Dacron Alternatives for 1/2A lines...

Spectra or Spider 6lb test fishing line was mentioned as an alternative, allowing longer (30-35 feet instead of 25) lines, slower lap times, etc.

This intrigues me. About the only thing I remember regarding dacron lines is that they were a PITA, and I think that the fellow who posted in that thread about braided metal wires suitably small enough for 1/2A being easily kinked, etc., is right.

So anybody got any scoop on this alledgely non-stretch fishing line? Suitable diameter, any special methods needed to tie/secure it, etc.?

The model will be a Lightning Streak, tissue/dope fuse/empennage and film-covered wing. I've been cruising FleaBay for an engine "deal", but will probably end up buying a new Black Widow. Apparently, all "vintage" Cox .049s were manufactured of unobtanium (or, the idiots bidding on them seem to think so, anyway), and today are priced accordingly...

At any rate, the model should be of "normal" weight and trim. I also intend to fly the ME-109 too, and it seems to be a bit heavier.

I'll use small fishing leader snaps for lead-out terminals (and on the lines), unless somebody has a better suggestion.

Also, any ideas on a decent handle would be appreciated. I'm somewhat underwhelmed with what I seen so far...

I got this far during a break in the action Thursday afternoon, when everyone else was napping off Xmas dinner...

Well, I get a "System Error" message. Leonard, these are 480x640 shots, transferred off the "C" drive. Since I am basically computer illiterate, I tried all six various "types" of files selectable, one at a time, no joy. I'm sure I am doing something wrong, but what do you advise?

Most pictures should be in jpeg format. JPEG pictures can be compressed, sort of like taking the air out which reduces the file size on the disk while retaining the same size on the screen. I have purposely set the file size limits to 50K to conserve disk space on the server and reduce download time for dial up people like me (nothing else available here). It also reduces bandwidth which I pay for.

So, now that you know the reason, make sure the pictures are in jpeg format and that they are compressed to under 50K. (find them on your hard drive, right click and check properties to see what they are.) If you need help, you can send the pictures to me.

Tom Wilk - Duluth, MN
I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up.

Several SSCLF people have used them and like them.

Check out any line you use for fraying. I found regular Kevlar to be unacceptable for that reason. It frazzled just from rubbing over itself. Also, be careful handling any cloth line as will absorb oil like crazy, and get sticky. I would think an alcohol wipe would be a good idea occasionally.

Finally, I CA the knots on thread just to be sure there is no possibility of slippage.

Didn't you use to fly R/C pretty hot 'n' heavy?

Seeing as the .008 prepared lines are only 26 feet, think I'll give that Spider wire a try.

Sig has sold a ton of them @.008 by 35 feet.

At better LHSs, everywhere, as they say.

OK, I'm a HACP (Half-A Chauvinist Pig). It is just that all but 2 or 3 current kits for 1/2A are SO outdated. 150 sq.in. and 35' lines is what I fly my .035 on!

Gee Larry, some of us match those outdated planes with outdated engines and have a ball. Of course they don't have the performance of the combination you suggested, but still...

Space Bug Jr.'s forever!

I plan to build the Baby Flite Streak and have a pair of Space Hoppers to put on it. I agree that fun planes can be flow with old engines. One of my all-time favorites was the 1/2A Snapper at 105 sq.in. with a Holland Wasp. Less power than a Tee Dee .020, but could do the whole pattern.

For competition, though, my statement still stands regarding MOST 1/2A designs and kits. And, for example, Keith Trostle needs to finish the promised design of the updated Tercel, Hint, Hint!

I assume you are referring to the built-up fuselage 1/2A Snapper that was advertised with the Atwood Shriek. It should have been light, if I remember correctly it uses 1/32" ribs and wing sheeting.

What is to be updated on the Tercel?

I believe that RSM is going to laser cut the kit, and, myself just starting on a RSM Jamison, I expect the quality should be superb.

I've used SpiderWire for years and it's unbelievably strong/light/slick stuff but a word of caution is needed: the stuff is SO strong & SO slick that it will slice flesh down to the bone in an instant if your hands slip while really pulling it hard trying to tie a knot! It can be vicious. Ask me how I know!

But a round turn and two half-hitches will hold anything, well past the tensile strength of whatever line one is working with; and is easy to tie. I learned all those fancy knots during my military service, and that's the one I end up using just about all of the time.

Heading out to pick up some of that SpiderWire, and some 25% Sig Champion fuel, after lunch...