View Full Version : There's someting about a Cub
Dave Robelen
06-03-2002, 09:09 PM
Hi all,
Would anyone care to comment on why the Piper Cub is so special to them? It is possibly the most modeled full scale aicraft in the US, and most of the models don't even look a whole lot like the original. As for me, when I see a Cub, it helps me connect with the most basic form of powered flight, and there is the thought that a model of this marvelous machine ought to be a super flyer. Many of the commercial offerings fall short on both looks and handling, but somehow we forgive, forget and go get another one. Wonder why?
Regards, Dave
Would anyone care to comment on why the Piper Cub is so special to them? What is special about a Piper J-3 Cub , is what they all ask me. I have three Cubs, sold all my other airplanes, just to buy a J-3 .
When I first started in R/C Flight. Bought my first airplane (foamy) I used to, not hate, but did not agree with the Piper Cub's color (yellow). I did not pay any attention to it, until my LHS was having a blow out sale, and a Piper Cub Pico was on sale for half the original price. What a deal, and I'm just starting in the Hobby, so why not. Crash, here and there, who care's it's just a foamie.
At that time. I have a low UN-average knowledge about classic airplanes, and wanted to know what Piper J-3 Cub is all about. I searched on the Internet and found a handsome display of information, ('twas a lot for me before to look at, and now they are my information galore) and started learning about the first J-3 was born, how it flew with pride in service, flying the Flag of freedom (Our Flag, the American flag of pride).
After 2 or 3 flights from my Foam, first Piper J-3 Cub I a feeling of respect started to take over, it was a weird feeling. I can picture the airplane, flying the days of it's flight in history, days of it's trainning the our Service men into combat, a day when it help fly over countries dropping humanitarian aid. A day when the Piper J-3 Cub became the J-3's that we know today. ( I know, I am somewhat a fanatic over this plane)
The real self devotion to the airplane, that I have enjoyed to fly, came when my Auntie from Hawaii called. We chatted and informed her about my new exciting hobby. Told her how I really like the TigerMoth, how I get frustrated when I crash my Ezette, and how the FBXL can really climb up in the sky, how the motor on the Mini Max is so small, and told her about the other airplanes that I'm planning to get in the future. As our conversation continues. She mentioned a name, that rang a gong. Piper J-3 Cub, I said what? "The yellow plane" say's my Auntie.
My Grandfather, of all the people that I knew, the closest person in my heart. Flew the Piper J-3 Cub during his military service. He was not a pilot, but a mere Airforce mechanic. I have seen my grandfather getting into cockpits of other airplanes, but not the Grasshopper or the yellow's.
The respect for the Piper J-3 Cub grew even more. I now appreciate it's structures as a model airplane, it stability as a flyer, it's responsiveness after modifications. Above all it's place in history and in my family.
I am a person that judge a thing, an individual not by, what it is, or who it is. I judge through respect and integrity. I don't care if I only fly J-3's , in due time. I will fly the real one.
2NG
Dave Robelen
06-04-2002, 03:47 PM
Hi 2NG,
The funny thing about flying the full scale Cub (they are all "real") is that it is noisy, cramped, and dificult to fly smoothly. In spite of all this the view down and to the side is great, and slipping in to land on a fresh mowed grass strip is heavenly. Just don't plan on getting in or out of the rear seat in a hurry;) .
When you get your chance to get in one, go for it, you will be making some memories.
Cheers, Dave
A Cub is somewhat special to me because my first ride in an airplane was in 1947, in a J-3, at age 18 months in my mothers lap. (I can't say that I remember it, but Mom and Dad passed on the story to me. Come to think of it, at my age, I don't remember what I had for lunch yesterday either.)
Zap (Rick)
A Cub is somewhat special to me because my first ride in an airplane was in 1947, in a J-3, at age 18 months in my mothers lap.
That's good enough Zap.:) At least you got to ride in one, there is always that thing called subliminal memories. In the apex of our long term memory, that wont go away. We might not remember, but we sense a feel for something's, due to collected buried past experience, invoked by present involvement.:) (Kindda like the Buddish belief of reincarnation. If you were a king on your past life, you will act in royalty in your present life.)
And the love for the Cub, once it captured your sense's it will stay with you forever. :cool:
I guess if I did have any recollection, it was probably overshadowed by more recent stuff.
This CUB thing has gotten me reminiscing. I suppose the interest came about by osmosis since my Dad has always been involved in full scale aviation of some sort. My birth certificate shows his occupation in 1946 as Aeronautical Engineer for Republic Aviation even though I always remember him as a draftsman and later an Architect. I don't recall any extended length of time from then until the present that he hasn't owned or was building at least one full-scale aircraft, plus occasional models. His last "off-the-shelf" plane was a (Ted Smith) Aerostar (for business travel he says), and his current "money-pits" are an EAA Bi-Plane and a scaled down P-51 (with a PT-19 engine) under construction. These came along after the Casutt, BD-4, and Knight Twister, during the 10 or so years that he was president of the Albuquerque chapter of the EAA.
Well, enough of that, sorry. I went off the edge for awhile, but I'm back now:-)
Zap (Rick)
GHMBO
06-05-2002, 02:07 PM
I always hated to "prop" the 65hp beast. I was glad when the super cub came along with a starter and some better power.
flyinhigh
06-09-2002, 05:23 PM
Hello
OK I got two quetions.Does a cub haft to be yellow? and if I covered my Cub red would you guys n gals then hate me for it?I love my cub so far even though I havnt flown it.Ive loved everything about it.Im not old enough to know about the real one nor have I ever flew in one but ever since I was 13 I know everytime I opened up a model plane mag there it was lol
ok enough already. I just like it,and thats why I finally picked one up...but sorry its not going to be cub yellow tho.soo please forgive me guys....
MIKE
GHMBO
06-09-2002, 07:28 PM
I once saw a red J-3 and I think the Piper Museum has a red one on display. The army bought some j-3s before the L4 was built and they were O.D. with stars and normal army decorations. I am sure that there were other colors also.
Jim
Dave Robelen
06-09-2002, 07:45 PM
Hi,
There are even more choices if we consider the WAG AERO CUBY (Full scale) This is a kit replica of the J-3 cub, and thwy have been painted all sorts of colors. I even saw one that was different colors on the left and right sides.
Nobody would feel the least bad about you getting the most pleasure from your project. The yellow bit sort of comes from association, since all of the original private J-3 Cubs were yellow with the black stripe. Pretty much the same deal as the model T Ford. You could buy any color you wanted as long as you wanted black;)
Have fun, Dave
As a Cub fanatic, I would like to see the Piper in different color, as side yellow:) But at least keep one that's in yellow:D
468/f
06-18-2002, 03:18 AM
I think Cubs are just cool! They have classic lines and are a lot of fun to see in the air.
Like trains for some of us, I remember seeing them at grass fields and especially remember a cousin flying one over my house in one. I loved that!!
Nobert
06-18-2002, 10:51 AM
Dave,
I got my tail dragger sign off in a Piper Cruiser and my seaplane rating in a 65 HP Cub on floats. At the time I was flying the Cub I didn't think that a pilot could have more fun with his clothes on:) I'm presently flying a Hanger 9 Cub with an Enya 46 4 cycle and really enjoying it.
Neal
Hello all,
I really like this thread, it let's people like me and you share our similar feelings towards the Cub. I now have three, and working with another Cub:) LOVE FOR THE CUB:D
468/f
06-18-2002, 04:14 PM
You have three cubs? All at once? All flying?
Wow, if that's the case! Where do you keep them all?
Take Care,
You have three cubs? All at once? All flying? :D Yeah three Cubs:) I can't fly them all, on fun at a time. I hang them up. That's why it was really important for me to find a way to fold the wings on the Herr Cub:)
Take care friend:p LOL
MISTERSCOTT
06-23-2002, 01:23 AM
Last weekend at the local air show (Columbia Father's Day Weekend Fly-In), watching three real, identical yellow Cubs take off over my head at the same time was much a thrill(maybe more), as the war birds blasting their passes.
Got me looking at the Wattage 400 ARF, or electify a 66"ws ARF??
Whats the closest RC plane to prototype scale wise??
Theres something about a Cub...
John
redrunner
06-23-2002, 06:06 PM
Hey all! I have been flying the pico cub J-3 too! What a sweet smooth flying machine!
I have a question though.
2NG; Nice Pictures man!
I love the modifications! But who is distributing the piper cub? Is it GWS?
Check the specs. on mine. On top of my head, I don't know what they are:( But the one that I am succesfully flying is by Watt-age. Check your LHS it's $89.99 save post charge, or get it at hobby people.
Herr, has a good Piper, their Brezzy Day park flyer, Herr also has the 1/4A Piper about 50" (I think or could it be 48") House of Balsa's has the micro Cub, that too is a good Cub. Watt-age 400EP (One that I like:) ) Hanger 9.
That's all the Piper Cub's that I have been following, in terms of having good reviews:)
redrunner
06-23-2002, 06:17 PM
Hey 2NG,
How is the Hobby Lobby version?
I am thinking on ordering it right now?
$29.00!
Hobby Lobby? has it for $29+ which one?
redrunner
06-23-2002, 06:27 PM
2NG
The super cub speed 400 kit.
It says that it is a Breezy day flyer!
Are you sure that they have them for $29.00 for a speed 400? Balsa? I can find it:(
redrunner
06-23-2002, 06:30 PM
Yap.
It is a piper cub. Red and White in color going on sale right now for only $29 bucks. (Hobby Lobby)
Post me the URL,,,,,,, HURRY!!! Before I used the money for groceries :D
flyinhigh
06-23-2002, 06:34 PM
Hello all
I have the Herr breezy day.and so far I have enjoyed putting it together.I am still waiting for Tower to send me the right U.S spec 110v covering iron so I can cover it.But maybe by next weekend Ill be able to tell you all how it flies:D
Whats this about a 29 dollar plane?Does it include any hardware?or will I haft to spend on that too?
Thanks
MIKE
redrunner
06-23-2002, 06:36 PM
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/index2.htm
Here is the site lad!
Red, Beat ya! to it. I ordered the thing. For that price? You must be crazy to let it go....... Got yours too? Post a pic. on the pic. section and let's post pic. From start to finish:)
flyinhigh
06-23-2002, 06:41 PM
Here goes a direct
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/supercub.htm
Looks good Id say
MIKE
468/f
06-23-2002, 06:46 PM
Hey,
It's the Super Cub. It's all built up. I have the kit, but have not built it. I think the wing is big.
Later,
Dave Robelen
06-23-2002, 06:51 PM
Hi Redrunner,
The HL Super Cub is a decent flyer with enough power. Their ads reccomend a 6 cell 650 mah battery. If you swap this for a 7 cell 500AR ni-cd, the bird becomes a sweet flyer. Weight is critical, use the materials they furnish, and avoid fitting large servos. It really is a nice airplane, just underpowered if you do it their way.
Regards, dave
flyinhigh
06-23-2002, 06:52 PM
Hey 2NG
you have got to be the most Cub lovin guy ever:D .you two guys post pics on the build up ...Please........thats a nice lookin plane.got me thinkin .maybe when my GF leaves the room I might take one hmmmmm;) kepp us informed on this one
MIKE
maybe when my GF leaves the room I might take one hmmmmm MAYBE? Are you a man, or are You a MAN !!! Kick her out of the room. hehehehe (jk:p ) Really, though, if you do, do it nicely:)
redrunner
06-23-2002, 10:54 PM
Hey 2NG!
I knew you couldn't resist! :cool:
I still am thinking on getting it, but have one never put together a balsa.
Just thinking on what other kinds of tools I might have to get to start building balsa.
Man!!!! some goooood eye candy though!
redrunner
06-23-2002, 11:17 PM
Ok...
I had to too!
Just ordered the super cub too!:)
6/23
I like the idea of posting the progress of these planes! Don't you guys?
I will be assembling the Cub with GWS Pico servos ESC, reciever and a 280mAh batt.
And I think that I have a couple 280 motors hanging around. But would like something a bit tougher!
flyinhigh
06-23-2002, 11:37 PM
Hey RedRunner
I think you need to check the specs on that plane again.It is a 400 meaning you better use at least a speed 400,and a bigger battery pack.Sorry but you know what this means now CHAAA-CHIIIING lol oh throw in a whole lot bigger of a speed control too.2NG has alot of experience with 400's so he should be able to tell you the proper stuff to get.
sorry to disapoint,but Good Luck on your shopping:D
MIKE :)
flyinhigh
06-23-2002, 11:44 PM
HEY 2NG
I am a MAN,but I am running out of hanger space uggg and with 3 planes and another one hopefully coming soon (that CESSNA)my room is starting to look like a kids room :D But just to let you know I did go to balsa products and stock up on lots of stuff for future planes;)
GRRRRRRRR
I impulse buy therefore I am a MAN!!!!!!
MIKE
I am a MAN Your a man, but YOU ARE THE MAN,lol (your cool, I like Mikey)
that CESSNA Which one, Doug's?
my room is starting to look like a kids room Heck with it, my computer room is now my airplane room. Think of it as this way, where the kid in it:p
Red,
hehehehe... Fyinhigh is fool'n with ya!:p It does add up:D but don't worry about it. ( Mike give'em a break:p )
ServoCity. com, got low prices on their servo's. For that Cub. Definitely, I will use Hitec HS 55. $19 each
Receiver. Probably FMA Feather or Hitec 555 5-Channel FM Micro Receiver - FMA $40+ / Hitec - $35+
ESC - Watt-age IC-15
Motor - 480, GB 1.7 ratio
Battery - 600AE or RRC 1000 (NIHM same weight as 600AE's)
Lighting holes in the fuse, if kit is solid, and on the tails, if solid.
Of course battery hatch, and ailerons modification:) This kit, I would imagine will come in a full wing configuration, and not like Watt-age 400EP (folding wings) Dave Robelen gave me the full run down on the mods. for doing it. I'll copy and paste, as soon, as our construction begins:) and I'll try to get 468/f into it. RogerDoger? How about it?
The Hobby Lobby Cub's spec's is like Watt-age Cub 400EP don't worry. My Herr Cub was successful, until me GB flew with the Cub in mid air. Watt-age has a motor and GB in one (For Impress and Ezette motor).
Watt-age GB is noisy, and that noise gives the Cub a scale like sound. I would like to get a Watt-age Cobalt, but nobody is talking about it yet:( Mike Greenfield sent me an email, but still no word of it's success, but I'll let you in, as so, as I get a report from a friend of mine (Xterra).
As long, as you keep the weight down on the kit, and system, and experiment with different batts. not exceeding 7 and 8 cell your good to go.
I still am thinking on getting it, but have one never put together a balsa. Have you put a puzzle together? It's like that, but the thrill of flying it when it's done is great:D
Tools, I collected bunch, but start with HL recomendations. Over a period of time you going to collect and collect some more, until you have no room for them:D
It's now or never Red, eventually your gonna go balsa, and what a great way to start it with, than building a PIPER J-3 CUB:)
Dave R. and 468/f, I'm sure can give the two of us pointer and assistance here and there:)
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