A special thanks to all at RCU that aided greatly in answering my questions on how to build and setup my first 2M pattern ship. First flights were today. Best flying plane I have ever flown. I had so much fun I flew it 9 times and killed over a gallon of fuel.

Some specs: PL Prod Excellence, YS140L, All Futaba gear

Thanks again for all the help.

Side

Landing

John,
Great job! Very nice looking plane. You built it pretty quick to.
All I did was sell you the kit, but in a wierd way, I feel proud of you for doing such a great job on the construction.

What kind of paint did you use?

Jim

Hammbone: Thanks. Paint is 2-stage PPG Automotive.

That looks really great!

John,
Nice job. Have you modified the cowl to enclose the engine or do PL Prod now do a new cowl for them? My Excellence has half the engine hanging out in the breeze.
cheers
SA

BEAUTIFUL!!!

Steve: I modified the cowl. I made a mold for the extra "chin" piece. I then made the part out of carbon fiber mesh and fiberglass and incorporated it into the existing cowl piece. I only added about 1/3 ounce to the original cowl weight so I felt good about that. Obviously, if you are familiar with the plane, you know right away the part was added. However, if you didn't know that, you would really have to look close to realize the part was added. I was very pleased with the final cosmetic appearance.

I really needed to run the engine inverted because of the header I wanted to use. I was a little worried that I would have cooling issues because air intake would be too big, so I felt it was better to enclose the entire engine so I could control airflow better. My guess is I probably would have been fine with the engine "hanging in the breeze" as you put it, but I decided to make the modification anyway.

John

John,
Thanks for that. I was considering something similar myself and now you've made up my mind for me. The plane looks much better with the engine enclosed. I was going to mold another whole cowl but will try a simple add-on.
Have almost finished my second Excellence and it should fly this weekend. DZ140 powered and Futaba gear. If its anything like my last one it will be a beauty to fly.
cheers
SA

wonderfu!
How much was finished in the light weight.
kobayan:stupid:

Kobago: I'm a little heavier than I hoped for. As it sits now, I am at 4.75Kg. I'm pretty sure some is due to the 1700mAH NiCd battery I am using, some is due to using dual elevator servos, spinner does not have lightening holes in backplate, I'm using a Hatori pipe, not a carbon fiber one, etc.

Cheers

I say again. It is wonderful. I am proud because it is completed by that material and the composition in 4.75k
kobayan:stupid: