Gents,

although this is clearly getting ahead of myself (i.e., not having maidened big brother yet), I thought you might find the following tid bit interesting:

I've started work on a 75% scale little TsunamE. Although it probably already exists as a name for a model, I'm considering calling it the Vortex. However, I am open to better suggestions. Inspiration came in part from Frank's excellent flying electric Tsunami, the availability of a 300W motor which needs a home and the desire to build one of these pups with retracts.

Here are the specs of the model I'd build:
[ul][*] ~75% scale[*] 43.25" Total Wing Span[*] 40.00" Effective Wing Span (not including tips)[*] 310 sq in Wing Area[*] 18.40" Stab Span[*] 36.75" Total Fuse Length (including spinner)
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Other features would include:
[ul][*] 10 size GP Mechanical Retractable Landing Gear[*] 1.75" DBr Lectra Lite Main Wheels[*] 0.75" Steerable Tail Wheel[*] Removable hollow canopy formed from blue or white foam
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Power and control would be provided by:
[ul][*] Dualsky 28-34-1460 kV 320W Peak Outrunner[*] 1.75" GP Aluminum BP Spinner[*] APC 8x6 E Prop[*] 30-40A ESC (to be decided)[*] 3S 25C 2250 mAh Lipo's[*] Spektrum AR6200 Rx[*] 4 x Hextronic 9g HXT900 on control surfaces (2 outboard on ailerons) [*] 1 x HiTec 20g HS-65MG or 82MG on retracts[*] UBEC
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The model would be built per plans with the exception of the canopy area. The 45 degree angled headrest would be cut short and installed vertically at the rear end of the existing plan canopy just forward of the wing TE. The front part of the canopy would start where shown on the plans at F3. Battery and ESC would be installed on a plate located on the thrust line in the tank area with the battery on top and the ESC beneath it. Access and installation of the motor would be through a permanent opening in the bottom of the fuse forward of the FW which would be left in its plan position. The nose ring would be made as narrow as possible for further access and cooling. The FW would also be drilled out wherever possible.

Rx and UBEC would be mounted on either side of the fuse just forward of the tail servos mounted from above and sitting just above the wing top. Retract servo and linkage would mount almost flush with the wing top on the centerline and actuate just beneath the battery plate. Other modifications (other than wood size of course) would include making F3 from a single piece of 1/16" ply backed by a partial piece of 1/16" ply (total 1/8" thickness) where the wing mount dowels are held by the former. 8 wing ribs per panel would be used omitting even ribs #6, 8 and 10. Ribs #1-5 & 7, 9 & 11 would be retained. Finally, all wood will be lightened at will wherever possible.

The goal is to end up with a finished model with an AUW of 32 oz (2 lbs) or less for a max wing loading of under 15 oz/sq ft. A 30 oz model would have a loading of under 14 oz/sq ft.

... I'm not exactly sure when I will commence.

David.