Looking for some input about the Columbo Anderson Extra. How does it compare to a Carden when it comes to 3D (or otherwise). I wanted a Carden 35% 330 but there not available at this time[].

If what you really want is a Carden, call and get your name in now! I just ordered my 35% Extra for my winter project. Dennis should have the next run ready by mid-November. If you want one of the next run, you should decide quick....he said they are selling fast.

Carden doesn't typically keep stock on-hand...you generally have to call and get your order in for the next batch as he usually only kits what he has sold.

I am not that big of a Carden fan, but I can assure you the 34% CA is a wonderful airplane. Mine is very light and really flies great. I have a BME 105 in it now and it weighs a little under 24lbs. If you get the CA I don't think you will be sorry. Good luck.

Is the kit good quality? How are the materials, manual, etc. How did it balance with your BME 105?

A friend of mine built the kit, I traded for it almost in the ARC form. He was looking to get into the air faster so I traded him an ARF for his CA. I think now he wishes he had kept the CA. I think he was impressed with the kit. It went together quickly for a plane this size. I don't think the manual is very good. You kind of have to know what you are doing to make the manual make any sense. At least that is how I felt about it. With the 105 up front, ign battery on the engine box, rx batteries under the canopy the balance was right in the middle of the range. I didn't have to add any extra weight anywhere. I am running a Hitec 5735 on a pull pull so there are no rudder servos in the tail. I know there are a few other people on here with this plane, and I have never heard any of them post a negative comment about it. I hear that right now Chief Aircraft is selling the CA line with free shipping too. Hope this helps.. good luck!

From the photo it looks like you added counter balancers to the elevator, correct? BTW nice looking plane[sm=thumbup.gif].

Thanks!.. You are right, I think he added those. If I remember right they were not like that in the instructions.

Excellent flying model for both 3D & IMAC. I use a DA-100 on mine. It is probably one of the best values out there. No coupling when rudder is applied, very straight and true. You will be very happy with your choice if you chose the CA 34%. Bryant is correct about the instruction though. But that is the only con in my book.

Ryan

Here are a few pics of mine.

hi guys this is other option R.B.M . I have a von extra 35 %(ARC ) ready to ship

I built Bryant's plane. Easy build! I hate dealing with foam but other than that very easy. Foam is easy it's just messy, and you have to wait for the glue to dry. Instructions were not that bad, but I have built several kits too. If a person would work on one consistently I think it could be from box to air in a month easy.

A carden extra looks a heck of a lot better though. CA's look goofy with that long tail. And yes I added counter balances. No one ever said you couldn't improve upon a already good plane!

I agree the CA looks funny, at first. But I absolutely love the look of mine now!

Ryan

To fully set up a Ca kit how much would it cost?

3D-kid330

3D-kid330,

Depends on equipment. I would say just the plane would run $700-$800 when you include the cost of wheels, tank, monokote, paint, hines, etc. Just add engine & radio.

Ryan

The Cardon is the same length at 99" with spinner. What makes it look "funny"? From looking at CA's ads the wings are sheeted from the factory. What is the messy part? I'm thinking about getting one and trying to get info. Please don't think I'm being sarcastic. It will ether be a CA or a Cardon but I don't want to go with a Cardon jest to say I have one. Your help is appreciated!

I think that Carden makes the best looking and most durable wood plane out there. However compared to the CA it requires much more building skill, takes longer to build and cost more. The CA is fairly easy to build, and while the instructions do leave a lot to be desired, they are also not really needed. I too have thought about the same choice as you and decided to go with the CA as I am not a great builder. The CA is a high quality kit and I have no regrets.

If you love to build and you are good at it, buy a Carden. If you want a high quality, fast building kit at a great value, get the CA.

FWIW

I said it looks funny at first because it has what appears to be a longer tail moment than norman and the fuce cross section just before the stab is rather small. Very similar to an Aeroworks. But like I said I think it looks great! Again, if you want a good looking, great flying model at a fair price, you can't beat the Columbo.

Ryan

ronk1, if you are looking at building your first big plane I would go with the CA. Not that a carden would be hard to build, but the CA is all lazer cut, and the fuse can be framed in a couple of nights. The wings are also already sheeted for you. The tail oooks long on the CA because the aft turtle deck is rather small, and then you have a huge rudder, and fin sticking out the top. I have lots of construction photos of the build if you would like to see some I can post them here. Also I said the foam was messy because when you go to cutting the sufraces loose, and sanding them square it leaves those little foam balls everywhere. Foam is prolly easier to build with especially when it comes pre sheeted. It is just different from balsa rib construction. I am ready to tackle a new giant project however so bring on the foam!

I too looked at the carden, and several other extra's beofre buying the CA. When I compared price, and ease of construction it made it a clear choice. I still want a Carden someday just so I can say it's a Carden!

If you all are looking for an ARF version of a 34% extra check out the new Competition Series Extras from Planes Plus offered in three sizes 24% 27% 34% and 38%! I have the 34% prototype and what an Awesome plane!!! I will have the 38% in about 2 months! No pitch and roll coupling! I am running no mixes on this plane! Excellent sequence flyer and one of the best at 3D I have ever flown! if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me any time!

I could not resist. I enjoy watching this plane fly.
Hope ya dont mind Bryant?

No Prob Slyder.... I just think you need one for yourself![8D]

Ohh Geesh Eric has a fan!

Yeah, Still dreaming of my first gasser. LOL Especially now that the wife wants to finally get her own hobby. A HORSE!!!!!!! OUCH

He better at some point let me fly the friggen thing! Maybe then we can see a little grass in the "hover" pic!

Yeah, he's got me wanting to spend to much. He even has my boy hooked on the thought of a foamie.