HPA

Has anyone tried the setup that George White explains in this post (http://www.flyingacesclub.com/PFFT/DTSetupUsingButtonTimer.pdf) which I found on the Flying Aces website? 

It seems like a good way of ensuring that the tension from the bands on the tailplane that move it into the 45 degree deployed position does not influence the tension that runs the timer (either button or tube variety) and a good deal simpler and lighter than a mousetrap style.  However, if something seems too good to be true it may well be.  So reports of real world experience would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance

Jmk89 -

I have experience with all manner of DT systems for outdoor free flight models, except for the fuse DT, which is not used in the western US due to fire hazards. I have explained how to build a fuse DT system in detail in a post under the general P-30 topic.

The viscous damper DT system described and illustrated in the George White article you referenced suffers from problems with the wrapping of the DT line that leads to the TE of the stab around the peg to prevent the stab from creeping upwards. Monofilament fishing line forms a permanent curve and will sometimes not allow the DT to trigger. Other DT lines such as Kevlar and cotton thread also sometimes do not allow the DT to trigger.

It is much better to use a "mouse trap" mechanism to decouple the spring force that rotates the viscous damper from the line that holds down the TE of the stab.

My YouTube video gives a detailed explanation of this system. Here is the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdr_uRYuYCE

George White was a very prominent modeler in his day, especially with Old Time Rubber Models if my memory serves me correctly.

Thank you for your inquiry. This is exactly what this website facilitates, namely, the exchange of modeling ideas and techniques by participants around the world.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful reply, Cal.

I have two candidates lined up for d/t installations - one is a 1960's coupe d'hiver, the other a KK Senator.  I might use a mousetrap for the coupe and see how the peg system works on the Senator ( loss of which will not tragify me!)

I'll report back with real world experiences when they happen!