Hi guys!
Just got my hands on a Xtra Easy RTF that was only flown like 3 times before being put up in an attic for 3 years. I did not talk to the original owner so, have no history on it. It has a JR XF421ex 5 channel radio and a MDS .40 engine. Any advice on getting this plane out of the mothballs and checking out the engine? Also, any comments on how this plane will perform as a trainer and does it have any bad points? Thanks in advance for your help and comments!

Hi, Propbuster (that could be my screen name, you know?). I have flown an XtraEasy for over a year. I am not sure what you need to do with the engine. I find the Extra Easy to be a docile plane. I think the incidence of the wing is probably too steep (on purpose, I am sure) which results in me having to use full down trim on the elevator all the time. From factory and without any modifications it will probably take off on full throtle without any up elevator. My maiden flight was trully my first solo flight. I pulled up on the elevator and stalled it. Then I learned not to do this. It is a very smooth flyer. Will do rolls, loops and stuff but keep it high until you learn how much altitude you loose during these maneuvers. I converted mine to a tail dragger and installed a Saito 72. I love my plane and use it almost every time I go to the flying field. Would reinforce the firwall and fuel proof it.

Good luck, Enjoy it.

Luis

I had the H9 Easy Fly 40, great plane! The MDS .40 was a great way to learn to "DeadStick"! Get my meaning? It was a very finnicky engine. One of the major problems I had with it was the slow-speed needle. It kept backing itself out and wouldn't transition from idle to full throttle. Trained myself to be scared of flying at anything other than full throttle because it would invariably die when trying to slow down. Got to the point where dead-sticks were easier than powered landings!

Got a replacement slow speed needle and that did the same thing. Tried to scratch the threads a bit to create more friction but ended up damaging it beyond repair. Bought a Perry carb for it and it worked a lot better but eventually the "pinch bolt" that holds the carb in place ended up wearing a groove in the carb body so then after that it wiggled and wouldn't stay put!

Ultimately, I purchased an OS LA.40 and that engine's been terriffic! Reliable starts, smooth transition, great running engine! (I can picture other RCU members cringing becaus the OS has mixed reviews.) I still have the engine, runs like a champ. As for the plane, I got a wee bit too confident on a very gusty day and retired it with authority![:@]

Picked up a RCM trainer 40 used and that little OS is still puttin' that plane around. Works much better with an 11X5 as opposed to a recommended 10X6. Take offs are a lot quicker and I really don't miss the extra Speed.

Check out the MDS and let me know if you need replacement parts!

When I got my Xtra Easy 2 and took it to the field different guys kept running over as soon as they'd see it and look at the engine. They'd look worried, then say "Good, it's got the Evolution engine!". This happened 3-4 times. I always wondered what the older Xtra Easy's had in them that these guys were so worried about. Was it the MDS .40????? - Joe

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the tips. I've been looking around and it seems that some guys have had to shim up the trailing edge of the wing to solve the climbing problem. I guess I won't know if that will be needed until I get with an instructor to take her up for me. Also the MDS engine has fans and foes! Will pick up some 10 or 15% fuel this weekend and see just how this one runs. Hopefully I got a good one! Thanks again and I welcome and more input on this plane anyone might have.

just to verify that this is the Extra Ez and not the Extra EZ 2. I am not sure what engine they used in the earlier versions of the Extra EZ, but I didn't think that it came with a computer radio.

If it is an EXtra EZ or EZ 2, then you should have good luck with it.

Hi askalon,
The older xtra easy came with the MDS .40 and the JR XF421ex, a basic computer radio. You can change between two setups but unfortunately it does not have dual rates!

Hey Propbuster, the picture in your avatar IS the Xtra Easy I am talking about. Great trainer. The MDS 40 is a great engine too. Once you get it tuned up you don't need to touch the needle. Start by adjusting the low spped needle and get it to where the engine dies with a slight increase in revs when you pinch the fuel line. Then work on the high speed needle. If the engine is new (and I bet you it is if it was only flown 3 times) run it rich for a while. Something I did, because I was flying in a grass field is made a filter for the carb intake, so that grass and seeds would not get into the engine. I used the end of a plastic 5 cc disposable syringe and epoxied a fine metal mesh from a faucet reapir kit (from the aereator)
Luis

I have a Xtra Easy 2 w/ a Evolution .40 and I love this plane. Has been a great trainer. Very forgiving. Good low speed attitude. I have done a few mods to mine and am getting some good acrobatic maneuvers out of it. GREAT plane

The origional MDS .40 had a poor carb on it that made the engine run poorly. You can send the engine (or maybe just the carb) back, and get a free replacement carb that will really make the enigine run well. That's where a lot of the "mixed reviews" come from, guys with the old carb hated the engine, but guys who have the new carb usually love it.

If the engine has been sitting for a while, gently turn it by hand a little. If you feel any "crunchy" feel, that's bad news, as it's likely rust in the bearings. If it feels smooth and loose (with maybe a tight spot at TDC, that's ok), then you're good to go. If it feels smooth but with resistance, that's usually congealed oil that will loosen up with some fuel.

Thanks guys for the tips! Seems I do have the old carb on the engine and am trying to find out if I can still get the replacement (c2) from Horizon for free. Still have the original warranty card that was never sent in. The carb filter seemes like a real good idea too! thanks for your input and advice! Any more?

Just a quick engine related question
If im flying off grass, do I need an air filter?

Does an air filter mean les HP and RPM?

Hi Probuster,
I had an Xtra Easy trainer, in fact it's still in my garage. I had an OS FX .46 in it that didn't overpower it at all. The only complaint about the trainer that I had was the high amount of downtrim I had to put in it. The plane just kept rising forever. I ended up putting small shims under the back of the wings to lift the rear of the wing up a little. I used popsicle sticks and ended up using two of them. The popsicle sticks did get the plane to fly level for me, but you may want to fly it first before you start adding shims, just bring the shims to the field and some CA and add shims between flights until you get it right. Other than that, it was a fun trainer, it was highly acrobatic for a flat winged trainer. Because of the huge wings, and the fact I get bored just flying in ovals, I used 12 rubber bands to hold the wings on every time I went up. I never lost the wings, even when I was pulling incredible G's. I'm not familiar with the MDS .40, you might want to get an Evolution .40 instead. I think it's about $80. I got the OS Max FX .46 because I knew I'd want that engine for any future planes, and that engine was $109. I liked the OS because it pulled the big Xtra Easy around real well.

I just lost my H9 Xtra Easy due to the fact that the ailerons came loose on both wings. I've been flying 2 H9 sticks for the last year but occasionally took the Xtra Easy up for some relaxing fun. Had an OS 46FX on it for the last year which seemed to be too much for it. It replaced the original MDS 40 which was horrible. Anyway, I heard a loud flutter, saw my wings shake violently and I lost all ailerlon control. Both ailerons pulled loose from the wing. Tried to bring it in with rudder and then lost all radio contact. The vibration shook the battery loose from the receiver and it spun in. Very sad. Loved that plane.

DON'T FORGET TO FIND WHERE THE C.G. SHOULD BE !!

BEFORE you go turning the engine over, remove the glow plug put a few drops of light oil in the cylinder. Then turn it over slowly to work the oil around. Don't worry about the carb UNLESS it gives you trouble. I trained someone with this setup and it ran just fine. The older MDS engines (pre-8 series) were pretty good engines. It will power your plane fine. Do some break in runs before you fly (since it's only been flown 3 times). This will also help you indentify any potential problems before you get into the air.

Hey Propbuster, make sure you have the right propeller. I believe the original was a 10x6, but would check that.
Luis