I flew my Edge 540T for the very first time last week. Very nice plane to fly. Mine weighed 20 pounds with a fish scale but I should weigh it again on another scale. I put in a ZDZ 60 for power. And does it have power! I had my throttle and choke servo mounted in the engine box but both got a little fuel on them. I am conserned about the fuel getting into the servo and causing a problem so I relocated them behind the firewall. Yes I installed a balsa firewall and covered it with epoxy so no fuel gets into the fuslage area. I added a slimeline showtime smoke pump to the outside of the engine box. Looking forward to my next flight.

He guys !

Even if the plane is like scoubidou said...18.7 oz...would the plane do harrier and alll these 3D stuff of I would have to consider not buying a smoke pump.. I realy dont want my plane to not do harrier or whatever...I bought it for 3D so.....


julien


ps (setup)



DA 50
Slimline without smoke
4x5645s hitec
1x5955 or 5945 (wich one?!?!)
sullivan skywriter
2100 mAh 6.0v receiver and 2100 4.8v ignition
pull-pull rudder system
choke servo...

With a DA 50 a 15 lb. airplane will 3D like there is no tomorrow, the Extreme flight Yak is proof of that. As you move away from that weight and get heavier it only hurts the 3D characteristics and predictability of the airplanes flight envelope.

My edge weights in at about 18.5 lbs and IMO is not my favorite airplane for 3D at the moment. I know it can 3D at that weight but not by me with any level of confidence. My Funtana 90 on the other hand has a much lighter wing loading and as such inspires a lot more confidence in me and I will try things with it I simply won't attempt with my edge.

I have been saying this quite a bit lately and my opinion hasn't changed. If you want to 3D the WH edge I think you need to keep the plane as light as you can and that means some mods that will add to the expense of the project. Think lithium batts, carbon wing and tail tubes, fiberglass gear w/kavan tires/psp titanium axles, Standard siz rdder sero(no 1/4 scale jumbo's) and anything else that will save weight.

Of course adding a smoke system is the exact opposite mode of thinking because your adding unnecessary weight by putting the system in the plane in the first place.

I'm not saying don't do it, I am saying that if you do don't be surprised if the plane doesn't fly light and nimble like we all want them too. If your not planning on doing any upgrades to lighten the airframe I wouldn't bother even thinking about these planes being a serious 3D platform, sure they will do some of the 3D maneuvers but not nearly as easily as a lighter plane. Also, don't expect that your gonna have a great 3D machine after shoehorning a smoke system in there with a full tank of oil, the extra weight just works against you.

The best setup would be to lighten the plane as described above and then set up the smoke sytem to be removeable. A set up like that would allow you to 3D and sky write with the same plane, perhaps not at the same time but you could do both if you so desire.

Julien,
I think Shogun is right with his summarry about the 3D and Edge weight. I do not think it's possible to get it under 17 pounds (i have CF wing tube, FG gear, Kavan wheels). My smoke system is removable. I need it to balance the CG in the safe zone but i am gonna remove it as soon as i become better with the plane.

If you're goal is only 3D, buy a foamie with 2:1 thrust/weight ratio and come with us in Laval indoor!

I am gonna buy a Quasar at Icare to practice 3D next winter:
http://www.icare-rc.com/quasar.htm

Mine weighs 16.5 lbs

You got it from the first batch when the chineese quality guy was doing his job by purchasing high grade balsa and plywood.

Since the business volume increased, he is probably to busy thinking on how to spend his money!

LOL, my edge was in the second production batch and there is no way I'll ever see 16.5 lbs with it.

I have a friend that odered one from the next batch out after mine and there were quite a few differences in the construction when compared them to each other, might explain the weight difference. I'm more inclined to assume the younger planes are built lighter than the other way around.

LOL!!! Me and Mike Bogh!!