Favorite GWS plane

[nova801428]

So far I have owned 7 gws planes and my favorite is the Slowstick and next it would be the Formosa & these are the planes I've owned: 2 Slow sticks, Gws zero, gws formosa, gws tigermoth, gws bn2 islander edf version,gws j3 cub, Wattage maddog, and an Edge rc Overlord that is coming in the mail. I am pretty new to r/c planes, so far I've been flying 5 years. so far none of my planes currently fly because I don't have enough radio equipment, money, and props to fly:( . Also it is too windy and rainy in Oregon to fly. oops! I have a Snark 20t glow trainer plane with 4 futaba servos, receiver, battery, and an O.S 15 engine, but I have not flown it yet because I am scared of crashing. Also I wanted to know your favorite GWS plane and what upgrade did you do to it?

[Doppelganger]

My favorite GWS plane would have to be the Estarter. I usually cut the wing in half and sand out the dihedral. Then epoxy the halves back together. I cut off the horner tips, (better roll and inverted flight.) I use balsa ailerons slightly larger than the stock ones. I use Dubro Hinge Tape to attach the ailerons. I mount the battery through the top of the fuse, and I use dowels and rubber bands to secure the wing. I don't use the struts either. With these mods this planes flys like a dream. It can fly sporty, slow, fast, crazy fast roll rate, and very steady flight. Not bad for 29.00. :) I like the Spitfire as well.

Steve

[qban_flyer]

Mine are the Slow Stick and the original Tiger Moth. I can fly both in the most confined spaces with no problems whatsoever and are more fun than a barrell full of monkeys.

The Slow Stick as pictured below on the morning of its maiden flight. The Tiger is an old pro with almost 400 flights under its belt. I also have the PT-17, the Funny Park and the BN-2, though I find myself flying the Slow Stick and Tiger Moth more so than the others.

The Zero is a very nice flyer though it is way underpowered in stock version.

[U2Steve]

I don't fly my Tiger Moth (original IPS version) much anymore, but it's still a sentimental favorite. Lately, my GWS Corsair has become a favorite, since upgrading to an Astro 010 in a planetary box on 3S lipos.

Steve

[FinnFlyer]

My favorite would be the Cargotrans quad. It flies very well stock, I occasionally fly inverted. I also have the Corsair, the Me-109, the midget mustang, and the A-10 with EDF-75's on it. The 109 would be a close second.:D

[jonnyjetprop]

I have only owned a 109 and an A-10. Love them both.

John

[turnwaldw]

The Estarter was my first plane I flown successfly and it was great and got me hooked into flying again its just a fun plane to fly.

[rcers]

Formosa, for sure. Can't wait for the larger one.

[Sky Sharkster]

My favorite is the "Zero" with the following mods. (1) Raise wing trailing edge 1/8" to reduce incidence (cut bolt mount "up" 1/8" and re-shape wing/fuse fillets to fit). (2) Adjust aileron torque rods for 2:1 differential-twice as much "up" as "down" (Thanks, Gord) and (3) carve out battery compartment all the way to front so pack will go forward. With 2025-4200 BL Himaxx, middle gearing (5.56:1, I think), 9 X 6 APC "Slo" prop and 2100 3C Thunder Power Lipos it balances on the bamboo doubler and the plane ROCKS!! Electronics are HS 81-ailerons, HS 55-elevator, FMA M5 RX, Castle Creations 25A ESC, Multiplex "Royal Evo" 9 Channel TX. Weight with 2100 3C, 16.3 oz.
Ron

[roccobro]

I'm stuck in the EDF's with the A-10 and B-2. They both need alot of love (and lipos) to fly nicely. Got a SS the other day for my noob brothers and ended up flying it ALOT more than any other of my models.:) So easy to use and it can be modded too. Had tp buy some more SS's as nobody wants to share now! :D

Justin

[Tailspin Ken]

Gee, not an easy question. I own 4 GWS planes and like them all. Tiger Moth, Beaver, J3 CubF, and SS. The TM and J3 are very simiar in the way they fly. I guess the TM and the Beaver would be the favorites. I have not owned any of their warbirds yet.

Ken

[Duster52]

I still fly my Slow Stick (hop up with brushless) more than any of my other planes. It has to be my favorite!

[roccobro]

Oh yeah, and the F4U is an easy flier. Even with the stock 400 motor and NiMh's. This would be my favorite warbird. Can't have just one favorite right? Picked up a pair of those for my bro's for when they are "done" with their SS's :)

Justin

[qban_flyer]

I don't fly my Tiger Moth (original IPS version) much anymore, but it's still a sentimental favorite. Lately, my GWS Corsair has become a favorite, since upgrading to an Astro 010 in a planetary box on 3S lipos.

Steve

Both the Corsair and the Zero are great flyers once you replace their power plants. Stock motors and props. make them fly on the verge of a stall. Not a good thing with a low winger.

I've got close to 400 flights on my T/M. Have replaced its stock motor three times so far, but still have two spares waiting for when the current one to goes south on me.

[flypaper 2]

Zero and TM 400. Zero flies like a little pattern plane. Demolished my Tiger Moth, or is that called an incident:D Building another for better aerobatics.Shortening the wing, four ailerons, bigger elevators, etc. T.M. is a great all round plane, loaf around with it or push th sh## out of it. Flies well in both regimes. I'll let you know how it works after the mods.

[timocharis]

Pico Stick. I clipped the wings and dressed it up a bit.


Dave North

[N827TM]

My Corsair is awesome. It flies on rails, however it is pitch sensitive. My setup is a Himaxx 2025-4200 C gear drive and 10X7 APC prop. TP 3 cell 2100. The bird is fast, and almost unlimited vertical. Aileron rolls are scale.

[Rugar]

My favorite GWS planes are the Formosa and Slow Stick. My Brushless Slow Stick gets flown more then any other plane I own.

[qban_flyer]

It flies on rails, however it is pitch sensitive.

Funny you should mention pitch sensitivity. Their Zero is rather touchy that way too and CG placement is not a factor on that quirk either.

[E-Challenged]

So far my favorite and only GWS plane is the Zero. Mine is painted and partially glassed weighs 18.5 oz and flies a lot like my Switchback 3D on the same geared MiniAC1215/16, 9x6 orange prop and Polyquest 1100 3S pack shoved through the firewall to the front of cowl. Lowered the leading edge and raised trailing edge, added carbon fiber rods to wing and stab. Slightly heavier landing gear wire and 1 3/4 scale foam wheels. ROG's in 15 feet, very fast and aerobatic but can fly slow scale like and stably in a small space, lands easy without damage. Not the easiest GWS to set up properly but as set up flies like a dream.

[Twmaster]

My favorite until very recently was my Pico Stik F (as seen in my avatar). However after two consecutive wing failures I am beginning to think otherwise about GWS models.

[Crashalott]

My favorite so far is the Pico Tigermoth.
I fly in my back yard surronded by tall pine trees, not much area to manuver. The PM handles and gets up and down very nicely and is nice to look at up above the trees, however it does get snagged by a tenacious tree every now and then. I keep some long poles that can be put together quickly just in case.

[KenS]

Never owned a GWS kit, I love the looks of their warbirds, but I crash way to much for those:eek:

[qban_flyer]

My favorite so far is the Pico Tigermoth.
I fly in my back yard surronded by tall pine trees, not much area to manuver. The PM handles and gets up and down very nicely and is nice to look at up above the trees, however it does get snagged by a tenacious tree every now and then. I keep some long poles that can be put together quickly just in case.

The T/M is rather nice. I fly mine in an outdoor basketball court that is also surrounded by very tall maple trees.

When it is windy elsewhere I go there and the trees prevent the wind from affecting my flying.

It is nice to have friendly trees around us (most of the time).

[sikorsky]

I've owned a GWS-Beaver. I did it semiscale to an existing canadian plane. After some very realistic slow flights, I changed the model with a friend. Now the Beaver will be converted to floats, and brushless motor maybe.
This plane is great for beginners and I love it. But at the moment I am dreaming of a waterplane...

[qban_flyer]

I've owned a GWS-Beaver. I did it semiscale to an existing canadian plane. After some very realistic slow flights, I changed the model with a friend. Now the Beaver will be converted to floats, and brushless motor maybe.
This plane is great for beginners and I love it. But at the moment I am dreaming of a waterplane...

That's a mighty fine looking Beaver you have there, Sikorsky. Lovely looking thing, period.

[sikorsky]

@qban_flyer

thank you for your compliment.
Here is another pic:
(sorry, there is no flying pic. I can't doing both...)

[sikorsky]

...and from the front...

originally kit-powered and with 7x KAN 1050 NIMH.

[sikorsky]

The skies are scratch built from balsa and ABS-plastic. They are clipped to the originally landing gear and held with 5mm rubberband, glued on the fuselage with ca.

[qban_flyer]

The skies are scratch built from balsa and ABS-plastic. They are clipped to the originally landing gear and held with 5mm rubberband, glued on the fuselage with ca.

Sharp looking model!!!

[qban_flyer]

@qban_flyer

(sorry, there is no flying pic. I can't doing both...)

What? Do you mean I am not supposed to photograph my Tiger Moth while I am flying it at the same time?

I thought that's what mutitasking was supposed to be about.

[ekotil]

1. TM400 2. Slow Stick on GWS floats 3. J3 Cub

[qban_flyer]

1. TM400 2. Slow Stick on GWS floats 3. J3 Cub

Are you using the foam floats with the Slow Stick? Do you have any pictures you can share with us?

Never crossed my mind to "float" a Slow Stick, but since you have done it with yours and I have fitted mine with an outrunner, perhaps that should be the next logical step with mine.

I used to fly a Goldberg Skylane 62 from a lake in Maryland 20 years ago. It was fun.

[E-Challenged]

My favorite is the "Zero" with the following mods. (1) Raise wing trailing edge 1/8" to reduce incidence (cut bolt mount "up" 1/8" and re-shape wing/fuse fillets to fit). (2) Adjust aileron torque rods for 2:1 differential-twice as much "up" as "down" (Thanks, Gord) and (3) carve out battery compartment all the way to front so pack will go forward. With 2025-4200 BL Himaxx, middle gearing (5.56:1, I think), 9 X 6 APC "Slo" prop and 2100 3C Thunder Power Lipos it balances on the bamboo doubler and the plane ROCKS!! Electronics are HS 81-ailerons, HS 55-elevator, FMA M5 RX, Castle Creations 25A ESC, Multiplex "Royal Evo" 9 Channel TX. Weight with 2100 3C, 16.3 oz.
Ron

Saw the same power setup in a Spitfire, plane flew like a rocket. Have you used the smaller Himax 2015 motor/geardrive, if so, how did it perform in the Zero or similar?

[rcers]

Saw the same power setup in a Spitfire, plane flew like a rocket. Have you used the smaller Himax 2015 motor/geardrive, if so, how did it perform in the Zero or similar?

The 2015 motors and gearbox's are simply fantastic for the GWS warbirds. I have a 2015/5400 on the GWS spit and it goes like stink.

Mike

[qban_flyer]

The 2015 motors and gearbox's are simply fantastic for the GWS warbirds. I have a 2015/5400 on the GWS spit and it goes like stink.

Mike

I thought that my 2015-4144 swinging a 9X6E APC generating 26 plus ounces of thurst was too much for my 13.5 ounce Zero. Afraid the wings may get ripped off in flight.

I am currently using a G/P 370 brushed set up from a now defunct Flatana 'Road Kill' and it definitely makes that Zero ROCK!

I'll have to do some reinforcing work on the airframe and wing before I turn it into a rocket with the Himax set up. I really like the GWS warbirds, really nice and cheap to boot!

[roccobro]

Yeah, what QBan says! GWS rocks. :D

Justin

[n001pa]

For me it would be the Corsair and the Estarter. I fly both of them with the stock motors and they both fly very scale like. I am thinking about going brushless, but only because they are getting heavy from repairs.

Carl

[Steve]

I'd have to vote for the Slow Stick. I know.....but I'm building my third one and every time I think it's dorky, I just have to fly it and I always have a big grin on my face when I'm done. I've flown the Beaver and the Estarter too. I have to say I liked the Beaver better. Just liked the way it looked in the air flying scale. I never did get to put the GWS float set on that plane...not enough power. Eventually the Beaver folded a wing and it nosed in at full power from a couple of 100 feet. At that point I got pissed off and stomped it to death!:eek: After seeing some of the Beaver builds you guys are doing, I think I might just have to build me a balsa version with some skis for the winter.

Sikorsky...your paint scheme is really fantastic!

Here's a shot of my departed Beav.....

[qban_flyer]

I'd have to vote for the Slow Stick. I know.....but I'm building my third one and every time I think it's dorky, I just have to fly it and I always have a big grin on my face when I'm done. I've flown the Beaver and the Estarter too. I have to say I liked the Beaver better. Just liked the way it looked in the air flying scale. I never did get to put the GWS float set on that plane...not enough power. Eventually the Beaver folded a wing and it nosed in at full power from a couple of 100 feet. At that point I got pissed off and stomped it to death!:eek: After seeing some of the Beaver builds you guys are doing, I think I might just have to build me a balsa version with some skis for the winter.

Sikorsky...your paint scheme is really fantastic!

Here's a shot of my departed Beav.....

Seen a Pico Stick do that (snap a wing panel 1/3 of the way out) on level flight using the stock motor and gearbox. At times I wonder about their QC as I have also witnessed many a Beaver flutter one or both wing panels wildly. Problem easily solved by adding a second wing strut at the trailing edge.

[qban_flyer]

For me it would be the Corsair and the Estarter. I fly both of them with the stock motors and they both fly very scale like. I am thinking about going brushless, but only because they are getting heavy from repairs.

Carl

Boy, that Corsair looks menacing! I have five of the GWS ARFs waiting to be put together.

Regardless QC issues with some their models I still say: GWS ROCKS!!!

The S/S is the best flyer cheap trainer around, bar none!

[roccobro]

The S/S is the best flyer cheap trainer around, bar none!

Again, you've hit the nail on the head. Man I feel useless as you just take the words out of my mouth QBan! :p I've built 2 Corsairs, and 3 SS's. Had to "test fly" all of them before they left my hands of course. :)

Justin

[Sky Sharkster]

I haven't tried the 4100 HiMax in a "Warbird" but it should power one OK, sounds like Rcers has seen one fly. The 4200 is WAY overpowered, in fact I hand launch with 1/2 power, the first time I tried it at full power (before I knew how fast it would go) it nearly flew away! Whoa, Baby....how do you stop this thing? Full vertical at 3/4 throttle until it's hard to see, then I cut the motor off and spiral dive down, lotsa fun! Last week I "raced" a BL "Stryker" around, didn't catch him but he didn't pull away either. I usually fly 6-8 minutes, land, fly another plane, then fly the "Zero" again with the same 3S 2100 Gen11 TP for another long flight. Still haven't hit cut-off. I think most of the GWS Warplanes are good if you take the time to set them up and trim'em properly. C.G seems touchy but with the 2100 all the way forward it's like a little pattern plan. $ 26.00 for the "Slope" kit, how can you go wrong? Ron

[qban_flyer]

Again, you've hit the nail on the head. Man I feel useless as you just take the words out of my mouth QBan! :p I've built 2 Corsairs, and 3 SS's. Had to "test fly" all of them before they left my hands of course. :)

Justin

Perhaps I should chage my user ID to qban_psychic?
:D
:D
:D

[Radiobum]

I only have 3 GWS planes so far. #1 for show and go is my Corsair with brushless power. (stock motor was just too weak). #1 for relaxed cruise Beaver, #1 wind surfer Pico stick F with dual IPS and wing spar. All of my GWS kits needed some upgrades to make them into really great little airplanes.

Mike

[sikorsky]

After I've heard of Beaver wing fluttering several times, I was reading at ...GWS-Fans.com an article about conversions.
So I have epoxied a 2mm carbon-rod to the nose of wing.
Now it's very stable.
Also I laminated the inner plasticcowl with 1 layer of 80gram carbon, cause any noselanding will crash these very thin cowles (had the same problem with my Mr. Mulligan).

[GPT]

Only have a formosa with Himax 2015-4100 4.4 geared 9x6 HD prop.Great plane.

[qban_flyer]

Only have a formosa with Himax 2015-4100 4.4 geared 9x6 HD prop.Great plane.

You also have an excellent power plant on its nose! :)

[trogdor]

200 watts in a Formosa is very hard to beat, I think!

Only have a formosa with Himax 2015-4100 4.4 geared 9x6 HD prop.Great plane.

Hey GPT, I tried a 2015-5400 in my 3rd Formosa recently and was disappointed in the performance. I tried various 7 and 8 inch props on C and D gearing and staying within the recommended wattage range of the motor, couldn't get very good vertical at all. In frustration I tried an APC 8x6 on C gearing and 3S 1320 prolites and a brief WOT test on the wattmeter showed 175 watts! yikes... I tried it anyway and it had ok vertical but nothing 175 watts would imply. And strangley after a couple minutes and a few WOT ascents, the motor wasnt hot at all although it was pretty cold outside. Maybe I should have tried a 9x3.8 on D gearing. Anyway I went back to the AXI 2212/20 8x6 APC slofly and with the prolite it pulls 200 watts.

So, I wonder what your 4100kv motor does. 9 inch props seem to be very good, how many watts does it pull and what kind of vertical performance?? Did you try other gear ratios/props?

[Bigfoot21075]

My oh so sweey flying Tiger Moth 400 with 1320 lipos :)

[qban_flyer]

My oh so sweey flying Tiger Moth 400 with 1320 lipos :)
I saw one go up on its maiden flight at the CASA field in Rockville, MD. Done in white.

Flew like a dream on what I believe it to be its stock power plant and T/P 1320s. What a performer, what a pretty sight! :)

[Mustang]

Well if you look a my avitar you can see my favorite GWS airplane. Yes it is the mustang with a brushless sweet and quick. I just picked up another kit of the p-51 at auction for next to nothing. Not going to go nuts on the mods with that one, it is going to be a fun fly. My first is a handfull and way overpowered but it fun to be able to pass the glow boys with it.

[Bigfoot21075]

I saw one go up on its maiden flight at the CASA field in Rockville, MD. Done in white.

Flew like a dream on what I believe it to be its stock power plant and T/P 1320s. What a performer, what a pretty sight! :)

LOLOL Ok SMALL WORLD! That was mine. Were you flying the cool GWS Zero that morning? Geeze here I was talking to you and did not even know who you were! :rolleyes:

[qban_flyer]

LOLOL Ok SMALL WORLD! That was mine. Were you flying the cool GWS Zero that morning? Geeze here I was talking to you and did not even know who you were! :rolleyes:

YUP! It was me with the Zero that morning of your T/M's maiden flight. Cool looking, cool flying bird
that T/M 400! :)

[Lancer31]

YUP! It was me with the Zero that morning of your T/M's maiden flight. Cool looking, cool flying bird
that T/M 400! :)

I totally agree! First test flight on mine was at a club float-fly, on GWS floats, and it took off & flew perfectly!
I haven't painted mine yet, but here's a pic of Judy's.

[n001pa]

Thats a real good looking Moth you have there.:cool:

[Jimmy Hoffa]

I tried various 7 and 8 inch props on C and D gearing and staying within the recommended wattage range of the motor, couldn't get very good vertical at all. In frustration I tried an APC 8x6 on C gearing and 3S 1320 prolites and a brief WOT test on the wattmeter showed 175 watts! yikes... I tried it anyway and it had ok vertical but nothing 175 watts would imply.
Trogdor,
Try a "B" gear on your 8x6 SF. You could also experiment with a APC 9x6 SF, but check your amps. These gears and prop sizes are more appropriate for top speed versus verticle climb.
Phillip

[qban_flyer]

I totally agree! First test flight on mine was at a club float-fly, on GWS floats, and it took off & flew perfectly!
I haven't painted mine yet, but here's a pic of Judy's.

That one looks wonderful, especially on floats! :)

[SBR_RV]

out of the two iv owned (SS and mustang) the SS proberly gave me the most fun, but now that iv bought a HIMAX 2025/4200 for the mustang, things might change.

[qban_flyer]

out of the two iv owned (SS and mustang) the SS proberly gave me the most fun, but now that iv bought a HIMAX 2025/4200 for the mustang, things might change.

HE, HE, HE.

You won't believe it's the same Mustang once you fly it with the Himax B/L. You are in for a treat! :D

[Jimmy Hoffa]

My Pico Stick F with a Wattage Mad Max wing and a Himax 2812 850Kv outrunner is a blast to fly. It definately performs best with a small 3 cell like an Apogee 830. I also have a lot of fun with my E Starter on floats. It is powered my an Aon 2415 4900Kv in a Cobri GB and either a TP 2100 or Apogee 2480 battery.
Phillip

[n001pa]

That's about the best looking Estarter I think I've seen. Do you have any higher res photos of it? I collect photos of model planes for use in my screensaver and would love to add yours.:cool:

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Thanks. I can't post any higher resolution because of the limitations of this website. Here are some action shots. It also has navigation and strobe lights for evening flights.
Phillip

[n001pa]

Heres my Estarter. It has seen alot of air time and it shows.

[qban_flyer]

My Pico Stick F with a Wattage Mad Max wing and a Himax 2812 850Kv outrunner is a blast to fly. It definately performs best with a small 3 cell like an Apogee 830. I also have a lot of fun with my E Starter on floats. It is powered my an Aon 2415 4900Kv in a Cobri GB and either a TP 2100 or Apogee 2480 battery.
Phillip

Two fine looking birds you have there Phillip. Especially that Cessna like E-Starter on floats! :)

[Air Support]

I love this plane. 3 cell brushless, lots of speed, can't get enough of the retracts. The SS always makes the trip to field too.

[losi24]

i love my Slow stick more than any of my GWS planes. soon i will have a BN-2(in 3 days), but im sure that i will like my slow stick more

[qban_flyer]

Annalisa is going to outlive Stacey by quite a margin! :p

[losi24]

for sure!:D i broke the tail off today due to dumb thumbs. glued it back on and she still flies like a dream!

[sikorsky]

My Beaver got some conversions now:
750g with motorcontroller, 8 cells Kan 1050, micro wingleveler, flatter V of the wing, ailerons and an outrunner motor.

[zappedalaskan]

Are you using the foam floats with the Slow Stick? Do you have any pictures you can share with us?

Never crossed my mind to "float" a Slow Stick, but since you have done it with yours and I have fitted mine with an outrunner, perhaps that should be the next logical step with mine.

I used to fly a Goldberg Skylane 62 from a lake in Maryland 20 years ago. It was fun.
Hey Bert,
I read this post and I thought of a set of laser cut floats for the SS I came across, they are nice looking and only $12.00 for the kit. Here is the URL: http://welasercut.com/lasercart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13&zenid=7f64ef1ae2d2af70936141dbc5052360
I have thought about floating an SS myself. I seen a picture of Carl's SS flying boat he made, that is a neat looking SS as well, very unique.
Take care,
Jay

[qban_flyer]

Thanks for the link Jay. I am still smarting over that Thunder Power pack going south on me after only 50 cycles of TLC handling.:mad:

[n001pa]

Hey Bert,
I read this post and I thought of a set of laser cut floats for the SS I came across, they are nice looking and only $12.00 for the kit. Here is the URL: http://welasercut.com/lasercart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13&zenid=7f64ef1ae2d2af70936141dbc5052360
I have thought about floating an SS myself. I seen a picture of Carl's SS flying boat he made, that is a neat looking SS as well, very unique.
Take care,
Jay

As much as I would like to take credit for it I didn't make the SS flying boat. I was looking to see if anyone here had made one. There is a gentlemen over on the other site that is doing them. Here is the build thread for it. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=359356&highlight=slow+stick+flying+boat There is a pretty good video of there to.

[lindart aviation]

Jimsp also has a SS Seaplane version that really flys well.Based on the performance of my first one,a second one is nearly ready to test hop.
Of the three water birds I have,the SS Seaplane is the most fun to fly.It is the ideal plane to 'corrupt' others into water flying !

[stroland]

tower pro bm24io-09 12 amp esc 1800 3s lipo ,it will hover, but the motor gets kinda hot2006_0114Image0003

[stroland]

tower pro bm2401-09 12 amp esc 1800 3s lipo ,it will hover, but the motor gets kinda hot

[rcboatnut]

I to Like my Slow Stick, it is the Jeep of the GWS fleet, I started out with the 350 motor then went to the 400 and now am brushless, what a hoot, you can drag anything up, floats, camera, ping pong ball dropper and the like, its fun to windsurf in high winds, I still like my pico tiger moth, and I have just put togather a pico f-stick with a 12mm brushless, it should be fun, I also have an E-starter that I am learning the alieron game with and have finishled a Formosa that is waiting for gear when I am ready and I also have a tigermoth 3D when I want to have fun and try to look like I know what I am doing. well thats my story.

[TurboProp]

i love the gws formosa cant wait formosa 2 couple of pics of mine.

specs. himax gear box 6 to 1 ratio
11 x 7 gws hyperdrive prop
20 mm 5000 rpm per volt bushless
tanic packs 2220 lipoly 11.1 volt
castle creations pheonix 25
three 55 hitec servos
fiegoa 6 channel reciever
and retracts

[crast test dummie]

I would have to say it is my new A-10 with a SINGLE outrunner in the tail cone running a 11X7 ACP prop. Heres a link to some videos. After the videos were made this AM I got the sun in my eyes and she went in on her nose!! I orderd another slope kit 2 min after the crash.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425187&page=13#post4947333

CTD

[GPT]

At the moment it would be the Formosa.I love mine so much ,I ended up leaving the lhs today with another.
One day I'll get around to finishing the Mustang,if I can put the Formosa down for long enough:D

[Doppelganger]

Great looking Formosa! Those retracts are very freakin cool. How did you do it?

Steve

[Rittenflyer]

I've been flying the P51 Mustang for a while now and it's one of my favorite planes period, now that I've tweaked the balance and upgraded to a BP brushless outrunner. I'm an avid scratch builder, but this plane rocks. The Mustang gets some bad reviews but most of the problems, I think, are related to GWS manuals being so lousy with poor translation to English and incorrect info about proper CG. My first flights were really scary and I broke the plane twice before I finally got enough weight in the nose. Good news is that a little epoxy fixes most damage easily.

I also have a GWS B2 Stealth bomber that will just barely fly with the stock motors and a 9.6v NiMH pack, very stable but climb rate is awful; just doesn't have enough power and flight times are really short. I have decided to pull the EDF units out of it and mount an outrunner on the TE in pusher configuration; should be a very cool airplane after that.

Sean Rittenhouse

[echoplanar]

For lazy, relaxing flying, nothing beats the TM. I started with this plane and still fly one often.:)

-Jon

[qban_flyer]

Beautifully finished T/M Jon!:)

[spinnetti]

My favorite GWS plane would have to be the Estarter. I usually cut the wing in half and sand out the dihedral. Then epoxy the halves back together. I cut off the horner tips, (better roll and inverted flight.) I use balsa ailerons slightly larger than the stock ones. I use Dubro Hinge Tape to attach the ailerons. I mount the battery through the top of the fuse, and I use dowels and rubber bands to secure the wing. I don't use the struts either. With these mods this planes flys like a dream. It can fly sporty, slow, fast, crazy fast roll rate, and very steady flight. Not bad for 29.00. :) I like the Spitfire as well.

Steve

Funny. This illustrates that everyones experiences are wildly different.
I've had almost every GWS plane (except the dumb flying food ones) and the eStarter was the worst when built as directed out of the box. I bought it to get a friend started in R/C and ended up just throwing it in the trash and replacing it with a slow stick.

I never liked the slowstick just due to the looks, but now its the first one I fly as warm up for all my other planes.

[spinnetti]

I've been flying the P51 Mustang for a while now and it's one of my favorite planes period, now that I've tweaked the balance and upgraded to a BP brushless outrunner. I'm an avid scratch builder, but this plane rocks. The Mustang gets some bad reviews but most of the problems, I think, are related to GWS manuals being so lousy with poor translation to English and incorrect info about proper CG. My first flights were really scary and I broke the plane twice before I finally got enough weight in the nose. Good news is that a little epoxy fixes most damage easily.

I also have a GWS B2 Stealth bomber that will just barely fly with the stock motors and a 9.6v NiMH pack, very stable but climb rate is awful; just doesn't have enough power and flight times are really short. I have decided to pull the EDF units out of it and mount an outrunner on the TE in pusher configuration; should be a very cool airplane after that.

Sean Rittenhouse

the TM is great, and my first R/C plane. Flew that a LOT. Mustang is about my favorite. Its a real handful unless you build it just right, but the upside to that is that its the most acrobatic performer of the warbirds too (one goes with the other). I've had two, both crashed one too many times, but I'm about due for another. The Zero was even worse for me, and never did get that to fly (was probably cg related, and I probably wasn't good enough when I got it). My Me109 is the only plane I've had that is still flying in its original condition, some 4 years later too.

[Prop Bender]

I guess I'd have to say the F4U, and the E-starter, but wait I really like my Beaver and I should'ent leave out the A-10. But the question was
which one do I like best. I'll havr to think about that.

Frank

[TopSpin]

This might be my favorite if the wind will stop blowing long enough for me to try it out.



http://home.earthlink.net/~buracho/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/tri-beaver.jpg

[Doppelganger]

Funny. This illustrates that everyones experiences are wildly different.
I've had almost every GWS plane (except the dumb flying food ones) and the eStarter was the worst when built as directed out of the box. I bought it to get a friend started in R/C and ended up just throwing it in the trash and replacing it with a slow stick.

I never liked the slowstick just due to the looks, but now its the first one I fly as warm up for all my other planes.


You're right, the Estarter flies like arse when built as per intruction. Thats why I modified it. You'd have to see it fly to believe it. My flying buddies have copied some of my mods. They are a blast.

[qban_flyer]

You're right, the Estarter flies like arse when built as per intruction. Thats why I modified it. You'd have to see it fly to believe it. My flying buddies have copied some of my mods. They are a blast.

Hi Doppelganger,

Can you post some or all the mods you made to your E-Starter? It will help us all avoid the pitfalls inherent with that model. :D

THXS

[Doppelganger]

Hi Doppelganger,

Can you post some or all the mods you made to your E-Starter? It will help us all avoid the pitfalls inherent with that model. :D

THXS

You bet I will. But first I must get batts for my camera. I'll post pics tomorrow. Some of these mods are not my own. I've gathered info from the net. Getting rid of the dihedral is the first order of business. You can leave a little just in case you want to fly very slow. I enjoy that as well.

It is a good Idea to decide where you'd like to place the battery. If you're going to use the preformed battery bay in the model, test fit the battery before you glue the halves together. It will be much easier to trim each half, instead of trying to dig out the foam after you've glued the two fuselage halves together.

Now would also be a good time to glue a carbon rod down the center of the fuselage. You'll appreciate that after a crash.;) I install my batteries from the top, and I put my receiver in the battery bay. You could also put your esc in the battery bay, instead of the receiver. A frind of mine set his up that way. I have batteries of different form factors, so loading them inside the top of the fuse gives me room for any battery I choose. I use velcro on battery and the fuse to hold the batt in place.

I set up my E-Starters with brushless equipment. I also use two servos for the ailerons. If you want wicked roll rates, go with balsa ailerons larger than the stock ones. Cut out holes in the wing and hot glue the servos in place. I use dubro hinge tape to hold the ailerons on. I've had no issues with this method. However, if the surface where the tape will go is painted, use C/A hinges.:eek:

I used carbon fiber for the spar. Also, don't bother with the wing struts, you won't need them if you use the bamboo rods supplied to hold the wings on. Trust me when I say that you will rip the wing off if you try to hold it down with just the screw. I warned one of my flying buddies....he didn't listen.:eek: Two flights later I saw the fusalage heading toward the ground and the wing fluttering down behind it.:rolleyes:

The landing gear is very iffy. Thats a GWS issue. I don't fault them for it. Heck, the plane only costs 29.00:) I ordered aluminum landing gear from allerc (http://www.allerc.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=landing+gear&osCsid=3077fe467648fd81c032743062dceb26). I cut a depression in the fuse and epoxied the gear in place. Hundreds of touch and goes, and no issues. There are many other mods people have used. These are just my favorites. I'm not much of a writer, but I hope this helps anyone who is planning to build one. This plane can be a great performer, with a little help from you.;)

[qban_flyer]

Much appreciated! :)

I'll be using one of my Esskay 400XTs with a three cell Li-Po spinning a 9X3.8SF APC propeller. :D

[Doppelganger]

My pleasure. I'll post pics tomorrow.

Steve

[Wingman65]

Definitely the slow stick and E-starter to learn to fly. Any of the warbirds follow.

[Bill G]

Actually my favorite GWS plane"S" are several that they promoted, but never produced.
ME262
Boeing 747
FW190
P-38

[qban_flyer]

I'd love for them to release a version of the ME-262. :)

[Bill G]

Qban, they showed a picture of one a while ago on RCGroups. A number of skilled modellers, however, can carve one out and make it look production. I guess I'll just have to keep scratch building them. On number 4 now.

[qban_flyer]

Qban, they showed a picture of one a while ago on RCGroups. A number of skilled modellers, however, can carve one out and make it look production. I guess I'll just have to keep scratch building them. On number 4 now.

Any pics? :)

[SKYPILEIT]

My only flying GWS plane,the Pico Tigermoth..!!I have a slope Corsair that will be built sometime soon,it sure seems to be one of the best of 'em.Gotta finish other projects first.

[skypilit]

I have a Tiger Moth , Corsair, A-10, Mustang (building now) and the C-47. Most of them fly well but all have a few problems out of the box. A-10 -- underpowered, Corsair -- Ail control wires, Tiger Moth -- Weak center wing mount, C-47 -- tip stalling son of a gun, Mustang -- my standard NiMH batteries won't fit. I'm not impressed with the quality, but they are easy to build and most fly OK with a little help. I will probably buy more of them in the future.

P.S. does anyone have any tips on mounting the ail control wires on the Corsair? I used a smaller guage wire to do it, but now I get flutter. How did you hook yours up?

Thanks

[n001pa]

I have a Tiger Moth , Corsair, A-10, Mustang (building now) and the C-47. Most of them fly well but all have a few problems out of the box. A-10 -- underpowered, Corsair -- Ail control wires, Tiger Moth -- Weak center wing mount, C-47 -- tip stalling son of a gun, Mustang -- my standard NiMH batteries won't fit. I'm not impressed with the quality, but they are easy to build and most fly OK with a little help. I will probably buy more of them in the future.

P.S. does anyone have any tips on mounting the ail control wires on the Corsair? I used a smaller guage wire to do it, but now I get flutter. How did you hook yours up?

Thanks

For the Corsair just use dual servos. They work great and don't hurt the performance one bit.

[skypilit]

But, do you cut into the wing to make it a flush mount like a glow plane (what I am used to working on) or just stick them to the bottom and let them hang? Does the weight affect it any? These are my first few faomies so this is a little different than my balsa.

[qban_flyer]

In my case, once I decide where the servos are going to be located I cut a pocket for them in the wing with the Dremel, then silicone them in place after I have protected their cases with scotch tape. A small groove is cut in the wing to have the wires routed toward the TX and covered with tape or colored sticky MonoKote once the wires are in place.

I have never measured the before and after weight of the model so I can't speak about what difference it makes in that respect. I think the benefits acquired in the process more than offset the few extra grams added to the airframe.

The plane rolls with precise authority as the servos are now rigidly in control of both surfaces. No more play or sloppiness. :)

[Doppelganger]

Alas, no pics. My planes are being shipped to New Mexico. Relocating there.:) Unfortunately, my E-Starter is with that shipment. So sorry.

Steve

[n001pa]

qban beat me to the answer. I have alot of flights with my Corsair setup this way and have never had problems. Some people are worried about damaging the servos with belly landings. If you are going to be making belly landings on a hard surface then you might think about cutting a plastic spoon up to protect the servos during landings. If you are flying over grass this is not needed.

[qban_flyer]

qban beat me to the answer. I have alot of flights with my Corsair setup this way and have never had problems. Some people are worried about damaging the servos with belly landings. If you are going to be making belly landings on a hard surface then you might think about cutting a plastic spoon up to protect the servos during landings. If you are flying over grass this is not needed.

I did my conversion after reading one of your posts about it elsewhere in W/F. So though I "beat" you to it this time, I wouldn't have been able to do so unless I hadn't done the "mod" you posted about it a while back. BTW, mine has its landing gear installed so I don't have to worry about damaging the servos on landings.

Credit for the "mod" goes to you, unless someone else did it before you! :D

[skypilit]

I'll have to give it a try. Thanks qban and n001pa. I will be using landing gear and flying off of asphalt.

[qban_flyer]

My pleasure. Have fun, live long and prosper. :D

[n001pa]

Enjoy that Corsair.

[Epoxycup]

8159HI All,

I have the Slow Stick, Beaver, Formosa, and Tiger Moth. My favorite mjust for versatility and plain old fun is the Slow Stick. :)

[buzzard bombshell]

Noce looking amphibian Slow Stick.

[Prop Bender]

Well it woukd be hard to pick just one, but I guess it would be
my F4U. With the E-flight b/l and lipo it's the one I fly the most.

My E-Starter with the same motor has got to be my second, but
the F4U is the one.

Frank

[Kosh]

Any of the War birds are great but my favorite is really a straight wing brushless powered Estarter at the moment.:D Its just so smooth I can point it into the wind and kill the power and it will land on its own.:)

Kosh

[nova801428]

seems like a lot of people like the estarter? Why is that, my brother favorite seems to be the tigermoth. I love to hear all of your favorite planes, please keep the replys coming this way!!!

[qban_flyer]

Good looking E-Starter Kosh! :)

[Twmaster]

Yes what he said!

Makes me want to dig mine out of the junk pile and finish it.

[Kosh]

Thanks guys, You can see it in action and some of my other stuff here
http://www.cascadeap.com/video.html

Thanks, Kosh

[Twmaster]

Neat vid Kosh.

[Kosh]

"seems like a lot of people like the estarter? Why is that?"

Well on my part I have plenty of fast planes but sometimes you just want to kick back do things a little slower like winding down from some fast stuff. Cant really tell you how good this flys but the video should give some idea. I currently have 13 RTF planes and another 16 that are in ARF status so that might give you some idea what your missing out on.

[panzerd18]

Best looking GWS ME109

[Jeff Boyd 2]

The GWS Formosa is one of the best foam park flyers I have flown. It's a bit "Plain Jane", I know, but I must put an air-brush job on it soon. Very precise aerobatics, axial rolls, points and spins stop on cue, knife edge is great, verticals both up and down are true and lands beatifully. Will 3D OK, but more at home with pattern flying.
Some of the modifications are Hyperion undercarriage and spats for better ROG and looks. Used white NHP Micro-Fill to fill all the holes and moulding marks. For more precision I have mounted servos in the tail and 2 aileron servos in the wing, (instead of the original one) with short, direct linkages controlling the surfaces.
Has Himax with Gearbox, 9x6 prop, Jeti 18A ESC, 1050mAh 3S1P 15C LiPo. Runs at 160W Static.
Have put about 40 or 50 flights on it now. Flew great of out of the box, but has probably taken a period of about 30 flights to get it flying like it does now (I know, I get carried away with it all). Changes to thrust angles, props, throws, mixing and incidence adjustments all adding up to a sweet flying model. Well done GWS.