I purchased a built Royal Zero that had been hanging in a hobby shop that went out of business. It had been set up for a .60 sized engine. After updating and refitting and CG setting, the overall weight came out a little heavy(10.25 lbs. to 10.5 lbs.). I have been out of the hobby for about 15 years and too my recollection, that is a little heavy for that sized engine. I was hoping that some of you who may have had some experience with this kit can guide me on the proper engine. I have an O.S. 61 FX currently in it. Will that fly a 10.5 lbs. airplane? It does not have to be the hottest thing to satisfy me after so many years away from the hobby.

Any help that could be given would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Wiz, I would say the 61 will fly the Zero pretty scale like.. I flew an old Pica spitfire that weighted about the same with an old Veco 60 and that has less power than the .61. Just let the plane fly on the wing and you'll be ok.. the Zero is a great flying plane.. you should enjoy it.. just keep the CG where it belongs.... Regards BobH.

I have a 60 size Focke-Wulf 190 A8 that weighs 11 lbs. 2 oz. Its wingspan is only 60 inches, yet it flew with an OS 61FX, even at half throttle. It was pretty quick at full throttle. The take off run was fairly long, however. Like Bob said, you have to fly the plane on the wing, not on the prop.

Thanks Bob H and Richard L. I was hoping that was the case. I am new to this so I thought I would attach a photo of the plane. Hope this works.

Thanks again,

Hi guys!

Say, I was reading your post and may have the same plane! I bought mine for $50 in a hobby shop about 15 years ago. I have no idea if it's a Royal (Marutaka) Zero or not. The wing is 52 inches long, the fuse is 40 inches long, elevator is 22 inches long and the rudder is 10 inches high. The cowl is NOT aluminum and instead is constructed of balsa...just seems like a rounded extension of the fuse, minus some cutaways to accomodate the engine.

Here's my questions: I've not flown in 15 years and even then only logged about 5 flights after my solo. I'm going to get back into this hobby and retrain on my trainer 40. Once I build my confidence and skills, would the Zero be a decent next choice? If no, what would be a good transition plane? If yes, can any of you tell me if the info I've given can positively identify this plane as a Royal or other kit and what engine it should take/some advice on how to handle this bird? I'd also like to sharpen it up a little bit once I get it flying and add an aluminum or equiv. cowl, scale spinner, and some fresh monokote and detailing. And advice?

Thanks in advance!

-Rob

Hello Rob

Your Zero sounds like a Royal but might be a smaller version. Mine has a 63" wingspan and an aluminum cowl. As far as the Zero as a second plane, I would recommend that you consider a low wing intermediate type plane. There are many to choose from. I bought a Tower Hobbies KAOS ARF for $129.00. It is old technology but still flies great. It gets you used to flying low wing airplanes and to the higher speeds you will encounter with a warbird. I am still waiting to get my Zero out for its maiden flight. Just havn't had the time.

Regards,

Jamie

I've got the Marutaka Zero (same kit) but still NIB. I won't be building it anytime soon. Let us know how it flies. Sure looks nice! More photos would be appreciated as well.

Darren