HI,

I just bought a Lanier Razor 3D. I really wanted to go with the Goldberg Matrix but couldn't find one readily available. I looked closely at the Matrix and the Razor and have the opinion that they appear to have come off of the same work bench. Meaning same plane, just different covering, different cowl, different company stickers. Is my opinion correct?

Anyways, I am looking at putting this Razor thing together. My power choices are my Irvine 53 or my ASP/Magnum 91 4 stroke. The decision will be determined by where the CG ends up after I have all of my radio gear installed, but I am hoping to use the 53 to keep the weight down. If you have this plane, which engine do you recommend?

The fuel tank can be mounted on CG or at front. The CG would be better I am sure, but would I need a pump to do that?

Finally, do you have any build tips to pass on before I start assembling this plane?


Thanks in advance for your input.

I have both! Well.. I had a Razor and still have the Matrix. The Matrix (to me) is a much better flier. It's a few inches bigger in both directions, has more wing area and significantly bigger control surfaces. It flies much 'lighter' than my Razor did due to the lower wing loading. I bought the Razor used and it was not in the greatest ship to begin with. Some of my problems with it I'm sure are associated with its past. My biggest complaint was it was extremely snappy even on mid elevator rates. While it's snappiness was good for some manuevers, it was by no means relaxing to fly. It's snappiness eventually led to it's demise. I actually smacked it twice; the first time was a minor repair, the 2nd one totalled it. Again, mine had a few shady repairs made to it. I wouldn't read too much into my experience with it as I didn't start with a clean slate. I absolutely love my Matrix. It's everything I wanted the Razor to be (and probably would be if it was right). Both will do mesmerizing blenders and inverted flat spins. Parachutes, harriers and elevators are great as well. Mine is absolutely rock solid in an inverted harrier. Upright, there is some wing rock. I would highly recommend a 4 stroke provided you can keep the weight down (I use a Saito .82). As for tank placement, I had the Razor's tank mounted behind the firewall. On the Matrix I used a Cline Regulator and mounted the tank on the CG. I HIGHLY recommend the CG mounted tank if you can swing a pump or regulator (you will need one). The build is very straightforward and relatively quick. The bellcrank setup can be a bit of a headache and I would HIGHLY recommend a high torque servo for it (for the price, you can't beat a Futaba 3010 on 6v). When set up properly, it works extremely well.

My best suggestion is to keep it light! But do NOT sacrifice on power if you can. Let me know if you have any questions. [8D]

Abram

Thanks for your reply. The Razor I have is also the black/red/yellow one.
I will be using hitech HS-475 servos for rudder and elevators, HS-425 for the ailerons, HS-300 for throttle. Rx battery is going to be a 1200 mAh 6 volt.

Are you suggesting that the 90 four stroke would be the better choice? It will certainly provide alot more thrust, but comes at a weight premium.

I expect that if this plane comes out heavy the flight characteristics will suffer alot. I want to keep as light as possible.

I also have these other two engine choices. Meaning I have these and are unused at this point.

ASP 61 four stroke. Nice light little engine
Super Tigre 75.

I went with the Irvine 53. Fantastic. I am getting to really like this plane. Come on over here for a look at some details and pictures.

http://www.rccanada.ca/bb/viewtopic.php?t=17208