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Old 11-13-2003 | 02:54 PM
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Matt Kirsch
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From: Spencerport, NY
Default RE: Good First Planes

Maybe you're looking for something a little bigger? Jason Beach contributed this write-up on a simple foam-n-tape trainer from a JK Aerotech, the T-52:

The JK Aerotec T-52, it's all foam and flies more like a traditional .40 size trainer. It flies very solidly with no bad habbits, and is very durable for those less than perfect landings.
I used a geared Mag Mayhem setup with a 6 cell sub-C batt pack. Though not a power house, it was a good flyer and wasn't flying on the edge of a stall all the time. I'd suggest a geared 400 with an 8cell KAN 1050 or similar. I believe the weight savings with this setup would make the plane fly even better.
Editor's note: I believe the gear ratio on the Speed 400 motor is 3:1 and the propeller size is 10x6.

For $35 it's a good plane.
You can buy just the kit, or they offer a combo deal with battery pack, ESC, motor, prop, and pushrods. I would recomend that you put a gearbox on this rather than stick with direct drive.

Other things you'll need (other than radio and charger):

1. Reciever. I would recomend something a bit more dependable than the GWS 4ch rx. This is a fairly large parkflyer and you'll use a bit more room.
Editor's note: A popular choice for larger planes is the Hitec 555 receiver, the Hitec HFS-04MG, or the Hitec Electron. The GWS receivers have a fairly limited range, and are best used in small park fliers that won't be flown very far away.

2. 2 Servo's. I used GWS Picco's in mine, but would suggest something a bit bigger, I stripped a couple of the Picco's in crashes that I think larger servos would have held up fine. This plane has no problem packing the extra weight.
Editor's note: A poular choice here are Hitec HS-81 micro servos. Don't let the term "micro" confuse you. Compared to the tiny park flier servos you may be familiar with, they're quite large. Still, they're about half the size of a standard servo, and about an ounce lighter.

3. Landing gear if you want it. This is personal preference. This plane belly lands easily.

4. A speed control. You will want one with at least a 15 Amp continuous capacity, if not 20 Amps.

5. Motor & gearbox. The recommended setup is a 6V Speed 400 motor. Don't get confused by the 6V. It does not indicate how many Volts the motor can handle for electric flight. People routinely run 9.6 Volts through these motors, and they hold up for 50-100 flights. There are many gearboxes available that will give you ratios near 3:1.

6. Battery. Definitely run 8 cells. You will not be happy otherwise. A pack made from one of the popular 2/3A cells is perfect. Don't worry about all these letters and numbers, 2/3A is just the size of the cell. It's the same diameter as an A cell, but only 2/3 as long. An A cell is slightly bigger than a AA cell, just like a AA cell is slightly bigger than a AAA cell. One popular choice for 2/3A cells is the "KAN1050." Again, don't worry, that's just the brand/model of the cell. It's no different than saying "Mitsubishi Zero."

Hopups:
When you get the hang of flying this plane, you can go to the next level easily by adding ailerons.
Editor's note: Adding ailerons is pretty simple. The ailerons can be simple flat strips of balsa, taped to the wing with the same packing tape you used to cover it, and the servo can be embedded in the top center section of the wing.

Modify the wing to take the dehidral out. This will help with aerobatics.

Other hopups include motor upgrades, wing mods, lightening, etc.