I've had one of these kits sitting on the shelf for years. Was out of the hobby for a while. I've done some searching and found people saying good things about it. I'm thinking to start building it soon, and have a few questions.

1. I was originally going to use an OS 25F ABC for it. Still have that engine, but right now it's in a Model Tech Extra 300 that is finally ready to fly. If I'm going to try to get both of these flying, I'll need another engine. The specs say it can handle a .35. Anyone who has built this plane have an opinion on whether I should stick to the .25 size, or go for something in the .30+ range?

2. I've seen a couple people mention installing retracts, but at least one said they removed them. I'm going to build it as a tail dragger, so I wouldn't need to worry about the nose gear. I think it would be quite cool to be able to have the wheels disappear after takeoff, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra weight, money, and building hassle. Opinions?

Chuck

I have owned two of these models and still have one in need of a restoration. I also have 80% of another kit in the closet. Both of the ones I have flown used an OS .25 VF with a pipe and fixed gear. This model needs to stay light for the performance to be what you would expect and if the weight goes up too much, you can end up with a model that is likely to do a snap roll when you pull hard on the elevator. I wanted to build my third kit with a .48 4-stroke and MK .20 size retracts. After flying the heavier of the two finished models, I have changed my mind on the retracts and probably the 4-stroke as well. I do not see any problem with the .35 engine, but the retracts IMHO are too heavy for so little gain on a model of this size. Use the Williams Brothers thin wheels to lower drag if you like, but I would not build this model with retracts if you expect it to perform like a pattern plane should.

John

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep this one lite and simple. Will have to find some other plane to satisfy the urge of making flying too complicated by adding retracts. Kind of tough to do since 25 size planes are the ones I like best.

You're welcome. I really wished this model would handle the weight better as I agree with you. A miniature pattern plane like this would be so cool with the gear sucked up. Especially on a low fly by.

The first of the two I flew was built by me. It weighed 3.25 lbs. ready minus fuel. The second weighed 3.75 and was built by a very good friend of mine. I bought it from him after cart wheeling mine on an unsuccessful attempt at stretching the glide back to the runway on a dead stick landing. His was prettier, but I still cannot figure out where the extra 1/2 lb. came from as both models used the same engine, radio and hardware. All I can think is his had some heavier wood and he may have been a little generous on the glue.

I'm with you on my affection for these smaller models. They are so easy to handle and transport. They use small amounts of fuel and have less area to be wiped down at the end of the day.

When you build your kit, post some pictures here if you have a digicam!

John

Took a while to get back to this subject, was away on a long business trip. While I was gone I solved my engine dilema. I picked up a Thunder Tiger Pro-36. Also solved the retract urge. I bought a few other kits, actually 7, including a Marutaka P51. I did find time for 2 flights on the Extra 300 before I left, the OS works great. Now I have to make time to build...

I built two of these years ago...great flying little airplane. One had an Enya .30SS & fixed gear, the other an OS .32 fitted with the MK 20 size retracts.
IMHO, go with the retracts, was very cool. Not much weight penalty as I used mini servos & a micro on throttle.

Either way, it's agood airplane.

Scott

I also build one two years ago, with OS32SX, tuned pipe and Supra 20 retracts.

Just when I thought I had decided, you guys have to go and post conflicting information :-)

I've actually got some retracts available. While I was in Singapore I picked up a set of MK SS (20 size?) main gear. These were probably going in the P51. I also bought Supra 30 size mains that are destined for the DJ-3 kit I bought. The nose gear for this will be MK SS, because the EZ nose gear for the DJ line is not steerable. I think I'll be building the Supra before the DJ-3 or P51 so I guess I could use some of these and buy replacements later. Anyone know of a source of the EZ or MK retracts in the US?

One question, did you build them as tail draggers or trikes? I was leaning toward tail dragger to keep them simple and light, and because I've always prefered tail draggers. If I went with retracts in this configuration I'm worried about the drag created by the wheel hole near the front of the wing. It seems the trike configuration would be better for aerodynamics, but the extra servo and gear would add more weight.

Dah!

???

I don't think there is space for a front retract. Mine is a tail dragger with Supra 20 retracts. I didn't even put in a tail wheel - just a skid. With the long tail, I find the skid sufficient for ground handling and also it saves weight and drag.

Mine has six full-size Futaba servos - 2 ailerons, retracts, engine, elevator and rudder. The OS32SX with tuned pipe really pulls everything along, believe me.

Chris

I sense a plan formulating here. I've got some mini servos, so if I use those for the throttle I'd save a bit. Also could use two of them for ailerons. Would give me much more torque, and not much more weight than one standard servo. In fact, I just checked the specs and the mini servos have the same output as my standard Futabas, are 2/3 the weight, and much smaller. Might as well use minis all around. Probably stick with a standard for the retracts, should have stronger gears. Now I've just got to get a light weight receiver. Also have to research what tuned pipe options are available for a 36 size engine.