I have acquired an EZ Zero 40 ARF, but it has not been supplied with retracts. The instruction manual refers to them as "Supra 40 II mains retracts"

Does anyone know where these retracts can be found? substitution has been tried but other makes are too large for the installation. Please help!

I believe they are distributed by the same company (Altech) that makes the Zero...I used a set of them for my EZ-Zero and they went in like a dream - and worked too! I fly off grass if that tells you anything....

Jerry

Tailskid

Thanks for the reply! Much appreciated! I will contact Altech ... does anyone know if they have a web address?

I was going to tell you to contact tailskid(Jerry) who did a review of this plane for RC Report (the BEST RC magazine!!!) but I see he already has replied. He is a good guy!!!Hello Jerry !!!!!!

I have the latest version of the Dago Red and the retracts that came with it are identical to my Great Planes retracts. I was told they both are made by the same people. In the EZ catalog that came with the plane they show three different sizes just as Great planes show. Might be worth a look.

Jerry(tailskid), John & Maximus

Thanks a whole bunch guys for your help on this. It really is appreciated. I think I really like RCU.

I checked with Tower. They list the GP 40 size mech. retracts for $20.99. I will print out the mounting dimension specs from their tech notes, and will see if they match up to the mounting space in the Zero's wing. It will solve my dilemma if they are the same as the "Supra 40 II" retracts specified in the instructions.

I found the site for EZ ARF's - it's www.modelrec.com (MRC) who appear to have taken over Altech Marketing. No word on the retracts for EZ ARF's on their web site store front though.

I have a spare GWS low profile retract servo. It looks like a copy. of Hitec's low profile retract servo. Will this be OK, or do I need the special "EZ" servo referred to in the instructions? I might try a trial fir of it in the wing myself. If it wont go, I'd rather not butcher that beatiful EZ construction, so near to the wing joiner! Anyone tried it?

Regards

fiery

I used an FMA retract with no problems...I wouldn't go to the bother of getting another one if you can get by with a cheaper servo.

Let us know how it goes....you'll LOVE the way this bird flies!

Jerry

Jerry& Guys

Looks like my luck's in on both fronts!

Got out the measuring tape last night - the great planes 40 size mech. mains retracts should fit perfectly in the mounting space in the Zero's wing, according to the specs. on Towers notes for these retracts.

Brilliant! I think Max was right on the money in saying they are identical to the supra 40 retracts. I expect they are just "badged" for EZ.

Also, I pulled out my GWS retract servo (S136GM) and compared it to the really good pics. of the "EZ Supra" retract servo in the Zero's manual. GUESS WHAT - it's the same servo! Identical! I could hardly believe it. The casing (apart from the label) is EXACTLY the same. I'm sure the internals are too. I did hear that GWS make a lot of servo's for other companies. Let's just say that there is a big difference in what I paid for this servo at my friendly LHS, and the price it is listed for (in EZ labelling) on MRC's site.

I'm Stoked! - Boy, am I keen to get this one in the air, but I will take my time and do an A1 job on her. Everyone who's got / had an EZ Zero 45 say they fly great. Thanks again guys for all your help.

I'll post again in a month or two (when the bird's together and the weather permits) and give you a flying report on her - I've got an RCV 90 4 stroke that (joy of joys) is exactly the right length specified in the Zero's manual for engine installation, mounting to prop driver. Shouldn't need any lead up front either, due to the design of this unique engine. Plenty of pull with a big scale - like fan up front!

I've got a good feeling on this one ... it's all coming together. Hopefully it'll stay that way!

Signing off

fiery

The EZ supra retracts are NOT the same as the GP ones. The GP ones are a cheap copy of the EZ ones, and the plastic retract blocks are incredibly weak. Don't bother with them, as you will just be replacing them on a routine basis. Ask me how I know!
I have a Raiden fighter that went through three of those retracts before I refitted the EZ supra ones. The blocks would crack, even when just taxying.
The servos most likely came out of the same factory, yes.

Easytiger, thanks for the word on the GP retracts ... much appreciated . I was going to order a set of them today. Sounds like you've learned from hard experience on this one.

I want to have the best in this 'plane so I will order a set of the "Supra 40 II" retracts from MRC/Altech marketing. I fly off a (nicely mown) grass strip so strenghth is an important factor.

Regards

fiery

If you order the EZ retracts off the MRC website you will be getting the exact retract or a copy as I mentioned before. I talked extensively with their director of sales when I ordered my Dago Red and he mentioned they were the same. I know the older EZ kits used the Supra retracts but I can tell you sitting here looking at the two in my hands that they look identical right down to the clear square plastic tube they come in. Even the instructions and the cardboard peg hanger are the same. The only difference I can tell is where it says Great Planes on one it says EZ on the other. They both are capable of bieng made so as to have the operating arm that you hook to the servo to reversed so they will retract towards the wingtip such as on a Spitfire. Now as to wether one is a cheap knockoff of the other I do not know. I am just stating from appearance one is the same as the other. Talk with MRC about it before you buy, that would be my suggestion. You might save some money. Anything with EZ on it is expensive as you already know. Steve

By the way he told me they are coming out with a Vodoo Mustang to compliment the Dago red soon if anybody is interested.

I beg to differ, having used both types. I have also used cheapo chinese retracts that were identical to the Supras, right down to the green anodized color. I have used the browninsh ones from Great Planes, also.
I have nothing against great planes...I can only say from FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE of actually flying them that these identical-appearing retracts are NOT the same. The material they use is different. If you fly off of grass, fugeddaboutit.
I have broken one of the original EZ Supra ones, too, but that was an out-and-out crash, not their fault. The other left side supra retract is still in the airplane. The right one has gone though BOTH of the Great Planes ones and one of the Chinese ones. They broke under very, very minor stress, all in the same place, too.
I will be installing all metal springairs instead, but that's my personal taste.
EZ and Supra ARE the same retract, same brand. EZ and GP are not. GP is the same as the unbranded chinese ones.

Easytiger & Max

Thanks again for your contributions. It seems the GP mains retracts are either a very clever (but inferior) copy of the EZ SUPRA branded product, OR that EZ have recently switched suppliers for their retracts to the same manufacturer that GP source from. I do hope it's not the latter!

I will order the EZ SUPRA 40 II mains retracts from my LHS or if they can't get them, then from MRC direct. I have heard the new EZ ARF's have the SUPRA retracts already installed, as they should be. I am glad they work well and stand up to use on grass strips.

I'm off to a wing deconstruction session with my pattern flying buddy (mech. retracts whiz) who will try to sort out the bellcranks on the @#$%*^! twist and turn retracts on my last ARF purchase - a WM P-40 Warhawk. I'll be polite and say that these WM mains are definitely not the greatest retracts ever to see the light of day.