Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
08-18-2007 | 10:30 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
I am assembling a Hobby Lobby Tigermoth, produced by Green. Originally I wasn't going to write anything about it but have decided it would be good to share my experience with others who are considering buying this model - because the writeup on the Hobby Lobby website is a bit misleading, and the Fly RC Magazine report (linked to the Hobby Lobby site) by Scott Stoops is particularly optomistic.
Not that I regret having bought this plane. I think I will like it and enjoy flying it. It is just that the "ease" of assembly they will lead you to expect is a crock.
Maybe all ARFs are this way. I have only built a few so what do I know? I certainly have done lots of kit, scratch and self designed models though, fortunately because I am needing all my skills to put this little Tigermoth together properly.
My first issue is the claim that it was designed totally for electric. Frankly there are lots of issues that give lie to this claim. To route the wires from the speed control to the battery box requires heavy carving, in spite of using the recommended components. One just can't get the battery in otherwise. If fact, the holes get kind of big and may cause some structural issues down the line.
A model designer should build one of his own models from his own instructions, THEN make modifications on the kit - this has not happened with this one and you get to experience all the problems too.
The instructions are minimal and really don't cover the electric version mods to any extent at all, inspite of Mr. Stoops statement to the contrary. A sixth grader could write better instructions and take clearer photos. Many issues are not addressed at all. You will need considerable experience to have any hope of getting through this with good results.
The model is full of parts that don't fit or were assembled improperly. The motor mount, for instance had one side glued in upside down. This is pretty obvious and required some fixing before I could attach it. Quality control is lacking or almost nonexistant here. Same issue with the rudder lever which was misassembled and had to be cobbled up to install. The instrument decals don't fit and don't stick either - get yourself some two-way tape.
In fact I would recommend having a good dremmel and lots of little files because you will be modifying and extensively fitting almost every part you put on this thing. Even the little horns on the control surfaces have to all be ground away for the screws and nuts to fit on them. The little bolts provided here are just barely long enough but not unless you relieve the plastic first so the head of the bolt and the nuts set properly. I even had to file the inside of the wheel collars to get them to go on the axles.
It kind of wears one down, having to fight every step of the way to get it put together with any kind of quality. The six hour assembly claim is bull&&&&, only possible by a moron who throws everything together in a macho display of 'I am faster than you are..."
I resent the polyanna report on Fly RC Magazine by Mr. Stoops. It is a typical example of kissing the youknow whats of the advertisers. To read his article would make you believe this thing is perfect and it really isn't even close.
The wood motor mount included herein, in addition to having one side upside down, has inaccurate mounting holes for the recommended AXI 2820/10. I would recommend fitting the wood to the aluminum AXI mount BEFORE drilling to install blind nuts because you will otherwise end up (like I did) having to file the aluminum holes into slots to get it to fit. No harm done here, just an extra fifteen minutes of needless work and aggravation.
I have produced several model kits, in small batches of 30 or so, and I would build a couple of prototypes from my instructions, make all the corrections and REDO the design before producing and selling the products to my customers. Is it asking too much for Green/ HobbyLobby to do the same?
Not that I regret having bought this plane. I think I will like it and enjoy flying it. It is just that the "ease" of assembly they will lead you to expect is a crock.
Maybe all ARFs are this way. I have only built a few so what do I know? I certainly have done lots of kit, scratch and self designed models though, fortunately because I am needing all my skills to put this little Tigermoth together properly.
My first issue is the claim that it was designed totally for electric. Frankly there are lots of issues that give lie to this claim. To route the wires from the speed control to the battery box requires heavy carving, in spite of using the recommended components. One just can't get the battery in otherwise. If fact, the holes get kind of big and may cause some structural issues down the line.
A model designer should build one of his own models from his own instructions, THEN make modifications on the kit - this has not happened with this one and you get to experience all the problems too.
The instructions are minimal and really don't cover the electric version mods to any extent at all, inspite of Mr. Stoops statement to the contrary. A sixth grader could write better instructions and take clearer photos. Many issues are not addressed at all. You will need considerable experience to have any hope of getting through this with good results.
The model is full of parts that don't fit or were assembled improperly. The motor mount, for instance had one side glued in upside down. This is pretty obvious and required some fixing before I could attach it. Quality control is lacking or almost nonexistant here. Same issue with the rudder lever which was misassembled and had to be cobbled up to install. The instrument decals don't fit and don't stick either - get yourself some two-way tape.
In fact I would recommend having a good dremmel and lots of little files because you will be modifying and extensively fitting almost every part you put on this thing. Even the little horns on the control surfaces have to all be ground away for the screws and nuts to fit on them. The little bolts provided here are just barely long enough but not unless you relieve the plastic first so the head of the bolt and the nuts set properly. I even had to file the inside of the wheel collars to get them to go on the axles.
It kind of wears one down, having to fight every step of the way to get it put together with any kind of quality. The six hour assembly claim is bull&&&&, only possible by a moron who throws everything together in a macho display of 'I am faster than you are..."
I resent the polyanna report on Fly RC Magazine by Mr. Stoops. It is a typical example of kissing the youknow whats of the advertisers. To read his article would make you believe this thing is perfect and it really isn't even close.
The wood motor mount included herein, in addition to having one side upside down, has inaccurate mounting holes for the recommended AXI 2820/10. I would recommend fitting the wood to the aluminum AXI mount BEFORE drilling to install blind nuts because you will otherwise end up (like I did) having to file the aluminum holes into slots to get it to fit. No harm done here, just an extra fifteen minutes of needless work and aggravation.
I have produced several model kits, in small batches of 30 or so, and I would build a couple of prototypes from my instructions, make all the corrections and REDO the design before producing and selling the products to my customers. Is it asking too much for Green/ HobbyLobby to do the same?
08-18-2007 | 08:57 PM
#2
Thread Starter
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
Today, I put the tail surfaces onto the model (maybe some pix later) and started on the ailerons. First the pull-pull linkages had to be attached and adjusted. In this respect, the thing went together pretty well. One expects to fiddle with this stuff to get it right. The pull-pull are all steel wires so I hope the radio reception isn't an issue.
Tomorrow I will drag out the camera and shoot some images to post so you-all can see the progress.
I work slow so the wings should be done in another 3 hours or so. I bought some sermax and GWS connectors, soldered them up and charged up the lipo with the new rig. When the plane is together, I will be able to drive over to the local electric field and try it out.
Tomorrow I will drag out the camera and shoot some images to post so you-all can see the progress.
I work slow so the wings should be done in another 3 hours or so. I bought some sermax and GWS connectors, soldered them up and charged up the lipo with the new rig. When the plane is together, I will be able to drive over to the local electric field and try it out.
08-20-2007 | 04:06 PM
#3
Thread Starter
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
I finished installing the wings this morning. This was a little irritating because the kit didn't have nearly enought 2mm bolts and nuts to do the job. So I had to substitute 2/56 bolts and nuts from my own supply, redrilling many of the holes to make room for enough clearance to get the bolts through.
I found I had to do a great deal of grinding on the battery box to be able to put the recommended 3300 mAh lipo in, because the landing gear restricted the access. Just another example of how this model IS NOT worked out for electric propulsion, in spite of the big claims on Hobby Lobby and in the gushy "review" on Fly RC Mag. Very irritating.
Here are some pix of the thing, just about ready to test fly tomorrow. I added 1.75 oz of lead to insure the cg location.
I will report on the test flight. All in all, it looks fairly good and the motor is very strong, servos all give good movement, etc. Should fly well.
I found I had to do a great deal of grinding on the battery box to be able to put the recommended 3300 mAh lipo in, because the landing gear restricted the access. Just another example of how this model IS NOT worked out for electric propulsion, in spite of the big claims on Hobby Lobby and in the gushy "review" on Fly RC Mag. Very irritating.
Here are some pix of the thing, just about ready to test fly tomorrow. I added 1.75 oz of lead to insure the cg location.
I will report on the test flight. All in all, it looks fairly good and the motor is very strong, servos all give good movement, etc. Should fly well.
08-21-2007 | 03:16 PM
#4
Thread Starter
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
The maiden flight went well this morning at the Sea World field. I had charged the thing up last night so it was fast getting it in the air this morning, particularly with no wind. A good smooth takeoff, no big problems turning left with adverse yaw (I had already programed in about 30% rudder coupling with ailerons). It climbed too fast and tended to bank left, both of which called for some immediate trim. After that it was fine although a little hard to see in the air (silver model and all). It is powerful with the AXI 2820/10 so I had to keep it close so I could see it well. First landing was okay but nosed over at the last second. Second flight was very short and the landing very good.
Most of the people liked the scale aspect a lot. It does look good there on the flightline. Now I can take it down to my regular field in Chula Vista.
This model is okay once one has dialed it in, has a high scale appeal and should serve well as a daily flyer. I am not distressed at the process and, frankly, not surprised at the moderate struggle to get it together in spite of overly glowing reviews. All in all, it is a good model if one takes the time to put it together right and doesn't expect miracles.
Ciao. See you all at the field.
Allan
Most of the people liked the scale aspect a lot. It does look good there on the flightline. Now I can take it down to my regular field in Chula Vista.
This model is okay once one has dialed it in, has a high scale appeal and should serve well as a daily flyer. I am not distressed at the process and, frankly, not surprised at the moderate struggle to get it together in spite of overly glowing reviews. All in all, it is a good model if one takes the time to put it together right and doesn't expect miracles.
Ciao. See you all at the field.
Allan
08-21-2007 | 09:29 PM
#5
Thread Starter
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
Not a good report on hardware quality... One of the clevises used for landing wires on the wing just popped off the little brass threaded shaft. I hope this is the only one that is bad. The brass piece is just too loose a fit to hold. I will fly again tomorrow so it will be important to do a complete visual check on everything. At least electrics don't have lots of vibration to shake everything loose.
08-22-2007 | 01:59 PM
#6
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: timonium, MD
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
Allen, couldn't agree with you more! I just put one together and I'm thinking this guy that can do it in 4 hours is somehow related to Superman, I'm guessing a free ARF will get you a glowing review like that! I also had a turnbuckle let go during the build and that has me worried. Yes the plans were vague, to say the least. Now that it is built, it sure is pretty. Haven't flown it yet, but I think it should be fine. Send your response off to hobby-lobby, They need to hear this stuff.I printed the control panels on photo paper, then glued them in place.That worked real well. Had all of the same problems you described, and can relate to your frustration. Unfortunately I think that thing is built in China, I hate to give those guys any of my money as they have displaye despicable human rights behavior. Not to be trusted! Good Luck, Robby
08-22-2007 | 08:56 PM
#7
Thread Starter
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
Robby,
So I am not alone...
It is a short term attitude about quality that many of these products have. I remember reading about the Japanese automakers, primarily Toyota, who studied how Detroit made cars but decided to empower their worker teams to input on quality, even allowing them to stop the assembly line if needed. Over time, the quality improved at the same time the costs went down. It is just good smart management. The Chinese need to learn this soon or people will start to balk at the "made in China" label.
I flew the plane today at my regular field, with a nasty cross wind. It wants to weathervane and go into the wind which makes it less than a good windy day flyer. Not too bad however.
The big issue is that the silver just disappears, at least at my field. I lost orientation several times and almost lost the plane because of it. I will have to pull the wings off and change some colors or this plane will not survive. Probably yellow on the wing tops and something dark with really big graphics (roundels?) on the bottoms. I hate to deviate from scale but this will have to be.
The guys at the field love the plane, by the way.
So I am not alone...
It is a short term attitude about quality that many of these products have. I remember reading about the Japanese automakers, primarily Toyota, who studied how Detroit made cars but decided to empower their worker teams to input on quality, even allowing them to stop the assembly line if needed. Over time, the quality improved at the same time the costs went down. It is just good smart management. The Chinese need to learn this soon or people will start to balk at the "made in China" label.
I flew the plane today at my regular field, with a nasty cross wind. It wants to weathervane and go into the wind which makes it less than a good windy day flyer. Not too bad however.
The big issue is that the silver just disappears, at least at my field. I lost orientation several times and almost lost the plane because of it. I will have to pull the wings off and change some colors or this plane will not survive. Probably yellow on the wing tops and something dark with really big graphics (roundels?) on the bottoms. I hate to deviate from scale but this will have to be.
The guys at the field love the plane, by the way.
08-23-2007 | 10:27 AM
#8
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
I have the version sold by Pacific Aeromodel. I believe it is the same plane, I bought mine long before H-L started carrying them. Mine has a Saito .30 on the nose though. I thought the rigging was a PITA to assemble, but frankly, I don't think there is a way around that. Even if it had been all assembled beforehand, there would have been issues with the humidity and temperature differences, etc. What DID bother me was the cheap hardware. One of the blind nuts in the vertical stabilizer was installed crooked, so I had to cut away covering, tap it out, and install another. Also, one of the blind nuts in the wing saddle was out of round--you couldn't thread a screw into it. When I called the distributor, they were apologetic about the problems and sent me covering to replace what I had to cut away. All in all, not a bad plane. I certainly don't expect perfection at the price these sell for, though...
08-27-2007 | 02:46 PM
#9
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: timonium, MD
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
I forgot to mention in my first post as to how delighted I was to discover that the pull-pull wires were crossed up from the factory! I spent at least on of the four hour assembly time to straighten this out. I had to pull one compleately out anf fish back thru for it. My tail went right together though, as this seems to be a problem area.
09-03-2007 | 09:27 PM
#10
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Mead,
CO
RE: Hobby Lobby 50" Tigermoth
ORIGINAL: allanflowers
I am assembling a Hobby Lobby Tigermoth, produced by Green. Originally I wasn't going to write anything about it but have decided it would be good to share my experience with others who are considering buying this model - because the writeup on the Hobby Lobby website is a bit misleading, and the Fly RC Magazine report (linked to the Hobby Lobby site) by Scott Stoops is particularly optomistic.
Not that I regret having bought this plane. I think I will like it and enjoy flying it. It is just that the "ease" of assembly they will lead you to expect is a crock.
Maybe all ARFs are this way. I have only built a few so what do I know? I certainly have done lots of kit, scratch and self designed models though, fortunately because I am needing all my skills to put this little Tigermoth together properly.
My first issue is the claim that it was designed totally for electric. Frankly there are lots of issues that give lie to this claim. To route the wires from the speed control to the battery box requires heavy carving, in spite of using the recommended components. One just can't get the battery in otherwise. If fact, the holes get kind of big and may cause some structural issues down the line.
A model designer should build one of his own models from his own instructions, THEN make modifications on the kit - this has not happened with this one and you get to experience all the problems too.
The instructions are minimal and really don't cover the electric version mods to any extent at all, inspite of Mr. Stoops statement to the contrary. A sixth grader could write better instructions and take clearer photos. Many issues are not addressed at all. You will need considerable experience to have any hope of getting through this with good results.
The model is full of parts that don't fit or were assembled improperly. The motor mount, for instance had one side glued in upside down. This is pretty obvious and required some fixing before I could attach it. Quality control is lacking or almost nonexistant here. Same issue with the rudder lever which was misassembled and had to be cobbled up to install. The instrument decals don't fit and don't stick either - get yourself some two-way tape.
In fact I would recommend having a good dremmel and lots of little files because you will be modifying and extensively fitting almost every part you put on this thing. Even the little horns on the control surfaces have to all be ground away for the screws and nuts to fit on them. The little bolts provided here are just barely long enough but not unless you relieve the plastic first so the head of the bolt and the nuts set properly. I even had to file the inside of the wheel collars to get them to go on the axles.
It kind of wears one down, having to fight every step of the way to get it put together with any kind of quality. The six hour assembly claim is bull&&&&, only possible by a moron who throws everything together in a macho display of 'I am faster than you are..."
I resent the polyanna report on Fly RC Magazine by Mr. Stoops. It is a typical example of kissing the youknow whats of the advertisers. To read his article would make you believe this thing is perfect and it really isn't even close.
The wood motor mount included herein, in addition to having one side upside down, has inaccurate mounting holes for the recommended AXI 2820/10. I would recommend fitting the wood to the aluminum AXI mount BEFORE drilling to install blind nuts because you will otherwise end up (like I did) having to file the aluminum holes into slots to get it to fit. No harm done here, just an extra fifteen minutes of needless work and aggravation.
I have produced several model kits, in small batches of 30 or so, and I would build a couple of prototypes from my instructions, make all the corrections and REDO the design before producing and selling the products to my customers. Is it asking too much for Green/ HobbyLobby to do the same?
I am assembling a Hobby Lobby Tigermoth, produced by Green. Originally I wasn't going to write anything about it but have decided it would be good to share my experience with others who are considering buying this model - because the writeup on the Hobby Lobby website is a bit misleading, and the Fly RC Magazine report (linked to the Hobby Lobby site) by Scott Stoops is particularly optomistic.
Not that I regret having bought this plane. I think I will like it and enjoy flying it. It is just that the "ease" of assembly they will lead you to expect is a crock.
Maybe all ARFs are this way. I have only built a few so what do I know? I certainly have done lots of kit, scratch and self designed models though, fortunately because I am needing all my skills to put this little Tigermoth together properly.
My first issue is the claim that it was designed totally for electric. Frankly there are lots of issues that give lie to this claim. To route the wires from the speed control to the battery box requires heavy carving, in spite of using the recommended components. One just can't get the battery in otherwise. If fact, the holes get kind of big and may cause some structural issues down the line.
A model designer should build one of his own models from his own instructions, THEN make modifications on the kit - this has not happened with this one and you get to experience all the problems too.
The instructions are minimal and really don't cover the electric version mods to any extent at all, inspite of Mr. Stoops statement to the contrary. A sixth grader could write better instructions and take clearer photos. Many issues are not addressed at all. You will need considerable experience to have any hope of getting through this with good results.
The model is full of parts that don't fit or were assembled improperly. The motor mount, for instance had one side glued in upside down. This is pretty obvious and required some fixing before I could attach it. Quality control is lacking or almost nonexistant here. Same issue with the rudder lever which was misassembled and had to be cobbled up to install. The instrument decals don't fit and don't stick either - get yourself some two-way tape.
In fact I would recommend having a good dremmel and lots of little files because you will be modifying and extensively fitting almost every part you put on this thing. Even the little horns on the control surfaces have to all be ground away for the screws and nuts to fit on them. The little bolts provided here are just barely long enough but not unless you relieve the plastic first so the head of the bolt and the nuts set properly. I even had to file the inside of the wheel collars to get them to go on the axles.
It kind of wears one down, having to fight every step of the way to get it put together with any kind of quality. The six hour assembly claim is bull&&&&, only possible by a moron who throws everything together in a macho display of 'I am faster than you are..."
I resent the polyanna report on Fly RC Magazine by Mr. Stoops. It is a typical example of kissing the youknow whats of the advertisers. To read his article would make you believe this thing is perfect and it really isn't even close.
The wood motor mount included herein, in addition to having one side upside down, has inaccurate mounting holes for the recommended AXI 2820/10. I would recommend fitting the wood to the aluminum AXI mount BEFORE drilling to install blind nuts because you will otherwise end up (like I did) having to file the aluminum holes into slots to get it to fit. No harm done here, just an extra fifteen minutes of needless work and aggravation.
I have produced several model kits, in small batches of 30 or so, and I would build a couple of prototypes from my instructions, make all the corrections and REDO the design before producing and selling the products to my customers. Is it asking too much for Green/ HobbyLobby to do the same?
I resent your insinuation that I am somehow in bed with the manufacturer/distributor. When I reviewed the model, I received a full and detailed conversion document. If you didn't, maybe you should consider calling Hobby Lobby instead of slamming me personally. In fact, I consider it pretty poor that you didn't contact me personally before trashing me. I have enough of a reputation in the industry that I'm pretty easy to get ahold of.
On your claim about the motor box, I've attached a photo of the model I was sent and the setup. Not a single bit of cutting to route the power system. Perfect fit of the AXI 2820 - absolutely perfect. Could it be possible that they changed the model at the factory in the year and a half between my receiving the airplane and you receiving yours? If your issue is with Hobby Lobby, then take it up with them. If the model changed between the review and yours arriving, there isn't a darned thing I can do about it!
On the build, what exactly was so hard about it? If you had QC issues from the factory, how exactly is that my fault and not a failure of the model manufacturer's QC? Yes, mine went together in 4 hours, and I documented the blind nut problem in the tail quite fully. By far, the toughest part was rigging the flying wires, but even that was straight forward. I'm sorry if you had issues with the model. Hope it works out for you in the end. If my frustration seems palpable, it is. I have a very good reputation in the hobby which is very important to me personally and professionally.
Scott Stoops
[email protected]
