Installing the Closed tail in place of the Open one

[bevoduz]

I just got my replacement tail today, and when reading the instructions noticed it says I need to shorten the tail control rod by 10mm, which may require a replacement. First off, it would have been nice if this was listed on the MA website along with the blurb about the returns so I could have ordered it ahead of time. Secondly, how can I shorten this without replacing it so I can get it up in teh air already? Does anyone know the thread size of the ball link so that I can just cut the tail end of the threads and thread it in an extra 10mm?

thanks!

[Dale W]

When installing mine, I found 3 things:
- my camphor was already in the end, but I ran a fine rat-tail file around it anyway
- the side holes lined up. I didn't need to elongate them
- the TR pitch rod was too long by ~6mm. Since there was a lot of threads on the end, I just used a cut-off wheel to reduce the length. There was still a lot of threads and I haven't had any problem.

I didn't have any written directions, but Tim described the changes (except for the TR reduction) when I took my old box over for the trade-in.

I will say that this TR box seems to have settled the Spectra down a bit, and I'm more comfotable in knowing the tail is not going to give way (although I don't fly aggressive 3D).

My biggest problem remains the SAB-12 muffler coming loose on every other flight. I have all the mods & longer bolts and it still comes loose. A very expensive and poorly engineered muffler by Hatori. (engineered as far as mounting).

Dale

[Heli_Addict]

Greg, my R50 had exactly the same problem. I know it is not the same heli or pipe, but my fix may help. I used extra long bolts with two nuts on each bolt and red loctite to fix my problem. Hope this helps.

[bevoduz]

Dale that canopy is awesome! Did you paint it yourself?

[Dale W]

BevoDuz,
Yes I did... It looks really cool and I get quite a few compliments everytime I go to the field with it. No one can believe it is a Monocote spray can paint job with Truck Color clear coat (also from a can!). The boom and tail feathers are stick-on monocote and also look very good and complete the look. :glasses:
I will say that nose-in is really no problem with this bird!
Dale

[WillJames]

The SS Headers fixes the problem Dale. There are 14 of them out there and not a single person has the muffler loosening problem once they started using the SS Header.

The SB-12 is a great muffler as far as supporting a lot of RPM and giving the most power output.

[Dale W]

Thanks William,
I guess since I've spent so much money on heli's since I've been doing them (P&B and scale), a few more bucks won't put me in the out house. It just bugs me that this muffler was supposedly made for this heli and it cost big bucks and the 'fix' is to go to a ss header.... oh well.
When it flys, it flys great.
Dale