Katana 50 by Hangar 9
#26
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

ORIGINAL: Marlo99
Do any of you guys think a Saito 91 would be too much engine for this plane? I have a 91 needing a home and I really like this plane. Thanks.
Do any of you guys think a Saito 91 would be too much engine for this plane? I have a 91 needing a home and I really like this plane. Thanks.
I think the 91 would be a great choice, If I had a saito 100 that's what I would have put in mine. The 72 I used is a good motor and needed a home and I'm happy with the combo..
I ended up putting lead in the nose to get mine to balance, a bigger motor would take care of that issue...

Welcome to RCU by the way......

Jimbo
#27
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

My spinner came in and it looks much better then the temp plastic one Ihad on.The spinner andnutsare 1oz heaviertoo, so i can take some of the lead I hadon off........
Jimbo

Jimbo
#28
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

The day I did the maiden it was cloudy/foggy, the vid didn't come out good at all.. I will get one with the vid camera and post it for you guys...
I did notice that the botom of the plane was kind of dark so i went to work on changing that...
From the stock yellow to something a bit louder... I usedMonokote for the new look, white base over the yellow UC then black checkers... I should be able to see this a lot better.........
I did notice that the botom of the plane was kind of dark so i went to work on changing that...

From the stock yellow to something a bit louder... I usedMonokote for the new look, white base over the yellow UC then black checkers... I should be able to see this a lot better.........

#30
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

ORIGINAL: Fikeies
You definitely do some nice work, looks great! I think you sold me on a new plane.....
You definitely do some nice work, looks great! I think you sold me on a new plane.....

Thank you......
You will really like this plane it's built well and is a joy in the air...........

Jimbo
#31
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Update!!!!
I put the new Tru turn spinner on and was able to get rid of the 2oz I had on the side of the firewall.
The new spinner and nut weighed 1oz more then the plastic set up, so i lost 1oz overall. My CG is at 4 3/4" just as it was on it's maiden, I will play with it a bit over the summer and move it back some like Dave had suggested.. I was able to mount the battery on the side of the motor box (in side), opposite of the head of the motor to get her to balance right on the money laterally... I also took advantage of the crappy weather and did some maintenance on the Saito, added a velocity stack and changed the "O" ring in the carb that seats the intake manifold and tweaked the low end.. Got her purring like a kitten, spinning a 13x4W at 10,500 backed it off to 10,000 and idle was at 1,950. I let her idle for a solid 10 minutes and the transition was perfect, no hesitation and a little smoke trail...
Well all that is left to do now is enjoy it soon as we get some better weather. I promised a vid and will get one soon as I can...
Jimbo
I put the new Tru turn spinner on and was able to get rid of the 2oz I had on the side of the firewall.

Well all that is left to do now is enjoy it soon as we get some better weather. I promised a vid and will get one soon as I can...
Jimbo
#33
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts



Very nice flying, the EP might be the way to go on this plane.. The 52 sure does pull it nice, better then my saito72...
I flew mine 3 more times today and it's better with the lead out of the nose. I still need to set up my expo so i didn't do anything to crazy today... What kind of numbers you got set up on yours? Hangar 9 did a good job on this plane, would love to see them come out with a 30cc or 50cc, that would be awesome..
Jimbo
#34
Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sugar Land,
TX
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

The setup in that video is
Power52, Eflite80A ESC, APC 15X7E prop
Ailerons Servos: DS821
Elevator: MN48
Rudder (pull-pull): DS6010
I had a 6VNiMH for RX along with the pilot figure and On/Off Switch. Weight no bat is 6lb, with 5S5000mAh bat it is around 7.5lb.
It flies pretty good as is but to get it even lighter, I plan to get rid of the RX bat and pilot figure and go to a UBEC setup which will save 0.5lb.
Power52, Eflite80A ESC, APC 15X7E prop
Ailerons Servos: DS821
Elevator: MN48
Rudder (pull-pull): DS6010
I had a 6VNiMH for RX along with the pilot figure and On/Off Switch. Weight no bat is 6lb, with 5S5000mAh bat it is around 7.5lb.
It flies pretty good as is but to get it even lighter, I plan to get rid of the RX bat and pilot figure and go to a UBEC setup which will save 0.5lb.
#35
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)

I started this kit tonight. Jeez, Louise... what superlative quality! It is built exactly like the latest crop of 50cc aerobats; i.e., super light but strong. The upper hatch /canopy arrangement is simply beautiful... but I have to wonder about those magnets holding over the long run.
Lots of nice little extra touches you normally don't see in a model this size and price range... such as the engine mounting templates. I'll be using a 91 Surpass, which fits the supplied mounts fine but is nowhere near the same bolt patten. I just filled those holes with toothpicks and a daub of medium CA, sanded them flush, then aligned the mounts and drilled my four holes; which transferred to the firewall pretty as you please.
So far, I am VERY impressed. If it flies as good as it looks (and that would seem to be the case, going by other "reviews"), I'll definitely be getting another one to lay back.
Looking forward to the remainder of the assembly, and flying it.
.
Lots of nice little extra touches you normally don't see in a model this size and price range... such as the engine mounting templates. I'll be using a 91 Surpass, which fits the supplied mounts fine but is nowhere near the same bolt patten. I just filled those holes with toothpicks and a daub of medium CA, sanded them flush, then aligned the mounts and drilled my four holes; which transferred to the firewall pretty as you please.
So far, I am VERY impressed. If it flies as good as it looks (and that would seem to be the case, going by other "reviews"), I'll definitely be getting another one to lay back.
Looking forward to the remainder of the assembly, and flying it.
.
#37
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mt Morris, IL
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

ORIGINAL: LSP972
I started this kit tonight. Jeez, Louise... what superlative quality! It is built exactly like the latest crop of 50cc aerobats; i.e., super light but strong. The upper hatch /canopy arrangement is simply beautiful... but I have to wonder about those magnets holding over the long run.
Lots of nice little extra touches you normally don't see in a model this size and price range... such as the engine mounting templates. I'll be using a 91 Surpass, which fits the supplied mounts fine but is nowhere near the same bolt patten. I just filled those holes with toothpicks and a daub of medium CA, sanded them flush, then aligned the mounts and drilled my four holes; which transferred to the firewall pretty as you please.
So far, I am VERY impressed. If it flies as good as it looks (and that would seem to be the case, going by other "reviews"), I'll definitely be getting another one to lay back.
Looking forward to the remainder of the assembly, and flying it.
.
I started this kit tonight. Jeez, Louise... what superlative quality! It is built exactly like the latest crop of 50cc aerobats; i.e., super light but strong. The upper hatch /canopy arrangement is simply beautiful... but I have to wonder about those magnets holding over the long run.
Lots of nice little extra touches you normally don't see in a model this size and price range... such as the engine mounting templates. I'll be using a 91 Surpass, which fits the supplied mounts fine but is nowhere near the same bolt patten. I just filled those holes with toothpicks and a daub of medium CA, sanded them flush, then aligned the mounts and drilled my four holes; which transferred to the firewall pretty as you please.
So far, I am VERY impressed. If it flies as good as it looks (and that would seem to be the case, going by other "reviews"), I'll definitely be getting another one to lay back.
Looking forward to the remainder of the assembly, and flying it.
.
I put the side force gens on and they are great, knife edge is awesome...

#38
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)

Think I'll pass on the SFGs. I fly more IMAC style.
I need something "small" to bring when my grandson goes with me, because I cannot cram another model in my ride alongside my big Extra without risking damage to both. Its either two smaller planes or one big one.
I know this Katana is a purpose-built 3F airplane, but I suspect it will fly precision stuff just fine. And its a very pretty model; it caught my eye in the hobby shop, and when I looked through the box I was sold. One of the most professional packing jobs I've seen, to go along with the uber-quality of the pieces/parts. Even the hardware is top-shelf- no Phillips head "bolts" here (at least, I haven't run across any yet).
So far, the only thing I've seen I'd like to change is the tail wheel assembly. I've got a small Ohio Products Haigh unit, but the reports indicate that the model is inherently tail heavy so I'll go with stock for now.
Of course, I went over every joint I could reach with medium CA. They're still using that stuff that looks like hot glue. I've been told that it is actually some sort of resin epoxy; but the CA adds little weight and is cheap insurance, IMO.
The front end needed more fuel-proofing as well. Good old MinWax polyurethane to the rescue.
I must say that I am more and more impressed with some of these Hangar 9 offerings. I got a Saratoga "kit" the day after I bought this one, and it is equally impressive. I guess they discontinued it because of slow sales... but I've done a couple of Seagull models, and while they are okay, the H9 examples I am familiar with are definitely a cut above... quality AND price-wise.
Personally, I'll pay the extra price for the better quality model.
.
I need something "small" to bring when my grandson goes with me, because I cannot cram another model in my ride alongside my big Extra without risking damage to both. Its either two smaller planes or one big one.
I know this Katana is a purpose-built 3F airplane, but I suspect it will fly precision stuff just fine. And its a very pretty model; it caught my eye in the hobby shop, and when I looked through the box I was sold. One of the most professional packing jobs I've seen, to go along with the uber-quality of the pieces/parts. Even the hardware is top-shelf- no Phillips head "bolts" here (at least, I haven't run across any yet).
So far, the only thing I've seen I'd like to change is the tail wheel assembly. I've got a small Ohio Products Haigh unit, but the reports indicate that the model is inherently tail heavy so I'll go with stock for now.
Of course, I went over every joint I could reach with medium CA. They're still using that stuff that looks like hot glue. I've been told that it is actually some sort of resin epoxy; but the CA adds little weight and is cheap insurance, IMO.
The front end needed more fuel-proofing as well. Good old MinWax polyurethane to the rescue.
I must say that I am more and more impressed with some of these Hangar 9 offerings. I got a Saratoga "kit" the day after I bought this one, and it is equally impressive. I guess they discontinued it because of slow sales... but I've done a couple of Seagull models, and while they are okay, the H9 examples I am familiar with are definitely a cut above... quality AND price-wise.
Personally, I'll pay the extra price for the better quality model.
.
#39

My Feedback: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Montgomery Village,
MD
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Hi everyone!!!!
I got one of these on a trade with a saito 82 in it and its pretty fun to fly....been having issues with the 82 to get it properly tuned at low RPM, had plenty of dead sticks with it. I added an onboard glow system to help. Does anyone have had any issues with the 82 at low idle? I have flown this plane with the side force generators as well and really don't make a difference with or with out. But this plane is defiantly great quality for the price!!
I got one of these on a trade with a saito 82 in it and its pretty fun to fly....been having issues with the 82 to get it properly tuned at low RPM, had plenty of dead sticks with it. I added an onboard glow system to help. Does anyone have had any issues with the 82 at low idle? I have flown this plane with the side force generators as well and really don't make a difference with or with out. But this plane is defiantly great quality for the price!!
#40

There's a chance your o-ring in the head (intake) could need replacing. That causes dead sticks as well as a throttle servo that is not centering well. There should be no need for on board glow.
Start a thread in the glow engine forum and you will get tons of replies.
Start a thread in the glow engine forum and you will get tons of replies.
#43
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)

Warbird40, I'm putting an OS 91 Surpass in mine. Since your Magnum is basically a clone of that engine, the results should interest you. I'm a few weeks away from finishing it, so if you're not in a hurry, stay tuned.
I plan on keeping mine pretty much stock; use all the kit hardware, rudder servo amidships, etc. Should it turn out nose-heavy, I have an Ohio Model Products Haigh tail wheel assembly that will hopefully even things out.
Other than the GP .40 Stik I just put together to test out my new 2.4 radio, this Katana is the first little airplane I've done in a while. I'd forgotten how much of a PITA getting a four stroke throttle linkage right on a cowled engine can be on the small models. Finished that last night; once I get the cowl fitted and trimmed, it should be smooth sailing forward.
This is a REALLY nice model; I'm quite impressed with the design and quality of the construction/parts, and am contemplating ordering another one to lay back for a rainy day.
.
I plan on keeping mine pretty much stock; use all the kit hardware, rudder servo amidships, etc. Should it turn out nose-heavy, I have an Ohio Model Products Haigh tail wheel assembly that will hopefully even things out.
Other than the GP .40 Stik I just put together to test out my new 2.4 radio, this Katana is the first little airplane I've done in a while. I'd forgotten how much of a PITA getting a four stroke throttle linkage right on a cowled engine can be on the small models. Finished that last night; once I get the cowl fitted and trimmed, it should be smooth sailing forward.
This is a REALLY nice model; I'm quite impressed with the design and quality of the construction/parts, and am contemplating ordering another one to lay back for a rainy day.
.
#44

My Feedback: (24)
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Moreno Valley,
CA
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Thanks LSP972, I will stay tune since I wont be picking one up until next month. I am covering a Shoestring and busy with work. Can't wait to hear your results and see pics.
Best regards,
Ed
Best regards,
Ed
#45
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)

Warbird, here are a few prelim shots. This is what the OS 91 Surpass looks like mounted... almost too much engine, IMO. I cannot imagine the model being tail heavy with this thing up front. The only mod I had to do on the supplied mounts was relieve the top one a bit to clear the securing nut on the left rear engine lug bolt... and that was because my jig slipped and drilled a slightly crooked hole earlier.
One small gripe is that the engine's choke assembly cannot be used without some serious mods, because the top of the lower motor mount is in the way of the choke actuating rod. I was feeling lazy, so I just bagged it and will choke the engine via the muffler.
Just gotta remember to be careful when the engine is hot...
One small gripe is that the engine's choke assembly cannot be used without some serious mods, because the top of the lower motor mount is in the way of the choke actuating rod. I was feeling lazy, so I just bagged it and will choke the engine via the muffler.
Just gotta remember to be careful when the engine is hot...

#49
Senior Member
My Feedback: (13)

Okay, we're cooking now.
After myriad interruptions all day, I finally got the cowl fitted. Still got to locate and install the third line fueler, but everything else- throttle linkage, tank plumbing, line routing, tank installation, etc.- on the front end is done.
You see a 2.25" Tru-Turn spinner backplate. It was my intention to use that spinner, but a 2" looks much better and more "scale", so I ordered a couple of those today. All you need to do at this point is have a back plate to set the cowl location anyway, so no biggee.
Be advised that the cowl is built like everything else on this model... uber-light. Its not exactly flimsy, but be darned careful when handling it. I cracked it slightly, on the back edge between the mounting bolt holes, while cutting the bottom out. Easily fixed with a Sig Easy-Hinge patch, especially since I was going to do that to the bolt holes anyway.
Just be aware.
I am very annoyed at the needle valve opening. I measured that sucker three times, and STILL missed it. So I had to enlarge the hole to make it look halfway decent.
I hate fitting cowls; that's why I do it first, to get it out of the way.
After myriad interruptions all day, I finally got the cowl fitted. Still got to locate and install the third line fueler, but everything else- throttle linkage, tank plumbing, line routing, tank installation, etc.- on the front end is done.
You see a 2.25" Tru-Turn spinner backplate. It was my intention to use that spinner, but a 2" looks much better and more "scale", so I ordered a couple of those today. All you need to do at this point is have a back plate to set the cowl location anyway, so no biggee.
Be advised that the cowl is built like everything else on this model... uber-light. Its not exactly flimsy, but be darned careful when handling it. I cracked it slightly, on the back edge between the mounting bolt holes, while cutting the bottom out. Easily fixed with a Sig Easy-Hinge patch, especially since I was going to do that to the bolt holes anyway.
Just be aware.
I am very annoyed at the needle valve opening. I measured that sucker three times, and STILL missed it. So I had to enlarge the hole to make it look halfway decent.
I hate fitting cowls; that's why I do it first, to get it out of the way.