Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review

Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review
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Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/9/2008 8:24:12 PM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

Hi Guys,

I ordered the combo package with the Edge 540T V2, the 3mmTOC 53CC engine, and the full hardware package. I just spent 5 hours taking it out piece by piece and photographed EVERYTHING, top to bottom, and top & bottom, engine and airplane. I've bought about a bajillion planes in my life, and I have to say, I'm really impressed. Everything was packaged nice and safely, all of the airframe parts and hardware pieces came in plastic bags, and the wings came in WING BAGS!! Not top-of-the-line wing bags, but very decent, functional wing bags with handles for carrying them safely. The yellow, which I was wondering about because it looked a little dark-ish on the website, is a nice, bright yellow, with only the very slightest tough of orange...still very nice and bright. Anyway, I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at this for now. I still have to download about a hundred photos from my digital and label them all, then I'll have some for you to look and drool over. I might as well do a building review on it, since I had the presence of mind to start it out right with full documentation. I'll just close by saying that I've read each of the (very few) issues posted over time about these, and so far even under very close scrutiny I can find NONE of the issues, and I looked for them! I even took photos right up into the fuse from inside. There is so much more plane here than I could have ever imagined. Unless I find something that totally surprises me, I'm going to love both building and flying this bird. Huge Kudos to Tom Fawcett at Wild Hare RC for an excellent design. ***SIGH*** ....Now I'm gonna have to get the Extra 300 too.

Poor Jim.

Anyway, As soon as I can get the present photos sorted out, I'll start posting them, and then I'll be documenting my building progress. (Just don't expect Speedy Gonzales here....) I wish I was faster, but I gotta do stuff like WORK (Bleah) and putting groceries on the table and stuff.

This thing is awesome, I can't wait!

Jim

< Message edited by Mainer_Jim -- 2/10/2008 2:15:25 AM >

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

Post #: 1

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/9/2008 8:32:15 PM

rctom

Posts: 5201
Joined: 5/8/2002
From: Flower Mound (near Dallas), TX, USA
Status: offline

At the risk of opening the door to a ****-fest, what complainers?

The Edge is our most popular plane, has been around for years with a total redesign about 2 years ago, and we have many hundreds of happy customers. I don't really know of anyone complaining about anything.

TF

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 2

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 2:24:36 AM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

Hi Tom,

I'm sorry for my unfortunate choice of words. I went back and edited my post. I'd researched and researched and found very few posts where anybody had any issues, and like most of the other postings surrounding each of those folks with issues, I have found no issues at all, and I was saying so. I think through my enthusistic efforts I managed to lay out an unintentional back-handed compliment, when it was supposed to be a total thumbs-up statement.

I get too wordy occasionally and overdo it. I'll have to work on that.....

Edge540T GOOD! TOC 53CC engine GOOD! Jim like both a LOT! Jim HAPPY!

I'll probably try to strike a balance between the two extremes...

Jim

PS....I still can't wait to get started on this bird. It really is awesome.

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

(in reply to rctom)

Post #: 3

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 2:32:08 AM

ottrod

Posts: 164
Joined: 1/15/2007
From: Wichita, KS, USA
Status: offline

Can't wait to see your build and review!!!

Lot of info on this plane, but I can never seem to get enough of everyone's new experiences!! Thanks for posting,

Keith

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 4

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 5:14:00 PM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

Thanks, Keith. I'm really looking forward to this too. I've been reading every word of the building manual, Wild Hare has included a detail Addendum which is a mini-manual (sort of) that addresses the specifics of this particular plane. In the case of the Edge 540T V2, it's building process is almost identical to the manual anyway. A lot of Edge photos were used in the manual.
I'm very impressed with the organization factor provided by the manual. Wild Hare stresses to do one thing before you do others. For example, the engine is actually mounted FIRST in the build, because (and it makes perfect sense once you think about it) if you are following the recommendations you will be standing the fuselage on its fin (before you install your rudder) and securing the plane in an upright position so that you have the firewall about level to the eye and the engine can sit there flat while you position it within the cowl so it's just right, and then you can remove the cowl and mark all of the contact points and screw holes, etc. You don't need three extra sets of hands to do it like that, although I suppose it's always more fun with more hands on deck.
By the way, I was following other reviews, and if you've already put the rudder on before you read NOT to put the rudder on first, you can still do about the same thing by hanging the landing gear on the top step of a ladder. Clever, actually. I think that would also work for those that buy their engine later in the build or who are waiting for a backordered engine, or situations like that.
I'm still reading and making notes on my head-scratcher questions so I can find the answers. Like; They show an engine with stand-offs in the photo but no stand-offs came in my combo. Having read further and seeing that the cowl face is 7 1/8" from the firewall, after I unpacked the engine I think I probably won't need standoffs to position the spinner backplate just 7 1/4" from the firewall. By the way, (and this is SO cool), the cowl face doesn't need to be MADE to be that distance, it comes with a mounting ring securely installed in the back end of it. Expect to do a little surgery for fitting the engine inside, that's all. I already said it, but I'll say it again...that is SO cool!
I'm being forced to be at work this morning so I'm stealing time at the computer here, but I'll get started on the photos later on today and I hope I can get a good number of them posted up.
Looking forward to your comments as this rolls along.

Also, I just want to mention that although I have already apologized for my unfortunate wording earlier, I probably won't be doing much apologizing as I build this. If I find something I have an issue with, I think that expressing my candid opinion is more appropriate at that time.

Jim

< Message edited by Mainer_Jim -- 2/10/2008 6:18:59 PM >

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

(in reply to ottrod)

Post #: 5

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 6:36:00 PM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

I've decided to work with the hardware package that came with the model as much as I possibly can. I've looked at this hardware and it all appears to be top-grade stuff, Much of it Brand-name Sullivan, Du-Bro, Dave Brown, etc. I've never been able to review a model (especially an ARF) using only the supplied hardware before, so this is something of a treat for me! I've only opened it, inspected it and checked the parts list, and it speaks volumes that such attention to detail has been done here.
Although the manual has the standard disclaimer stating that (basically) this is an ARF and in light of that some cosmetic flaws are to be expected, I simply can't find anything that I would take issue with at all. The manual also cautions that you should go over the airframe and follow up the factory's gluing with your own. One of the few issues other posts had raised on these were along those lines. I have to say, I would not buy an ARF now would I have a friend build me an airframe without following it up and make sure the gluing is up to my own standards. So whatever I find along those lines, I'll simply add glue and might possibly make note of it, but at the present level of building I am seeing on this airframe overall, I won't take issue with it. Everywhere I look I am seeing good work.
I felt that the piece of plywood in the wheelpants was a bit small for what I would have used for good strength, probably just a personal preference thing there, but I'm going to consider adding to that. I really hate wheelpants that don't hold together!
Okay, I'm heading home from work now, so I'm hoping to posts those photos starting this afternoon. See you then!

Jim

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 6

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 6:41:55 PM

MetallicaJunkie

Posts: 1048
Joined: 9/17/2006
From: donna, TX, USA
Status: offline

Thankyou Jim, im ordering one on the 18th I look forward to any hint before i build my edge

_____________________________

Freestyle Junkie
Revver Bro #217

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 7

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 10:09:14 PM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

Hi, Metallica Junkie,
Where is Donna, TX? I'll be living in SanAntonio at some point, I know that area and most of the Valley, but that town's name doesn't ring a bell. Anyway, I look forward to you looking on while I do this! Of course, if you're a fast builder at all you might be done before I'm halfway there.

Okay, well, here goes! My first photos will be of the engine and associated parts. I showed a variety of views. I was concerned at first because I found what appeared to be grindings on the backside of the case, visible in the 3rd photo best. After looking it over for a while, I realized that I had ordered the deluxe version and the choke servo adaptor had probably needed to be added on to whatever was there before, so, yes those are grindings…but no problem. The engine seems to be in fine shape, you can look at the parts that came with it here. There is a special wrench for attaching the muffler. Six bolt hub…very cool.

The only item I had ordered that did not come in was a vinyl cockpit kit, but I had changed my mind so many times before settling on the Edge that I was lucky that Tom didn't come through the phone and choke me. He probably forgot it while dealing with one of my about-faces... I really wanted the man and lady Civilian pilots you see on the website accessories page but they turned out to be 1/3rd scale...bummer!

Jim

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< Message edited by Mainer_Jim -- 2/10/2008 10:24:08 PM >

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

(in reply to MetallicaJunkie)

Post #: 8

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 10:44:16 PM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

Of course, my first photos will be all of the photos of what came to me from Wild Hare, and then I will embark upon the build & review.

Of some note is the request in the manual to save all of your packaging in case you ned to return it to Wild Hare...for whatever reason. Also, if there is damage, the packaging as well as the affected model parts will need to be looked at by somebody, whether UPS or Wild Hare, depending upon the shipper. Good call.

It also instructs you to look the plane over for any cosmetic flaws. I found none. In fact, the workmanship on mine was nothing short of stellar. Here is the WORST corner on the entire bird, and it's always the hardest one for any of us to cover, that much I can tell you! For a complex corner on an ARF with the FIN ATTACHED from the factory, it's a nice job, I thought. I also have started to attach other photos of other parts. I'm starting here with the fuse, since the first cosmetic shot started with the fuse...

I'm just amazed how open the servo area is, it's like looking into an olympic sized swimming pool! I wanted you to see how good the structure was back inside the rear fuse too. Some good gluing there, I'm pleased. I'll follow up to some extent, no doubt, but that's just my OCD kicking in!

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< Message edited by Mainer_Jim -- 2/11/2008 8:09:50 PM >

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 9

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 10:53:10 PM

TexasSkyPilot

Posts: 684
Joined: 2/2/2004
From: San Antonio, TX, USA
Status: offline

Next I'll move on to the Rudder and the horizontal Stabs and elevators. Obviously, the colors are vibrant and the coating work is solid. The manual encourages you to go over all of the coating with a hot iron and a friend with a soft cloth to press down all of the covered solid areas and get the most out of your coating glue. I’m pleased to say that I can clearly see that very little of that is necessary on this particular model (although I’ll probably do it anyway! OCD-OCD-OCD)… Now, I’ve also included the photos here of the Cowling. Excellent paintwork, I’m very pleased. Look at the size of this thing! I've placed a Saito 100 right next to it here so you can get an idea just how very large this cowling really is. I’m also attaching a photo of the cowling laying on top of a Seagull Edge we’ve been building here in my shop, powered by an identical Saito 100. Just wanted you to see what a 50CC - sized plane’s cowl really looks like!! That Saito 100 powered Edge looks like a little baby next to this. Notice the SWEET feature here, the cowl has a mount ring built right into the back of it. Instant 7 1/8" measurement for cowl distance, all you have to do is match it up with the prop plate 1/8" farther out at 7 1/4".
Another nice feature that came with the model was a pair of engine templates for mounting each one of the two brands of Gas engines that Wild Hare sells, the ever-popular DA50, and Wild Hare's 3mm TOC 53 CC gasser. During this build, we will be using the 3mmTOC 53CC gas engine as shown above.

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< Message edited by Mainer_Jim -- 2/10/2008 11:12:51 PM >

_____________________________

Coming toward you, rightside up or upside down, the low wing gets the stick. Thats THE LAW and it never changes, EVER.

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 10

RE: Wild Hare Edge 540T V2 Build / Review - 2/10/2008 11:17:17 PM

MetallicaJunkie

Posts: 1048
Joined: 9/17/2006
From: donna, TX, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mainer_Jim

Hi, Metallica Junkie,
Where is Donna, TX? I'll be living in SanAntonio at some point, I know that area and most of the Valley, but that town's name doesn't ring a bell. Anyway, I look forward to you looking on while I do this! Of course, if you're a fast builder at all you might be done before I'm halfway there.

Donna is in the mid valley sandwiched between Weslaco and Alamo, about 10 miles from mcallen, and 20 from harlingen

_____________________________

Freestyle Junkie
Revver Bro #217

(in reply to TexasSkyPilot)

Post #: 11