TWM Cap 232 46R

[dean2287]

Hey y'all. Anyboy built this one up? LHS has one in stock for $119 and I've got an OS.46AX sitting lonely without a plane. Thought I'd give it a go - good reviews on rcuniverse. Looking for opinions.

[dean2287]

...(chuckle)...oh well, I went down and bought it anyway. Guess I'll turn this into a build thread. Very nice looking ARF in the box, looks like a great deal. Today it's a mix of snow and rain with a high of 4 in Calgary, so might as well hang out in the basement with a new project :TU:.

[chuebner]

Hi Dean... what are the specs?

You can always use another plane in the hanger!

Cheers
Curt

[dean2287]

Wing Span : 56.5 in / 1440 mm
Wing Area : 496 sq in / 32 sq dm
Flying Weight : 5.5 lbs / 2500 g
Fuselage Length : 50 in / 1270 mm
Engine Required : 2-stroke 0.46, 4-stroke 0.70 - 0.81
Radio Required : 4-channel radio w/ 5 standard servos

Here's a link to the rcuniverse reviews:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/kitprofile.cfm?kit_id=3846

I was thinking about another sport plane as I have that OS.46AX sitting here, and a new R617DF receiver without a home. I came across this at PM Hobbycraft, and when I researched it a little decided that it was just the thing! Looks like a hoot. PM has a number of World Models ARFs in stock, and from what I have seen they look like a very high quality Asian manufacturer. I think TWM and The Wings Maker are one in the same company.

[chuebner]

[QUOTE=dean2287
I was thinking about another sport plane as I have that OS.46AX sitting here, and a new R617DF receiver without a home.[/QUOTE]


A nice scale type sport plane would be a Super Chipmunk if you need something else later on.;)

Good luck with the Cap... I will be tuneing in on the build:)

Cheers
Curt

[dean2287]

Here a first peek...

Nicely packaged:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1635-1.jpg

Good looking ARF:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1656.jpg

Excellent covering job:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1646.jpg

Wow, nice cowl!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1651.jpg

[dean2287]

Time saving features - servo ready aileron hatches:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1637.jpg

Pre-installed control wire tubes:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1652.jpg

Pretty small wheels, here compared to my old trainer's:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1641.jpg

Nice fit:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1667.jpg

[dean2287]

Tail section glued together, ailerons attached. I noticed a few other nice features like triangular supports for the servo tray, and built in string guides for the aileron wires, which are secured prior to use with balsa strips, not just taped in like most. So far, I'm very impressed with this ARF...for the money, it's rediculously good (I still give the Great Planes Escapade top spot in the value contest, but this is very close).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1669-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1668-1.jpg

[cassat]

Dean,

What is that little blue box in the photos? Do you get a flight recorder too ? Ha

[dean2287]

Dean,

What is that little blue box in the photos? Do you get a flight recorder too ? Ha

Glad you asked - it's a square of foam with cut-outs for a receiver and a battery. Very neat thing - you put in the electronics then wedge it in behind the fuel tank. Quite secure and organized. Another unexpected feature.

[dean2287]

Put in the engine tonight, looks like a good fit. More pleasant suprises in the box...like not one but two nuts for each engine mounting bolt! Add a little lock tight and it's not going anywhere. The hole for the throttle rod was pre-drilled, but lined up perfectly with the throttle arm. There's plenty of room under the hood, so I'm going to use a remote glow so I don't have to cut a hole in that nice looking cowl. This DuBro one has a nice little flip door covering to remote glow and is ready to mount on the fuse.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1671.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1676.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1679.jpg

[dean2287]

I finally got my servos in the mail and installed the control rods for the tail surfaces. Everything is going together nicely. Good quality hardware in this kit too...much better than the avaerage budget ARF.

I wanted JR 47BB servos but they were out of stock and I ended up with HiTech 425BB ,which is fine. They fit in the wing hatches perfectly, although the standard servos arms are too short and don't stand up high enough from the servo; however, the adjustable length servo arms are perfect in this application.

All the control arms are coated with some black stuff, I ended sanding them all off to smooth metal and greasing them lightly. The dual elevator rods go together well, but once installed are slightly stiff to move, the servo will need to be up to the challenge. The control horn mounting locations are all indicated by little pin-pricks and line up perfectly. Such great attention to detail in this kit!

The tail wheel assembly is simple enough but I opted not to drill a hole in the rudder as indicated...I instead straightened out the guide wire and clamped it flat to the rudder with a spare fitting I had - much simpler and less risky set up, likely smoother too.

Once the radio and landing gear are in, she'll be just about done. I will need to shape the cowl and get the pilot and canopy on, then apply the stickers. The stickers are a bit cheezy though, most of them are "The World Models" or "TWM" etc...not very scale.

[chuebner]

Looking good..... keep up the good work and reports:D

All you need to do now is to start flying some of those birds you have!:rock:

Cheers
Curt

[cassat]

Dean, how did you get that motor mount drilled so nice and straight?

[dean2287]

Dean, how did you get that motor mount drilled so nice and straight?

Sheer blind luck! I've done a couple not so good ones so I'm extra cautious now.

[dean2287]

Looking good..... keep up the good work and reports:D

All you need to do now is to start flying some of those birds you have!:rock:

Cheers
Curt

Thanks Curt. If I'm EXTEMELY blessed, I may get to fly tomorrow or Saturday. I've been dying to get out. I finally had my eye exam and can wear contacts again (my eyes changed so much wearing glasses for two weeks that I was actually legally blind even with glasses by the day of my appointment!!!)......I'm just hoping that the weather is decent and no unexpected kid activities come up.

[dean2287]

Here's a few more pics. I got a lot done in the last 2 days...gear is on, servo bay in, electronics done, wings epoxied. Next will be the cowl then the finishing details.

The gear on this plane is the only disappointment so far, in particular the wheel pant set up. It's pretty flimsy and hard to get the wheels centered. The little screws that hold the pants in place go right through and can actually rub on the wheels. Otherwise, the wheels themselves and the legs are good.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1704.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1706.jpg

Tail wheel adjustment, and some of the nice hardware...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1711.jpg

Here's the remote glow...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1708.jpg

[dean2287]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1709.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1712.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1703.jpg

[dean2287]

In the end, I decided to "buy in" to the cheezy stickers theme and plastered the model with all the offerings. Some of them are downright funny, like "MODEL" and "AIRPLANE", or the proudly displayed "ARF". Just the same, it looks fine to me.

So here's the finished product, repleat with Stan the rubber pilot - who looks ready to poop his Pampers on the maiden flight.

:mrgreen:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1742.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e91/dean2287/IMG_1747.jpg

[cassat]

Dean,

Did you fuelproof the firewall with epoxy and a brush so the fuel doesn't soak in?

[dean2287]

Dean,

Did you fuelproof the firewall with epoxy and a brush so the fuel doesn't soak in?

It seemed to be well coated already so I didn't bother. In fact, I've never done so, maybe I should...

:TU:

[dean2287]

Soooo......the Cap 232 had her maiden flight, which lasted 3 minutes. The battery (which was second hand...should have never trusted it) I believe failed and she spiraled in nose first from about 250 feet up. The throttle cut out and the servos seemed to seize up, as I watched in horror and did everything I could to try to pull it out.

The plane really did not fly well anyhow. Very twitchy and fluttery, although I think the servos were acting up almost right from take off. Every so often it would do something unpredictable, almost like a heavy wind gust caught it, though there was no wind. After a couple "OH CRAP" moments, it mercifully met it's demise.

I'm not too "broken up" about it, it was a nice build and I enjoy that almost as much as flying. I saved all the electronics and engine from it...except that battery which is in the trash. I did come home from the field thinking "why do I bother with this God-forsaken hobby", but the moment passed. I did have a coupld good flights with the Pitts at least.

[cassat]

OMG Dean, you write the best stories!! What would we do without you !!
Sorry about the mishap.........sent you a pm

[chuebner]

That's a shame Dean. Are you sure it was the battery? Maybe the switch?
I had a switch go bad on me this year, but I caught it in time on the ground.
The damage doesn't look to bad from the pics... can you repair it?

We finally had a nice day out here today also. Made it out for about 8 hours of great flying with my brother Travis. I flew my Cessna Ag Wagon, Super Chipmunk, Cub, Tiger 60, Burrito, Tango, SPAD Combat Plane, and my little electric Herr Extra...Trav flew his Super Chipmunk, SSE with side force generators, Mojo, and Showtime 90.:)

No casualties to report, other than some sunburn!;)

Cheers
Curt

[dean2287]

That's a shame Dean. Are you sure it was the battery? Maybe the switch?
I had a switch go bad on me this year, but I caught it in time on the ground.
The damage doesn't look to bad from the pics... can you repair it?

We finally had a nice day out here today also. Made it out for about 8 hours of great flying with my brother Travis. I flew my Cessna Ag Wagon, Super Chipmunk, Cub, Tiger 60, Burrito, Tango, SPAD Combat Plane, and my little electric Herr Extra...Trav flew his Super Chipmunk, SSE with side force generators, Mojo, and Showtime 90.:)

No casualties to report, other than some sunburn!;)

Cheers
Curt

I'm afraid she's a goner...it would be a heck of a project to repair the airframe. The entire front end from the cockpit forward is detroyed, and I'm just not up to trying to rebuild all that. Everything is pulled out and ready for another project.

Now...my man Dave (cassat), who gave me the battery for nothing and even shipped it to me for nothing (!!!!!), has VERY generously offered me a free plane (Sig Kougar)!! This despite the fact that the battery may have had nothing to do with the crash. What a guy, truely a credit to the rc community.

I was almost at a point of packing it in...I mean, what's the point of spending all this money, time, and effort only to and up with a pile of sticks, heartbreak, and maybe 1 good flight a month. However, it's guys like that who keep you going.

1 part fun hobby, 10 parts great people...makes a superior tonic!

[chuebner]

I'm afraid she's a goner...it would be a heck of a project to repair the airframe. The entire front end from the cockpit forward is detroyed, and I'm just not up to trying to rebuild all that. Everything is pulled out and ready for another project.

Now...my man Dave (cassat), who gave me the battery for nothing and even shipped it to me for nothing (!!!!!), has VERY generously offered me a free plane (Sig Kougar)!! This despite the fact that the battery may have had nothing to do with the crash. What a guy, truely a credit to the rc community.

I was almost at a point of packing it in...I mean, what's the point of spending all this money, time, and effort only to and up with a pile of sticks, heartbreak, and maybe 1 good flight a month. However, it's guys like that who keep you going.

1 part fun hobby, 10 parts great people...makes a superior tonic!

I agree... Dave is a great guy and and asset to RC. He has helped me a few times also.

Don't give up Dean.... Just get some great flying funfly type planes like the Twist, SSE, Funtanas, etc, etc, they are very forgiving and a blast to fly. Great sport fliers are the Pulse (I know you had one), CG Tiger series, Sig 4* series, Chipmunks, Ultrasticks, etc etc.... all great relaxing planes to fly and will be in the hanger for a long time to come. Not that expensive either.

Although, we have very little control over a mechanical or electrical failure, a plane can go in at anytime. So the old saying goes..."Don't put a plane into the air that you don't feel comfortable with or can't afford to lose if, and when, you crash".

If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to ask. If are ever coming this way, I can probably help you out with some cost effective, flight proven airframes. Let me know if I can help and keep you in the game!!

Cheers
Curt

[dean2287]

I agree... Dave is a great guy and and asset to RC. He has helped me a few times also.

Don't give up Dean.... Just get some great flying funfly type planes like the Twist, SSE, Funtanas, etc, etc, they are very forgiving and a blast to fly. Great sport fliers are the Pulse (I know you had one), CG Tiger series, Sig 4* series, Chipmunks, Ultrasticks, etc etc.... all great relaxing planes to fly and will be in the hanger for a long time to come. Not that expensive either.

Although, we have very little control over a mechanical or electrical failure, a plane can go in at anytime. So the old saying goes..."Don't put a plane into the air that you don't feel comfortable with or can't afford to lose if, and when, you crash".

If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to ask. If are ever coming this way, I can probably help you out with some cost effective, flight proven airframes. Let me know if I can help and keep you in the game!!

Cheers
Curt

Many thanks, Curt. I would certainly include yourself in that group of helpful good guys that make the hobby what it is.

Yeah, it seems like either through my own fault or mechanical failure the sticks are piling up...but really my flying is getting better. I lost one to a pole that I didn't even know was there (I'm no longer flying at that location), the Cap due to some type of electrical issue, and one due strictly to inexperience and the sun in my eyes. The Cap 232 was pretty much a gift as I paid for it through my sideline business income, so easy come easy go you could say (this opinion not exactly reflected in my wife's personal view of the situation :lol:).

I'll carry on, maybe a bit more attentive to detail. I never had any kind of radio or electrical trouble before this...I'll have to review the gear from the Cap and replace anything questionable. I want to get my Cub up and flying, it's likely to be a good, steady, and comfortable plane to calm the nerves. My Pitts has been a super reliable flyer, and can stand up to a little abuse (flip overs, hard landings, "weed ins" :rolleyes:)...I'm putting off the maiden of my Spitfire until I'm very confident in the plane, my gear, and myself. Having another sport flyer would be desireable just to build my aerobatic abilities and comfort zone.

[dastallen]

I know how you feel..why do i do this, then it passes quickly and you get back on the bus to hobby shop and you suddenly feel better ;). Atleast that what I did when my decathlon hit the dirt due to ..welll...trying something..I still haven't named the maneuver, but I did manage to break the aluminum motor mount clean off the firewall, so I ordered another..now I have spare parts and a new windshield :D

[dean2287]

I know how you feel..why do i do this, then it passes quickly and you get back on the bus to hobby shop and you suddenly feel better ;). Atleast that what I did when my decathlon hit the dirt due to ..welll...trying something..I still haven't named the maneuver, but I did manage to break the aluminum motor mount clean off the firewall, so I ordered another..now I have spare parts and a new windshield :D

Yup, all part of the live and learn thing I guess, something we have to be prepared for as it's just going to happen once in a while for various reasons. At least for me! That's why I'm going to keep the ARF's on the cheap side for now! :p

[dastallen]

Here is something that I put on the planes I like to fly alot during one day. Lets me know if I have enough juice left in the battery, not sure if you are using one or not. Guess the way I look at it, 20 bucks can save your plane.
and they make cool light up dashboard :D

http://www.hobbico.com/radioaccys/hcap0332.html

[chuebner]

I use them also on about 10 planes, great checking device, but I always check with this before every flight just to make sure... the Digital Voltmeter MKIII also puts a simulated servo load on the battery.

http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=HOBP0356

[dean2287]

I use this one. I'm pretty careful with the electronics and never had a problem...until this happened. I know that the Rx battery pack measured 5.0 before I flew it.

I think the issue with this particular battery pack is that the polarity is reversed...like JR. I'm not sure if this caused the crash or not. The battery pack is a Spektrum 4 cell, I was using it with a Futaba receiver.

http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN111