RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Could someone please tell me if the retracts are 85 or 90 degree and how long are the struts? Thanks

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Hi Guys-
Just a few quick questions:
Is it worth spending the extra $ on the Sierra landing gear? I tend to fly alot of grass- hows the quality of the ESM gear?
Also, I'd like to power this thing with a Gas engine- I see people are using anything from 28-55cc any thoughts?

Cheers
Ants

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

See the video on post 210. A 28cc is perfect for this model and requires no weight at all to balance it.

I use the Sierra gear and it works 100%

Steve

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

OK guys, I have never had this happen and it shows that one should never underestimate the power of these motors....I am running the E-Flight 160 on a 14S A123 setup spinning a 20x10 e-prop by APC. I secured the motor to a 3/16 5-ply firewall held in place with 4 1/4 bolts with aluminum sheathing. Initially, I ran this setup with a 10S. It flew fine but with nothing spectacular. I upped it to a 14S and experienced some vibration at high throttle setting. I re-balanced the prop, torqued down the four bolts and let er rip....the motor tore out of the plywood and shot across the garage! The power on the plywood must have exceeded 4 hp!. Now I will move to a metal motor mount!!! Huge power!

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I originally mounted a 62cc on it, but it shook the plane too much and knowing it would not last with that motor on it I went to a 45cc. Even with smaller motor I layered a couple of 10oz glass cloth to the inside of the firewall. The fuselage is not made with epoxy so I used polyester resin.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I usually fly around at half throttle and it has power to spare. I would think you could go with a 30 cc and do fine. It seems to have lots of lift from the wing design. More than other planes like P51 and P47. It's a pretty thick wing so maybe that's why.


Jeff

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I've ordered the JC28 after seeing how well it ran and flew in the video (posted further back).

Whilst we all have a tendency to overpower our aircraft I think we've gone a little too far in recent years. The idea of a trainer with a 55AX in it can be quite scary for both the student and the instructor.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Can anyone tell me is a 5 inch spinner too large for the LA7? My kit is on order just trying to stock up on the things I will need.

Thanks,
Bryan

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Hi Bryan,

I bought the correct scale spinner from Tomas as VQ Warbirds. It was no more that a Tru-Turn or others.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

thanks, I just hapen to have found a, local p-51 5" spinner for $ $20.00 .

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Well, just put in an order with Thomas for one of these.... Looking forward to geting it ready for warbirds over Delaware this summer. :D

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Hey, can anyone give me a real numerical location of the CG on this one? I tried flying mine with the CG at 168mm back from the leading edge. It was crazy tail heavy, and I was lucky to get the darn thing back on the ground in one piece. Well actually 2, one gear departed. FW190 says his is at the rear of the spar, which as best as I can tell is 3/4 of an inch forward of the place the instructions call for. Does that sound right?

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I think mine is at 160 mm. Flies great. Make sure you don't have too much throw in the elevator or it will be very touchy. Go with what they recommend in the instructions and add some expo if you like that too. It will take off at less than half throttle and fly well.


Jeff

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

thinking about getting this plane, just posting so i can subscribe, will post later after i've had time to read this whole thread and see what i think, great looking plane!

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Dude, go withe the 85:D I got mine from Sierra and they included both, sounds like you have the same:)

Go low if you wanna make a show
Jimmy

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I've finally had a chance to read through all this. One main question for you all: Does anyone fly above 4500' sea level? I'd like to use a DLE-30 but I'd have to buy it, I already have a DA-50 that needs a home but people are saying that's too much for it. My concern is the same I've had with my other planes, not enough power at 6000'. I usually put one size bigger engine in everything I fly due to elevation. What are your thoughts on this plane? Same problem? How would a 30cc do at 6000'?

PS - I'd go electric if I wasn't addicted to sound and smoke.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I flew mine with a G45 in Denver and it flew great. The DLE 30 should be just fine at sea level.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

do think the 30cc would be fine at 6000'?

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I would not want to go any slower than a G45 at 6000' level, I love speed! If you have the video of last years WOTR you can see my LA-7 fly there.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I love speed too. :-)

I guess I'll just stick with my original plan of putting the DA-50 in it. If I can rig it, I want to rig the exhaust to somehow come out in the scale location. If I could do that, and get smoke into it, it would be the sweetest looking LA-7 there was! Like one with a blown ring or two, ha ha

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Make sure you add another layer of glass behind the firewall and a couple of formers in the tail area, I would do that even for a smaller engine.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

Any new LA7 owners or any updates on this plane?

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I'm just finishing up my LA7 build. Should maiden in a couple of weeks. For the fellow that was considering putting a DA50 in his, here's a link to a build with a DA50 install.

http://www.rcscalebuilder.com/forum/...TID=14696&PN=2

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

There was also a guy in New Zealand that was putting a Saito 325R5 5 cyl radial in his and he posted a video of the engine run. Thats all Ive seen on that one. Im curious because I have the same engine and that would be cool to do.

Hows the build and did you reinforce the landing gear plates and wing ribs?

Good luck on the maiden! Please post photos or video.

RE: ESM LA-7 From VQ Warbirds
 

I did fiberglass the retract plates. They seem pretty sturdy now. Ditched the pull pull setup that came with it and replaced it with a good set of DuBro pull pulls. I have some binding on the flaps on one side when they are closed. Will have to grind down the flaps on that side for a little better clearance. Otherwise, I see no issues. A pretty straight forward build.