There were several Fiber Classic Extras, I think some consider them an ARF.

Ryan Taylor was supposedly flying an ARF from his Dad's 40% Extra product line. However when he was selling it here on RCUniverse I remember he denied it was an ARF and said it was all hand built.

ARF's are slowly making the transition from being a throwaway plane to something an owner can be proud of. I cannot build a plane as nice as the ones I sell or buy from other vendors.

TF

Fred sent this along with some pics, I will try to get the pics up tomorrow...

Man. Tom, looks like a winner!! I am anxious to get mine done, and in the air!!!!!!!

R

Pic one - Fred and Giles.

Pic two, Giles on final (?)

Last one - easy to see up there!! Gotta love it!

rcav8or did you think the plane is pretty forgiving I had a midwest 202 it liked to snap really easy. What did you think about the quality of the kit?

thanks

This is not my plane - I am merely relaying info. I have the kit 1/2 completed - no shortcomings to speak of so far. Fred Lumb is the owner of this one. He has reported no problems in flight.

R

How close is the weights to the spec's listed from Wild Hare? I have seen this plane up "real" close and it seemed a tad heavy. Im speaking from the box. Also does the quality compare with lets say Hanger 9's stuff? It sounds like this plane may be a flyer but the one I looked at was sent back. It was not my plane, I was just a second opinion. Engine choice for the plane I looked at was to be a ZDZ-80 single. We were looking at 25+lbs with this combo..

Before I started construction on my G202 I knew I was going to have a problem with the prop hub. It sticks out of the cowl about 3/8 of an inch. I am trying to use a Taurus 4.2 but am not sure this is going work. Distance from the back of the radial mount to the prop hub is 6.5 inches. Distance from the engine mount to where the spinner backplate should be is 6.5 inches. The radial mount will not sit between the tri-stock and overhang from the fuse without using a 1/4 inch shim. The radial mount is attached with only three bolts and I am not sure replacing with standoffs would be safe.

I have emailed Taurus regarding a shorter prop hub. This may be the only way to solve this problem.

The quality of this arf is first class. The fuse is build like a tank.

Thanks

I might add, built like a LIGHT tank! It's very well constructed and strong, but no, it's not overly heavy. If I remember, Fred's came out just a bit over 23 pounds, with ZDZ80. I haven't gotten to the point where I can weigh mine, but I am hoping to keep it well under 24.

One word of caution - the canopy is just a bit brittle,while cutting, with scissors. Of course, I cut "large" first, but found some cracking. Cutting it down to proper size, with Xacto, there wasn't any problem. Just something to be aware of. The fit and look is great.

Make sure you get the pilot and dash - the pilot is quite light, looks good, and the dash is excellent.

I will be doing a review on the plane, for RCUniverse, when it's done - be looking for it.

R

Roger what engine do you plan to use? I am now thinking about selling my Taurus 4.2 and buting a ZDZ60 or 80.

I am using the ZDZ80 - Fred has one on his, says it's MORE than sufficient - in fact, he's probably going to put a second Giles together, with a ZDZ60 for basic and sportsman! Depends on what you want out of it, I reckon. I have the 80, so I am going to use it...

How does the Taurus weight compare to the ZDZ80?

R

I'm thinking of getting one of these and running an DA50 from Desert Air on it - any comments as to how this will perform.


Thanks

David

I finished my Giles a few weeks ago, and ran it through the first few flights over the New Years weekend. At an altitude of 3000' the ZDZ 80 has PLENTY of power for any maneuver I can attempt, as well as my father who is an accomplished pilot. The kit went together very smoothly and from the first flight needed almost 0 adjustment with the trim. I am no TOC pilot, but this plane is so smooth and precise that my skills advanced after just a few flights. Anyone who believes the wing loading is too high, go fly one and then let us know what you think. And for the price, there is really nothing that compares. I have yet to weight the plane, but it flies so well that I really don't care what it tips the scales at. In addition, my dad thinks it flies as well as his H9 33% Extra with custom built wing and tail group (Dick, he probably said that to encourage us boys). Anyway, from what I have seen you can not go wrong with the Wildhare.

Something very familiar looking about those planes ------

Hey wakeboy would you say the zdz80 has enough power to pull it out a torque roll? I'm trying to decide now between the zdz80 and a DA100...

The ZDZ-80 has plenty of power, but if you can afford a DA-100 I'd buy it. They are so smooth and easy to handle it will be a great match.

TF

wake boys model has an 80 on a tuned can - his power is -- quite good -
The 100 would bevery nice - but you add another lb at least and the all up price of almost any twin engine is double-
You have to run the 80 on a can to appreciate the smoothness and power -and quite note.
Most twin believers don't believe it - till they see it .
Then they still don't believe it.
Oh well -

tuned can? Meaning tuned muffler? Tom is the muffler that comes with the zdz80 tuned (I mean with the package)??

Gee -I forgot how to spell quiet.
Tuned cans aredevices which are mounted -typically aft the engine with a length of header - The length is the important part -
This requires some rework to an existing airframe -
Any airframe .

I don't think it could be considered a tuned exhaust by any definition. It's just the quietest thing I could find that is inexpensive and light weight, bolt on.

TF

WE HAVE ASSEMBLED THIS PLANE AND ALL I CAN SAY IS THIS ARF IS OF THE UTMOST QUALITY. THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE VERY GOOD AND THE PLANE WENT TOGETHER WELL. HAVE ALREADY HEARD FROM OTHERS THAT HAVE FLOWN THIS PLANE AND THE WEIGHT IS NOT AN ISSUE PER PREVIOUS POSTS. WE ARE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO FLYING IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. WILL LET YOU KNOW MORE SOON...

I would be very interested in reading a post from someone flying this plane with a 3W-75. I'm thinking this engine may be slightly more powerful than the ZDZ 80. I also like the side carburetor better than rear carburetor. The 3W can be purchased about $100 less with muffler. So it would be great to get some info on the Giles/3W-75 combo.

I am also considering a 3W-85 twin, or possibly a BME 110. However, I keep coming back to the single for economic reasons.

3W makes good engines - I sincerely doubt if it equals the 80 ZDZ- based on other 3W engines I have run -and they ran very well- the ZDZ beats em pound for pound.
displacement wise tho -they are reasonably close.
Either choice will work -

I am flying a G202, my personal plane, with the 3w75 side carb. It is a very nice combination, I recommend it.

Since I'm the importer/vendor, I've flown them all different ways. The ZDZ-80 does have more power, but the 3w is plenty for almost anything except maybe heavy 3d with a rocket exit from hovering.

For everyday aerobatics and IMAC style work it's very nice. The engine is refined and easy to handle. I actually like it a whole lot. I'll be flying mine in IMAC this year.

TF