Received mine a few days ago, can't wait to start working on it.

Adrian

Hi
Very very nice plane. I think you're very happy.
I have a question about hinges. How do you put hinges of ailerons, elevators, rudder?
regards

All moving surfaces are pre-hinged from the factory

Adrian

Hi Riot
Thanks for your answer, so this plane is really awesome.
Regards

I guess I got the one with the 24oz tank? + has anyone had any problems with the wing dowel positions?
Adrian

It looks like a 20oz to me, instead of a 24.

Havn't found any problem with the wind dowls on mine yet

Could someone please tell me what the wing tip cord is for the AustralXX.


Regards,


Peter

riot3d,
Is there a US distributor or did you order direct from the factory?

tommy s

There is no US distributor - you can order from Alex Lau in Hong Kong. His email address is:

[email protected]


Please let him know that I sent you to him - he is very responsive and quick to get the order to you. Bear in mind that it usually takes about 6 weeks from the time you place your order until it arrives at your door. Riot3D (Adrian Wong) and I both got our planes through Alex.

Thanks Derek,

tommy s

PeterP,
Chord at the tip 230mm.

Thanks adrian



Peter P

does this plane come in a basic kit?

There is only one type of kit - as you've seen it here. If basic means no colors - the answer is no, you get the standard Naruke color scheme.

Its sort of an ARF. Came painted with Naruke color, you can't order your own scheme.

It also came with a Budd soft mount, a nose ring, horns for all moving surfaces, rudder cable landing gear and pants ... etc. You can order either a zero, or a negative 5 degree stabs, I have both.

Adrian

Any flight report yet Derek?

We've had too much rain here lately - today is supposed to be nice but too windy and tomorrow the same. I'm shooting for next weekend and I can't wait!!!!! It's sitting on one of my workbenches just rarin' to go...

What size spinner does the Astrall XX use? Is there anyone with an extra Astral for sale by any chance?

2-3/4"

Contact Alex Lau from Hong Kong at [email protected]

The factory is located in Thailand. Therefore, should be a relatively quick delivery time, as long as they have stocks.

Adrian

I flew my Astral-XX today for the very 1st time - I have NEVER flown a plane like this one - it flew straight as an arrow right off the runway. I had to give down trim because my ailerons are a little down (which are acting like flaps now) but once I got it level I never touch aileron or rudder trim at all - both are still set at 0. I flew the plane for 10 minutes and never had so much fun - I was giggling like a kid (ask Adrian/Riot3D). I'm going to love this plane - it is incredibly true - I've got lots of trimming ahead - like cutting down aileron and rudder throw, increasing elevator throw a bit, checking for needed mixes (if any), etc.

I did consecutive loops in a mild crosswind both upright and inverted and never touched my rudder at all - that has never happened to me with any pattern plane I've flown - some have always required some rudder input whether it be in the inverted outside loops or the in the upright loop. I can't wait for next weekend - I'm going to enjoy flying this plane.

Specs on the plane:

YS 160DZ with Asano header and Hatori #821 muffler
Futaba 14mz with 9151 servos on rudder and elevator, 9602 on throttle and 9154's on aileron
2 Cermark 4 cell 1500mah batteries with 2 switches

Weight is unknown but I will be weighing it this week - it flies like it weighs about 9 1/2 lbs.

Do not believe Derek, he is not a kid. When he first started flying, there were no propotional system, it was either reed, or escapement. I tried to talk him into letting me trying out his new 14 MZ, but he refused. His excuse, becausre I am a mode 1 flyer. But, I thought those new radio could fly the plane for you ... anyway.

But seriously, I concured with him, the plane looked really promising, can't wait to test mine next weekend.

Adrian

Well, its my turn to gloat.

I tested my XX this afternoon, only got in one flight due to engine wouldn't cut initially with the kill switch on. However, after some fiddling, and with the help of Derek Koopowitz, I got everything sorted out. After range tested for the 10th time, I ran out of excuses. What can I say about the test flight, very uneventful. Two clicks right rudder (it was 45 degrees blowing out), three clicks of up elevator, and that was it.

On the knife edge flight, I noticed it took very little rudder deflection to hold the nose up. I had already set up a dual rate on the rudder before the flight, but can cut the rate further down. As a matter of fact, the knife edge was so true on one side, it requires no mixing. The other side will need a few percent of up elevator with rudder, may be 1 to 2% of rudder to aileron mix to counter the slight rolling. Other than that, the plane was like on rail. When it comes time for landing, the plane floated a little due to cross wind, but I managed to slow it to a crawl for a tail first landing.

I didn't giggle like a kid at the field as in the case of Derek, because it was getting pretty gold, and I was in a hurry to leave. Nonetheless, I couldn't stop smiling on the way home. Hopefully, weather will hold up, and I can fine tune the plane tomorrow.

Equipment wise, same as Derek's, except I'm using a 9 WCII, as compared to his 14 MZ. Not only because he has more money than me, I am also a Mac person. As long as the 14 MZ runs on Wondows CE, I will continue to use my 9 WCII.

Adrian

Ooops, sorry. I am only using one 5 cell, 1,400 mAh Cermark ni-cad. Jaccio perfect switch with regulator (regulated to 5.7 volt), instead of the two batteries, two switches system like Derek.

Adrian

Hi Derek/Adrian,
I will be test flying next week weather permitting, your reports are very encouraging. I will be trying a twin elevator servo set-up similar to Angus Balfour. So with a COG slightly further back it will be interesting to see the results.
Adrian

Good luck on your test flight, keep us posted

Adrian