Here we are, a brand new thread and nobody is posting.

Well, let me be the first:

I just test flew the Great Planes Triplane ARF and it did just fine once the control throws were set back a bit. Seems I set them up for the "high rate" dimensions but should have set up for "low rate" ones.

Power is an OS 70 Surpass II with a 14-6 APC. Total dry weight is 8.6 lbs. Wing loading is 15.5 oz/ft.

I like the way it flies, but be careful on the ground. Taxiing is a real thrill especially if you want to turn at a moderate speed.

Read all about it in an upcoming Issue of R/C REPORT.

BTW, the review of the Great Planes 1/3 scale Pitts will be in the June issue and the Hangar 9 T-Craft will be a month or so later.

So what did you buy at Toledo?

Jerry

Well I see the R C Report gang is here
Hey Dick & Jerry... yea what did you buy ?

Keep up the great work guys.

I didn't actually "buy" anything but I made arrangements for some upcoming projects.

They may or may not include one or more ARF's from 3 Sea Bees, the Fokker D-VIII from Balsa USA, The Sukhoi from Hangar 9, the CAP232 (patty Wagstaff) from Great Planes, and the list goes on and on.

I'm almost finished with a Gee Bee Model Y from Northwest Hobby Tech, and will be starting on a 1/4 scale Tiger Moth from Flair.

Can I breathe now?

I had the pleasure of going to Aerospace museum in San Diego this past weekend and saw a full scale DR1. I really want Great Planes version. Thanks for input. I'm starting my second year and am now getting comfortable with low wing planes. PT 19 and AT6. Is this plane to much for me know? Also is the OS 70 good match?

Thanks Duke

Toledo is still costing me $$$$. Bought about $60 worth of tools, nuts and bolts. $26.00 in aileron extensions. Picked up a Saito 100 and Battery Charger - close to $300. Some stupid LED/optic extensions for night flying, prop hub nuts and of course Harry Higleys latest book.

Didn't buy any kits this time - but I see two in the near future that I'll have to do some saving for....can you say A-26????

Doesn't look like the H9 P-51 is coming my way - Gordon said it was going to someone else.

Best deal was a Cap 232 by Yellow ($139) that Bill Fulmer picked up - I might as well buy one too....sure looked good

Other than that...no, I didn't buy anything at Toledo

Jerry

i wish i was there! a guy a rcu actually took like 50 pics of booths. really neat looking with all the new arfs, and such. looks like a lot of fun!

Rc-Sport. Yea I also saw the Shoestring hanging from the ceiling. Also saw article in RC mag. Have always loved the DR1.

Duke

Yep, I saw it and it does look nice. But, since all I do, for the most part, are the "larger" planes, the 65" P-51 will probably go to someone else.

I'm waiting for both the 80" CAP232 and the Sukhoi, from Hangar 9. They told me as soon as they became available, they'd be on the way.

Very often I ask myself the same concern - My plane comes in at X lbs, every post from other modelers say theirs came in at X-2 or x+3!!!!

I get all my kits directly from the editor and as you probably know, one of the 'first' off the line - which may NOT be the best to get :-)

Many years ago RCM did just about everything to counter that concern - they would 'trade' them with a hobby shop, then send them out, or send out the original and have the reviewer swap 'em at their local hobby shop.....the concensis was - it wasn't worth it!

Let's face it .... it's POT LUCK anytime you have a plane shipped to you - and we are no different. Some of them are dogs, some are worst than normal, others better than the rest...the trouble is - we don't know it and neither do you!!!

One 'benefit' of getting a 'first run' is that we often contact the manufacturer (via the editor) and let them know there is a problem. We write it up 'as is' and add a note that this situation has been 'solved in future runs' (as if we REALLY know that???). But at least it is a 'heads up' for the rest of you.

For example, a GP F-4 had its plastic fuse sides about 1/4" too short and we found that and they immediately verified it and bingo, next run of kits - problem solved!

I know if "I" were the distributor, the outgoing kits would get hand selected, verified and re-checked before shipping them out. But that is probably NOT the case as many reviews indicated this or that was missing!!! Go figure....

Anyway, that's my story, and I'm sticking with it!!!

Jerry

I have to agree with Jerry. I have the feeling that the major manufacturers have better things to do rather than 'hand select" a so-called perfect kit to send to us for review.

On the other hand, I have gotten some products from smaller manufacturers that were missing parts, poor plans, a lot of small problems, so they went to no great effort to get us a good one for review.

I build what is sent to me and write the review as if I went to my local hobby dealer and picked one up. What more can we do?

Of course Mr. # 2 son has the first word as to when/where and WHO will be flying the H9 P-51...which should have been last weekend but dad got busy doing 'other' things (like Mother's Day) and we missed our 'flying window'.....

All that is left to do is the cowl, canopy and on/off switch...so this weekend should be the day! Only one flight report has been posted and if ours is the same...WOW!!!!

I will take a paragraph (or two) and expond on what ShempHoward suggested and include it in the August column - product reviews and such. It's good to hear of the 'grass-roots' feeling, fears, concerns and yes, complaints. He brought up some good points and to be honest, I've never thought much about it - so thanks for the suggestions (Now DICK PETTIT DON'T discuss this in YOUR column I got it first!)

Jerry

OK, Jerry, I won't mention it in my column. Just make sure you get my mailing address correct when you send that P-51 to ME!!!

Dick,

Which of those do you want me to send to you?

Jerry

PS You'll get the P-51 right after I get the GP's 1/4 scale Extra 300s