Being a complete newbie to RC I thought I would share my experience with the Multiplex Easy Star. I recommend the model to any beginner looking for a stable and fun park flyer.

I received my Multiplex Easy Star today. It came RTF with all components (radio, receiver and servos) already installed. The battery, receiver and speed controller are all attached to the fuselage by Velcro strips. Checking over the components I noticed that the only defect was that the control horn on the elevator was not properly glued in place. This was quickly fixed with a bit of CA. The plane is made from “elapor” and CA can be used on it.

The only other change I had to make was to replace the alligator clips on the charger with a cigarette lighter plug.

The remaining assembly was quite simple although the instructions were a little brief for a newbie like myself. For instance before joining the wing halves together a supplied plastic wing spar needs to be inserted. The spar itself was taped to the lid of the box the plane came in so it escaped my attention first time around.

The pushrods are attached to the control horns by a standard connector. The connector itself is adjusted via a small allen key supplied with the plane. Don’t make the mistake I made by attempting to undo the nut holding the connector to the control horn – its glued in place. I tried to loosen it and ended up breaking the connector.

After a quick trip to my local store to pick up a new connector I was able to complete installation of the stab & fin. Double sided tape was provided but I glued them in place instead. I adjusted the control surfaces as best I could and did a quick radio check. It turned out that the elevator was reversed so I had to correct that. The manual didn’t mention what the control throws should be so I had to assume that they were correct.

At this point I balanced the plane. Quick hint – balance the plane after you apply the decals as they affect the models balance significantly.

I had to wait a day or two for some calm conditions but time came to fly. I flew the plane in a local soccer field. Hand launching was no problem and to rose quite well. First thing I noticed however was how unresponsive the rudder was. I change the position of the connector on the control horn from the default outer most hole to the second to inner-most one. Much better now and it flies quite well – difficult for me though in anything but the lightest breeze.

I did have chance to test the reparability of the elapor. I unfortunately flew the plane into a fence bounding the field and the left main wing broke in half just the spar. I glued the halves with CA and its still holding together!