Avios/Hobby King 1600mm C-130 Hercules

[crxmanpat]

Can we change the title of this thread to 1600mm since it was confirmed a while back?

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/news/sne...s-c-130-1600mm

I went to do this a while back, but it wouldn't let me edit the title. So I edited the post and the first line says it's 1600mm, not 1800mm.

[Marco Polo]

I changed the topic title to reflect the 1600mm wingspan. This plane looks cool. I'm interested to see what people think of it when they start shipping. Someone please do a JATO version with Estes rockets!

[andre]

Somehow, that RC Afterhours thing doesn't look like a box. It seems 2 dimensional, like it's just the lid that was stripped of the sides.

Oh you are going to be stunned when you see this plane.

[fieldofdreamsflyer]

[xviper]

Oh you are going to be stunned when you see this plane.

By all counts (via all the media so far shown), I have no doubt that it will be a stunning model to behold. However, having had several Avios models, stunning looks isn't all there is to it. I recall the Avios C-47 "Jungle Jumper". Once built it was spectacular to look at but after that first flight, it was painfully obvious just how many limitations there were about its flying characteristics. Then all free the factory replacement parts (if the customer asked for them) started to come to fix those deficiencies. We have yet to see a video of this plane from a ground camera for a complete flight. So far, the pieces of flights show a plane that flies and lands terrifyingly fast. I shall look forward to seeing the final pricing and the reports from private owners before hitting the buy button. I also have no doubt that the first batch will be sold out quickly. But that's fine, too. I've learned that I don't have to be the first one at the field to have one. And if it turns out to be a dud and they discontinue it like they did the C-47, that's fine, too.

[T-CAT]

By all counts (via all the media so far shown), I have no doubt that it will be a stunning model to behold. However, having had several Avios models, stunning looks isn't all there is to it. I recall the Avios C-47 "Jungle Jumper". Once built it was spectacular to look at but after that first flight, it was painfully obvious just how many limitations there were about its flying characteristics. Then all free the factory replacement parts (if the customer asked for them) started to come to fix those deficiencies. We have yet to see a video of this plane from a ground camera for a complete flight. So far, the pieces of flights show a plane that flies and lands terrifyingly fast. I shall look forward to seeing the final pricing and the reports from private owners before hitting the buy button. I also have no doubt that the first batch will be sold out quickly. But that's fine, too. I've learned that I don't have to be the first one at the field to have one. And if it turns out to be a dud and they discontinue it like they did the C-47, that's fine, too.

Yep. I’ll be doing the same. I could care less about being the first on the block to have one. If this was a static model that would never take flight, that’s a different story, but anything RC related that will eventually be airborne I have to ensure quality and safety well before aesthetics. Once it has been proven to be of good quality and value, then I’ll consider purchasing this C-130.

[Mad Baron]

As much as I would like to have an R/C C-130 I would have to pass this one up. It seems too small and I think that the wingspan needs to be at least 2000.

[rifleman_btx]

If the price is right i like the size

[xviper]

As much as I would like to have an R/C C-130 I would have to pass this one up. It seems too small and I think that the wingspan needs to be at least 2000.

In this same token, I have the B-24. It's 2000mm, so having it means this C-130 is NOT a "must have". Although the price is not known for the Herc, the B-24 by comparison, is a bargain.

[xviper]

PS. Someone hinted at $320.00 but that could just be a rumor or wishful thinking. If it is, then at least it's "reasonable".

[crxmanpat]

What the heck, I put in my submission for a grey one. If I don't get chosen, no biggie, I will have the F-22 to keep me occupied until then. ;)

[lmramos44]

My concern is the quality. Avios planes have component issues. Let’s see where this one falls. I hope for a FW quality plane. I sure would feel a lot better if Motion was offering this plane. HK has a clunky website and awful customer service. Hard to spend 400$+ there. Unless it’s on batteries.

[xviper]

I hope for a FW quality plane.

One can "hope" but I doubt very much this will be the case unless you lower your expectations. I've owned a lot of Durafly models and Avios models. One can almost say that Avios is the natural derivation of Durafly. For example, the Durafly SkyMule morphed into the Avios BushMule. From my perspective, the BushMule is not better or worse than the SkyMule and the quality was never even close to Freewing. However, the bang for the buck is excellent. For the money, almost all Durafly and Avios products are terrific.
You may get superlative foam and a beautiful finish, but something else will be lacking. You get great internals like motor/ESC but then something else is lacking. In most instances, there are a LOT of "something elses". Then you say to yourself, "Ahhhh, CRAP!" but you think back to what you actually paid for the thing and you say, "Hmmmm, yeah, well, OK."

[rifleman_btx]

Yeah freewing quality from HK brands is definitely asking alot

[JamesonC]

PS. Someone hinted at $320.00 but that could just be a rumor or wishful thinking. If it is, then at least it's "reasonable".

That was from HK on their Facebook post.

[James]

One can "hope" but I doubt very much this will be the case unless you lower your expectations. I've owned a lot of Durafly models and Avios models. One can almost say that Avios is the natural derivation of Durafly. For example, the Durafly SkyMule morphed into the Avios BushMule. From my perspective, the BushMule is not better or worse than the SkyMule and the quality was never even close to Freewing. However, the bang for the buck is excellent. For the money, almost all Durafly and Avios products are terrific.
You may get superlative foam and a beautiful finish, but something else will be lacking. You get great internals like motor/ESC but then something else is lacking. In most instances, there are a LOT of "something elses". Then you say to yourself, "Ahhhh, CRAP!" but you think back to what you actually paid for the thing and you say, "Hmmmm, yeah, well, OK."

Avios is just the larger Durafly. Durafly is 1100mm or less - Avios is 1200mm or more. The Bush Mule would have probably stayed as Durafly had Avios not come about between the 2 versions. Like the Durafly Spit is 1100mm, but now the Avios Spit is 1450mm. Somewhere they decided to have 2 brands denote between 2 sizes, similar to Freewing creating FlightLine to differentiate between EDF and Prop.

[thisguy65]

Would love to get one and convert it tin to a AC-130 Gunship.

[xviper]

Avios is just the larger Durafly. Durafly is 1100mm or less - Avios is 1200mm or more. The Bush Mule would have probably stayed as Durafly had Avios not come about between the 2 versions. Like the Durafly Spit is 1100mm, but now the Avios Spit is 1450mm. Somewhere they decided to have 2 brands denote between 2 sizes, similar to Freewing creating FlightLine to differentiate between EDF and Prop.

That may have been their original intention but it didn't stay that way. The SkyMule was a Durafly and it's the same size as the Avios BushMule. Also, the Durafly Excalibur is 1600mm.

[Seahawk One]

Did they ever list the AUW? I'm sure the answer is no... or not yet.

[BRGT350]

As much as I want the C-130, the terrible product roll-out and questionable quality has me rethinking it. I spent a good deal of money on the HK B-17's, and both have needed more tinkering to get them right than I am used to. Waiting 6 months for spare parts and some parts always being on backorder is rather annoying. It isn't that I need the parts due to a crash, but rather the parts have been identified as potential failures or weak link that would ground the plane. I expect the C-130 would have similar issues. If I only have so much to spend on a large RC plane, I would rather put it towards the B-24. Higher quality, better service, and spare part availability. Plus, how MotionRC handles themselves online and rolls out products shows how much more of a professional organization it is compare to HobbyKing. The rollout of the C-130 is a textbook example how not to launch a product. If the C-130 was from Freewing/Flightline or Horizon, I wouldn't be as hesitant. As room for big planes, and the funding for them, is limited, I am being very selective on what I buy next.

The look of the C-130 is very impressive, but if only want the look, I can build a scale model and hang it from the ceiling for a lot less money.