Phoenix Stuka Ju 87 61cc Gas EP ARF 94.4"

[Aros]

I've had my eye on this giant scale ARF for a few years now and finally pulled the trigger. I had to sell off some planes but I always loved the Stuka. Flies like a trainer, easy to takeoff and land. One of my favorite foamies was the FMS Stuka. I got tons of hours of fun out of that one. I've had a larger balsa one (55-65" wing or so) which also was a blast to fly. From what I have heard, this one is no different.

So I am needing some help. I am using the Admiral GP60 on 12S setup with the Castle HV 200A ESC. I am going to go 3 blade vario prop (24"). I am looking for a scale 3-blade 4.5"x4.5" spinner for that setup. Unfortunately Tru-Turn who I have used for years for my custom spinners, is going out of business. I've searched all the main RC forums and surprisingly I cannot find a single build thread on this model.

The spinner I am looking for would look like the one below. This was a photo of a customer's who left a review. Unfortunately I have no contact info for the person or I would have simply asked where he got his 3-blade setup.



My build specs: (Updated 7/13/23)

Motor: Admiral GP60 8925-180Kv Brushless Motor
ESC: Castle Creations Phoenix Edge 200A ESC with 5A SBEC
Servos: 4x Hitec HS-82MG (Flaps), 4x Hitec HS645MG (Ailerons, Elevator, Rudder)
Prop: 3-blade 24" Vario
Receiver: AR10400T 10 Channel PowerSafe Telemetry Receiver
LiPos: 2x 6S SMC HCL 5300mAh 75C LiPos

I appreciate any constructive thoughts, help, ideas, info!

[Twowingtj]

That should be a great project. I've seen several fly with gas power and all flew quite well.

Check out ZYHobby for your 3-blade spinner needs.
Looking forward to following your build.

[Aros]

Thanks! I'll look up ZYHobby!

She's a big girl! (Not my photo, I found it online)...

[Aros]

The build is coming along great. My builder sent me these pictures. No hiccups so far...Servos are all installed, motor, ESC...He's coming by today to pick up the 3-blade vario props and hub. Even if he finishes in the next month, I'll likely wait until Spring for the maiden. He's also a fantastic airbrush artist so I will have him weather it accordingly as well.

[Twowingtj]

Very nice!

[Aros]

Thanks! Here's the 24" vario prop...Now THAT'S a prop!

[Twowingtj]

Saweet!

[Aros]

Sooo, I have bought two spinners. This first one (photo below) I don't even recall where I got it from. At any rate, it's clearly not going to work. The flange at the base is too wide and it's too stubby. My hope at this point is on http://www.fighteraces.co.uk/. Phil took a lot of time to work with me. He admitted they don't have any Stuka spinners but he found a spinner that was the closest he could come to, using visual mapping of the real spinner. Turned out being the Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar Spinner. There still was some work to do so the machinist still has it (4 week delivery normally) as he turned up ill mid October. So I have no idea when it will arrive but spending $180 on a spinner, it better look the part!

[Aros]

Gotta love warbirdpilots.com...

[Twowingtj]

Yep, Adam is a great guy to deal with too. He's worked with me for some special project needs.

[Aros]

Yeah Adam is good peeps. I always hated having to cut his pilots off at the waist though as they are such nice quality head-to-toe.

And it sure beats "Goofy" that comes stock out of the box! LOL!! (Why even bother?)

[Aros]

Got the gunner installed...

[Twowingtj]

Now, that's sweet!

It's going to be a nice bent wing bird. And you don't have to worry about the gear not coming down.

[Aros]

Haha, very true! Man I am stoked for this big bird. I always loved the looks and flying characteristics of the Stuka. From the FMS 1400mm to the Phoenix 56" balsa, I've never met a Stuka I didn't love, and indeed no worry of gear not coming down!

[Aros]

Nothing new to report...The builder is enjoying the holiday season. I spoke to him the other day and with no maiden rush until Spring, we are both relaxing and waiting for the next opportunity to go do some flying. Right now it's about 4 inches of snow on the ground with more coming all week. When the snow clears and temps bump up to the 40's or 50's I'll go take some of my other birds for a spin.

There's not a whole lot left to do for the build. Tighten up the wiring/connections, then bench testing. All in due time. Happy holidays thread lurkers and participants!

[davegee]

Nothing new to report...The builder is enjoying the holiday season. I spoke to him the other day and with no maiden rush until Spring, we are both relaxing and waiting for the next opportunity to go do some flying. Right now it's about 4 inches of snow on the ground with more coming all week. When the snow clears and temps bump up to the 40's or 50's I'll go take some of my other birds for a spin.

There's not a whole lot left to do for the build. Tighten up the wiring/connections, then bench testing. All in due time. Happy holidays thread lurkers and participants!

Wow! your Stuka is really coming along well! I can't believe they issue those stock "pilots" with the kit. What a joke! Your "replacements look great!

Merry Christmas and New Year!

Davegee

[Aros]

Thanks Dave! And a Merry Christmas and New Year to you and yours as well!

[Aros]

Well she's just about complete. My builder sent me these photos today. He said all that's left is a couple small detail things he wants to take care of and I should have her within a couple weeks. Super stoked!

[davegee]

That's really looking Super, Aros! Can't wait until you get it in your hands and get to fly it from your home base!

Cheers

Davegee

[Aros]

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. 🤪