ORIGINAL: Aussie_Knife_Edge
Thanks for the tips Mike.
Thanks for the photos Tom.
Seeing pics tells 1000 words for sure.
After talking with George I suspect I'm going to have to change my plans regarding finishing the model. Was planning on a full glass and paint finish but may have to reconsider due to weight. I'll see how the finished airframe weighs out and make a final decision then.
When I bought the kit from you Mike you talked me into the motor box type mount for my AXI F3A motor. Was going to use a 20x13 prop on it to begin with which seems to be the consensus for this motor.
Thanks again.
Regards
Jason.
Weight: the plane is not inherently heavy, but it depends on the builder/finisher. The glassed and painted VF3s I built this year were all between 10lbs 2ozs and 10lbs 7ozs. That's with the large AXI and larger packs. But, I have been around this block a few times, and Dean and I shared a lot of info and spent countless hours brainstorming and working out the technique. it's definitely easier to just monokote the darned thing and be done with it, just keep the wrinkles to a minimum LOL
It starts with the foam and wood selection. I have much better foam than I had even a year ago, so over here, it starts out better....the wood in the kits is the best I can get, and it's pretty darned good. the sheeting/capping is up to the builder. if you get complacent there you can pick up a full pound or more. if you treat it well this plane will last for several years and countless flights....so my theory is on the front end, just be a little more picky and patient. GOOD balsa can be hard to get at times, just don't settle for "ok" wood. Especially with an electric.
I'm considering taking some video of critical things like sheeting and capping, glassing and such and posting it on my site. I'll probably do something between now and the end of the year and if it's well recieved, I'll pursue it further. But there are some things you just have to see, and even a still camera doesn't do it justice...
-Mike