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Nitro Dew -> RE: Extra 330 90-63" Build & Review (3/31/2008 11:55:03 PM)
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Part I:
Time to get started on the Extra 330 90-63" Build and Review. This is a first time build post for me, I will do my best to include all the details, although if I miss anything of interest, please let me know and I'll address it.
First off, I chose this model due to its size, perfect for a four stroke 90 I had laying around, although after weighing the model and not flying it yet, a 70 might do the trick.
After ordering the 330, it was at my door in four days and I was almost unprepared to build it ... like most of us, too many projects going at once. The ARF was packaged very well inside two boxes (one inside the other) and there was zero damage. The boxes are strong and it was a good thing, one side had been hit hard enough to tear a hole in the box, but - no damage. I removed everything, unwrapped and inspected top to bottom as usual. I immediately noticed a few things - this ARF is extremely light and has some fine strengthening touches I have not seen before on ARFs this inexpensive. The entire structure seems to be well constructed: engine mounting area looks tough, turtle decking is foam for lightening, the vertical stab is made into the fuse, the wing roots actually recess into the fuse somewhat with two dowls as guide pins, then secured with a nylon bolt. Thus it seems all the pressure isn't just on the bolt, but the fuse helps hold the wings as well. Unlike most of my more expensive models, all of the stabs are airfoiled, the canopy and cowling are well constructed, the cowling is fibergrass, strong painted landing gear with a bit of flex and tough looking wheel covers. The covering is beautiful and there is no doubt which is the top and which side is the bottom.
The items of concern: if your in high grass, you may want larger tires; the covering seems thick, although it shrunk out very smoothly, lots of ending points in the various colors to seal down - no biggy; I'll get to it later, but I replaced the clevices - they didn't hold the rods tight, and lastly, this is a light plane, fly it fast and it will probably explode. It isn't meant for speed, weighing in at 3.5 pounds without the engine, servos and electronics, although with everything else installed. More to come ...
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