Posts: 175
Joined: 7/29/2005 From: Yorktown,
VA, USA Status: offline
Folks,
Heads up for anyone interested, I'm going to begin an Extra 330 90-63" Build and Review tomorrow night. I'll probably conduct it in three parts. I'm actually to the maiden flight point, but the weather has been uncooperative.
I'm doing this because I've had several great ARFs from NMs, John has been a tremendous help, and I feel the product is a better product then sometimes reflected on these pages.
So, stay tuned ... a peep thus far - this is a great little model! Attached is a teaser photo!
Posts: 262
Joined: 9/22/2006 From: Kokomo,
IN, USA Status: offline
It seems like there was a lot of bashing of NM lately. I don't know how John puts up with some of it. The one a couple of weeks ago wanted John to replaced a damaged motor & other stuff AFTER the dude crashed the plane. I guess that's part of doing business nowdays. Let us know how your plane does. Good Luck
Posts: 175
Joined: 7/29/2005 From: Yorktown,
VA, USA Status: offline
Thanks Outdoorhunting ... I have a fairly detailed build, photos and review for posting. It will be fun! In my humble opinion, I believe many folks fly these models too fast and underutilize throttle management. They're built light, sometimes needs strengthening and mostly, proper flying. Most of these models are not built for speed ... I see a lot of abuse at my field. Anyway, I'll get the build post started tomorrow.
Posts: 175
Joined: 7/29/2005 From: Yorktown,
VA, USA Status: offline
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 ...
Posts: 175
Joined: 7/29/2005 From: Yorktown,
VA, USA Status: offline
Part I: cont.
The parts with the 330 ARF are good and I used everything except the clevices. Some clevices were tight, although I had a couple that pulled off the rod, so I replaced them for insurance. Any clevice of your liking should work. Other items I didn't mention previously are that the ARF comes with pull-pull for the rudder and a long dowl with rod connectors in order to set one servo up for the elevator.
Starting out I dry fitted all sections and screws or connectors. Everything fit nice and snug and the only thing that was off was one canopy bolt, although all it took was a bit of pressure on the canopy to get the bolt to pop right in. After pulling everything apart, I coated the front firewall with a fuel proof and spent the night ironing and trimming the hinge slots. The minor wrinkles came out easily and the covering can take some serious heat, but as always, be careful or it's too late. Next were the hinges. The slots were not very disernable and took a few minutes to prep, but no big deal. I've had to do similar things on other ARFs. The hinges are round, which I've never used round type hinges, but oh well, I tried them anyway. I wicked the CA in as usual and they seem to have held very tight. Everything lined up well and measured out almost perfect. Almost forgot, I did place the horizontal stab in prior, which goes in glued as most - no problems here. I always wick a little CA in on both sides of the hinges. Checked and moved all surfaces afterwards wit no problems.
Four more photos attached: 1. The first you can see down the fuse with the foam in the top of the turtle deck and the bottom lightened with minimal balsa. 2. The wing attachment area showing the aluminum rod tube, the two dowl tab holes for alignment, wires holes and the nylon screw hole. 3. A look at the rear of the fuse and the hole for the horizontal stab, which gets glued in. And 4, a look at the front construction area. As with all my ARFs, depending on the area, I'll strengthen the joints with CA or 30 minute epoxy, and this model isn't any different. It doesn't look like the builders limited the glue at all, although it just makes me feel better.
Anyone with this model please chime in. I would like to hear how it went for others and since I have yet to maiden it due to weather, Although I'm looking forward to flying the 330.
BTW - as with many of the ARFs, the instruction booklet isn't the best. If you have built an ARF before, you will not have a problem, although this isn't recommended as a first plane. Also, I believe the CG is way off. If anyone has experience with the CG on this model, I would like to hear where the ideal CG may be.
Posts: 22
Joined: 12/6/2006 From: Southworth, WA, USA Status: offline
Nitro Dew. I have this plane in my shop waiting for me to start building. I have built other NMP planes , and this one looks to be built better than most of them. reglueing all joints is a real good idea. I have opted to use Robart pinpoint hinges. I put the round ca hinges in a Yak, and had them seporate. What I mean is that the fabric wick material on the outside seporated from the plastic core. They came out clean. Just a round piece of clear plastic. First time I ever encountered this. I will power this plane with a YS 91. Should be plenty. I agree with you about throttle managment. These planes are very light........................antiquefer.
Posts: 48
Joined: 6/6/2002 From: Conneaut,
OH, USA Status: offline
NitroDew, I to have this plane on my building table. I am satisfied with all parts of the plane. Stabilizer is a little loose in the slot, but should still be no problem gluing in. I have a new Magnum 91 four banger going up front. Also seen same plane with a nice electric motor in it. Guy says its awsome in the air. Looking foward to reading more of you build. Thanks Rich O. Conneaut Ohio
< Message edited by obie1 -- 4/17/2008 1:08:27 AM >
Posts: 175
Joined: 7/29/2005 From: Yorktown,
VA, USA Status: offline
Alright, Im back! Way too much work ... Obie1, I believe electric in this model would be great, it's so darn light. I'm trying the four banger to see how it works out. I'll be back within a day or two to get this build back on track. Thanks for your patience if you're interested in this build.
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Extra 330 90-63" Build & Review - 
