Posts: 966
Joined: 6/8/2003 From: Wingina,
VA, USA Status: offline
I don't know how well other brands of field boxes are but this one is of very poor quality. Right out of the box it strikes you as cheap. It came with several seams pulled loose and the back of two drawers were separated. The APS Tote that detaches doesn't fit properly because the screws that hold it are not on the same centers as the box. I had to use one of the screws that holds the fuel jug velcro keeper to hold one side on at the top. Reharging the 12v battery will require removing four screws to get to the battery. It did have all of the hardware and was simple to assemble. I've only used it once so I don't how it will hold up in the long run.
Posts: 287
Joined: 7/29/2003 From: Merritt Island,
FL, USA Status: offline
Just got mine in and agree with you. I haven't started assembly, but it sure looks cheaply made. Sure hope I don't have the same problems you did. What's up with the power panel hole? Why couldn't it be sized correctly for my Tower Hobbies Deluxe PP so I don't have to make it larger?
How's yours holding up at the field (the true test)?
Posts: 287
Joined: 7/29/2003 From: Merritt Island,
FL, USA Status: offline
I'm putting it together now and it's not too bad. I had to enlarge the power panel slot quite a bit. The wood for the trays looks a little frazzled, but that's all. The trays slide in and out just fine. The rest of the box, including the finish, is actually not bad at all. Time will tell. Here are some pictures for you (excuse the cat, she's always got to be right in the middle of what I'm doing).
Oh, the box on the right of the wide angle shot is my Goldberg Extreme 330 that I ordered with the box. I'll be working on that tomorrow (yeah!). The plane in the background is a Sonic Low Wing 25 ARF that flies great.
Posts: 287
Joined: 7/29/2003 From: Merritt Island,
FL, USA Status: offline
I'm finally done. Had to solder panel connectors onto my starter, fuel pump, and battery charger. The box was easy to put together but weighs a ton now that it's full of my 'critical items'. Sure hope it holds up.
I'm going to charge my battery through the starter connectors on the panel. I don't see a reason to take the APS side off to charge the battery as long as I'm careful and don't have my fuel pump and glow circuit turned on.
So far I'm happy with the box. Now I'll have everything I need in one place and right next to me and the plane on the ramp.
Posts: 636
Joined: 6/18/2003 From: Carpinteria, CA, USA Status: offline
I have the same unit and am very happy with it. You can charge the 12V battery from the terminals on the front. It holds all the heavy stuff I have to take to the field.
I put mine together with Gorilla Glue and finished it with two coats of Varathane DiamondKote.
Posts: 287
Joined: 7/29/2003 From: Merritt Island,
FL, USA Status: offline
Good to know someone likes the Master Caddy. I'm lazy so went with the stock setup. Like I said, the wood in the drawers was a little cheesy but everything else is pretty tough. I'll repair this one, or buy another if it succumbs to fuel damage. I figure I'll get one to two years out of it and will build my own once I figure out what I need/want.
How did you route your fuel pump leads to the power panel? I figured the best location for the pump would be as close to the jug as possible, so am stretching my leads to the panel along the starboard side of the box.
Posts: 636
Joined: 6/18/2003 From: Carpinteria, CA, USA Status: offline
No electric fuel pump for me; you'd have to disconnect it to use the APU separate from the master caddy. I pump my 8 ounces of fuel into the plane manually
Posts: 427
Joined: 10/13/2003 From: Horn Lake,
MS, USA Status: offline
I bought the Pre-Built version and it too appears fairly cheap. I beaded some thick around all the major seams and wicked some thin into the seams of the drawers. I had not desire to remove the APU so I permanently attached it with some wood screws and a metal strap on the bottom. I have to admit I was hoping for more quality myself but overall it's not been bad. The paint they use it super thick so I imagine it's pretty fuel proof and it is resistant to the little dents/dings that would scratch a thinner paint.
Posts: 488
Joined: 5/24/2003 From: League City,
TX, USA Status: offline
I bought the kit and used it for a year. It's held up real nice. I was generous with the glue and reinforced all wood joints with brads. However, it just wasn't big enough for all my stuff and it was very heavy. Then, I found "the ultimate field box from Hell" while perusing the forums here. Check out the link below. I've been using a similar box for the last two years and it is great!! My GP master caddy has been shelved ever since. And the best part is the price. About 30 bucks. Whoever designed this box should get an award. It was definately made for the lazy man in me. Great idea Billy!!!
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Great Planes Master Caddy field box - 
RE: Great Planes Master Caddy field box - 