[Billpilotca]

Guys - just in the process of putting my Somethin' Extra on floats. Still need to do some cross braces and will fibreglass and resin coat the floats, paint etc.

Got looking at it last night and was wondering about water sneaking in at the fuselage / wing joint where the wings slide over the tube against the sides of the fuselage. Also there are the holes where the "J" hooks go and for the aileron extensions.

From a practical point of view, do I need to worry about this or just keep it as dry as possible ? I know that water and balsa don't mix well. Just looking for some 'seasoned' advice.

Bill

[Wayne22]

If it were mine, I really wouldn't worry about it. The wing tube goes all the way thru the fuse, so there is no way that water could get into the fuse that way. The J-bolt holes....depends on your landing "style" and the wing to fuselage fit... I'd check it after the first outing and see if any water got in, and take it from there....
You might want to worry about the two servos hanging underneath the wing, if they are water resistant servos you will be okay (for awhile..) if not, expect some problems when (not "if") water gets into the little circuit board. This is from an unfortunate "learning experience" One aileron servo went full up all by itself, and the plane went down in a spin.... The guilty servo had some water, and a lot of corrosion inside......

Your SE looks good on those floats!

[Billpilotca]

Originally Posted by Wayne22

You might want to worry about the two servos hanging underneath the wing, if they are water resistant servos you will be okay (for awhile..) if not, expect some problems when (not "if") water gets into the little circuit board.

Wayne - terrific thoughts. I had forgotten all about the 2 servos on the underside of the wing. Certainly something to pay attention to. Thanks again.

Bill

[Wayne22]

You are welcome...always happy to help out!!

[Bkind]

I have been using a product called Corrosion block on my servo's- receivers- connectors etc for probaly 10 plus years. This was suggested by the local shop at the time. unfortnately hes gone.

I still have a few servo,s and a couple receivers that i sprayed with this stuff 7 or 8 years ago before mounting in a float plane. One was a SE.
The plane became a sub one day ( must have been a glitch ) Rec - servo,s etc were full of water when i got home with the bits.
After a drying out and a new coat of corrosion block i still use these today with no problems or any corrosion. I open them up for a peek every year or so.
I also use vaseline around the wing joints and push rod exits to keep the water out. Just spread some in the joint before flying. works well is cheap and washes off with windex when you clean up the plane for the ride home.
Brian

[nick colliopoulos]

Hi Bill i have a set of floats like the ones in your photo.I was just wondering what size plane i can put them on.There three feet long.How long of a fuse dose it have to be

[Billpilotca]

Originally Posted by Bkind

I have been using a product called Corrosion block on my servo's- receivers- connectors etc for probaly 10 plus years. This was suggested by the local shop at the time. unfortnately hes gone.
I also use vaseline around the wing joints and push rod exits to keep the water out.
Brian

If anyone knows where we can get something similar to corrosion block, maybe they can chime in with ideas.

Brian - good idea re the vaseline. I was thinking of using some clear silicone around openings for the two weeks each year that I am at the lake, and leaving the wings assembled for that time period, then remove the silicone it when I take the plane apart to come home. But that won't help the servo problem.

Originally Posted by nick colliopoulos

Hi Bill i have a set of floats like the ones in your photo.I was just wondering what size plane i can put them on.There three feet long.How long of a fuse dose it have to be

Nick - I am no expert here as this is my first float plane attempt. The floats are actually a Great Planes Float Kit for 40 size planes. I know GP made 3 sizes for .20, .40 and .60 size planes. If you check the GP web site you might be able to find the specs for the float sizes.

Some other experienced float flyers could probably also give you good advice.

Bill

[Bkind]

Hi Bill Had a look at the can

Heres the web address Made in Canada.
http://www.learchem.com/C.B.Page.htm

Has a link to dealers.


Nick Float lenth is 75% of the fuse lenth. example from prop to end of rudder whatever 75% of this lenth is and you will have no problems.

Brian

[dccoop]

was over at Ideal Hobbies in Barrie today and Gavin had 4 cans of the stuff.
www.idealhobbies.com
phone 705 725 9965

DC

[Billpilotca]

Originally Posted by dccoop

was over at Ideal Hobbies in Barrie today and Gavin had 4 cans of the stuff.
www.idealhobbies.com
phone 705 725 9965

DC

Thanks DC - I will follow up !

Bill