Unpacking and building.

[beto9]

OK, with extraordinary willpower I only opened the two planes boxes I had for some time already today, following my self imposed hands-off until New Year (winter is long, do not build yet Albert...)
One is the Vanquish from Extreme Flight and the other is the Katana 50 from Hangar 9.
I already had the Vanquish and I was so pleased with it that I decided to have # 2 after the first gave up its ghost following a passionate kiss with earth.
The Katana was love at first sight after I saw Ronald's.
I only opened the boxes today and unpacked all items.
The packing in both boxes was fantastic, they have reached perfection now.
One interesting thought: both were packed in the same manner with little identification for each item and little "QC" stickers indicating that they were checked individually (yes, I believe in Santa Claus guys!)
Since the stickers were exactly the same in both packages I believe they came from the same manufacturer in.... CHINA! where else?
Another clue was that both stabs comes in two halves attached to the fuse with a little carbon tube and aligning pins, indicating same design even if from different US "manufacturers".
The Katana seems to be 3rd. generation design as far at putting it together. Some parts to be glued together have aligning tabs! I do not think I will need to look too much at the manual, which is quite good.
And it is only 4 months to flying weather.. hey, days are getting longer, 2 minutes at a time!
Like the song says, if Jacques Cartier had gone South we would be living in Florida now!

[Kevin Rochon]

That's not the real saying Albert,

Since Jacques Cartier dis-covered Canada we're freezing

it sounds better in french

Depuis que J.C. a découvert le Canada on gèle http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQY2PJkI9IGcxVdiKE1ZqLa2zoOxN3DC g9GGY7lWC5nD-UT3YTZ

[fbrunet1957]

Comme la chanson de Robert Charlebois.

Cartier, si t'avais navigué à l'envers de l'hiver.

I hate cold winter days.:(

[Burning Head]

Great acquisition Albert . With a lot of CA vapor in view, keep one windows open:)

[beto9]

Great acquisition Albert . With a lot of CA vapor in view, keep one windows open:)

I only use CA when there is no other option. CA hardens very brittle. Epoxy has a certain elasticity to it and holds better. I like epoxy fumes better!

[beto9]

From Albert's Lab:

Epoxy.
1) Those clear plastic containers that are used to package eggs are ideal to mix epoxy.

2) Is the hardener! Is the hardener!
I mixed:
5 min resin with 30 min hardener and it set in 30 minutes
30 minutes resin with 5 minutes hardener and set in 5 minutes.

3) Old epoxy: it gets unclear and very thick, kind of gummy. Put both resin and hardener in the microwave for 20, 25 seconds and they become very liquid and usable.
BUT! If you mix them while hot the 30 minutes mix becomes 5 minutes!


Hmmmm.... I should get a life!

[fbrunet1957]

You guessed rigth Albert.
The epoxy is the same.
Hardener makes the difference

[Burning Head]

Good tip, thanks Albert:)

[beto9]

From Albert's Lab # 2:

1) Hinges (actually, CA Hinges)
Remember that Flexible Thin CA for CA Hinges form Hobby King ("Insta Flex")?
Albert's Lab has tested it under controlled conditions (a good coffee besides me) and it works very well. It wicks well as regular thin CA and the hinge line remains flexible, without hardening, which is the problem when you apply too much regular thin CA and they break with use.

2) Gluing hinges: I place the hinges on one surface fixing them with a single drop of CA and then I insert them in the other surface and finish the job. Easier than all the recommendations about using a pin to hold them steady while inserting them in both surfaces.

You may use the techniques from Albert's Lab at your own risk. For a certified usage an Inspector from AUL (Albert Underwriters Laboratory) must be present. Inspectors fees are: for less than an hour of support one cup of coffee. For over an hour of support pizza and a glass of wine. Transportation is extra.

---------------

Do not encourage me guys, I am bored (tanne pour toi, Richard)

[beto9]

From Albert's Lab # 3:

Weather assessment: Today is NOT a flying day. Any member attempting to fly today will have his membership status changed to: "Certified crazy" (Tarek exempted)

[Sempai-mj]

From Albert's Lab # 3:

Weather assessment: Today is NOT a flying day. Any member attempting to fly today will have his membership status changed to: "Certified crazy" (Tarek exempted)

I packed my Tango and was on my way to the field, half way there I changed my mind and went to Teds Hobby Shop instead.:D

[beto9]

I packed my Tango and was on my way to the field, half way there I changed my mind and went to Teds Hobby Shop instead.:D

Mike, you are my first pick, Robert second, Richard third and Francois fourth.

And since I only go for the Hotdogs I should be fifth!

Tarek is in another category altogether.

[Tarek Hassoune]

Thanks Alberto for the exemption need more hits of your lab

[Burning Head]

Tarek:) you are a innovator in emergency craft reparation:D