I have started building an RV-4, anyone have any helpful building tips? Also has anyone flown one of these planes? I would kind of like to know what to expect.














Thanks Scott

If you search in this forum there is a little information about building this model. Maybe Jerry (TailSkid) will replay since he has built one and written at least one article on it.


Cheers!

Galen

Yes, I loved building this bird - and it flys GREAT! There is a bit of confusion concerning the location of the last former in the fuse....go by the plans as the slot(s) in the fuse are 1/8" off.

Also follow the directions, especially when building the fuse sides. Follow the directions - ha ha - I ALWAYS have a hard time reading those blasted things

Be sure to include flaps - they are COOOOOOL and can effect the flight! All to the good for sure<g>....

Hope you enjoy building yours as much as I did mine - if you have any questions, give me a shout!!!

Jerry

I built this plane and it was really straight forward. I built everything by the book and it came out nice. I included flaps and I flew it with a saito 56. It was a great combination. This plane flys like a low wing trainer. It got old fairly quick so I sold it to KingAirJockey here on RCU. I hope he is having fun with it!

Searched a lot and never seen any reviews of this kit!
I wonder why...????

Check out the latest issue of R/C Report, May Issue (Mina is on the cover), page 60.

Jerry

Thanks for the info. tailskid,
I recieve my issue relatively late! due to my location!

But at least you get it

Many time I don't get it and I live in the same city where it is published!!!!

Jerry

This happened to me only once !
But I got a replacement from Mr. Gordon (thanks)
in the next month!

hisham,is rc big over there?

We are a group of about 35 guys, flying planes of all kinds
as well as helis!

I wasn't to fond of the abs wing tips. take it slow to make them look good.
Seth

Darn, mine went on perfectly - so good in fact I didn't use the fiberglassed ones I bought!

Jerry

you must have been lucky or good.
Seth

I have just completed my RV-4. It was a joy to build. The wing went together easily. The only thing I did not enjoy the trailing edge process but it worked fine in the end. I was going to modify the flaps to work off a single servo, but opted for two mini's in the end.

I am going to do the first flight this weekend weather permitting.

Critson,

What did you use for power? That cowl looks like it was built into the plane - nice job...

I think you will enjoy this one

Jerry

Thanks for the compliment tailskid. I am using a Tunder Tiger 54 4C. The cowl is from Stans he does great work.

I dont know what happened. The RV-4 was on its 3rd flight, winds at 15-20knts, and went deadstick about 30 ft up. I banked downwind to base and the RV-4 stalled out on its right wing and went straight in. Not enough airspeed or elevator to get it level. I did level the wings before it hit on its nose. It broke the engine box area completely off, broke the wing spar and tail. it was a total loss.

JaxRC

Sorry to hear about the plane....did you have any flaps activated when she went in? Sounds like some pretty windy conditions - bummer...

Jerry

Thanks to ALL replys.
Man I would be happy if my RV-4 comes out 1/2 as good as some of the pics on here, I am having problems getting the cowl straight, the instructions say to add body putty , but wont this add alot of nose weight?










Thanks Guys for all your input
Bushmaster99

No flaps. I never got a chance to use them.. I think maybe if I had on this last flight, it would have raised the nose some before impact

Ok Guys
I have come to the point where I have to decide FLAPS or NO FLAPS, If I go with flaps this will be a first for me , I need someone to make up my mind!!!!
Thanks Scott

You really don't need them on an airplane with as light a wing loading as the RV-4 has. The real one is the same deal. But the guys who build the full scale ones like the flaps because it gives the plane an amazing range of performance. It's truly a STOL plane that can do 200 mph!

But the model doesn't need to land in 15 feet and it certainly can't do 200 mph so you decide

Bushmaster, if I were to build another RV-4 I would not build in the flaps. This plane is a floater. The extra weight and cost are not worth the effort. The look great but is not needed.

I love the way this plane flys. I am having trouble stopping bounces on landing. The wing is so low to the ground on landing there is lots of ground effect.

flaps, have fun
Seth