Tom, when do you expect some reports on the 40% you have out testing?
I can't help it but getting kind of antsy........

It's been flown and flies about like one would expect. The one that is here locally we just flew for th first time on Driday and we only got two flights.

Bill Hempel should be flying his soon, within a week I hopem that will be the real testing ground.

We hope to have everything tested and start the production run in about 2-3 weeks.

TF

I got to get me one of those!!!!!!!!!![X(]

Yes Jeff, you do need one. Start planning now, mid June arrival.

If you have all the stuff they are actually easier to get in the air than a 35%, no hinging to be done and working with all this room is really easy. Canister box is built-in, lots of room for fuel and smoke tanks, 3 rudder servo locations already built in, beautiful smoked canopy already trimmed, polished landing gear, CF wing tube.

Very easy.

TF

Tom your are making it too easy.............

No hinging???
Is this on the composite 260?

I am looking at the built up 300 mid-wing.

Thanks,

No hinging on the wood plane. It is a great setup and easy and quick to get put together.

The composite 260 (when it's finally done) will have the same type of hinging using a CF tube, so take your choice.

TF

Tom,
You're making me drool. I will be ready!!

Mr. RC Tom.

Have you set a price for this plane? Also, can you estimate the total completed cost of a well equipped plane?

Thanks - Jaketab

Wow, one easy one and one tough one.

The plane in it's basic form will be something like $1,350. A hardware kit will be another $100. We will have a "Bill Hempel Signature Series" version that will be about $250 more, it will include the following;

Special color scheme that Bill has worked out.
Front and rear instrument panels.
Two Hempel head pilots.
Two rudders, one scale size and one oversize.
Two sets of h-stabs/elevators, one for precision flight and one for 3d/freestyle.

Extra 121" $1350
HW kit 100
Engine $1500 (estimate)
Mufflers 160
10 servos 1150
Batteries/switches/etc. 200
Receivers (2) 300
Misc stuff 200
Total $4960

So figure $5,000 gets you a top notch plane capable of competing at a world-class level. This assumes all new equipment, if you have servos or an engine you can save some $$$. This also includes two new receivers, most people will already have them. Two receivers are not absolutely necessary but they seem like a really good idea.

TF

Where can we see the new Design?

Can't until he does it. Still a concept, if you are talking about the Hempel Special.

TF

And the Expected date is.......

Late May/early June, as long as we complete testing on schedule. Weather sucks here, not much flying happening. That could impact the schedule.

TF

Bring it over to Shreveport, we have been flying everyweek here. I have a Dalton 260 that I fly IMAC with but looking at getting another 40 for a backup. Will you be at any of the Dallas IMAC contest in late summer and early fall? It would be nice to see it in person.

Jonas

Yes there are a couple of these planes that will be around at IMAC contests.

TF

I think the Hempel version is sure worth the extra cost. Does the regular one come with an option of stabs and rudders?
If the Hempel version does come to pass then I would easily shell out the extra cost for it hands down.

Hopefully he does one of those crazy videos where he hovers the plane inches above him. Jason Shulman and him make some of the coolest videos.

Tom,
Curiously who in our IMAC Region South Central will be flying one this year?

Dan Powell

David McCutchen for sure. Dean Nistetter in Houston, that's all I know now. Remember the plane is not even an official product yet.

TF

David flys Intermediate so he will give Jonus and Ryan a run for their money!! BTW Jonus, how is the Shreveport IMAC contest shaping up?
And, what happened to your big YAK?

Bobby

Tom,
Anything new to report on the 40%ers [&:]

I seriously hope the Bill Hempel kick butt version becomes reality. That is going to be one sweet deal!

What Jeff said...whats the latest!

Tom what will the servo config be on the 40% qty/location?

It has 3 per wing and 2 per elevator. However we've been flying it with 2 and 1 like a 35% and it seems fine. For IMAC I think this will be workable with 5955s, but for optimum performance 3 and 2 is needed.

TF