The new 1/4 scale Taylorcraft by Hanger 9 is now available, I would like to hear some opinions on it, more so from the folks who have seen or own it! This looks like a nice one...Thanks, Bud...

I have had one of these for about a month now and flew it for the first time 12/30.I used an OS 160 4-stroke twin that I had picked up some time ago that needed a home, and this was the perfect plane for it.It fits in the cowl without any cut-outs other than cooling air exit at the bottom and a small hole for the needle valve adjustment.With this engine it flies in a very scale-like manner and will do any aerobatics the full size plane will do with power to spare,plus the sound of that twin is very cool,especially on a low and slow pass over the runway.The quality of this ARF is one of the best I have seen and I made very few changes other than the tail-wheel and a couple pieces of hardware.I also used two elevator servos and modified the landing gear support rods using coil springs and heat-shrink tubing for bungees.All of the changes I made were pretty much personal preferences and I'm sure the plane would perform just fine with the stock hardware.

Hey Tailspin, What servo's did you put in yours? Did you need to use hi-torque, and what did yours weigh?? Thanks for the info, getting ready to get one, Yours is really nice!!!!!!!
Bud.....

Hi Bud

I used Hitec 625MG servos for all of the control surfaces and a standard 422 for the throttle.I also used an 1100 mil. Ni-Cd pack mounted under the rudder servo to balance the plane.I think with the extra weight of the engine I used that the plane is probably on the high end of the range for this plane at around 15lb. or so, but seems to fly just fine at that weight and slows down OK for very smooth 3-point landings.I think Hitec 605 servos would probably be the minimum for this model.A lighter weight 2-stroke or 4-stroke single used would also result in a lighter aircraft.Hanger 9 used both a Saito 180 and a Zenoah G-23 in their prototype planes.With a G-23 it would weigh even more than my plane so weight is probably an issue only depending on what kind of flying you want to do and how difficult the plane is to balance with the heavier gas engines.One of the new lighter gas engines such as the RCS 140 would also be an interesting choice.

Thanks for the info Tailspin, and again that is a super nice looking Taylorcraft you have..!!!!...........Bud..

I just finished and flew mine with a tigershark 1.20.Again,a very nice arf,probably about the nicest I 've had so far.Had some issues with instructions being off.All the drill bit sizes they say to use are mostly wrong.The other thing that concerns me is tail wire attachment points,there was no hardwood blocks for them to mount to,if they are only for show then its not a problem,I'm waiting to hear back on that one.The 1.20 is plenty of power for this one,flies it in a very scale like manner.I got this for more relaxing flying,not heavy acro 3-D stuff.I used Hitec 605's,one for the elevator,rudder and one each on the aileron,a standard 148 on the throttle,and a 1400mh nimh pack.With this setup mine came out to 12.75 lbs.This thing lands like a trainer.

Tailspin,

You have the engine I wanted, it is the perfect choice for this model. I am going to start mine this weekend, powered by a Saito 1.50. It was my 2nd choice for power only because of the price, down side is the it looks like i will have to cut a hole in that beautiful cowl. It kills me to think that I have to do that. I may be able to mount it inverted without any cutting, but I have not had much luck with inverted glow. Nice looking model you have and if you don't mind I would like to use your mod ideas. I may also go with a completely finished cockpit.

I have one coming to me -and it will get the new ZDZ40 rear exhaust engine.
The exhaust system will be in th cabin-really.
This is way higher in power than recommended-but the weight is same as the G23 -so it should be fine on total weight.
Basically -I am doing it for aerobatics .
The use of a 22" prop should give it the recovery power needed from the "power hungry stuff.
The size -is perfect for a aerobat at 13-15 lbs and looks to be a lot of fun.
I am presently flying a 13 lb Staudacher -at 1275 square inches, with the ZDZ40 side exhaust engine. That power combo is very good at recovery from zero airspeeds.
There are pics of my Staudacher on my web page in the Workshop Hanger.
I always wanted a T Craft-so here we go.

Chook if you want to mount that Saito 150 inverted, I can tell you for a fact that you won't have any problems. I have ran a good many Saito's inverted and they run just as good inverted as any other way you mount them. That would be an excellent engine for the Taylorcraft! I'm running one now on a 1/4 scale cub and it has good power. Call Horizon and they will back up what i'm saying, (you won't need a onboard glow system either).