Write an ARF review
03-31-2004 | 12:19 PM
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From: ,
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Write an ARF review
Wish I knew just how many airplane reviews I’ve read over the years? Is it me or do they ALL sound the same?
I bet as a group we could write a review for a factious airplane, using the typical review phrases, which would be a sarcastically close match to what we read in the mags month after month.
I’ll start:
In my opinion the full scale XYZ plane is a beautiful plane. So when master designer and top competition pilot Joe Schmoe designed a 10% XYZ for ARF’s-R-Us I couldn’t wait to review this airplane. The full scale XYZ was originally built in Germany by the Gesundheit Company in 1957 ½ . The first XYZ’s were powered with a 150hp Briggs & Stratton engine. No less than five men pulling on a rope performed the starting of the XYZ. If the engine didn’t start on the first try the rope was rewound on the starter pulley and pulled again. Later XYZ’s came equipped with a crank that wound a spring and with the touch of a button released the spring to turn the engine. The flight capabilities were astounding, in fact the aircraft performed the earliest display of what is know today as 3D aerobatics. Unfortunately none of the pilots survived to explain the fantastic maneuvers they discoverd. Not many original XYZ’s exist today, its wild aerobatic capabilities made it popularity with US military for target practice in the late 60’s.
Next!!!
I bet as a group we could write a review for a factious airplane, using the typical review phrases, which would be a sarcastically close match to what we read in the mags month after month.
I’ll start:
In my opinion the full scale XYZ plane is a beautiful plane. So when master designer and top competition pilot Joe Schmoe designed a 10% XYZ for ARF’s-R-Us I couldn’t wait to review this airplane. The full scale XYZ was originally built in Germany by the Gesundheit Company in 1957 ½ . The first XYZ’s were powered with a 150hp Briggs & Stratton engine. No less than five men pulling on a rope performed the starting of the XYZ. If the engine didn’t start on the first try the rope was rewound on the starter pulley and pulled again. Later XYZ’s came equipped with a crank that wound a spring and with the touch of a button released the spring to turn the engine. The flight capabilities were astounding, in fact the aircraft performed the earliest display of what is know today as 3D aerobatics. Unfortunately none of the pilots survived to explain the fantastic maneuvers they discoverd. Not many original XYZ’s exist today, its wild aerobatic capabilities made it popularity with US military for target practice in the late 60’s.
Next!!!
03-31-2004 | 01:47 PM
#2
RE: Write an ARF review
For a basic trainer kit, I always get a kick out of what the reviewers use for radios and engines.
Kit Equipment Specifications vs. Equipment used for Test Kit.
Engine Req. - Simple 2 cycle .25 to .46
Engine Used - Dual BB ABC BX Supercharged 4 cyl. with twin carbs, pump, and aluminum headers.
Radio Req. - Simple 4 channel (R,E,T,A)
Radio used - 21 channel multiplex digital PCM/PPM/PPF/BroadBand with synthesized tuning and pre-programmable logic cards, 128 GB of RAM, and 8 featherlight digital brass gear reductioned servos powered by a ion-lithium / hydorgenic cell.
Just the perfect set-up for the begginer who's on a limited budget
Kit Equipment Specifications vs. Equipment used for Test Kit.
Engine Req. - Simple 2 cycle .25 to .46
Engine Used - Dual BB ABC BX Supercharged 4 cyl. with twin carbs, pump, and aluminum headers.
Radio Req. - Simple 4 channel (R,E,T,A)
Radio used - 21 channel multiplex digital PCM/PPM/PPF/BroadBand with synthesized tuning and pre-programmable logic cards, 128 GB of RAM, and 8 featherlight digital brass gear reductioned servos powered by a ion-lithium / hydorgenic cell.
Just the perfect set-up for the begginer who's on a limited budget
03-31-2004 | 02:47 PM
#4
RE: Write an ARF review
ORIGINAL: jester125
Here's one I see alot: "This ARF from ******** comes with a colorful box with very nice color pictures"
Who cares about the box?
chris
Here's one I see alot: "This ARF from ******** comes with a colorful box with very nice color pictures"
Who cares about the box?
chris
Thats because the instruction manual was written in the ancient Xuguan language and the pictures are black and white and go to a different kit.
03-31-2004 | 09:25 PM
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RE: Write an ARF review
What do you think guys? After a little editing I think I would fit right in at MAN???:
When I got news that I would be reviewing ARF model XYZ, for my employer-publisher of what is really nothing more than a large monthly sales brochure with glossy pictures that we call Model Airplane News, I was excited, as any modeler would be. So without delay, let's get to it!
Model XYZ arrived at my door in a box measuring 16x48x12. All the parts were neatly packaged in the usual individual bags and taped to the box. I inventoried all the parts and they were all accounted for. The covering was nicely and professionally applied yet I noted some bubbles so I removed them with my heat gun. Gosh, getting a good covering job on an airplane couldn't be easier!
I read through the directions to get an idea of what was ahead. I began by installing the servos and linkages in the wings then glued them together with some 30-minute epoxy from Great Planes. (I used Great Planes epoxy but please don't think I wrote that here just because that company is in bed with my advertiser-employer..err..I mean “Publisher”).
With the wing placed aside setting up to cure, I began on the fuselage. Lucky me, the blind nuts were already installed in the firewall. I was glad the maker of this model XYZ installed these blind nuts for me; I can't think of one modeler that likes that task! I measured for the proper engine-firewall distance as provided in the directions and proceeded to install the engine. Don't forget the use of thread lock here! (use any brand thread lock you want, we don't get paid to recommend any particular brand just yet)
The rest of the fuse assembly went quickly and I used the included hardware. The hardware is not bullet proof, yet for a simple sport flyer like me that doesn't do anything too crazy with the Tx box, it was more than adequate. With the plane finished and looking good on my workbench I gave it and the instructions one last "once over" to make sure I hadn't missed anything! I was happy to find I hadn't missed a thing!
Saturday morning came and I was greeted with warm balmy weather with no wind so I wasted no time to bring new ARF model XYZ out to the local flying field. I had our highly paid professional photographer along and instructed him to make the model and me look good! Making the model look good required no tricks I can assure you!
I fueled her up and checked the radio range. With all systems “go” and the trusty new OS power plant running like a top (yes OS does pay us the big bucks to say that) I lined her up for the runway. With only mildly shaking knees, I smoothly advanced the throttle. After 50 feet she lifted gracefully into the sky. Yes, I knew I liked this model right away! After only a few clicks of trim needed, I coaxed her into some slow rolls and gentle loops. I performed a few stalls at altitude and they were cake to recover from. I usually use the words “stall” and “tip stall” interchangeably only because none of us at the “magazine” have any idea what the difference between them is. Back to the flying now, she flew nice and smooth and landings were a cinch. I noted no bad flying tendencies, which was a relief. Afterall, what more could you ask from a model airplane!
Yes fellow modelers, after this thorough, detailed and exhaustive build and flight advertisement…err..I mean “ARF flight report column”, I can heartily recommend model XYZ to you. It looks great, attracts a lot of attention at the field, and will make you a better pilot than you thought possible. (well at least appear better)
PS – If the following gets through the “editors/advertisers” I have a tip for you: If you would like to learn any info about any model you are considering to add to your stable, check out RCUnicerse on the world wide web. The info on that website is worth about 10000 times anything written in my “magazine"!
When I got news that I would be reviewing ARF model XYZ, for my employer-publisher of what is really nothing more than a large monthly sales brochure with glossy pictures that we call Model Airplane News, I was excited, as any modeler would be. So without delay, let's get to it!
Model XYZ arrived at my door in a box measuring 16x48x12. All the parts were neatly packaged in the usual individual bags and taped to the box. I inventoried all the parts and they were all accounted for. The covering was nicely and professionally applied yet I noted some bubbles so I removed them with my heat gun. Gosh, getting a good covering job on an airplane couldn't be easier!
I read through the directions to get an idea of what was ahead. I began by installing the servos and linkages in the wings then glued them together with some 30-minute epoxy from Great Planes. (I used Great Planes epoxy but please don't think I wrote that here just because that company is in bed with my advertiser-employer..err..I mean “Publisher”).
With the wing placed aside setting up to cure, I began on the fuselage. Lucky me, the blind nuts were already installed in the firewall. I was glad the maker of this model XYZ installed these blind nuts for me; I can't think of one modeler that likes that task! I measured for the proper engine-firewall distance as provided in the directions and proceeded to install the engine. Don't forget the use of thread lock here! (use any brand thread lock you want, we don't get paid to recommend any particular brand just yet)
The rest of the fuse assembly went quickly and I used the included hardware. The hardware is not bullet proof, yet for a simple sport flyer like me that doesn't do anything too crazy with the Tx box, it was more than adequate. With the plane finished and looking good on my workbench I gave it and the instructions one last "once over" to make sure I hadn't missed anything! I was happy to find I hadn't missed a thing!
Saturday morning came and I was greeted with warm balmy weather with no wind so I wasted no time to bring new ARF model XYZ out to the local flying field. I had our highly paid professional photographer along and instructed him to make the model and me look good! Making the model look good required no tricks I can assure you!
I fueled her up and checked the radio range. With all systems “go” and the trusty new OS power plant running like a top (yes OS does pay us the big bucks to say that) I lined her up for the runway. With only mildly shaking knees, I smoothly advanced the throttle. After 50 feet she lifted gracefully into the sky. Yes, I knew I liked this model right away! After only a few clicks of trim needed, I coaxed her into some slow rolls and gentle loops. I performed a few stalls at altitude and they were cake to recover from. I usually use the words “stall” and “tip stall” interchangeably only because none of us at the “magazine” have any idea what the difference between them is. Back to the flying now, she flew nice and smooth and landings were a cinch. I noted no bad flying tendencies, which was a relief. Afterall, what more could you ask from a model airplane!
Yes fellow modelers, after this thorough, detailed and exhaustive build and flight advertisement…err..I mean “ARF flight report column”, I can heartily recommend model XYZ to you. It looks great, attracts a lot of attention at the field, and will make you a better pilot than you thought possible. (well at least appear better)
PS – If the following gets through the “editors/advertisers” I have a tip for you: If you would like to learn any info about any model you are considering to add to your stable, check out RCUnicerse on the world wide web. The info on that website is worth about 10000 times anything written in my “magazine"!
04-01-2004 | 12:31 PM
#7
RE: Write an ARF review
"If the engine didn’t start on the first try the rope was rewound on the starter pulley and pulled again."
Come on now SDR, you know every engine starts on the first try! As your editor, I request that you remove this statement before it goes to print.
Come on now SDR, you know every engine starts on the first try! As your editor, I request that you remove this statement before it goes to print.
04-01-2004 | 01:39 PM
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From: Payson,
AZ
RE: Write an ARF review
More truth than poetry in the above. If you think that's bad try the DIY channel on Directv. Especially liked the one on boats. Ask anyone about racing three diferent size sailboats. I guess some people will submerge there ethics for a price.
04-03-2004 | 06:27 PM
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From: Curitiba, PR, BRAZIL
RE: Write an ARF review
ORIGINAL: ShoestringRacer
What do you think guys? After a little editing I think I would fit right in at MAN???:
When I got news that I would be reviewing ARF model XYZ, for my employer-publisher of what is really nothing more than a large monthly sales brochure with glossy pictures that we call Model Airplane News, I was excited, as any modeler would be. So without delay, let's get to it!
Model XYZ arrived at my door in a box measuring 16x48x12. All the parts were neatly packaged in the usual individual bags and taped to the box. I inventoried all the parts and they were all accounted for. The covering was nicely and professionally applied yet I noted some bubbles so I removed them with my heat gun. Gosh, getting a good covering job on an airplane couldn't be easier!
I read through the directions to get an idea of what was ahead. I began by installing the servos and linkages in the wings then glued them together with some 30-minute epoxy from Great Planes. (I used Great Planes epoxy but please don't think I wrote that here just because that company is in bed with my advertiser-employer..err..I mean “Publisher”).
With the wing placed aside setting up to cure, I began on the fuselage. Lucky me, the blind nuts were already installed in the firewall. I was glad the maker of this model XYZ installed these blind nuts for me; I can't think of one modeler that likes that task! I measured for the proper engine-firewall distance as provided in the directions and proceeded to install the engine. Don't forget the use of thread lock here! (use any brand thread lock you want, we don't get paid to recommend any particular brand just yet)
The rest of the fuse assembly went quickly and I used the included hardware. The hardware is not bullet proof, yet for a simple sport flyer like me that doesn't do anything too crazy with the Tx box, it was more than adequate. With the plane finished and looking good on my workbench I gave it and the instructions one last "once over" to make sure I hadn't missed anything! I was happy to find I hadn't missed a thing!
Saturday morning came and I was greeted with warm balmy weather with no wind so I wasted no time to bring new ARF model XYZ out to the local flying field. I had our highly paid professional photographer along and instructed him to make the model and me look good! Making the model look good required no tricks I can assure you!
I fueled her up and checked the radio range. With all systems “go” and the trusty new OS power plant running like a top (yes OS does pay us the big bucks to say that) I lined her up for the runway. With only mildly shaking knees, I smoothly advanced the throttle. After 50 feet she lifted gracefully into the sky. Yes, I knew I liked this model right away! After only a few clicks of trim needed, I coaxed her into some slow rolls and gentle loops. I performed a few stalls at altitude and they were cake to recover from. I usually use the words “stall” and “tip stall” interchangeably only because none of us at the “magazine” have any idea what the difference between them is. Back to the flying now, she flew nice and smooth and landings were a cinch. I noted no bad flying tendencies, which was a relief. Afterall, what more could you ask from a model airplane!
Yes fellow modelers, after this thorough, detailed and exhaustive build and flight advertisement…err..I mean “ARF flight report column”, I can heartily recommend model XYZ to you. It looks great, attracts a lot of attention at the field, and will make you a better pilot than you thought possible. (well at least appear better)
PS – If the following gets through the “editors/advertisers” I have a tip for you: If you would like to learn any info about any model you are considering to add to your stable, check out RCUnicerse on the world wide web. The info on that website is worth about 10000 times anything written in my “magazine"!
What do you think guys? After a little editing I think I would fit right in at MAN???:
When I got news that I would be reviewing ARF model XYZ, for my employer-publisher of what is really nothing more than a large monthly sales brochure with glossy pictures that we call Model Airplane News, I was excited, as any modeler would be. So without delay, let's get to it!
Model XYZ arrived at my door in a box measuring 16x48x12. All the parts were neatly packaged in the usual individual bags and taped to the box. I inventoried all the parts and they were all accounted for. The covering was nicely and professionally applied yet I noted some bubbles so I removed them with my heat gun. Gosh, getting a good covering job on an airplane couldn't be easier!
I read through the directions to get an idea of what was ahead. I began by installing the servos and linkages in the wings then glued them together with some 30-minute epoxy from Great Planes. (I used Great Planes epoxy but please don't think I wrote that here just because that company is in bed with my advertiser-employer..err..I mean “Publisher”).
With the wing placed aside setting up to cure, I began on the fuselage. Lucky me, the blind nuts were already installed in the firewall. I was glad the maker of this model XYZ installed these blind nuts for me; I can't think of one modeler that likes that task! I measured for the proper engine-firewall distance as provided in the directions and proceeded to install the engine. Don't forget the use of thread lock here! (use any brand thread lock you want, we don't get paid to recommend any particular brand just yet)
The rest of the fuse assembly went quickly and I used the included hardware. The hardware is not bullet proof, yet for a simple sport flyer like me that doesn't do anything too crazy with the Tx box, it was more than adequate. With the plane finished and looking good on my workbench I gave it and the instructions one last "once over" to make sure I hadn't missed anything! I was happy to find I hadn't missed a thing!
Saturday morning came and I was greeted with warm balmy weather with no wind so I wasted no time to bring new ARF model XYZ out to the local flying field. I had our highly paid professional photographer along and instructed him to make the model and me look good! Making the model look good required no tricks I can assure you!
I fueled her up and checked the radio range. With all systems “go” and the trusty new OS power plant running like a top (yes OS does pay us the big bucks to say that) I lined her up for the runway. With only mildly shaking knees, I smoothly advanced the throttle. After 50 feet she lifted gracefully into the sky. Yes, I knew I liked this model right away! After only a few clicks of trim needed, I coaxed her into some slow rolls and gentle loops. I performed a few stalls at altitude and they were cake to recover from. I usually use the words “stall” and “tip stall” interchangeably only because none of us at the “magazine” have any idea what the difference between them is. Back to the flying now, she flew nice and smooth and landings were a cinch. I noted no bad flying tendencies, which was a relief. Afterall, what more could you ask from a model airplane!
Yes fellow modelers, after this thorough, detailed and exhaustive build and flight advertisement…err..I mean “ARF flight report column”, I can heartily recommend model XYZ to you. It looks great, attracts a lot of attention at the field, and will make you a better pilot than you thought possible. (well at least appear better)
PS – If the following gets through the “editors/advertisers” I have a tip for you: If you would like to learn any info about any model you are considering to add to your stable, check out RCUnicerse on the world wide web. The info on that website is worth about 10000 times anything written in my “magazine"!
BTW, that was both a funny and a great read.
04-03-2004 | 08:17 PM
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From: Somewhere in,
TX
RE: Write an ARF review
On my new ARF, I actually had to use glue! Can you believe that? I glued my fingers together with that super glue CA stuff. I don't know why anyone would ever want to use that!
As mainly a Scratch builder I like to bash Arfs. However, my first plane was an ARF. They are good for beginners, however the newbies don't get any building expierece. I have seen crashes that they thought were trash, but easily repairable. ARFs are good, but they limit you.
As mainly a Scratch builder I like to bash Arfs. However, my first plane was an ARF. They are good for beginners, however the newbies don't get any building expierece. I have seen crashes that they thought were trash, but easily repairable. ARFs are good, but they limit you.
04-20-2004 | 12:57 PM
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From: Chesapeake, VA
RE: Write an ARF review
Kadet Seniorita review: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Modeltech Magic: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
25% Kangke Laser 2000: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Top Flite P-51 ARF: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Old Timer: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
OS .40LA: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Traxxx RC car: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Morris Sledge 540: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
And incidentally EVERY ONE of those manufacturers has hit on a real winner with said product. You would think if all these companies made all of these good products then wouldn't they all be raking in huge incomes and be in the Fortune 500?
Modeltech Magic: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
25% Kangke Laser 2000: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Top Flite P-51 ARF: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Old Timer: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
OS .40LA: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Traxxx RC car: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
Morris Sledge 540: "Tried some basic aerobatics like loops and rolls, it handled these with ease and flew on rails!"
And incidentally EVERY ONE of those manufacturers has hit on a real winner with said product. You would think if all these companies made all of these good products then wouldn't they all be raking in huge incomes and be in the Fortune 500?
04-20-2004 | 03:30 PM
#18
My Feedback: (9)
RE: Write an ARF review
Here's my generic ARF review ( I own 7 ARFs so I'm not bashing just commiserating)
Step 1) Build 5 kits. You will need the know-how.
Step 2) Throw away all the hardware/fuel tank and wheels.
Step 3) Spend 4 hours resealing the seams and heating out the wrinkles.(this is after
It has sat in your house two weeks drying out.)
Step 4)Fuel proof all areas that the instructions said were fuel proofed.
Step5) Run thin CA over every glue joint you can reach.
Step6) Run med CA over every glue joint you can reach.
Step7) Put it together using what you learned in step 1.
Step 8) Fly it like a 10 year old making $2.50 a week built it.
Step 9) Wish the company made the same plane in a kit.
David
Step 1) Build 5 kits. You will need the know-how.
Step 2) Throw away all the hardware/fuel tank and wheels.
Step 3) Spend 4 hours resealing the seams and heating out the wrinkles.(this is after
It has sat in your house two weeks drying out.)
Step 4)Fuel proof all areas that the instructions said were fuel proofed.
Step5) Run thin CA over every glue joint you can reach.
Step6) Run med CA over every glue joint you can reach.
Step7) Put it together using what you learned in step 1.
Step 8) Fly it like a 10 year old making $2.50 a week built it.
Step 9) Wish the company made the same plane in a kit.
David
05-04-2004 | 01:05 AM
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From: Sabetha ,
KS
RE: Write an ARF review
the thing that makes me laugh about the reviews is they tell you all about stuff you dont' care about and has nothing to do with the plane. So you read a really long review that tells you little about the plane. I wonder if they get paid by the word. Well here is my ARF review
Roger from hanger 10 called and asked if I would do a review for the new 43 1/2% Cubtana. This plane is a great cobination of two faviorites at the flying field. My friend Frank who delievers for Fed Ex delivered my Cubtana after a short discussion about old times (I dated his sister) I got started. After a good look over, all the hardware seemed to be of great quality. Next thing was to replace all the hardware with more expensive better qualtiy material. I got most of the Cubtana built the first night but I had to stop to go to my daughter school play (she was a fiary she did great). The next night I got it together, no problems that I'm allowed to tell you about. The cubtana requires a .30 to .46 I decieded that this may not be enough power so I put the brand new POS hydrogren powered .98. The first ever Cubtana was ready for flight but I had to go out of town to dallas texas for my half sisters's cousin's twice removed mother wedding, so after getting home it was too windy so I waited another week. I got it to the field and Bob a vetern, gave it a look over and said it reminded him of a bird he flew back when flying was simple. After the pictures I fired up the new POS hydrogen engine taxied around a little bit then added some power and it eased into the sky. she flew great. She landed great. Great plane. While at the field both Bob and Jim said they were going out the next day to buy their Cubtana and put a POS Hydrogren on the nose. Over all this is a great flying plane with no problems that I'm allowed to talk about.
Roger from hanger 10 called and asked if I would do a review for the new 43 1/2% Cubtana. This plane is a great cobination of two faviorites at the flying field. My friend Frank who delievers for Fed Ex delivered my Cubtana after a short discussion about old times (I dated his sister) I got started. After a good look over, all the hardware seemed to be of great quality. Next thing was to replace all the hardware with more expensive better qualtiy material. I got most of the Cubtana built the first night but I had to stop to go to my daughter school play (she was a fiary she did great). The next night I got it together, no problems that I'm allowed to tell you about. The cubtana requires a .30 to .46 I decieded that this may not be enough power so I put the brand new POS hydrogren powered .98. The first ever Cubtana was ready for flight but I had to go out of town to dallas texas for my half sisters's cousin's twice removed mother wedding, so after getting home it was too windy so I waited another week. I got it to the field and Bob a vetern, gave it a look over and said it reminded him of a bird he flew back when flying was simple. After the pictures I fired up the new POS hydrogen engine taxied around a little bit then added some power and it eased into the sky. she flew great. She landed great. Great plane. While at the field both Bob and Jim said they were going out the next day to buy their Cubtana and put a POS Hydrogren on the nose. Over all this is a great flying plane with no problems that I'm allowed to talk about.
