The attached pictures show my recently completed Model Tech Dragon Lady which now has about 50 flights. It is powered by a Saito 120 FS and I found that the prop that I like the best is an APC 15-8. My overall description of the flying and handling characteristics would be very much like a large GP Super Sportster. I should mention that the Saito 120 and this plane really go well together - it is not a 3D performer (neither is the pilot). This plane is an ARF, made by Model Tech and sold by Hobby People. The radio is a JR 9303, DSM2, JR 921 rcvr, all Hitec servos, and a 1100 mah NiCd battery from NoBS (Hangtime Hobbies).

I did a number of modifications that are worth considering so I will list them for you:

- used GP CA hinges instead of the CA hinges supplied
- used Dubro wheels
- replaced supplied wheel pants with pants from a GP RV-4 arf
- painted the supplied landing gear white
- removed aileron torque rods (one servo) , installed an aileron servo in each wing (two servos)
- replaced windscreen with a canopy from a GP Super Skybolt arf (my next build)
- replaced tail wheel with GP tail wheel assy
- moved rudder and elevator servo to the rear fuselage
- replaced engine mount with GP adjustable mount
- added Tru Turn spinner

I always use generous amounts of epoxy and triangle stock to reinforce the firewall on every arf I assemble. This plane is exceptionally well built - it even feels solid when you handle it. In my view it provides real value at a moderate cost. Two of the modifications are essential if you are going to use a 120 FS and that is to get rid of the aileron torque rods and the supplied wheel pants if you fly off of grass. If you have ever thought about building the no longer available Super Sportster 90/120 kit then you will really enjoy the Dragon Lady. The color scheme and the classic lines make it a real beauty.

Howard

thats beautiful, can i have it?

Awesome.
I have always loved the look of this plane.
Nice job

Looks great, I know it also flies great since I had one many years ago, a kit, before arf's came into being. Enjoy!!

No. He's given it to me![sm=lol.gif] Nice build, looks great.

Just a quick question. Is the canopy you used available as a spare part?
[Edit: found it! http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXNRH2&P=7 )

ie from Tower or something.

I want one of these now haha.


About the only thing I would do slightly differently is iron on some black ultracote or similar around the inside of the fuse under the canopy so you can't see the white underneath so much. But this is very minor and yours looks fantastic as it is.

Off to see if I can find one.........

You got it - that is the canopy and I did order it from my LHS as a spare part. I had to trim the length because it was too long. I then held the canopy in place, with a slight downward pressure and played my hot air gun back and forth around the front where the canopy mates with the fuselage. After a bit you could feel the canopy slightly deform and mold itself to the contour of the fuselage - I stopped the downward force and the hot air gun and the canopy now formed perfectly with slight rim where it mates with the forward fuselage.

Howard

Nice look'n "Dragon Lady" you got there Howard, I have had mine for about
a year now, has a Magnum 91 2 stroke in her, flies extremely well, has good verticle
but like you say she isn't a real lively aerobatic model but looks and flies with a
"majestic air" and feel to her. I put a Slimline "Dianne" pilot in her with the windshield
that came with the plane.

Beautiful model !!!

I saw one fly this weekend, powered by an .80 four stroke. You're right. It reminded my of a Sportster. The "Lady" flew well on the .80. I may have to add this model to my wish list.

Hi Kirk, sorry to post the picture over here due to the file is too big. Dragon Lady with G20EI engine set up

How does it fly with the G20??

If anyone is looking for a Cowling for the Modeltech Dragon Lady, I have listed one here at RCU along with a few other parts that are collecting dust in my hanger. They are all NIB and bargin priced. They can be seen at the following address here in RCU airplane/accessories. Hope someone gives them a new home.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=478849

How did you install the dual aileron servos? I just got a used Dragon Lady, and would like to do this. I have never worked with a foam core wing, and would appreciate some help.

I have had good luck with using an old soldering iron to melt the foam when I wanted to add servos and such.

Just mark off the spot...have an idea about depth in mind...and go at it...SLOWLY. Get a feel for how fast the foam melts first then you can proceed with caution. I then line the inside with plank ply to mount the servo in with rails.

I purchased a copper/brass tube that was the size of the male servo connector, beveled and edge on it and simply inserted it into the wing fromthe end and rotated it until it was in the distance (marked with tape) where the servo was going. I gave this process a lot of thought and doing it took much less time than thinking about it. I also replaced the wheel pants with those from a GP RV-4 and added a canopy from a GP Super Skybolt.

I'm flying my second big Dragon Lady, powered by YS 1.20 NC 15x8 prop, my favorite plane!

I am installing the same engine into my Dragon Lady........did you have to add weight to the tail to balence?

The best way to do a wire tunnel in a foam wing is to insert a 4-40 rod as a guide right to the servo cutout. Then take an alum tube etc. around 3/8" diameter, heat it real hot and slide it onto and down the "guide" 4-40 rod. Melts a perfect circle channel right to your servo pocket....best thing about it is that it seals the foam as it goes so there are no "flakes" to tear loose. I used to have the .40 Dragon Lady-my 3rd plane and I loved it. Finally sold it though I wish I still had it. Shame they quit making them!

Being that Hobby People have discontinued this majestic lady
I found one @ Graves Hobbies in Orlando, FL. and ordered it
for a spare just in case the enevitable happens I will have a
replacement for my favorite model in my airplane collection.