lorhd2005

My Feedback: (9)

just trying to get more opinions on this plane ,i have read a few posta on this and also reviews,just want some more input on this, does anybody actually have one of these.

Ed Couch

I've test flown three different examples and have about a dozen flights total on both electric and gas. All fly extremely well. An excellent second and third aircraft or a great yank and bank item to take to the field. Can't say much more about it than that. ed

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I flew this plane for Geoff Barber when he shot the video tape for his review in RCU Magazine. It's one of the best planes I've ever had the pleasure of flying.

lorhd2005

My Feedback: (9)

thanks minnflyer

Charlie P.

Just putting one together now and the only complaint I have so far is that the blind nuts for the Nylon wing bolts are so loose a fit to the 10-32 bolts that I could lift the wing off after they are set in place! I pressed out the originals and set 10-32 DuBro brass bushings in their place. $2.00 fix. One side was so bad the bolt never did seat - it just popped out of the threads. Might have cost me the model in a snap roll.

Still, it has been the most complete ARF I've owned to date. Hinges & control horns all installed and the covering is top notch. The spinner doesn't match the covering even to my "color deficient" eyes, but otherwise they do a good job.

Charlie P.

Outstanding. Just a joy to fly so far. I balanced to the forward recommended point and it was way nose heavy but still flew otherwise well. Needed seven clicks of up elevator from a flat trim for level flight at 3/4 throttle. I have a TT Pro-46 in mine and it moves it right along with an 11 X 6 APC. I have since set the C.G. to 3-1/4" back but haven't flown her with that yet.

Very predictable and stable. I am liking her very much for a"Sunday Flier" and look forward to skis and floats. The wheel pants seem to be a good design. Usually I don't fly them at our grass field but had no problems with these.

First ARF ever that I did not have to do any covering smoothing out of the box or even after a day in the sun. None. Used all provided hardware without additions except for the wing-bolt inserts mentioned above and a fuel filler "dot" in the cowl. Only problem so far was the fuel tank moving and causing throttle issues (had trouble with a wandering idle due to the tank pushing down on the throtte rod). Solved that with a simple cross-brace and some foam rubber. Nice touch having an access hatch onder the tank area. I always build that in with my kits.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Charlie, this thing is amazing on floats. On floats, it still flies as well as it does on wheels

ARTP47

Just did the maiden on the saratoga nice flying air plane.

Minnflyer have trusted you for a long time when you said the saratoga was a nicer plane I when out and bought it. As always you where right on the money just have to finnish my ultra sport 60 now.

Thanks

RICMOD5634

I have one I got last year and the floats. Flies great and the same with the floats. I weas surprized that the CG didn't change with the addtion of floats OS46 in mine. The wing bolts on mine where also really lose and could not use them. I bought the black ones with the hex head and can get a good hold with those. Hd a little warp in the stabilizer, but twisted it while using heat gun and held till cool and was done. Covering has stayed nice and tight.

bikerbc

I am on my second Saratoga...I think this is one of the best planes I have ever flowen..Both on and off floats..I did have to rebalance mine...I had to add 1 oz to each float..I am running an OS 55 AX on mine but I think an OS 46 AX would be better..I almost never run the 55 wide open...The Saratoga makes me look like a good pilot and I like that.. Its a nice looking plane too. I like how you can switch it from wheels to floats in just a few mins...Its really fun to fly ....

BEAR-AvHistory

Well designed, nice build.

gmeyer-RCU

My Feedback: (9)

I have something similar a BH model's sprinter it took a little extra work as I had to change the engine mount BUT the plane flies GREAT

billmay

My Feedback: (1)

I'm surprised there isn't more active discussion on this plane. Perhaps it's less popular than some because of the price but this is one easy flying plane.Put mine together recently and only have three flights on it but it's certainly a lot easier to land than my Great Planes Escapade (glides in easily for a landing).Anyway, here are a couple of pics.

Bill

ita47

My Feedback: (5)

I just bought a Saratoga, got a good deal on it. This will replace the Escapade that I crashed (rookie mistake, trying to do a role too close to the ground). All the reviews I have read on this plane have been nothing but positive. Ihaven't recieved min yet, but I can't wait to get it in the air. Has anyone mounted a Magnum XLS46 two stroke or a Magnum XL70 four stroke on this plane? I was just wondering if everything lined up with the stock engine mount location.

Spridal

My Feedback: (17)

I'm on my second Saratoga. The first was setup for elecric power and it was ok. Isold it and moved on to other planes (50cc gassers). I decided Iwanted a plane that Icould fly off the lake so Ipurchased a second one but this time installed an OS55ax. I have about 20 break-in flights on her and it is waaaaaay better as a nitro model. I have'nt flown off water yet but I'm sure it will be fine. Great model... a keeper for sure.

Charlie P.

Definately a keeper. I've been flying mine over a year and it has held up beautifullyand is still a sweet flier. A real honey.

Have the Hanger 9 floats, but have yet to get them wet (which is ironic as we have had 8" of rain in the last 18 hours and I may be able to float it in the basement).

ita47

My Feedback: (5)

Spridal,
When you mounted your OS55ax were you able to use the engine mount in the stock location? Were any modifications necessary?

ita47

My Feedback: (5)

I got my Saratoga Saturday. What a nice looking plane. I don't think I will have to iron any of the covering it looks great right out of the box. I also picked up a OS 46AX for it, I hope it will mount up without modification. I also have some new Hitec HS-425BB servo's ordered for it. I think this is going to be a really sweet plane. For those of you that have already built one, is there anything I need to look out for during assembly or any modifications that should be made? I will check the fit of the wing bolts as mentioned by Charlie.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Just build it as is. The 46AX will be perfect for it

Charlie P.

Definately check the wing bolts (mine may have been a fluke) but otherwise leave it as is.  The factory connectors are good quality and nicely thought out and you will be rewarded by keeping it light.

carp_886

I have had mine about 6 months now.....great plane ...flies very nice....I also change out the wing bolts....

billmay

My Feedback: (1)

I didn't have any problem with the wing bolts on mine (they are 1/4-20 wing bolts).However, and I think this might have been mentioned before, the elevator and rudder push rods were binding where they exited the rear of the fuselage. I just used a small round file on the openings until they operated more smoothly. Other than that, the assembly went well and the plane is great! This has to be one of the most completely pre-assembled ARF's available and goes together very quickly. I'm sure you will enjoy yours.

Bill

bikerbc

One thing I have been finding with my Saratoga is the covering dosent like the water... It is starting to let go almost every time I fly off the water. There is very little overlap on the seams...I flys so well its too bad the covering isnt a little better. I have seen a few other Saratogas with the same problem.I have been using ca glue to seal the seams and keep it going that way but I am going to have to recover this winter...The plane is worth a recover for sure. It is one of the best flying planes I have ever had the pleasure of flying...

ita47

My Feedback: (5)

Is anyone running a Macs muffler on their Saratoga? I am curious if it will fit and what it looks like. This is the muffler I am talking about. If you have one please post a picture.

emilmendoza

I have one Saratoga, with the OS46 AX and the MACS muffler. The Macs fit fine in the "normal" position of the engine, I don´t use any muffler extension for it. Sorry, but this is the only picture that I havethat show the MACS.
One of the best planes for sunday relax morning.It´s a pleasure in the air, only thing that I change were the bolts of the landing gear, I put nylon bolts for it, for me is better to change two bolts and maybe a little of covering that break the fuselage.