RedEDGE2k1

I'm still trying to figure out which aerobatic kit I want to build this fall/winter. I definitely want an aerobatic plane, but I do not have the storage space (or patience) for a large scale plane. Anything over 20% scale is too big...and even that's pushing it. I would really like to keep things in the .40 size range, but I'm learning thats going to be difficult considering the type of plane I want to build. I really like the Edge 540, Extra 260/300/330 etc.

Long story short, I'm trying to decide between the Great Planes Extra 300 .40 kit or the D&L Designs Edge 540 kit. Here are my thoughts:

GP Extra 300 .40

Pros
Size
Overall cost
Proven Great Planes kit quality

Cons
Might be "too easy" to build for me...I want more challenge at this point

D&L Designs Edge 540 .60

Pros
Built to scale
Looks
From reviews I've read, it sounds like a more challenging build than the GP kit

Cons
Kit price ($200 shipped)
Size (increased costs overall, storage issues)


What do you guys think? Basically, I live in a townhome in the heart of Atlanta so I don't have a lot of space to build/store a plane. Trust me, if I lived in the country with a runway in my backyard I would be looking at the 33% scale models. But that's just not the case and it will have to wait. For now I need something smaller, but hopefully equally as fun to build & fly.

Take care!
Dustin

krayzc-RCU

My Feedback: (31)

u baller u need them both

smithcreek

My Feedback: (25)

You're not considering the GP .60 size Extra 300S? At $109 or less, a lot less than the D & L, but I have no experience with D & L, are they that good?

RedEDGE2k1

I am considering the .60 sized Extra 300, but the wingspan is 6" longer than the .40 size. Do they fly the same? Or is the .60 better/more realistic?

funflyer10203

My Feedback: (1)

If you haven't started yet. I built the DL Designs Edge, but the 80" wing version. It came in at 15lbs dry.

I enjoyed the build, the plans were excellent, and the included instructions were helpful, including the pictures.

I built mine more as a short kit, everything alacarte, wood from Tower, cowl from Fiberglass Specialties, landing grar from Doug etc....

And its a wonderful flying airplane!

SPLIT S

Here's my GP Extra 40 size. The build, while not overly challenging was fun. I think the challenge in any build is just doing your best - straight and true and paying attention to the small details. Shows in the finished product. I lost this one last year but it's replacement is in the final stages now.

Dan

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

I have never built anything from D&L either so I can't say what they are like. I'm just starting to hear things about them and so far so good, still haven't seen or flown one.
I am an Extra guy though and so far every size I have flown will fly about the same, no surprises except the Patty. I have a 30% Patty and it was full of little surprises.
The GP 40 Extra is a good flying machine but I like the 60 size better. It is smoother and tracks well plus easier to see. The old addage, bigger fly's better has a lot of truth to it.
I ran into a storage problem myself and ended up making hanging racks in my shop.

deckerr

I'm building this plane (D&L Edge 540 80"). What size servos did you use in the wings, and throughout the plane?

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Once I go into the 80 inch range I go right to gas power and bigger servos. I have a lot of older JR and Hitec servos over 100 inch pounds but today you have better choices. It depends a lot on the type of flying you want to do. IMAC type of flying doesn't require as strong of servo as 3-D. This is one of those times I tell my old students to buy the best they can afford. Go onto Servo Citys web site and see what you can get and check out the prices. That will help you decide.

brenthampton79

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8351043/tm.htm

above is my build of the extra 40 if interested and the things i have done to it I really like this plane a lot and wish they still made the kit, but the plane is just an awsome little flier, I am currently working on the gp .60 size and plan to put a dle 20cc gasser on it since its the same weight as a 120 fourstroke saito and also the same money as a 95 two stroke ax o.s. but I have never had the other plane but I really like the 40 and am sure the .60 will be as good if not better