TIPS & TRICKS

Model Airplane News, Mar 2004 by Enriquez, Eric, Smith, Jerry, Miller, Jim, Niessner, Albert Jr

HANDY STAND

This simple, inexpensive airplane stand doubles as a tool caddy. Making it couldn't be easier: just cut out the opposite sides of a milk crate so it will cradle a mid-size fuselage and add pipe insulation for padding. The best part: you can also use the crate to carry your fuel, starter, etc., so they don't roll around in your car's trunk on the way to the field.

Eric Enriquez, Pensacola, FL

MUFFLER HOLD-DOWN

To minimize the chance of engine vibration loosening a screw-on muffler, make and install this simple bracket. First, drill two holes about 1A inch apart on the engine mount and between the two firewall mounting screws; next, drill two matching holes in a flat aluminum strip. Drill another hole at the end of the strip. Attach the strip to the mount with two hex-head screws and then attach the other end of the strip to a round bracket with another hex-head screw. This bracket fits around the muffler and holds it securely to prevent engine vibration from working it loose in flight. By attaching the strip to the mount instead of to the firewall or another part of the airframe, you'll ensure that both ends of the bracket move together as the engine vibrates.

Jerry Smith, Acworth, GA

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

Here's a great way to be sure of the direction your helicopter is facing. After you've graduated from using helicopter training gear, pull one of the balls off the training gear, drill it out and mount it on one skid. This will significantly reduce orientation confusion when your helicopter is far away from you. Because the ball is so light, it shouldn't affect your heli's center of gravity.

Jim Miller, Salt Lake City, UT

SERVO-MOUNTING AID

When you install a servo, it can be difficult to maintain a uniform clearance around it while you mark the positions of the mounting holes. If you place a rubber band around the servo just below the mounting lugs, you'll be able to maintain the correct spacing between the servo and the plywood tray. Be sure to take the rubber band off before you install the servo permanently!

Albert Niessner Jr., State College, PA

Eric Enriquez, Pensacola, FL

Jerry Smith, Acworth, GA

Jim Miller, Salt Lake City, UT

Albert nessner Jr., State College, PA