I will be getting a Seagull Spacewalker 40 ARF any day now. Has any one had any experience with this plane as far as things to watch out for in assembly or flying?

Yes, I purchased one about 2 weeks ago and have completed all but installing the engine, wing servos and wheel pants. The instructions are worthless and if you know a good hobbie shop, I would suggest that you consult them about any modifications.

I have changed all the linkage from metric to standard harndware, replaced the wing nuts as they were pretty sloppy when I installed the wing. I have read that the control throws are too low and most have first flighted using the high rates. I have not set mine up yet but I am also looking for suggestions.

I think this plane will be a blast to fly as I am planning on installing a Saito .72.

Happy flying and let me know if you have any problems as I may be able to help.

Hi, 2mistakeshigh. You are going to really like yopur Spacewalker. I flew mine all last season and I think it was one of my favourite planes. . I have a TT pro 46 in mine and with factory throws she is a great flier. I changed landing gear as the one supplied was no good. Put on an aluminum one from one of my deceased 4*'s. The TT 46 runs great inverted just a little balky at initial start up, goes into hydraulic lock up easily if I'm not careful but otherwise it has been very reliable. I would be interested as to how your Saito does inverted. Have fun with this plane. Norm

I actually have two of them and after today both or in the repair shop-last weekend I flew until my battery quit and the airplane landed at about 40 degree angle and broke the gear off and got the cowl and firewall-today I had just put it together over the week and I took off and dumb thumb it into the ground-minor-got gear, front former and cowl and cracked the fuse-repairing it now-I am powering the first with a xls 52 magnum and it is a blast-it has three months of flying almost every weekend-the 2nd 40la-low power and will not pull like the 52-It is a great airplane-set elevator throws on high-flys gentle and will land pretty slow-nice loops and aileron rolls -do not care much for the hardware but it is adequate-watch drilling out the wheel pants-make sure you drill the hole as low to the bottom of the wheel pant or the wheel will hit at the top-and throw away the wheel pants hardware and go buy the sig black plastic collars-so much easier and they stay put. If you need any more info I will be glad to tell you but mine or in pieces now but not for long

Thank you both for the information. I am researching everything I can prior to heading out to the feild. I noticed you said that the throws were better at the high rates as the low rate setting are too low for a good flight.

I plan on setting this airplane up using the high rate throws for the low rates but would like to hear what you two have used for the high rate settings.

Thank you again for the information and I will let you know how it fly's with the Saito 72 installed. Just have to buy it first.

Norm,

Thank you for your help. I do have one question. You said you replaced the landing gear with an alluminum one. Why? Is the reason because the one supplied is in two peices or is it not sturdy enough for landings.

I am getting really excited about flying this airplane as it will be my second after flying an Alpha Trainer for a year now. I am having fun flying it but I am getting bored with it and hate the problems with the wind associated with a flat bottom airfoil and such a high dihedral.

I have already replaced the hardware supplied with the Spacewalker with STD 2-56 control rods and new clevises. I am in the process of installing the fuel tank and I feel that the hardware for the fuel tank is not adequate and might replace it too. As for the instructions, the really are no help at all. I am working with a guy at the hobby shop that sold me the airplane and he is mentoring me with the assembly.

I am also a little woried about installing such a big engine after reading the forums titled "Overpowered" by Scribnob. He also installed a Saito .72 and had problems with it torque rolling after takoff. This however seemed to be caused by not giving enough power during takeoff and it may have stalled. Everyone else I talk to says it will fly fine and not to worry.

I guess I will find out when I get to the field.

Thanks again!!!

2mistakeshigh

2mistakeshigh,

I flew mine on New Year's day twice. I installed an OS .46FX with 11x6 APC prop and it flies well.

The assembly was easy, although I've built kits in the past, but the directions are a joke. Don't be confused by the engine installation instructions. Use the supplied plates, and clamp the motor's base between them and the motor mount. Use some Loctite on the threads so the nuts don't vibrate off.

Obviously, the dihedral brace is installed so the wing tips are up after assembly. I used the stock landing gear, and had no problem on the landings, one bounced. I installed the wheel pants a little differently. I put the outer wheel collar inside the pant, with just the axle extending 1/8" outside the pant. Looks better, centers the wheel, and doesn't crush the pant on the outside.

Flies real well. It's my first glow. I normally fly electric, so this was a breeze. I did put in a little more elevator than they recommend after reading the review. 1/2" should be OK to start.

Even though it's a tail dragger, I didn't need much right rudder on takeoff. I throttled up slowly and pointed it into the wind. took off in 50' easily. Glides nicely on approach, so just ease it into the runway and slowly decend to the ground!

Enjoy,

Chris

2 mistakeshigh, I replaced the supplied landing gear after I flew with iot a few times. I resoldered it where the two wires meet just above the axel and even though I'm putting it down pretty softly, the landing gear just wasn't standing up. One of my first rainers was a Seagull Arising Star- good plane but again poor metal in landing gear. The aluminum lg has been no problem.

Norm,

I thank you for the information but the ARF kit I purchased is the Spacewalker II .40 size and comes supplied with an alluminum landing gear not the wire type as supplied on the larger versions.

So after reading your reply, I guess I should be good to go!!!

Thank you fro your help and I will let you all know how she flew (Provided my wife let's me but it an engine) LOL

John