Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

[SlowJeff]

Is there sufficient space inside a RocHobby Staggerwing to mount a Hobby Eagle flight controller in addition to a typical receiver?

Jeff

[Pheonix]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Is there sufficient space inside a RocHobby Staggerwing to mount a Hobby Eagle flight controller in addition to a typical receiver?

Jeff

I often mount my A3L on top of my receiver in tight spots.  This seems to work for me.

[ryramZ]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Is there sufficient space inside a RocHobby Staggerwing to mount a Hobby Eagle flight controller in addition to a typical receiver?

Jeff

Yes, the battery hatch is quite roomy.

Ryan

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Is there sufficient space inside a RocHobby Staggerwing to mount a Hobby Eagle flight controller in addition to a typical receiver?

Jeff

Yes, the battery hatch is quite roomy.

Ryan

Battery hatch, Canopy/windshield? 

I place my radio under the battery compartment. I have to remove the bottom wing to gain access to my radio. There is plenty of room in there but it's a problem to get to the adjustment pots. With some planing you can have access to the gyro's pot through the rear servo hatch.

Truth be told this model does not need any kind of flight controller. It is actually a bit too stable as shipped.
Here is my review of the model
http://www.hobbysquawk.com/thread-923.html

[SlowJeff]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Is there sufficient space inside a RocHobby Staggerwing to mount a Hobby Eagle flight controller in addition to a typical receiver?

Jeff

Yes, the battery hatch is quite roomy.

Ryan

Battery hatch, Canopy/windshield? 

I place my radio under the battery compartment. I have to remove the bottom wing to gain access to my radio. There is plenty of room in there but it's a problem to get to the adjustment pots. With some planing you can have access to the gyro's pot through the rear servo hatch.

Truth be told this model does not need any kind of flight controller. It is actually a bit too stable as shipped.
Here is my review of the model
http://www.hobbysquawk.com/thread-923.html

I had read your review, and in fact your entire thread, Konrad, and thought it to be very balanced.  However, it also makes it obvious that your experience and skill level are far above mine.

The difference is, I am still such a beginner that I shouldn't be flying planes as nice as this one yet, but I am sorely tempted by it.  And I might hardly, if ever, use the flight controller, but it's not a lot of money for some additional peace of mind.

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

As easy as I think the Staggerwing is to fly she is not a basic trainer nor is she an aileron trainer. I don't think flight controllers can make up for experience. Most can't keep you from putting in the wrong aileron input while landing of or going to slow and snapping the model. Simulator time is often the best to learn these skills.

[SlowJeff]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

As easy as I think the Staggerwing is to fly she is not a basic trainer nor is she an aileron trainer. I don't think flight controllers can make up for experience. Most can't keep you from putting in the wrong aileron input while landing of or going to slow and snapping the model. Simulator time is often the best to learn these skills.

Thanks, but your assumption is erroneous. Typical, but erroneous.

I have flown ailerons from my very first day.

I can keep a 5 channel (ailerons and flaps) high wing airplane in the air as long as I choose and land it more-or-less where I choose. However, I have never taken off or landed from a paved surface. In fact, I have never taken off at all, due to the depth of the grass where I fly; I have always had to hand launch. And of necessity in this deep grass my landings always consist of slow approach - last minute flare - stall - plop. The objective is to avoid nose-overs in the deep grass, which I can usually do. I fly only tail draggers.

I enjoy messing with the available technologies. I enjoy programming. I suppose everyone involved in this hobby has his or her own specific sub-interests.

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

As easy as I think the Staggerwing is to fly she is not a basic trainer nor is she an aileron trainer. I don't think flight controllers can make up for experience. Most can't keep you from putting in the wrong aileron input while landing of or going to slow and snapping the model. Simulator time is often the best to learn these skills.

Thanks, but your assumption is erroneous. Typical, but erroneous.

I have flown ailerons from my very first day.

I can keep a 5 channel (ailerons and flaps) high wing airplane in the air as long as I choose and land it more-or-less where I choose.  However, I have never taken off or landed from a paved surface. In fact, I have never taken off at all, due to the depth of the grass where I fly; I have always had to hand launch.  And of necessity in this deep grass my landings always consist of slow approach - last minute flare - stall - plop. The objective is to avoid nose-overs in the deep grass, which I can usually do.  I fly only tail draggers.

I enjoy messing with the available technologies. I enjoy programming.  I suppose everyone involved in this hobby has his or her own specific sub-interests.

Well, you clearly are not a beginner! Sounds like your constraint is in your flying site.
While I haven't tried I wouldn't think hand launching this model to be a practical solution. 

As you have little ground handling experience do the mod I show,  should you find a suitable field to fly from, to tame the tail wheel.

If you enjoy programing radios you might want to look at some of the 7ch powered gliders. These  hand launch well and are usually very aerobatic and land well in grass (or tall weeds).

[SlowJeff]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Shall we say, advanced beginner. :P

I can hand launch my Yak 12, which at 950 mm is only about 90 mm smaller than the Stag. That doesn't prove anything, though. As a bipe I think the Stag will be heavier.

Even my club's field is grass. I fly a lot in my own pastures - coarse grass, hopeless for takeoffs. I fly in a park in the nearest town, which is better mowed and maintained, and I had hoped to be able to take off there, but the Yak won't roll on its factory wheels, which are rather small. Just noses over. I've got some 3" wheels for it that may work.

Several guys fly at a GA airport at another nearby town, only a couple mIles farther than my park but the othe direction. It has almost no GA traffic since construction of a better airport a few miles away. I haven't flown there yet, because it's "against the rules," but given that 99% of the traffic there is RC I may break down and join them. They tell me there's an outside speaker on the hangar building and they know to land and get out of the way for the rare GA landing.

If I can't come up with a paved runway I don't know that the Stag would be a wise purchase. I just think it's about the prettiest model airplane I've ever seen. It would look wonderful hanging in my living room over my musical instruments. Rather be able to fly it though.

[mu2freighter]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Is there sufficient space inside a RocHobby Staggerwing to mount a Hobby Eagle flight controller in addition to a typical receiver?

Jeff

I love that Beech's look and have it on my list, and right now I'm assembling the yellow Waco for my first ship that's larger than micros in several years. These parkflyers and micros sure seem to benefit from stabilization in the AS3X models I've flown, so I wanted the aircraft to have that capability. Both aircraft are just about the same size. I suspect you're a bit more constrained for space in the cabin Beech, so my choice for electronics may work well for you:

My solution is the LemonRX receiver with built in 3-axis stabilization. The manufacterer seems very well regarded on RCGroups (I get the sense that it's much better than even the well-received HobbyKing Orange line) with lots of happy customers, so I grabbed one. It's about the size of a matchbook, DSMX and DSM2 compatible, and weighs in at just 8.1g. The build quality looks and feels excellent. It worked fine immediately and a spot of hot glue will hold it securely on the flat foam just ahead of the servos, close to the CG and on the longitudinal centerline; that'll be my last step in assembly to be followed by ensuring the direction of gyro corrections is right, easily adjusted with DIP switches on the receiver.

No disrespect to Motion's product lineup, but this strikes me as a way to save the room and weight of a separate unit, and at a VERY reasonable cost.

At prices like the approximately $22 shipped from Hong Kong (arriving just 10 calender days after my first order!) I'll probably add the postage stamp sized, 2.5g satellite receiver to eliminate any range or signal stability concerns. As I find myself saying every year: there's never been a better time to be in this hobby!

[StormyDog1962]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

There is enough room in that plane for the Gyro and Receiver, I have it in my Freewing Ultimate and it is a smaller plane like the Staggerwing. We like the HobbyEagle Gyros because they work with any Brand Receiver out there. When you get Receiver Gyro Combos that are Brand specific then you limit your market. Many have had good luck with the Orange Receivers and many have not. We have one of our CST's who has just lost another plane to one of those and he finally said enough and will no longer use them. Personally I would never invest a few hundred dollars in a plane then try to cut cost on the receiver, doesn't make sense to risk it. Never skimp on the electronics, it's your only connection to the plane.

[mu2freighter]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

There is enough room in that plane for the Gyro and Receiver, I have it in my Freewing Ultimate and it is a smaller plane like the Staggerwing. We like the HobbyEagle Gyros because they work with any Brand Receiver out there. When you get Receiver Gyro Combos that are Brand specific then you limit your market. Many have had good luck with the Orange Receivers and many have not. We have one of our CST's who has just lost another plane to one of those and he finally said enough and will no longer use them. Personally I would never invest a few hundred dollars in a plane then try to cut cost on the receiver, doesn't make sense to risk it. Never skimp on the electronics, it's your only connection to the plane.

Just for clarity's sake, my electronics in the Waco are from LemonRX, in fact it was some of the negative comments about the Orange receivers from HobbyKing that got me looking for alternatives. Their name is a pretty obvious indicator that they are competing with the Orange line, and the fact that LemonRX' unit has gotten so much praise from the community as well as cramming so much functionality into such a teeny package cemented my decision...the price was a welcome bonus but wasn't my primary motivation.

Besides, saving some dough means more discretionary income to put aside for the next ships I'm drooling over from Motion RC: that gorgeous Henschel Hs123 and Dynam Hawker Hurricane. My last parkflyers were the GWS Zero and Spitfire years ago in the 72MHz days If that tells you how long it's been and you'd better believe I'm looking forward to more warbird fun!

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

That actually isn't much of a testimonial referencing anything from RCGroups. That is because the management of RCG actively suppresses any in depth critical analysis of sponsor's (vendor) products.


I will say that MotionRC has been very open about letting less than flattering comments to be posted here on Hobby Squawk and on their sales pages. This gets a big thumbs up from me. Stay with Hobby Squawk (MotionRC) to get the low down on products and solution for any issues should they occur 

[s]Now I just, today, lost my radio test bed to the Lemon 7ch stabilized RX. I will say the the firmware for the gyros is far better than what I've seen in the Spektrum UMX and 635 RXs. I also like that the gain can be adjusted in flight through an 8th channel.  Now as to the RF section I can't say as I'm impressed. To be fair I haven't done a thorough post-mortem  And I have to say I was flying under the DSM2 protocols.[/s]

The Hobby Eagle Gyros has been flawless in three of my planes. And as it has been noted it is not specific to any brands 2.4 specific protocols. It is a great product for MotionRC to carry.

As has been noted with the Staggerwing that the area under the battery space is more than ample for many and large onboard electronics, be it telemetry or gyros. And with some planing one can use the rear servo hatch as access to the gain pots on most gyros. 

[SlowJeff]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Unusual though it may seem, I am not a card-carrying member of the Spektrum Party. "DSMX and DSM2 compatible" is a minus to me. It means I have to use my Orange module in my Taranis. I prefer Taranis native. It is one big reason I am drawn to PnF planes. But it is a minority viewpoint, I acknowledge.

I have never tried a Hobby Eagle, just an NX3 evo. And the SAFE Sport Cub S I started on just ever so recently. The Hobby Eagle might be next - or something from the Open Pilot poject. I have a weakness for open software.
[hr]

That actually isn't much of a testimonial referencing anything from RCGroups. That is because the management of RCG actively suppresses any in depth critical analysis of sponsor's (vendor) products.

... snip...

Not meaning to be argumentative, but I'd be inclined to dispute that. I'm pretty active over there and I see a fair amount of criticism of sponsors' products. Have done a bit of it myself. Hobby King takes a fair beating and they appear to be a major sponsor.

More than the management of RCG, you are liable to get stomped on vigorously by loyal fanboys if you criticize particular vendors, especially Horizon Hobby, but even that does happen from time to time.

I put in a good word for MotionRC every chance I get over there (RCG) and so far nobody has ever argued. I've been treated well here given my very brief time in RC and my shallow purchase history. Plus I'm a disabled veteran - the phrase "veteran owned" resonates with me.

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

Unusual though it may seem, I am not a card-carrying member of the Spektrum Party. "DSMX and DSM2 compatible" is a minus to me. It means I have to use my Orange module in my Taranis. I prefer Taranis native. It is one big reason I am drawn to PnF planes. But it is a minority viewpoint, I acknowledge.

I have never tried a Hobby Eagle, just an NX3 evo. And the SAFE Sport Cub S I started on just ever so recently.  The Hobby Eagle might be next - or something from the Open Pilot poject. I have a weakness for open software.

You and me both. A strong shout out for Taranis and Open Source Software. I don't think you are in the minority as you might think. Despite Futaba, Jr and Spektrum being heavily marketed, those in the know are rapidly leaning towards Taranis. 
http://rctruth.com/index.php?topic=2322.0

I'm thinking that "Major Minority" might be a better description
[hr]
Slow Jeff let me say thanks for your service to our  country.

Having been in the hobby for 45 years I can tell you that RCG has changed vastly form a membership focused site in the 90's as part of the information highway. To a B2B site where the memberships concerns are place far behind that of the sponsors.

Not saying that one can't find good information there at RCG. It is just that you are likely to find better and faster information here on HobbySquawk.

All the best,
Konrad

[SlowJeff]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

45 years, huh. Let's see... that gives you about a 44 year and 9 month head start on me...

[mu2freighter]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

That actually isn't much of a testimonial referencing anything from RCGroups. That is because the management of RCG actively suppresses any in depth critical analysis of sponsor's (vendor) products.


I will say that MotionRC has been very open about letting less than flattering comments to be posted here on Hobby Squawk and on their sales pages. This gets a big thumbs up from me. Stay with Hobby Squawk (MotionRC) to get the low down on products and solution for any issues should they occur 

Now I just, today, lost my radio test bed to the Lemon 7ch stabilized RX. I will say the the firmware for the gyros is far better than what I've seen in the Spektrum UMX and 635 RXs. I also like that the gain can be adjusted in flight through an 8th channel.  Now as to the RF section I can't say as I'm impressed. To be fair I haven't done a thorough post-mortem  And I have to say I was flying under the DSM2 protocols.

The Hobby Eagle Gyros has been flawless in three of my planes. And as it has been noted it is not specific to any brands 2.4 specific protocols. It is a great product for MotionRC to carry.

Thanks for the heads-up!

That's rather disconcerting to hear about RCG, but these things do happen, I know. It's a humbling reminder of just how long I've been out of the loop...I don't recall any suppression when I was active there. I am pleased with what I've seen on Hobby Squawk and was well beyond pleased with my first ordering experience from Motion...that's why I signed up today when I finally realized I'd never hit the 'forums' link on the store pages. Duh.

You've certainly got my curiosity up regarding LemonRX; apart from looking out for my own interest I wouldn't want to recommend anything less than reliable to anyone. Was yours a range problem? I've been flying my small stuff at a local park and prefer keeping my aircraft closer in at parkflyer ranges but have been thinking hard about reactivating my AMA membership and using a local sanctioned field, so obviously I don't want my equipment causing any problems. With anything larger than the Waco there'd be a lot more invested as well, so I'd almost certainly stick to proven brands.

Sigh...now I have even more incentive to pass my trusty DX6i along to my buddy, who's only been flying his 3 channel trainer for a couple of months and not likely to need anything much fancier for a year or so, and getting one of the new DX6 or -7s with DSMX protocol. I was never much for jets, but recent manufacture of older designs like the Vampire and Me-262 are sure talking to me and I'd want nothing but the best equipment should I go in that direction.

The really high channel counts don't much grab me since I just can't see using all those functions when I've had to train my non-dominant right hand to run both sticks, and seven channels would almost surely be the highest number of funtions to fool with. In my case the KISS principle is truly carved in stone!

Oh, an OT question: I've been keeping track of the little issues I've seen, plus and minus during the Waco's assembly, and there are a few people should know about or I've not seen comprehensively discussed anywhere, would it be useful to post a build log here?

I just don't want to post a review on the Waco till I've flown it...that'd be like the people who review a movie without having seen the film! While I am thrilled with both Motion and Rochobby, I still want my own experience behind a 5-star review that it is and judging from others' input on its handling will be when I write it after some stick time. Still, if I were just starting research on the plane I'd want to see some of the upcoming bumps on a ship's assembly beforehand that I've encountered. I could have saved a few days' waiting for parts to arrive and few things are more annoying than a part that holds up progression.

Man alive, prefabrication's come along so far in just a few years. Just airframes like the Waco and Staggerwing simply weren't available in ARF/PNP with the quality of fit and finish I've seen. Half the reason I liked the Waco was knowing I wouldn't have all those cowl bumps and fillets to fabricate!

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

45 years, huh. Let's see... that gives you about a 44 year and 9 month head start on me...

And you are already aware of the Taranis. Grasshoper you have exceeded this master.

All the best,
Konrad

Mu2freighter that name looks familiar from RCG.

Like I said I haven't done a proper post-mortem. I also don't want to turn this thread into a radio thread.

[s]But I was about 0.3 miles out  the gyros started to oscillate (due to too much gain, might have been a glitch on channel 8) never got her to decouple the gyros. I assume there RX did not receive the command from channel 5 or the gain reduction from channel 8. For now I'm claiming an RF link failure.[/s]

Yep, I was mister anti foam until 18 months ago. Now the last dozen ships I've purchased have all been foam!

All the best,
Konrad

[Konrad]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

That actually isn't much of a testimonial referencing anything from RCGroups. That is because the management of RCG actively suppresses any in depth critical analysis of sponsor's (vendor) products.


I will say that MotionRC has been very open about letting less than flattering comments to be posted here on Hobby Squawk and on their sales pages. This gets a big thumbs up from me. Stay with Hobby Squawk (MotionRC) to get the low down on products and solution for any issues should they occur 

Now I just, today, lost my radio test bed to the Lemon 7ch stabilized RX. I will say the the firmware for the gyros is far better than what I've seen in the Spektrum UMX and 635 RXs. I also like that the gain can be adjusted in flight through an 8th channel.  Now as to the RF section I can't say as I'm impressed. To be fair I haven't done a thorough post-mortem  And I have to say I was flying under the DSM2 protocols.

The Hobby Eagle Gyros has been flawless in three of my planes. And as it has been noted it is not specific to any brands 2.4 specific protocols. It is a great product for MotionRC to carry.

Thanks for the heads-up!

That's rather disconcerting to hear about RCG, but these things do happen, I know. It's a humbling reminder of just how long I've been out of the loop...I don't recall any suppression when I was active there. I am pleased with what I've seen on Hobby Squawk and was well beyond pleased with my first ordering experience from Motion...that's why I signed up today when I finally realized I'd never hit the 'forums' link on the store pages. Duh.

You've certainly got my curiosity up regarding LemonRX; apart from looking out for my own interest I wouldn't want to recommend anything less than reliable to anyone. Was yours a range problem? I've been flying my small stuff at a local park and prefer keeping my aircraft closer in at parkflyer ranges but have been thinking hard about reactivating my AMA membership and using a local sanctioned field, so obviously I don't want my equipment causing any problems. With anything larger than the Waco there'd be a lot more invested as well, so I'd almost certainly stick to proven brands.

Sigh...now I have even more incentive to pass my trusty DX6i along to my buddy, who's only been flying his 3 channel trainer for a couple of months and not likely to need anything much fancier for a year or so, and getting one of the new DX6 or -7s with DSMX protocol. I was never much for jets, but recent manufacture of older designs like the Vampire and Me-262 are sure talking to me and I'd want nothing but the best equipment should I go in that direction.

The really high channel counts don't much grab me since I just can't see using all those functions when I've had to train my non-dominant right hand to run both sticks, and seven channels would almost surely be the highest number of funtions to fool with. In my case the KISS principle is truly carved in stone!

Oh, an OT question: I've been keeping track of the little issues I've seen, plus and minus during the Waco's assembly, and there are a few people should know about or I've not seen comprehensively discussed anywhere, would it be useful to post a build log here?

I just don't want to post a review on the Waco till I've flown it...that'd be like the people who review a movie without having seen the film! While I am thrilled with both Motion and Rochobby, I still want my own experience behind a 5-star review that it is and judging from others' input on its handling will  be when I write it after some stick time. Still, if I were just starting research on the plane I'd want to see some of the upcoming bumps on a ship's assembly beforehand that I've encountered. I could have saved a few days' waiting for parts to arrive and few things are more annoying than a part that holds up progression.

Man alive, prefabrication's come along so far in just a few years. Just airframes like the Waco and Staggerwing simply weren't available in ARF/PNP with the quality of fit and finish I've seen. Half the reason I liked the Waco was knowing I wouldn't have all those cowl bumps and fillets to fabricate!

Man do I have egg on my face!


I owe LemonRx and mu2freighter an apology! The loss of my radio test bed was due to pilot error. It had nothing to do with the loss of any RF link.

I will go into a little detail now.
As a result of speed build up on the down line of a maneuver the gyros started a violent speed induced oscillation. The plane responded to up elevator to slow it down. At some point in the up line the oscillation stops. Not sure if this is as a result of lowering the speed or decoupling the gyros. But the plane never recovers controlled flight and snaps twice into the ground.

I suspect that the violent shaking shook the battery loose and that in the up line fell to the tail. This resulted in a very tail heavy ship that snapped all the way into the ground. Where the battery was found in the aircraft at the crash site would indicate that this is what happened.

There is some speculation that had I left the gyros engaged that the plane may have been flyable in the tail heavy state. 


Some of this crash was caught on video. So I'm pretty confident in these finding

Again the crash was pilot error! Too much speed for the gyro gain setting.

I will go back and strike through my comments about the LemonRX being the cause of the loss of my radio test bed

[SlowJeff]

RE: Space inside RocHobby Staggerwing

That actually isn't much of a testimonial referencing anything from RCGroups. That is because the management of RCG actively suppresses any in depth critical analysis of sponsor's (vendor) products.


I will say that MotionRC has been very open about letting less than flattering comments to be posted here on Hobby Squawk and on their sales pages. This gets a big thumbs up from me. Stay with Hobby Squawk (MotionRC) to get the low down on products and solution for any issues should they occur 

Now I just, today, lost my radio test bed to the Lemon 7ch stabilized RX. I will say the the firmware for the gyros is far better than what I've seen in the Spektrum UMX and 635 RXs. I also like that the gain can be adjusted in flight through an 8th channel.  Now as to the RF section I can't say as I'm impressed. To be fair I haven't done a thorough post-mortem  And I have to say I was flying under the DSM2 protocols.

The Hobby Eagle Gyros has been flawless in three of my planes. And as it has been noted it is not specific to any brands 2.4 specific protocols. It is a great product for MotionRC to carry.

Thanks for the heads-up!

That's rather disconcerting to hear about RCG, but these things do happen, I know. It's a humbling reminder of just how long I've been out of the loop...I don't recall any suppression when I was active there. I am pleased with what I've seen on Hobby Squawk and was well beyond pleased with my first ordering experience from Motion...that's why I signed up today when I finally realized I'd never hit the 'forums' link on the store pages. Duh.

You've certainly got my curiosity up regarding LemonRX; apart from looking out for my own interest I wouldn't want to recommend anything less than reliable to anyone. Was yours a range problem? I've been flying my small stuff at a local park and prefer keeping my aircraft closer in at parkflyer ranges but have been thinking hard about reactivating my AMA membership and using a local sanctioned field, so obviously I don't want my equipment causing any problems. With anything larger than the Waco there'd be a lot more invested as well, so I'd almost certainly stick to proven brands.

Sigh...now I have even more incentive to pass my trusty DX6i along to my buddy, who's only been flying his 3 channel trainer for a couple of months and not likely to need anything much fancier for a year or so, and getting one of the new DX6 or -7s with DSMX protocol. I was never much for jets, but recent manufacture of older designs like the Vampire and Me-262 are sure talking to me and I'd want nothing but the best equipment should I go in that direction.

The really high channel counts don't much grab me since I just can't see using all those functions when I've had to train my non-dominant right hand to run both sticks, and seven channels would almost surely be the highest number of funtions to fool with. In my case the KISS principle is truly carved in stone!

Oh, an OT question: I've been keeping track of the little issues I've seen, plus and minus during the Waco's assembly, and there are a few people should know about or I've not seen comprehensively discussed anywhere, would it be useful to post a build log here?

I just don't want to post a review on the Waco till I've flown it...that'd be like the people who review a movie without having seen the film! While I am thrilled with both Motion and Rochobby, I still want my own experience behind a 5-star review that it is and judging from others' input on its handling will  be when I write it after some stick time. Still, if I were just starting research on the plane I'd want to see some of the upcoming bumps on a ship's assembly beforehand that I've encountered. I could have saved a few days' waiting for parts to arrive and few things are more annoying than a part that holds up progression.

Man alive, prefabrication's come along so far in just a few years. Just airframes like the Waco and Staggerwing simply weren't available in ARF/PNP with the quality of fit and finish I've seen. Half the reason I liked the Waco was knowing I wouldn't have all those cowl bumps and fillets to fabricate!

Man do I have egg on my face!


I owe LemonRx and mu2freighter an apology! The loss of my radio test bed was due to pilot error. It had nothing to do with the loss of any RF link.

I will go into a little detail now.
As a result of speed build up on the down line of a maneuver the gyros started a violent speed induced oscillation. The plane responded to up elevator to slow it down. At some point in the up line the oscillation stops. Not sure if this is as a result of lowering the speed or decoupling the gyros. But the plane never recovers controlled flight and snaps twice into the ground.

I suspect that the violent shaking shook the battery loose and that in the up line fell to the tail. This resulted in a very tail heavy ship that snapped all the way into the ground. Where the battery was found in the aircraft at the crash site would indicate that this is what happened.

There is some speculation that had I left the gyros engaged that the plane may have been flyable in the tail heavy state. 


Some of this crash was caught on video. So I'm pretty confident in these finding

Again the crash was pilot error! Too much speed for the gyro gain setting.

I will go back and strike through my comments about the LemonRX being the cause of the loss of my radio test bed

There are very few things I prefer to a man taking responsibility for his own errors.

1000 points! :D