Paperlad

I had a 'dead corner' on my layout so I've created a small diorama with an interpretation of Tifield. There's defo a chunk of modellers licence going on but I wanted a spot to show off these fabulous models. The station building is a Peco lasercut kit.

The short answer is, I don’t know and until the question was posted here I’ve never really thought about it - but I’ll find out. Perhaps with big stuff there’s enough inertia in the rudder (and other control surfaces) to prevent any ‘flapping’ around or maybe the hydraulic actuators provide sufficient damping to stop any unwanted movement of the control surfaces? There would be little benefit with using traditional gust locks on a ‘fly-by-wire’ aircraft as there is no mechanical (cables or rods) connection between controls and moving surfaces. Also from my PPL and instructing days we always tied the seatbelt around the yoke (with into-wind aileron) to act as a basic control lock - didn’t help with the rudder though. Even when I was flying the Embraer 145 we had an electro-mechanical gust lock that we engaged after each flight. It was positioned around the thrust levers so you couldn’t get airborne with the locks still engaged - that would really spoil your day and require lots of paperwork😂 EMB 145 gust lock arrangement.

The first picture is (slightly) interesting in that the main subject aircraft (A330) the rudder is deflected to the right but the two aircraft in the background (Triple 7’s) both rudders are deflected to the left. Wind deflection, system differences, alien activity? Anyone’s guess🙄 When I get round to it, I’ll ask one of my chums who’s still flying the ‘Bus. P.L. I just realised that ‘pilotman’ already pointed out the above, I really should pay more attention.

Some possible scenarios regarding rudder position whilst aircraft ‘on stand’: A) Aircraft on stand, parking brake set, engines shut down but APU (auxiliary power unit) running. The essential hydraulics system would be pressurised and the rudder will be hydraulically held in the neutral (centred) position. B) Aircraft on stand, parking brake set, engines shut down, APU off but GPU (ground power unit) connected and energised. Most ground required hydraulics remain pressurised and rudder held in the centred position. C) Aircraft on stand, parking brake set, engines shut down, APU off, GPU connected but not energised (or not connected), batteries off - essentially a dead aircraft. Any required ground hydraulic services eg. brakes, doors, hatches etc., activated through hydraulic accumulator(s). Rudder would be free to move according to the wind direction and strength. The question remains regarding the rudder position in the ‘dead aircraft’ scenario. Does it deflect according to any wind force before any gust locks engage? I dunno what the answer is and without access to any Airbus manuals I can’t give a definitive answer, it’s also nearing six years since I last flew one - recollections my vary🤣 Can’t comment on Boeing, never flown one. PS. It’s unlikely to be temperature related. Further edit: Having chatted to a current ‘bus pilot it would seem that I’m wrong (again😂). After engine shut down and after the system hydraulic pressure has ‘ebbed’ away the rudder is free to move according to the wind, irrespective of APU/GPU being used. Every day is a school day.

A350-1041 from my old outfit, pictured in Feb 2018 when it was new. Rudder is defo centred and as far as I recall this is the default position but things could have changed since I stopped flying.

The announcement appeared on my F/book feed and my first thought was “here we go, another scam/hack/wind-up”. What a shock to find that it’s genuine. I guess that I’m a relative newby but in the 20 years or so that I’ve been a customer I have nothing but praise for all the people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet. A truly sad day in the world of model railways. You all have my best wishes for the future. Regards. P.L.

I finally got around to trying the CV settings that you suggested, unfortunately it’s still not responding. Many thanks for the tips all the same. PL.

Other 'stuff' in the same barn. They were all squished up so difficult to get a good picture.

Anyone know what this is? It's just sat in a barn outside Grassington and the owner tells me that it dates back to WWII when some then old cars were converted as 'tractors'.

Many thanks for the information. I’ve been running the loco with a non sound, Lenz decoder, I’ll swop it back to the ESU and give it a try.

Tornado F3. We were passing Leuchars today and being an ex piloty peeps, I stopped and peered through the fence to look at the gate guardian, only to be invited in to get a close up. Happy days.

My I.W&D version arrived this affy, it’s currently chuffing away quite happily as it runs in. Definitely worth the wait, many thanks for a great model.

Many thanks for the update. PL.

Hi all, Is there any update on delivery schedule for the sound fitted models? I appreciate that there are difficulties with decoder supply but any info would be appreciated. Many thanks. PL

Thanks woodehead, that makes perfect sense, I was obviously getting into tizz over nothing. Now all I’ve got to do is explain to the domestic supervisor why I’ve go two new loco’s that won’t fit on my layout🤔. I have until Mondays delivery to come up with a ruse! PL.