YEEE HAAA!!!
UPS just left. The box was in perfect shape and everything looks good.
To tell you the truth I can't remember the last time I had this big of a smile on my face!

Twostroke, I also got your package. Thanks again.

Time for me to get on the sim and start doing me some learning.

Lets see, we need:

Building picks and updates,
Training updates
Solo updates

Keep us informed...

no "K" in pics

Bruce..

perfect I am not

I'm most likely MUCH less perfect than you, hope it's not a contest. Just couldn't resist pokin a little fun at you.

Well, I am not to impressed with the sim that came with this, it is not G2 Lite as John thought.
I am having some issues with with the graphics stuttering.
My computer should have no problem running this software. It is a program called Cockpit Master Hanger 9 Edition.
Even if it was working right the graphics are better with FMS.
I ended up installing FMS but I don't think any of the planes compare with my Alpha trainer.

And I have also discovered that I have 2 left thumbs[]

Sorry to hear that. I don't believe anyone makes a radio with 2 left sticks. Gonna have to modify the pilot I guess. Do we have any surgeons out there for the operation, CHEAP? [:@]

After a bleary eyed night on the sim I think I figured out which thumb is which.
Still have a lot of work yet but I'm getting better.

No contest here at all, just didn't realize you were poking fun at me no big deal as I was not offended in the least little bit,

Skynyrd Man

Look at it this way, it's better to discover the 2 left thumbs thing now than with the real thing. The sim will help with a lot of the orientation things and you might find that the plane handles better than the sim does.

Keep pluging away at it, it will come to you and remember to breath, allot of students forget that and it helps to relax you if you remember to take deep breaths now and again. Soon you will do it without even thinking about it.

Don't any of us have jobs? What are we doing on the computers so much? Do not incriminate yourself with your answer, I think the word is "RHETORICAL"?

My job requires me to be at a computer at all times. Ah, the life of a Security analyst, I get to play with all of the newest goodies and try my best to break them

I was just looking at my plane thinking about putting it together and I noticed that something is loose and moving around up between the motor mount and where the fuel tank is.
Is this normal?
It feels and sounds like 1/2 inch nut or something similar.

The fuselage shows no sign of external damage.

I'm back and forth between my work bench and the computer al day long and it gives me opportunities to check in real quick. Just gotta turn around and change chairs, that's all.

Skynyrd Man-
need to remove tank if necessary and find out what it is. Are you sure you are not hearing the "CLUNK" inside the tank moving? Do you know what a klunk is? Not to be insulting, I just don't know your knowledge level. Remember tank orientation when removing so you can put it back same way. Mark with Sharpie or something if needed.

Something to do with keeping a steady gas flow?
I think you are right, I forgot about that item till you mentioned it. I read something about it a while back.

It is basically a weight (and sometimes a filter) on the end of the pickup line inside the tank. It is there to keep the end of the line at the "BOTTOM" of the tank and submerged in fuel. When the plane inverts, the weight will take it to the top of the tank,which of course will be "down" in terms of gravity. I'm not saying it well here but I think you will understand. It is also at the rear of the tank "ALMOST", you want about 1/8" gap to allow it to not hang up on the back of the tank. If you have a hard landing, the fuel line may flip forward to the front of the tank and "stick" there. So after a "hard stop" landing it would not hurt to assure yourself that the clunk is where it belongs. This can often be done by shaking the plane or removing the wing and viewing the tank from the rear

Well every thing went togethor without a problem. However I'm confused.[X(]

In what is called Final Assembly in the instructions it says and I quote:

"Temporarily attach the wing to the fuselage by stretching a rubber band from wing hold down dowels starting at the leading edge of the wing back to the trailing edge of the wing. For now, use two rubber bands to mount the wing in position"

I understand all that but it leads me to believe that they are going to tell me more about attaching the wing yet the instructions make no further mention of rubber bands or attaching the wing.
Am I missing something here or is this thing held with just 2 rubber bands in flight. If I pick it up by the wing with 2 bands it seperates from the fuselage a little bit right now.

At this point you are supposed to check balance of the plane fore/aft based upon the center of gravity they call for. Instructions should be in the manual. If it is not where it should be, it is a LOT easier to remove just 2 rubber bands and then move things. Did you remember to wrap your battery pack and receiver SEPARATELY in foam to protect them from vibration? Wouldn't hurt to wrap them in Saran Wrap or similar in case fuel or water get in there. Do not coil up or bundle the receiver antenna in any way, it must be full length. NEVER cut an antenna wire, unless you are tired of the airplane. In flight you will want at least 4 rubber bands on each side (#64) running fore to aft and then one last pair running diagonally. This pair will tend to prevent the others from wanting to slide off of the dowels. Also, this is the time to stand back and operate the controls and make sure ALL controls go in the correct direction. If necessary, refer to transmitter manual for servo reversing directions. Remember the nose wheel must turn right when the rudder does. Lastly when you are satisfied that all is correct you need to stand back about 8 feet and look at your new toy. I use the word "toy" loosely, remember it can be dangerous (to you and others) if mis-handled. Put ALL of your batteries on charge. Tx, Rx, Glow plug, Elec starter, Car, whatever you got. Call your new friends and go flying WITH an instructor. PLEEEEEZE !!!! No false pride here, OK

Just re-read your orig post on this thread. This is a good plane, I have worked with several students on this plane. With a little assistance you should be solo very soon. Don't rush it.

The manual does touch on center of gravity, basically just stating that it is prebalanced and unless you change something there is no need for balancing.
No mention anywhere about adding more RB's to hold it down though. Did not think 2 was enough.

The battery came installed and seems secure. Should I take it out and make sure it is wrapped?

Also the antenna goes out the back of the tail of the plane. Should I secure the end so it is not loose?

OK, being an RTF the CG is probably correct. if it is shown anywhere you can just verify it or have your instructor verify that it is in a good "generic " location. He will know where it belongs if he has been flying very long, and that is how you get to be an instructor at a club usually.

Battery is also probably OK. I had forgotten this was ALPHA RTF when I wrote previous. Remember for future planes though.

It is OK for end to "flop" in the air, much better than doubling it back or tying it or cutting it. Does it look like picture on box/manual? Should be fine.

I just went thru the manual and you are correct in that they fail to mention rubber band count. This may be considered a failing in the manual.

Charge batteries and you should be good to go. Did you get enough rubber bands

Sounds like all I need is some fuel, instructor and some warm weather.
Since warmer weather is a while off yet I'll be spending some time on the sim.

I intend to find someone to help me fly this thing, I just can't see risking a solo try at it.
If nothing else all of my wife's relatives live scattered about Ontario Canada and she has a Nephew who is into RC Planes.
Makes for a cheap vacation!

Thats not a good thing since us newbies don't know any better.

Get some fuel in stock with 10-15 % Nitro. gallon may cost in the area of $15 depending on nitro level and where you buy it. Some clubs buy in bulk and sell at discount to members, mine does. As for the temp, we fly if it hits 45 down here and there are a lot of people in your part of the country that fly in colder weather. But having said that, this IS supposed to be fun. Pick a time/temp to your liking. Just don't let a nice day sneak up on you and be without fuel or freshly charged batteries. Meanwhile stay on the simulator, getting used to the disorientation that can occur when the plane is flying toward you and in other unusual attitudes will be of help.

NO<NO<NO flying without an instructor please. You might make it but the odds are against you.

Gotta leave for the house now, see ya in the morning

As for the manual error. They are depending on the instructor to get you thru that part. They did say to get one of those!!!