Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

I wondered this myself when I was putting the plane together... Ended up not being a problem though as it lands so lightly.

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

cmsrp, thanks for the info on the gear. One more question, will it hold up well from abuse from takeoffs on a relatively rough field?

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Our grass strip is very rough... We have a horrible patchy weed growing on it at the moment that makes it difficult for even .60 size scale aircraft to taxi.
The Funstar doesnt take much to get airbourne, and I never had to straighten or adjust the landing gear(not even after it's crash). In fact I think it flexed just the right amount to get over these rough weeds..
This aircraft does NOT like being flown fast, and most aerobatics can be done with 1/4 throttle. It's a buzz to deploy the flaperons and cruise down the strip almost slower than walking pace!!!!
Inverted low, slow, passes are great also.

Just remember though, it is the nature of this model that it has to be built light; Hence fragile... So if you are trying anything too low, you may get left with a broken plane; But "Man it's Fun"!!!!!! Thats why I ordered another one the same day I wrote off the first!!!!

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

cmsrp, thanks for all of the info!
I hear ya about the built light thing......My Magic Extra got busted up a bit on a "hard landing" (engine quit at about 40 feet in a hover)
I've been looking at the rest of the Phoenix line......now I can't decide if I want the FunStar or the Extra 300S!

Component Weights
 

Here are the major component weights. You can ballpark total weight by adding your own engine and radio weights:

Ounces Component
15.5 Wing
13.7 Fuse
1.7 Fin/Rudder
2.6 Stab/Elevator
1.5 Cowl
0.7 Wing cover
35.7 TOTAL

Funstar 3d
 

Can anyone tell me if the wing comes off or if it is permanently glued on? How well does it do 3d? Are torque rolls easy?

Thanks!!

Funstar 3D is unbelievable
 

If you are looking for an inexpensive 3D plane then here it is. I received my Funstar 3D on Friday and flew it Sunday. I was real impressed with the way it flies, the way it does 3D and the building quality. It is extremely light. Mine weighs in at 4 lbs, 8 ounces with an OS 46FX and 750 ma battery. This is the first ARF that I have seen that comes with the control surfaces already attached with pinned hinges and pins pushed through the hinge to hold it in place. That's how I build all of my planes. The horizontal stab and vertical stab fit perfectly as did the wing. Because of the transparent covering you can see the workmanship that went into the plane and I was very impressed. Everything was layed out the way it should have been with splices in the spar, leading edge and trailing edge being offset from one another the way they are suppose to be. The covering quality is excellent. I only got 3 flights in with it and I am going to have to move my battery back to get the CG the way it needs to be. It flies very light and it is extremely responsive.

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

I ordered a Phoenix Sukhoi SU-31 today and I'm looking very forward to getting it. From what I've heard, it's a great flyer! After my Magic Extra finishes falling apart :rolleyes: I'm going to order the Funstar 3D also.

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

rcflyer11, does the fuselage weight include the fuel tank, servo tray and/or any needed wood reinforcements? Also, are these measurements your own? If so, what did you use to weigh the items listed?

splitess, no one answered your question, but I want to know, does the wing come off or is it permanently attached to the fuse?

Anybody, What is the chord dimension? The ads I've seen for this plane list wingspan but not wing area.

I just munched my Uproar, my first try at a fun fly. I liked it, but found it was lacking. The Funstar 3D looks like a good replacement.

Any info would be appreciated.

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

It is a one peice wing, which then bolts on under the fus in normal fashion.
A "Belly Pan" can then be fitted, but I didnt put this on (only because I
couldnt wait to fly it...).

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Devo,
I weighed the fuse on my Pelouze digital scale; doesn't include other items you mentioned.

As I recall (I'm away from home), the cord is 15" giving a wing area of about 780 square inches.

Funstar 3D
 

Another feature worth mentioning is that the ailerons are 4 inches wide at the cord with a slight taper to the outside of the wing. This gives the plane an unbelievable roll rate.

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Hey, thanks for the response, got one on order!

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

I have over 30 flights on my Funstar now and I am running a magnum 52 four cycle in it... It has become my new favorite plane to grab for a nice day at the field. With the 52 it will do just about anything you want outside loops, Cubans, hover, waterfall knife edges and probably a lot more with a experienced 3Der behind the sticks..

Something to note that I am surprised I have not seen in this thread, is that you really want a computer radio on these planes...

I have my rates at 60% for just normal flying and 120% for flat out crazy 3D but even at a 100% normal rate, she is a sensitive plane and it would be tough for an average flier to go out fly and trim on the first flight. I planned for this with the huge control surfaces I kind of figured it would be pretty responsive, so I had my rates at 60% on the maiden flight.

When I had her trimmed and went to full rate, I was glad I did it that way as In WOW... Of course, soon after that I had them at 120% for the awesome tailspins and barrel rolls...

Anyway, my thoughts coooool azzzzzzzzzzzz plane... And for 110.00 a tower you cannot beat it... Like the others have said, it is a nice ARF well made and a breeze to put together...

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Wow, reading over the stats of the funstar and wildcard they seem to be great looking 3D planes. They look Laser3D'ish if you ask me. I have two laser3D's and they fly great but one of them wont stay together. Does anybody have any negative feedback on the funstar or wildcard? If not do you think a saito .72 would be too much for it?

Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

I suggest for the Saito .72 you get the "Razzle", which is the larger version. If you do a search, there is allot of posts about the Razzle. I nearly bought one, but it was that I had a spare GMS 47 MK2 which convinced me to buy a Funstar... Glad I did !!!!!

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

I fly mine with a Saito 72 and love it. Hovers at 1/4 throttle. Punch the throttle and watch it take off like a rocket. Yes, a little to much motor for this plane but that's what's fun about it. Saito 72 APC 13X4W 30%.

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Absolutely!!!!!!! If you are happy with certain size engine in the plane, then "go for it".
I would love to see this plane go vertical with a Saito 72, that would be awsome !!!!!!!!!
It would sound sweet too!!!
Our distributor still does not have new stock of this plane, so still I wait for my second one!!! I have to say, "I'm getting withdrawl symptoms"!!!!!!

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

I just got a funstar from Tower hobbies. I flew it today several times. This is one of the best and most rtf arfs I've seen. Everything that could be done for you has been done. The canopy/pilot were even in place. I was very pleased to see the pinned hinges. Flys great with a .46 LA. Plent of reserve. I haven't tried the 12.25X3.75 APC yet, but I bought one and I'll try it soon for hovering. I think I'll get the Giles 202 next.

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

How about harriers? What about Knife Edge? What about spins?

For $110... I mean ...I can afford that!

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Though I havent flown this plane yet and Im sure some people are going to correct me I can say.

The knife edge isnt too great (the fues side isnt wide enough)
In harriers it will rock pretty bad due to the chord on the wing (mixing will help but it will still rock)
Spins should be great but acheived a little differently than your standard airplane.
Hover is where I am placing my money that this plane excells
I am betting it will do some great slow flight (like a kite if you know what your doing) but this is not to be confused with a harrier.

Has anyone had this thing long enough to know how it survives stuff like walls and elevators and blenders. It looks like the Irvine wildcard, which I hear has a very weak spot in the fues.

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

You pretty much hit it on the head southern_touch9. The plane is a great flyer but does not like knife edge. Everything else including hovering is doable. Still a great plane for the money.

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Finally got my second Funstar the other day... Quite a few differences from the first one!!!
The fuselage is longer, the throttle servo mounting plate is installed... And, my goodness, a "Green Pilot"; Didnt have one of those in it before!!!!
I've been finding little differences all the way along. It says the wingspan is different, but I overlayed the broken wing from the first one on the new, and it seems the same...
Wow, imagine if it fly's even better than the old one!!!!!!

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

cmsrp


post some pics!
Got to see that green pilot!

RE: Phoenix Models Fun Star 40-3D
 

Check this little dude out...

Here he is in all his glory!!!!!!![:'(]