Folks,

I have just completed mine...flys superb!!
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Saito 115, Apache Aviation soft mounts, Perry VP20 pump,Ally Spinner, approx 4oz weight in tail, modded 6swg U/C legs, 15x8 APC prop
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It comes out at 8lb 11oz dry!!
AAArrrrggggghhh !!!!.
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Please advise if any of you had weights approaching mine.
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The reason I ask, is that my previous one (lost July due radio failure), weighed only 7 1/2 lbs, albeit with ASP91 2 stroke, and just the U/C leg modification.....felt much less sluggish in the air.
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I just cannot see how I produced a model 19oz heavier than my original, as the Saito is 2oz lighter than the ASP 2-stroke (read Magnum), and the additional bits above just don't seem to add up to the increase (although didn't weigh them prior to install!!)
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Many Thsnks, Steve

Hi, mine is still in the box witha saito 125 waiting to be assembled.
Iv heard that they fly great.
show us some pics...

ARFs are manufactured by workers who aren't exactly people you'd call "modelers". Chances are good none of them have any idea about wood selection. Back when modelers built their models, there was a lot of attention to that. Lots of articles in the magazines mentioned what type grain should be used for certain parts and what strength wood was needed for parts where that mattered. From the same experience you've just described, it really appears to me that there is a good probability the workers over there don't have that information, or don't have the option to reject heavy or too weak pieces. Look around, poorly selected wood is often the cause of a fairly high percentage of the ARF crashes reported by us, isn't it.

I'd bet your little piggy just happened to be made the day that factory was using a load of heavy wood.

Or maybe your porker is one that actually got all it's joints glued.

They're problems that apparently come with the territory. ok........ come with relying on someone else to build for us. We have a different set of things to learn about modeling nowadays with ARFs being what's flown, as opposed to the set of lessons we had to learn as builders/flyers.

One of my clubs runs a really big swap meet every November. Last couple, I had a different, really nice looking ARFs for sale. Very few flights, no crashes, new servos etc........ lightened as much as could be done........... good price............ Sold 'em and moved on. It's a modeling trick I learned since getting back into the hobby and discovering the same thing you've just discovered. I'm optomistic that the mfg's will someday teach their workers skills that'll benefit us more. Truth is, a couple of the better mfg's might already be doing so. At least buying an ARF from a mfg with a good reputation is a better bet you'll get fewer problems.

I find it hard to believe i've just read your words da rock.For those who don't know their history the chinese have us over a barrel re rc knowledge..it's taught thru their schooling system so is well understood.They even have machine shops where students get to make their own engines.Never seen anything like that in our part of the world mate

Here is my modded MM with a Tower .75 @ 7 lb's 14 oz's.

More flights the other day.
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The weight does not seem to affect the characteristics........idled into 5mph breeze Monday, almost at standstill.....the stall is virtually non-existent!!!.
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Will only eventually drop a wing if really milk it.
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Fantastic plane....seems to be able to fly at walking pace, or 100mph.
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Pleased took trouble to build this 2nd one!!
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Have fun, Steve