Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52"
 

I'm just completing the assembly of one of these and I'll be using a Thunder Tiger Pro .46. Does anybody have an idea what prop I might start out with. I will be pretty much be sport flying and don't have any desire to fly 3D. I was guessing maybe an APC 12.25x3.75 Sport Propeller but would be interested in what others think. There doesn't seem to be too much info on web other than the two reviews that were done. Just wondering if anyone else had any eperience with this plane?

Thanks.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

I am assembling a Razor 3D at the moment myself. Mine has a Kangke .50 with a Perry carb. (adds about 10% more RPM)and Bisson "Pitts"muffler. I have had luck with this engine using an 11 x 5 APC (that's what I run on the TT Pro .46 in my Saratoga40) and I will start there and see as well how an APC12 x 4 does for 3D.

Not a bad ARF at the $120 current price. I had some problems with the hinge slots being badly out of alignment for the elevator halvesand opted to go with Du-Bro Nylon pinned hinges epoxied in place throughout instead of the CA so Icould get the control surfaces even with the stabs. I'm thinking it ought to be a great sport model, if not 3D on this engine.

I'm really curious to see how the thin wing profile does with all the control throws possible. My other 3D capable models have a relatively much thicker wing. This one is like a pattern wing with a 3D empennage - it's almost a "flying" rudder.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t/DSCN0587.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t/DSCN0585.jpg

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

Cool, that's some solid information. Yeah I thought it was a good deal at $139 back in February 2012. I noticed Tower dropped the price recently, I'd be tempted to pick up a second. I can't say the assembly has been a piece of cake, I've had my challenges along the way. Out of the box it looks beautiful. When I tried to take the canopy off, there was no way because of the protruding engine blind nuts. Had to make a tool to relieve some of the wood on the canopy. I didn't have the problems with hinges like you stated, mine were fine. I was really looking forward to installing my TT Pro 46 by drilling and tapping for with the supplied 6-32 machine bolts. Only to find out the TT 46 wont accept 6-32 and 4-40 with nuts will have to do. I had to mount the throttle servo from the top in order for the pushrod to match up better. No bid deal. When it comes to decals, just drench the surface and adhesive side of the decal with Windex in order to float it into position. There is NO way this plane can be assembled in the 8 hours stated in the reviews. But I'm not complaining, it is a very good looking plane. I love your photos Charlie, looks like the great organised clutter I work in. Great minds think alike. Thanks for your prop suggestions.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

Agreed on the 4-40 instead of 6-32 for the motor mounts. I did the same thing -tapped the mount for 4-40 plus added NyLoc nuts to prevent backing out.

I had to use a Dremel emory cut-off wheel to bob about 1/8" off the 1" mount bolts as they were past the firewall and hitting the fuel tank. The removable canopy/foredeck works great on my install. I even opted to use just a simple on/off switch on the fuselage as I can quickly "pop the hood" without tools to recharge or swap the Rx battery easily. Catering to the electrics has made access great for glow engine users as well. ;-)

I figure I'll have 20 to 24 hours in before it flies. But then I usually take a lot longer than the "suggested" time to completion.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

A few months ago I posted the question has anyone side mounted an engine in a RAZOR 3D and I did not get many responses. Thank you for the pics I will have to get back to working on mine I just finished a skylark 70 and all I need to do is add the weight to balance it. Greg

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

It was a tough decision.  I like the Bisson style muffler, but it is about 1/8" wider to each side than the cowl/fuselage.  Doesn't look too bad though I was initially unhappy with how much cowl I had to grind away. 

The advantage is I get access to the plug and carb and the exhaust is away from wings and empennage.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

I think it looks great. I never thought of doing that, but I have a totally different engine and muffler. Not to mention how good it will be for the cylinder to be out in the open air stream and cooling. The bison Pitts muffler has to point down to be prototypical. It's cool. I'll have to post some pics of mine.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

Hey Charlie. Nice job on the side engine. Now I will buy one because of it. Easy to turn on and to acces.

I have a question. Can I use an standard servos on these plane? I sow a review where used a HT Servos.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

You could probably do very well with standard servos.  I plan on taking full advantage ot all the tail control surfaces so I used Tower TS-160 digital metal gear for the elevator and rudder.  The ailerons I have HiTec HS-485HB Karbonite servos and the throttle is an el-cheapo Tower TS-53.

I filled some of the cowl cut-out with a fill/drain arrangement.  You can also see the exhaust piped are not quite symmetrical.  Note also the ARF comes with a blue spinner.  I just happened to have a red of the right size already cut for the prop I selected.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t/DSCN0589.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t/DSCN0590.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t/DSCN0591.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t/DSCN0592.jpg

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

A couple of photos of mine.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

One from the front bottom

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

Charlie, got a question for you. You are more familiar with these kind of models than I am. My flying field right now is drought dried out grass and is not bad for taxiing and taking off a trainer like an Avistar with larger wheels. Do you think the Razor would be inhibited by the wheel pants and smallish wheels? I love the look of the pants but it might be better to take them off and put on larger wheels. What are your thoughts? Thanks, Tom

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

I always give them a try.  My Saratoga 40 does fine with wheel pants, but my Kangke 50 did not (similar size).  My Giant Super Sportster did not work with wheel pants (82" wingspan), but my Seagull Ultimate Bipe .46 was fine with them.  It all depends on the model. 

I will be trying the Razor 3D with the pants and, if they don't work out, they'll be shelved.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

OK, that makes sense to me. I'll try with them, but be ready to pop them off and add some larger wheels. I've got all the checks and balances to do before it's maiden. It balances pretty close with the battery moved to right beside the throttle servo. Check and re-check. This TT 46 came out of a Coroplast SPAD Debonair that I always thought should eventually land in a decent airplane. The Razor sure looks sweet, a good home for the TT Pro 46. Thanks for the info Charlie.

Tom

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

I've got a 10 year old and hard worked TT Pro-46 in my Saratoga 40.  It's been in four other airframes and has had the cylinder sleeve & piston replaced once.  A great engine and I would say a good marriage to the Razor.

Mine had one too many dirt naps and the needle stem was loose (sucked air and ran erratically lean) so I ended up replacing the carb with a Perry. 

Hotted it up a few hundred more rpm at the top.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

Will this plane harrier. Whats the wing loading

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

20-22 oz/ft^2.  Haven't flown it yet so I don't know . . . but I imagine it would require a good head-wind.  Possibly with the 12 x 4 prop.  We'll see.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

recommended exponential? Or is it more of a personal decsion? I've never setup expo but my radio can do it.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

I still haven't flown mine so I can't say - but I usually put 30% exponential in as a start and use triple rates all on one switch. I know some pilots who use none on their 3-D rates as they say they need the fast response and others who use 60% on their 3-D rates to make the response more managable near neutral point. So I guess it's a personal thing.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

In my opinion, the exponential are very helpfull. .I try to achieve that 20% of the control movement has the same response with high and low rates.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

For anyone interested, I just bought one through Tower for 85.00 shipped. They are marked in my sale flyer for 139.00

Andy

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

How did you get this for 85? Tower says 99.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

I'm seeing $99 with free shipping as of 8/15/2012. At 85, I'd jump on another one, now that I know how they go together.

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

If you have the membership use code PC7115, not sure if there are any other codes

RE: Tower Hobbies Razor 3D GP/EP ARF 52
 

Nope, do not have the "membership". But at $99, I'm thinking about a spare.