Episode 10 · April 11, 2020 · 1:01:24
Shop updates on 3D-printed wing ribs, a gas-powered project, testing old servos, Horton progress, the Duelist build, unfinished projects, and crashes.
In this episode
- What Ron learned from 3D-printing a wing rib
- Gas-engine sizing, prop clearance, and ignition interference
- How to evaluate old servos before trusting them
- Tom’s latest Horton flying-wing progress
- Why unfinished projects pile up—and what crashes can teach us
Episode Chapters
- 00:00 – 3D-printed wing-rib experiment
- 08:30 – Project and engine updates
- 25:42 – Gas-engine interference and control problems
- 29:23 – Reviving an old trainer
- 34:00 – Testing used servos
- 39:28 – Horton progress and the Duelist temptation
- 48:00 – Unfinished projects, priorities, and crash stories
3D-printed ribs: promising but not free
The test rib was extremely stiff, but heavier than balsa and limited by the printer’s bed size. Future versions could use thinner walls, lightening geometry, and stronger joint design.
Power and interference need practical testing
A large gas engine can create prop-clearance, idle-thrust, vibration, and radio-noise problems. When controls moved at higher throttle, the airplane correctly stayed on the ground for troubleshooting.
How to screen an unfamiliar servo
Run it slowly through its full proportional travel, then command rapid full-travel changes. Listen for clicking, grinding, dead spots, or erratic motion, and repeat range checks with the engine both off and running. Testing reduces risk but cannot guarantee a servo will never fail.
Finish lines and new-project excitement
Tom is progressing through sheeting, access hatches, drag rudders, and hinging on the Horton while resisting the urge to start the Duelist. The broader lesson: define a project’s next concrete milestone before clearing the bench for something new.
Crashes are information
The hosts trade stories about damaged models and abandoned projects. A mishap can reveal setup, structure, or judgment problems—provided the model is inspected honestly before the next flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 3D-printed wing rib replace balsa?
Potentially, but weight, layer direction, wall thickness, joints, and print-bed limits all need to be engineered for the model.
How should I test a used servo?
Exercise its full range slowly and quickly, listen and watch for faults, then conduct range tests under realistic engine-on conditions.
What should I do if controls move when a gas engine is throttled up?
Do not fly. Investigate ignition noise, component placement, grounding, power integrity, and the radio installation first.
Keep Learning
Continue with the pre-flight checklist, revisit our guide to RC receivers, or browse more episodes from the RC Plane Lab podcast.
Episode 10 Transcript
This transcript has been lightly edited for readability. Timestamps are retained.
Read the full transcript
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