Phoenix Stuka Ju 87 61cc Gas EP ARF 94.4"

[Twowingtj]

Looking great!

[davegee]

Thanks Dave! He’s an excellent artist who I can’t wait to have him weather her. Like the Corsair what a fantastic canvas to dirty her up!

But I want to fly her and make sure she survives before having him spend the time on that. 🤪

Totally understand, Aros! But I think this plane will be a great flyer and I wish you many, many happy and successful flights with it! Looking forward to more pics and news how it goes once you get it in hand. The artist did a great job with your plane, and the necessary weathering will be "ice on the cake!"

cheers

Dave

[Aros]

Thanks Twowingtj and davegee! The Stukas are indeed really solid flyers...I've flown the foamie FMS 1400mm version (loved it), and I had a smaller Phoenix balsa version (around 55" wing I think).. Both displayed similar flight characteristics...Easy to takeoff and land, flies smooth, almost trainer-like for a warbird due to that big wing in part. I anticipate this one to fly great as well...Should have more than enough power once we bench test and tweak the Vario props for the proper pitch.

I'll keep adding photos and video as I get them!

[Aros]

I finally get to pick her up this coming weekend! She's a beaut!

[Aros]

My buddy (builder/weather artist extraordinaire) is going to weather her like she deserves but not before I have a few successful sorties under my belt for good reason!

[Twowingtj]

That bird turned out sweet! Good luck with the maiden.

[Aros]

Thanks! I'm taking her to the Wenatchee Red Apple Flyers club which has all the space she would require. I'll update with video/photos in a few weeks.

[davegee]

I finally get to pick her up this coming weekend! She's a beaut!

Looks Great, Aros! Have a ball with it, and Pictures, too!!

Cheers

davegee

[Aros]

Thank you davegee! I plan on both!

[Aros]

Went to pick her up Saturday. He had her all put together so it was the first time I saw her in person and holy ****! She’s gorgeous and HUGE!

Looks like a dang museum piece! To say I am going to be nervous maidening her is the understatement of the year.



We did a dry fit in my girl’s car (2021 Honda Civic) and while it scientifically fit let’s just say that some voodoo and magic will need to be conjured to fit all three of us in the car.

We decided for him to keep the fuselage a few more days as he had some minor stuff to finish so he’s coming out this week after work with the fuse (I brought the wings home) to bench test, get the Vario prop pitch correct, CG, bind, etc. Then it’s up to me to get the throws and expo where I think it needs to be and then off to maiden a week from this Saturday.

For some reason I had a brain fart and only took one photo while he had the bird all together. I think I was so in awe I spaced the photo session. So here is the only photo I took and it’s to give somewhat of a clue just how big this bird really is as I put my DX18 next to her feet.

[Twowingtj]

Looks great!

You'll do fine on the maiden. The secret is remembering to breath and don't panic.

[davegee]

Nice! You'll know when everything is in place and you are ready to fly this magnificent looking airplane! It's ready when it's ready, and not a minute before. Best of luck for a great maiden, whenever that occurs. We'll all be watching online with baited breath!👍👍👍

[Aros]

Thanks fellas!

[Aros]

Alright she's finally home! We have her bench tested, ended up with a 16 pitch on the varios for a nice balance. Us two bigger guys could barely hold on to the fuse at WOT! CG is dialed. Still need to tweak some of the control surfaces. The receiver is causing the 2S rx battery to drain within minutes which is what it did when that same receiver was in my ESM Corsair while getting it ready. Battery killer. A shame because it's one of Spektrum's top of the line receivers, like $250 or so. But obviously I can't have a receiver draining the receiver battery within minutes. So I am off to find a new receiver, and then one final tweakfest to get the control surfs working as they should and then she's ready for her first sortie!

If anyone has a good Spektrum-friendly receiver option please let me know.

I forgot to add the cannons for her pre-maiden shots today but she's still one impressive bird!

[SanExup]

Aros What a beauty!

[Aros]

Thanks SanExup!

[tclaridge]

Aros, I replied to battery consumption for the receiver on RCGroups. Can you tell us if that is a stock tail wheel painted grey, or a more scale replacement. Also, where did you get the spinner?

[Aros]

Hey there...I need to ask my builder...I believe both are stock. He did paint the spinner himself (nailed it)...Stand by!

[Aros]

Sadly my builder and friend passed away a week ago. Very sudden. He was helping me finish up the bird with installing a new receiver. Dave was a great guy, one of those who would give the shirt off his back for you. Would drive 2 hours both ways just to pick up a small part to work on for me. We've lost a lot of incredible people in this hobby and Dave was one of them.

I'll cherish this Stuka and the P-38 he did a masterful job weathering for me for years to come.

[Twowingtj]

Very sorry to hear Aros. We have a couple of "memorial" planes at our field due to prematuture losses.