What do you think of the Hirobo Stream 50 ARF with retracts from Quantum for $175 as a beginning pattern model? I found some favorable comments on a search but there isn't much out there. I've never seen one. I'm not an experienced flyer, but this looks like such a good deal I might have to stick it under the bed for a while. Do you think it is a GREAT deal? Thanks

Hello.. hello...? Did somebody say Stream? Hehehe. Well I think its a superb airframe, though I have the "Hi Perf" version in both 50 and 90 size. I have flown the 50 Hi Perf and love it to bits. It outflys anything in its class. The FAI Pattern version I have little knowledge of, but with ann OS 52 surpass I bet you are on to a winner. Sounds a GREAT bargain to me. Wait until you see the cowl! The sectioned tail! The covering! Luverly.... Oh, and look into another way of doing the elevators, I used two micro servos each side, was done with minimal fuss.

artistic-aero---

do you know how much bigger the control surfaces are on the HiPerf version? I saw this bird (pattern version) at the Chicago show in 2001 and loved it.

Is the stab an airfoil??

If I get the version Quantum has on sale, it'll be getting fixed gear. I may ask you for some pics of where they located it on the HiPerf version, if you dont mind.

You say it flies well on an OS 52? I have that and a YS 63, would love to save the YS63 for another application should the OS 52 be enough. What prop are you running?

Also contemplating a Venus as a small practice pattern plane, but I bet the quality is a lot better with Hirobo.

I have (had) a Stream 50 powered by an OS 52FS. I bought it at the Toledo show for $130. It's a great plane, construction and covering second to none, excellent hardware including the retracts, but it won't fly competetively with the said engine. The OS 52 will not pull the plane vertically and loops are definitely small. The engine was brand new. I hadn't used a gallon of fuel when I unfortunatelly crashed the plane (didn't hear the engine quitting - that damn 3D gasser...) and it landed in the woods resulting in a broken wing. The Stream was a smooth flyer while it lasted. I've had several small sized pattern-like planes (Hobbico Spectrum, GP Venus, Saphir 40, etc.) but no one flies as good as the Stream.
I have a perfectly fine fuselage, cowl, belly pan, and tail for anybody who wants to pick it up (free!).

Aresti: You can get spares through your Hirobo dealer, wings are available.

The control surfaces on the Hi-perf are HUGE. I have no idea how they compare to the FAI. I mentioned an 52 as I have heard it flys a good schedule on this motor. A YS 53 might be better... for 3D I used a YS63, it was out of sight. I used the APC Paddle Blades 14x4 (ultra wide). Flies like a dream, steady and very agile. No problems if you need any info on the Stream 50, just ley me know.

Grazzhopper

Thanks for the heads-up on the Stream 50 at Quantum!

I ordered mine at 04:13 A.M. this morning. They e-mailed me at 07:59 A.M. letting me know that they shipped it. U.P.S. sent me a tracker at 4:10 P.M. to let me know it should be here (Texas) by the 10th. On-line order receipt showed $ 0.00 for shipping. I was impressed, to say the least!

I thank you, and my YS-63 thanks you!

Rex Rutledge

Now you've gone and done it! Nobody, and I mean nobody, can say that I can't keep up with the Rutledge's! By golly, I'll have one too! Seriously, your comment on the shipping cemented it. I know I'll want one someday, there may never be another deal like this, buy now and save, I won't do it again, Jesus baby if I knew you were gonna act like this I wouldn't have done it, of course it needs a motor and flight pack otherwise I've just wasted the money, have I left any out? Honest, baby!

the deal seems to be gone from Quantum... I'm mad, I wanted one! guess I should have been on the ball sooner, but I thought I had til the 10th.

ohh well

ARRRGH! I tried to order this morn but was too late. I'll say it first...I can't keep up with the Rutledges'! You gotta be fast if you wanna hang with them flyboys!

Wow!

I'm really disappointed that you weren't able to get the Stream for the sale price. The ad said the sale was on until Friday! I would imagine they ran out with that sweet-of-a-deal! But I would call them, and see if they mistakenly changed their add early.

Hope you can work something out. I have been waiting/looking for a source for the airplane in the states for the last few months. I was going to buy one period, but I was lucky and caught it on sale.

yeah, you were lucky. I emailed them and they stated they did indeed run out of them. No wonder, it was a great deal. Instead, I ordered a Venus. I know it's not the same, but wanted a knock around pattern plane (and I was going to do with fixed gear on the Stream anyway). I have a ST 51 that I could use, but ordered a new OS 50SX instead. should do it justice.

I just checked the Quatum models site, their price is $274 ,
Ed.

artistic-aero,
Where do I get ahold of a Hi-perf version?

Thanks, Jim

Swill,
Who's booth was the Stream displayed at in the Chicago show? Do you remember?

Thanks, Jim

I received my Stream 50 Friday afternoon. :thumbup:

The airplane appears to be of very high quality, and should assemble very quickly. The contents were packaged/wrapped very well, and the fiberglass cowl and belly pan are outstanding! The only things that are not perfect are the instructions (not surprised), and I would prefer a bolder red (less pink). After assembling several ARF's, this airplane was definitely worth the sale price I paid, and I would be happy had I paid the full retail price!

My first experience with Quantum Models was very good, so they will be considered on any future purchases.

Now I have to decide if the airplane needs the YS-63, or do I take my YS-53 out of the Aresti?

Decisions-Decisions!

It was displayed at the MRC booth (Model Rectifier)... along with some EZ planes, also very nice...

my Venus should be here Tuesday. Got a OS 50SX coming, should I keep that for the Venus or put it in my Flip (Flip right now is planned to get my YS 63). Flip is backordered and says "Mid Jan"...

nice looking but that Beat-on in the back looks even nicer,who makes that?

the Beat On is made by Pilot http://www.modelrectifier.com/catalog/item119.html

and here is the Hydeaway from EZ (although now it appears it comes with fixed gear)
http://www.modelrectifier.com/catalog/item111.html

The Hi-Perf should be available alongside the Pattern version. I order direct through to Hirobo as I have a personal arangement with them. The Stream 90 (HiPerf and Pattern) is now available and is really quite breathtaking in quality. I have a YS110 coming for mine.... . For AA or 3D you really need a YS63 for the 50 and a YS110 for the 90. For Pattern probably a YS53 or a YS90 for the 90 size. I know people have used 2 strokes and found the 4 strokes a better option.
In the US I really don't know who you would contact, I guess any Hirobo main dealer will do, if they haven't then they can get it!
Oh.. I also have coming a carbon u/c set for the 90HiPerf. It should be real nice, the Hirobo heli carbon parts are superb.

Thank you Swill and artistic-aero for the info.
I'm really glad to see AA type planes like this coming on the market in high quality ARF kits.

Jim

Yes, its really encouraging. Already there are maybe 20 specific AA designs from companies all over the world, ranging from entry level 63 size machines through 90/100 and finally 140/160 size. I would say most are kits or semi kits but as you say there are now ARTFs fast approaching. I was really pleased to see the Synergy 3D from ZN, that really sent out a message to fliers.

i got one for christmas no hurry to get it flying . 21" of snow on the field. it will be ready soon . using OS 53 FS. every thing fits so far. can't wait till snow is gone

real crash

hello, is the Hirobo stream balsa or foam sheeted?

it is all balsa and ply. no foam at all