rctom

Some of you might be interested that I flew my DLE-30 for the first time today. It's mounted on a Wild Hare 73" baby Edge 540, this plane has been used and abused with every power setup including electric. I think this is the last time it will change, the DLE-30 is a perfect match.

The DLE-30 mounted up easily and everything fits.

We started the engine up and ran it on the ground for a few minutes. We started with a Zinger 18-6-10 (because it was sitting here). The engine started right up after choking it for a few flips, fuel draw is excellent. The factory setting on the low end was a little lean, after opening it 1/4 turn it all worked great and after a few minutes running we turned that needle back in a/8 turn, so the factory setting was very close and probably would have worked if we had allowed it to warm up thoroughly.

The engine runs flawlessly, and it pulls this 10.5 lb. plane with excellent authority. Pulling out of a hover was best described as "yanking" the plane. I could not ask for better results on the first run of any engine.

We quickly changed to a bunny 19-8 prop which turns a bit over 7000 rpm on the ground and sounded just about right. In the air it unloaded to the point where I don't think I'd want a smaller prop. The engine had exactly zero break-in time, it will undoubtedly get stronger with time but for our Wild Hare baby Edge and Extras it doesn't need to.

All in all a very good day with a nice new product. In the air it's hard to tell the difference between this setup and a 50cc Edge except that it's slightly quicker in all responses.

Oh, and in a 10 minute flight it used about 8 ounces of gas, very frugal indeed.

The next shipment of these planes is due in 6-7 weeks, they will be Extra 260s and Edge 540s. They are modified slightly from earlier versions, as follows;

Replaced the flat engine mounting plate with a conventional motor box which is a bit stronger.
The cowl now mounts via a cowl ring like our other planes.
Landing gear is strengthened a little.
New color schemes.

Combined with the DLE-30 this will be a potent entry to flying gas. They're small enough that they will fit in almost any vehicle, can be built and flown with all new equipment for well under $1,000, are proven performers capable of anything the pilot asks. They are very light yet still solid and reliable.

TF

flatspinjim

My Feedback: (3)

That is awesome news Tom! It'll be a great alternative to hauling the big gas planes without having to resort back to glow(which I just don't want to mess with anymore). The DLE 30 should follow in the footsteps of it's bigger brothers. Fairly inexpensive and reliable.
Could be my next project.

krayzc-RCU

My Feedback: (31)

That is a good deal Tom r u also selling the dl motors? i guess i better go check your site back out as i have been oh so busy...

rctom

yes we sell the whole dle line now.

cap10b

All,
The DLE-30 mounting up on the Baby Edge fire wall.

flatspinjim

My Feedback: (3)

Tom, do you know what the weight is on the Edge with the DLE 30?

rctom

Not exactly. When it was electric it was 9.5 lbs., I'm thinking it feels like around 10.

It doesn't matter much, the plane is way overpowered with the DLE-30.

TF

flatspinjim

My Feedback: (3)

Overpowered? Huh? Not sure I've ever heard that before.
Sure sounds like a great combo!

bjnginge

Tom what will the new colour schemes be and how can i get one of these in australia?

rctom

Here are two photos of the new schemes. They are shown on bigger planes but the schemes are the same with one exception. The Edge (white photo) does not have the checkers on the wing tips.

TF

AJsToyz

I like the new colors , do you get up to Toledo in the spring ? If not I can still order one before next season.

Thanks !!

Andy

Ejiro

My Feedback: (4)

This is indeed good to hear. i had a feeling that this would be the case so I went out on a limb to buy the DLE 30 to replace the anemic SPE 26 I had in my baby extra ([link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8602295/tm.htm#3]Yes Tom, i know you told me so.[/link]) I have not had the chance to mount the DLE in the plane, but now I can't wait to do so, after hearing how it performs......

SENZA

that red wht and blue scheme would look awesome on the 87 extra 260

rctom

I have photos of the new planes. There may still be some trim added.

These are really going to be great with the DLE-30. I even want one.

TF

AJsToyz

Those look great !! I like the new colors much better !! Good job!!

Andy

bladebender

My Feedback: (5)

could you post a price on the combo and I think you said october is it on the web site

flatspinjim

My Feedback: (3)

Blue and orange, how'd you know I was a Bronco fan?

JOHNS3D

My Feedback: (5)

great colors Tom!!! maybe i will consider later to get a 30cc Edge mmmm sounds good.

dredknot

hello Tom,I know you don't like to do business here but i don't see a price for the DLE 30 at the wild hare web site,also is there a combo price for the DLE and the baby extra

rctom

The DLE-30 is $319 including shipping.

I have not finalized a combo price but it will be something like $679 gets you airplane, engine/muffler, hardware, prop and spinner. I can probably supply a set of servos for about $100, so you ought to be able to get in the air for around $800.

TF

dredknot

thanks tom

SENZA

those look great !

FlymoreRC

The new birds look real nice. Can't wait to get one.
A fellow club member has the Baby Edge with a Brison 40cc. Fly real nice with plenty of power.
Is there a signup email listing for getting notified as soon as these planes are available?
I'd love to get my hands on the new Extra & DL30 combo.
[8D]

rctom

No, I don't keep email lists. I'll have an announcement on my web site and on here when they are close.

TF

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

Tom,

I had the opportunity to fly another manufacturers plane that was of similar size and weight to the Baby Edge. It was equippped with a DLE 30. At between 11 and 12 pounds the DLE 30 is an absolutely perfect match for the plane size and weight. In fact, it's a bit over powered since 1/2 throttle was all it took for good speed and control. This 30 had a little time on it so the engine had the opportunity to seat the ring, smoothing out the bottom end. For those that buy one of these nice little gassers they'll need to remember that some run time has to build up before the mid range burbal goes away. A 10 ounce tank provided a whole bunch of flying time. Enough for 4 people to get some stick time on the plane and engine and still have plenty of reserves for a safe landing. Great throttle up and a very nice mid range with plenty of power, and not even a hint of any weak spots in the power band.

I'm not a small plane flyer by any means but I believe the DLE 30 and the Baby Edge are going to make a lot of people very happy.