ORIGINAL: da Rock
ORIGINAL: silver.kiwi
I am considering buying this ARF, and have wondered how well the covering and it's complex trim scheme are holding up in the field. I would appreciate some input from you folks who have had theirs for awhile. It's a beautiful plane but I can see the trim coming loose after a few cleanings. I also would like to hear from anyone that flys the airplane with a 2 stroke .61 or equivilent four stroke. I am considering using a Saito FA-80 that I have lying about. It is a strong running engine and I'm not going to load the plane up with a smoke system. The Saito will turn a 11X8 APC 11,000 RPM. Thanks.
I got my ARF in Fall of 2006. It's covering had some stubborn wrinkles where the trim is layered. It took high heat with an iron to get 'em out and they came back about 1/2 size. Took 'em out and a couple have come back since. The trim definitely did not come loose, but the wrinkles are as stubborn as a 4 year old.
As for "all the covering" being Monokote. Not on mine. The orange/white checkerboard is definitely not Monokote. It is not as strong for sure. I've had to patch mine a couple of times. Nope, not Monokote.
I've run an OS61FX since day one. It's got a number of favorite props. 13x6 two blades seem to work about the same no matter what brand. Right now I'm running a MA12x6 3-blade because it seems to be the best match for the engine/airplane. And it looks kewl, too.
Thanks to all for your imput. I have one on order as we speak and your comments have been very helpful in making the decision. Da rock, if that is a recent photo, then I have little to worry about with the covering. I'm still hoping my chosen engine (Saito FA-80) is going to give me as good performance as this plane deserves. At 7.5 lbs. max weight it should, but it still looks like most of you are using stronger engines so I have some doubts.