From: lewis@oasys.dt.navy.mil (William Lewis)
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc
Subject: New to RC flying, with a GP PT-20
Date: 31 Jul 92 19:06:00 GMT
Reply-To: lewis@oasys.dt.navy.mil (William Lewis)
Organization: Carderock Division, NSWC, Bethesda, MD

I've sorta gotten into this RC stuff by the back door. A friend of mine
had some planes that he built in the early '70's. I've always been interested
in flying so I brought them over to my place to spruce themup to get
them flying. (I didn't know they were as old as they were).  I tried
to get the engine running first (O.S. 35 no muffler) but it would only
run in consistently.  So.. I went and bought a new os35fp.  The radio
gear was also very antiquated 3 ch Kraft and "5 ch" Expert. So it was
removed from the first (and the "easiest") plane that we were to fly.
I had planned on buying a new radio and putting it in his plane (an
old sig kadet).  To make a long story short, My friend didn't want me
to put this new stuff into his plane in fearr of me taking the plane
out for a fly without him there. In spite of the fact that the radio
is illegle and the engines were burned up along time ago. My friend
still plans on flying the planes out at his place ( in the country).
Meanwhile another friend of mine had this great planes PT-20 that he
bought and didn't plan on building ( he's leaning more toward gliders
now, I think?). I bought the plane from him and have been over the last
week or so been building it.  I'm building this plane with the smaller
dihedral, and airleons.  I know this will be harder to fly than the
non airleon-large dihedral-washout formed wing but I think I'm pretty
adept at this RC stuff that, with a decent instuctor, I'll be able to
pick up on this fairly quickly (besides I doohave RC car/truck/boat
background). I do have a couple of questions that have come to mind
that I'd kinda like some 2nd opinions on.
1. I have the OS 35 fp and the guy who owns the local shop said that
the plane will be slightly overpowered but this will help it to get
out of the grass easier on the local field, but won't rip the wings
off the plane with so much power. Does this sound reasonable, or is
this motor going to more than I should ever put on the plane.
2. I've never in all of my years of modeling railroad, CL, scale, misc,
or otherwise used MONOKOTE. I' haven't yet begun to cover so I'm look
ing for some tips and suggestions etc...
3. does playing with flight simulators (programs) on 386 or better computers
help or hinder a first time flyer or for that matter an experienced
RC flyer? I have a 386-40w/aCH joystick and a Thrrustmaster throttle/weapons
controller and quite a few flight programs that I've been flying for
a while.
4. O.S. recommends using a 10x6 prop, should I change props for this
plane?
5. Theres an article in some magazine publication (extra) that dealt
with building the pt-20, and had some interesting tips in it but not
worth the $11.00 cover price. If someone out there would like to xerox
the article I'd gladly pay for mailing and copy costs(if any).
6. Is it really ok to use a Heli radio for a plane? I was thinking about
getting a heli radio, because I'd like to ultimately fly helicopters.
(I know you can't use a plane radio for a heli)
7. I don't care if I spend alot of time building the plane to make it
look good, even if I do crash it the first time out. I regained alot
of good building experience and techniques so far  that it has been
worth it. This should make future planes that much easier to build.
(not really a question, but a comment on the FAQ)
8. The Pt-20 is a super kit to build so far (75% complete) and I would
recommend it to anyone interested in this type of plane.

well all for now.

Bill Lewis


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