E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

E-flite has expertly re-created the rugged good looks and flight behavior of the full-scale Stearman PT-17 with this easy-to-assemble 15-size model that is a joy to fly. It comes out of the box constructed of balsa and light plywood and covered in an authentic early-WWII UtlraCote® trim scheme. Other scale touches include a painted fiberglass cowl, painted fiberglass landing gear fairings, and a great-looking 9-cylinder dummy radial engine. Assembly is remarkably simple thanks to the plug-in wings and bolt-on interplane struts. E-flite’s even included specially designed jigs that allow you to keep the upper and lower wing halves connected for easier transport and storage.

In the air, the [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2950]Stearman PT-17[/link] 15e’s flat-bottom airfoils and light wing loading translate into exceptionally scale-like flight characteristics that everyone from intermediate to advanced pilots will instantly fall in love with. Originally used as a primary trainer for the U.S. Army Air Corps in the days leading up to WWII, the Stearman PT-17 had numerous post-war roles from crop duster to air show star, making it one of the most recognizable biplanes among the general public to this day.

Key Features:[ul][*] Can be assembled and flight ready in just a few evenings[*] Large magnetic hatch for easy access to electronics[*] Plug-in wings speed assembly[*] Includes wing jig for easy transport and storage[*] Realistic 9-cylinder dummy radial engine[*] Painted fiberglass landing gear fairings[*] Authentic pre-WWII UltraCote® trim scheme[*] Painted fiberglass cowl
[/ul]
Specifications:[ul][*] Wingspan:44.0 in (1120mm)[*] Overall Length:35.0 in (890mm)[*] Wing Area:608 sq in (37.5 sq dm)[*] Flying Weight:3.5–3.8 lb (1.5–1.7 kg)[*] Motor Size:Power 15[*] Radio:4-channel[*] Servos:JR SPORT MN48 (2)(JSP20040) and JR SPORT MC35 (2)(JSP20030)[*] Trim Scheme Colors:HANU875 Sky Blue, HANU872 Bright Yellow[*] Prop Size:APC 12x6E electric prop[*] Hardware Included:Yes[*] Speed Control :40-Amp Pro Brushless ESC (EFLA1040)[*] Recommended Battery:3200mAh 3S 11.1V Li-Po battery EFLB32003S[*] Approx. Flying Duration:12–15 minutes[*] Scale:yes[*] Approx. Assembly Time:6–8 hours[/ul]

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The parts are well protected in the box using custom compartments, sub-boxes, and bags. I did not find a single wrinkle on any of the covered pieces. The beautifully painted fiberglass scale cowl was additionally wrapped in foam in its own box, which also served to protect the delicate windows.

The pre-painted fiberglass landing gear fairings come already built with the wheels attached. The 32-page manual is loaded with clear photos and instructions, continuing the tradition of E-flite excellence!

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

A closer look at the fuselage reveals the incredible detail in building it light and strong. The decals are already applied and the cockpit painted. The hatch is held in place by two strong magnets in the back portion.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The power system components for the Stearman PT-17 include the following items:[ul][*] E-flite [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLM4015A]Power 15[/link] Brushless Outrunner Motor[*] E-flite [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLA1040]40-amp Pro[/link] Brushless ESC[*] E-flite [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLB32003S]3-cell 3200mAh 20C[/link] Lipo Pack[*] APC [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=APC12060E]12x6[/link] e-prop
[/ul]The receiver and servos used are:[ul][*] Spektrum DSM2 [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPMAR6200]AR6200[/link] 6-channel Receiver[*] Two JR Sport [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=JSP20040]MN48[/link] Mini Servos for Rudder and Elevator[*] Two JR Sport [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=JSP20030]MC35[/link] Micro Servos for the ailerons
[/ul]

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Hey Greg,
It's good to see you reviewing this one. I have 15 flights on mine right now and it's a beautiful thing! I often find myself just watching it as it floats by. Your going to love flying this plane. I found it to be the best build of an ARF in a long time as well.

One thing to note from experience~ I DO NOT recommend flying this plane at the furthest CG point of 3 3/4 inches. It flys around with it's tail down and the elevator is touchy. Most fly this plane @ 3 1/2 inches or forward.

This plane is an absolute winner!

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Glad to hear all is good with the E-Flite Stearman. Mine is due to arrive tomorrow, the 27th. Looking forward to the build. How much weight did it take to balance?

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Mine took 3.1 ounces but epoxied to the fiberglass cowl instead of the dummy cylinders.

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Thanks.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Hi Jay,

Thanks for the tip. I finally got to start building mine after finishing some EDF jet repairs.

The first step of the assembly is to install the two JR Sport MN48 mini servos for elevator and rudder control.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The horizontal stab, elevator, rudder, and tailwheel all installed exactly as described in the manual. I had no problems following the detailed photos and descriptions. Thin CA was used to glue the stab in place as well as the hinge material. An Allen wrench is supplied to secure the tailwheel assembly.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Greg,
I got a opportunity to get some pictures of Waldo Wrights flying Service's Stearman here at the Kalamazoo Airzoo. After I got some detailed pictures they set me up on the ramp to get some perspective shots of my E-Flite Stearman. They were so helpful and the pictures turned out great! E-Flite did a wonderful job on this plane making it very scale and also a wonderful flier[8D] Your going to love getting air under her wings;)

This plane flies so well that I have no problem fly it after putting so many scale details on it.

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

I was wondering if anybody had to use more than the 2-4 oz. weight for balancing this model. I used a little over 6.5 ozs. to balance it at the 3.5 inch reccomendation. She flys extremely well at scale-like speeds. I had the GWS PT-17 and it was a blast to just watch. I had been hoping that somebody would market a balsa ARF model. I am glad that E-Flite put this great model out.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

There are a few have used that amount to balance. No worries.

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Jay,

Very impressive detailing! I had to look twice to see which one was the E-flite model.

The rudder and elevator pushrod installation went according to the manual with a few minor changes. Use a 5/64" bit instead of a 1/16" bit to enlarge the servo arm holes for the pushrod. Also, the amount of turning to get the clevis in the correct position warranted cutting of 1/4" of the threaded ends of each pushrod.

All the hardware is included in the kit and the pushrods are already bent for the servo arms.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The landing gear and cabane strut installation was very easy. All the t-nuts are pre-installed so you simply screw it together after dabbing a small amount of thread locker on each screw.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Page 8 step 17 shows the tailwheel assembly flush with the bottom of the fuselage. I cut the bottom of the tail wheel rod down to accompolish this. That way the rudder hinges will not have to absorb the shock of a hard landing. Everything else went together real well.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Hellcat,

I did the exact same thing as mine had about an 1/8 to remove so the fuse took the shock of the tail wheel. I took the Dremel to it and then made a new flat spot. Good call.

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

What pilot do you have in your plane? Looks really good.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

He's Capt' James T. Kirk from Toys R Us. He fit the profile but his clothes needed a good paint job, LOL. The American flag patch came from a die cast SR-71 I had sitting on the shelf. I cut him using my scroll saw:D The headset is all hand made using balsa for the headphones and the strap across the top is a piece of stretched heat shrink tubing. The mic is a piece of strapping of the packaging holding James in place and the comm wire is braided fishing line wrapped tightly around a pin and then CA'd in place. I've been laid off since late April so I've had a lot of time on my hands:):eek:

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The aileron installation uses two JR Sport MC35 Micro servos. The servos are first mounted to the hatch using the supplied blocks and then screwed in place on the bottom wing halves.

Strings are installed in the wing halves to help pull the control cables to the ends. The ailerons are secured using thin CA and the linkages are installed using the same technique as the rudder and elevator. The difference here is that the control horn screws do not go through the ailerons for a cleaner look.

The 5/64" drill bit was used again instead of a 1/16" bit to open the outer servo arm holes. Other than this drill bit size error, the manual instructions are flawless.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Do you think it will be necessary to cut some cooling holes in the front of the cowl to cool the esc? In Las Vegas, it is very hot now days. I would also recommend you install the velcro battery strap before mounting the center wing. It is very difficult to get both hands in the battery compartment with the center wing installed. Just my opinion.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The motor and ESC installation is also well described in the manual. The important areas here are to select the correct spacer lengths, as there are two sizes in the bag, and use thread locker on the x-mount screws and 1" Allen bolts to prevent them from vibration loose in flight.

The E-flite 40-amp Pro Brushless ESC is held in place using hook and loop tape. I used my own Industrial Strength Velcro here. The motor/ESC wires are then secured using your own cable ties.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The fiberglass cowl installed easily using the paper strip guide technique in the manual. I cut the four strips needed from the backing on the E-flite ESC packaging. The cowl is positioned by hand and then marked for the exact hole placement.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The wings are simply pressed into place and secured with 4-40 x 3/8" Allen bolts. Both top and bottom wings are supported by carbon tubes and aligned by pins in the center section.

The interplane struts (shaped like the letter "N") and pre-mounted metal lugs in the wing panels were already pre-drilled and tapped to accept the 4-40 x 1/4" Allen bolts. I used a single JR Sport (JSP98020) 6" Y-Harness to connect the two servo wires to the aileron channel on the receiver.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Greg, just completed my Eflite PT-17 Stearman. The Kit was excellent, instructions very clear. Kudos to the Eflite Staff for such a fine plane. My plane balanced out at 3.5 inches from LE and
did not require additional weight. I used the following materials:

1. Eflite Power 15 motor
2. Eflite 40 Pro Switching Bec Speed Controller
3. 3S 5000 mah lithium pack from Max Amps
4. APC-E 12 X 6 Electric Prop
5. 4 Hitec HS-82 Metal Gear servos
6. Hitec Supreme RX

This produces 102 watts per lb., and 76 ounces of thrust for a 64 ounce plane which gives 90 degree climbout if needed.
Cruising time of around 18 minutes. Have attached a few photos. Lee:D:D:D

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

in the video i saw on the PT-17 it looked to me like it was underpowered. has anyone tried this plane with a 25, and if so what was the results.

Thanks, Stef

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

It's not under powered with the 15 by any means. They throttled it back for more "scale" looking flight. It will run great on the APC 12x6e.

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Thanks Jay. i think i am going to use a 25 with a 4 cell battery. i will post results

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Lee,

Thanks for the alternate pack information. I was wondering if a heavier 5AH pack might do it. Was your pack any special shape or just a regular flat pack from 5"-6" long? I'll be using the stock 3.2AH E-flite pack and 3oz of lead weight in the cowl for my review.

Stef,

100w/lb is plenty of power for the Stearman. Keep in mind that this is not an Ultimate or Pitts muscle bipe but rather a scale biplane from the WWII era. It was the first of a three phase training regimen for fighter pilots. The progression typically went from Stearman to AT-6 to Corsair.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
E-flite has included specially designed wing jigs that hold the upper and lower halves in place as you slide them on. When it comes time to pack everything up and head for home, the jigs will allow you to leave the upper and lower halves connected for simpler transport and storage.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

E-flite offers the ([link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLA150]EFLA150[/link]) 1/9 Military Pilot as an option to use in the Stearman. The windows and pilot were glued in place using Pacer Formula 560 canopy glue.

I only had one pilot on hand so hopefully I put it in the right spot for a solo flight or the scale guys will be on my case again. :)

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Greg, the 3S 5000 mah Max Amps pack is fairly standard, between 5-6 inches. When balancing the Stearman, the nose is even, not tilting downwards. Should Bi-planes have their noses tilting slightly downward after
balancing, or simply parallel to the ground? Lee.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

For you guys that like nostalgic stuff. Here are three original training videos for the Stearman. I really got a kick out of watching them. It reminded me of watching the projector movies in science class, LOL!

http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/StearmanNS2html.html

For those running a Power 25 and 3s try a Xoar 13x6... you won't be sorry;)

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Lee,

You have it right...nose even with the tail.

Jay,

Awesome link! Thanks for sharing.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The components were placed per the manual recommendation. My extra satellite receiver was positioned between the two servos. Note that the battery pack is held by Velcro on the bottom as well as a strap.

The APC 12x6 e-prop seems like a good fit and my initial run up to full throttle revealed plenty of power!

My photo postings are actually behind my true progress. I will be test flying the Stearman today so I'll have flying photos and a video soon.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

I don't have much time to post today so here is one photo from yesterday's test flying. As Jay proclaimed earlier, the Stearman looks and flies fantastic!

The only thing interesting we noticed, so please add your comments, was that when landing the Stearman, the elevator control was sometimes blanked out by the air over the wing. This caused a slight dampening effect where we would feed it elevator until it reacted so you will see a slight pitch change when landing. We should be able to see this effect on some of the video landings that I will post next week. Other than that, the Stearman flies great will plenty of authority which we will show on several hammer-head maneuvers.

Have a great Labor Day!

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Great pic Greg!

I haven't noticed anything on landing other than the controls get mushy as usually when settling in for a 3 point. Interesting though. I may have a more aft CG then you giving more pitch authority at the slower speeds... maybe?

23 flights total right now and just Loving it;)

Blessings,

Jay

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

The last step of the assembly was to check the CG. The manual recommends 2oz to 4oz of lead weight to obtain proper balance.

I added 3oz of lead to the inside of the cowl to get my Stearman to balance right in the middle of the suggested CG range.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

My Stearman PT-17 was Ready-To-Fly at 61.4oz (3.8lbs) including the 9.4oz E-flite 3s 3200mAh LiPo pack. The power system measured 420 watts at 36 amps which gave me a strong 109w/lb.

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

That is a handsome aircraft. Great pictures!

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Thanks. The Stearman is very photogenic. Here are few more flying photos. I hope to have the video posted by Thursday.

flying photos by "Papa Jeff" Ring

RE: E-flite Stearman PT-17 15e ARF
 

Well i finished the PT-17 and flew it today. i used an E-Flite power 25 with an E-Flite 60 amp speed controler, 4cell hyperon 3300 MAH 14.8v lipo. the plane balanced out perfectly @ 3.5" with no extra weight.  i was ble to hang the plane on its prop and vertical takeoffs were no problem. i was able to get almost 20 minutes flying time on one charge at about 25% to 30% throtel. Really glad i went this way.</p>