Methusala

VW engines (again)

Dear all,

My point in this discussion is only to say that our form of flying should remain as diverse, accessable and affordable as can be. I investigated Jabiru at

one stage, but having had good results from VW's I stuck with that. I am in favor of as much diversity as possible and really am impressed by the technically advanced models available. But I think that if entry costs don't stay low then our recreational flying will go the way of GA rec flying. Now, Thruster anyone? DON.

Curandooley airstrip

Just a "short note". Curandooley is owned by the Osbourne family. In their extreme generosity they allow a restricted, small no. of us access. It is private property and must be respected as such. We endeavour to maintain a low profile

especially regarding noise. That said, if you are passing and spot one of us at the feild, by all means drop in. Keep the circuit tight the strip is alright but be aware of possible ruts stemming from the deer buck's habits.Don.

VW Derivatives

Dear David et al,

both R'master & Aeropower. I expect similar performance to Skyfox with Aeropower( altho the Revmaster has 94mmx78mm stroke giving from memory around 2160cc, a bit larger than Aeropower). I have experimented with props and

currently get 3450rpm at takeoff with the Aeropower and cruise at 3050rpm- 60kts burning around 18l/hr including climb. I operate from 2450ft and use about 250m to get airbourne, climb 350fpm in a heavy, draggy VP2. If your friend was only burning 12l/hr he is either prop limiting rpm or choosing too low an operating

engine speed. It is a common misconception that one mustn't run a VW at high

rpm. Tell that to Stan Pobjoy who has beaten all comers to be Aust hill climb champ in a 1916cc that in some corners he holds to 8000rpm ( no bull, no tricky bits, he doesn't even rebuild the engine from one season to the next).

Ahem... back to aviation. My aeropower was rebuilt 6 yrs ago by Mike Muninger, a Bavarian gentleman, after doing 450 hrs in a Lightwing. I have flown 320hrs since with NO problems. Finally, I have adapted Bosch fuel inj. hardware driven by Haltech f9 computer, and have had no probs( and no carb. ice) over 500hrs operation. I'm ready to continue this discussion, but you see, I'm not speaking as a dreamer. I've been there and done it, regards, Don.

VW based Revmaster 2100D

Chris, the Subaru was mated to a Rotax C type box- 2.58:1 ratio and a 68"(?) 3 bladed Warp Drive. Without oil or coolant it weighed 115kg. The Revmaster conversion with 2 bladed 55" wooden prop weighs 75 and produces 75 hp@ 3600 rpm. The EA81 was fitted with a modified cam by Wade. Max rpm acheived (static) was c5500. At 430 kg weight, one up, it climbed at 500fpm @ 60 Kt.

I never dyno'd it but that doesn't seem like 90hp. But the main point was that it was probably nose heavy even with some 8kg lead ballast at tail wheel. Our plane is an A model, not the C model as sold by Amax. The absence of as much mass as can be pruned will do nothing but improve this delightful 'modern Piper Cub'.

I can say that in 20 hrs of test flying I found it to be a viceless u/l and hope to have it in the air again by the new year. Don.

Just want to say that today I split the mold we took off the plug that we have laboured long and hard to create. It came off clean with few voids and with luck should be ready to take a couple of finished cowls from next weekend.

We were forced into this because the Subaru EA 81 was much too heavy and didnt produce the expected power. Will fit a rebuilt Revmaster of almost 2.2l saving about 40kg. Any other karatoo's out there? Don

Plastic wing spar caps?

Tony, can you source the black plastic wing spar caps? I know that they are 90% decoration but they do finish the wing structure well. Hope you can help, Don.

Hi, does any one out there have a spare prop suit early b type box for sale? Contact Don at [email protected] .au, Ta.

TOSG membership?

Tony, could you please tell me what is the cost of TOSG membership and Thruster manuals, thanks Don.

Has anyone a good set of skins that they want to sell? My skins are ok but badly soiled with oil and a bit rough in patches due to careless trailoring by previous owner.

Who out there has the best method of fairing the struts? There is a Thruster at Holbrook that uses a pvc moulding with cliplock joint at the trailing edge that looks simple and effective. Mystery as to where it may come from though. Hope this stirs some thoughts, Methusalah.

T300 spar

Thanks Tony & I will write to you about the book & joining TOSG. Cheers<Don.

T300 rear spar wanted

Thanks for your reply Tony,

the aircraft is serial no: 091 506-T300. It was

originally purchased by James Bartells Waller probably in late 1996 and was used to train pilots at Holbrook U/L Club. Some idiot has damaged the rt rear spar, probably thru insufficient care whilst transporting it in disassembled state. Hope you can help rectify this barberous act of negligence. (No, it wasn't me!) Kind regards, Don.

G'day,

can anyone advise where to obtain a new r/h rear spar? Thank you

readers, Don.