Nitroplanes.com
 

Hi All,
Anyone have any experience with this company and the planes. Was thinking of getting a Giles 202 .50 size, and installing a OS .61 Prices seem to good to be true, which worries me!;)
Thanks
NeArLy NoRmAl Al

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

yah ive been wondering about this too. i want the edge 540t for $155.00 but im not sure. these days you get what you pay for

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Believe me for $99 bucks you can't beat this deal. I have one powered by a Tower .61. with a 12-6 prop and standard hi tech BB servos the AUW is 6.8 lbs. Unlimted vertical and the plane really flys great. The down side is the covering. It really looks nice and is very unique but it will tear if you stare at it too long. [:-] I did change some to the supplied hardware but mainly because of preference. I definitely would recommend this plane but only if you put together a few ARFs before, the instructions are almost useless. You absolutely have to find a way to protect the covering unless you plan on recovering it. It will actually tear while flying and while cleaning it after flying.

~Jay

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Hi there, I'm up here in Canada, here is an example, ( the seawind ) I purchased one from GP I paid $465.00 to my back door. Great looking unit,until the landing, she bounced of the runway twice and litteraly fell appart. After examining it I notice that the fuse was made in three parts, the two sides and the bottom ,and that is where it came appart , where they joint the sides to the bottom.Oh yes it also had hardly any formers, and the once they had where to far appart to do any good, and shattered. OK so much for GP.
Nitro plane, well I'm a sucker for the seawind. So I got one from Nitro, cost to my door $301.00( wow.) checked it out, they actualy had formers in it. ( lots of them ) built like a tank, great. Can't even wiggle the pylon ( the one from GP it wiggled , boy did it wiggle ) Anyways I find it a better quality in the construction, and yes, you have to guess what they mean or try to say, ( learn to read between the lines ) .
By the way GP did not cover their seawind under warranty , even though it was a poor quality of construction. Their reason , should not have bounced it on the runway.Gosh, how many of us have bounced on landings.OK , no more complaining.
A few of my friends also bought from Nitro and had the same remark. Well built planes. So there you have it from up here.
Well have to go now and sharpen up my snow shovel, snow is two hours away.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Heinz:

Have you flown that NP Seawind yet? You might find this thread of interest.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4780929/tm.htm

Jim

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

I have noticed that quite a few of their planes are made by CMP. The CMP ARFs I have seen were GENERALLY pretty decent.

As with any ARF, you have the covering (most times you don't know what it is) and then there is the hardware.

As an example , I recently bought a Speedy Bee ARF. There is a review I have started on it here. I wouldn't use the hardware provided with the plane on a Slow Stick - it was that crappy. The pushrods were MAYBE 3/64" in dia (they looked a lot closer to 1/32" ) AND THREADED ON THE END for the clevises. This is for a plane that was designed (and recommended power) for a 28 2 stroke !!!!

You definitely need to check the hardware on ANY ARF or kit and see if it is decent quality or not and whether or not you want to risk the plane, engine and electronics with it.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

I have delt with Nitro Models/Planes...and at the very best, it was very disappointing. I ordered a P-38, and it arrived with missing plastic parts, and warped parts. I contacted the company by e-mail and left messages on their phone answering system. A month later I reveived an e-mail giving me a routing number for my replacement parts. The routing number was false and when I after sending them several e-mails on this and leaving several phone messages...all I have received was silence...no parts and I mailed my warped parts back to them as requested too.

AK models sells all the Nitro Planes/Model kits. They have a good reputation for service and have been recomended by several other guys.

If you get a good kit from Nitro Planes/Models...ok...if you get a kit with issues...your basically S.O.L.

Soft landings always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Sounds like they go in my " Slap and A Kiss " column..... The prices are the Kiss and the "customer service " is the Slap.....Rob

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

sounds too me that nitro planes is damn near junk.. you get what you pay for, expect it.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

LannyBob,
I must be honest here and state that both the models I have received that are the China Model aircraft are made well enough. I've the F6F and large P-38. The F6F is a good flyer and the P-38 has good flight reports so far. Their quality has imporved over the years. and the price is very good for what you get. Beware of sellers...

I have serious issues with the seller...Nitro Models, or Nitro Planes...(they use both names). THIS SELLER SUCKS TAIL WIND, HAS NO CUSOMER SERVICE AND FORGET REPLACEMENT PARTS. They lie to you on shipping replacements, and in short, I have no idea why they are allowed to sell on R/C Universe. There reputation is in the gutter...and I'm trying to be nice to them here.

There are other good sellers here that deal in China Models...and AK Models has received good reports.

Don't knock the actual product unless you have first hand information to share.

There are always issues with ARF models. I have bought and built ARF's from just about everyone at one time or another. All have issues, some more then others...and all you need to do is to read up a bit to know that this is how it is. If you want a model with out issues...build a kit, or modify an ARF to your spects...and this is exactly what I do. I usually toss out the hardware, fuel tanks and wheels and install my own hardware and gear. Then I know I'll not lose a model because a plastic "what ever" broke and caused your new pride and joy to rekit itself.

Soft landings always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

--------------


"You get what you pay for it" isn't true. Oh, were it true that the world were that simple. It isn't.

I have quite a few CMP made models. All of them were worth at least as much as what I paid for them. Not one has been unflyable/unbuildable/unmanageable.

No, they are not top of the line, but for well under $200, when compared to a Goldberg, Sig or Lanier ARF, they are wonderful bargains.

Selling me more quality than I need in a model that is going to suffer fuel soaking and normal hanger and field rash at a high price is not a bargain, to me. Our models are like hamburgers. You consume them and then they are gone forever. I don't fly museum pieces and wouldn't want the stress it would cause if I had them.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

I had this experiece with Nitro RC: Purchased their standoff scale ARF of BURT RUTAN'S LONG EZ for $123 including shipping, which I consider a good price. The "instructions" are less than useless for a newbie, but who needs 'em? [img][/img]and there were several areas of assembly that needed some "re-design." Some of the supplied hardware was junk and had to be replaced. I'm an experienced builder so I got'er done. But I did a lot of talkin' to myself..which I'm not allowed to post on RCU!!!!!:D Final word: If it flies as good as it looks, this ARF is worth the price.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

From my own experiance... they are.



Peter Dowling aka Luftwaffe Oberst
AMA District II # 865404
Aero Modelers Club
Pulaski, NY

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Have one of those, and it went together ok, but as you say, manual is next to useless. Would suggest that you use min throws and lots of expo. Like some others mine used lots of runway to get airborne, it'll fly when it's ready. Got two flights on mine and now have to wait for dry weather to get more.....

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Peter,

I hear you. My experience tells me that these outfits are "Fly By Fortune Cookie" types. I opened my cookie and the photos show what I got. So the caveats that you and the others warn about should be heeded. Perhaps there won't be as much "fortune" in my next cookie.[:o] Oh,oh!

Actually I said "less than useless." I wanted to say "they could be dangerous," but I wanted to be nice.:)

R.C.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

drone pilot,

Thanks for the set-up info; that sure will help on the first flight. Mine is coming in at 5.5 lbs with a Thunder Tiger .46 PRO. How much does yours weigh in, and did you have a problem with adding a lot of nose weight for balance?

If I do this right, there should be a PIX below showing the 3/16 I had to hog out to get the canard straight with the main wing.[>:] Yikes!
Good thing I dry-fit everything before I epoxied! As I said, the "instructions" could be dangerous.. to your sanity!

I used to fly a CRESSLINE StarChaser canard-pusher. As I remember, it didn't need a long takeoff roll. But the decalage was OPPOSITE of this Nitro Long EZ. On the StarChaser, the main wing was set at 0 degrees incidence and the canard wing at positive 2 degrees. On the Nitro, the main wing is positive 2.5 and the canard is zero. Perhaps this is the reason for the long takeoff roll??? Any aerodynamics experts out there who can provide an opinion on this?

R.C.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Ordered two planes which were supposedly delivered by FEDEX, one of thoe left at the door deals. I am retired so I was home all day doing yard work, no way some one was at my door without me or my dog knowing it. (ask the mail man)
Now, after five weeks of calling/email, their "Customer Service" they finally answered two emails but none of the phone calls. Their answer was, we are fileing a claim with FEDEX, please give us 7 to 10 days. It has been 15 days since that note and nothing.
They have my money, FEDEX has probably been paid, and me, NOTHING.
If you want to waste time, check out there ad, the phone hours are from 12 noon till 6 or 8 in the evening. I wonder what time it would be in the far east. They also say all emails are answered in one to two hours, ought to say from one week to never.
25+ years of modeling and never had this kind of non customer service, of course I have always dealt with Tower, Horizon, Chief, etc.
Any one else had similar problems???

Flying's Fun Crashing Sucks

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

A lot of folks like to play the Lottery. A few win, but most of them lose. So far, a model from this company seems like a high-stakes gamble. I went to a casino once, and saw the nicely decked out leather chairs and all the glitz in the high-stakes area, and the minimum bet was set at $500.00. I guess they take their chances on the possibility of winning $100,000.00 cash to take home with them, but again most lose. As for me, I would rather forgo the glitz, and spend a bit more money on something from a more reputable company. That way, there are fewer risks involved. So, just out of curiosity, what would be the percentage of ARFs without defects to those that are full of problems? If customer service is lacking, I'm afraid I'm not buying from this company.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Hey, this would be a good thread topic for the aerodynamics forum.

You know what.... I think Andy Lennon's book about model aeronautics has a chapter on the design of a canard pusher. I'll scan it at breakfast and see if his design discussion says anything about that.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

OH wait.....

Decalage isn't really the bottom line unless you know the zero lift angle of the two airfoils. I'd say we can't assume anything about the incidence actually being at zero lift. So we really don't have a valid start to the problem.

The decalage and incidence angles actually are only starting points to this situation. It's the zero lift lines that really matter. And of course, the AOAs of the two airfoils is what we're really after. And that relationship isn't defined by either decalage or incidences.

Almost every canard has a different airfoil in the front than in the back. And darned if they aren't operating in sufficiently different RNs that that matters too.

The designer would most probably take the two AOAs at stall and work back to find the appropriate incidence settings for whatever he wanted to accomplish. And that would give a decalage reading, but one that by itself would really mean nothing.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

geraldrc,

I had a similar experience about 5 years ago. Ordered a limited-stock kit plus doo-dads for around $500 total. They were told to ship UPS, but they shipped FEDEX Ground. Same "one of those left at the door deals." I was told that they had an agreement with FEDEX giving FEDEX 30 days to locate the shipment. In other words "the customer doesn't count." In 30 days the kit would have been sold-out. Sorry about that Mr Customer![>:] After several weeks and hours of hassling, they finally agreed to replace the order. NitroPlanes? Heck no! It was none other than TOWER HOBBIES!!!!!

It looks like the "fortune cookie" can crumble any which way, regardless who you order from. But you're correct when you say that ordering from the bigger outfits is much less risky.

BTW, my order from NITRO was supposed to go UPS and when the confirmation showed FEDEX GROUND I started praying.:eek: But it came thru OK.

R.C.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

darock,

I'm gettin' too old to make excuses, so I think I'd better crack them books.[8D] Hey, they say we're never too old to learn, and exercising the brain is supposed to help prevent Alzheimers. And you're right-on about RCU being the place to find info on model aerodynamics.

R.C.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Nirto planes is a crook in every form bought 2 planes like a dumb ***** junk junk junk!!!!!! If people don't speak up on these forums then they will keep making money off of people.. I wounder how many newbees bought a plane from them and got screwed so bad they ditched the hobbie?

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

While I hardly think there crooks, I don't like the way they Mod there forums.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Hay Tommy D,
Yea...I agree 100% with you. Nitro Planes has all the negative stuff removed from their Customer Support column here on R/C Universe. Say anything but glowing admiration's about their customer service, or it will be removed. I've tried to get parts for my P-38 I bought from them in 2006...one of the first 90" kits sold, and I never received my missing parts or the parts I sent to them for viewing and replacement. I'll admit that I do try to stick it to them when ever I can...but as far as I see it...I'm out not only the money I spent on the model, but the shipping and mailing fee's. I've an un-built kit from them-to keep reminding me that these folks just don't care, never will care and are the only company in 58 years of being in this hobby that ripped me off so blatantly. Yet surprisingly, they keep on trucking here on R/C Universe. There must be a dozen columns here on R/C Universe on Nitro Planes (and other company names they have used over the years) that are far from glowing about their kits and customer service. I now wonder how long this column will last until Nitro Planes has it removed.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

I cant speak about Nitro , I wont buy from them because I wont deal with a company that likes to use differant business names , Nitro , Egrand buy , Raidentch , and about 7 other names are one companys

But ... the planes are what you need to look for ... when it comes to fule planes , they were carrying CMP and Flymodel copys of CMP .
If you look at some of the ads (because there so good at chaneging and updating there website lol ) you can still see the three differant versions of the 73" P40 , One was a real CMP the other was the Flymodels , same with the Hellcat , the SPit and the giant At -6 texan . Flymodels is a chaper copy of the CMP .

I agree with others to buy your CMP planes from Alex in Texas .I ordered my BF109 from him , got a great deal , quick shipping and no problems and you can reach him on the phone , he actully picks up what a novel idea .

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

As long as you keep things clean I don't believe the Mods from the Nitroplanes forum can have your words edited in here.

Guess they could have the entire thread moved to there forum though, and THEN deleted :D

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Well from what I've seen they have a forum host now, and he's a big nit planes supporter. He may also be a mod.,that I'm not sure about. Really now why would a company want to play fair with the forums,and feedback, when there complaints out number the satisfied customers 10 to 1, more or less.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Hay ohnaucdat,
The moderator on the Nitro Planes forum, pulls all negative postings. Who ever this guy (or gal) is even pulling postings from folks that had tried for several weeks to contact anyone from Nitro Planes, to help them out with their losses from buying a kit from these turkeys. Three of my posting were pulled...but calling them horse manure or camel ka-ka just was to vile for the moderator to accept as proper conduct in that forum. Guys in our club are starting to get the message and are no longer buying from Nitro Planes. There are other kit manufacturers out there with nice ARF kits at or near Nitro Planes prices, with good customer service. Nitro Planes customer service is a joke at best and argument-ally criminal at worst. They took my money, took back the parts they sent me that were not usable...and I never heard from them since. Its their luck they don't have an office near me...and to me are real shysters. They taught me a good lesson...and I will never deal with them or PayPal. I paid through PayPal...and I got zip help from PayPal...for after 30 days, PayPal will NOT refund any money no matter what the issue...even a blatant rip off like Nitro Planes is guilty of.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

I was able to get support from Nitroplanes through their help section in the help forum. I bought a plane that was missing hardware - they told me to get my own replacement and they would refund me the difference - and they did.

Later, I bought a replacement set of landing gear (payed with PayPal). They sent me something completely wrong, so I filed a complaint. Nitroplanes closed the complaint and refunded my money without me having to send the gear back.

I would only buy a plane from them if I had time and space and felt like buying a project to work on for cheap. It is rare that you will get something that goes together properly only with what's included in the box. Personally I'm sick of planes that don't go together the way they are supposed to, and enjoy spending the money on quality arfs and getting quality products with good covering and hardware.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Bob Paris
Bob until this new forum host started deleting posts,there was 100's of complaints just like yours. This host seems to have alot of knowledge, and skill in this Hobby,why he would put the spin on this company, and allow them to steal,lie, and scam people out of there money is beyond me. Only thing I can suggest,is to contact your local BBB,then tell everyone that asked you about them,to stay as far away from them as they can. While I understand your frustration,becareful,keep your story truthful,and honest,or the mods may smack your hand. Do a google search on the planes and items they sell,if anyone does business with them or sells items threw them,DON'T buy from them,it will trickle down. Hope it all works out for you

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Hay ohnoucdat,
I've been with R/C Universe for 8 years, I've done several build up's on several models and contributed lots of good information to fellow modelers. I've been in this hobby all my life and I've never come across such a blatant dishonorable company as nitro planes (lower caps intentionally used). I truly believe that the moderator of nitro planes either has an interest in the company, or is profiting by his or her actions by pulling negative ads from the nitro plane company forum. To do this is not only dishonest, but shows nitro planes in much greater light then it really deserves. Any time nitro planes wants me to stop posting negative ads, they can replace my plastic parts on my 90" span green P-38. I've exhausted all other avenues with them and they refuse to do anything about it. So until they do replace my plastic parts, I'll do my best to show the hobby world just who they are...cheap, dishonest and clueless to what real customer service is. In today's world and economy, its customer service that gets my hobby $$$. What is so sad is that the parts needed to make my kit complete couldn't cost more then $5.00 to produce and send to me...yet they feel its easier to just blow me off and ignore the problem. What is also reality...I do spend good money on this hobby each year, and with the P-38 my first nitro planes buy...it was also my last nitro planes buy. Guy's in our club now buy from AK models and other distributors, but are shying away from nitro planes, directly do to my comments and several others that have had the same experience. If R/C Universe wants to pull my membership, so be it...there are other forums in the Internet world I can share my hobby with. I doubt they will though...for I must be one of thousands that have had the same experience with this company. Since the parent company is in China, and only has distribution in the U.S., it would not help me to go to the local BBB. Word of mouth is the best way to show fellow modelers how this company operates and treats customers. And last...if they pull my membership from this on-line hobby club-for my comments, they would have to pull literally hundreds of folks that have expressed the same opinion of nitro planes.
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Bob you may be right, that the forum host may have a vested interest in the company, or is being compensated in some fashion. Who knows,not much you can do there. Question have you tried getting the john guy over in nit planes to help you? I've heard this same story hundreds of times concerning nit planes,while that's no help to you,at least your not alone. I didn't know that all the negs were getting removed in the forum/threads. So preach on,will it do any good,I doubt it. WOrd of mouth will work, I know of a few clubs that have them posted on do not deal with list,that may work,but don't let it consume you. I know they stole from you,but Go out and fly. I doubt you get kicked off RCU,as long as you keep it to a civil bashing LOL if there is such a thing. I know a few of the mods have mentioned nit planes,even one going as far as saying they were getting better. Guess he didn't know all the negs get removed. :eek:

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Hay ohnoucdat,
Nice comments...thanks. Your right, I doubt that nitro planes will ever send me my parts...but as crazy as this may seem to you...at times it makes me feel a little better. Just to keep you up on whats on my plate...I always have a model on the building board. Either an ARF I'm modifying, or a kit I'm assembling...No matter what is going on in my life...I always have a model in the process of gaining its flight worthyness. Building models settles my soul, and later...a blast to fly. I fly weekly, and I also take part in all the club fun flys and scale meets. I usually fly once a week...but sometimes twice at our flying field at Pu'unana. It is an old WWII Marine Corsair reventment and taxi area...and has a lot of history. The local drag strip uses the runway for its races...and its at sea level, with built in trade winds, most all the time.

I built two models in the past three months. The fist was a one-on racer for our club pylon racing. The model is a World Models (a good company) Corsair II, with a Pro .40, and strictly built by the instruction manual. No mods allowed for your club racing and it is not only a simple model to put together, but surprisingly a solid flying model. It will be fun with ten or so guys building these and our first race is this coming Saturday.

My last model was a three engine ugly stick, a twin ugly stick modified to three engines. I did a short thread on the build in the twin engine section and it was a modified old Cedar Hobbies twin ugly stick. Its powered by three MECOA .32's (great little engines), has a 65" wing span and is a super flyer. It also makes some great good bit of racket when all three engines are full throttle and flew right off the board with no flight issues. Its very fast, and on 9x6 props one of the fastest piston models in our club. I now power it with 10x4, not only to slow it down a bit...but give it some real pull in the vertical. It goes up like a home sick rocket...yet with flaperons...will land nice and sweet. All ugly sticks fly good, but this is a really good one, even better then my ugly stick bi-plane.

Next on the table is a 120 size F6F...scale wing, all three gear retractable and my first gas engine...a 26 RGCF, with a 70"+ wing span. Its a China made model...not purchased through nitro planes, bought for a great price several years ago.

May the flies of 1000 camels infest nitro planes private parts... : )

Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

Bob
I think I figured it out. You didn't happen to use one of those 5% off discount codes when you ordered your plane from NIT Planes did you? I understand if you use the code, you only get 95% of your plane.

RE: Nitroplanes.com
 

about 2.5 years ago a flying buddy of mine bought 3 nitroplane models over a several month period until he learned his lesson. one in particular was a delta wing model(do not remember the name of it) that had these bolt on wings to the sides of the fuse. he ask me to come by his house to help him with it. the instruction manuel was worthless.on one wing panel the wing root was so far out of square that it would not come close to seating up against the fuse side. the covering on the model was coming loose and sagging everywhere. i told him he should send it back. for 2 weeks he called and e-mailed them every day but they would not give him the time of day. he decided to fix it and spent quite of bit of time repairing the one wing panel. on the day of the first flights everthing went without a hitch until the 3rd flight when the engine firewall came loose sending the model into a death spiral. i had told him to epoxy the firewall inside the fuel compartment but he got in a hurry and he forgot. another nitromodel plane he had the wing snapped around two ribs out from the wing root. the very soft wood spar just snapped. .all the negative posts i have read about them , you would think they would try and get their act together. they have to know about their reputation..sad