Any Reviews on the GP Escapade yet?
#26
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ORIGINAL: CGRetired
Well, at 99 bucks there's not much to justify on this plane. I was telling my buddies at the field about the plane today and they were amazed at what you get for a plane that only costs $99. Control surfaces are already hinged, rudder and elevator control horns already mounted, and the fuel tank is already plumbed. These are a few of the features of the plane. We flew it today and had a blast with it. I say we because I really only had my hands on the sticks for about 3 minutes, when I do a review I take the pictures and do video and have my buddy fly the plane (I found it's easier to find a good pilot than it is a good cameraman!!!). I have the OS 46 AX on it and it's definitely plenty of engine. Your Magnum will do just fine in it. I won't write the entire review here but here's a couple of tidbits. Level knife edge flight at half rudder!!! Climbing knife edge that actually came over the top and started down in a loop. He didn't pull a full knife edge loop because of the wind (approximately 15 mph when we flew it). Plane spins easily in both directions, and does a very nice inverted spin too. Great Planes really did a good job on this plane.
How long to put it together?? You can get the plane together and ready to fly quicker than you can charge the receiver batteries. A good weekend, or two are three nights will be more than enough to get it together.
Ken
KEN.. STOP THAT, PLEASE !!!!
Jeech, that's all I need is another plane in my hanger!!!

Well, at 99 bucks there's not much to justify on this plane. I was telling my buddies at the field about the plane today and they were amazed at what you get for a plane that only costs $99. Control surfaces are already hinged, rudder and elevator control horns already mounted, and the fuel tank is already plumbed. These are a few of the features of the plane. We flew it today and had a blast with it. I say we because I really only had my hands on the sticks for about 3 minutes, when I do a review I take the pictures and do video and have my buddy fly the plane (I found it's easier to find a good pilot than it is a good cameraman!!!). I have the OS 46 AX on it and it's definitely plenty of engine. Your Magnum will do just fine in it. I won't write the entire review here but here's a couple of tidbits. Level knife edge flight at half rudder!!! Climbing knife edge that actually came over the top and started down in a loop. He didn't pull a full knife edge loop because of the wind (approximately 15 mph when we flew it). Plane spins easily in both directions, and does a very nice inverted spin too. Great Planes really did a good job on this plane.
How long to put it together?? You can get the plane together and ready to fly quicker than you can charge the receiver batteries. A good weekend, or two are three nights will be more than enough to get it together.
Ken
KEN.. STOP THAT, PLEASE !!!!
Jeech, that's all I need is another plane in my hanger!!!

If it helps any, I've got a pretty good feeling that this plane will be staying around in my hanger too. I don't keep a lot of review planes, but this one looks like it's going to be worth keeping. Like I said, I only have a few minutes on the sticks so far. After I get to fly it some more I'll know better. But I'm pretty sure my mind is already made up!!

Ken
#27
How long before folks asking for second plane recommendations are told "Go with the GP Escapade"?
If I manage to crash any of my .40 size planes this summer, I will definitely be moving gear into one of these.
If I manage to crash any of my .40 size planes this summer, I will definitely be moving gear into one of these.
#29

My Feedback: (1)
Hi Ken. Yeah, I understand.. but my back bedroom is my hanger, computer room, storeroom, build room, (the list continues..
). But you know what? I DO seem to find room.. 
I am really gonna look at that plane. Interesting enough, though, this is one of those classic "SPA" (Senior Pattern Assn) aircrart designs that I was looking at a while back.. along with the Chaos, and a few others. If I recall, it was, at one time, available as a kit. I might be wrong, but, hey, that's what my old pea-brain remembes.
CGr.
). But you know what? I DO seem to find room.. 
I am really gonna look at that plane. Interesting enough, though, this is one of those classic "SPA" (Senior Pattern Assn) aircrart designs that I was looking at a while back.. along with the Chaos, and a few others. If I recall, it was, at one time, available as a kit. I might be wrong, but, hey, that's what my old pea-brain remembes.
CGr.
#30
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From: Bealeton,
VA
I finally bought mine last night at the LHS. I've been eyeballing it for a few weeks. Since I want to fly this weekend, and my flight-ready hangar's empty at the moment, it was easy to justify. For those of you who read my "Amount of kits" question over on the kit building forum, this plane is what prompted the question from my wife. She asked me as soon as I came through the door with the box, before I even got my boots off. As for the plane, I'm very impressed so far. I can't wait to see what it flies like.
#31
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From: ,,
NC
ORIGINAL: RCKen
Mclina,
I definitely don't have enough time on it yet to see if it's a good second plane. If it turns out to be in that category then I'll add it to my list here on the forum.
Ken
Mclina,
I definitely don't have enough time on it yet to see if it's a good second plane. If it turns out to be in that category then I'll add it to my list here on the forum.
Ken
From someone in the "2nd Plane" phase of flying, I might be able to add some input (you guys be the judge on whether it's insightful or not
). I flew my escapade for the first time last weekend after having someone more experienced maiden it and trim it out where needed. I should mention, I was a little rusty having not flown since about early or mid december and it was very gusty conditions. I've been flying a 4* 40 arf for a while and I'd definitely say the escapade is a little less forgiving than the 4* and quicker seemingly ( i've got a 46 ax on both). It didn't float on landing like a 4* either (i got it down in one piece twice but they weren't exactly textbook). I had to start bleeding off speed on the downwind leg alot sooner than I was used to with the 4*. Once I get my feet back under me and flying regularly again, and with a little practice, I think I'm gonna love this plane, but I'll probably take the 4* out a few times first just to get reacquainted.
#32
Yeah, I find that interesting. Your description is pretty much what I would expect. Although flying in "very gusty conditions" can make any plane seem squirrely. I notice that any new plane that I have maidened will almost certainly have a different feel. Taking it easy in the first flights help me get use to how it performs. As far as being "2nd" plane eligible, I'll let the experts decide that. Having just received mine, I have only inspected the quality and can report that assembly looks easier than most ARFs. Flying will be something else for the newbie to consider. You mention "a little less forgiving than the 4*" and I wonder how that would translate to the guy coming out of his first plane trainer. I think it is ultimately going to depend on the person and how much he has flown and can adapt to plane with a hotter feel. Now imagine having the Escapade out on a day with a only gentle breeze. The fun begins for all. JMHO
#33

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From: Harrisburg, SD
a couple guys at FlyRC got ahold of one and tried it out....
[link]http://www.flyrc.com/articles/esca.shtml[/link]
i am maidening mine in a couple hours once my buddy gets off of work! later
robbinsp
[link]http://www.flyrc.com/articles/esca.shtml[/link]
i am maidening mine in a couple hours once my buddy gets off of work! later
robbinsp
#34
I just got one last weekend . Read 2 reviews and figured I couldn't pass it up . I was intending to put a Saito82 on it at first to break in the new motor before putting it on a 3d plane . Then I have a .46 ax to go on it . How does the escapade balance with a 4-banger on it ? I miss my old "Barnstormer" , the H9 ultrastick , but it went up $60 and I won't humor Horizon to buy another . Is there room for at least a 13" prop ?
#35
Senior Member
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ORIGINAL: RCKen
Yes, this is absolutely correct. In fact, I will start the assembly of this plane today. I have everything unboxed and all of my initial pictures taken, so I can start putting it together today.
Ken
ORIGINAL: seahwk95
I believe RCKen has said that he plans on a review of this at some point (sorry if that's incorrect).
I believe RCKen has said that he plans on a review of this at some point (sorry if that's incorrect).
Ken
Ken, any date yet on when your review will be published? I know you all are having a hard winter up there
.Bruce
#36
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From: annapolis,
MD
Just wondering how easy it was to get together, and any problems on construction of this bird. It looks really really good, and Im highly considering purchasing it for my second plane. I have little to zero building experience (I put together a couple of RTFS which isn't really putting much together) but I feel I have a good understand of how to get pushrods and everything in the right place.
Speaking of pushrods/control horns...is everything included?? Basically im wondering can i throw a receiver/engine/servos in this and I will be ready?
seems like this plane has very high remarks from this thread, im really hoping to pick one up before the summer is over.
Speaking of pushrods/control horns...is everything included?? Basically im wondering can i throw a receiver/engine/servos in this and I will be ready?
seems like this plane has very high remarks from this thread, im really hoping to pick one up before the summer is over.
#37
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
ORIGINAL: iswenson
Just wondering how easy it was to get together, and any problems on construction of this bird. It looks really really good, and Im highly considering purchasing it for my second plane. I have little to zero building experience (I put together a couple of RTFS which isn't really putting much together) but I feel I have a good understand of how to get pushrods and everything in the right place.
Speaking of pushrods/control horns...is everything included?? Basically im wondering can i throw a receiver/engine/servos in this and I will be ready?
seems like this plane has very high remarks from this thread, im really hoping to pick one up before the summer is over.
Just wondering how easy it was to get together, and any problems on construction of this bird. It looks really really good, and Im highly considering purchasing it for my second plane. I have little to zero building experience (I put together a couple of RTFS which isn't really putting much together) but I feel I have a good understand of how to get pushrods and everything in the right place.
Speaking of pushrods/control horns...is everything included?? Basically im wondering can i throw a receiver/engine/servos in this and I will be ready?
seems like this plane has very high remarks from this thread, im really hoping to pick one up before the summer is over.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8067138/tm.htm
It will answer all of your questions.
Bruce
#38
ORIGINAL: iswenson
Just wondering how easy it was to get together, and any problems on construction of this bird. It looks really really good, and Im highly considering purchasing it for my second plane. I have little to zero building experience (I put together a couple of RTFS which isn't really putting much together) but I feel I have a good understand of how to get pushrods and everything in the right place.
Speaking of pushrods/control horns...is everything included?? Basically im wondering can i throw a receiver/engine/servos in this and I will be ready?
seems like this plane has very high remarks from this thread, im really hoping to pick one up before the summer is over.
Just wondering how easy it was to get together, and any problems on construction of this bird. It looks really really good, and Im highly considering purchasing it for my second plane. I have little to zero building experience (I put together a couple of RTFS which isn't really putting much together) but I feel I have a good understand of how to get pushrods and everything in the right place.
Speaking of pushrods/control horns...is everything included?? Basically im wondering can i throw a receiver/engine/servos in this and I will be ready?
seems like this plane has very high remarks from this thread, im really hoping to pick one up before the summer is over.
Make sure and go through the first 10 pages of the thread that landeck gave you . Theres some mods you want to do on the tailwheel and canopy and maybe even the horizontal stab assembly .
#39
ORIGINAL: RCKen
Yes, this is absolutely correct. In fact, I will start the assembly of this plane today. I have everything unboxed and all of my initial pictures taken, so I can start putting it together today.
Ken
ORIGINAL: seahwk95
I believe RCKen has said that he plans on a review of this at some point (sorry if that's incorrect).
I believe RCKen has said that he plans on a review of this at some point (sorry if that's incorrect).
Ken
Where can I read your review ???




