I have about $200 to spend on something, and I figure if I'm going to keep going with 60+ size planes like the Harrier 90 and a 60 Extra, that I'll need high torque servos. I was looking at the Futaba 3305s. High torque and metal gears.

Is there another model and/or brand I should be looking into? I'll need 5 I'm assuming, and can't go over $200.

Thanks.

Pete,
Even on bigger planes you don't always have to have high torque servos. On most 60 size planes you can get away with stardard servos, maybe sometimes needing a high torque on the rudder but not always. But the rest of the servos don't always have to be high torque. Even on bigger planes 90+ you can still sometimes use standards for the ailerons and throttle. It also depends on the type of flying you do. For just sport flying you won't need the high torque, but on the other hand a 3D pilot will need them. If you want my opinion I would hang onto that money and buy the servos when you get a plane that might need them, that way you will know exactly how many to get.

Ken

Good advice, thanks Ken. I am not big into 3D, I just like flying around doing little stunts, so your advice makes sense.

Only question now is, what to spend the $200 on instead! I would like to get another Saito 100 for the Extra I got at the auction...

Edit: This Harrier 90 is an awesome looking plane. Great quality ARF. Glad I was able to find one on the net.

I'd go with the engine if I were you, especially since you have a plane that needs an engine!!!!

Or, if you are really in a bind you can send the cash to me.... I know I could put it to good use!!!!!

Ken

This subject gets some play at our field/club. We have one group that says metal gears are a no-no in airplanes and are for cars (and further have the risk of rado interference). Another group that uses them with great success.

I just listen because I've never tried them, preferring to stick with the less expensive nylon/plastic gears. ;-)

I like the S9202 and the S9001 coreless for slightly beefier servos, but the S3001 is mighty hard to beat and does all my throttles regardless of size. The HiTec HS-635HB is a great rudder servo for .40 to .60 size models. I'm usually a Futaba user but I have a couple of those and am very happy with them.

Hello Pete X:

Makes tears in my eyes, when I have to agree with Ken! However with models up to 1.3 cu. ins and even bigger for moderate scale-like flying these servos will fill the bill for 2 on aileron, one each on elevator, throttle, and rudder.

You may wish to check out specs of Hitec servos 425, 475, 545, 625, and 635. (http://www.servocity.com/)

All the hype for digital 'umpteen #s of torque servos is strictly marketing-hype to get into your wallet. I cannot say that for the 40% 3D block-the-runway types because there I have no experience. However in my observations from the days when our competition pattern models with 4 servos, just one for the ailerons, and even our fast Formula I pylon racers also just 4 servos, got the job done, until the current digital craze, and having flown 1 to 1 scale, for 41 years, some without even power boosted ailerons, other than arm boost, , I think it's the old cliche of, "Mine is bigger than yours," that keeps modelers buying the biggest they can obtain.

This model, 101" w/span, 28#, machine Zenoah G-62 electronic ignition has served its purpose for some 10 years with two Hitec 425 equivalent servos on the ailerons, and one 605 (now 635) on the elevators, with standard servos on rudder and throttle. Definitely good enough for me.


The red machine flew well also with about the same line-up except 2 605s on the elevators. It got sold after serving me for about 3 years. 1.20 2 stroker. 72' w/s.