Replicas Unlimited 22" Eagle Build - Page 2

TRANSPORTER EAGLE · 30-05-2012, 08:12 AM

Dear MADsen, You are a great person, thanks for help me. Best regards!
You are welcome here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/EAG...99/46567890884

headcase · 30-05-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MADsen

Hi headcase...

Don´t you mean RU 23" Eagle ??

RU haven´t made any 22", what I know off...

I wasn't sure what the 'official" length was. I'd seen 22" & 23", so I went with the more conservative length

Question: I've read a lot about Eagle models being tail sitters (heavy in the ass end = makes them upend so the nose is pointing in the air). Does anyone know if this kit has that problem? Would the addition of the lab pod maybe offset that?

BenLennon · 31-05-2012, 03:25 PM

Hi headcase,

I've just ordered a Lab Eagle after receiving their Hawk.

Hope mine's not as bad as yours seems to be

**MADsen** · 01-06-2012, 07:27 AM

Hi Headcase

I doen´t know if that issue is still present... I haven´t build my new version of the RU 23" Eagle yet...

But I´m thinking of building the spine and cages in brass tubing, so that wouldn´t happen..

**healvis** · 01-06-2012, 09:12 AM

I think the rear end only tips down if you are using aluminium bells, if you are then put ballast in the cm to balance it.

headcase · 01-06-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenLennon

Hi headcase,

I've just ordered a Lab Eagle after receiving their Hawk.

Hope mine's not as bad as yours seems to be

I don't think the kit is 'bad". There are the normal issues you always have to deal with when you're building resin kits, like seams and pin holes, but overall the castings look pretty good. The issue I'm having are with the instructions, which are a little too vague for me.

I understand that's been a problem with this kit all along. That's why I halted the assembly and ordered a set of blueprints.

headcase · 01-06-2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by healvis

I think the rear end only tips down if you are using aluminium bells, if you are then put ballast in the cm to balance it.

Thanks for that tip! I sent an email to the gentleman who produced those parts but he hasn't answered, so I'm assuming they will not be made available any time in the near future. The worst part will be hollowing out all those damn RCS thrusters. Ugh! I'll probably do one set then cast a bunch of copies. Without a pressurizer, though, it's gonna be a tough go to get the resin down into all those small spaces (eg the hollowed out thrusters)

**scatta** · 02-06-2012, 02:23 AM

Quote:

I think the rear end only tips down if you are using aluminium bells, if you are then put ballast in the cm to balance it

I'd personally advise against this unless you reinforce all the structure.
I put Mike Reader bells on and half filled the cockpit with blu-tack as a counter balance.
The model has been on a shelf for less than a year and is now shaped like a banana!
Seems like the resin has slowly stretched under the stress.

headcase · 03-06-2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scatta

I'd personally advise against this unless you reinforce all the structure.
I put Mike Reader bells on and half filled the cockpit with blu-tack as a counter balance.
The model has been on a shelf for less than a year and is now shaped like a banana!
Seems like the resin has slowly stretched under the stress.

Thanks for that info. Right now the plan is to go with the stock parts. I got an email that my blueprints have shipped so I should be back in business in a few days.

BenLennon · 06-06-2012, 11:59 AM

I had a reply from Mike Reader - unless you already have an outstanding order with him, it's unlikely any more aluminium accessories will be produced.

He's had a few problems, and he feels that the strong Canadian Dollar isn't helping.
I enclose a quote from his email:

"Hi Ben

Thanks for the interest in my products, but the thing is I am now in a state
of semi-retirement from engine bell production, after making them for over
12 years circumstances are dictating it is becoming unsustainable to
continue, I have been pondering this out come for the best part of 2 years,
but now I believe it is time to bow out. You see in February I had a serious
accident at work which required surgery to remove a large piece of steel
from my hand, months of physio resulting in a loss of time from work and a
back log of aluminium part orders, in a few cases I had to offer refunds,
this became a lot of stress, coupled with rising costs of material,
spiralling shipping costs and a ever strong Canadian dollar which makes my
exports more and more expensive, I have never raised my labour rate in 12
years, in a vain attempt to keep the cost to you guys out there to a minimum
, but it seems every order is more expensive than the last, which in reality
is unfair to the guys who want to keep costs in a already costly hobby down,
so please accept my humble apology .

Yours in faith

Mike Reader

"

headcase · 06-06-2012, 01:19 PM

I can surely understand that. Thanks for checking on this! This wonderful 'globalization" idea has had a lot of ill effects on millions of people.

richardlamer · 06-06-2012, 01:55 PM

We definately appreciate everything that Mike Reader has contributed over the many years.

Thank you, Mike

Puffy_Shirt · 07-06-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenLennon

I had a reply from Mike Reader - unless you already have an outstanding order with him, it's unlikely any more aluminium accessories will be produced.

He's had a few problems, and he feels that the strong Canadian Dollar isn't helping.
I enclose a quote from his email:

"Hi Ben

Thanks for the interest in my products, but the thing is I am now in a state
of semi-retirement from engine bell production, after making them for over
12 years circumstances are dictating it is becoming unsustainable to
continue, I have been pondering this out come for the best part of 2 years,
but now I believe it is time to bow out. You see in February I had a serious
accident at work which required surgery to remove a large piece of steel
from my hand, months of physio resulting in a loss of time from work and a
back log of aluminium part orders, in a few cases I had to offer refunds,
this became a lot of stress, coupled with rising costs of material,
spiralling shipping costs and a ever strong Canadian dollar which makes my
exports more and more expensive, I have never raised my labour rate in 12
years, in a vain attempt to keep the cost to you guys out there to a minimum
, but it seems every order is more expensive than the last, which in reality
is unfair to the guys who want to keep costs in a already costly hobby down,
so please accept my humble apology .

Yours in faith

Mike Reader

"

Poor guy... That is really bad news for us who want to build Eagles in the future. Hope Jim Small will put some out when needed....

headcase · 07-06-2012, 11:23 PM

While I have been a modeler for many years, I've only recently joined this grteat group of Eagle fans. Any modeler is a friend of mine and I only wish Mr. Reader the best.
Also, I have a couple of quicky questions to shoot off, if anyone might have some info or an opinion to help me out, I'd be obliged.
First - to chrome or not to chrome? I've seen pics of the engine bells done in chrome and in plain silver. Which is closest to "the real thing"?
Second - I understand JBot decals is off line for the time being. Are there any retailers around that sell his stuff - specifically the 1/48 scale Eagle decals? I did some searching today and came up with zilch.
Thanks in advance!

richardlamer · 07-06-2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headcase

I understand JBot decals is off line for the time being. Are there any retailers around that sell his stuff - specifically the 1/48 scale Eagle decals? I did some searching today and came up with zilch.
Thanks in advance!

I wasn't aware Jbot was off line. It wasn't that long ago I received an order from him. I don't use the website, I just send him off an email to:
jbot@rogers.com
then.....wait....he hasn't let me down yet. I even did a Bell-X1 in 1/18 scale and I needed some custom decals which he made for me.

headcase · 08-06-2012, 12:29 AM

Now, why didn't I think of that!! Here's the message he has up on his home page:

Dear Customers:
I am still not ready to activate my shopping cart. Sorry for the delays.
Full instructions for using these decals are here.
Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or requests.

Thank you.

Technically, that doesn't say he's not taking orders, I guess. Thanks! I will zing him an e-mail!

headcase · 08-06-2012, 10:00 AM

The good news is that I contacted the owner of JBot Decals and we're working out a deal to get the decal set. The bad news is thata I'm STILL waiting on the blueprint set I ordered before I feel like I can move forward on the build.

headcase · 10-06-2012, 09:28 AM

Great news! My blueprint set arrived and after scanning them for 10 minutes or so, I had the answers I needed to proceed with the build. Also, I was able to order the decals from JBot, as was suggested in this thread. Thank you kindly, Guys!!

**rockwellcm** · 10-06-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by healvis

I think the rear end only tips down if you are using aluminium bells, if you are then put ballast in the cm to balance it.

This was what Eagle did with his original build,he also screwed the pod to the walkways to add to the strength

headcase · 11-06-2012, 01:27 PM

Yeah I ran a 1/4" hollow brass rod through the pod & walkways, too. This thing is so heavy I don't see any way it'd hold together otherwise. I spent a good part of the day Sunday cleaning up the base of the pod (the bottom plate). It had a gazillion bubbles on it. Gave my Dremel a REALLY good workout! That's my main project right now.

01-06-2012, 07:27 AM	#24
MADsen Eagle Pilot Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ebeltoft, Denmark Posts: 632	Tail heavy Eagle... Hi Headcase I doen´t know if that issue is still present... I haven´t build my new version of the RU 23" Eagle yet... But I´m thinking of building the spine and cages in brass tubing, so that wouldn´t happen.. __________________ Once a Eagle pilot, always a Eagle pilot... To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Fly safe and happy landings... To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-06-2012, 11:23 PM	#34
headcase Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2012 Location: N. Dighton, MA Posts: 345	While I have been a modeler for many years, I've only recently joined this grteat group of Eagle fans. Any modeler is a friend of mine and I only wish Mr. Reader the best. Also, I have a couple of quicky questions to shoot off, if anyone might have some info or an opinion to help me out, I'd be obliged. First - to chrome or not to chrome? I've seen pics of the engine bells done in chrome and in plain silver. Which is closest to "the real thing"? Second - I understand JBot decals is off line for the time being. Are there any retailers around that sell his stuff - specifically the 1/48 scale Eagle decals? I did some searching today and came up with zilch. Thanks in advance! Last edited by headcase; 07-06-2012 at 11:24 PM. Reason: typo

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30-05-2012, 08:12 AM	#21
TRANSPORTER EAGLE Chef Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Barcelona,SPAIN(EUROPE) Posts: 29	Dear MADsen, You are a great person, thanks for help me. Best regards! You are welcome here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/EAG...99/46567890884

31-05-2012, 03:25 PM	#23
BenLennon Chef Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southampton Posts: 27	Hi headcase, I've just ordered a Lab Eagle after receiving their Hawk. Hope mine's not as bad as yours seems to be

01-06-2012, 09:12 AM	#25
healvis Communications Officer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Posts: 893	I think the rear end only tips down if you are using aluminium bells, if you are then put ballast in the cm to balance it.

06-06-2012, 11:59 AM	#30
BenLennon Chef Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southampton Posts: 27	I had a reply from Mike Reader - unless you already have an outstanding order with him, it's unlikely any more aluminium accessories will be produced. He's had a few problems, and he feels that the strong Canadian Dollar isn't helping. I enclose a quote from his email: "Hi Ben Thanks for the interest in my products, but the thing is I am now in a state of semi-retirement from engine bell production, after making them for over 12 years circumstances are dictating it is becoming unsustainable to continue, I have been pondering this out come for the best part of 2 years, but now I believe it is time to bow out. You see in February I had a serious accident at work which required surgery to remove a large piece of steel from my hand, months of physio resulting in a loss of time from work and a back log of aluminium part orders, in a few cases I had to offer refunds, this became a lot of stress, coupled with rising costs of material, spiralling shipping costs and a ever strong Canadian dollar which makes my exports more and more expensive, I have never raised my labour rate in 12 years, in a vain attempt to keep the cost to you guys out there to a minimum , but it seems every order is more expensive than the last, which in reality is unfair to the guys who want to keep costs in a already costly hobby down, so please accept my humble apology . Yours in faith Mike Reader "

06-06-2012, 01:19 PM	#31
headcase Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2012 Location: N. Dighton, MA Posts: 345	I can surely understand that. Thanks for checking on this! This wonderful 'globalization" idea has had a lot of ill effects on millions of people.

06-06-2012, 01:55 PM	#32
richardlamer Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 449	We definately appreciate everything that Mike Reader has contributed over the many years. Thank you, Mike

08-06-2012, 12:29 AM	#36
headcase Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2012 Location: N. Dighton, MA Posts: 345	Now, why didn't I think of that!! Here's the message he has up on his home page: Dear Customers: I am still not ready to activate my shopping cart. Sorry for the delays. Full instructions for using these decals are here. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or requests. Thank you. Technically, that doesn't say he's not taking orders, I guess. Thanks! I will zing him an e-mail!

08-06-2012, 10:00 AM	#37
headcase Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2012 Location: N. Dighton, MA Posts: 345	The good news is that I contacted the owner of JBot Decals and we're working out a deal to get the decal set. The bad news is thata I'm STILL waiting on the blueprint set I ordered before I feel like I can move forward on the build.

10-06-2012, 09:28 AM	#38
headcase Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2012 Location: N. Dighton, MA Posts: 345	Great news! My blueprint set arrived and after scanning them for 10 minutes or so, I had the answers I needed to proceed with the build. Also, I was able to order the decals from JBot, as was suggested in this thread. Thank you kindly, Guys!!

11-06-2012, 01:27 PM	#40
headcase Astrophysics Technician Join Date: May 2012 Location: N. Dighton, MA Posts: 345	Yeah I ran a 1/4" hollow brass rod through the pod & walkways, too. This thing is so heavy I don't see any way it'd hold together otherwise. I spent a good part of the day Sunday cleaning up the base of the pod (the bottom plate). It had a gazillion bubbles on it. Gave my Dremel a REALLY good workout! That's my main project right now.