Hi all !!

I just finished up the rookie from composite arf.......I was quite pleased with the kit overall...Most of the work has been completed for you, which makes going from the bench to the flying field a SNAP !!

Any one have this plane? and any suggestions on setting up the thrust vector ??


Thanks
Tommy

pic 2

engine hatch

What gear did you use? They advertise as grass field friendly...will you be flying off grass?

The plane looks great! What was your total assembly time?

Regards,

Larry Brannan

I USED THE GEAR SUPPLIED FROM COMPOSITE ARF.......... THEY ARE COPIES OF ROBARTS........THEY LOOK EXCACTLY THE SAME. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE I SEE IS THAT THEY ANODIZED THEIR ALUMINUM PARTS BLUE !

I'LL BE TAKING OFF ON BOTH GRASS AND PAVEMENT {WE'LL SEE!!}

TOTAL BUILDING TIME, IF YOU HAVE ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT IS A WEEK ............TOPS !!!!

I HAVE RUN UP THE ENGINE SO FOR, TO CHECK FOR LEAKS, AIR BUBBLES, AND EVERTHING SO FAR IS WORKING FLAWLESSLY !

FIRST FLIGHTS , HOPEFULLY SHPOULD BE THIS WEEKEND........WEATHER PERMITTING !!!!!

THANKS
TOMMY

I have maybe 30 flights on one.

I have the thrust nozzle mixed with elevator, and I hold it engaged with the trainer (momentary type) switch. I do not want to forget and leave it turned on.

It works pretty well. I can get it to tumble, mainly inverted though.

And you should see what the P-160 does on takeoff...unreal. I have a video of one takeoff, it rolled about 7 feet, pull to vertical and climb out.

You should have fun with it. If you need any more tips or have questions just ask.

Oh and by the way, good luck with that gear, your gonna need it :-)

Mr_Matt:

I have over 100 flights on my roo with the Fiberclassics/ Composite ARF gear.
I fly from snow, ice, asphalt and grass, and I have had ZERO problems with it..... It is still tight and firm.

By the way: The gear is made in South Africa by Model Mechanics. Take a look here: www.modelmechanics.com

Hi Tommy
Nice looking bird,I like the enclosed engine look.It really cleans up the fuse.Are the gear plates hell for stout,to handle grass fields?
What are you using for power and fuel cells.Did you buy it from a rep here in the USA.

Thanks Charlie

Hi Charlie,

I'll let you know about the gear after I have a few flights on them...So far, as far as the weather goes, it's been a wash out !
I would have liked to get it's maiden flight in this weekend, but I'll have to wait for next weekend...........we'll see !!

I'm using a JET-CAT P-80 for power and I'm carrying approximately 85 oz. of fuel....

I dealt with Larry Tudor from PA. He was a great help with getting my order complete and shipped to me.........

Thanks
Tommy

Guy's

I have a Harpoon with 30 flights, it uses the Graupner/Eurokit metal units-the mounts are up to Grass use-it's a step up in quality on the Roo2.
I have a JR PCM10x set-up on my Web site using the flight mode switch to bring it in with elevator-it does great flap spins-really flat!
www.motorsandrotors.com

Dave Wilshere

Mr. Matt, I tried to PM you, but your mailbox is full. I have a question about the servo mounts and arms. If you have time time, could you shoot me an E-mail?
TIA!

I just flew mine this past weekend for the first time, VERY pleased with this jet. I have the tailpipe "fixed". My gear are the 630 robarts with robart struts. Powered by a 750p it really moves out.Ground handling was easy, no gyros either.

Vin...

just a suggestion on the rookie. I have one and am generally happy with it. However, double check the glue joints on the gear plates. mine were dry joints with very minimal glue. I had the right gear plate come out on the first take off run. I talk to Andreas about the problem, and they were using too much filler in the epoxy mix. I believe they have corrected this, but it would depend on when yours was made. Otherwise I had no problems.
Mike

Another suggestion,
get a FOD screen to protect your turbine. The turbine looks to be somewhat vulnerable with the intakes

I also painted 4 coats of heat shield in the engine and hatch area. Seemed to get very hot back there when I test ran the the motor.

Vin...

what is the all up weight on the rookie with turbine and all ? dry ? wet ?


thanx !



Wojtek

plane weighs in at about 16 lbs dry and Im carrying 106 oz of fuel, so figure Im at around 20-21 lbs wet..........

With the P-80 on it, I can fly for 13 mins. with enough fuel for a couple of go - arounds

Tommy

just what i wanted to hear !!! thanx !!


brg,


Wojtek

Been flying mine for a few months now, having fun with it. No bad habits and it lands like a trainer. Mine is powered by a 750p but anything from a wren on up will work.

V..

.

I will be putting a P120 in mine, I can use all the spare thrust I can use for what I am doing



Wojtek

Yup, its nice to have the extra power, especially in the 100+ degree heat we have here in Phoenix all summer. Can`t wait for a nice cool 65d winter day here to see how much more vertical this setup has.

V..

After reading this thread I am interested in this aircraft. I attempted to enter the Fiber Classics website ... but was not successful. I am thinking that because of its name, the 'Rookie' would be a good first turbine (that is what I am trying to decide on .... a first turbine aircraft). Thanks. Bob

www.composite-arf.com ...


look at www.artshobby.com for a great price on robart gear too ...

its also under $600



Wojtek

Bumping this thread back to the top. Recently bough a used 'Roo with no landing gear. Ready to buy some. Leaning towards the Robarts since they are a known good setup, but was wondering if anyone else wanted to chime in on the MM gear that Composite ARF sells. How have the MM gear in this Rookie worked out?

I have read of some problems, and leaking air cylinders are mentioned.
Plus, some mention of wear and slop after 80 or so flights.

Looking for first hand stories.