Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
Hi,
I'm reviewing the J-3 Cub 25 ARF from E-flite at Horizon Hobby. The J3 Cub has great scale appearance and performance which include scale ailerons. The ARF model is built from quality balsa and light ply construction making for a sturdy, lightweight airframe that handles incredibly well in most any flying situation. The firewall is set up for use with an outrunner motor, such as E-flite’s Power 25, making a perfect power match for the airframe. Optional floats add a new dimension to the scale flying experience, and the one-piece wing allows for easy transportation to and from virtually any flying field, pond or lake. The model can be flown with either a 10-cell NiCd/NiMH pack or 3-cell Lithium pack.
Key Features:
Outstanding scale detail, including the factory-painted fiberglass cowl with molded engine detail
Scale aileron design sets the E-flite J-3 Cub apart from other 25-size electric Cubs on the market
E-flite's optional 25-size floats are easy to assemble and attach to the J-3 Cub, and offer thrilling performance during water taxi and take-off
Built-in float mounts
Removable one-piece wing for fast transition to the flying field
Factory-painted landing gear with authentic Cub wheel caps
Quality balsa and light-ply construction, and genuine Ultracoat covering
Outrunner-ready firewall—perfect match for E-flite’s Power 25 Outrunner, 870 Kv
Flies great with LiPo (THP42003S2PPL) or Ni-MH (EFLB4010) packs
Specifications:
Wing Span: 62 inches (1575 mm)
Overall Length: 35.5 inches (900 mm)
Flying Weight: 4.0 - 4.25 lbs (1.8 - 1.9 kg)
Motor Size: Recommended: E-flite Power 25 Outrunner (EFLM4025A) - not included
Radio: Minimum Requried: 4 channels - not included
Servos: Required: 4 Mini Servos - not included Recommended: 4 JR Sport MN-48 (JSP20040)
Trim Scheme Colors: UltraCote Cub Yellow (HANU884) & Black (HANU874)
Posts: 6968
Joined: 7/9/2004 From: SomewhereIn,
PA, USA Status: offline
Greg, I'm onboard. Mine should be here this week. I didn't see any mention of tail wheel steering, gotta have it.
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Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
My rule is to typically build it and fly it stock first unless there is a blatant problem. We'll see if it has sufficient ground steering on grass and/or pavement...then it gets some floats.
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
The J3 Cub 25 came very well packaged and each part was individually wrapped in plastic. The covering looked great and the 51 page manual was very well written with plenty of photos.
Although the Cub came already trimmed with decals, the kit provides an extra sheet for the various brand names.
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
I removed the individual plastic bags and found the control surfaces were taped to their respective part of the plane. Everything was already painted and looked great!
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
The 30" fuselage was well built; being both strong and light. The motor mounting holes, control rod tubing, and, air-cooling system were already done. The front bottom hatch is held in place with pre-mounted magnets for easy battery access.
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
I'm using the E-flite 40A brushless (EFLA312B) ESC and there a warning note about the BEC having an overload at very high temperatures when using higher-current servos. Note that the ESC comes with mating connectors and wire extensions for the motor.
quote:
Important Note: We have found during continued flight testing, the possibility of a rx/servo current overload to the BEC in the speed control, causing the motor and radio to shut down in flight. This has typically happened on extreme high temperature days with continuous extreme flight control inputs. Most speed controls on the market today are designed for use with 4 sub-micro servos with relatively low current draw like the E-flite S75. The newer sub-micro digital servos, as well as most micro and mini servos, have a higher current draw and can cause a BEC to shut down due to high temperatures.
In order to provide the most reliable product, E-flite recommends the use of a separate BEC (like the Ultimate BEC), or receiver pack and switch using the following items to ensure trouble-free operation: - (EXRB100) Expert 720mAh NiMH 4.8v Receiver Battery - (EXRA050) Expert Standard Switch
Use these items to power the receiver and servos after disabling the BEC on the ESC. E-flite does NOT recommend using the speed controller's BEC in the applications described above.
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
I'm using the recommended JR Sport MN-48 servos (JSP20040) and E-flite Power 25 Outrunner (EFLM4025A) ...when it arrives.
The two recommended battery packs are the E-flite 10-cell, 1800mAh NiMH (EFLB4010) or ThunderPower 3-cell, 4200mAh LiPo (THP42003S2PPL) pack. Although both packs weigh a similar amount, the power density of the Lithium pack is doubled over the NiMH pack which doubles for your flight time for about 4 times the cost.
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
Yes, you can use a full size receiver on this model. The E-flite Power 25 Outrunner with a 12x6 prop will provide plenty of power so an additional few ounces of weight are not a problem. The JR Sport MN-48 Mini Servos weigh 22.4g each as well.
I'll see how long it flies on the NiMH pack and also take a video with that pack.
< Message edited by Greg Covey -- 7/14/2006 12:10:47 AM >
Posts: 4381
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
Just after testing the J3 Cub 25 on wheels, I'll try out the optional E-flite 25-Size Fiberglass ARF Floats (EFLA500). The E-flite quick-mount floats are designed specifically for 25-size planes that are float-ready out of the box, so you can go from pavement to pond in just minutes.
< Message edited by Greg Covey -- 7/14/2006 12:55:15 AM >
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E-flite J-3 Cub 25 ARF - 
