---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 12/07/03: 18 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 02:11 AM - Re: Hauck,John,Major,Ret. (owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com) 2. 02:52 AM - I must have missed something (Dave Rains) 3. 04:47 AM - Re: New Experimenter issue (Jim Ballenger) 4. 05:43 AM - Re: Neat Prop! (jerb) 5. 06:17 AM - Re: New Experimenter issue (Denny Rowe) 6. 07:22 AM - 912 rotax sale (Kirk Smith) 7. 09:45 AM - Re: Spacer blocks (Terry) 8. 11:18 AM - Fw: New Experimenter issue (Jim Ballenger) 9. 12:05 PM - Covering (Richard & Martha Neilsen) 10. 12:49 PM - Re: Neat Prop! (Earl & Mim Zimmerman) 11. 03:24 PM - Re: Vibration Dampers (Clive Hatcher) 12. 04:31 PM - Re: Covering (Don Gherardini) 13. 04:59 PM - Re: Covering (jerb) 14. 05:38 PM - Re: Covering (Don Gherardini) 15. 05:40 PM - Re: Covering (Don Gherardini) 16. 06:24 PM - Re: Re: FireFly Video (GeoR38@aol.com) 17. 06:39 PM - Re: Re: FireFly Video (GeoR38@aol.com) 18. 07:04 PM - Re: Spam Alert: Neat Prop! (Larry Cottrell) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 02:11:38 AM PST US From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Hauck,John,Major,Ret. --> Kolb-List message posted by: Hello James. Thank you for your story. I am sure many have simular story behind their first experiance with ultralights, but mine started with looking through a book called "Jane's-All the worlds aircraft" where I saw a picture of the MarkIII. It was introduced as a kit aircraft, where you could build it yourself. It got me hooked on the Kolb design. Since I did not have a pilots license, and had no fundings to spend on such a waste, (according to my boss) I decided on the Firestar. It fitted the ultralight category in Iceland. I somehow managed to persuade(sp) my wife(boss) to give me persmission to buy the kit,as it would be my hobby for the next few years. I was not as lukcy as you James, to ever see an ultralight in real life, or even to be so fortuned to meet a guy like John Hauck to guide me through the first steps of building of my Firestar. I first saw Johns name on the Kolb Matronics list but got to meet him in person at Sun and Fun in 2001, along with a few of the list members. My first impression of him was very good. A kind and friendly man, willing to talk to this foreigner all the way from Iceland. We talked about his plane, but mostly he wanted to know more about ultralight flying in Iceland. We met infront of the Kolb trailer at the ultralight area, along with a few excellent members on the list. Larry Bourne, Terry(Firefly #95), Gene Ledbetter, Bueford from Tallahasse, Steve Green, to name a few. The short time we had together at the fly-in was an experience I will never forget. Someday I hope to join the group at Sun and Fun again. James, your story about your first experience of ultralights got me thinking back about this great list,its members and how all got started,and how long it has been the best ultralight list ever created on the internet. This list has helped me a lot with my building problems and all the nice friendly people who share their experiance have been like a family to me through the years and I hope they will continue to be a part of my life. Best wishes to you all from Iceland. Johann G. http://www.gi.is/fis > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "James and Cathy Tripp" > > > Kolb Friends, > I've got to add my 2 cents worth and my own story about John Hauck and what > he's done to promote my interest in ultralights. I met John's famous > airplane 7 years before I met him. Here's how the story goes: ------------------------------------------------- ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 02:52:50 AM PST US From: Dave Rains Subject: Kolb-List: I must have missed something --> Kolb-List message posted by: Dave Rains Well, I'm sure not going anywhere! I'll bet Captain Ron was the kid who always took his ball and bat home when he didn't get his way. I for one have been most grateful for John's insight, knowledge, and humor. Why do some feel offended when others disagree with their opinion, and take it personal? Grow up, evolve, grow some skin. do not archive Dave Rains Looking forward to Alaska with John and Friends. ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 04:47:08 AM PST US From: "Jim Ballenger" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Experimenter issue --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Ballenger" Denny Saw your bird in the Experimenter. Looks great. What paint system did you use? I was/am thinking of using the same paint scheme for the tail feathers and wings. Jim Ballenger Flying a FS KXP 447 Building a MK III X Virginia Beach, VA DO NOT ARCHIVE ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denny Rowe" Subject: Kolb-List: New Experimenter issue > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Denny Rowe" > > Do not archive, > > Kolbers, > My bird made the Members projects section in the new EAA Experimenter I just got yesterday. > Looks half decent, but they edited out the Kudos I gave all you folks for your advice along the way. > Just want to say thanks again to all that sold me parts they didn't need, and gave advice when I needed it. > I know my bird is a lot nicer than it would have been without the help of you guys, and you also saved me a good amount of money and time on some areas of construction. > Salute! > Dennis Rowe, Mk-3, PA > do not archive > > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:43:50 AM PST US From: jerb Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Neat Prop! --> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb Lockwood had one of these props on display at Sun & Fun a few years back - if i recall right it was on a 912 type engine ... I could be wrong about the engine but looked neat. I guess with some warp paddles it would work pretty well. jerb At 12:18 AM 12/7/03 -0600, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" > >Earl...I have always wondered about that system...but I have never seen one >in the flesh... >I have never seen a hollow shaft gearbox for any of the engines we typically >use either. some belt type re-drives have hollow shafts that might >accomidate the pushrod... but does anybody know of a hollow shaft gearbox >that might? > >Don Gherardini >FireFly 098 >http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm > > ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:17:33 AM PST US From: "Denny Rowe" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Experimenter issue --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Denny Rowe" cavtel.net> > > Denny > Saw your bird in the Experimenter. Looks great. What paint system did you > use? I was/am thinking of using the same paint scheme for the tail feathers > and wings. > Jim Ballenger > Flying a FS KXP 447 > Building a MK III X > Virginia Beach, VA > > DO NOT ARCHIVE Thanks Jim, I used Polytone for the color coats. Basically used the complete Poly fiber system. Its real nice to work with and with the Poly-tone you don't have to worry about the killer chemicals you get in the polyurethanes. The only draw backs is that its not as tough and impervious to chemicals as Aerothane and other urethanes.But I think the ease of use and repair make it worth it. Also was able to spray it in a makeshift paint booth using tarps to seal off my one car garage. Up till I painted this bird, I had always had someone else do my spraying, this time around I jumped in with both feet and am pretty happy with the results, just goes to show that anyone can spray Polytone, and the Polybrush and Polyspray gets you warmed up to the job before you get to the color coats. Hows your Extra coming along? Denny ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:22:02 AM PST US From: "Kirk Smith" Subject: Kolb-List: 912 rotax sale --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Kirk Smith" Message Hi Kirk, The 80 hp is regularly priced at $11,656 and is now $9,995. The offer expires December 24th. Best regards, Bill Magrini Sky Rider 703-754-4959 Some may be interested in this. Don't know where he's located. He has a posting on barnstormers.com under experimental. Kirk Do not archive ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 09:45:36 AM PST US From: Terry Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spacer blocks --> Kolb-List message posted by: Terry Don Gherardini wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" > > Terry, > I expierience a similiar thing in my FireFly..So this is very interesting to > me. > how high would you say the leading edge of the horizontal is now to in > relation to the boom tube with those spacers added? > > Don Gherardini > FireFly 098 > http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm > Don, First let me try to clarify my earlier post. The spacer blocks are for keeping the hinges on the elevator from wearing and the tension on the bracing cables from losing tension. Noticed these on John Hauck's plane at London, Ky and he told me their function. They have nothing to do with the raising of the leading edge of the horizontal stab's. I probably didn't make that a clear as I had hoped. I made new brackets to attach to the boom to raise the leading edge of the stab's. First temporary ones with two holes spaced one half inch apart starting one half inch above the original setting. When this proved out, I made up permanent brackets out of stainless which now raise the leading edge (one inch) above the top level of the boom. Have been flying this for approximately 20 hr.'s since and am very satisfied with this arrangement. I had noticed that a friends FireStar horizontal stab's were mounted this way by factory design and it got me thinking. I made my brackets similar to those. Showed it to Dan from the old Kolb Company and asked him what he thought. He said that he recalled there being some changes tried with this early on. He didn't see any problem with what I had done. I think that maybe the specified angle is to give some margin for pilots of different size and weight. I just got tired of carrying lead shot around up in the nose and having my ailerons deflexed to achieve pitch trim. Don't need either now and still have plenty of control authority. Hope this helps! Again I'm not encouraging anyone else to try this just sharing the knowledge Terry - FireFly #95 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 11:18:39 AM PST US From: "Jim Ballenger" Subject: Fw: Kolb-List: New Experimenter issue --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Ballenger" Denny I have the wings and tail feathers rigged as well as the controls to the stick. I have all the lexan cut out and at one time was attached but is now off the cage, same for the doors. The sling seats are clecoed in place as well as the floor pans and center console for the instrument pod. I am doing odds and ends waiting for the weather to cooperate so I can start covering. I have the plane in my garage. My oil furnace is also located in the garage so I will have to wait until the heating season is over so I can use the Poly-Tak and the rest of the poly fiber system in the garage. Jim Ballenger Flying a FS KXP 447 Building a MK III X Virginia Beach, VA DO NOT ARCHIVE ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denny Rowe" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Experimenter issue > Hows your Extra coming along? > Denny > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 12:05:54 PM PST US From: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" Subject: Kolb-List: Covering --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" Jim Winter in your part of the country is a good time of the year for covering. You want cool weather when you are spraying. You will find Poly Spray and the finish coats will flow much better for a more glossy finish when its cool. Is there any way you can build a fire in the fire place, plug in electric heaters or something else to keep the house warm while you are working? You will loose allot of build time if you have to wait for spring. Us northerners feel like its time for the beach when it hits sixty, Yupers swim in the fifties. So working in a unheated garage in the fifties is nothing. Rick Neilsen Redrive VW powered MKIIIc Michigan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Ballenger" Subject: Fw: Kolb-List: New Experimenter issue > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Ballenger" > > > Denny > I have the wings and tail feathers rigged as well as the controls to the > stick. I have all the lexan cut out and at one time was attached but is now > off the cage, same for the doors. The sling seats are clecoed in place as > well as the floor pans and center console for the instrument pod. I am > doing odds and ends waiting for the weather to cooperate so I can start > covering. I have the plane in my garage. My oil furnace is also located > in the garage so I will have to wait until the heating season is over so I > can use the Poly-Tak and the rest of the poly fiber system in the garage. > Jim Ballenger > Flying a FS KXP 447 > Building a MK III X > Virginia Beach, VA ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 12:49:17 PM PST US From: Earl & Mim Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Neat Prop! --> Kolb-List message posted by: Earl & Mim Zimmerman Don Gherardini wrote: > I have never seen a hollow shaft gearbox for any of the engines we typically > use either. some belt type re-drives have hollow shafts that might > accomidate the pushrod... but does anybody know of a hollow shaft gearbox > that might? Rotax C and E gear boxes use a hollow shaft. -- Earl ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 03:24:47 PM PST US From: "Clive Hatcher" Subject: Kolb-List: RE: Vibration Dampers --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Clive Hatcher" Earl, I understand that the hydro dampener was fitted to reduce torsional vibrations in the crank shaft following some early crankshaft fatigue failures. I have had one on my 582 for 450 hrs (over 7 years) and have had no problems. Regards - Clive Hatcher Mk III / 582 > Hi Kolbsters, > Did anyone have first hand experience with the rotax hydro dampener > that bolts onto the mag. flywheel rotax part # 965-497? Do they make a > big difference? Are they worth $175?? Also what is the best electric > start system for a 582/w C box? -- Earl ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 04:31:01 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Covering --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Jim, Rick is right...if you can spray polytone at 60 degrees..maybe 62..it will flow better...dry slower and produce twice the gloss vs spraying above 70. They claim 60 is minimum temp to spray..some advise to store it in the fridge the night before you shoot it. PolyTone dries about as fast as superglue...and this trait is what makes it easy to apply..however it is also the trait that makes it dry to a dull finish. Slow down the drying time by applying in a cool enviroment...add retarder.(I add extra retarder and reducer to final coat)..and you will have alot more shine on your airplane. I used an infra-red gun type non contact thermometer (Raytech) to check the surfaces..and sprayed my bird at zactly 61 deg surface temp...nobody believes it is Poly-Tone! Still not Aerothane...but alot closer! Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 04:59:59 PM PST US From: jerb Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Covering --> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb Don, Did you have previous painting experience. Great job, it looks fantastic. You could make a small fortune doing a one or two day beginners seminar on techniques and methods of applying paint and trim. What did you use in the way of a gun? Did you use a air brush? jerb ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 05:38:10 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Covering --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Well Jerry...I used to paint Motorcycles back in the 70s..custom stuff .thats all the painting I ever got paid for! ..I have been painting cars all my life..but none of them professionally. Only personal stuff..I dont consider myself an expert by any means..only a salesman who knows how to paint a little! Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 05:40:36 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Covering --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Jerry.. yes I used an Airbrush for the shading..and a dab a detail..used a Binks and a HVLP from harbor for most of the duty. and fortunes wouldnt do me any good..I'd just pi$$ it away on airplane stuff! do not archive.. Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 06:24:20 PM PST US From: GeoR38@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: FireFly Video --> Kolb-List message posted by: GeoR38@aol.com In a message dated 12/6/03 5:56:32 PM Eastern Standard Time, ulflyer@verizon.net writes: > >Here is a link to his website where he posted this flic...it a big > >download..8.4 meg I think...at the bottom of the page below all them RD > >models.. > > > >but you lurkers who are thinking about building...here is how a FireFly > >handles a crosswind...windsock is in the opening few seconds. > > Just an amazin little bird huh! > > > > > >http://www.dgmodels.rchomepage.com/index.htm > > > > > >Don Gherardini > >FireFly 098 > >http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm > > > Beautiful Firefly video....geeez, it has been too long for me with this move to Fl, I can see that right now.....viva la Kolb!! George Randolph KX firestar driver in The Villages Fl ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 06:39:17 PM PST US From: GeoR38@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: FireFly Video --> Kolb-List message posted by: GeoR38@aol.com In a message dated 12/6/03 8:16:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, pcarillonsr@neo.rr.com writes: > Don/list, Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it. I have'nt flown my > firestar II in 3 yrs. due too family matters, but i have made about 30 > takeoffs and landings with your video full screen, with the sound, BOY! > brings that great feeling back. Thanks Again. > Thats whats so great about this list something for everyone. I'm just > a luker and read the list every evening, makes me feel like i'm part of > the "Kolb Family". So many good people on the list with help, > information, stories and pictures about trips that I will never take. > > Thanks to Don and the list. > > Jack carillon > firestar II Akron, Oh. > > Hey Jack, this is George Randolph, remember from Akron? Well I moved to Florida and always wanted to get together with you and ZepRep and somehow never did. What a shame as we three were Akronites with Kolbs and I never met either one of you. what happened to your plane...I'd swear, I remember seeing 2 FirestarII's flying side by side over Akron a coupla times and just assumed that it was you two guys. I'm still without my Firestar KX cause it is still hangared in Trumbull county near the fairgrounds at the hangar of a friend of mine. I'm gonna try to scare up Rich Swiderski soon down here and maybe work out a way to bring my puppy down here. Wish you the best with your "family matters" George Randolph Firestar driver originally from Akron, home of the LeBron man ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 07:04:27 PM PST US From: "Larry Cottrell" Subject: Re: Spam Alert: Kolb-List: Neat Prop! --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Cottrell" > Hey Guys, > Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with this in-flight > adjustable prop.? Looks interesting but way too rich for me!! -- Earl > http://www.ultralightprops.com/adjustprops.htm I had a IVO in-flight adjustable on a 582 Mark III and it was a non event for me. I had hoped that it would reduce gas consumption, give a bit better speed or at least improve performance. As far as I could tell it did none of these things. Yes you could improve on the gas consumption, but when you did it reduced the speed to the point that it took the same amount of gas to get there, just took longer. I came to believe that you were much better off setting the prop to max rpm.s. It was a big disappointment to me. I bought the plane from the original owner, and the adjustable prop wasn't working at the time. When questioned he didn't think that it was any big deal to have. I also came to the same conclusion. Larry, Oregon