112 MODEL AVIATION
IT’S NICE TO have
another source for
quality pilot figures.
Pete’s Pilots of the
United Kingdom is
offering a 1/3-scale
Vintage/WWII bust
on its eBay store.
The figure weighs
only 3.5 ounces, is
6.5 inches wide, and
is 7 inches tall. Depth
front to back is 4.375
inches, and the
character comes with
detachable oxygen
mask.
The figure is
made from polyurethane resin and filled with foam for rigidity. Pete’s
Pilots offers its line painted or unpainted. The 1/3-scale figure is a
recession-busting 12.00 pounds, or $18.35 in US currency. Pete’s
Pilots has an eBay rating of 100% positive feedback.
The accompanying photo shows the figure that fellow club
member Kevin Shaw painted.
Jerry Smith of Acworth, Georgia, graciously provided a submission
for this month’s column. He has extensive modeling and magazine
experience in the industry.
His airplane modeling began at the age of 10. That’s not too
noteworthy in itself; however, now at age 83, Jerry has more than 73
years of experience in aeromodeling.
He worked in the aerospace industry for 40 years as a design
engineer and was on staff with Radio Control Modeler magazine for
30 years, where he drew plans, wrote articles, and authored the “For
What It’s Worth” column. In addition, Jerry worked for Lanier RC
for 15 years, designing airplanes, drawing plans, and writing
manuals.
He designed the five series of Stinger models and is still building,
flying, covering events, and writing articles. Jerry says that airplanes
have been a lifelong passion.
He is a Life Member of the AMA and was inducted into the AMA
Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006. Jerry has been a gentleman
and a wonderful friend to all modelers.
Jeff Whitford of Alpharetta, Georgia, built and flies the Dornier
Do 335 Pfeil that is shown in one of the photos. As he reports, “I
Pete’s Pilots from the UK
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Giants Sal Calvagna
Also included in this column:
• Thanks to Jerry Smith
• Jeff Whitford’s Do 335 Pfeil
• Pedro Sanchez’s F4U Corsair
• Walt Moucha’s 1/4-scale Piper
Pawnee
• Bent G-38 crankshaft revisit
Pete’s Pilots 1/3-scale Vintage/WWII pilot bust is a bargain, at
roughly $18. The easiest way to get one is through eBay.
Jerry Smith has 73 years of modeling experience. You can often
see his prose and photo expertise in MA pages.
Jeff Whitford’s Dornier Do 335 has a four-stroke up front and a
two-stroke in the rear. Engine cooling is the key to its success.
Pedro Sanchez’s ZDZ 80-powered Ziroli F4U Corsair has the look
of being built by a modeler with decades of experience.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:17 AM Page 112
thought that it would be a good RC project for several reasons besides
being an unusual subject.”
The Do 335 has a big wing, large flaps, tricycle gear for good
manners on the ground, and, best of all, centerline thrust, which
prevents it from rolling into the ground if an engine quits, as can
happen with a conventional twin.
Jeff built the model from Al Masters plans. It is 1:6.7 in scale, has
an 81-inch wingspan, and weighs 25 pounds.
The model was painted with Nelson System Three water-based
polyurethane. Jeff installed a YS 1.20 four-stroke engine in the front
and an O.S. .61 two-stroke in the rear, to maintain the proper CG.
During several of the aircraft’s early flights, the rear engine quit
because of overheating. However, the Dornier can fly fine on only the
forward engine. Jeff installed a helicopter heat sink on the rear engine
that has solved the heat issue. That was also a problem on the fullscale
aircraft. This model is Jeff’s favorite of all his warbirds.
Although he started RC modeling in 1989, Jeff has extensive flying
experience as a pilot for Delta Air Lines, the US Air Force, and the
Illinois Air National Guard. Although he is retired from all three, he
owns and flies a 1941 Stearman PT-13.
In the final year of World War II, many strange and technically
advanced aircraft entered service with the German Luftwaffe. In
addition to the innovative jet- and rocket-powered aircraft, an unusuallooking
airplane that was tested was the twin-powered Dornier Do 335
Pfeil, or “Arrow.”
The Pfeil was an amazing aircraft that offered phenomenal
performance. Designed by Professor Claude Dornier, it used
centerline thrust, similar to on his earlier floatplane designs.
To maximize engine power and minimize drag, Dornier
installed both engines in the fuselage: one in the front and one in
the rear. This arrangement offered an aerodynamically clean
wing, reduced frontal area, and the ability to carry increased
firepower.
As such, the Arrow’s performance completely eclipsed that of
all its contemporaries and became the fastest piston-powered
aircraft of the war. Pilots who flew the Arrow were enthusiastic
about its performance but did not like the poor rearward visibility
and weak landing gear. These issues were later solved.
One of this airplane’s interesting features was the crucible tail.
The lower fin was installed to prevent the rear propeller from
striking the ground if the pilot over-rotated the aircraft on takeoff.
Although the Do 335 was given the name Pfeil by Dornier test
pilots on account of its speed, service pilots quickly dubbed it
“Ameisenbär” (anteater) because of its long nose.
This aircraft could have helped Germany stave off the massive
bombing raids, but it was produced in too few numbers; an Allied
bombing raid destroyed the manufacturing plant and some of the
tooling for it. Similar to the Me 262 and Ar.234, it was another
fine example of too little, too late.
Pedro Sanchez of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is considered a hard-core
warbird builder and
flier with a seemingly
endless supply of
airplanes in his hangar. All of his warbirds
have immaculately rendered panel lines,
rivets, authentic paint schemes, weathering,
and, in some cases, metal covering as panels.
Pedro likes detail and is successful at
imparting his skillful ways to add realism to
his models. His Ziroli Corsair, shown, is a
nice display of his workmanship.
It is powered with a ZDZ 80 engine
swinging a 27-inch Solo propeller with
Robart retracts. At 1/5 scale, the wingspan is
93 inches with a fuselage length of 72 inches.
The finish is fiberglass painted with Tamiya
paint in scale colors. The F4U is guided via a
2.4 GHz radio using 5645 Hitec servos.
Although Pedro has been modeling for
only six years, his airplanes look as
though someone with many more years of
experience completed them.
The latest design from Walt Moucha of Fort
Pierce, Florida, is a 1/4-scale Piper PA-25
Pawnee. It spans 96 inches, has a wing chord
of 16 inches, and has a fuselage length of 72
inches. The model’s all-up weight is 21-24
pounds, and it is powered by a Fuji 50 gas
engine.
The PA-25 features an aluminum
turtledeck and cowl, scale rivets and screws,
functional doors, wingtip and landing lights,
and functional flaps. It is equipped with a
Sonic-Tronics smoke system and controlled
by a Futaba 6EX FASST radio.
Walt will have full-size plans and lasercut
parts available in the near future. For
further information, you can contact him via
telephone or e-mail. (See the “Sources” list
for his number and address.)
Piper built the Pawnee between 1959 and
1982. It featured a steel-tube fuselage that
was designed to collapse in stages during a
low-speed crash, to protect the pilot.
The aircraft was used for agricultural
spraying but became popular as a tow
airplane or tug for launching gliders and
towing banners. More than 5,000 PA-25s
were produced.
In the December 2008 column, I described
how to field-repair a bent crankshaft on a
Zenoah G-38 engine. I received a number of
critical reviews about the process.
Some readers objected to straightening a
bent crankshaft at all and advised that it
should be replaced only. Others objected to
using the type of hammer as shown in the
photo. Suggestions varied, including using a
brass hammer, a ball-peen hammer, or a 4-
foot pipe placed over the shaft.
Most of the e-mails I received, although
critical of the process I used, offered helpful
ideas. There was only one note from a
reader that was downright rude and
offensive.
I’ll explain further. Way back when, in
high school shop class, I was shown a short
film called Primitive Pete. He was a
caveman-type character who improperly
used only a few tools (pliers, screwdriver,
and a hammer) to work on everything. The
film’s point was that you should use the
proper tool for the job at hand.
I’d like to think that I fall somewhere
between Primitive Pete and a battlefield
commander, who does not have the luxury
or time to do things, let’s say, according to
Hoyle, but must get the mission
accomplished. I have performed and assisted
with many types of field repairs. I promise
that I have never, and would never, attempt
to fly a model that is unsafe.
Having made these types of repairs at the
field, I fully tested the model on the ground
before attempting flight. A few readers
wrote that they had many years of
experience professionally repairing small
engines, and the proper way to repair an
engine would be to have a professional
handle the job. I certainly agree.
To help drive the point home, I was
presented with a crankshaft-repair hammer
award at my local club meeting last month. I
will cherish and display it for years to come.
I also get the point. I promise that it will
never touch a crankshaft and hope that the
patron saint of small engines won’t damn
me to the nether region.
That’s all for this month. Please let me
know if you have any questions or concerns,
and I will be happy to address them. MA
Sources:
Walt Moucha
(772) 460-6436
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 112,113,114
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 112,113,114
112 MODEL AVIATION
IT’S NICE TO have
another source for
quality pilot figures.
Pete’s Pilots of the
United Kingdom is
offering a 1/3-scale
Vintage/WWII bust
on its eBay store.
The figure weighs
only 3.5 ounces, is
6.5 inches wide, and
is 7 inches tall. Depth
front to back is 4.375
inches, and the
character comes with
detachable oxygen
mask.
The figure is
made from polyurethane resin and filled with foam for rigidity. Pete’s
Pilots offers its line painted or unpainted. The 1/3-scale figure is a
recession-busting 12.00 pounds, or $18.35 in US currency. Pete’s
Pilots has an eBay rating of 100% positive feedback.
The accompanying photo shows the figure that fellow club
member Kevin Shaw painted.
Jerry Smith of Acworth, Georgia, graciously provided a submission
for this month’s column. He has extensive modeling and magazine
experience in the industry.
His airplane modeling began at the age of 10. That’s not too
noteworthy in itself; however, now at age 83, Jerry has more than 73
years of experience in aeromodeling.
He worked in the aerospace industry for 40 years as a design
engineer and was on staff with Radio Control Modeler magazine for
30 years, where he drew plans, wrote articles, and authored the “For
What It’s Worth” column. In addition, Jerry worked for Lanier RC
for 15 years, designing airplanes, drawing plans, and writing
manuals.
He designed the five series of Stinger models and is still building,
flying, covering events, and writing articles. Jerry says that airplanes
have been a lifelong passion.
He is a Life Member of the AMA and was inducted into the AMA
Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006. Jerry has been a gentleman
and a wonderful friend to all modelers.
Jeff Whitford of Alpharetta, Georgia, built and flies the Dornier
Do 335 Pfeil that is shown in one of the photos. As he reports, “I
Pete’s Pilots from the UK
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Giants Sal Calvagna
Also included in this column:
• Thanks to Jerry Smith
• Jeff Whitford’s Do 335 Pfeil
• Pedro Sanchez’s F4U Corsair
• Walt Moucha’s 1/4-scale Piper
Pawnee
• Bent G-38 crankshaft revisit
Pete’s Pilots 1/3-scale Vintage/WWII pilot bust is a bargain, at
roughly $18. The easiest way to get one is through eBay.
Jerry Smith has 73 years of modeling experience. You can often
see his prose and photo expertise in MA pages.
Jeff Whitford’s Dornier Do 335 has a four-stroke up front and a
two-stroke in the rear. Engine cooling is the key to its success.
Pedro Sanchez’s ZDZ 80-powered Ziroli F4U Corsair has the look
of being built by a modeler with decades of experience.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:17 AM Page 112
thought that it would be a good RC project for several reasons besides
being an unusual subject.”
The Do 335 has a big wing, large flaps, tricycle gear for good
manners on the ground, and, best of all, centerline thrust, which
prevents it from rolling into the ground if an engine quits, as can
happen with a conventional twin.
Jeff built the model from Al Masters plans. It is 1:6.7 in scale, has
an 81-inch wingspan, and weighs 25 pounds.
The model was painted with Nelson System Three water-based
polyurethane. Jeff installed a YS 1.20 four-stroke engine in the front
and an O.S. .61 two-stroke in the rear, to maintain the proper CG.
During several of the aircraft’s early flights, the rear engine quit
because of overheating. However, the Dornier can fly fine on only the
forward engine. Jeff installed a helicopter heat sink on the rear engine
that has solved the heat issue. That was also a problem on the fullscale
aircraft. This model is Jeff’s favorite of all his warbirds.
Although he started RC modeling in 1989, Jeff has extensive flying
experience as a pilot for Delta Air Lines, the US Air Force, and the
Illinois Air National Guard. Although he is retired from all three, he
owns and flies a 1941 Stearman PT-13.
In the final year of World War II, many strange and technically
advanced aircraft entered service with the German Luftwaffe. In
addition to the innovative jet- and rocket-powered aircraft, an unusuallooking
airplane that was tested was the twin-powered Dornier Do 335
Pfeil, or “Arrow.”
The Pfeil was an amazing aircraft that offered phenomenal
performance. Designed by Professor Claude Dornier, it used
centerline thrust, similar to on his earlier floatplane designs.
To maximize engine power and minimize drag, Dornier
installed both engines in the fuselage: one in the front and one in
the rear. This arrangement offered an aerodynamically clean
wing, reduced frontal area, and the ability to carry increased
firepower.
As such, the Arrow’s performance completely eclipsed that of
all its contemporaries and became the fastest piston-powered
aircraft of the war. Pilots who flew the Arrow were enthusiastic
about its performance but did not like the poor rearward visibility
and weak landing gear. These issues were later solved.
One of this airplane’s interesting features was the crucible tail.
The lower fin was installed to prevent the rear propeller from
striking the ground if the pilot over-rotated the aircraft on takeoff.
Although the Do 335 was given the name Pfeil by Dornier test
pilots on account of its speed, service pilots quickly dubbed it
“Ameisenbär” (anteater) because of its long nose.
This aircraft could have helped Germany stave off the massive
bombing raids, but it was produced in too few numbers; an Allied
bombing raid destroyed the manufacturing plant and some of the
tooling for it. Similar to the Me 262 and Ar.234, it was another
fine example of too little, too late.
Pedro Sanchez of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is considered a hard-core
warbird builder and
flier with a seemingly
endless supply of
airplanes in his hangar. All of his warbirds
have immaculately rendered panel lines,
rivets, authentic paint schemes, weathering,
and, in some cases, metal covering as panels.
Pedro likes detail and is successful at
imparting his skillful ways to add realism to
his models. His Ziroli Corsair, shown, is a
nice display of his workmanship.
It is powered with a ZDZ 80 engine
swinging a 27-inch Solo propeller with
Robart retracts. At 1/5 scale, the wingspan is
93 inches with a fuselage length of 72 inches.
The finish is fiberglass painted with Tamiya
paint in scale colors. The F4U is guided via a
2.4 GHz radio using 5645 Hitec servos.
Although Pedro has been modeling for
only six years, his airplanes look as
though someone with many more years of
experience completed them.
The latest design from Walt Moucha of Fort
Pierce, Florida, is a 1/4-scale Piper PA-25
Pawnee. It spans 96 inches, has a wing chord
of 16 inches, and has a fuselage length of 72
inches. The model’s all-up weight is 21-24
pounds, and it is powered by a Fuji 50 gas
engine.
The PA-25 features an aluminum
turtledeck and cowl, scale rivets and screws,
functional doors, wingtip and landing lights,
and functional flaps. It is equipped with a
Sonic-Tronics smoke system and controlled
by a Futaba 6EX FASST radio.
Walt will have full-size plans and lasercut
parts available in the near future. For
further information, you can contact him via
telephone or e-mail. (See the “Sources” list
for his number and address.)
Piper built the Pawnee between 1959 and
1982. It featured a steel-tube fuselage that
was designed to collapse in stages during a
low-speed crash, to protect the pilot.
The aircraft was used for agricultural
spraying but became popular as a tow
airplane or tug for launching gliders and
towing banners. More than 5,000 PA-25s
were produced.
In the December 2008 column, I described
how to field-repair a bent crankshaft on a
Zenoah G-38 engine. I received a number of
critical reviews about the process.
Some readers objected to straightening a
bent crankshaft at all and advised that it
should be replaced only. Others objected to
using the type of hammer as shown in the
photo. Suggestions varied, including using a
brass hammer, a ball-peen hammer, or a 4-
foot pipe placed over the shaft.
Most of the e-mails I received, although
critical of the process I used, offered helpful
ideas. There was only one note from a
reader that was downright rude and
offensive.
I’ll explain further. Way back when, in
high school shop class, I was shown a short
film called Primitive Pete. He was a
caveman-type character who improperly
used only a few tools (pliers, screwdriver,
and a hammer) to work on everything. The
film’s point was that you should use the
proper tool for the job at hand.
I’d like to think that I fall somewhere
between Primitive Pete and a battlefield
commander, who does not have the luxury
or time to do things, let’s say, according to
Hoyle, but must get the mission
accomplished. I have performed and assisted
with many types of field repairs. I promise
that I have never, and would never, attempt
to fly a model that is unsafe.
Having made these types of repairs at the
field, I fully tested the model on the ground
before attempting flight. A few readers
wrote that they had many years of
experience professionally repairing small
engines, and the proper way to repair an
engine would be to have a professional
handle the job. I certainly agree.
To help drive the point home, I was
presented with a crankshaft-repair hammer
award at my local club meeting last month. I
will cherish and display it for years to come.
I also get the point. I promise that it will
never touch a crankshaft and hope that the
patron saint of small engines won’t damn
me to the nether region.
That’s all for this month. Please let me
know if you have any questions or concerns,
and I will be happy to address them. MA
Sources:
Walt Moucha
(772) 460-6436
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 112,113,114
112 MODEL AVIATION
IT’S NICE TO have
another source for
quality pilot figures.
Pete’s Pilots of the
United Kingdom is
offering a 1/3-scale
Vintage/WWII bust
on its eBay store.
The figure weighs
only 3.5 ounces, is
6.5 inches wide, and
is 7 inches tall. Depth
front to back is 4.375
inches, and the
character comes with
detachable oxygen
mask.
The figure is
made from polyurethane resin and filled with foam for rigidity. Pete’s
Pilots offers its line painted or unpainted. The 1/3-scale figure is a
recession-busting 12.00 pounds, or $18.35 in US currency. Pete’s
Pilots has an eBay rating of 100% positive feedback.
The accompanying photo shows the figure that fellow club
member Kevin Shaw painted.
Jerry Smith of Acworth, Georgia, graciously provided a submission
for this month’s column. He has extensive modeling and magazine
experience in the industry.
His airplane modeling began at the age of 10. That’s not too
noteworthy in itself; however, now at age 83, Jerry has more than 73
years of experience in aeromodeling.
He worked in the aerospace industry for 40 years as a design
engineer and was on staff with Radio Control Modeler magazine for
30 years, where he drew plans, wrote articles, and authored the “For
What It’s Worth” column. In addition, Jerry worked for Lanier RC
for 15 years, designing airplanes, drawing plans, and writing
manuals.
He designed the five series of Stinger models and is still building,
flying, covering events, and writing articles. Jerry says that airplanes
have been a lifelong passion.
He is a Life Member of the AMA and was inducted into the AMA
Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006. Jerry has been a gentleman
and a wonderful friend to all modelers.
Jeff Whitford of Alpharetta, Georgia, built and flies the Dornier
Do 335 Pfeil that is shown in one of the photos. As he reports, “I
Pete’s Pilots from the UK
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Giants Sal Calvagna
Also included in this column:
• Thanks to Jerry Smith
• Jeff Whitford’s Do 335 Pfeil
• Pedro Sanchez’s F4U Corsair
• Walt Moucha’s 1/4-scale Piper
Pawnee
• Bent G-38 crankshaft revisit
Pete’s Pilots 1/3-scale Vintage/WWII pilot bust is a bargain, at
roughly $18. The easiest way to get one is through eBay.
Jerry Smith has 73 years of modeling experience. You can often
see his prose and photo expertise in MA pages.
Jeff Whitford’s Dornier Do 335 has a four-stroke up front and a
two-stroke in the rear. Engine cooling is the key to its success.
Pedro Sanchez’s ZDZ 80-powered Ziroli F4U Corsair has the look
of being built by a modeler with decades of experience.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:17 AM Page 112
thought that it would be a good RC project for several reasons besides
being an unusual subject.”
The Do 335 has a big wing, large flaps, tricycle gear for good
manners on the ground, and, best of all, centerline thrust, which
prevents it from rolling into the ground if an engine quits, as can
happen with a conventional twin.
Jeff built the model from Al Masters plans. It is 1:6.7 in scale, has
an 81-inch wingspan, and weighs 25 pounds.
The model was painted with Nelson System Three water-based
polyurethane. Jeff installed a YS 1.20 four-stroke engine in the front
and an O.S. .61 two-stroke in the rear, to maintain the proper CG.
During several of the aircraft’s early flights, the rear engine quit
because of overheating. However, the Dornier can fly fine on only the
forward engine. Jeff installed a helicopter heat sink on the rear engine
that has solved the heat issue. That was also a problem on the fullscale
aircraft. This model is Jeff’s favorite of all his warbirds.
Although he started RC modeling in 1989, Jeff has extensive flying
experience as a pilot for Delta Air Lines, the US Air Force, and the
Illinois Air National Guard. Although he is retired from all three, he
owns and flies a 1941 Stearman PT-13.
In the final year of World War II, many strange and technically
advanced aircraft entered service with the German Luftwaffe. In
addition to the innovative jet- and rocket-powered aircraft, an unusuallooking
airplane that was tested was the twin-powered Dornier Do 335
Pfeil, or “Arrow.”
The Pfeil was an amazing aircraft that offered phenomenal
performance. Designed by Professor Claude Dornier, it used
centerline thrust, similar to on his earlier floatplane designs.
To maximize engine power and minimize drag, Dornier
installed both engines in the fuselage: one in the front and one in
the rear. This arrangement offered an aerodynamically clean
wing, reduced frontal area, and the ability to carry increased
firepower.
As such, the Arrow’s performance completely eclipsed that of
all its contemporaries and became the fastest piston-powered
aircraft of the war. Pilots who flew the Arrow were enthusiastic
about its performance but did not like the poor rearward visibility
and weak landing gear. These issues were later solved.
One of this airplane’s interesting features was the crucible tail.
The lower fin was installed to prevent the rear propeller from
striking the ground if the pilot over-rotated the aircraft on takeoff.
Although the Do 335 was given the name Pfeil by Dornier test
pilots on account of its speed, service pilots quickly dubbed it
“Ameisenbär” (anteater) because of its long nose.
This aircraft could have helped Germany stave off the massive
bombing raids, but it was produced in too few numbers; an Allied
bombing raid destroyed the manufacturing plant and some of the
tooling for it. Similar to the Me 262 and Ar.234, it was another
fine example of too little, too late.
Pedro Sanchez of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is considered a hard-core
warbird builder and
flier with a seemingly
endless supply of
airplanes in his hangar. All of his warbirds
have immaculately rendered panel lines,
rivets, authentic paint schemes, weathering,
and, in some cases, metal covering as panels.
Pedro likes detail and is successful at
imparting his skillful ways to add realism to
his models. His Ziroli Corsair, shown, is a
nice display of his workmanship.
It is powered with a ZDZ 80 engine
swinging a 27-inch Solo propeller with
Robart retracts. At 1/5 scale, the wingspan is
93 inches with a fuselage length of 72 inches.
The finish is fiberglass painted with Tamiya
paint in scale colors. The F4U is guided via a
2.4 GHz radio using 5645 Hitec servos.
Although Pedro has been modeling for
only six years, his airplanes look as
though someone with many more years of
experience completed them.
The latest design from Walt Moucha of Fort
Pierce, Florida, is a 1/4-scale Piper PA-25
Pawnee. It spans 96 inches, has a wing chord
of 16 inches, and has a fuselage length of 72
inches. The model’s all-up weight is 21-24
pounds, and it is powered by a Fuji 50 gas
engine.
The PA-25 features an aluminum
turtledeck and cowl, scale rivets and screws,
functional doors, wingtip and landing lights,
and functional flaps. It is equipped with a
Sonic-Tronics smoke system and controlled
by a Futaba 6EX FASST radio.
Walt will have full-size plans and lasercut
parts available in the near future. For
further information, you can contact him via
telephone or e-mail. (See the “Sources” list
for his number and address.)
Piper built the Pawnee between 1959 and
1982. It featured a steel-tube fuselage that
was designed to collapse in stages during a
low-speed crash, to protect the pilot.
The aircraft was used for agricultural
spraying but became popular as a tow
airplane or tug for launching gliders and
towing banners. More than 5,000 PA-25s
were produced.
In the December 2008 column, I described
how to field-repair a bent crankshaft on a
Zenoah G-38 engine. I received a number of
critical reviews about the process.
Some readers objected to straightening a
bent crankshaft at all and advised that it
should be replaced only. Others objected to
using the type of hammer as shown in the
photo. Suggestions varied, including using a
brass hammer, a ball-peen hammer, or a 4-
foot pipe placed over the shaft.
Most of the e-mails I received, although
critical of the process I used, offered helpful
ideas. There was only one note from a
reader that was downright rude and
offensive.
I’ll explain further. Way back when, in
high school shop class, I was shown a short
film called Primitive Pete. He was a
caveman-type character who improperly
used only a few tools (pliers, screwdriver,
and a hammer) to work on everything. The
film’s point was that you should use the
proper tool for the job at hand.
I’d like to think that I fall somewhere
between Primitive Pete and a battlefield
commander, who does not have the luxury
or time to do things, let’s say, according to
Hoyle, but must get the mission
accomplished. I have performed and assisted
with many types of field repairs. I promise
that I have never, and would never, attempt
to fly a model that is unsafe.
Having made these types of repairs at the
field, I fully tested the model on the ground
before attempting flight. A few readers
wrote that they had many years of
experience professionally repairing small
engines, and the proper way to repair an
engine would be to have a professional
handle the job. I certainly agree.
To help drive the point home, I was
presented with a crankshaft-repair hammer
award at my local club meeting last month. I
will cherish and display it for years to come.
I also get the point. I promise that it will
never touch a crankshaft and hope that the
patron saint of small engines won’t damn
me to the nether region.
That’s all for this month. Please let me
know if you have any questions or concerns,
and I will be happy to address them. MA
Sources:
Walt Moucha
(772) 460-6436
[email protected]