3D Freedom from AK Models
12-22-2002, 02:12 PM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
I am thinking of ordering a 3D freedom from AK Models.
Is this a good kit?
How is the building?
How is the flying? Landings?
Anything to look out for?
Thanks for your help....Just want some info from people that have one of these.... Thanks again.
Ethal86
Is this a good kit?
How is the building?
How is the flying? Landings?
Anything to look out for?
Thanks for your help....Just want some info from people that have one of these.... Thanks again.
Ethal86
12-22-2002, 05:33 PM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
I just framed up one for a Bud
Is this a good kit? it's ok
How is the building? Fairly fast Very much like a Sig Something Extra of which it is a blown up copy of.
But not near Sig quality of materials or engineering.
The Fuse built well with no problems (1/8'' Basla box construction.
The wings are plugin w/Spruce spars and bulit up sheeted ailerons.
Troubles
The pocket for the wing joiners (in the wings) is the same size as the Joiner SO if you build both separatly and you have to they don't slide together ie: Same size peg same size hole.
Much fitting is required to get them to work well without a loose fit and since the joiner and pocket are all wood weather/humidity changes the fit ARRRGH!
The wing joiner Takes some real thought to Laminate the two parts and have them end up straight
Solution to getting the joiner right is a very stiff flat surface and lots of time and clamps. ( use minimum of 30 min epoxy) you need the time.
Laser cutting was generaly good till the 1/4'' Balsa and A/C ply the Balsa was charred pretty good and the ply was NOT cut thu.
Here is the BIG BUT with all the negatives >It build to a very strong light plane and it will stay at the stated weight if you don't gob the glue or over BEEF the thing.
No Hardware
Junk canopy Buy a a GP #GPMQ2320 Skybolt canopy fits great
You have to look at the cost for a $100 + - change kit not bad
Den
Is this a good kit? it's ok
How is the building? Fairly fast Very much like a Sig Something Extra of which it is a blown up copy of.
But not near Sig quality of materials or engineering.
The Fuse built well with no problems (1/8'' Basla box construction.
The wings are plugin w/Spruce spars and bulit up sheeted ailerons.
Troubles
The pocket for the wing joiners (in the wings) is the same size as the Joiner SO if you build both separatly and you have to they don't slide together ie: Same size peg same size hole.
Much fitting is required to get them to work well without a loose fit and since the joiner and pocket are all wood weather/humidity changes the fit ARRRGH!
The wing joiner Takes some real thought to Laminate the two parts and have them end up straight
Solution to getting the joiner right is a very stiff flat surface and lots of time and clamps. ( use minimum of 30 min epoxy) you need the time.
Laser cutting was generaly good till the 1/4'' Balsa and A/C ply the Balsa was charred pretty good and the ply was NOT cut thu.
Here is the BIG BUT with all the negatives >It build to a very strong light plane and it will stay at the stated weight if you don't gob the glue or over BEEF the thing.
No Hardware
Junk canopy Buy a a GP #GPMQ2320 Skybolt canopy fits great
You have to look at the cost for a $100 + - change kit not bad
Den
12-23-2002, 02:36 AM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
This was my first kit so I had nothing to compare it with. It was easy to build and is a much stronger, lighter plane than any ARF of equal size. Flys awesome. Submit a search for AKM 3D Freedom under Fun Fly planes for many threads on this plane.
12-23-2002, 02:59 AM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
Hey Wade did you glue in the Joiner? it does seem to be the only weak spot that I can see.
There isn't much to keep the fus from twisting up there and was thinking of putting it in there for good. ( if my buddy agrees)
Nice job ok ok DETAILS MAN
Engine?
Where did that cowl come from?
What in oz servos?
Oh and how does the wing hook setup hold up?
Den
There isn't much to keep the fus from twisting up there and was thinking of putting it in there for good. ( if my buddy agrees)
Nice job ok ok DETAILS MAN
Engine?
Where did that cowl come from?
What in oz servos?
Oh and how does the wing hook setup hold up?
Den
12-24-2002, 02:39 AM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
I did glue the joiner in
I'm using a Magnum XL 120 2 stroke W/ Mac's pipe. It's a rocket.
The cowl is a toilet scrub brush holder.
The servos are 100oz GWS's.
The wing is secured with a small aluminum turnbuckle I picked up from Lowe's.
Run a search for "AKM 3D Freedom" Allot is posted on this kit.
I'm using a Magnum XL 120 2 stroke W/ Mac's pipe. It's a rocket.
The cowl is a toilet scrub brush holder.
The servos are 100oz GWS's.
The wing is secured with a small aluminum turnbuckle I picked up from Lowe's.
Run a search for "AKM 3D Freedom" Allot is posted on this kit.
03-10-2003, 03:40 AM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
It ballanced well with all the gear, including a 1200 MhA Nicad, under the tank. Watch out where the turtledeck stringers meet the stabilizer. The only ply in this part of the fuse is on the bottom. On initial fligt I had a flutter condition and landed to discover the fuse was stress cracked in this area. I repaired using balsa and after 4-5 flights lost this plane due to the tail featers coming off in flight. If you reinforced this area with ply it would help your balance ailment. Exelent flying plane though....
03-10-2003, 01:06 PM
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3D Freedom from AK Models
Wade,
Thanks for the reply.
I'll check that weak area. Any pics of the initial cracking ?
The only problem is my plane is already tail heavy (not nose) so any weight added to reinforce the tail would only add to increase this balance problem. I did do some component rearrangement to help the balance last night. I moved the throttle servo foward to just in front of the wing joiner. I switched from a 1200mah NiMH to 2000mah NiMH and moved it to right behind the firewall. And last I moved the receiver from under the canopy to underneath the throttle servo. Now the plane balances at 5.5" back from leading edge.
Thanks for the reply.
I'll check that weak area. Any pics of the initial cracking ?
The only problem is my plane is already tail heavy (not nose) so any weight added to reinforce the tail would only add to increase this balance problem. I did do some component rearrangement to help the balance last night. I moved the throttle servo foward to just in front of the wing joiner. I switched from a 1200mah NiMH to 2000mah NiMH and moved it to right behind the firewall. And last I moved the receiver from under the canopy to underneath the throttle servo. Now the plane balances at 5.5" back from leading edge.
