Small Balsa Recommendations

[depfife]

I have been flying glow for several years, but am an electric noob. My only electric is a foamy. I have been contemplating getting a small balsa 3D plane, but don't know what to get.

I'm looking for a small balsa plane w/landing gear that will hold up to use on a grass field. I have considered an Extreme Flight Yak 55 SP-E and the Extra 330 Profile 3D Suitcase Plane sold by Hobby Lobby.

Any suggestions?

Eric

[bubbagates]

Hi Eric,

I have seen that Yak fly and also the Mini-Funtana. Same guy owns both planes. Loves 'em both and I like you are considering the Yak and some kind of Ultimate Bipe.

[JFGrn]

Accel Hobbies have a couple ARF that could work.
(28" Pitts ES, and 30 Katana ES)

www.AccelHobby.com

Also OMP has the 3D buddy Line.

http://ohiomodelproducts.com/3dbuddy/

Hope this helps

John

[NimbleGimbal]

I would definitely go with one of the accell planes, and steer clear of the mini funtana...

[buzzbomber]

Eric,

Here's a thought for you. A local heli pilot I know has been fooling around with fixed-wing stuff lately, and he brought a little homemade balsa 3-D ship to the field a few weeks ago. The fuselage was homemade 3/16" balsa plywood(3 laminations of 1/16 sheet) with lightening holes and the flying surfaces are all built from 1/8" balsa sticks with 1/16" sheet gussets. The whole thing was covered in Ultracote Lite. It was approximately shockflyer sized, but much more rigid and faster in level flight. It performed very well on an AXI 2208/34 and a 3S pack. Perhaps you could knock out something similar?

[wattme]

The Mini-Funtana is a good model aircraft. My son has assembled two (2) of them for different members of our club. Each had slight differences in build quality and each (like most ARFs) required a bit of reinforcement and build checks before final assembly.

The first is powered by a brushless Himax HA2025-5300 geared swinging APC SF 11x7 , prop with the Hitec 55s, Phoenix 25 ESC (programmed for slow start, no brake) and a Tanic 11.1v 2500 Li-po pack, Hitec Electron Six. Generally pulling about 19 AMPS with BEC supporting four servos. Aggressive flying about two 8 minute flights before a recharge..

Modifications were completed to strengthen the firewall and landing gear before the first flight. This model was built to be light and depending on the power source adjustments are necessary.

Performance is excellent with wings in the forward position. Fully aerobatic and great speed performance. With proper gear adjustments to the Himax setup and “no bang your prop landings” many successful and fun filled flights are occurring with this plane without gear or shaft replacement. This gear box setup has proven sensitive and maintenance and adjustments are necessary to keep from replacing gears.


The second Mini Funtana is powered by Top Creations gear setup of 6.33.1 swinging a 12x6 prop using ALLeRC Micro 9 servos, Phoenix 25 ESC (programmed for no brake) with BEC. This gearbox can handle the fast start ESC option pulling juice from the Tanic 11.1v 2500 battery receiving signals from the Hitec Electron Six. With aggressive flying, two 15.5 minutes flights before a recharge.

The power plant is lighter than the Himax and pulls less than 12 AMPS at full throttle. Same modifications were done to the firewall and landing gear to prevent mishaps. Again, each ARF or kit may require adjustments to fit the power system you choose. Some ARFs just require your touch in assuring build quality.

The difference in flying performance is noticeable in terms of lower flat out speed as compared to the Himax (about the same gear ratio) but when it comes to vertical and raw power for stunts, this power system does not understand the meaning of no torque available. I became aware of this geared system when I assembled Top Creations Bandit kit (this is a real flying machine for another post) and to date on my sons Bandit of 210 flights, this motor in the Arizona heat refuses to quite or require a gear replacement even after his aggressive flying.

Just some feedback hope it is helpful..

[JFGrn]

The Mini Funtana IS a good Sport plane with a little 3D spice. But is not the type of 3D
machine I think Eric is looking for. Not an easy plane to handle slow 3D.

Another one to consider is the Cermark Lil Banchee.

John

[depfife]

buzzbomber - I don't have time for a scratch build project right now. Actually a RTF would be great, but I will suffer through an ARF assembly. :-)


wattme - thanks for the info on the Mini-Funtana. I have not got to see one fly in person, but from what I have read I got the same impression that JFGrn has. I will take a closer look.

The Pitts is out. I love the looks of bipes, but my laziness has made me a dedicated single wing guy. OMP's Buddy and the Katana ES are possibilities.

Eric

[Jason T]

Eric,

The Lil' Banchee is another good balsa ARF that is well built. The AUW of mine is about 14 oz using a 3s 1320 TP pack and a Extreme Flight Torque outrunner. The airframe is pretty strong too.

I bought mine at http://www.atlantahobby.com

Jason

[bubbagates]

Well, I never thought of the OMP models so I took a look and bought the Edge, can't wait

[depfife]

I hesitated to share this, because I have no personal experience with the 3D Buddy line that OMP carries, but I have read that the original 3D Buddy flies better than the Edge. Somewhere on RCU is a post from OMP recommending the original over the Edge.

I like the looks of the Edge better, but... I don't think there is anything "wrong" with the Edge, just thought you would like to know. I doubt they have shipped yet so you might could call and change if you want.

Now that I have talked bad about the plane you decided to buy I will return to my regular duties. :-)

Eric

[tone]

depfife- the Ultra-RC 3dbuddies and the Extremeflight Yak and the Hobby Lobby Suitcase Extra are "kissing cousins". Sort of. Anyway, they all fly great, but the gear ain't what i'd call up to a grass field. The 3Dbuddy does better knife edge than the Edge and the edge does better spins and tumbles than the 3DBuddy, otherwise they are very similar. I haven't flown the Suitcase Extra or the YAK, but i have seen several of the YAKs, they too are very capable 3Ders.. Not really for Take off from grass at all. Landings are ok, touch-and-goes are out of the question.

For small balsa 3D ARF's, the Funtana is also a good one when appropriate mods are applied as wattme says. Flys well, though a little heavy, but lots of guys have them so lots of advice is available.

[Fly-n-3D]

Horizon Hobby is coming out with the mini edge.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2225

[wildbob]

Bubba Gates The landing gear on the Ultra-RC Edge 540 will not work on grass. After 2 flights I modified mine into a belly skid to protect the battery pack and belly. You will love the plane, it will do anything and everything, except land on grass with the included wheels.

[depfife]

OK then, if these planes are too small for the landing gear to be of much use, what are some small balsa 3D planes that will take off and land on a grass runway. If I have to go to a larger plane that is OK, but I would like to stay as small as possible. Planes with a cowl need not apply! Well, they can apply, but that is a major demerit.

[wildbob]

The smallest planes that work on the grass at our field are in the Hanger 9 Mini Funtana size. But even they have problems ripping out the landing gear unless they are landed very soft and slow. To be honest I don't miss the landing gear on the Ultra-RC Edge 540. Just harrier it in till the tail touchs and cut the throttle. Take offs are easy at 1/2 throttle, point the nose up about 45 degs and let go.

[ViGoat]

I would stay away from the mini funtana, it's a brick, and more of a sport model.

If your looking for a nice 3Ding bird I would check out Quickers Skeeter

He has them in both 30" and 40" wingspan (150watt or 250watt setups)

http://www.theprofilebrotherhood.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4907&highlight=skeeter

http://www.theprofilebrotherhood.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4016&highlight=skeeter

You will have to log in to see these planes, but I think if you're looking for a great 3D woodie, this is where you'll find it.

~ViGoat

[Joe Ortiz]

Look at Stevens Aero, they have some cool planes.
http://www.stevensaero.com/cart/catalog/index.html

Joe

[ViGoat]

If you can hang on for a few weeks, there should be some AWESOME ARF's coming out from Accel.

[Greg.B]

I would say the EF Yak 55 SP-E would be my choice :) .

They are AWESOME!!!!! :eek:!

On short grass have the U/C on, taking off shouldn't be a problem when you land just cut the power come in at a medium speed and just before you touch the ground give it a heavy'ish flair and you're down!

In long or medium grass leave the U/C off and hold it by the canopy area at about 40 deg and give it a light chuck with the throttle at about 50%-60% and you're up:)! And for the landing again come in with power off and if you can manage to get the prop in the horizontal position it's goodbut if not don't worry just come in at a medium speed and just before you touch down give it a heavy flair and you'll be ok :)!

Here's my setup on the EF Yak:

Motor: Extreme Flight Torque 22T/930 :eek:!!!!
Battery: Flight power Extreme 3s1p 1050
ESC: Castle creations Phoenix-25
Servos: HS-55 x4
Rx: Blue Arrow R3P5
Prop: 10x4.8

And it's never missed a beat:) :cool: !

I hope this helps a bit ;) :).

Greg.

[PDARR]

Well I'm flying the Hobby-Lobby 330 suitcase Extra. What a hoot. 3D out the ying-yang. :D

[ekotil]

I built the Suitcase 330 Extra solid, no breakdown capability and it will do much more than I can. It works.

[stuff]

I would go with Mountain Models Tantrum.This is a builders plane but unlike any you may have built before.It is very light full symetrical wing and will fly rings around most of the others mentioned.It is a flyers plane and I would not choose it if you feel you may not be able to handle it .Check out their site it is worthwhile.www.mountainmodels.com Stuff

[glenclif]

I agree with the Mountain Models. Everything they sell is easy to build, and flies great.

[markdennis]

Aero-Works has a new su-31 coming soon. It is the same size as the extreme flight and lilbanshe. We had the Extreme flight in the shop and compared it to the su-31 the su-31 was allot stiffer in the fuse and alot stronger all around but the same weight. I have flown the su-31 and lil banshe the su-31 flew 10 times better and has been flown off of grass with no problem.

Mark

[Pengineer]

I also have the Hobby Lobby Extra 330 suitcase that I'd like to sell. I built mine to take on trips, so I did build it to come apart and pack into a hardshell golfclub case. I also moved the tail servos forward, almost on the CG so that I did not need to add nose weight for balancing. I put a new Hacker outrunner and SC on it. If anyone is interested in it, please email me direct and let me know if you want it complete rtf or what. Obviously it shouldn't be too tough to pack and ship! I hope I'm not committing a no no by mentioning that I'd like to sell it here on this cool new forum..?

Thanks, Bill.

[depfife]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I still have not made up my mind. I may need to go to a slightly larger than 36" to find what I want.

[glenclif]

Try this. Mountian Models Etana. www.mountainmodels.com (http://www.mountainmodels.com)



http://www.mountainmodels.com/etana.jpg

[rick]

Check out Mountain Models in Colorado, easy to build and comes with landing gear

[sb13]

I have the mini funtana and I fly it at my club which has grass of course. I hand launch it and land it on the grass with the landing gear. I did'nt use the stock 1 1/2 inch wheels though. I use 2 inch wheels and I did some mods where the gear mounts to make it stronger and I've had no problems. Go to RCU and watch some videos and you'll see for yourself the mini can and will do 3d.

[wildbob]

depfife

Just got a proto-type set of the new light weight Tetherite 11oz landing gear with the large 1 1/2" molded wheels. It works great on the Ultra-RC Edge 540.
I have made about 15 take offs and landings in the last 4 flights with this gear. I just added some 1/64" ply to both side of the wire gear area and bolted the gear on. They expect to have the production versions out in Sept.

Another plane you might look at is the new Precision Aero Katana Mini. It a great little airplane with lots of carbon fiber re-enforcements. You can view the plane on www.Stuffwelike.com (http://www.Stuffwelike.com). There is a lot of info on this plane on RCGroups Web site. Mine is waiting for the local hobby shop to get in his shippments of the new Hacker A30-28S outrunners.