Free Flight Trimming Basics #2 - How to Fly A WW1 Biplane

This is the 2nd episode of a new flying model series, inspired by the many flying & trimming questions I've received from viewers on my channel in recent years. There are many, many ways to trim a model, but the approach seen here is what has worked best for me, so that's what I will share. I try my best to take a grass roots approach, as I was taught by my many mentors early on within the Flying Aces Club. Hopefully this methodical step by step will be universally understood and successfully received by newcomers to the hobby.
You can build the same model twice, yet they may need totally different trimming solutions. Therein lies the challenge & fun of rubber-powered free-flight.
This updated episode of a trim session focuses on flying the 31" rubber-powered free-flight biplane, called the Martinsyde S.1, which was designed in 1914 as a scout during the early part of WW1. Filmed and flown by Tom Hallman on May 15, 2021 in beautiful Wawayanda, NY, using a Canon PowerShot SX20, iPhone 11Pro & 14Pro. Music via the talented musicians at artist.io, who breathe life into my films.
Model based on this free plan: www.hallmanstudio.com/Martinsy...
Tutorial on making the 31" Martinsyde: • Making the Rubber-Powe...
Future episodes will show trim sessions with problematic models that need help in becoming stabile flyers again, including scale hi-wingers, low-wingers, and biplanes. My hope is that these films will become foundation tutorials for newbies in the hobby, answering many of the generic questions that all modelers with limited experience will surely have about rubber-powered free-flight modeling.
Free-Flight Basics #1 about braiding motors: • Free Flight Basics #1 ...
Free-Flight Basics #4 about thrust plates and nose blocks: • Free Flight Basics #1 ...
Free-Flight Basics 9.1 about building a wing with sliced ribs.: • Free-Flight Basics #9....
*** 10 steps to trimming a rubber model, by John Koptonak: www.flyingacesclub.com/PFFT/Tr...
Also, these tutorials from Easy Built Models: easybuiltmodels.com/tips.htm#...
Here's a source for rubber: www.faimodelsupply.com/produc...
Generic rubber turns calculator: hallmanstudio.com/rubber_turns...
Article on the use of dethermalizers: www.hallmanstudio.com/DT.pdf
Badge Classic DT & spring (at the bottom of the page): www.starlink-flitetech.com/tim...
Looking for a Flying Aces Club near you? Check out this link: flyingacesclub.com/wp/about-th... If you click on the map at the area closest to you, it will automatically bring up an information request link. That request goes to FAC GHQ and also to the Squadron Commander of record for that squadron.
Geneseo FAC Nats Journals from 2016 & 2018: www.maxfliart.com
For more info on free-flight rubber-powered models, check these websites:
brooklyn-balsa.square.site
www.easybuiltmodels.com/
www.volareproducts.com/BUY/
www.flyingacesclub.com
National Free Flight Society - freeflight.org/
Mike Stuart's Flying Scale Models - www.ffscale.co.uk/
www.freeflightsupplies.co.uk
Flying Aces Club merchandise: www.cafepress.com/flyingacesclub
All profits support Flying Aces Club activities.
Center of Gravity merchandise: www.cafepress.com/centergravity

[@maxfliart]

I've updated the Rubber Turns Calculator for any newcomers to FF rubber. With the way rubber can change throughout the years, this chart will give you a good place to start. Use it only as a general guide. hallmanstudio.com/rubber_turns_calculator.pdf

[@polygonalmasonary]

WW1 Bi Planes are works of art! Beautiful to look at. 👍🇬🇧♥️

[@ufoburnout]

Wow so stable. Wonderful to watch. Beautiful model.

[@nickbarsby3378]

To this aviation nut, your videos are therapy.

[@robertk.5195]

You make me wish my old legs could chase such creations.

[@jeffpiatt3879]

Watched this just before bed. Hoping to dream about model airplanes tonight.

[@ZUSMANELEN]

Super!!! 👍🤓🤗😉

[@fabiohaddad2531]

Thank you very much for the lessons! The model is gorgeous and to my eyes it flies like silk, very very fine model.

[@robertrolfe4526]

Great production qualities!

[@arthurfaraci3995]

Really excellent

[@mjkluck]

Good stuff, Bubs.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Wonderful!

[@paulgammidge-jefferson9536]

A tutorial fron a grand master. Spellbinding. 29:11 with my whole being focused on a masterpiece. Nothing else matters. ❤

[@drunkmike6364]

fantastic!

[@michaelgillespie1206]

I'm looking forward to seeing some videos for doing the rigging and flying wires on these models.

[@maxfliart]

Thx, I hope to get to that with my next bipe. I don't believe I filmed it when I built the Martinsyde...a missed opportunity. It's pretty easy, somewhat relaxing...like threading the needle, but with dots of CA at the entry points on the struts as u go along.

[@maxfliart]

Go to 9:25 on this video to see a few photos of the rigging process. I place CA on the end of the thread (about 1" long) then use it as a needle to weave through the strut pin holes.The wings can be done with 4 lengths of thread. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXLJqZSLbtSne9Usi=v7eI7xD0s1jUVeik

[@tomdurkin7321]

Absolutely beautiful, thanks for all of your patience. Keep up the great work

[@anthonymoore4335]

Looking forward to many more videos like this!

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Thanks again for an informative and beautiful video!

[@larrydee8859]

As always; Excellent flying experience !!! Thank you so much for narrating this free flight of your excellent aircraft!!!

[@brunorosa2227]

Brilliant.

[@fetabhelium]

Ďakujem za tú krásu. Nádhera!

[@maxfliart]

Ďakujem. Som rád, že sa vám lety páčili.

[@garygullikson6349]

Proverbial deep grass, open field, no trees, calm air, comfortable temperature, expertly built model and expert in setting of CG and trimming of models.

[@maxfliart]

Thx, Gary. I enjoyed it.

[@garygullikson6349]

I'd still do it if I could walk well. I get by with electric powered balsa models designed by Pat Tritle @@maxfliart

[@willgraves5288]

Thanks Tom. Love that big biplane! If I ever get the courage to let a model go...

[@giannimoscotto7386]

Nice ❤

[@williamrobinson7435]

This is really advanced stuff, Tom. I myself am struggling to get to grips with all the options, but the info esp on gurney flaps is invaluable, and very clearly put. This Martinsyde is a DREAM of a plane. Such presence in the air for a rubber powered bipe is rare indeed, and a real joy to see, as you say, framed by the beautiful skyscape. Magnificent and utterly compelling flights, and you're not even at max turns! I'm confident that the summer will bring more of those 'fluke' flights, until they become the norm. This plane, with its new, light sliced rib wings will be eating thermals for breakfast and you're going to need that dethermalisor! Most impressive. Thank you Tom! ⭐👍

[@maxfliart]

Thx, Will. I'm looking forward to another session with her this year. I haven't flown her since late '21, so actually seeing what I hadn't really seen or noticed before this re-edit (her stability going left instead of right) I'll likely begin there and push her left until she reaches max winds. I hope to have a productive update with her to post here. Come mid May, the grass should be once again be high, so fingers crossed.

[@offtopicjes]

this is such a wonderful model! i remember when ya put it together, fun days. happy flying!

[@maxfliart]

Thx. I'm hoping to fly her again this spring.

[@offtopicjes]

i get it man, ive got a few models id like to take out but there is so much snow haha@@maxfliart

[@xarhsmenidiaths]

it s perfect

[@PfalzD3]

It swung to the left because it detected Jerry Troop movements.

[@maxfliart]

Haha

[@kyllingburger]

Beautiful model. What kind of covering is used on the wings?. Loves that vintage color.

[@Gruzelegrutjez101]

❤❤❤

[@chrishansen456]

Hello, may you please make this a playlist; it would make it easier to find years from now when your newer videos release. Thank you !

[@maxfliart]

Thx. I've just added it to my FF Basics playlist. Glad ur enjoying the series.

[@kjflynn3379]

great stuff! If it is so sensitive, is there not a risk that each resetting of the tail after DT usage introduces a subtle change in aerodynamics? Not sure what you can do about hat risk though - has to be better than a fly-away !!

[@maxfliart]

Not really, since the line is pulled tight and the stab is secure on its seat. But the stab fins are large, and because they're hinged, they could get bumped a bit. Next time I'll make the stab one piece, then only rely on shimming

[@johndoe6948]

Do you build any washout into the wings during construction?

[@maxfliart]

Rarely. I like to build them flat, then react accordingly after the tissue is on, since I build somewhat light, and there's a chance the tips will move. I clean up any concerns at the field with Gurney flaps. If any significant warps creep in at the field, I deal with them at home using the steam kettle.