/- from this Monday.
We will continue to offer the popular 3 pylon with 3 large drop tank set , however we are actively working on a new
optional pylon set to allow for electric release of the drop tanks.
New features:
-Increased sheeting of bottom outboard rib bays to allow for scale ordnance package
- (2) NEW Scale Ordnance packages will be available with pylons for mounting on the new VIETNAM CAMO SKYRAIDER
- SCALE COCKPIT KIT will be available
-Scale Vietnam Era Pilot in correct sizing available
-Skyraider will come with a full decal set to apply your own favorite markings...
Included markings are;
-Lieutenant America
-Sock it to Em
-Bubbles n' Bust
-Firebird
-Miss Eileen
This special edition version comes complete with more scale markings, nomenclature, Nose art ,Tail markings etc for above mentioned
Skyraiders.
http://www.vqwarbirds.com/product_in...roducts_id=938
Enjoy the pics ...
Great news... We have just finished the NEW VIETNAM CAMO for the popular 71" ESM SKYRAIDER !
Production is underway and we should have these here in Texas to begin shipping to our customers
in approx 6-7 weeks +/- from this Monday.
We will continue to offer the popular 3 pylon with 3 large drop tank set , however we are actively working on a new
optional pylon set to allow for electric release of the drop tanks.
New features:
-Increased sheeting of bottom outboard rib bays to allow for scale ordnance package
- (2) NEW Scale Ordnance packages will be available with pylons for mounting on the new VIETNAM CAMO SKYRAIDER
- SCALE COCKPIT KIT will be available
-Scale Vietnam Era Pilot in correct sizing available
-Skyraider will come with a full decal set to apply your own favorite markings...
Included markings are;
-Lieutenant America
-Sock it to Em
-Bubbles n' Bust
-Firebird
-Miss Eileen
This special edition version comes complete with more scale markings, nomenclature, Nose art ,Tail markings etc for above mentioned
Skyraiders.
http://www.vqwarbirds.com/product_in...roducts_id=938
Enjoy the pics ...
Last edited by nemesis4u; 08-08-2015 at 12:57 PM. Reason: added photos
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