Skyshark Aichi (VAL) On-Line Build
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
I've been reading with great interest.
I wanted to do a Corsair or a P-40 at first. With all the talk about 90 degree rotating retract problems I think I'm better off with fixed gear or regular retracts. Am I being too concerned about retract problems? I really like the Corsair. Would a .90 (4c) fit in that cowl?
Any other kit suggestions for that size engine?
Thanks,
Jim
I wanted to do a Corsair or a P-40 at first. With all the talk about 90 degree rotating retract problems I think I'm better off with fixed gear or regular retracts. Am I being too concerned about retract problems? I really like the Corsair. Would a .90 (4c) fit in that cowl?
Any other kit suggestions for that size engine?
Thanks,
Jim
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Jim,
I wouldn't suggest putting anything larger than a .72 4-stroke in the Val. I am currently flying one with an OS50SX and it is way overpowered. (and I like to overpower planes). Any of our other planes (except the Dauntless and Tempest) will fly great (and even be slightly overpowered) with a 90 4-stroke.
I have always had problems with the Robart 615's. I have had them in a TF P-40 with terrible results. They seem to hold up pretty well in our Hellcat and Skyraider as long as they are flown off pavement. But both planes come in under 8 lbs. The main problem that I continually have is getting the gear to come down while in the air. The wind resistance doesn't let them lock down completely. I usually tell people to skip the retracts and use fixed gear if they are flying those 2 planes off grass. I hate to bash a product that we sell, but I know how fustrating it is to work hard building a plane and have the retract fail on every flight!
I have tried to fit the Century Jet in our planes, but the cylinder is just too large. Same with the Sierra Precision. We are currently working on some new ideas to try and fix the problem - but like anything, it take time!
Mike Grey
Skyshark R/C
I wouldn't suggest putting anything larger than a .72 4-stroke in the Val. I am currently flying one with an OS50SX and it is way overpowered. (and I like to overpower planes). Any of our other planes (except the Dauntless and Tempest) will fly great (and even be slightly overpowered) with a 90 4-stroke.
I have always had problems with the Robart 615's. I have had them in a TF P-40 with terrible results. They seem to hold up pretty well in our Hellcat and Skyraider as long as they are flown off pavement. But both planes come in under 8 lbs. The main problem that I continually have is getting the gear to come down while in the air. The wind resistance doesn't let them lock down completely. I usually tell people to skip the retracts and use fixed gear if they are flying those 2 planes off grass. I hate to bash a product that we sell, but I know how fustrating it is to work hard building a plane and have the retract fail on every flight!
I have tried to fit the Century Jet in our planes, but the cylinder is just too large. Same with the Sierra Precision. We are currently working on some new ideas to try and fix the problem - but like anything, it take time!
Mike Grey
Skyshark R/C
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Hi Mike,
Have you considered mechanical retracts, with a sail winch servo?
I love the Val, what great airplane! Looks like a nice kit. I bought your Stuka, haven't started it yet though.
SC
Have you considered mechanical retracts, with a sail winch servo?
I love the Val, what great airplane! Looks like a nice kit. I bought your Stuka, haven't started it yet though.
SC
#108
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
I sprayed on the primer coat last night, so I can spend the weekend rubbing down, and laying down the panel lines.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Looking good Grahamd1. Hopefully mine will be at that stage soon. Been spending far to much time on the Lanc. It is good to have a couple of planes on the go. I am at the stage of hinging all of the surfaces. I will use robarts except for the flaps. I plan on using flat Dubro hinges for that. Keep the pics coming. I have attached a couple pics. Still needs some cosmetic work with regards to sanding and shaping. I do like the feature with this kit of the seperate trim tabs. This will look great when it is scaled up. Have not done any cockpit work as of yet. Still thinking of the best way to paint it. I know the detail will be lost but that is not an issue, just have to do the details from scratch.
Craig.
Craig.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Craig I sprayed my cockpit with a mixture of 50/50 enamel/thinners, even after two coats I could still see the detailing lines. Mike recomends Krylon sprays, but we dont have it in the UK.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
That sounds like a good option. I wonder if Krylon Paint comes in the colour needed for the cockpit? I know on one of the paint sceme papers that came with the kit, it mentions Krylon for the finish colour. I am not to sure on its fuel proof qualities? I may have to check that option out even for the finish coat. It is a heck of a lot cheaper than the hobby paints!!
Craig.
Craig.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Worked on the flaps tonight. They turned out well, better than I thought they would. I have attached a couple pics. Wheel pants are next, and I have been dreading this part.
Craig.
Craig.
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RE: RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Well Grahamd
I have not touched mine in a while. Yours is begining to look great. Seeing yours is starting to give me more motivation to get my act together. Keep the pics coming.
Craig.
I have not touched mine in a while. Yours is begining to look great. Seeing yours is starting to give me more motivation to get my act together. Keep the pics coming.
Craig.
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RE: RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Ok Craig, I'm doing a Skyshark marathon at the moment, the VAL is at the primeing/painting stage. The Stuka is at the covering stage, and the Dauntless is still in the building stage.
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RE: RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Man, You are busy. Three on the go. LOL. I have four planes on the go. It is hard not to start different projects. Keeps me busy. I have to get going on the Val.
Craig.
Craig.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
I just started following this thread. Fantastic job!!! I've been reading up on the Skyshark kits and it looks like they're are pretty decent. Did you run into any problems along the way that stick out in your mind?
John
John
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Very Nice looking VAL. My father and I go to Chino Airport every year the Full scale VAL is Quite a site to see as Is one of only 3 original Flyable Zero's! If you haven't Already been there It's worth the Trip Plus you can get a P-51 ride for the tune of like $550<i think>. BTW if you have any questions PM me and ill try to answer.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
ORIGINAL: John Sachs
I just started following this thread. Fantastic job!!! I've been reading up on the Skyshark kits and it looks like they're are pretty decent. Did you run into any problems along the way that stick out in your mind?
John
I just started following this thread. Fantastic job!!! I've been reading up on the Skyshark kits and it looks like they're are pretty decent. Did you run into any problems along the way that stick out in your mind?
John
ie Fit one, then fit the 2nd and so on, much easier than trying to bend 3/8" round that wing tip
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Graham,
I just bought the Val whilst at Cosford LMA. Your builds have drawn me into the world of Skyshark.
I was hoping to buy the Stuka but they had sold out so the Val was my second choice. I really fancied a plane with fixed gear for a change. This being my first Skyshark kit I'm certainly impressed with the attention to detail. Are the 1/9 Jap pilot figures you have available in the UK or were they ordered from the States?.
I'm looking forward to the finishing of your build.
Cheers
TM
I just bought the Val whilst at Cosford LMA. Your builds have drawn me into the world of Skyshark.
I was hoping to buy the Stuka but they had sold out so the Val was my second choice. I really fancied a plane with fixed gear for a change. This being my first Skyshark kit I'm certainly impressed with the attention to detail. Are the 1/9 Jap pilot figures you have available in the UK or were they ordered from the States?.
I'm looking forward to the finishing of your build.
Cheers
TM
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Graham
I was wondering how thw Val is coming along. I was also wondering if you solved the wheel size and wheel pant problem? I found the ABS tail parts to hard to work with so I decided to build it using balsa. I will post a few more pics soon.
Craig.
I was wondering how thw Val is coming along. I was also wondering if you solved the wheel size and wheel pant problem? I found the ABS tail parts to hard to work with so I decided to build it using balsa. I will post a few more pics soon.
Craig.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) Build
Continued working on the tail section. All hinges are fitted, with more work still to do. As I stated earlier, I am not using the ABS tail parts and have been building them out of balsa.
Craig.
Craig.
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RE: Skyshark Aichi (VAL) On-Line Build
Hi,
Post it! I've got the kit, and I agree it is very nice and of high quality. I won't be building it anytime soon, as too many others ahead, but I will follow/save your posts for when I do get to it.
Thanks
Post it! I've got the kit, and I agree it is very nice and of high quality. I won't be building it anytime soon, as too many others ahead, but I will follow/save your posts for when I do get to it.
Thanks