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Nitroplanes.com

Old 09-11-2006, 06:56 PM
  #1  
rednekk58
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Default Nitroplanes.com

Hi All,
Anyone have any experience with this company and the planes. Was thinking of getting a Giles 202 .50 size, and installing a OS .61 Prices seem to good to be true, which worries me!
Thanks
NeArLy NoRmAl Al
Old 09-11-2006, 07:59 PM
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LANNYBOB
 
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

yah ive been wondering about this too. i want the edge 540t for $155.00 but im not sure. these days you get what you pay for
Old 09-18-2006, 06:20 PM
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Blacksheep-J
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Believe me for $99 bucks you can't beat this deal. I have one powered by a Tower .61. with a 12-6 prop and standard hi tech BB servos the AUW is 6.8 lbs. Unlimted vertical and the plane really flys great. The down side is the covering. It really looks nice and is very unique but it will tear if you stare at it too long. [:-] I did change some to the supplied hardware but mainly because of preference. I definitely would recommend this plane but only if you put together a few ARFs before, the instructions are almost useless. You absolutely have to find a way to protect the covering unless you plan on recovering it. It will actually tear while flying and while cleaning it after flying.

~Jay
Old 09-23-2006, 12:26 AM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Hi there, I'm up here in Canada, here is an example, ( the seawind ) I purchased one from GP I paid $465.00 to my back door. Great looking unit,until the landing, she bounced of the runway twice and litteraly fell appart. After examining it I notice that the fuse was made in three parts, the two sides and the bottom ,and that is where it came appart , where they joint the sides to the bottom.Oh yes it also had hardly any formers, and the once they had where to far appart to do any good, and shattered. OK so much for GP.
Nitro plane, well I'm a sucker for the seawind. So I got one from Nitro, cost to my door $301.00( wow.) checked it out, they actualy had formers in it. ( lots of them ) built like a tank, great. Can't even wiggle the pylon ( the one from GP it wiggled , boy did it wiggle ) Anyways I find it a better quality in the construction, and yes, you have to guess what they mean or try to say, ( learn to read between the lines ) .
By the way GP did not cover their seawind under warranty , even though it was a poor quality of construction. Their reason , should not have bounced it on the runway.Gosh, how many of us have bounced on landings.OK , no more complaining.
A few of my friends also bought from Nitro and had the same remark. Well built planes. So there you have it from up here.
Well have to go now and sharpen up my snow shovel, snow is two hours away.
Old 09-23-2006, 11:12 AM
  #5  
jrf
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Heinz:

Have you flown that NP Seawind yet? You might find this thread of interest.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4780929/tm.htm

Jim
Old 09-23-2006, 11:49 AM
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Campy
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

I have noticed that quite a few of their planes are made by CMP. The CMP ARFs I have seen were GENERALLY pretty decent.

As with any ARF, you have the covering (most times you don't know what it is) and then there is the hardware.

As an example , I recently bought a Speedy Bee ARF. There is a review I have started on it here. I wouldn't use the hardware provided with the plane on a Slow Stick - it was that crappy. The pushrods were MAYBE 3/64" in dia (they looked a lot closer to 1/32" ) AND THREADED ON THE END for the clevises. This is for a plane that was designed (and recommended power) for a 28 2 stroke !!!!

You definitely need to check the hardware on ANY ARF or kit and see if it is decent quality or not and whether or not you want to risk the plane, engine and electronics with it.
Old 09-23-2006, 01:08 PM
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Bob Paris
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

I have delt with Nitro Models/Planes...and at the very best, it was very disappointing. I ordered a P-38, and it arrived with missing plastic parts, and warped parts. I contacted the company by e-mail and left messages on their phone answering system. A month later I reveived an e-mail giving me a routing number for my replacement parts. The routing number was false and when I after sending them several e-mails on this and leaving several phone messages...all I have received was silence...no parts and I mailed my warped parts back to them as requested too.

AK models sells all the Nitro Planes/Model kits. They have a good reputation for service and have been recomended by several other guys.

If you get a good kit from Nitro Planes/Models...ok...if you get a kit with issues...your basically S.O.L.

Soft landings always,
Bobby of Maui
Old 09-23-2006, 01:32 PM
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LonestarMan
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Sounds like they go in my " Slap and A Kiss " column..... The prices are the Kiss and the "customer service " is the Slap.....Rob
Old 09-23-2006, 02:28 PM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

sounds too me that nitro planes is damn near junk.. you get what you pay for, expect it.
Old 09-23-2006, 02:40 PM
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Bob Paris
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

LannyBob,
I must be honest here and state that both the models I have received that are the China Model aircraft are made well enough. I've the F6F and large P-38. The F6F is a good flyer and the P-38 has good flight reports so far. Their quality has imporved over the years. and the price is very good for what you get. Beware of sellers...

I have serious issues with the seller...Nitro Models, or Nitro Planes...(they use both names). THIS SELLER SUCKS TAIL WIND, HAS NO CUSOMER SERVICE AND FORGET REPLACEMENT PARTS. They lie to you on shipping replacements, and in short, I have no idea why they are allowed to sell on R/C Universe. There reputation is in the gutter...and I'm trying to be nice to them here.

There are other good sellers here that deal in China Models...and AK Models has received good reports.

Don't knock the actual product unless you have first hand information to share.

There are always issues with ARF models. I have bought and built ARF's from just about everyone at one time or another. All have issues, some more then others...and all you need to do is to read up a bit to know that this is how it is. If you want a model with out issues...build a kit, or modify an ARF to your spects...and this is exactly what I do. I usually toss out the hardware, fuel tanks and wheels and install my own hardware and gear. Then I know I'll not lose a model because a plastic "what ever" broke and caused your new pride and joy to rekit itself.

Soft landings always,
Bobby of Maui
Old 09-23-2006, 03:12 PM
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NM2K
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com


ORIGINAL: LANNYBOB

sounds too me that nitro planes is damn near junk.. you get what you pay for, expect it.

--------------


"You get what you pay for it" isn't true. Oh, were it true that the world were that simple. It isn't.

I have quite a few CMP made models. All of them were worth at least as much as what I paid for them. Not one has been unflyable/unbuildable/unmanageable.

No, they are not top of the line, but for well under $200, when compared to a Goldberg, Sig or Lanier ARF, they are wonderful bargains.

Selling me more quality than I need in a model that is going to suffer fuel soaking and normal hanger and field rash at a high price is not a bargain, to me. Our models are like hamburgers. You consume them and then they are gone forever. I don't fly museum pieces and wouldn't want the stress it would cause if I had them.
Old 11-14-2006, 07:26 PM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

I had this experiece with Nitro RC: Purchased their standoff scale ARF of BURT RUTAN'S LONG EZ for $123 including shipping, which I consider a good price. The "instructions" are less than useless for a newbie, but who needs 'em? [img][/img]and there were several areas of assembly that needed some "re-design." Some of the supplied hardware was junk and had to be replaced. I'm an experienced builder so I got'er done. But I did a lot of talkin' to myself..which I'm not allowed to post on RCU!!!!! Final word: If it flies as good as it looks, this ARF is worth the price.
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Old 11-15-2006, 05:14 PM
  #13  
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com


ORIGINAL: LANNYBOB

sounds too me that nitro planes is damn near junk.. you get what you pay for, expect it.


From my own experiance... they are.



Peter Dowling aka Luftwaffe Oberst
AMA District II # 865404
Aero Modelers Club
Pulaski, NY
Old 11-15-2006, 06:05 PM
  #14  
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Have one of those, and it went together ok, but as you say, manual is next to useless. Would suggest that you use min throws and lots of expo. Like some others mine used lots of runway to get airborne, it'll fly when it's ready. Got two flights on mine and now have to wait for dry weather to get more.....
Old 11-15-2006, 07:10 PM
  #15  
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Peter,

I hear you. My experience tells me that these outfits are "Fly By Fortune Cookie" types. I opened my cookie and the photos show what I got. So the caveats that you and the others warn about should be heeded. Perhaps there won't be as much "fortune" in my next cookie.[] Oh,oh!

Actually I said "less than useless." I wanted to say "they could be dangerous," but I wanted to be nice.

R.C.
Old 11-15-2006, 07:48 PM
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drone pilot,

Thanks for the set-up info; that sure will help on the first flight. Mine is coming in at 5.5 lbs with a Thunder Tiger .46 PRO. How much does yours weigh in, and did you have a problem with adding a lot of nose weight for balance?

If I do this right, there should be a PIX below showing the 3/16 I had to hog out to get the canard straight with the main wing.[>:] Yikes!
Good thing I dry-fit everything before I epoxied! As I said, the "instructions" could be dangerous.. to your sanity!

I used to fly a CRESSLINE StarChaser canard-pusher. As I remember, it didn't need a long takeoff roll. But the decalage was OPPOSITE of this Nitro Long EZ. On the StarChaser, the main wing was set at 0 degrees incidence and the canard wing at positive 2 degrees. On the Nitro, the main wing is positive 2.5 and the canard is zero. Perhaps this is the reason for the long takeoff roll??? Any aerodynamics experts out there who can provide an opinion on this?

R.C.
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Old 11-16-2006, 12:33 AM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Ordered two planes which were supposedly delivered by FEDEX, one of thoe left at the door deals. I am retired so I was home all day doing yard work, no way some one was at my door without me or my dog knowing it. (ask the mail man)
Now, after five weeks of calling/email, their "Customer Service" they finally answered two emails but none of the phone calls. Their answer was, we are fileing a claim with FEDEX, please give us 7 to 10 days. It has been 15 days since that note and nothing.
They have my money, FEDEX has probably been paid, and me, NOTHING.
If you want to waste time, check out there ad, the phone hours are from 12 noon till 6 or 8 in the evening. I wonder what time it would be in the far east. They also say all emails are answered in one to two hours, ought to say from one week to never.
25+ years of modeling and never had this kind of non customer service, of course I have always dealt with Tower, Horizon, Chief, etc.
Any one else had similar problems???

Flying's Fun Crashing Sucks
Old 11-16-2006, 01:10 AM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

A lot of folks like to play the Lottery. A few win, but most of them lose. So far, a model from this company seems like a high-stakes gamble. I went to a casino once, and saw the nicely decked out leather chairs and all the glitz in the high-stakes area, and the minimum bet was set at $500.00. I guess they take their chances on the possibility of winning $100,000.00 cash to take home with them, but again most lose. As for me, I would rather forgo the glitz, and spend a bit more money on something from a more reputable company. That way, there are fewer risks involved. So, just out of curiosity, what would be the percentage of ARFs without defects to those that are full of problems? If customer service is lacking, I'm afraid I'm not buying from this company.

NorfolkSouthern
Old 11-16-2006, 06:29 AM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

I used to fly a CRESSLINE StarChaser canard-pusher. As I remember, it didn't need a long takeoff roll. But the decalage was OPPOSITE of this Nitro Long EZ. On the StarChaser, the main wing was set at 0 degrees incidence and the canard wing at positive 2 degrees. On the Nitro, the main wing is positive 2.5 and the canard is zero. Perhaps this is the reason for the long takeoff roll??? Any aerodynamics experts out there who can provide an opinion on this?
Hey, this would be a good thread topic for the aerodynamics forum.

You know what.... I think Andy Lennon's book about model aeronautics has a chapter on the design of a canard pusher. I'll scan it at breakfast and see if his design discussion says anything about that.
Old 11-16-2006, 06:40 AM
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OH wait.....

Decalage isn't really the bottom line unless you know the zero lift angle of the two airfoils. I'd say we can't assume anything about the incidence actually being at zero lift. So we really don't have a valid start to the problem.

The decalage and incidence angles actually are only starting points to this situation. It's the zero lift lines that really matter. And of course, the AOAs of the two airfoils is what we're really after. And that relationship isn't defined by either decalage or incidences.

Almost every canard has a different airfoil in the front than in the back. And darned if they aren't operating in sufficiently different RNs that that matters too.

The designer would most probably take the two AOAs at stall and work back to find the appropriate incidence settings for whatever he wanted to accomplish. And that would give a decalage reading, but one that by itself would really mean nothing.
Old 11-16-2006, 02:00 PM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

geraldrc,

I had a similar experience about 5 years ago. Ordered a limited-stock kit plus doo-dads for around $500 total. They were told to ship UPS, but they shipped FEDEX Ground. Same "one of those left at the door deals." I was told that they had an agreement with FEDEX giving FEDEX 30 days to locate the shipment. In other words "the customer doesn't count." In 30 days the kit would have been sold-out. Sorry about that Mr Customer![>:] After several weeks and hours of hassling, they finally agreed to replace the order. NitroPlanes? Heck no! It was none other than TOWER HOBBIES!!!!!

It looks like the "fortune cookie" can crumble any which way, regardless who you order from. But you're correct when you say that ordering from the bigger outfits is much less risky.

BTW, my order from NITRO was supposed to go UPS and when the confirmation showed FEDEX GROUND I started praying. But it came thru OK.

R.C.
Old 11-16-2006, 02:13 PM
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

darock,

I'm gettin' too old to make excuses, so I think I'd better crack them books.[8D] Hey, they say we're never too old to learn, and exercising the brain is supposed to help prevent Alzheimers. And you're right-on about RCU being the place to find info on model aerodynamics.

R.C.
Old 01-28-2010, 07:19 PM
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madtowntwitch
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Nirto planes is a crook in every form bought 2 planes like a dumb ***** junk junk junk!!!!!! If people don't speak up on these forums then they will keep making money off of people.. I wounder how many newbees bought a plane from them and got screwed so bad they ditched the hobbie?
Old 01-28-2010, 07:57 PM
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While I hardly think there crooks, I don't like the way they Mod there forums.
Old 01-29-2010, 10:57 PM
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Bob Paris
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Default RE: Nitroplanes.com

Hay Tommy D,
Yea...I agree 100% with you. Nitro Planes has all the negative stuff removed from their Customer Support column here on R/C Universe. Say anything but glowing admiration's about their customer service, or it will be removed. I've tried to get parts for my P-38 I bought from them in 2006...one of the first 90" kits sold, and I never received my missing parts or the parts I sent to them for viewing and replacement. I'll admit that I do try to stick it to them when ever I can...but as far as I see it...I'm out not only the money I spent on the model, but the shipping and mailing fee's. I've an un-built kit from them-to keep reminding me that these folks just don't care, never will care and are the only company in 58 years of being in this hobby that ripped me off so blatantly. Yet surprisingly, they keep on trucking here on R/C Universe. There must be a dozen columns here on R/C Universe on Nitro Planes (and other company names they have used over the years) that are far from glowing about their kits and customer service. I now wonder how long this column will last until Nitro Planes has it removed.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

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