Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

First flight yestereday after running one tank through the engine on a test stand. This is my second Graupner, the first had an OS61. This plane flew like a rocket. Off the ground on its own in about ten feet. So fast that I had to fly it at 1/3 to 1/2 throttle. The engine is using a Pitts muffler, and still pulls like a mule. Good golly Miss Agnes, what a combo. I dont know how long the Tower 75 will last, but its warranteed for two years, and if only lasts that long, thats fifty a year. The difference between the OS61 and this engine is astounding. Started it with three flips of a chicken stick.:D

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

Willia, willya tell us more about that airplane? I've been eyeballin that beauty for months and can't decide to buy it or not. Your impressions/obsevations about quality and assembly would be most appreciated. Thanks.

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

This is good to hear....since I have almost completed a very similar setup.....a Seagull Extra 300S (which I've heard is very similar to the Graupner) and a GMS .76......can't wait to fly it!

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

The plane comes with all control pushrods installed, except for aileron. Aluminum (looks like) tubes for the tail. You can either use two servos for the elevator, or cut the liteply former that holds the three in place in the servo area so that you can put together the two elevator rods. This is what I did, using two wheel collars. The only down side that I have found to the materials included are the wheels which are useless for asphalt-- maybe ok for grass. Be sure to epoxy the ENTIRE engine area as well as the area where the fuel tank goes. With a Pitts muffler, mine balanced on the nose with the battery (1100 M.A. nicad) and receiver behind the fuel tank.

Be VERY careful of excessive throws-- a tiny bit is fine to start.

I think it is the best buy in the ARF market. Good Luck. I flew it today, 4 times, 1/3 to 1/2 throttle and was superb-- tracks like it is on rails.:D

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

willia, I've decided to use the 2 elevator servos....the manual for the Seagull version never mentioned using one. I too trashed the stock wheels. Where is the balance point on yours? The seagull manual is a little confusing....it said 4cm from the LE AT THE WINGTIP, not the fuselage.

Glad to hear it's a good flyer! How were the stall characteristics? Any tendency to tip-stall on landing?

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

I do not know point in the manual but it is about 4.5 inches at the wing root. You must keep up some airspeed on landing, or it will drop a wing and stall. Normal stalls from altitude conversely show no wing drop, at least on mine- the nose simply drops down. This is not a squirly plane, but it will not float to a landing. Moderate speed is a must. I am not a great flyer-- 71 yrs old and my coordination isnt the best, and I have no trouble with the plane.

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

:DI now have about twelve flights on this bird and 3/4 of a gallon of fuel. The engine sips while delivering awesome thrust with 1 13X6 APC. The plane is superb as long as you keep a little throttle up on landing. I cannot think of a better combination, and for the money it beats the heck out of a lot of more expensive birds and engines. Yeh for Graupner and Tower.

RE: Graupner Extra & Tower 75
 

I've had my Seagull Extra ready to go for about a week and a half now....but unfortunately, the weather hasn't been as nice here as it is in sunny CA! :D

Glad to hear that you're throughly enjoying this one! Can't wait to get mine in the air!!!