I just completed and maidened my Diamante 25e. But before I flew, I read various threads about the landing gear tearing away and causing damage to the undercarriage, so I decided to install nylon bolts (with round thumb tighten heads) instead of the metal ones.

My first flight went very well, good trim right out of the shop. However, even using dual rates, I found the plane to have way too much aileron and elevator for my current comfort level.

I set up for my first landing as early as the terrain at my field permitted and like my mini Pulse XT, this thing likes to glide forever! I ended up going around after overshooting my preferred landing spot. Next round I put it down long but with no other problem.

Second flight went much better after adding more dual rate. Upon landing on my short dry grass field, the plan hit a small clump of crabgrass once it was down and tore the landing gear off by breaking the nylon bolt heads. No damage to the undercarriage whatsoever.

Now, I am concerned. This was a normal, gentle landing at a speed not much over where I feel the wings would stall. This field is smooth, even the crabgrass is low. How can I strengthen the undercarriage / landing gear without tearing apart the front lower section of the undercarriage? I am afraid to use the metal bolts for fear of tearing out the bottom of the plane. Do they expect you to fly this plane only from concrete runways?

The design, rake and placement of the gear seem to beg for trouble on such a fast heavy plane.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

My setup…
- eFlight Power 32
- 4 cell 5000 mhA battery
- Castle Creations 60 amp esc
- Voltage regulator
- eFlight 800 mhA Lipo for receiver
- Berg 4 channel receiver
- MN48 servos all around