Tom Nied

I'm just finishing my first Tower Razor, and I just received my second. The sale was too good to pass up. They reduced the price to $99 for the Razor with free shipping + if I added something to make the total $149 I got an additional $20 off. So what the heck, I'll buy my first OS 55AX. Sweet

nh4clo4

My Feedback: (33)

How do these things fly?

Tom Nied

It's crazy, I don't know. I got my first back in February and struggled with the assembly but did have two vacations that kind of slowed things down for me. There are just some goofy things with the assembly that took longer for me. But now that I know what to expect, I couldn't resist ordering a second. Either for spare parts or just a second plane. I bought my first at $139, but Tower reduced the price to $99 with free shipping. I need another like a hole in the head, but the first looks so good, I just couldn't resist. It's not a perfect ARF but if you can work around the inconsistencies, she looks great.

Tom Nied

There are 3 reviews that I know of, 2 electric, 1 nitro.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1480998

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...rticle_id=1380

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ijEAUTOnxo

All three reviews available as of 08-20-2012. They are all helpful in order to bypass some problems. Like I agree on the engine placement on the engine mount for proper cowl mounting. But there is no way I agree with the times reported for assembly. But do admit I go slow and methodical with any of my assemblies. I know models should last about one season and I like to see if I can make them last longer with good & thorough assembly procedures.

nh4clo4

My Feedback: (33)

I read the rcg groups review, why would you 100+ oz-in servos on a 40 size plane? Any one else fly one of these?

Tom Nied

I have no idea either unless the manufacturer who is supplying the model, engine, and electrics wants to promote their latest and greatest. But I'm no expert. I used (4) Hitec HS-635HB and just a standard HS 425 for the throttle. I don't plan on flying it agressively 3D, just sport flying. It was more in-tune with my budget. For the engine I had a TT Pro 46 that was moved from a previous airplane, and I knew was strong. But found out the hard way that 6-32 mounting screws wont fit through it. They will fit and mount the OS 55AX.
Just like any ARF, the modeler must make decisions on his equipment and installation/assembly. Oh, I also found that the canopy on my recently acquired 2nd Razor has the same problem with getting it off.

Charlie P.

It's got a fair amount of control surface and the thin, swept wing allows a good turn of speed.  The faster you go the more pressure on the control surface.  The heavier servos are just an added insurance.  I put a pair of the Tower TS-160 (110 oz-in) in the tail of mine. 

Tom Nied

Yeah, that sounds like a good reason. My pick was based on how much could I afford getting closer to those specifications than standard servos. Weight and speed are also a consideration.

Tom Nied

Here is a Fly RC YouTube video of the Tower Hobbies Razor 3d being flown. Looks like he has an OS 55 AX in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sraaP-GwG20

Tom Nied

RC Universe YouTube video of the Razor 3D flying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ICqt...eature=related

Tom Nied

Tower Hobbies YouTube video of the Razor 3D flying. Great music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtkKm...eature=related

Tom Nied

Lanier had a Razor 3D ARF before Tower released theirs, here's the review.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...e_id=272#video

Tom Nied

Lanier Razor 3D with a Saito .72, review and video.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=249

Tom Nied

Tower Hobbies Razor 3D manual.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...owa2055mnl.pdf

Tom Nied

Engine testing and getting it to roll straight. Started the TT Pro .46 for the first since it was in the SPAD Debonair, and it flip started just fine. Needs a little adjustment and have to tinker with the transmitter engine cutoff, but seems real strong. Getting close to the maiden. Getting it to roll straight is a challenge. Got it to just a slight turn to the right rolling down the driveway. Probably the best I'm going to get.

aeroholic

So..did you maiden it yet? How would this plane be with a 61 FX? I'm not looking for an all out 3d (u-can-do type) plane, but something that flies slow and tracks straight.

Tom Nied

I haven't yet. Declining weather conditions (wind & cold) have made it increasingly more difficult to get out to the field, especially with a new plane. Also I've noticed the Forest Preserve hasn't cut the grass for weeks.

aeroholic

Midwest winters....

Eray2012

My Feedback: (1)

Hello! I am looking into this airplane. I am curious to know if this airplane has any bad habits? Also does it land nice and slow or hot?

LawnDartMike

So is anyone flying this plane? At 99$ with free shipping I couldn't pass it up. I needed another sport plane since I killed my Uproar. Any advice for putting it together?

Charlie P.

As you say - can't beat the price.  I bought mine last year with the same deal.

I put a Pitts style muffler in and it fit pretty well. 







Really no complaints at all.  It's lightly built but that's a plus for flight.  I don't do much 3D style high alpha and this does enough to keep me happy.   A hard-core 3D jockey would likely want more aileron throw/surface and a more powerful engine than the .50 I have in mine.   It is great at knife edge, though it could stand a rudder-aileron mix (which I haven't done), and excells at any Aresti style maneuvers.  Makes an ideal sport plane; cheap enough you get a little more daring at low altitudes.  I'd buy another if the need,or ground, arises.

Tom Nied

I haven't had a chance, still waiting for the Forest Preserve to cut the grass. One mistake I made was tapping the engine mounts for 6-32 and then realizing my TT Pro 46 would only accept 4-40. So try to avoid that mistake. Before you even determine location pay particular attention to the cowl in relation to where your engine is going to mount. Overall my MonoKote was pretty good, but there were some locations like on the ailerons where there is double layer of the film that I just couldn't get the wrinkle out. But not a big deal or extremely detracting. I think the manual says 8 hour build time, that's a laugh. I spent almost that just getting the decals on nice. Forget the water and soap mixture suggested, just use ample amounts of Windex and float them into place and then squeegee with a credit card.

LawnDartMike

Thanks for the info! I'm not too hot on stickers so they probably won't get applied. Glad to know it is a good sport flyer. I will be installing electrics so does it come with a mount? I would guess not so I'll be building a box if that is the case. Other than that it looks to be a very easy build. Has any mixed in a little flapperon for short strip landings?

Eray2012

My Feedback: (1)

Have it! Love it! But I would beef up the landing gear area, had a rough landing and it ripped it out!

LawnDartMike

Thanks for the warning! I've been known to occasionally not have hard landings...