---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 03/16/16: 26 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 10:33 AM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Bill Berle) 2. 10:57 AM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Herb) 3. 12:04 PM - Fixing a Flat Tire (KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS) 4. 12:21 PM - Re: Fixing a Flat Tire (John Hauck) 5. 12:22 PM - Re: Fixing a Flat Tire (Larry Cottrell) 6. 12:33 PM - Re: Fixing a Flat Tire (Bill Berle) 7. 12:50 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Rick Neilsen) 8. 01:01 PM - Re: Fixing a Flat Tire (John Hauck) 9. 01:06 PM - Re: Firestar 2 Kit Received ! (John Hauck) 10. 01:07 PM - FW: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (John Hauck) 11. 01:15 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Bill Berle) 12. 01:17 PM - Re: Fixing a Flat Tire (Rick Neilsen) 13. 01:27 PM - Re: FW: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Rick Neilsen) 14. 02:06 PM - Re: FW: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Bill Berle) 15. 02:17 PM - Re: Kolb tires (Rex Rodebush) 16. 02:26 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Dennis Rowe) 17. 03:37 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (John Hauck) 18. 03:37 PM - Re: FW: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (John Hauck) 19. 03:43 PM - Re: Re: Kolb tires (John Hauck) 20. 03:44 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Charlie England) 21. 03:55 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (B Young) 22. 04:13 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Bill Berle) 23. 04:59 PM - Re: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (Charlie England) 24. 07:09 PM - Re: New (free) Aviation App (gbrasch) 25. 07:30 PM - Re: Fixing a Flat Tire (Brad Nation) 26. 08:04 PM - Re: FW: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! (John Hauck) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 10:33:53 AM PST US From: Bill Berle Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ada998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM " I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home." I just carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap in the back of my plane. Larry On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not negative. My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the mountains and desert. I've been scouting several locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but it's still way too far for me to just "walk into town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. Bill Berle -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM I have three metal tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the set and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off a one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer with one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use at home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with the vultures circling. :-} Rick Girard On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 9:16 AM, Charlie England wrote: Charlie England The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good option if flying close to home. However, it seems like you're missing his point. He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away from airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 piece wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools to repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But with auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized (heavy) tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in a tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light a/c. Charlie On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: Flyer" Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting the tires on, cost $49.95 I think. Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims -------- Kolb Firestar II 503 C-Box / RK400 Soon to have a Rotax 670 DCDI with a C-Box and RK 400 Clutch Challenger II 503 Tall Drive Location : Buffalo South Carolina ========== br> fts!) r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant. If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending. ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 10:57:39 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! From: Herb Ouch...that boom tube is 500 bucks at Kolb.... last I checked....they get it in 20 ft lengths and it does them no good to cut to size when selling parts...Herb On 03/16/2016 12:33 PM, Bill Berle wrote: > > Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) > > One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. > > The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. > > The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. > > The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. > > I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. > > If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. > > I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). > > Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! > > > Bill Berle > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities > > -------------------------------------------- > On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM > > you could also try > this. I've never used it, can't make a > recommendation. > https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ada998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds > > Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam > to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so > it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something > like an aircraft tire. > Rick > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle > wrote: > Bill Berle > > > > Here's a potential game-changer solution right > here... > > > > http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ > > > > These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure > and even run safely when punctured flat. > > > > I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the > three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the > can of flat tire repair goop :) > > > > > > Bill Berle > > www.ezflaphandle.com > - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > > www.grantstar.net > - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit > entities > > > > -------------------------------------------- > > On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell > > wrote: > > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > > > Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM > > > > " > > I > > will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a > tire > > pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the > > airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel > apart > > with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch > a > > tire, and get it back together to fly back > > home." > > > > I just > > carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble > wrap > > in the back of my plane. > > Larry > > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > > at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle > > wrote: > > > Bill Berle > > > > > > > > Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to > > hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer > > not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer > to > > my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get > > that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not > > negative. > > > > > > > > My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the > > mountains and desert. I've been scouting several > > locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them > are > > actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big > city" > > limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly > bear > > bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but > > it's still way too far for me to just "walk into > > town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. > > > > > > > > I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a > tire > > pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the > > airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel > apart > > with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch > a > > tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > > > > > > > > > > > > Bill Berle > > > > -------------------------------------------- > > > > On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard > > wrote: > > > > > > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > > > > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > > > > > > Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM > > > > > > > > I have three metal > > > > tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for > the > > set > > > > and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire > off > > a > > > > one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead > > > > that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer > > with > > > > one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd > use > > at > > > > home, but we're talking stranded in the outback > with > > the > > > > vultures circling. :-} > > > > Rick Girard > > > > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > > > > at 9:16 AM, Charlie England > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > Charlie England > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a > good > > > > option if flying close to home. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > However, it seems like you're missing his point. > > > > He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away > > from > > > > airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 > > piece > > > > wheels, you could break them down with simple hand > tools > > to > > > > repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But > > with > > > > auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized > > (heavy) > > > > tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be > in > > a > > > > tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light > > > > a/c. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Charlie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Flyer" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting > > the > > > > tires on, cost $49.95 I think. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have > > > > pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -------- > > > > > > > > Kolb Firestar II > > > > > > > > 503 C-Box / RK400 > > > > > > > > Soon to have a > > > > > > > > Rotax 670 DCDI > > > > > > > > with a C-Box and > > > > > > > > RK 400 Clutch > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Challenger II > > > > > > > > 503 Tall Drive > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Location : Buffalo South Carolina > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ========== > > > > > > > > br> > > > > fts!) > > > > > > > > r> > > > > > > > > > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" > > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > > > > > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > > > > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > > > > > ========== > > > > > > > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > > > > > > > ========== > > > > > > > > FORUMS - > > > > > > > > eferrer" > > > > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > > > > > > > ========== > > > > > > > > b Site - > > > > > > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > > > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > > > > > > ========== > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > Blessed > > > > are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. > > Groucho > > > > Marx > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ========== > > > > br> > > fts!) > > > > r> > > > > > w.buildersbooks.com" > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > > > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > ========== > > > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > > > ========== > > > > FORUMS - > > > > eferrer" > > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > > > ========== > > > > b Site - > > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > > ========== > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > The older I get, the less tolerant I am of > > those who are intolerant. > > If you forward this email, or any part of > > it, please remove my email address before sending. > > > > > > > > ========== > > br> > fts!) > > r> > > > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > ========== > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > ========== > > FORUMS - > > eferrer" > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > ========== > > b Site - > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > ========== > > > > > > > > > > > -- > Blessed > are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho > Marx > > > -- Signature text; Fort Marcy Park? Sure...Mr. Foster...Third red light and turn left. ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 12:04:21 PM PST US From: "KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS" Subject: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire Bill Berle wrote: << I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > Bill / Kolb Friends - I, too, travel with tire changing tools in my Mark-3 when I go backcountry flying. As Bill describes above, I am able to remove and take apart my split rims and patch (or replace) the inner tube. But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. Pros? Cons? Dennis Kirby Mark-3 New Mexico ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 12:21:51 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire John W and also Bruce Chaisson repaired flats on the Kolbra and MKIII at MV with Fix A Flat in a can. It worked. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 2:04 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire --> AFNWC/EZS" Bill Berle wrote: << I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > Bill / Kolb Friends - I, too, travel with tire changing tools in my Mark-3 when I go backcountry flying. As Bill describes above, I am able to remove and take apart my split rims and patch (or replace) the inner tube. But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. Pros? Cons? Dennis Kirby Mark-3 New Mexico ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 12:22:56 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire From: Larry Cottrell But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. Pros? Cons? Dennis Kirby Mark-3 New Mexico I have carried a can of"Spare tire" or fix a flat in my plane for about 12 years. I have never needed it, but its there when I do. Perhaps I should check the expiration date? Larry On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:03 PM, KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS < dennis.kirby.3@us.af.mil> wrote: > AFNWC/EZS" > > Bill Berle wrote: << I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and > a tire pump. I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent > wrench, > take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or > patch > a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > > > > Bill / Kolb Friends - > > I, too, travel with tire changing tools in my Mark-3 when I go backcountry > flying. As Bill describes above, I am able to remove and take apart my > split rims and patch (or replace) the inner tube. > > But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have > experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat > tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. > > Pros? Cons? > > Dennis Kirby > Mark-3 > New Mexico > > -- *The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant.* *If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.* ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 12:33:23 PM PST US From: Bill Berle Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire The effectiveness of Fix-a-Flat will clearly depend on the damage to the tire or tube. Bullhead thorn, no problem. Lava rock through the sidewall... problem :) It appears to me that if there is any kind of run-flat wheel/tire out there that is light enough to not cause a weight issue, it is probably well worth the extra money. Being well-versed in Murphy's Law and the Law of Applied Entropy I can guarantee that any punctured flat tire event will happen less than 30 minutes before sunset ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Wed, 3/16/16, KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS wrote: Subject: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 12:03 PM "KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS" Bill Berle wrote: << I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > Bill / Kolb Friends - I, too, travel with tire changing tools in my Mark-3 when I go backcountry flying. As Bill describes above, I am able to remove and take apart my split rims and patch (or replace) the inner tube. But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. Pros? Cons? Dennis Kirby Mark-3 New Mexico Lists This Month -- Some AWESOME FREE Gifts!) Raiser. Click on more about Gifts provided www.buildersbooks.com -Matt Dralle, List Admin. Forum - - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - List Contribution Web Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 12:50:17 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! From: Rick Neilsen Bill Consider that new engine very carefully. I'm speaking from experience. I was the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big undertaking. First the Peg asus Power O-100 engine uses a difocal mount and kolbs have a bed type mount. I had to fabricate a custom mount for the VW. I had help as GP Aircraft made a prop end mount that made it easier. You will have to fabricate a custom exhaust system. You will need to enter the black science of prop selection. You may like magnetos but I don't, they are heavy, expensive, under powered, and there is a reason they come in pairs. Now the real tough stuff, the engine is still in development. You will be the test pilot for not just the engine installation but for the engine too. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to talk you out of it but do not underestimate the task you will be taking on. I spent one extra year installing my VW. Then I changed to a redrive VW engine. Then I had a redrive failure. Then I fabricated a new lower engine mount. Five years later I was still tweaking exhaust systems, Props, carb settings, and redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm still battling engine noise - the engine mount transmits too much vibration noise to the airframe. One of my high engine mounts had a soft enough mount that was very smooth and quiet but chewed up engine mounting bushings/dampers. One more thing, engine builders overestimate power and underestimate weight and price. It could be a worthy challenge but are you up to it? Rick Neilsen Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill Berle wrote: > > Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up > form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to > my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I > have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full > inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware > floating around in my hangar :) > > One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or > three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. > > The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint o r > something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion i n > the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I wi ll > eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestion s, > warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming > is welcome. > > The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. > Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number > FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. > > The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had > apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the > original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be ab le > to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may > have to replace the tube. > > I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. > Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the pho ne > educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the > absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in > California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very > impressed. > > If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list > regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common proble ms > building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. > > I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am > looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, > VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them > are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever > possible... I have this stuff laying around). > > Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! > > > Bill Berle > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and > for-profit entities > > -------------------------------------------- > On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM > > you could also try > this. I've never used it, can't make a > recommendation. > > https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ad a998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid =CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds > > Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam > to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so > it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something > like an aircraft tire. > Rick > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle > wrote: > Bill Berle > > > Here's a potential game-changer solution right > here... > > > http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ > > > These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure > and even run safely when punctured flat. > > > I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the > three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the > can of flat tire repair goop :) > > > Bill Berle > > www.ezflaphandle.com > - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > > www.grantstar.net > - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit > entities > > > -------------------------------------------- > > On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell > > wrote: > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > > > Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM > > > " > > I > > will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a > tire > > pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the > > airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel > apart > > with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch > a > > tire, and get it back together to fly back > > home." > > > I just > > carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble > wrap > > in the back of my plane. > > Larry > > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > > at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle > > wrote: > > > Bill Berle > > > Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to > > hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer > > not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer > to > > my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get > > that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not > > negative. > > > My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the > > mountains and desert. I've been scouting several > > locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them > are > > actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big > city" > > limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly > bear > > bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but > > it's still way too far for me to just "walk into > > town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. > > > I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a > tire > > pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the > > airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel > apart > > with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch > a > > tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > > > Bill Berle > > > -------------------------------------------- > > > On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard > > wrote: > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > > > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > > > > > Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM > > > I have three metal > > > tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for > the > > set > > > and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire > off > > a > > > one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead > > > that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer > > with > > > one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd > use > > at > > > home, but we're talking stranded in the outback > with > > the > > > vultures circling. :-} > > > Rick Girard > > > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > > > at 9:16 AM, Charlie England > > > wrote: > > > > > Charlie England > > > The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a > good > > > option if flying close to home. > > > However, it seems like you're missing his point. > > > He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away > > from > > > airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 > > piece > > > wheels, you could break them down with simple hand > tools > > to > > > repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But > > with > > > auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized > > (heavy) > > > tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be > in > > a > > > tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light > > > a/c. > > > Charlie > > > On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: > > > > > Flyer" > > > Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting > > the > > > tires on, cost $49.95 I think. > > > Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have > > > pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims > > > -------- > > > Kolb Firestar II > > > 503 C-Box / RK400 > > > Soon to have a > > > Rotax 670 DCDI > > > with a C-Box and > > > RK 400 Clutch > > > Challenger II > > > 503 Tall Drive > > > Location : Buffalo South Carolina > > > ========== > > > br> > > > fts!) > > > r> > > > > > > > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > ========== > > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > > ========== > > > FORUMS - > > > eferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > > ========== > > > b Site - > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > ========== > > > -- > > > =9CBlessed > > > are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D > > Groucho > > > Marx > > > ========== > > > br> > > fts!) > > > r> > > > > > w.buildersbooks.com" > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > ========== > > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > > ========== > > > FORUMS - > > > eferrer" > > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > > ========== > > > b Site - > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > ========== > > > -- > > The older I get, the less tolerant I am of > > those who are intolerant. > > If you forward this email, or any part of > > it, please remove my email address before sending. > > > ========== > > br> > fts!) > > r> > > > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > ========== > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > ========== > > FORUMS - > > eferrer" > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > ========== > > b Site - > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > ========== > > > -- > =9CBlessed > are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho > Marx > > =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 01:01:29 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire 2004, landed at Fort Nelson Airport, BC, right after sun down. Went in the FBO to see about fuel. When I walked back out to the MKIII, a main tire was flat. Earlier I had experienced a main tire flat on the bank of the Knik River south of Palmer, AK. Only tube I could find with a 90 degree valve stem was in Lowes. It was for a wheel barrow. That is something like a 400X6, in an 800X6 tire. I flew the Kenai Peninsula to Seldovia, over to McCarthy, north to Dead Horse/Prudhoe Bay, Kaktovik, Point Barrow, AK, Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territory, and south to Fort Nelson before the tube failed. Found a patch, and with the help of a local motorcycle gang, that had a hanger at the airport, put a fix on the tube, then flew the rest of the way home to Alabama. There are places I landed off airports to wait out weather that had no help should that tire go flat. The Man was watching out for me. ;-) Murphy never strikes when it is convenient for the victim. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bill Berle Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 2:33 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire The effectiveness of Fix-a-Flat will clearly depend on the damage to the tire or tube. Bullhead thorn, no problem. Lava rock through the sidewall... problem :) It appears to me that if there is any kind of run-flat wheel/tire out there that is light enough to not cause a weight issue, it is probably well worth the extra money. Being well-versed in Murphy's Law and the Law of Applied Entropy I can guarantee that any punctured flat tire event will happen less than 30 minutes before sunset ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Wed, 3/16/16, KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS wrote: Subject: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 12:03 PM "KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS" Bill Berle wrote: << I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > Bill / Kolb Friends - I, too, travel with tire changing tools in my Mark-3 when I go backcountry flying. As Bill describes above, I am able to remove and take apart my split rims and patch (or replace) the inner tube. But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. Pros? Cons? Dennis Kirby Mark-3 New Mexico Lists This Month -- Some AWESOME FREE Gifts!) Raiser. Click on more about Gifts provided www.buildersbooks.com -Matt Dralle, List Admin. Forum - - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - List Contribution Web Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 01:06:17 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Firestar 2 Kit Received ! Very valid points from a man who has been there and done that, and seems to still be doing it. After considering where I fly and how unforgiving gravity is, I go with the best, proven, engine I can find for my aircraft. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rick Neilsen Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 2:50 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Bill Consider that new engine very carefully. I'm speaking from experience. I was the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big undertaking. First the Pegasus Power O-100 engine uses a difocal mount and kolbs have a bed type mount. I had to fabricate a custom mount for the VW. I had help as GP Aircraft made a prop end mount that made it easier. You will have to fabricate a custom exhaust system. You will need to enter the black science of prop selection. You may like magnetos but I don't, they are heavy, expensive, under powered, and there is a reason they come in pairs. Now the real tough stuff, the engine is still in development. You will be the test pilot for not just the engine installation but for the engine too. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to talk you out of it but do not underestimate the task you will be taking on. I spent one extra year installing my VW. Then I changed to a redrive VW engine. Then I had a redrive failure. Then I fabricated a new lower engine mount. Five years later I was still tweaking exhaust systems, Props, carb settings, and redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm still battling engine noise - the engine mount transmits too much vibration noise to the airframe. One of my high engine mounts had a soft enough mount that was very smooth and quiet but chewed up engine mounting bushings/dampers. One more thing, engine builders overestimate power and underestimate weight and price. It could be a worthy challenge but are you up to it? Rick Neilsen Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ad a998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863 &gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZw Ijw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM " I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home." I just carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap in the back of my plane. Larry On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not negative. My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the mountains and desert. I've been scouting several locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but it's still way too far for me to just "walk into town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. Bill Berle -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM I have three metal tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the set and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off a one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer with one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use at home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with the vultures circling. :-} Rick Girard On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 9:16 AM, Charlie England wrote: Charlie England The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good option if flying close to home. However, it seems like you're missing his point. He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away from airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 piece wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools to repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But with auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized (heavy) tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in a tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light a/c. Charlie On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: Flyer" Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting the tires on, cost $49.95 I think. Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims -------- Kolb Firestar II 503 C-Box / RK400 Soon to have a Rotax 670 DCDI with a C-Box and RK 400 Clutch Challenger II 503 Tall Drive Location : Buffalo South Carolina ========== br> fts!) r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant. If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending. ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 01:07:43 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: FW: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Homer Kolb designed his wing for a reason. It works. I have never, in 32 years changed the outside dimensions of an Ultrastar, Firestar, or MKIII wing. They work for me. Plastic wheels don't even make good paper weights. A varmint decided to taste the fabric on the right main gear of my MKIII. We just completely rebuilt, fabric and paint, both main gear a year ago. I'd shoot him is I could find him. Have no idea what it was. I was over at Gantt International Airport yesterday taking photos of the damage. Took a couple extra of the environment over there. My little piece of heaven. Spring has sprung at hauck's holler. The weeds have sprouted. One can watch them grow they are so fast. Spring is my favorite season. Everything is already covered with pollen. ;-) john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bill Berle Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 12:33 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ad a998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gcli d=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM " I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home." I just carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap in the back of my plane. Larry On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not negative. My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the mountains and desert. I've been scouting several locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but it's still way too far for me to just "walk into town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. Bill Berle -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM I have three metal tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the set and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off a one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer with one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use at home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with the vultures circling. :-} Rick Girard On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 9:16 AM, Charlie England wrote: Charlie England The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good option if flying close to home. However, it seems like you're missing his point. He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away from airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 piece wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools to repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But with auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized (heavy) tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in a tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light a/c. Charlie On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: Flyer" Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting the tires on, cost $49.95 I think. Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims -------- Kolb Firestar II 503 C-Box / RK400 Soon to have a Rotax 670 DCDI with a C-Box and RK 400 Clutch Challenger II 503 Tall Drive Location : Buffalo South Carolina ========== br> fts!) r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant. If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending. ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 01:15:13 PM PST US From: Bill Berle Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Thanks Rick, I'm not taking it lightly. I have started to look at just what it would take to adapt the O-100 engine, and yes it is completely different than the Rotax bed mount built into the airframe. I happen to be very fortunate in that I have a good infrastructure of structural engineering, welding, machinists, and fabricators available to me. I could never take this on without having built up that infrastructure. I just know that I'm more comfortable with 4 stroke power, and I want the reliability/noise benefits of those engines. Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Wed, 3/16/16, Rick Neilsen wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 12:49 PM Bill Consider that new engine very carefully. I'm speaking from experience. I was the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big undertaking. First thePegasus Power O-100 engine uses a difocalmount and kolbs have a bed type mount. I had tofabricatea custom mount for the VW. I had help as GP Aircraft made a prop end mount that made iteasier. You will have to fabricate a custom exhaustsystem. You will need to enter the black science of prop selection. You may likemagnetos but I don't, they are heavy, expensive, under powered, and there is a reason they come in pairs.Now the real tough stuff, the engine is still in development. You will be the test pilot for not just the engine installation but for the engine too. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to talk you out of it but do not underestimate the task you will be taking on. I spent one extra year installing my VW. Then Ichangedto a redriveVW engine. Then I had a redrive failure. Then Ifabricateda new lower engine mount. Five years later I was stilltweakingexhaustsystems, Props, carb settings, and redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm stillbattlingengine noise - the engine mounttransmitstoo much vibration noise to the airframe. One of my high engine mounts had a soft enough mount that was very smooth and quiet but chewed up engine mounting bushings/dampers. One more thing, engine buildersoverestimatepower and underestimate weight and price. It could be a worthychallenge but are you up to it? Rick NeilsenRedrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ada998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM " I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home." I just carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap in the back of my plane. Larry On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not negative. My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the mountains and desert. I've been scouting several locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but it's still way too far for me to just "walk into town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. Bill Berle -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM I have three metal tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the set and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off a one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer with one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use at home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with the vultures circling. :-} Rick Girard On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 9:16 AM, Charlie England wrote: Charlie England The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good option if flying close to home. However, it seems like you're missing his point. He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away from airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 piece wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools to repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But with auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized (heavy) tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in a tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light a/c. Charlie On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: Flyer" Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting the tires on, cost $49.95 I think. Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims -------- Kolb Firestar II 503 C-Box / RK400 Soon to have a Rotax 670 DCDI with a C-Box and RK 400 Clutch Challenger II 503 Tall Drive Location : Buffalo South Carolina ========== br> fts!) r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant. If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending. ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 01:17:52 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire From: Rick Neilsen Dennis On a trip to Airventure I had a flat after a overnight stop. In the morning I filled my tire with a can of Fix-A-Flat. I got to my next fuel stop and added a bit more air. On the next stop I landed at Airventure with a totally flat tire. Rick Neilsen Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 3:03 PM, KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/EZS < dennis.kirby.3@us.af.mil> wrote: > AFNWC/EZS" > > Bill Berle wrote: << I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and > a tire pump. I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent > wrench, > take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or > patch > a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > > > > Bill / Kolb Friends - > > I, too, travel with tire changing tools in my Mark-3 when I go backcountry > flying. As Bill describes above, I am able to remove and take apart my > split rims and patch (or replace) the inner tube. > > But what about using "Fix-a-Flat" for the solution? Does anyone have > experience blasting this goop into their Kolb inner tubes to remedy a flat > tire? Seems a lot lighter and easier, and you don't need the tire pump. > > Pros? Cons? > > Dennis Kirby > Mark-3 > New Mexico > > ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 01:27:25 PM PST US Subject: Re: FW: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! From: Rick Neilsen John The way the sun hits her she looks like she is smiling. Rick On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 4:05 PM, John Hauck wrote: > > > Homer Kolb designed his wing for a reason. It works. > > I have never, in 32 years changed the outside dimensions of an Ultrastar, > Firestar, or MKIII wing. They work for me. > > Plastic wheels don't even make good paper weights. > > A varmint decided to taste the fabric on the right main gear of my MKIII. > We just completely rebuilt, fabric and paint, both main gear a year ago. > I'd shoot him is I could find him. Have no idea what it was. I was over > at Gantt International Airport yesterday taking photos of the damage. To ok > a couple extra of the environment over there. My little piece of heaven. > > Spring has sprung at hauck's holler. The weeds have sprouted. One can > watch them grow they are so fast. Spring is my favorite season. > Everything is already covered with pollen. ;-) > > > john h > mkIII > Titus, Alabama > > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto: > owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bill Berle > Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 12:33 PM > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! > > > Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up > form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to > my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I > have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full > inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware > floating around in my hangar :) > > One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or > three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. > > The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint o r > something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion i n > the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I wi ll > eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestion s, > warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming > is welcome. > > The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. > Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number > FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. > > The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had > apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the > original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be ab le > to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may > have to replace the tube. > > I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. > Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the pho ne > educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the > absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in > California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very > impressed. > > If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list > regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common proble ms > building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. > > I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am > looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, > VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them > are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever > possible... I have this stuff laying around). > > Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! > > > Bill Berle > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and > for-profit entities > > -------------------------------------------- > On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM > > you could also try > this. I've never used it, can't make a > recommendation. > > https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ad a998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid =CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds > > Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, bu t > it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess i n > something like an aircraft tire. > Rick > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle > wrote: > Bill Berle > > > Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... > > > http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ > > > These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even ru n > safely when punctured flat. > > > I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire > iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) > > > Bill Berle > > www.ezflaphandle.com > - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > > www.grantstar.net > - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities > > > -------------------------------------------- > > On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell > > wrote: > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > > > Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM > > > " > > I > > will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire > > pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the > > airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart > > with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a > > tire, and get it back together to fly back > > home." > > > I just > > carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap > > in the back of my plane. > > Larry > > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > > at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle > > wrote: > > > Bill Berle > > > Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to > > hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer > > not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to > > my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get > > that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not > > negative. > > > My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the > > mountains and desert. I've been scouting several > > locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are > > actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" > > limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear > > bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but > > it's still way too far for me to just "walk into > > town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. > > > I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire > > pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the > > airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart > > with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a > > tire, and get it back together to fly back home. > > > Bill Berle > > > -------------------------------------------- > > > On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard > > wrote: > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > > > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" > > > > > Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM > > > I have three metal > > > tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the > > set > > > and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off > > a > > > one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead > > > that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer > > with > > > one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use > > at > > > home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with > > the > > > vultures circling. :-} > > > Rick Girard > > > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > > > at 9:16 AM, Charlie England > > > wrote: > > > > > Charlie England > > > The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good > > > option if flying close to home. > > > However, it seems like you're missing his point. > > > He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away > > from > > > airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 > > piece > > > wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools > > to > > > repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But > > with > > > auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized > > (heavy) > > > tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in > > a > > > tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light > > > a/c. > > > Charlie > > > On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: > > > > > Flyer" > > > Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting > > the > > > tires on, cost $49.95 I think. > > > Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have > > > pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims > > > -------- > > > Kolb Firestar II > > > 503 C-Box / RK400 > > > Soon to have a > > > Rotax 670 DCDI > > > with a C-Box and > > > RK 400 Clutch > > > Challenger II > > > 503 Tall Drive > > > Location : Buffalo South Carolina > > > ========== > > > br> > > > fts!) > > > r> > > > > > > > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > ========== > > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > > ========== > > > FORUMS - > > > eferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > > ========== > > > b Site - > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > rel="noreferrer" > > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > ========== > > > -- > > > =9CBlessed > > > are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D > > Groucho > > > Marx > > > ========== > > > br> > > fts!) > > > r> > > > > > w.buildersbooks.com" > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > ========== > > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > > ========== > > > FORUMS - > > > eferrer" > > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > > ========== > > > b Site - > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > rel="noreferrer" > > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > ========== > > > -- > > The older I get, the less tolerant I am of > > those who are intolerant. > > If you forward this email, or any part of > > it, please remove my email address before sending. > > > ========== > > br> > fts!) > > r> > > > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com > > rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > ========== > > -List" rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > > ========== > > FORUMS - > > eferrer" > target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com > > ========== > > b Site - > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > rel="noreferrer" > target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > ========== > > > -- > =9CBlessed > are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Ma rx > > ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 02:06:03 PM PST US From: Bill Berle Subject: Re: FW: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! "Homer Kolb designed his wing for a reason. It works. I have never, in 32 years changed the outside dimensions of an Ultrastar, Firestar, or MKIII wing. They work for me." I agree completely, I'm sure the stock Kolb wing works perfectly well. But on an experimental homebuilt I'm looking to add some of the small amount of knowledge and experience that I've gained through about the same 30+ years in aviation. Mr. Kolb himself changed the wing dimensions to create the Slingshot, Kolbra, Firelfy, and others. He also changed the angle of incidence (wing mounting angle) to create different characteristics on different models. Raked wingtips are shown to work, especially at high AoA and low speeds. They create a pressure field that slightly reduces the wingtip vortex. VG's are shown to work great, especially on simple turbulent flow airfoils like the Cub, Kolb, and Aeronca. They help the airflow stay attached to the wing at higher AoA. This results in better control authority at low speeds, which will be a lifesaver in off-airport STOL operations. On a high drag airplane like a Kolb, reducing drag doesn't make you go any faster. It allows you to fly at the same speed with less power or fuel burn. Mr. Kolb designed the landing gear to be as easy and low-risk for new or low-time pilots as possible. It worked, and the Kolb has a wonderful reputation for easy ground handling. This is just what the doctor ordered for a kit plane that was safe for low time pilots. But this mellow ground handling comes at the cost of losing the ideal ground angle for the wing to take off and land slower. A longer or taller landing gear requires a slightly more experienced pilot, but you get better STOL performance in the bargain. ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 02:17:48 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Kolb tires From: "Rex Rodebush" Attached are pictures of the brake pedals I modified to fit my feet. I bought new Matco wheels about 2 years ago as they are thicker and Matco had cracking problems with the old ones. I ordered the new machined caliper with the wheels as they have a larger piston than the old cast versions. The braking was better but still not acceptable. I then mounted the old calipers on in addition as the wheels were drilled for dual calipers and the mounting holes were the same. Now the braking is great. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=453823#453823 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/brakes2_167.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/brakes1_204.jpg ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 02:26:12 PM PST US From: Dennis Rowe Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! If the following statement is true, you'll want an HKS700e Dennis "Skid" Rowe > > I just know that I'm more comfortable with 4 stroke power, and I want the reliability/noise benefits of those engines. > > Bill ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 03:37:07 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Bill B/Kolbers: With your background you should realize what it takes to "make" an airplane engine, and make it work safely and reliably, while making more power than ever required. Takes but a minute to discover Rotax 2 and 4 stroke engines, a couple VW's, and a smattering of HKS's are what is pushing Kolbs though the air. Since this thing started about 40 years ago, there have been a lot of different power plants tried, but it comes down to the few I mentioned that are still around and still flying. I had a buddy, back in the 80's, that had a J3 Kitten powered with a half VW, a 4 stroke. At the time I was flying my FS with a 447. He was always bragging about how much more reliable his 4 stroke was than my 2 stroke. Of course, he had never had an engine stoppage or failure, and I had had plenty of both. One day we were flying a cross country from Bessemer to Wetumpka, AL. We were chatting on the radio when my buddy said, "Uh oh!", as the Kitten rapidly descended into a farmer's field. His 4 stroke had broken a valve spring. All these engines, 2 and 4 stroke will quit when they get ready, for one reason or the other. When I fly places that I cannot survive if I have an engine out, I say a little prayer to my Higher Power, and accept that fact if the engine stops. At my age I am getting less inclined to take those chances, but it is difficult to fly anywhere when you, at some time during that flight, don't find yourself in that situation. Some folks thrive on developing and experimenting with our airplanes. That is what keeps them going. We have all done our share over the years. So get out there and get a new engine going that is safe, reliable, more power than ever needed, cheap, and burns 1 GPH. Time to roll out the MKIII and get the pollen and barn dust washed off her. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bill Berle Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 3:12 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Thanks Rick, I'm not taking it lightly. I have started to look at just what it would take to adapt the O-100 engine, and yes it is completely different than the Rotax bed mount built into the airframe. I happen to be very fortunate in that I have a good infrastructure of structural engineering, welding, machinists, and fabricators available to me. I could never take this on without having built up that infrastructure. I just know that I'm more comfortable with 4 stroke power, and I want the reliability/noise benefits of those engines. Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Wed, 3/16/16, Rick Neilsen wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 12:49 PM Bill Consider that new engine very carefully. I'm speaking from experience. I was the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big undertaking. First the Pegasus Power O-100 engine uses a difocal mount and kolbs have a bed type mount. I had to fabricate a custom mount for the VW. I had help as GP Aircraft made a prop end mount that made it easier. You will have to fabricate a custom exhaust system. You will need to enter the black science of prop selection. You may like magnetos but I don't, they are heavy, expensive, under powered, and there is a reason they come in pairs. Now the real tough stuff, the engine is still in development. You will be the test pilot for not just the engine installation but for the engine too. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to talk you out of it but do not underestimate the task you will be taking on. I spent one extra year installing my VW. Then I changed to a redrive VW engine. Then I had a redrive failure. Then I fabricated a new lower engine mount. Five years later I was still tweaking exhaust systems, Props, carb settings, and redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm still battling engine noise - the engine mount transmits too much vibration noise to the airframe. One of my high engine mounts had a soft enough mount that was very smooth and quiet but chewed up engine mounting bushings/dampers. One more thing, engine builders overestimate power and underestimate weight and price. It could be a worthy challenge but are you up to it? Rick NeilsenRedrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ada998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM " I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home." I just carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap in the back of my plane. Larry On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not negative. My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the mountains and desert. I've been scouting several locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but it's still way too far for me to just "walk into town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. Bill Berle -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM I have three metal tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the set and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off a one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer with one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use at home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with the vultures circling. :-} Rick Girard On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 9:16 AM, Charlie England wrote: Charlie England The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good option if flying close to home. However, it seems like you're missing his point. He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away from airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 piece wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools to repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But with auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized (heavy) tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in a tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light a/c. Charlie On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: Flyer" Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting the tires on, cost $49.95 I think. Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims -------- Kolb Firestar II 503 C-Box / RK400 Soon to have a Rotax 670 DCDI with a C-Box and RK 400 Clutch Challenger II 503 Tall Drive Location : Buffalo South Carolina ========== br> fts!) r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant. If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending. ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light. Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 03:37:25 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: FW: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! She is smiling and ready to fly. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rick Neilsen Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 3:27 PM Subject: Re: FW: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! John The way the sun hits her she looks like she is smiling. Rick On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 4:05 PM, John Hauck wrote: Homer Kolb designed his wing for a reason. It works. I have never, in 32 years changed the outside dimensions of an Ultrastar, Firestar, or MKIII wing. They work for me. Plastic wheels don't even make good paper weights. A varmint decided to taste the fabric on the right main gear of my MKIII. We just completely rebuilt, fabric and paint, both main gear a year ago. I'd shoot him is I could find him. Have no idea what it was. I was over at Gantt International Airport yesterday taking photos of the damage. Took a couple extra of the environment over there. My little piece of heaven. Spring has sprung at hauck's holler. The weeds have sprouted. One can watch them grow they are so fast. Spring is my favorite season. Everything is already covered with pollen. ;-) john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bill Berle Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 12:33 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ad a998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863 &gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZw Ijw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Larry Cottrell wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:37 AM " I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home." I just carry a can of "spare tire" wrapped in bubble wrap in the back of my plane. Larry On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Yes, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to hassle or trash-talk anyone or their product. I do prefer not having to wrestle with someone just to get an answer to my question, but regardless of the effort it takes to get that answer my motives and agendas are positive and not negative. My situation is that I want to fly extreme-STOL up in the mountains and desert. I've been scouting several locations in my 172, and believe it or not most of them are actually within 50 or 60 miles of the "big city" limits. So it's not like I'm going out Grizzly bear bow hunting in the Aleutian Islands or anything... but it's still way too far for me to just "walk into town" with a tire and wheel in my hands. I will have a small lightweight tool kit with me, and a tire pump. Even on a certified172 I can take the wheel off the airplane with a medium Crescent wrench, take the wheel apart with three 1/4 inch bolts, replace an inner tube or patch a tire, and get it back together to fly back home. Bill Berle -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 3/14/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Monday, March 14, 2016, 9:29 AM I have three metal tire irons that I carry with me. Less than 1 lb. for the set and with a little water as lubricant they get the tire off a one piece wheel just fine. It's breaking the bead that's the trick and for that I just use a hammer with one iron to get it started. It's not what I'd use at home, but we're talking stranded in the outback with the vultures circling. :-} Rick Girard On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 9:16 AM, Charlie England wrote: Charlie England The tires and wheels do look nice, and are likely a good option if flying close to home. However, it seems like you're missing his point. He's talking about real 'bush' flying, away from airports & service facilities. With conventional 2 piece wheels, you could break them down with simple hand tools to repair a flat, and a small hand pump to re-inflate. But with auto-style one piece wheels, it requires specialized (heavy) tools to break a tire down for repair. Not likely to be in a tool kit you can carry in a Kolb or other very light a/c. Charlie On 3/13/2016 11:19 PM, Carolina Flyer wrote: Flyer" Bill, I use a cheap harbor freight device for putting the tires on, cost $49.95 I think. Rick, The only tires that I sell are these that I have pictures of and they fit on a 8 inch rims -------- Kolb Firestar II 503 C-Box / RK400 Soon to have a Rotax 670 DCDI with a C-Box and RK 400 Clutch Challenger II 503 Tall Drive Location : Buffalo South Carolina ========== br> fts!) r> > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant. If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending. ========== br> fts!) r> > w.buildersbooks.com" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -Matt Dralle, List Admin. ========== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List ========== FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ========== b Site - -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ========== -- =9CBlessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.=9D Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 03:43:14 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Kolb tires Looks good, and I bet they do work much better. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rex Rodebush Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 4:17 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Kolb tires Attached are pictures of the brake pedals I modified to fit my feet. I bought new Matco wheels about 2 years ago as they are thicker and Matco had cracking problems with the old ones. I ordered the new machined caliper with the wheels as they have a larger piston than the old cast versions. The braking was better but still not acceptable. I then mounted the old calipers on in addition as the wheels were drilled for dual calipers and the mounting holes were the same. Now the braking is great. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=453823#453823 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/brakes2_167.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/brakes1_204.jpg ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 03:44:32 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! From: Charlie England I assume that Rick is talking about the Pegasus. I'd bet it uses the standard Cont. conical mount, but it's still on the back of the engine instead of the bottom. But more important (at least to me), be sure to truly count the cost. In the early versions I saw, the actual cost to get one running was 2 or 3 times the kit cost. Note that there are no cylinders mentioned on the list of what's included. Assuming that you must buy your own cylinders, ask him how he can safely run 9-1 compression with the stock Cont. cyl heads & mogas. (Original engine had 7.0-1 compression.) Also, ask what the *real* horsepower is. Most Cont guys say that the original O-200 4 cyl was only good for maybe 85-90 hp on its best day, and with a fixed pitch prop, you won't come anywhere near rated power on takeoff, when you need it. Half of 90 is only 45 HP. On a tractor a/c, a big Vtwin with reduction swinging a large diameter prop just might outclimb the O-100, even carrying an extra 15-20 lbs of weight. There are other (a lot more work required) options, like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Tlg9RMKx8 (I think the builder has been on the is list in the past) or http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16100&highlight=yamaha Charlie On 3/16/2016 2:49 PM, Rick Neilsen wrote: > Bill > > Consider that new engine very carefully. I'm speaking from experience. > I was the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big undertaking. First > the Pegasus Power O-100 engine uses a difocal mount and kolbs have a > bed type mount. I had to fabricate a custom mount for the VW. I had > help as GP Aircraft made a prop end mount that made it easier. You > will have to fabricate a custom exhaust system. You will need to enter > the black science of prop selection. You may like magnetos but I > don't, they are heavy, expensive, under powered, and there is a reason > they come in pairs. Now the real tough stuff, the engine is still in > development. You will be the test pilot for not just the engine > installation but for the engine too. > > Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to talk you out of it but do not > underestimate the task you will be taking on. I spent one extra year > installing my VW. Then I changed to a redrive VW engine. Then I had a > redrive failure. Then I fabricated a new lower engine mount. Five > years later I was still tweaking exhaust systems, Props, carb > settings, and redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm > still battling engine noise - the engine mount transmits too much > vibration noise to the airframe. One of my high engine mounts had a > soft enough mount that was very smooth and quiet but chewed up engine > mounting bushings/dampers. > > One more thing, engine builders overestimate power and underestimate > weight and price. > > It could be a worthy challenge but are you up to it? > > Rick Neilsen > Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC > > On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill Berle > wrote: > > > > > Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked > it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. > Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours > unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, > because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have > a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) > > One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed > two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. > > The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house > paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only > minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, > and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and > re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or > experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is > welcome. > > The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 > tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is > serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. > > The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb > language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing > ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were > different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the > holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. > > I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned > previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time > with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I > am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 > engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run > in person and was very very impressed. > > If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this > list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or > common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear > about it. > > I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that > I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic > (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 > stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality > hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff > laying around). > > Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! > > > Bill Berle > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & > performance upgrade for light aircraft > www.grantstar.net - winning > proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities > > -------------------------------------------- > On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard > wrote: > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar > To: "kolb-list@matronics.com " > > > Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM > > you could also try > this. I've never used it, can't make a > recommendation. > https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ada998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds > > Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam > to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so > it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something > like an aircraft tire. > Rick > On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 > at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle > > wrote: > Bill Berle > > > > Here's a potential game-changer solution right > here... > > > http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ > > > These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure > and even run safely when punctured flat. > > > I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the > three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the > can of flat tire repair goop :) > > > Bill Berle > > www.ezflaphandle.com > - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > > www.grantstar.net > - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit > entities > > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 03:55:36 PM PST US Subject: RE: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! From: B Young Aw shucks. Not all that greedy.., Even if it burnt 2 GPH!!!! I'm all in... He said with a big grin on his face;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) Boyd. Lol Xxxxxxxxxxxxx that is safe, reliable, more power than ever needed, cheap, and burns 1 GPH. ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 04:13:15 PM PST US From: Bill Berle Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! The prototype Pegasus does use the stock Continental conical mounts on the back of the case. There may be another upcoming mounting system for it that might be better suited to the Kolb, but that is for Pete to discuss and not me. The O-200 makes horsepower in proportion to the RPM, I have flown the O-200 from 2000 RPM to 4300 RPM (Reno F-1 race). The power curve drops off dramatically above 3200, and reliability goes way down. A properly balanced and lubricated O-200 (or O-100) will maintain very good reliability at 3000 RPM. Better than a stock un-balanced I am not an engine expert, but I do know that actual real-world reliability over the last 60+ years of airplane engines strongly favors the 4 stroke engines. When Rotax finally decided to create an engine specifically for airplanes, they chose a 4 stroke despite the fact that by then they were the absolute world leader in 2 stroke engines in experimental aircraft. There has to be a reason for that, and it's not just EPA pollution regulations. I assume that Rick is talking about the Pegasus. I'd bet it uses the standard Cont. conical mount, but it's still on the back of the engine instead of the bottom. But more important (at least to me), be sure to truly count the cost. In the early versions I saw, the actual cost to get one running was 2 or 3 times the kit cost. Note that there are no cylinders mentioned on the list of what's included. Assuming that you must buy your own cylinders, ask him how he can safely run 9-1 compression with the stock Cont. cyl heads & mogas. (Original engine had 7.0-1 compression.) Also, ask what the *real* horsepower is. Most Cont guys say that the original O-200 4 cyl was only good for maybe 85-90 hp on its best day, and with a fixed pitch prop, you won't come anywhere near rated power on takeoff, when you need it. Half of 90 is only 45 HP. On a tractor a/c, a big Vtwin with reduction swinging a large diameter prop just might outclimb the O-100, even carrying an extra 15-20 lbs of weight. There are other (a lot more work required) options, like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Tlg9RMKx8 (I think the builder has been on the is list in the past) or http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16100&highlight=yamaha Charlie On 3/16/2016 2:49 PM, Rick Neilsen wrote: Bill Consider that new engine very carefully. I'm speaking from experience. I was the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big undertaking. First thePegasus Power O-100 engine uses a difocalmount and kolbs have a bed type mount. I had tofabricatea custom mount for the VW. I had help as GP Aircraft made a prop end mount that made iteasier. You will have to fabricate a custom exhaustsystem. You will need to enter the black science of prop selection. You may likemagnetos but I don't, they are heavy, expensive, under powered, and there is a reason they come in pairs.Now the real tough stuff, the engine is still in development. You will be the test pilot for not just the engine installation but for the engine too. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to talk you out of it but do not underestimate the task you will be taking on. I spent one extra year installing my VW. Then Ichangedto a redriveVW engine. Then I had a redrive failure. Then Ifabricateda new lower engine mount. Five years later I was stilltweakingexhaustsystems, Props, carb settings, and redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm stillbattlingengine noise - the engine mounttransmitstoo much vibration noise to the airframe. One of my high engine mounts had a soft enough mount that was very smooth and quiet but chewed up engine mounting bushings/dampers. One more thing, engine buildersoverestimatepower and underestimate weight and price. It could be a worthychallenge but are you up to it? Rick Neilsen Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill Berle wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: Bill Berle Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has arrived! I picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal (YRC nowdays) last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was able to spend a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have not been able to do a full inventory, because I do not have a full inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of various airplane hardware floating around in my hangar :) One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the shipping crushed two or three small tubes in the horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with white brush-on house paint or something. I'm thankful for that, because there is only minor corrosion in the form of brown stains in the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will eventually have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. Any suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad with powder coating and steel priming is welcome. The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels and 15 x 6.00 x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short windshield, one gas can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction manual is dated 1996. The aluminum tube for the tailboom ("fuselage tube" in Kolb language) had apparently been accidentally drilled for the wing ribs, because the original builder did not realize the tubes were different. So I may be able to salvage it, repair it, or plug the holes with "Dead" rivets. Or, I may have to replace the tube. I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I have mentioned previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend some quality time with me on the phone educating me about V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at the absolutely beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete Plumb in California. I have seen this engine run in person and was very very impressed. If anyone can point me to specific articles or archives on this list regarding technical errors in the plans or instructions, or common problems building the FireStar, Again I am happy to hear about it. I have several minor and medium size modifications and tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. Some of them are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), some of them are engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are mechanical (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners wherever possible... I have this stuff laying around). Glad to be a brand new, green, wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Tue, 3/15/16, Richard Girard wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Tires for your Firestar To: "kolb-list@matronics.com" Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 9:21 AM you could also try this. I've never used it, can't make a recommendation. https://www.zoro.com/3m-flexible-foam-nvh-08463/i/G0406463/?gdffi=047ada998cf641fa93e55ae8579df863&gdfms=5EA4232146CF4B229C255AAAF651CF33&gclid=CPW8-dyLw8sCFQYIaQodCZwIjw&gclsrc=aw.ds Lots of Youtube videos about using urethane foam to fill tires, too, but it doesn't remain flexible so it'll crush up over time and make a mess in something like an aircraft tire. Rick On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 1:08 PM, Bill Berle wrote: Bill Berle Here's a potential game-changer solution right here... http://www.goldspeedproducts.com/shop/tire-blocks/ These are foam inserts that allow you to run lower pressure and even run safely when punctured flat. I'll bet that these foam blocks weigh less than the three piece tire iron set that was mentioned earlier, or the can of flat tire repair goop :) Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 04:59:07 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! From: Charlie England No argument from me on the 4 stroke issue; both links are to 4 stroke engines. If you try to run the Pegasus direct drive at >3k rpm, you're going to hit the same wall that Rick did with his VW; inadequate mass flow through the required small diameter prop at the relatively low speeds of a Kolb. If you run it at Continental-like rpms with an adequate diameter prop, I'd bet you'll do good to get 40 hp. Charlie On 3/16/2016 6:12 PM, Bill Berle wrote: > > The prototype Pegasus does use the stock Continental conical mounts on the back of the case. There may be another upcoming mounting system for it that might be better suited to the Kolb, but that is for Pete to discuss and not me. > > The O-200 makes horsepower in proportion to the RPM, I have flown the O-200 from 2000 RPM to 4300 RPM (Reno F-1 race). The power curve drops off dramatically above 3200, and reliability goes way down. A properly balanced and lubricated O-200 (or O-100) will maintain very good reliability at 3000 RPM. Better than a stock un-balanced > > I am not an engine expert, but I do know that actual real-world reliability over the last 60+ years of airplane engines strongly favors the 4 stroke engines. When Rotax finally decided to create an engine specifically for airplanes, they chose a 4 stroke despite the fact that by then they were the absolute world leader in 2 stroke engines in experimental aircraft. There has to be a reason for that, and it's not just EPA pollution regulations. > > > I assume that > Rick is talking about the > Pegasus. I'd bet it uses the standard Cont. > conical mount, but > it's still on the back of the engine instead of > the bottom. But > more important (at least to me), be sure to truly > count the cost. > In the early versions I saw, the actual cost to get > one running > was 2 or 3 times the kit cost. Note that there are no > cylinders > mentioned on the list of what's included. Assuming > that you must > buy your own cylinders, ask him how he can safely run > 9-1 > compression with the stock Cont. cyl heads & > mogas. (Original > engine had 7.0-1 compression.) Also, ask what the > *real* > horsepower is. Most Cont guys say that the original > O-200 4 cyl > was only good for maybe 85-90 hp on its best day, and > with a fixed > pitch prop, you won't come anywhere near rated > power on takeoff, > when you need it. Half of 90 is only 45 HP. On a > tractor a/c, a > big Vtwin with reduction swinging a large diameter > prop just might > outclimb the O-100, even carrying an extra 15-20 lbs > of weight. > > > > There are other (a lot more work required) options, > like > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Tlg9RMKx8 > > (I think the builder has been on the is list in the > past) > > or > > http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16100&highlight=yamaha > > > > Charlie > > > > On 3/16/2016 2:49 PM, Rick Neilsen wrote: > > > > > Bill > > > > Consider that new > engine very carefully. I'm speaking from > experience. I was > the first to put a VW on a Kolb. It is a big > undertaking. > First the Pegasus Power > O-100 engine > uses a difocal mount and kolbs have a bed type > mount. I had > to fabricate a custom mount for the VW. I had > help as GP > Aircraft made a prop end mount that made > it easier. You will > have to fabricate a custom exhaust system. You > will need to > enter the black science of prop selection. You > may > like magnetos but I don't, they are heavy, > expensive, under > powered, and there is a reason they come in > pairs. Now the > real tough stuff, the engine is still in > development. You > will be the test pilot for not just the engine > installation > but for the engine too. > > > > Don't get me wrong I'm > not trying to talk you out of it but do not > underestimate > the task you will be taking on. I spent one > extra year > installing my VW. Then I changed to a > redrive VW engine. > Then I had a redrive failure. Then > I fabricated a new lower > engine mount. Five years later I was > still tweaking exhaust systems, Props, carb > settings, and > redrive ratios. Eighteen years later I'm > still battling engine noise - the engine > mount transmits too > much vibration noise to the airframe. One of my > high engine > mounts had a soft enough mount that was very > smooth and > quiet but chewed up engine mounting > bushings/dampers. > > > > One more thing, engine > builders overestimate power and underestimate > weight and > price. > > > > It could be a > worthy challenge but are you up to > it? > > > > Rick Neilsen > Redrive VW Powered > MKIIIC > > > > On Wed, Mar > 16, 2016 at 1:33 PM, Bill > Berle > wrote: > > --> > Kolb-List message posted by: Bill Berle > > > > Well, the used FS2 kit that I had purchased has > arrived! I > picked it up form the Yellow Freight terminal > (YRC nowdays) > last night. Got it back to my hangar, and was > able to spend > a couple of hours unpacking most of it. I have > not been able > to do a full inventory, because I do not have a > full > inventory sheet from Kolb. But I have a lot of > various > airplane hardware floating around in my hangar > :) > > > > One of the chimpanzees involved somewhere in the > shipping > crushed two or three small tubes in the > horizontal > stabilizers. > > > > The fuselage cage had been hand-painted with > white brush-on > house paint or something. I'm thankful for > that, because > there is only minor corrosion in the form of > brown stains in > the white paint, and no serious pitting. I will > eventually > have it blasted and re-primed or powder coated. > Any > suggestions, warnings, or experience good or bad > with powder > coating and steel priming is welcome. > > > > The kit came with brownish-red plastic wheels > and 15 x 6.00 > x 6 tires. Alumuinum gear legs, short > windshield, one gas > can. It is serial number FS-636, the instruction > manual is > dated 1996. > > > > The aluminum tube for the tailboom > ("fuselage tube" in Kolb > language) had apparently been accidentally > drilled for the > wing ribs, because the original builder did not > realize the > tubes were different. So I may be able to > salvage it, repair > it, or plug the holes with "Dead" > rivets. Or, I may have to > replace the tube. > > > > I will be using 4 stroke power on this, as I > have mentioned > previously. Dagwodzz has been very kind to spend > some > quality time with me on the phone educating me > about > V-twins. Thank you Dagz! I am also looking at > the absolutely > beautiful Pegasus Power O-100 engine from Pete > Plumb in > California. I have seen this engine run in > person and was > very very impressed. > > > > If anyone can point me to specific articles or > archives on > this list regarding technical errors in the > plans or > instructions, or common problems building the > FireStar, > Again I am happy to hear about it. > > > > I have several minor and medium size > modifications and > tweaks that I am looking into on this airplane. > Some of them > are aerodynamic (raked tips, VG's, etc.), > some of them are > engine related (4 stroke), and some of them are > mechanical > (aircraft quality hardware and fasteners > wherever > possible... I have this stuff laying around). > > > > Glad to be a brand new, green, > wet-behind-the-ears Kolber ! > > > > > > Bill Berle > ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 07:09:52 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: New (free) Aviation App From: "gbrasch" We just completed a major upgrade to Airport Courtesy Cars App, which now makes the app available on ALL devices, including the web. Please upgrade your app to the latest version. If your phone does not support the app, then go to our new website, www.airportcourtesycars.com The site is mobile friendly and you can place its icon to your phone or tablet screen. Both versions show Google maps for each state, the app version still shows the entire US map which some people prefer. The site currently lists over 1560 cars. Thanks for your input and contact us with any questions, new listings, or corrections to airportcars101@gmail.com And please check out our advertisers and FBOs who offer you fuel discounts. The app remains free. -------- Glenn Brasch RV-9A Flying Medevac Helicopter Pilot (Ret) Owner, "Airport Courtesy Cars" Smart Phone App and www.airportcourtesycars.com Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=453848#453848 ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 07:30:22 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Fixing a Flat Tire From: Brad Nation I have used Fix-A-Flat on other flats and one of the things I learned is that you need to spin the tire as soon after using it so that the fix-it is spread out evenly over the outer side of the inside of the tire. Brad Nation MK3 Xtra ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 08:04:23 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: FW: Kolb-List: FireStar 2 Kit Received ! Hi Folks: The paragraphs in quotation marks are Bill B's. Homer Kolb didn't design the Kolbra. That aircraft was designed and built some time after the original Kolb Aircraft Co was sold. "Mr. Kolb himself changed the wing dimensions to create the Slingshot, Kolbra, Firelfy, and others. He also changed the angle of incidence (wing mounting angle) to create different characteristics on different models." All Kolb wing dimensions are the same, except length of the wing panel. Shape of the rib and cord is the same on all models. The Slingshot had less incidence because of the high main gear and the nose high attitude the aircraft sat on the ground. It also flew faster, pulling the tail boom parallel through the air stream. At slower speeds the SS really drags its tail. Very tail low. Other Kolb models fly tail high because of the excessive incidence. "Raked wingtips are shown to work, especially at high AoA and low speeds. They create a pressure field that slightly reduces the wingtip vortex." I think you will find that Homer's wingtip takes care of the above. "VG's are shown to work great, especially on simple turbulent flow airfoils like the Cub, Kolb, and Aeronca. They help the airflow stay attached to the wing at higher AoA. This results in better control authority at low speeds, which will be a lifesaver in off-airport STOL operations." All Kolb models have excellent low speed flight characteristics without VGs. About the only thing I have been able to determine with the addition of VGs on a Kolb is more gentle break on landing, and slightly less stall speed. "Mr. Kolb designed the landing gear to be as easy and low-risk for new or low-time pilots as possible. It worked, and the Kolb has a wonderful reputation for easy ground handling. This is just what the doctor ordered for a kit plane that was safe for low time pilots. But this mellow ground handling comes at the cost of losing the ideal ground angle for the wing to take off and land slower. A longer or taller landing gear requires a slightly more experienced pilot, but you get better STOL performance in the bargain." The Hauck Brothers have been designing and building "tall" landing gear for Kolb aircraft for 30 years. We put the first pair of heat treated 4130 legs on a Kolb. The main reason we started experimenting with long legs on my FS was the lack of brakes. One of the first mods to my FS was 4130 streamlined lift struts. They cleaned up the FS so much I couldn't get it stopped on my short grass strip. The 36" legs turned the bottom of the wing up more and helped slow the FS down on landing. They also made nice springs, and worked wonders for softening up the suspension. BTW Bill B, tell us about your Kolb experience, please. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message kolb-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kolb-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/kolb-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/kolb-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.