Hello everyone,

Just purchased today a nib Sig Extra 300XS, JR 8103 Radio and an OS 160FX. I've done a lot of reading of all the threads regarding this wonderfull plane and just had to have one. I've taken many of the suggestions and ideas and wanted to run them by all you crafters and see what ya think.

Things to do: (Must Do?)

1. Use Radio South 1/4 scale hinges in place of factory?
2. Glass the wing halves?
3. Graphite Sheeting inside to shore up frame?
4. Graphite Landing Gear?
5 Use Dubro large control horns in place of factory?
6. Change out factory fuel tank? (Model #)

The above are what I find to be most important, if you have any other ideas please let me know.

Now onto the radio:

Purchased a JR 8103 - Heli Version - For extra servo and larger battery.

The radio is feature packed to say the least but what suprised me was the servos that came with it. I know SIG recommends using 65 or larger oz servos but I really don't plan on doing any extreme 3D so I'm thinking the DS811 Digital servos that came with it will be fine. They are rated at 54oz at 4.8v, can get close to 60 with a 6v pack. Good Idea to go with 6v pack? Or just leave as is.

All i can say is WOW...the servos it came with I was suprised and the radio was less than $500.

Here is a link to the servo specs and you can read and give your feedback if you wish.

Servo Specs

Last - Powerplant

OS 160FX - 18x6 Prop to start? Will hovering be a problem? Any prop ideas are welcome also. Going to go with a slimline or bisson pitts style muffler, that is an easy one.

Any other ideas, input is a appreciated.

Thanks,

I have been flying my Sig Extra for about three months. I have about 30 flights on mine. I am somewhat aggressive in the type of flying I do. the only change I made was to increase my tank size to 24oz. and fly about 12min. and land with about 1/3 tank left. I would change the hinges to robart hinges and save some time in the assembly. My OS1.60FX is pumped because my tank is back on the cg. I have a Bisson muffler. I didn't glass the wing, I felt that the way the dowel pins and the wing hold down bolts were designed, I didn't think it was needed. This airframe is very strong, and so is the wing. I have had some fuel problems(water) and had some "off airport landings". I tore the gear off and cracked the area of the fuse on the right side because of this. But the wing held up fine. Change the wheels if you are on a hard surface. The aluminum gear is way beyond what's needed for this airplane. If you want to lighten it up, get the cf gear from TnT. I use an 18x6-10 prop. I can't hover with this one, but you should be able to with an 18x6. I have Futaba 9202's all around with no problems. I added two screws to the servo blocks through the servo hatches for a more secure set up. I use an 1800mah sub "c" battery located on the hatch cover behind the firewall with velcro. I can fly two or three times without recharging. I use Coolpower fuel, 20% Nitro. If this engine is new, pay close attention to the low needle setting. I have seen quite a few that are set very rich. Before you think you need a pump, try leaning the low needle first and the go from there. If you have problems with transition from idle to full throttle, (loading up) lean the low speed needle. My engine runs great, this plane is easy to fly, and, flys very well.

Thanks Dan,

All this information!!! Thank you Thank you...