I certainly agree with the points presented but I have more questions (of course)

1. <I suspect that the attempt to retime the motor did more harm than good.>

You may be right as this was my first attempt at this. The raw data is this: Stock folding prop on 6cell pack(static)RPM increase = 550, current draw = no change

2. <Kyosho Mayhem and Endo are generally your best bet>

Is the Jaguar (11 turn) that I already have useful here, or should I just put it back on eBay?


3. <3.5 pounds is a lot. The Kwik-E's weight is listed as 2 pounds, and the E-Streak ARF is listed at 2 pounds, 11 ounces. >

its actually 3lb.s, 4oz. (3.25) but still piggy, no argument here! I'm wondering about the Estreak @ 2/11...is that s'posed to be all-up weight?


<Between these two issues, I think you can see why the plane doesn't perform well, and probably why it was for sale at the swap meet, AND probably why its previous owner will never own another electric for as long as he lives.>

I agree with you on these points, the owner actually implied the same thing.


< This plane was probably "beefed up" by an experienced glow flier>

This plane is the ARF with the glass fuse and as far as I can tell, it's unchanged from factory build. I haven't found any lead yet, but the silly thing is definitely too heavy!

<You can save some weight by dumping the receiver battery and going with a lighter ESC with a BEC>

This is something I will probably have to do. I got the 217D primarily for the astro cobalt motor (for whatever I end up using it in)

<A lighter receiver will shave off another ounce.>

I have a Hitec "Feather" and a GWS receiver, but am concerned about range/quality issues with these. Should i use either one, retain the Futaba, or buy something else?


<Using a pack made of HR4/5FAUP NiMH cells instead of Sub C NiCds (car packs) will shave off a few more ounces.>

This is definitely needed...now tell me, how many cells should I run?

<Replace the 550 motor with any of the aforementioned rigs.>

Does the Astro Cobalt have a use here? Is there an inline gearbox for the Astro (or the Mayhem/Endo) Would any of these work "direct drive"?

<The solutions discussed so far in this thread involve adding power, which adds weight. The plane is too piggy now; adding weight will only make it worse.>

No argument on this point...so what about shedding weight while adding power (speculating here)
What if I used the Astro 15 (save about an ounce) with the feather receiver (another ounce or so) with the Sanyo cells (3~4 oz?)
an ESC w/BEC, lose the receiver pack (3oz)

And the next step: What about Li-Polys?

It looks like a great illustration for how NOT to jump into electric! Most of the pieces that I've bought for this project are not actually suitable for this plane. A lesson to be learned, for sure! My determination will not fade, though.[>:] I WILL make this thing fly, and fly well! (with the help of all of you here!)