Hey all,
I can't believe I havent heard more discussions about this airplane yet other then it's avaialble. I was talking to Ray Labonte and He told me that the first shipment is due in December and the container is already 75% accounted for. I know you guys are out there - what's the scoop LOL.
Anyway I just pulled the trigger myself - so I have one coming. I am worried about the quality, I have heard about all sorts of damage from shipping etc. I don't intend on accepting a bashed up airplane - I just hope I get a good one.

NOW, What engine are you guys thinking? I heard the DA-75 will be ready shortly and that would be the hot ticket. If not - I'll fall back on the ZDZ-80. That engine makes me a little worried as I have heard that some problems have exsited with reliability. But if you get a good one then it's GOOD.

Servos? 8411's all around? Two on the rudder? Let me know what you think.
RickP
[sm=RAINFRO.gif]

Hey Rick, I am going to get one probably early next year sometime when they have been out for a little while and I can see how they are holding up. I have a ZDZ 80RV for use and I will more then likely use the new JR 8611s all around except throttle.

DA-75 sounds cool but I heard something about next summer before its available.

The DA-75 will not be ready shortly. Last time I talked with DA they said they had not made the decision to release the engine.

Servos - 8411s all around with one 8611 on the rudder. Use 1 8411 on each aileron.

Let us know how you like it!

Hey Steve,
You have to bolt an airplane on that thing before you wear it out by just spinning the hub I will keep you guys posted for sure on how the 2.3 is. It will be a good month or two before I can expect to see it so I suppose there will be allot of "Bench" flying of it before I actually get it What's the deal with the 8611? Is there anyone who actually used it yet? I could save 60 bucks by not having to by a matchbox...
RickP

I just called DA and they said to expect the 75cc for next spring. I really hope so - I hope they don't slip back on the date. I asked if he could put me on the waiting list but they haven't committed yet.
RickP

It's interesting that your rep said that there are a number of slots available. My rep told me a few weeks ago that there are only a few left and they are selling out fast. Interesting sales tactic.

Guys,
I am seriously about to purchase one of the new 2.3m Extras. Probably will go with a ZDZ80 for power, ONLY because DA doesn't have the 75 out. I also think 1 servo per aileron, and a Hitec 5735 or JR8611 on rudder will be fine. My 90" 30% Lanier does just fine with this set up.
Anyhow, can someone help me with the following questions I have before I commit?

1. I will use a ZDZ80 at first, but if DA does come out with the 75, then I WILL switch. What are the firewall set ups like in these planes? Is it just standard plywood, like a covered plane? How hard would it be to switch from a ZDZ80 to DA75, if I end up doing so?

2. How do the cowls mount in these planes?

3. My main concern is the hinging. How are they hinged? Do they come already hinged, or do I do the hinging? Also, why have I always heard about not getting enough throw from the hinging of the surfaces? Please explain.

4. Does anyone have personal experience painting one of the standard red and white planes? What type of paint is to be used, and what else should I know about painting a composite arf? Thanks for any help.

It shouldn't be difficult to make an engine switch - just drill new holes on the motor dome and install blind nuts. You can fill the old holes with dowel or epoxy and microballons if you want. There is no hinging required on these planes - the ailerons come prehinged with a "live" hinge, meaning the wing skin is part of the hinge. It is reinforced with Kevlar and will never break. The elevator and rudder have hinges preinstalled, and all you have to do is run a wire down the hinges to connect the controls. The cowls are mounted in a typical fashion, with bolts going through the cowl into the motor dome, and blind nuts are installed inside.

congratulations, rick!

Can't wait to see pics and a flight report!

Ryan,

that video of your 2.6 is awesome! It certainly is motivating ... I need to practice more and slow down on building!

Paul,

I used dupont automotive paint on mine.. looks great w/ a clear coat.

Rob

Ryan,
Thanks for the info. You're always very helpful about the Comp-Arfs.

Rob,
Any chance you could post a pic of your paint job? Thanks.

It has a removable motor dome to if I am not mistaken right? So one could purchase another dome possibly and just swap the motors???

Probably, but redrilling a few holes would be a cheaper option. I don't think the structure would be weakened at all.

Hey Guys,

Rob - first of all your plane looks awsome. I've been meaning to get back to you on how you did all that painting. Did you use a polyurethane base coat / clear coat scheam? They have a single stage urethane I was also considering. I am concerned about an entire clear coat adding weight.

Paul - Don't hesitate to purchase one of these planes they are awsome I already have a 2.6m. On this model the motor dome is removable, so you can replace it should you decide to change motors (they will also have optional domes for different motors). I am infact considering the same thing. If It is a hold up I will buy a ZDZ-80 and then as soon as I can get a DA I will swap it out and sell the ZDZ - then get a new motor dome / cowel for the DA.

The hinging is also great, ailerons are molded into the skin and the whole plane is hinged. Just insert a steel pin for the elevators and rudders an you are done. Cowel I believe is mounted with just a few screws like the 2.6. I will let you know for sure when I get mine Do you already have a 2.6?

Dave - I like my rep, he seem pretty straightforward. Didn't push me at all into it - in fact that might be reverse psychology!!! That's OK I'm sure I'll be happy with the plane Either that or he was just trying to get me to hold out for the 40%
RickP

Rick, you mean when you order say the 2.3M Extra from Composite-ARF you can get either a single stage urethane or the clear coat scheme as an option? I thought they painted them all the same.

I considered this plane but have seen confusing weight information. If it weighs 16-18lbs it will be a great plane. But as I recall thier website says 20-22 lbs which will make it a pig. I would also like to know the wing area so I can get a rough idea of the wing loading.

Also they lead you to believe in the magazine ads and on thier homepage that it has a nice finish, however if you go deeper into the websight or talk to one of thier reps you will find that it comes in the basic white top/ red bottom version.

I am looking forward to some of you guys getting one up and weighed for me.

Thanks,
Joe

My rep said the plane should weigh in at 18 pounds with a ZDZ 60.

According to one of the reps I talked with the weight should be around 18-20lbs depending on engine and radio set-up. Like Ryan said, 18lbs with a ZDZ 60. With lithiums and some other stuff I bet 18.5 or so lbs with a ZDZ 80 shouldn't be to hard

Joe,
Painted versions are avialable, but the first production run / delivery is only White and Red. You will have to wait for the second shipment to get a painted one. Perhaps by spring? And I agree with you can always count on advertised weight to be conservative. I'll be sure to tell you what I get.

Steve,
Since I am getting a plain one, I am planning on painting it. I was trying to decide on single stage paint or base coat / clear coat. Jury is still out on that one, but I will let you know what I do. Otherwise these models are all painted in the molds as you know....

RickP

Well its been a couple weeks, Rick have you heard any news on the delivery date for your 2.3M Extra? If its on time or later...

I have been looking over this and I am really thinking of using just 1-JR8611 for each Aileron surface, saving time, money, and weight on set-up without really sacrificing and power since it puts out 260 ounces. 2 Hitec 5945s are about 360 ounces.

I won't make my decision until I find out how it holds up with you guys

Steve,
The quoted delivery date is "in time for X-mass". So I guess that means a week or two into December. I think that one servo may be good, but I want people to start putting some miles on them and see how they hold up before I test them on a new ship. So I will probably use 2 8411's or whatever the instructions call for.
Rick

I'm also seriously considering one of these planes. (2.3m). I would think that 1 servo per aileron would be plenty. My Lanier 30% Edge only has 1 per aileron, and it has always been fine. The servo is not centered in the middle either. I am waiting to see what you guys think of the plane too....

I guess I will see what comes up. I do not like the non-programmibility of the JR digitals but if I only need one then I will be alright.

I am very anxious to see how they come from the factory and what things they have done different from the 2.6/3.0 besides the obvious wing tube and motor dome switches.

I just ordered a 2.6 today!!

Ray confirmed that they have the red & white & Schulman scheme in stock (I ordered the Red & White). So mine should be shipping tomorrow.

Going to put a new DA-100 with 3-Blade, Duralite power box and batt with fut servo's 130oz min.
What is the deal with the rib template?

Don
www.rnlinc.com

Sweet Don! I dunno what you mean about the rib template but I know someone just yesterday was talking about the Falsa Rib Template for the 2.6M. Its got to be on this page or page 2 of the Giant Scale Forum

I ment the false rib.

Don