Solo Star Maiden
 

Well after 13 years of buying a Hanger 9 Solo Star, I finally had the maiden flight! I never installed the .40 engine that came w/it. I converted to electric about 2 months ago. I went to a local club's site. I'm about to join the club. After a few unsuccessful atempts, (wheels too small for grass, programming the esc, nose gear), I got it into the air on a buddy box.

I haven't flown an airplane in 7 months, and years before that. I just flew some gentle sport-type circuits. After my trainer took control, he did some loops and spins before a perfect landing. It was recommended I try a 11-7 prop. The 10-6 is what came w/the plane.

The whole experience was good, and at 63 years young, I'm eager to go again.

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Back in 1999 this was my first plane. Mine came with an MDS .40
which was a poor running engine, nobody in the club could get it
tuned properly. I used to say that MDS stood for "mostly dead-stick"
These are covered with the adhesive back vinyl covering common at
the time. Mine peeled off of the fuse as exhaust oil got on it.
You made a good choice going electric on this one.
The Solo Star needs firewall reinforcement. Put some epoxy on the back
of the firewall at the joints. Better yet reinforce it with tri-stock. Larger
wheels will take some pressure off of the firewall.
Believe it or not, Horizon still sells these.
Good luck with the plane and happy flying!

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Ooops. Looks like they are now discontinued but parts are still available.

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Congratulations Tman!  Way to stay with it. :)  Yeah, those wheels look a little small for grass.  Upgrade those and you'll be good to go.

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Thanks for the info on parts and pat on the back guys. Today I put an 11-7 prop on, CA on the elevator/fuse mating surface. I don't know what tri-stock is, but I'll find out. I can easily add epoxy to the firewall and plan on doing so before Wednesday(which is the next day I'm planning on flying it). Then I took my 2 converted Hirobo Shuttles out for some hovering. It was windy, so I got some practice dealing w/wind.

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Tri-stock is triangular balsa or spruce.  You can cut short pieces to epoxy in behind your firewall.  It works kind of like an "L bracket" to give the firewall extra strength without much of a weight penalty.

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Best start your next plane now ready for 2026:D

Terry

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

Thanks Terry. I'm already ahead of you. I bought this last November. Stil in the box. http://www.flyzoneplanes.com/airplanes/flza4020/

RE: Solo Star Maiden
 

In my best Stooge Curly voice..... OH! A WIIISE guy eh? :D
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You are going to enjoy the Beaver .. They a fantastic planes.. They handle the wind fairly well .. are fun both on and off floats .. The only down side I can think of is , it is a bit hard to take the wings on and off , however its easy to transport the plane with the wings on in most vechials ..