View Full Version : Stratus New Tank
Alfred
07-05-2006, 03:56 AM
This is turning into a N9 story all over.
Surely it can't take that long to get a die done for a plastic tank?
The original tank/pill bottle works just fine but boy is it fugly :roll:
Muffler side: Nice looking heli
Tank side: Ohh...look..it's got a tumor :(
WillJames
07-05-2006, 05:55 AM
The reason for the testing is because of all the different presure systems people run these days and making sure it will hold up I would bet.
I will wait until the testing is completed for mine, I run the OMI Cline setup with a lot of tank pressure.
wattybotts
07-06-2006, 09:23 AM
I just put on the new tank and it looks very nice. It fits right in the frames with no problems and I doubt it is going anywhere. :D
Instead of using double sided tape to attach the tank to the frames, I used a thin piece of neoprene, which I GOOPED to the tank. After using the two zip ties to secure the tank, it does not move one bit! Here is a pic.
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/9b9e120cfc12653df1ded8ced9e07984.jpg
Gary O
07-06-2006, 09:52 AM
Bobby,
When can us regulars be able to get them, has that been determined yet?
misio
07-06-2006, 12:12 PM
Last news, next week, two weeks the most.
wattybotts
07-06-2006, 04:10 PM
Final production molds should be coming in VERY soon. Id hate to say it, but I think it will be two weeks. :D
mevigavant
07-06-2006, 05:56 PM
wattybotts
did you allow for expansion? once the tank gets pressurized it's going to swell up some.
Alfred
07-06-2006, 07:58 PM
Are the tanks going to be sold with the 2nd 90degree nipple?
The original just comes with one and it looks like that it will definitly require a 2nd one.
The tank looks really good
DavidH
07-07-2006, 09:05 AM
I believe it will be just the tank. The straight vent can be used. It is placed in the right or left edge of the tank.
David
Alfred
07-07-2006, 09:13 AM
thanks for the info David
wattybotts
07-07-2006, 10:57 PM
Alfred... yes, the tank did expand when I flew it yesterday, but did clear the motor no problem. This neoprene idea seems to work extremely well so far. I gooped the neoprene onto the tank, so that should never come off. Once the tank swells up alittle bit, it is impossible to even nudge the fuel tank any direction. Also, I was told today that in the Pic I used the wrong slots in the frame for the Zip Tie. You should use the back slot (it is directly over the skid) for the back of the tank, and the front slot (in the front).
I am pretty sure that the new tank will come with one 90 degree fitting, and one long nipple with the nut on the end. My current setup works, but because the 90 degree vent fitting comes down into the tank about 1/4", you have to lean the tank forwards when fueling, and still... you can't fill it up all the way. I am sure this problem will be addressed on the production tanks.
For the most part, I really like this new tank. After flying it, it is obvious that the geometry in the tank is alot better than the old style tank. With my old tank, even with about 1/8 of fuel left, I would hear lean spots with my ELD. With this new tank, I can run it almost completely empty without any signs of leaning.
Alfred
07-08-2006, 01:44 AM
Thanks for all the info Bobby
From the looks it seems to be an excellent design. I will e-mail my local Supplier to send me one in the moment they hit the shore line here.
My Stratus is still running in before and it will take at least the next weekend before I can even start dialling in the YS91.
The bigger tank will come in handy as it sucks through the tank in no time at all.
I have done the 1st couple of autorotations today and even with 690mm Carbon Tech 3D blades it has more then enough in reserve.
My autos are slow decent and fairly low headspeed..no problem in regards to reserve.
One more question Bobby..does the tank have a seam or is it a one piece blowmold ?
wattybotts
07-08-2006, 06:31 AM
Not too sure about that one. I believe it is a solid blowmold with the cap on top. You will be very happy with this tank.
OK off to the beach be back in a week. :glasses2: :mrgreen: :D
Alfred
07-08-2006, 08:02 AM
The beach is about 15-18km east of my place, but it's winter here.
A miserable 19-25 degrees celsious. Too cold for the swimming pool :lol:
DavidH
07-08-2006, 11:50 AM
but because the 90 degree vent fitting comes down into the tank about 1/4", you have to lean the tank forwards when fueling, and still... you can't fill it up all the way.
Take the 90 deg vent fitting out. Then take a dremel and cut off the nipple where the fuel line would attach. Then you will have a flush mount vent fitting.
I have done the above before when I only had the fitting that the fuel attaches. I needed a vent fitting. So I cut off the nipple with a dremel.
David
Alfred
08-02-2006, 05:27 PM
Any news on the tank?
misio
08-02-2006, 05:39 PM
as off today is not in stock, will take two more weeks.
Rada70
08-02-2006, 07:07 PM
2 more weeks!!!!!!!!!!!! :arggg:
Wayne
08-02-2006, 09:00 PM
Word on the inside is that they will have tanks at IRCHA! Min Air is just as frustrated as we are that they are not out, but if anyone thinks it's easy to just make one up, give it a shot!
For Sale: Two Stratus Tanks. Will fit in Fury and Tempest. See Wayne at IRCHA and take them out for me! Price: Cheap.
Wayne
Aviation addict
08-03-2006, 06:26 PM
Its good to see the fully functional tank. All we need now is a 'Part Number' and the date of the first shop to get them in stock.... Looking forward to the longer flights!
DavidH
08-03-2006, 06:50 PM
The new Stratus tanks are hopefully suppose to be at MA on Friday (4th). They have been shipped from the manufacturer and are suppose to be at MA at least by Tuesday the 8th. They were trying to get a confirmation on the tracking of the shipment when I talked to MA earlier. They do have a new part number for the tank. I just forgot to get the number. They will go out to the dealers that have them on order when they arrive at MA.
David
sumonzu
08-03-2006, 10:22 PM
Goooo MA... Me too I'm waiting that thing for months!!! I hopee I can buy it within next two...mmm three weeks??? :wink:
MAVRICK
08-04-2006, 02:23 AM
NOPE :lol: Two more weeks :lolol
misio
08-04-2006, 02:56 PM
Today Firday 04 tanks are in, they are in testing now and will be sending out on monday, Call to get one or two
I don't know how much or part # I just ask for one to be send asap.
DavidH
08-04-2006, 10:38 PM
http://www.miniatureaircraftusa.com/default.asp
New Stratus Tanks Are Here!!!
Posted 8/4/2006 9:25:21 PM
Now available, the new custom designed Stratus fuel tank.
Fuel Tanks are $15.95
Tanks will be sold at the IRCHA Jamboree
It is suggested that you replace the fuel element when you change tanks, Part #4295-1
If you have pre-ordered a tank from Miniature Aircraft, we will be shipping them out starting the week of August 7th. If you intend to buy one at the Jamboree, make sure you call the shop to cancel your current order, otherwise you'll wind up with more than one.