RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

I was a horseshoer in the Millbrook area, moved to North Carolina about ten years ago. Don't miss the northern winters one bit

A good place to stop at on your way to Joe Nall is KC Hobby Shop in Archdale N.C. It is right on the way and usally has some interesting stuff for sale

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

thanks for the tip ..I plan to hit the joe nall event on my way north..I also do topgun..actually tiano was a kingston person and flew in our club years back.a couple of our members go each year as static judges..

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Hi Guys,

I didn't realize this thread was sooo long. Lot's of great stuff.

But I need some help...Please.

This is my 1st kit, and I'm feeling a little overloaded.

Check out the pics below. I bought the BCMA engine, w/ the Pitts muffler. and also the Cap 21 cowl from Fiberglass Specialties.

Do you guys think I should scrap the cowl and just cut off the sides and keep the engine exposed?

I've seen other pics w/ the bottom cut out and for the muffler, that looks fine, but if I have to cut out for the muffler too.... I think it may end up looking well, crappy.

I can't decide, I have no experience.[:@]

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Whatever you decide I hope you post a flight review of the 120 with that engine. That would be interesting to hear how it worked out in the end.

Good luck [8D]

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

should be interesting ..show a pic when done.I have one that I inherited and am using a satio 150 ..sadly its alot of heavy lumber so I started by adding lightening holes and removed the stock langing gear.I am adding a carbon composite gear and the holes will lighten the fuse a little.I just havent gotten to it being in florida for the winter and flying electrics here lol..

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

I have watching this thread and also reading the thread on the 60 size 4 stars and have been building a 120 size of my own. Most of the time I just read and do not post, but this is what I have done so far.

> 1. sheeted the leading edge of the wing
> 2. added larger ailerons and also added flaps (big ones)
> 3. wing tips, wing span is now 85 inches
> 4. fuselage has a longer front turtle deck
> 5. cockpit moved back 5.5 inches
> 6. rear turtle deck sheeted
> 7. elevator is larger
> 8. rudder is ridiculous large
> 9. heavy duty landing gear (Miller built)
> 10. Balsa USA cowling
> 11. I will be using a G-26 engine

I will also try to up load a few pictues to look at.
Thanks,
Randy

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

I like the looks of your build. Will be interesting to see how that thing flies.

What engine do you plan on using?

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Wow, Seems like yesterday when Rcpilet started this thread, Ive bought and sold so many planes Ive forgotten them all. Keep posting !!! What an awesome site.

Chris

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Go ahead and put on and cut it.
#1 You already bought it.
#2 The only time you will see the bottom is when you fly buy. Who is going to get a good look then anyway?
#3 It will look soooo much better!!!!

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

PM or email me and I'll tell you how to cut it out without looking awful. It's too much to type here. It's not hard, but I'm not going to type it all out step-by-step. It'll be 2 pages long.

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

I posted my 4 Star in post 305. I have it covered now and thought I would give a update on how it came out. Take care,
Randy Hatton

Modifications
Wing from 81 to 85 inches
Rounded wing tips
Sheeted leading edge
Flaps 16 inches by 4.5 inches
Ailerons extended 1.5 inches to 22 inches by 4 inches
Cockpit moved back 5.5 inches
Canopy cut down
Larger elevators
Horizontal stab increased 2 inches on each side and rounded tips
Vertical stab increased in height by 2.5 inches
Rudder increased by 3 inches to 5 inches
Sheeted turtle deck
G-26 for power
Balsa USA Phaeton 90 cowl
Wheel pants off of a GP RV-4

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Beautiful job!! [sm=thumbs_up.gif]

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Lowbubba,
I was wondering how your 4 star flies? I am thinking about one of these for my next kit. I have been building a top flite cessna and am ready for something easy to build. Do you think with all of the mods this was a simple build? I am just looking something relaxing for the evenings.
Alan

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Hi Guys,

It's been a while.

I don't recall posting my you tube video of my 4* build.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1FLpuRTv18

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Thank you for sharing that - I know the video took a good bit of time. I really enjoyed watching the 4* take form and finally take flight.

Howard

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Lowbubba,
I was wondering how your 4 star flies? I am thinking about one of these for my next kit. I have been building a top flite cessna and am ready for something easy to build. Do you think with all of the mods this was a simple build? I am just looking something relaxing for the evenings.
Alan

I have been flying it most of the summer, The mods I have made in the kit really make it different from all of the other 4 stars out there. The flaps are a hoot, drop them all the way down and talk about hitting a wall, you have to be ready with the power, because it stops! The only change I would make is put a G-38 in it instead of the G-26. When you really want to get stupid, a little more power is nice. Whit the G-26 it does real nice loops, figure 8's Cuban 8's and stuff like that. It does not have unlimited verticle. If that is what you want, more power is needed. It was a fun build, plus I like it because it's different, when I park it in the pits, I always leave the flaps full down. You always have someone doing a double take. Any questions give me a hollar, I will help all that I can.
Randy

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Thanks Randy,
Here are the most recent shots of what I am building. I've been at it since March. What a build!!!!
Alan

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

If You are going to do it here, I would be intersted:D I have had the 40 size and the 60 size. I loved the 60 size. The best plane I ever flew. I have tried the 540's ,330's and the 300's. The only one I am yet to build is the 120. I would like to put something like a 30+ size gas on it. I have a 26 but I dont think it would be quite the engine for what I want to do. Not talking 3D either.
John

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

A lot of guys in our club use G-38's and a few US-41's. Just try to build it with a LOT or reinforcement in the motor mount and move servos for the rudder and elevator as far back as possible.
take care,
Randy

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Myself and two friends are wanting do a group build on the 4*120. We're talking about doing it this winter. It's still just a threat right now, but we're very excited about the group build.

I'd probably use a LIGHT 30cc engine. As much as I love the conversion engines, I felt my last one was a bit porky. 1lb could have been removed just by using a lighter engine. The Ryobi isn't known for being overly powerful or light. It works well, but a better engine would have provided MUCH better overall performance.

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

I will be watching this thread, thanks for the heads up.
John


This is the best flying plane i ever flew. Hoping bigger flys better.

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

danfarina44 , Nice job on that video, It takes alot of fortitude to get all those shots, but you mixed it up nice, definately worth watching.

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

Loved the video. Makes we want to start building again. Good job.
John

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

ME 2 :D

RE: 4*120 Build Thread
 

I think it's time to start building the Four Star 120. Mine gets delivered 11-26-2008, I hope.

The reason I’m going to build the 120 is that these are still great flying planes. My 60 size would do anything that I wanted it to do, there is not many planes that You can say that about.
On this plane I plan to put a gas engine in it. I going to be looking for one of the new light weight gas engines in the 26 to 35 size. From My experience with the Four Star series, about the only way to ruin this great flying plane is to make it heavy. I am considering something like the Evolution 35GT2 (2.15) Gas Engine.

If You would like to join Me, come right along for the adventure.:D
john