Author: Bob Aberle
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 79,80,81
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Frequently Asked Questions - 2011/03

Bob Aberle | [email protected]

Modelers' toolboxes

Please write in with your questions, since that is the only way we can keep this column format going. When referring to already published questions and answers (for follow-ups), always provide the number as a reference.

Also note that references to addresses and Web sites are placed in a group, separate from the text, at the end of this column under "Sources." A new feature, "Tips," will be provided in addition to frequently asked questions and will be numbered in the same sequence.

Q487: "I find quite often, when traveling to my model flying field that my toolbox has tipped over and the resulting 'mess' has to be reorganized. This takes time and I never seem to get everything back in the right place. Does anyone know about a 'spill proof' toolbox?"

A487: I found the solution to this problem years ago. The best types of toolboxes for modelers are the ones designed for fishing, known as tackle boxes.

Because so many small parts are required for fishing, such as hooks and flies, the carriers come with trays that have attached covers. You can arrange the compartments to your liking and snap the covers into place so that your modeling supplies can't jump around during transport.

Most fishing-tackle specialty stores carry a variety of these boxes. Plano Molding manufactures the one that I have used for the past 20 years. I've listed the company Web site in the "Sources" section.

You can also look at one of the big sporting-goods mail-order houses such as Cabela's. I found an interesting tackle box there: the Flambeau 8050 Brush Guard Tackle Locker with ZeRust, which sells for $64.99. Contact Cabela's using the information in the "Sources" section.

There is a wide variety of tackle boxes available, so look around carefully until you find something that fits your needs. Make sure that the trays have attached lids; that is the important feature, since it prevents parts from spilling from compartment to compartment.

Q488: "I've seen so many magazine reports of major flying events, like the Jet Rally, Top Gun, Joe Nall, etc. My question is, do they have events for a particular specialty type aircraft?

"I personally have a thing for biplanes. Is there any event expressly for biplane flying anywhere in the country?"

A488: I'm sure that you can find many flying events that specialize in a particular type of model by using an Internet search engine. But since you mentioned biplanes, I know of one excellent fly-in that is staged every September in Connecticut: the Big Biplane Bash.

It was founded and is directed by Gerry Yarrish, who is the senior technical editor at Model Airplane News magazine. The Central Connecticut RC Club (CCRCC), based in Farmington, hosts and sponsors this gathering.

The Bash is in its 10th year and draws biplane specialists from across the country. As shown in the accompanying photo, some of these models are 1/3 scale. I've included the CCRCC Web site address in the "Sources" section so you can look up the dates for this year's event, make reservations, and get directions.

There are actually three major flying events that take place in the New York and Connecticut areas each September. The first is held near Labor Day weekend at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in upstate New York; it specializes in World War I vintage aircraft.

The following week is the big all-electric NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology) Fair, which is held near Downsville, New York. And then the Big Biplane Bash takes place in Connecticut.

Many aeromodellers who travel from all parts of the country set up a schedule to attend all of those gatherings, since they are relatively close to one another. If you own an RV, you would have it made. But you shouldn't be disappointed with the biplane show that Gerry Yarrish puts on!

Q489: "I'm having a hard time finding a good O-ring to hold my prop to the prop saver adapter on my small electric motors. Many of the plumber type O-rings are too stiff while small rubber bands are too soft. The result is either I can't mount the prop to the adapter or if I do mount it, the prop tends to fly off the motor while in flight.

Is there a better way to do this?"

A489: Yes, there is, thanks to Azarr of E Cubed RC. He has sold loads of these propeller-saver adapters throughout the years and also had problems with O-rings, because they were designed for compression loads as plumbing washers; aeromodellers need a more flexible (elastic) O-ring.

Azarr discovered that standard 3/8-inch-OD surgical tubing, such as the kind used for glider hi-starts, can make the perfect O-ring. You can purchase this tubing in the plumbing section of The Home Depot or Lowe's.

Following Azarr's advice, I bought several feet of the tubing for $1.82 per foot. Each foot can yield a couple dozen O-rings. All you need to do is cut slices of the material using an X-Acto knife, scissors, or a single-edge razor blade.

You can experiment with the thickness of each slice. A smaller section is okay for tiny motors, while a larger portion is better suited for more powerful motors. I found that 1/8 inch worked for my purposes.

O-rings made this way are flexible enough to be easy to install, yet strong enough to keep the propeller on the adapter. Give it a try; you might be surprised.

T490: On the heels of this O-ring suggestion came an interesting tip from John Jackson of Canada. He got frustrated with trying to install O-rings on his motor propeller adapters using tools such as screwdrivers. Then he found the perfect implement for this kind of work, called a "spring hook."

It was designed to help install small springs and belts in VHS recording units, and it looks similar to a crochet needle.

I searched on the Internet and found a company named AC Radio Supply that sells an Eclipse spring hook (model 902-073), which resembles what John had sent me as a sample. It is 8 inches long and has a different type of hook on each end. The price is $3.08 plus shipping.

I found that it really hangs onto the O-ring as you pull it over the adapter. The hook captures the O-ring perfectly, so it won't slip off while being stretched.

I've included the AC Radio Supply contact info in the "Sources" section, for your ordering purposes. Thank you, John!

Q491: "I find that at the present time I need a variety of chargers to be able to charge all the various battery chemistries in my shop. For example there are times that I am charging Ni-MH packs, Li-Poly, A123, Eneloop, 12 volt lead acid and even my single glow lighter cell.

"I was wondering is there now a charger, with multiple outputs, that can charge most, if not all of these batteries at the same time?"

A491: My initial reaction to this question was no, not at this time. However, that didn't stop me from searching around to see what was available. My FMA Direct Cellpro Multi4 can charge a variety of battery chemistries, but only one at a time.

My search led me to a new Hitec charger called the X4. It has four outputs that can be employed simultaneously on four types of batteries. And four is certainly better than one. The only limitation is that you can't exceed the limits of your source voltage supply.

If I understand correctly, the X4 can charge up to six Li-Poly cells. Maximum charging current depends on the battery voltage; I believe that the limit is near 6 amps.

The street price of the X4 is $149.99. I'm hoping that MA's battery columnist, Red Scholefield, will be doing a detailed review of this product in the near future.

(Editor's note: The Hitec X4 was featured in the "Worth a Closer Look" section in the December 2010 MA.)

Q492: "A fellow modeler came to my rescue at our flying field when my new aircraft turned out nose heavy. He offered me a strip of thin lead tape that had an adhesive backing on one side. I was able to cut off an inch or two and paste it to the bottom of my stab at the rear of the aircraft.

"I've since used up this lead tape and can no longer locate the person who gave it to me. Where can I buy a roll of this tape?"

A492: The lead tape you refer to is available at almost any sports store that sells golf equipment. I went to my local Golfsmith and found an entire display of the material in various-size rolls. The store even has individual weights with adhesive backing that are heavier than the roll type. They are used to help balance golf clubs.

You can find these weights at nationwide sports stores such as Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods. I've listed the Golfsmith contact information in the "Sources" section.

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.