Hey all, first post here, just wondering if anyone could help me out here. Got a CMP Edge 540T - 72" for Christmas and I have limited building experience and the instructions included are very vague. Could someone help guide me through the steps to complete this plane? (Servo cutouts, engine orientation) Any help would be appreciated, thanks...

B.T.W. Also have an O.S. 1.20 Surpass engine that I will use on this plane...

I would suggest you do a search for a build thread on that plane. There should be several as it's been out for quite some time.

Are you an experienced flyer?

Have you put together ARF's before?

I have the 50CC version of that plane. It is NOT a plane for a novice.

Brian,
I guess one question that should be asked is have you flown before?? If not, this definitely isn't a plane to try on.

These planes from CMP (as well as numerous others that sell them same planes under different names) are notorious for having pathetic instructions. Most of the time the instructions are nothing more than 3 or 4 pictures and very little text. This is pretty common for these ARF's coming from China.

Ken

No, unfortunately I am very inexperienced. I have a lot of flight time on trainers though . Have also had a lot of Real Flight Sim time. I have never put together an ARF before. I do a lot of reading to see how other people build planes, I just can't find out how to build this particular plane. Once it is completed, it will be flown by an experienced flyer. I just need help building lol. Thanks....

I also have a Bluehawk biplane that is already put together by a family member, and also a Ryan STA plane that only needs an engine and micro servo installation. Should I start out flying those two planes first? The SIG Bluehawk looks like it would do so amazing things...

My neighbor flew that plane with a ST 2300 2-stroke. As I recall, it built closer to 12 pounds then 10.

Lol i hope it does. expensive liitle engine, It is a 4-stroke - the biggest engine they call out for that plane.

The CMP ARF's as well as many other Asian ARF's need a complete going over and a bit of experience dealing with.

Typically ( as with many ARF's ) you will need to modify parts of the plane or improve what is already there.

While I like many of the CMP planes I would not recommend them to someone putting together their first or second ARF.

By the time you have say 3-4 under your belt you'll have learned many of the "tricks" needed during construction, and will be better able to spot areas that need re-inforcement and changes... you'll also be less reluctant to change out hardware, etc.

I would forgo building that plane if you can.

Put it aside and get something else with documentation oriented to the first time ARF builder.

Put that together and fly it for a while ( assuming you have already certified... ).

( Consider a SuperSportster ARF or Pulse XT ARF, not the PNP versions though so you do the preparation ).

Download the manuals for planes similiar to the 540T ( Hint: Tower's site has a bunch ), print them out and read through them.

Pay attention to all of the tools used and tips and tricks provided.

Then come back to this plane and take your time... If you get stuck ask here, and at your club... ( you ARE a RC club member right? ).

This plane also is not for the novice flyer. It will snap on you upon approach, as it's designed for aerobatics....

You need to slow down.

If you are coming off trainers the life of either of those planes will be very short.

Consider a low winger with some aerobatic capabilities... ( Now everyone is going to suggest a Sig Tiger, etc... )...

A Super Sportster or Pulse XT would be a good plane if you are coming off trainers and you will NOT get tired of either.

They will both do aerobatics and are fun planes to have in your stable.

They are good intermediate planes with forgiving characteristics.

Do you think I should install the servos in the Ryan STA and start flying that, then move to the biplane, and then the Edge?

I was looking up the goldberg edge 540 manual on tower, and the servo installation in the wings are different. The instructions for my edge have the servos sitting sideways, hiding in the wing with the connector on the outside, which is covered by a piece with 4 screws. The goldberg shows the servos sitting straight down in the wings, in the exposed position.

Brian,
The Ryan and the Biplane aren't good second planes either as they too have some bad habits that can be killer for inexperienced pilots. They definitely aren't planes to move to from your trainer.

Ken

According to Tower Hobbies and Great Planes,

As for the bipe.. well, they are not as stable as a low wing sport lane due to the shorter wingspan.

Something like the Tiger 60, or as someone already suggested, the Pulse XT might be worth taking a look at.

So far, just about every reply has been the same, Brian. Get something less troublesome for a relative beginner and, after several hours of flying it, move up from that. We've all had some experience both flying and... unfortunately, crashing... planes that we all thought we were capable of flying. We're trying to save you some heartache here.

CGr

I have had experience flying a great planes big stik before. Is performance similar to a Tiger 60?

As he said.

PLEASE heed the advice given.

You'll have a far better experience, will spend less money in the long run, will enjoy it more, and your planes will last FAR longer.
Normally a neophyte has a hard time rationalizing the extra expense of "another" plane. One that they were not going to start off with.

However this WILL be money and time very well spent.

You will greatly enjoy any of the suggested "second" planes. You will do far better as you move up, and you will have fewer crashes and problems.

Are you a member of an RC club?

Yes, I have flown with an instructor before, but I don't have help from him right now because he is on vacation. for quite some time too.

That wasn't really my question though...

Do you belong to an RC club?

Brian, Here is a plane suited to your engine and servos that is VERY easy to build as it already has the surfaces hinged and pinned. It should fly well, with an instructor on a buddy cord, and give you the experience you need for bigger projects at an inexpensive price. I've flown and reviewed a few of the Phoenix planes and they all flew well and were all very easy builds. By the time you get it and put it together your instructor should be back. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMUY2&P=0
I'm sure there are others but these are REALLY easy to build.

Yes, I belong to a club BTW.

Great.

One thing you may want to also consider is talking to someone in the club who can guide you through putting the plane together, or who may be willing to work with you to assemble it.

They will be able to spot all of those little "gotcha's" that will make your construction efforts difficult, and they will already know those tips and tricks that you'll need to learn. This will move you from a novice ARF builder to an experienced one very quickly.

If they are willing, maybe you could assemble the plane with their aid with them looking over your shoulder ( hint: their workshop may be better equipped than yours... ).

Many of the retired guys who have more time on their hands, are often more than willing to help out a newbie.

OK. Thanks everyone for the replies. A lot of great ideas. Thanks again....

Brian. Here is a video of a 60 inch edge 540T. If you think you could control this model then I'd suggest you go ahead with your 540 edge 72 incher. Be sure to let me know how the maiden goes if you do. I'll be looking in the crash and repair forum to read about your maiden flight! That's probably where it will end up!

Those edges are not for beginners!

To watch video, scroll half way down and click on "New Video!"

http://www.aero-works.net/store/detail.aspx?ID=75

Don't pay too much attention to manufacturers videos of their planes flight demos. The manufacturers are trying to show you the most extreme maneuvers they are capable of. That does NOT mean the plane cannot be flown normally or in a docile manner. The problem you can run into is planes that build heavy and require you to land them fast or have such extreme control surfaces that the slightest touch of the sticks causes major movement of the plane. Nearly any plane can be built in a manner that it's not pitch sensitive and can be flown gently. It's all in the setup. As I recall, the plane you have builds heavy and lands fast. I recomended the Phoenix plane because they do not build heavy, are easy to fly in a normal and docile manner, and fit the equipment you have on hand. As you progress you can change the setup to do more advanced things to match your skills. They are also the easiest building ARF I have ever purchased as most of the hard parts are done when you get the plane. As for all of that hard core 3D stuff in the video, I have a friend that 3Ds a 40 size trainer and another that 3Ds a 1/3 scale Cub. Bottom line, if you're good enough you can build anything to 3D. Don't let these guys scare you off. You'll get there with the proper help and guidance.

The above statement by Al Lewis is true.

However, if money is an issue and you slam that 120 4 stroke into the ground then you'll see what I'm talking about!

Good luck.