ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
12-20-2009, 10:29 PM
#1
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Okay guys so here it goes!
I needed a break from sanding wood and fiberglass so I decided to do a build thread on the PC-21 offered through VQ warbirds and ESM. I first want to thank Thomas of VQ warbirds for hooking me up on a great deal. I've always like the sleek lines and sexy approach this plane gave. I've always liked this and everyone who knows my building knows I like to weather a plane. Everyone is always looking at my stuff saying, "man you need a shiny warbird", so for all of you out there, here she is!
So, all I can say for my first impression is WOW!!! These are a few shots of my first impression. I ordered the plane from Thomas at VQ Warbirds and it seemed as if, when I hung up the phone, it was at my door. My initial impressions where of an excellent packing and an over all impressive model. I couldn't wait to dive in. I will be building this with the following:
JR Radio
ESM Retracts/Air System
Hitec/JR Servos
G-26 Gas Engine
I needed a break from sanding wood and fiberglass so I decided to do a build thread on the PC-21 offered through VQ warbirds and ESM. I first want to thank Thomas of VQ warbirds for hooking me up on a great deal. I've always like the sleek lines and sexy approach this plane gave. I've always liked this and everyone who knows my building knows I like to weather a plane. Everyone is always looking at my stuff saying, "man you need a shiny warbird", so for all of you out there, here she is!
So, all I can say for my first impression is WOW!!! These are a few shots of my first impression. I ordered the plane from Thomas at VQ Warbirds and it seemed as if, when I hung up the phone, it was at my door. My initial impressions where of an excellent packing and an over all impressive model. I couldn't wait to dive in. I will be building this with the following:
JR Radio
ESM Retracts/Air System
Hitec/JR Servos
G-26 Gas Engine
12-21-2009, 01:17 AM
#6
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Kirkcaldy,Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
I think you will find that the G26 is going to stick out everywhere Its a slim cowl. If i can please give you one bit of advice you would be better off going with either a 180-200 four stroke (preserve the scale cowl lines) or if preferred a two stroke i.e. Moki 180 or a OS 160 but if you really want to use a gasser go for the likes of a MVVS/Evolution 35 or even the 40 as they are just like your normal glow engines i.e. front induction, side exhaust I do think if you use the G26 you will be dissapointed in the performance This is only my opinion given in the best of faith
Best Regards
Styk
Best Regards
Styk
12-21-2009, 07:28 AM
#7
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Fort Lauderdale,
FL
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
I saw one fly with a 1.80 4S Saito. I'm sure the 26cc will pull it, but you might be a bit disappointed in speed. After all, this is modeled after a turbo-prop trainer. A beautiful plane though.
Regards
Michael
Regards
Michael
12-22-2009, 08:56 AM
#8
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
I have had my concerns over the 26 as well, but this was an engine I already had and in these times, I'm very budget friendly! 
I like a challenge so I decided to try the gas engine as opposed to a 4 stroke. I wanted to see if I could install it and keep the sleek lines that make this airplane (in my opinion) so sexy! I decided the first thing I wanted to tackle was the engine. After a few drinks, here is what I came up with. I used an Ultimate spinner. It seemed to be the closest thing out there that made it scale. I think I was able to preserve the overall look. The only real thing that "sticks out" is the carb and that sets directly under the exhaust stacks. You really have to "look" for it to even notice.
PJ
I like a challenge so I decided to try the gas engine as opposed to a 4 stroke. I wanted to see if I could install it and keep the sleek lines that make this airplane (in my opinion) so sexy! I decided the first thing I wanted to tackle was the engine. After a few drinks
, here is what I came up with. I used an Ultimate spinner. It seemed to be the closest thing out there that made it scale. I think I was able to preserve the overall look. The only real thing that "sticks out" is the carb and that sets directly under the exhaust stacks. You really have to "look" for it to even notice. PJ
12-22-2009, 03:41 PM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Kirkcaldy,Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Well PJ I have to take my hat off to you I honestly thought a lot more would be hanging out Nice work Keep us posted how it goes
Regards
Styk
Regards
Styk
01-05-2010, 09:49 PM
#11
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Hey Guys,
With the holidays over, I've had more time to work on this bird. The first set of pics are of the main installation with regards to the radio gear. I'm using 2.4 and was able to get everything in nice and clean. The batteries are behind the foam.
With the holidays over, I've had more time to work on this bird. The first set of pics are of the main installation with regards to the radio gear. I'm using 2.4 and was able to get everything in nice and clean. The batteries are behind the foam.
01-05-2010, 09:54 PM
#13
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Okay, so I'm not real excited about having one servo for the elevators. It is just me. I know many people who have had great success, but I'm overly sensitive to stuff like that. Soooooo with that said, I did a simple modification and included an additional servo so I had one per elevator. I was able to keep it clean(ish) and have the extra servo crammed back there.
01-20-2010, 09:17 AM
#14
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
I didn't want to mess with the clean flow of the plane (well any more than I did by sticking the engine up front) so I made hatches for my switches. I used simple earth magnets to hold them down.
) so I made hatches for my switches. I used simple earth magnets to hold them down.
01-20-2010, 09:20 AM
#15
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Now seeing that I was in "hatch making mode" I still had to install the airline refill, fuel fill, and engine kill switch. Sooooo..............
01-20-2010, 09:23 AM
#16
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Okay, so here she is ready to fly. I feel strong that this engine will pull her along fine. I will post some flight test results. This weekend is looking to be sunny and "sort-a" warm so we will see!!! I'm excited!
01-20-2010, 04:43 PM
#19
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: manchester, AE, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
best of luck with the test flight, we have one at the moment up at wren turbines, its having a turboprop fitted, only problem may be ground clearance the full size had a lot more blades!!!!!
01-20-2010, 04:51 PM
#20
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Noflaps,
I'm sure you know where the LMAC field is right? I'll send you my phone number if you want. We are shooting for Sat.
I'm sure you know where the LMAC field is right? I'll send you my phone number if you want. We are shooting for Sat.
01-26-2010, 08:45 AM
#21
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (139)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lexington , KY
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
Hey Guys,
Just wanted to give you an update on the flight. I was very happy and surprised to find that the Zenoah G26 flies the "poo poo" out of this plane. I had no problem with vertical (not unlimited) and the engine pulled the plane through every maneuver I wanted it to do. This plane flies much like a pattern plane. If you point the nose, that's exactly where it is going to go.
I did notice that you could never leave your fingers to rest. I had to stay focused on every aspect of the plane. However, I think she has to be one of the best flying planes I've owned. I'm very happy with the performance and looks of this bad boy!!! Landing although a little hot, was not nearly as bad as i thought it would be.
I will post video and pics soon.
PJ
Just wanted to give you an update on the flight. I was very happy and surprised to find that the Zenoah G26 flies the "poo poo" out of this plane. I had no problem with vertical (not unlimited) and the engine pulled the plane through every maneuver I wanted it to do. This plane flies much like a pattern plane. If you point the nose, that's exactly where it is going to go.
I did notice that you could never leave your fingers to rest. I had to stay focused on every aspect of the plane. However, I think she has to be one of the best flying planes I've owned. I'm very happy with the performance and looks of this bad boy!!! Landing although a little hot, was not nearly as bad as i thought it would be.
I will post video and pics soon.
PJ
03-01-2011, 02:53 PM
#23
Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pleasant Grove,
UT
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ESM/VQ Warbirds PC-21 Build or Bust!!
I just completed my PC-21 and really love this plane. Here is a video of my first three flights.
I tried posting some pictures, but RCU won't let me do it, gives an internal server error. Duh. Why do people still use this forum instead of RCGroups?
Anyway, here's the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCf8W5jCUnU
I tried posting some pictures, but RCU won't let me do it, gives an internal server error. Duh. Why do people still use this forum instead of RCGroups?
Anyway, here's the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCf8W5jCUnU
