Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

I am posting pictures here under the new subject of Aero Subaru by GK Models, which I had inquired about the manufacturer in a separate posting here. I purchased this plane on eBay, where it can be usually be found available for purchase by auction over the past several months, since I bought it. The seller was good about answering my questions.

My initial thought is that it looks a grade higher in quality than the SFM Eindecker, perhaps equal to my Hanger 9 P-51 PTS or better. This Aero Subaru will be my secondary (backup) plane to the Hanger 9 P51 PTS, unless I like flying it better!

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

Initially, I am very impressed by the quality of my Aero Subaru by GK Models based the wings that I started construction today. Back to the basement (where it is cool) to resume building it.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

GK Modelss???? Never heard of them, did a google and couldn't find anything. What size is it? What kind of power? gas, nitro, electric? Is it covered with an iron on covering or pre printed covering? Is there any info in the build manual that hints where it is made? Looks a lot like the V-mar kit reviewed by MAN a few months ago. How about a picture of the box cover showing the finished plane? that may help. Cliff

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

Check out richmondrc.net and see if that isn't the same airplane they offer.... Remember there are only so many plane builders and something unusual like the Aero Subaru wouldn't be made by a lot of manf's. A differen't name on the outside of the box doesn't necessarily mean a different manufacturer...... keep the thread going, interested in how it works out for you...

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

See my subject here for what I could find on GK Models at [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4133554/tm.htm]RCU Info on GK Models[/link].

I will provide a picture of the cover when I have finished installing my 4-stroke glo RCV CD-58 engine. It appears to be iron on covering.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

There is nothing in the build manual that hints where it is made.

I checked the Richmond RC Supply JMAR web site for their Aero Subaru ARF. My GK Models version may be an earlier version of this JMAR ARF without the details on the covering and other extras offered there.

Here are pictures of the box cover showing the finished plane, but it will not help, and my progress with build to date.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

Nice looking plane, doesn't appear to have all the rivets / panel lines that the VMar has. RCV-58 shuld be ideal match, like to know how it performs.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

I have finished building and am posting more pictures below. I replaced the rocker arm on the front landing gear after it stripped during construction and replaced the engine bolts to the mount when I realized that I should have used them for the engine mount to firewall.

This plane has excellent power with the RCV 58CD 4-stroke engine and is very responsive in turns during its maiden flight. I added two lead weights to the tail for correct balancing at the CG, but this may have caused some tail heavy turning behavior according to those with more experience than me.

This engine with rear carburetor required bending the aluminum tubes from the fuel tank to prevent fuel line leaks that limited by flying time yesterday. I am very much looking forward to flying my Aero Subaru by GK Models this Summer and beyond!

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

Thats not a vmar,, i have the vmar version and it doesnt match this one shown here....

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

I flew my plane for a second time with good power from the RCV 58CD 4-stroke engine. It stalled while approaching the landing field, but showed a very nice balanced descent that confirms two lead weights to the tail were correct for achieving its CG. It appears the tail heavy turning behavior is most engine torque when turning left.

I experienced a stall on take-off of its 3rd flight, but thankfully not yet airborne, while at full throttle. After two hours of erratic engine behavior with numerous adjustments, included a flooded engine, I pulled the engine to figure out it had a RCV 58CD carb barrel screw retention problem. This will be fixed with replacements of 2ea new carb dog point screws and 2ea 3mm steel split lock washers to use with these screws from BJ's Model Engine Service.

After this fix, just more flying of this very nice ARF Aero Subaru by GK Models. which had several of my AMA members asking to learn more about it.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

I forgot to mention that I am going to replace the three glo fuel soaked foam wheels (prior posting on engine carburetor flooding problem) with 2 1/2 inch rubber wheels.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

I have flown my ARF Aero Subaru by GK Models both without and with the cowling with no more engine stalling and deadstick landings. It flies quieter than most with the RCV-58CD and received several compliments, including from the President of my AMA club (Valley Forge Signal Seekers) who is experienced with aerobatics.

It is ready the Fun Fly this Saturday my AMA club flying field in Vallley Forge National Park, PA!

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

It looks like a Beechcraft Musketeer to me :). http://www.alioth.net/flying/musketeer/index.html

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

After approximately 16 flights, I needed to replace the sheeting and single spar on the fuselage bottom between the firewall and the wing. It was crushed from hard landings and wet from initial fuel line leakage. Also black decal strips needed to be glued down, as expected.

21 flight was completed after single flight yesterday in winds 10-15 MPH. The Aero Subaru by GK Models is a "keeper" and nice first low wing plane after a trainer. I'll keep patching up the monocote.

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

I also purchased the Aero Subaru (Red) off ebay and have been very happy with the way it flies, I installed an OS 50 in it and it has more power then needed. If I have any complaints with the kit, it's that the covering is of poor quality and will be a winter recovering project for me. I have over 50 flights on this plane and as you said "it's a keeper".

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

Once again, I need to replace the sheeting and single spar on the fuselage bottom between the firewall and the wing due to hard landings and glo fuel damage.

I decided to make this an electric conversion:
Motor - United Hobbies Quannum 36-70 (ordered 36-55, but larger shipped)
ESC/BEC = United Hobbies H-Wing Pentium 70 amp
Battery - Big E-RC Emoli 3s2p double stiick pack with 14awg wire, Deans ultra connector and TP balancing tap

RE: Aero Subaru by GK Models
 

A sad loss on Monday this week. After maiden e-power flight to 10 min with gentle landing, my Aero Subaru by GK Models went into the death spiral during 2nd e-power flight and would not respond to aileron input.

My autopsy showed that both plastic connectors failed at the ailerons after 30 flights. Also, the aileron servo stripped gears.

I will use metal connectors for all control surfaces in my future ARF's.