Fun-X
 

I was given a 1/2 A pattern kit a few years ago called a Fun-X. It is really cool with foam wing cores and a fiberglass fuselage. It was designed by John Fotiu and looks to have been design around a Tee Dee Cox engine. I feel it is too big for that engine really considering the weight.
I am planning on electrifying it. I should get the wing bagged tonight. Being electric could really bring this design to life with a full range throttle and landing gear. Looks like a fun little plane.
Anyone have any experience with it? It looks to have been a kit from J&M Glasscraft according to the plans.

RE: Fun-X
 

I had one when they first came out. I think around 1979 or so. It flew very well with the TD .049 at the time. But it was just ailerons and elevator. With electric and today's micro radio equipment it would be great! Maybe even retracts?

I think you can still get the kit but it is special order.

RE: Fun-X
 

That's right Tony.

I touched base with John about a year ago and he laid one up for me. He mentioned that he had pulled one from behind his back and given it to you at some event years ago. '79 sounds like years ago... :)

VG, I have mine in the kit but just haven't gotten around to it. Electric is definitely the way to go - even the plans show that nowadays. John also has nacelles to turn it into a dual motor as well as a nose cone. I hope to build mine full house but I think this model should be gearless or at the most, conventional retracts - something to think about.

A 1/8" ply nose disc serves well as a motor mount. I'd go with an inrunner for this one mounted on to the disc. 300W and 3s should do nicely!

I believe the name Fun-X is a play on words on Don's Phoenix design.

David.

RE: Fun-X
 

I have this picture of the plans from the kit years ago. Mine are a little different I seem to recall - same design of course.

David.

RE: Fun-X
 

It definately looks like it will fly well. I will go with conventional gear. Retracts may be possible, and would certainly be cool, but I think the wing might be too thin. Regardless, I will be getting the wing bagged tonight or tomorrow for sure. Then the search will be on for a motor. I am glad to see some guys with experience with this one.

RE: Fun-X
 

Ok here are some pics. Got the wing bagged. I used 1mm poplar. That stuff is great for this. Also a TD .049 and a Mega motor power system can be seen for size comparison. Otherwise it would look like a big pattern plane! I know this is going to fly well. It will be nice not having to worry about fuel proofing as I will be using the Mega motor. Runs great on a 6" prop. Perfect for this sized plane.

RE: Fun-X
 

Well here it is almost ready to fly. Just have to finish the radio install. I have a CC 45 ESC and a Mega 16-15-5. 4 chanels with landing gear. This setup turns a 6.5" prop very well on 3s lipo. Looks like it should fly great.

RE: Fun-X
 

Nicely done. Let us know how she flies!

I just noticed the dent on the left side of the nose. What happened?

BTW, what spinner are you using? I need one of them. Probably 1.5", right?

David.

RE: Fun-X
 

Thanks. The dent was formed in the glass lay up. It is where the engine should be. I guess I could have filled it, but not really worth it. The spinner I got from hobby lobby, I believe. It is several years old.

RE: Fun-X
 

Ok, got 2 flights in yesterday and all I can say is that I am very happy. It flies like a big plane but just smaller. Very clean and smooth. Quite fast, even at mid power settings. Very quiet which I like. This means it is efficient. It also lands very nicely. It just becomes the ground. The electric conversion for this design I believe really makes it come to life. Having a ton of experience with TD .049 engines, I prefer this set up.