Trainstar Tough Trainer. Flying Around.

...a little fun Trainstar-style


For a while now the Trainstar has been grounded due to increasingly-bad prop vibration.

Initially I thought the front fuselage was flexing from fatigue and installed stiffeners, which made no difference. Then I got a prop balancer & did the prop which likewise had a nominal effect.

It turned out that it was just the bell mount grub screws which, although I'd tightened them, were a little loose as the hex drive had stripped. Fixing this was tricky and painful as I couldn't get the originals out, and I couldn't tap new holes for fresh grub screws as there wasn't enough depth.

Eventually it has been fixed, well enough anyway, and now the Trainstar is back in the air again, still full of character...

Trainstar Tough Trainer EPO 1400. D4023 850kv Replacement Motor.

...fitting the Trainstar replacement motor

Having struggled to get a replacement prop adapter for the Trainstar, I finally decided to get a whole new motor, the D4023 850v from Hobbyking.

This seemed rather wasteful as I only really needed the adapter, but anyway. The D4023 comes with a steel prop adapter, hopefully more durable than the Volantex aluminium item but is otherwise pretty much a direct equivalent replacement.

The D4023 does actually have a different mounting pattern on the bell  mount, three holes instead of four, but fortunately the Volantex saddle mount has a multi-hole configuration which accepts the three-hole pitch with no rework required, which is great.

So the installation is a pretty simple switch-out; even the wire length is just right. The only extra work required is that the D4023 doesn’t come with any connectors, but a few minutes soldering got some 3.5mm bullet connectors fitted just fine…

Trainstar Tough Trainer 1400 EPO. D4023 Motor Test Flight.

...test flying the new motor

Fortune smiled this afternoon with the growing cloud cover holding up just enough for a scenically sunny afternoon for flying. Conditions were a little choppy but, given the lovely afternoon, we were going to give it a try anyway.

As well as being the test flight with its new motor, this was also the first time I’d flown the Trainstar for months after its collision with a light pole, so it was perhaps not surprising that it was out of trim.

As soon as it took off, it was evident that the Trainstar had become very floaty, in contrast to the nose-down attitude I’d been flying it previously. Nevertheless, it was still fun to have it back in the air.

After having a bit of fun floating it around, I brought it in to check trims, and then it was back in the air, flying a bit flatter than before. It was still not smooth flying though, with gusty conditions and wind shear above tree level turning the Trainstar into a kite of sorts.

The new motor performed very well, at least as powerful as the OE unit, and perhaps a little more. Considering its modest cost and ease of replacement, it’s a viable alternative to Volantex’s dodgy prop adapter…

747-4 Trainstar Shaft Adapter

...so I got a new motor instead

I ended up terminally bending the shaft adapter on my Trainstar some while a go as the result of colliding with a light pole. While, in the past, I have managed to straighten the adapter by hook or by crook, this time my efforts were in vain.

Now, it must be said, the Volantex (nee Lanyu) prop adapters are rubbish, a conclusion based on my experience of both the Trainstar and Phoenix planes, and I've heard this sentiment echoed by others as well; the adapter material is very soft and prone to both stripping and bending.

I've previously looked at the Volantex store but, despite having the items on display, it seemed impossible to actually buy anything. And I couldn't find anything on the web either. However reading through a thread about Volantex spares yesterday,  the website had apparently become functional.

My optimism at this news was unfortunately was short-lived as, while the prop adapter is there (and on sale!) an error came up when I tried to finalise Paypal payment and, despite repeating the checkout exercise, I still had no success. So I again abandoned Volantex for spares (why is it so hard?) and headed to Hobbyking.

The Volantex motor for the Trainstar is a 4023/850KV and fortunately Hobbyking have an exact equivalent, the D4023-850 Out Runner Motor. This, however, comes fitted with a steel prop shaft instead of the aluminium of the Volantex, and is also only about half the price.

So, while I really didn't want to buy another motor when all I needed was a prop adapter, it all got too hard...

Trainstar Monster Wheels

...nice!

The first time I ever took the Trainstar to the field, someone remarked that I should put bigger wheels on it. I replied that the wheels were quite big already, to which Sensei replied, "Bigger wheels equal bigger fun".

Having recently started flying the Trainstar from the field again, in what I think will be its summer metamorphosis, I got a rush of blood to the head and decided to get the bigger wheels. The standard units on the Trainstar, installed in spats, are 75mm and looking at what was available I decided on a pair of 100mm foam wheels.

Now 25% larger doesn't seem that much but, to quote one of the reviews, the wheels were much larger than he expected. Ditto. I think it's the square law, or something like that, but it translates into a substantially larger wheel.

The wheels, of the same variety that I fitted to the Canadair, are very light and firm. However, because they are very much over-size in the case of the Trainstar, the firmness will be exaggerated.

However, with a springy undercarriage and landing on grass, I don't expect this to be an issue at all...

Fun with the Trainstar

...I've changed my mind

This morning, cool and overcast with just a hint of a northerly, I took the Trainstar to the field for its second fly back on its wheels. Having suspected the large battery, fitted to give it a little extra punch and duration in floatplane guise, to be a bit heavy it its native guise, I switched to the regulation power pack and sent the Trainstar on its way, needing to give it a nudge to get it rolling in the longish damp grass.

As before the Trainstar was flying nose-down, needing a few clicks of up trim. However, flying it whilst in the process of trimming it, I discovered that it's actually quite entertaining flown needing a little up elevator, like I do the Radjet. What this does, instead of it wafting around the sky, is to change the high-wing cruiser into a ground-hugging machine, flying in low and purposely, not unlike its high-speed brethren except at about a third of the speed.

The lighter battery, also located further back to balance a little better, seemed to make the turns a little cleaner as well, although the Trainstar still drops like a brick as it turns as well as tightening turns as well both of which make it challenging to fly.

I understand that this is a trainer and that good training aircraft challenge you so that you can learn. Nevertheless I'd be amazed if someone could actually to teach themselves to fly with this plane, its got that many quirks...

Trainstar. Back on the Ground

...and still a handful to fly

The advent of warmer weather, combined with access to the lake being restricted, meant that it had been a long time since I'd flown the Trainstar floatplane and, feeling rather sorry for it hanging around in the study, I decided to take it off the floats and restore it to it's original undercarriage.

A simple process of removing four bolts and unplugging the added rudder servo had the floats off, and the the aluminium undercarriage strut was quickly back in place. Whereas on the floats the Trainstar looked rather diminutive, with the undercarriage it looks positively oversized, making me think I should get a pair of outsized wheels for it, bush-plane style.

At the field the next day, on a rather dull grey morning, the Trainstar was soon launched and into the air. For some reason the elevator needed a lot of up-trim, however this was soon sorted in flight although I brought it in just to check that nothing was awry. Satisfying myself that everything was OK, I gunned the motor and had the Trainstar straggling into the air, its left wing dipping towards the turf as ever.

The one change I made was to fix the tailwheel, and I found that this helped it to track straight on take-off, something I'd discovered similarly when I added the rudder servo which helped keep things on an even keel, literally, during takeoff with much better control than the cable system ever could.

Having the Trainstar now flying a bit more evenly, I was amazed at how difficult it is to fly. I think I've remarked before that it's quite engaging because of it's idiosyncrasies. It is, but also quite frustrating when you're just wanting to cruise something around the field without having to be on guard at every move.

This is especially evident after having been flying the Canadair which, also having the same wingspan, is completely easy to fly and as docile as you could wish, while still looking like a character plane and having capability for some aerobatics.

Nevertheless, it's good to have the Trainstar back in service, and I'm going to be working to get familiar with its characteristics again so that it's less baffling and more enjoyable to fly...

Trainstar Floatplane Sorted

...finally enjoying the moment

Yesterday afternoon I headed off to the lake again with the Trainstar, hoping that finally all the work I'd put into sorting it out would pay dividends and I'd be able to have an enjoyable afternoon punting it around the lake.

As it turned out the flights were really good; nice smooth takeoffs, peaceful and uneventful flights finished off with reasonably good landings. Using full elevator for landings this time, I managed to keep the Trainstar on its floats every time although it was still dropping too fast. The last tweak I need to do then, is to take off the flap mix I've been flying with.

This is good on the gliders when flying slowly however, with the Trainstar having to fly on about three-quarter throttle, the tail doesn't need any lifting. So, by switching the mixing off, it will give me a little extra elevator travel, just what I need to be able to level the Trainstar out on landing, hopefully enough to eliminate the bouncing which has been a characteristic of every landing it's made so far.

Changing the elevator setting will hopefully also give teh Trainstar teh ability to climb a bit better, as at the moment it flies pretty flat, which can be a slight concern given the number of trees lining the lake's edge.

The good landings were, of course, a great assistance ino keeping the servos dry...

Floatplane Landings

...don't try too hard

Conditions today were idyllic, a beautiful warm afternoon with a light easterly blowing, and the lake deserted as usual except for a flock of moorhens and the odd duck.

With the Trainstar now fully sorted, I was looking forward to a leisurely afternoon flying the floatplane around and enjoying the gorgeous weather.

With the rudder servo keeping things straight on launch I could concentrate on managing the liftoffs; this takes a little doing as one needs to ease off the up-elevator required during the takeoff run, however the liftoff is quite sudden and tricky to anticipate. Anyhow, the launches were a little better but still need some work.

The landings, however, were atrocious, with the first attempt off an awkward approach being all over the place and ending with the Trainstar nosing into the lake. Fortunately it was close to the shore and the breeze assisted in bringing it back without the need to haul out the dinghy.

The flights were otherwise very pleasant, with the 2700mAh battery giving good power on launch and surprising endurance in flight. The controls are still a bit sensitive, and with the weight of the floats the Trainstar is quite sensitive, however I think I just need to dial up teh expo a bit to calm things down.

My last landing, by default, was off a nice long approach after my initial botched effort, and I greased the floats in on what I thought to be my best landing so far, when suddenly the float dug in and the Trainstar was suddenly nose-down in the lake, again.

I have made lots of bad landings, but never has the the Trainstar actually gone in. I think I was trying to get it too smooth and was lacking up-elevator to keep things on an even keel...

Float Rudder Servo

...more than a nice-to-have

Subsequent to the issues I'd experienced with the cable-operated water rudder on my Trainstar seaplane, I have retrofitted the float with a direct-acting rudder servo. I chose a 40g gram servo, rather oversized but the smallest waterproof servo that was available. I mounted this directly to the float in a cutout I made, the simplest and easiest method.

Today I had the first opportunity of trying this out at the resident lake, and the result was  nothing short of a remarkable improvement. The Trainstar, which previously zigzagged around the lake at will, now tracked remarkably straight and true, the oversized servo making sure that the rudder didn't deviate a millimetre, a far cry from the now-evident lack of control with the cable system rigged off the plane's rudder.

I had originally thought a servo-operated system would be preferable, but hadn't wanted to cut into the floats. Now, having experienced the amazing improvement in stability and likely improved reliability, I would suggest a float-mounted rudder servo to be an absolute necessity...

The Problem with Seaplanes

...try and try again

My efforts at converting to water planes has been rather fraught and, in many ways, echoes the tribulations I experienced when starting flying radio control.

Firstly trying to find suitable venues has been a challenge in itself; too many people, too close to houses, too far to walk from the car or locations only occasionally accessible. And, with the Trainstar needing a fair bit of headway to get airborne, the size of the lake needs to be quite generous.

The Trainstar seaplane is also not the easiest to take off or fly, in large due to the oversize floats making it marginally powered. Additionally, the Trainstar is skittish on launch which, when combined with its gravid nature as a seaplane, make getting it airborne a bit of a hit and miss affair.

Additionally, I've discovered that the cause of the Trainstar stalling and consequently nose-diving into the lake were due to the cable for water rudder sticking, providing no rudder input during left turns. I am in the process of resolving this by adding a waterproof servo directly onto the float, a much better system but which I hadn't adopted initially to avoid having to cut into the floats.

Incidentally, the ESC didn't survive it's inebriation, becoming smoking hot to the extent it unsoldered one of the motor leads. This did, however, provided an opportunity to utilise a spare 35A ESC I've had sitting on my spares shelf for ages...

HMS Rescue

...first retrieval of the floatplane

Today the planets finally aligned, with it being calm, the rain remaining in abeyance and access to the lake being open. Things hadn't gone smoothly on the way, however, having to dodge a police roadblock and then having to hunt for the secret access point.

Finally, however, with all missions successfully completed, I arrived at the launching point ready for the Trainstar floaplane's second flight. There was just the slightest suggestion of a breeze, the lake calm and reflecting the tranquil palette of the surroundings.

The Trainstar was equipped with the new larger battery, which I hoped would provide the extra flying time to avoid awkward situations (plane marooned in the middle of the lake with a flat battery) and also provide a little extra grunt when necessary.

The takeoff runs I'm still finding problematic, with the Trainstar being quite skittish at speed and having a tendency to veer. Nevertheless I did manage a few launches and some pleasant flying across the lake.

The one issue I have encountered, twice in this session, is turning; sometimes the Trainstar will get into a tightening turn, whilst other times it won't turn tight enough. It was the latter cases which proved problematic, with the Trainstar ending up stalling and flopping nose-first into the lake.

In a testament to the unsinkability of the floats, both times the Trainstar settled back down onto the floats however, by the second occasion, the ESC had a little too much to drink and went for a lie-down. As a consequence I had to break out HMS Rescue for the first retrieval attempt.

Due to the inflatable being nicely packaged up I hadn't bothered doing a test run beforehand, however I found that, in conjunction with the electric pump, the boat was ready to go in a few minutes and, once I'd figured how to install the oars into the oarlocks, I was on my way out onto the lake.

The inflatable did surprisingly well, although my rowing skills left something to be desired. For the future I think I'll get some sort of tow rope for returning the plane, as trying to shepherd the untethered plane back to shore was rather taxing.

So all ended well, except to see whether the ESC can be resuscitated or needs replacing...

Dam Lakes

...somewhere for the Trainstar to call home

My efforts at getting the Trainstar floatplane in the air again have been unsuccessful, in part due to the weather, as in the case of today, in part due to misinformation, like yesterday, and partially because I want a completed deserted venue as I'm rather shy when I'm learning.

Yesterday I visit a great potential site, however it's bordered by houses but, mainly, had several fisherman whom I'm sure wouldn't be impressed with a buzzy floatplane invading their tranquility. However, on the way home I passed the lake where I'd first flown the Trainstar and was surprised to find the gates open, it being advertised as open only a few days a week.

I'm now hopeful that this is the case on most days, so will be taking the Trainstar along in the hope that I will be able to fly it more regularly and with less complication than thus far.

HXT or XT60

...connector shmonnector

The new Zippy compact batteries for the Trainstar were a bit of a surprise, coming with a different connector to what I'm used to. The Turnigy 2700mAh, with a 20C rating, had XT60's whereas the 25C Zippy has HXT's . I guess, therefore, that this is the threshold for the higher-rated HXT connectors.

I've been trying to decide what to do, with my ESC having the XT60 connector, thinking that retaining the high-performance connectors would be preferable. However the mating connector has proved difficult to find and, as I recently realised, my charger doesn't have facility to connect to HXT leads.

So I might just change the connectors on the batteries to XT60's and be done with it. That way it'll suit the ESC and the charger, although necessitating changing two connectors, with soldering not being my nemesis...

In the Interim

while the weather is wild...

The extreme tranquility of last week has, unfortunately, been replaced by gusty winds forecast to last for the rest of the week. As such, I haven't ventured out to fly anything, least of all the floatplane.

The larger batteries for the latter are on there way, and I'm looking forward to familiarising myself with the Trainstar floatplane characteristics a bit better. The new batteries should provide significantly longer flight times, but I also think that a more considered flying regime will help keep the chubby floater in the air for longer as well.

Finally in the process of reconstruction, now that I've received the replacement ducted fan, adhesive accelerator and the urge to do it, the Stinger is resuming shape. The pace of the reconstruction is slow as I'm making sure that each rip and crack is properly bonded before proceeding to the next, but also the warnings on the accelerator pack have me evacuating the room after each burst of strawberry-scented aerosol.

The foam should go back into shape reasonably well, and I think I'll smooth out the joins with a bit of filler. The only question marks are against the motor and the servos as to whether those survived the massive impact unscathed. Anyhow, we'll know that when the body has been restored and I get the electrics connected up again...

Canadair 415

...a friend for the Trainstar

Having finally been able to get the Trainstar floatplane launched and flying, even if somewhat crudely, I've been considering getting another water plane for a bit of variety when venturing out to the lakes or dams.

One plane that caught my eye was the Canadair 415 water bomber and, having read a few of the reviews, it comes well recommended and seems easy enough to launch and fly, unlike the Trainstar which is a bit more on the tricky side of things!

One thing I wasn't all that keen on is that the Canadair is only available in ARF form, requiring one to source components. Mainly this is fine, although the motor is my main concern, especially the mounting for both the motor itself and the prop. Anyway, I've followed the description and hope things will work out well, along with a couple of the 25A Plush ESC's which seem to be good.

I'll be running it off the 2200mAh's which I've been using on the Trainstar, and from what I've read that should be quite adequate. The Trainstar, on the other hand, will be upgraded to 2700mAh's to give extended flight time as a result of it's power-hungry nature from its oversized floats.

So, in a week or two we should have a bit more news of what it looks like and how the Canadair goes together...

Trainstar Floatplane Thoughts

...after the first flight

Finally getting the Trainstar floatplane into the air was quite something; I was uncertain whether the additional weight and drag would render the Trainstar waterbound and, if it did fly, how well or indeed, whether it would be manageable at all.

The first, very brief, flirtation with the sky did at at least confirm that it could fly, and that it actually even floated on the air quite well, giving me a little confidence so that, when I returned a few days later intent on getting it flying, that I could anticipate at least some success.

The Trainstar flew unexpectedly well, I suppose given that I hadn't expected that it would fly at all and, that it manages to maintain a turn at all, with the weight of the floats, is quite remarkable. However, in this case, I think the water rudder plays a part in keeping the floats up in the turn, meaning that you need to keep the rudder on or the self-centering effect very quickly brings things on an even keel.

The generous proportions of the floats makes the Trainstar virtually unsinkable, righting the plane even when it has tipped over with the prop flicking the water and when the wingtip has been on the water at speed during an attempted launch.

The flip-side, however, is that the Trainstar is very slow, and turning into the wind on approach turns moderate pace into pedestrian approach. I've only flown it with the flaps down, in addition to the slight down attitude I dialled into the ailerons, meaning the the Trainstar is flying in a very high-lift configuration. As such it becomes very floaty when the power is off.

I'm interested to fly it without flaps to see whether the reduced drag improves it's flight. Also, it seems the floats contribute to lift up front, which helps to keep the nose up. However I think the consequent drag also tips the nose down under power.

Lastly, another apparent effect of the additional mass and drag is that the flight times are reduced significantly. I'm looking at a slightly larger battery, which is also only slightly heavier, to improve this. However I think that with a better appreciation of how it flies, that I may be able to improve on this and reduce the amount of full throttle flight required...

Trainstar Floatplane First Flight

...it flies!!!

Opting to go with tenacity, due in part to today being the last very calm day forecast, this afternoon I headed off to the lake again with the Trainstar. The lake was not the location of first flight test, but rather another smaller venue promising virtually no onlookers, a feature which I found highly desirable.

There was a slight breeze blowing, not enough to unsettle the surface of the lake but sufficient to lend some assistance to the Trainstar to get airborne. The wind was also a northerly, helpful as access to the lake is at the southerly end.

The Trainstar was soon unpacked and on the lake, all tested and ready to go. I can't exactly remember the sequence of events, this first session also not being video'd for fear of tempting fate. Nevertheless, after a few false starts, I had the Trainstar in the air and flying.

Having had a brief airborne episode before I knew it would fly, although not exactly how, so the first takeoff was very much a beginner effort, with the Trainstar being hauled up, the climb angle eased off and then immediately increased as the plane started to drop, not being at all sure how it would behave.

The turns also took some getting used to, the weight of the floats dramatically increasing the self-righting effect the Trainstar has thanks to its wing dihedral. Nevertheless, the Trainstar still climbed and turned surprisingly well, and I cruised it overhead before turning back over the lake.

As I mentioned before, it becomes very floating with power off, I think due to the increased flap setting I'm using, although I'd expected the opposite with the float drag. However, having said that, I did expect the boat-shape of the floats to contribute some lift so perhaps that effect is more than anticipated.

At any rate the Trainstar floatplane is very predictable of landing approach once the speed has dropped off from cruise, although I still only managed one landing which was good, the others being a decaying series of slapping jumps off the lake. However, due in no small part to the generous nature of the floats, the plane never once ended in the drink, the buoyancy and stability of the floats righting and steadying the Trainstar every time, even once when I had the wingtip on the water with power still on full.

The only problem I had was running out of battery one one last approach, the Trainstar landing in the middle of the lake, having to resort to occasional brief bursts on reserve power and the breeze to return the plane to the shore...

Floatplanophobic

...need to gather the nerves

I returned today to the lake, ostensibly for the second attempt to take flight, but found myself so uncomfortably nervous that I ended up refraining from any attempt, despite the immaculately calm cool and sunny conditions.

I haven't abandoned hope of flying the floating Trainstar, rather that I didn't want to risk flying it when very much not in the zone. As I'm sure I've said before elsewhere, flying when you're not all there is an invitation for disaster, something I've proven repeatedly.

However, there is a fine balance between tenacity and dogged stupidity. The problem is you don't know where the line is until it's been crossed, with evidence posthumously clarifying with hindsight. However, there is a very familiar feel to this chapter, learning to fly all over again, very much like with the Floater Jet; I don't know why the takeoff run is all over the place, yet I don't want to give up. But I'm also wary of carrying on regardless and ending up with a capsized plane.

On the plus side, however, is the fact that the floats are oversized, have been positionally optimised and have proven to be a very stable setup. Also, the Trainstar has actually taken flight, and landed basically by itself, needing nothing more than a straight-ish run and a nudge on the elevator.

So, what's all the panic about? Well, I don't have the takeoff run under control, as I mentioned. And I wasn't even sure it'd fly, although that has been demonstrated, even if only briefly. And, if things really go pear-shaped, I have a rescue boat at hand, which would actually be fun to try out even if the motivation for the outing may be less so.

So, in reflection, all I need to do is put the Trainstar on the water and get it running reasonably straight.

Really not a huge drama...

Trainstar Floatplane Flight Trial

...disappointing but not disastrous

Today was the day I'd been anticipating for a while; the Trainstar floatplane had been adjusted and fettled following from its initial water test, I'd decided on a flight test venue which provided acres of open water and the weather was immaculately calm after weeks of windy weather.

Despite the anticipation, or perhaps because of it, I was anxious rather than excited at the prospect of finally getting the seaplane into the air. Nevertheless, with golden opportunities like this afternoon hard to come by, especially lately, I wasn't about to postpone proceedings due to indeterminate uncertainty.

Arriving at the lake the conditions were absolutely ideal, a far cry from the windswept expanse of water I'd experienced on my reconnoitre here. The Trainstar was unpacked and installed on the lake without much ceremony or excitement, nerves serving to rather deplete the joy from the occasion, despite the fact that the Trainstar cuts a most appealing figure in floatplane configuration. 

The first few runs didn't offer much encouragement, with the Trainstar suffering from the same take-off skittishness it exhibits in wheeled form. Not having been too fussed with ceremony, I've always just worked around this characteristic of the Trainstar, after having abandoned my efforts to get it taking off straight; flying off a field means no runways to follow. Unfortunately the flipside is now that the Trainstar is much heavier, being able to haul it off at an indecent angle is no longer possible.

In fact the Trainstar is only just sufficiently powered; the "oversized" battery at full power now seems decidedly moderate with the extra baggage and drag. Having said that I did once manage to get the Trainstar into the air, however it was heading for the dam wall and, being too low to start turning, I just cut the power and let it land.

This, in itself, was an enlightening experience, with the Trainstar actually bouncing on it's floats several times before settling down. The landing was rather unsupervised; I really hadn't planned it much, but I was rather expecting it just to splosh straight down onto the water.

In another more alarming incident the Trainstar, approaching planing speed, actually dipped a wing and prop into the water but then managed to right itself, in a testament to the stability of the floats. However I wasn't able to get the plane airborne again, which was disappointing.

However, having had the experience and having some video to review, I'm hoping that i'll be able to return for another, more enlightened, attempt to get the floatplane flying...