Scioly.org

Hi, I'm competing in Wright Stuff Division B and I had a few questions pertaining to the rubber band. In all the videos and designs I have looked at there are always a very long rubber band and I was wondering is it a special type of rubber band? Are there any things I need like lubrication for the rubber band to make my device perform better? Please help.

Please see the linked posts: http://www.scioly.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 84#p302491. Lubricant (a popular choice is Armor All) is advised as it prevents knots and allows more efficient energy storage and usage.

asah3121,

Congratulations on your research so far. If you want to become a quick expert on Wright Stuff, read the previous year's wikis. It doesn't take that long to read as many of the comments are short. You can skim the wiki to find extensive explanations for many details you will need to be successful in Wright Stuff.

Good luck and good research!

Brian T.
AMA member since 1972 (off and on)
SO Wright Stuff, Elastic Launch Glider and Helicopter Coach

Does anyone know fo a good source for rubber? It seems my teams breaks after 1000 winds even after lubing.

freed2003 wrote:Does anyone know fo a good source for rubber? It seems my teams breaks after 1000 winds even after lubing.

FAI Tans Super Sport rubber is commonly used.

Jeff Anderson wrote: Rubber isn't very pricey, FAI Tans Super Sport (from FAI Model Supply, the source for Dave's rubber and all true competition rubber) 1/4 lb is $10 plus shipping and will make you 70 motors or so. 1/2 lb is only $15, 140 motors!

Also need to know more. What type of rubber are you using now. Width? How's it been stored?
Good rubber (Tan Super Sport is GOOD rubber, occasionally great) of appropriate width for this years planes should be able to take many more turns.
Wider rubber of 1.5 gm won't.
Poorly stored rubber (rubber hates heat, sunlight, ozone).

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

Thanks for the feedback. I don't know how the rubber is stored so I'll ask my coach later.
Can you give an estimate on how long it'll take for the rubber to ship

Is the Sil-slick lube from fai model supply good?

I read somewhere that FAI Tan SS rubber comes with some talc powder rubbed on it and that you should wash the rubber to get the powder off. I couldn't find anything to back this up, so i was wondering if this is true.

ripharambe2k16 wrote:I read somewhere that FAI Tan SS rubber comes with some talc powder rubbed on it and that you should wash the rubber to get the powder off. I couldn't find anything to back this up, so i was wondering if this is true.

My partner and I (and the team) have never done that. We just cut it, tie, and lube it. However, talc powder is connected with cancer and thus be careful interacting with it. Usually, it is used to absorb moisture and cut down on friction. Putting water on rubber is a no-no generally due to friction but I would say not to wash it off. Testing each with a torque meter is your best bet however.