When I open the box from Nitroplanes, I saw extensive shipping damage to the Spitfire.
The box was wimpy, inadequate in my opinion. I hope they send me another fuse. But this time in a much stronger box!

what's your order number? I'll replace the fuselarge for you.

John
Nitro Planes

Order number 632107. I had already sent an email to [email protected] about this. I have had very bad luck with UPS lately.

ok will get you a new fuselarge only.

John
Nitro Planes

Looks like they crushed the box length ways, the same thing happened to me about a week ago on a 140 EXTRA 300S. I've received two models with NO damage then they really smashed the last one.

Wow. I guess Nitro looses alot of money on replacing airplanes smashed by UPS.

I neglected to say there were also damages to the wing, but I think I can repair those myself.

It all depends upon the handlers and delivery people.

I've had some fantastic UPS delivery personel and handlers, who do a great job.

These people tend to get big Xmas tips from me.


However one time I was arriving to my business, and the UPS truck was in front of me making a delivery to us.

I CLEARLY saw the delivery guy pull a box from the top shelf of the truck ( there is a shelf that runs completely around the truck at the very top ), and let it fall full tilt into the ground.

He picked it up and walked in to deliver it.

The box was marked FRAGILE all over.

Needless to say delivery was refused.

The UPS guy usually just leave the package next to my door, ring the bell, and takes off. By the time I open the door he's already taking off in his big brown truck. So, I don't get a chance to yell at him.

New fuselage sent 1ZX03V030399964011 UPS

John
Nitro Planes

Thanks for the prompt response, Nitroplane!

By the way, does anyone know if I can forgo gluing the two wing halves together?
The manual says to glue them together, but the aluminum tube spar looks stout enough to me.

You COULD forgo gluing them, but you'll need to make sure that the wings are tightly and FIRMLY held together.

IMHO this is more effort than it is worth and I prefer the strength of a full chordwise Epoxy bond.

This area will get pulled apart during snaps and pullouts, so it better be strong.

The new fuselage arrived in excellent condition. Thanks, Nitroplane! You guys are number One.

I've put away the old fuse with the original package, in case UPS wants to come by and inspect the damage.

Nitroplane,
The Spitfire was maidened today. I kept it light, and it flies great. So easy to fly, a beginner can probably fly it. One bad thing, however, is that if I had installed a glow engine per instruction manual, the plane would have been super tail heavy. I would have had to add 32 oz of nose weight in order to balance the plane. Instead, I used a 26cc gasoline engine and moved it 6 inches forward. Yes, the plane doesn't look scale anymore, but its lower wing loading more than make up for that. I hope you pass this info on to the factory because I want to buy more CMP planes in the future.