RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Luke, you can't rely on hospower alone. You have to figure in torque as well. I am almost positive that the O.S. 91 2-stroke won't have the vertical pull that either of the Saitos have. If speed is what you are after, than yes a 2-stroke would be your answer. A 2-stroke comparable to a 4-stroke won't be able to swing as large a prop either. The larger the prop, the more prop wash that is created, and the better it's slow speed handling will be due to the increased airflow over the surfaces. Just a few more things to think about.

Later

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

All good points. If you want the vertical torque for 3D, or extra propwash for slow speed handling, a 4 stroke would be a better choice. However, if you want speed for carrying through line style maneuvers, the 2 stroke should fit the bill. Are my conclusions correct? I also geuss it depends on the type of plane your trying to pull. While similar, the Edge and Extra have unique flight characteristics that give certain pros and cons versus the other. In the interest of keeping close to home, I'm focusing on these two planes since VF offers them both.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

In my opinion, I think the Saito 100 would be the ideal balance between the three motors listed. It is considerably lighter than the Saito 120, yet has way more torque than the O.S. 91. If I had my choice, I would go for the Saito 100. In retrospect, I wish I would have put one on my Edge. Although the Saito 120 is a powerhouse, is quite hefty and adds considerable weight.

Later

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

With the Saito 100 on mine, it falls within the weight specs that VectorFlight recommends. Mine is 8lbs 8oz. If I had used the 120 I would be up around 9lbs 2oz, plus I would have beefed up the Firewall adding a couple more ounces. I would also probally have wanted to go with a much larger fuel tank which would probally put me way heavier than I would like to be. Not that the Plane would fly bad as long as the engine was running, but without power it seems to me that it may be a bit of a handfull to control in a deadstick if the Plane was this heavy. A 10lb VectorFlight Edge 540 would have a tremendous amount of wing loading since even staying within specs the wing loading is fairly high. More than I would be comfortable with, but I am not an expert pilot either. I know that alot of you guys like them big 120's on the nose, but I am completely satisfied with the 100 as far as weight is concerned. As for performance, I will not have an opinion on this until spring since I don't have any substantial flying time on the edge. I am going to buy the VF Extra 300 also here real soon, and I will be going with the Saito 100 on it as well.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Guys,

It's here! It's here! And my kind postman brought it all the way up to the front porch. I was just sure I would get a note in the mailbox that I had a package at the PO and have to go to the PO to pick it up. Picture shows how I found that pretty box. Of course the box is not festooned with dramatic photos of the model like other planes, but who cares. But my heart did sink a bit when I saw the gaping hole torn in one end of the box - but fortunately it was in a location that missed all vitals.

I must admit that I was bit skeptical when you guys talked about the craftsmanship in these planes, but d@mn, I can't find a flaw in mine after examining all the pieces. Not a wrinkle, not a bubble, not a scratch! I handled the pieces like they were made of fine crystal. Too bad I'll be the one hacking on it during assembly. Speaking of which, the covering is already cut away from the surfaces of the tail assembly that will be epoxied!! And the pushrods and tubes are installed! Unbelievable! VF is providing a great value in this plane.

Don't think I'll do any actual assembly tonight, just figure some stuff out and admire the pieces.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Mine came today also:D Still have to open the box but there are no holes in my box[8D]

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

For all of us still waiting, an email from VF today said slightly more than 3 weeks for planes ordered last week

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

More thoughts after closer exam:

The included foam wheels are much softer than the foam wheels that came with other planes I have. I can see how one could live with these. When I was trying to first land my GP AT6, I didn't think I would ever get the dang thing on the ground. With the hard foam wheels and wire struts, it would bounce from here to yonder. I thought it was me, but when I replaced them with DuBro Low Bounce wheels, it would stick to the runway. I think I'll put 3" DuBros on my Edge at first and not worry about wheel pants.

I'd like to tint the canopy, but I saw a canopy on a big CAP 232 where the guy had simply spray painted the inside of the canopy with gray paint. It looked pretty good. Anyone here seen that?

Another point for any readers that are considering the purchase of a VF plane - the five pieces of ply that are to be epoxied together to form the wing joiners come taped together in the correct configuration so you don't sit there scratching your head about which one is the front left piece and which way is up. I just marked mine before I undid the tape and no more thinking is required. I bet the Asian that cuts out the front left joiner piece and puts it in the box for other ARFs has no idea which way is up on it or even what it is.

I hope noone is too anxious for my flight report - it will be a while. I wish I could call in to work with the VF flu and just work on it for a few days straight, but I'll only have a chance to piddle with it during the week. Oh well, maybe it will rain this week end.

:)

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Grelker,

And this is what the VF Edge will look like sitting on your front porch some day. (Sorry, couldn't help but rub it in.):D

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

BankYank,

Glad your plane came, too. My first thought was that I couldn't believe that you hadn't opened the box yet, but then I noticed that you are posting from ID, so I guess you have plenty of time to work on it before the snow melts :D

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

I fail to see the humor in the Asian part, considering that I am Phillipino.

Anyway, glad to hear that you guys got your planes. I know you want to go right into the build, but plan it out first. As you can see, the instructions are very minimal. Be sure to check the supplemental instructions on the VF website. They have some very good info there.

Good luck and keep us posted.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Today must be VF day because I got a big box on my porch today as well. I have started to plan my build but that will have to wait until Friday night. I have most of the stuff ready to go. The parts look great, but man the instructions are very lacking. I am glad I have built some kits before. I will be looking for any additional instructions I can find. Some of my installed controll rods had come loose and slipped back into the fuse. but it was not hard to get them put back where they belong. I will keep you all posted on the build. Thanks for all the posts so far, they will help a lot. To everyone who got theirs today, Ya Hooooo!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Gary,

No disrespect of Asians meant at all, and it wasn't intended to be funny. Did I use an politically incorrect term? Is Asian an incorrect term for someone that lives in Taiwan, China, Korea, Vietnam, or the Phillipines? _Folks_ that are working putting together ARFs in other lands do a fine job, I just meant that it's assembly line work and that as individuals they may be very conscious of quality, but they do not have the chance to see how it all goes together. I am sure a lot of VFs process is assembly line also, but the little things like taping the joiner pieces together before putting them in the box represents a standard I haven't seen in other ARFs. If I sounded offensive, I apologize, it was unintentional.

Re the assembly: It's hard to resist the urge to "get 'er done" and get to the field. That's one advantage that our friends in northern climes have, they have a few weeks before the snow melts.

jon

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Now don't you guys role over and crush them Planes when you are sleeping with them tonight!

I don't think anyone was making any rude jokes about anyones race, I think he was just making reference in a shorter way that due to extremely poor working conditions, and low wages in some foriegn countries that putting together a quallity product would not be that big of concern to the individual putting it together. Whether you are white, hispanic, black, indian, asian,etc. if you were forced to work for 30 cents an hour I doubt that you would care a whole lot about some rich American getting a good product. Thats basically what I got from it. I think VectorFlight knows its customers expect a good quallity product from an American/Canadian Company, and I am sure that there are plenty of Asian Americans that work hard to put out good products because they are paid well, and work in good conditions. Now if you were to make a comment that all Irishmen are drunks, then I would take offense to that since I happen to be a Irish American.......................................... ................even though I am a fan of a good pint!

OK, now back to my obsession! How many layers of Glass Cloth did you use on the inside of your wheel pants Gary? Did you do the center seam only, or did you Glass the entire inside? In the automotive section they have Plastic Bumper Paint. It is supposed to be a more flexible paint then regular paint, so I am thinking of trying it. They also make a primer for the same purpose. I hope to get mine finished up this weekend, so I will snap a few photos when I am done. Yours turned out pretty sharp, so I am hoping I can get some similar results.

Once again I am glad to hear you guys got your Planes. Be sure to document your assembly as you go so you can share you experience and tips with your information hungry online buddies!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

WOW. Ron got a Plane to! I was typing my long winded post, and once it posted I now see another fellow got a Plane when I came back. This thread ought to be buzzing with all kinds of new tips an info here pretty soon. Hope you all have found that the Planes were worth the LOOOOOOOONNNGGGGGG Wait!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

OH I forgot! I was going to share this tid bit of info with everyone. Yours truly made the big time by getting his picture in Model Aviation Magazine(AMA). So if you guys need any autographs or anything just let me know. Me and my brother are pictured sitting under our awning at a fly in event. My GP Super Sportster is out in front of me. I am pictured about the size of an Ant, possibly a flea, but if you have a real good magnifying glass you can see me sitting on my can and enjoying the show. You guys can still address me as Ray, but any newcommers I would prefer they address me as Mr. Ray now that I am a celebrity flyer! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL and LOL with a few extra LOL LOL!

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Ray, 3 people received their Edge's today: Jon, Ron, and BankYank. Grats guys.

Jon, I took no offense to the comment. If you haven't realized it by now, I have a sick sense of humor. No apologies were needed. I agree on both your point and Ray's point. I have been to those third world countries and most of my Mom's family live in the Phillipines. I have seen first hand what their living and working conditions are like. It makes you very thankful for what we have here, even though most Americans claim they don't have enough. I wish that everyone could experience life in a third world country. I stayed in the Phillipines for 3 months before and I was glad when I got back on U.S. soil. Jon, don't worry you haven't made any enemies here. Next time I post something like that, just b!tch slap me :).

Back to our favorite subject: VF VF VF VF......

Ray, I used medium guage Great Planes 1" fiberglass tape. I only 'glassed the entire seam on the inside. They are holding up very well. I have dropped both pants during the sanding phase and nothing happened (except a small chip that required more sanding [sm=bananahead.gif]). I just finished aligning the wheelpants on the landing gear. I decided to give them one more coat of clear just to be safe. I should have them mounted within the hour and I will have some good pics from several angles. I will even take pics of the interior of the pants to show how I used the plywood and the blindnuts on the inside. My earlier post where I tried to explain the process didn't quite read right. Hopefully my pics will clear things up.

Gonna clean the Edge for some closeups. C'yas a little later.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Ray, just read your post on your newfound stardom. I can't believe that I am in the presence (so to speak) of someone of such great statue. LOL LOL LOL..... I just got the new Model Aviation in the mail and I am going to have to look for you. If I find you I am going to scan it and post it here for everyone else to laugh, I mean admire.... Grats

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Lots of excitemnent here with some new planes! Thats awesome!

Primodus, my vote's for the Saito 1.00 or any 4 stroke, I hear TT and Magnum makes them good too! I am just beginning to like the 4 strokes idea of running a big prop at a slower speed.[8D]. Love the sound.

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Alright guys,

As promised, here are the finished pics of the wheel pants installed on the Edge...

I took quite a few so I hope you like 'em.

Question: How do you like my hand made VF logo that I put on the wheelpants? Not too bad for just drawing them by hand and using a straight edge and exacto knife to cut them out. These are just temporary. I plan on masking out a desig and painting it on. Haven't decided on the design yet. I may need my talented niece to draw something for me ;).

Without further delay, here are the wheelpant pics:

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Round #2 of the wheelpants pics:

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

And finally Round #3:

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Keep rubbing it in, I can take it (as he snivels in the corner...) ON a real note, I read in a previous post that VF recommends that you don't cover over the white, well I just got another email from VF stating I could cover any part of the plane as long as you don't touch an iron directly to the original covering. See quote:

"For an exact match, we can usually send out some original covering if requested. However you may use any available heat shrink covering on top of the existing covering, as long as you do not touch the original covering with a hot iron. For example you may use monokote over the original covering and use a hot iron to go over it. The original covering is also heat shrunk but with radiant heat, or hot air, not direct contact."

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Wow I think i need to check this thread more often.. GAWD almost 20 people resonded at once..
Im glad that everyone, i think everyone, got their big brown box. You would be 3 times as glad when you open it up. mmmmmmm plane.. Granted the instructions are a little lacking but dont get discuraged. The plane builds really easy. Just read them very good and pay good attention to the first part when gluing the joiners. If you built an arf before, the rest will go together like clock work...

RcJOn: I think i see you on page 168.. Oh famous one. Ill be the first in the line getting an autograph. Hey move kid!!!!!!

[quote]I'd like to tint the canopy, but I saw a canopy on a big CAP 232 where the guy had simply spray painted the inside of the canopy with gray paint. It looked pretty good. Anyone here seen that?
Did you see my picture of my tinted canopy? I used thinned out smoke paint from tamiya and airbrushed it on the inside. Looks mighty nice if you dont mind seeing finger prints. OOOPs..

RE: Vectorflight Edge 540 build
 

Since 1998, VectorFlight has manufactured quality ARF scale airplanes entirely in North America.

I suppose they may have some Asians working for them.