Steve Colman

Thanks for the tips Shaun.

Shaun, I think you might be right re the smaller motor. I did a test fit with a 28mm dia motor and it was tight even without the triangular cross section pieces in place. I'm really impressed how these modern kits go tegether. As well as the front of the fuselage to check the motor fit I dry assembled the tailplane and fin/rudder and all the parts slotted together more or less perfectly. I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy this.

Shaun, I have 3 motors available. Two very similar at 28mm dia, one Kv1100 at 40g, the other Kv1000 at 47g. Both would provide sufficient power on 3S with a 9x5 prop for example. I plan to do a dry run later today in order to evaluate the available space. If these turn out to be too much of a tight fit I have a little Mpx 2316/1400Kv at 43g with a dia of 23mm with a reported output of 120w which again should be enough for my use. Failing all of the above, then unfortunately a rethink will be in order and more outlay which I want to avoid if possible.

Electric MattyB

I haven't built from a kit in over 30 years, mostly ARTF's and foamies, but now time's are a changing with this new project. I will try to take some pics along the way but be advised it won't be a fast build.

David, I think they're called "torque rod control horns".

This is something of a longshot I guess but I'll try anyway. I need a complete tailplane assembly for a Phoenix Models Tucano (PH158) Mk2 GP/EP as shown in the pic.

Gorgeous looking model.

This is how I understand it to be Frank. I have a friend who works in the industry who has travelled on business to China to develop model related things. He told me that they will manufacture products to the spec required by the customer, although reaching said customer spec is not always easy for them as they don't see "quality" in the same as we do in the west. With specific regard to lipos I gather it's a question of selecting and matching the individual cells that make up a lipo more stringently along with a few other tweeks in production.

A big "thank you" for your responses to my thread "Lightening the load" in which you bestowed your collective knowledge regarding RES gliders. I have decided to get the Kavan Resco kit as shown in the pic. It may not be the best performer out there but from the few building and flying reports I've read it seems to be a decent flying machine that will serve my requirements well enough. Additionally, it's well priced and I get a little discount and free shipping too. Thanks guys. Steve.

Too much procrastinating on my part is leading to madness! I have found a 2m RES glider with motor option. It may not be the best available but it would be fine for me and it's available from an outlet in Europe in which a friend of mine works so might even get a couple of Euros discount. But there's a problem, a big problem! After recently maidening my Topmodel CZ Marabu all the hassle of setting up the 4 servo wing has been forgotten and I'm thoroughly enjoying the flying experience which leads to the problem. Typically, I'm now reassessing my original plan and once again find myself thinking about the Topmodel CZ Astra. (or similar) I'm sure I will love the RES experience, I still have a Graupner Elektro UHU that I fly occasionally and it's so relaxing. Any hints how I can overcome my problem would be very welcome. In a perfect world getting both would be the perfect solution but that's simply not an option at the moment so, it has to be one or the other.

The lipo batteries from HK are not so cheap now either.

Maidened my Topmodel CZ Marabu in perfect conditions this morning. Needs a few more trimming flights but I'm very pleased with its performance.

Topmodel CZ Marabu basking in the afternoon sun at the club. Only took me 4 years to complete ? The maiden a possibility for tomorrow all being well.

Jonathan, I don't want to go full house, I want something simpler to set up and fly hence looking at the RES models. The 2.5m - 3m models I've been looking at are the Hollein Introduction at 2.86m and the PicaRES Longears at 2.5m. However, I can see the sense of the more compact 2m models which would also fit my original idea.

Hi Earlybird, After converting the prices from Hyperflight into euros they are between 15% and 20% more expensive than sellers in mainland europe and I'd also have to pay import taxes on top. Therefore, much better value for me to buy from over here. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Hyperflight if I was in the UK however as I've only ever heard brilliant things about the service that Neil offers.

Thanks very much for your reply Jonathan. I checked out your friends video, and although I had seen it before in my research viewing, it's one that demonstrates the capabilities of these models very well and just the sort of flying I would love to do. If I were to get one of these I'm drawn towards adding a small motor. My thoughts now are; should I go for a 2m model or something a little larger (2.5 - 3m)? I can see pros and cons of either. I check Hyperflight regularly, although living in Spain means additional costs thanks to Brexit so I'll most likely buy from somewhere in mainland europe. Thanks for the "fxres" website link. Despite not living in blighty there's lots of useful and interesting to digest. Thanks again. Steve.

I use these.

My go to powered glider for everyday flying has been my Mpx Solius which is certainly one of the best all round general purpose models available in its class.However, I have always thought about getting something of a similar size but lighter and floatier for those wonderful calm summer evenings. The model I have been thinking about for this task has been the Topmodel CZ Astra; a very elegant model with virtually identical wingspan but weighing in at around half the weight of the Solius. However, having just completed a Topmodel CZ Marabu I've found the mounting (accurately) of the 4 wing servos and related bits and pieces is not something I wish to repeat again soon so I've started to look elsewhere for something simpler.This has led me to investigating motor equipped 2m RES models and find the idea quite appealing as it would provide a model which fits with my desire to have a lighter and floatier Solius sized model but with the simplicity of just rudder/elevator control + spoiler, against full house with ailerons + flaps. I would be interested to hear from anyone who flies both full house and RES type models and how they find the differences between flying both types. Do you prefer flying one type over the other and why for example? Also, should I go for a 2m model or something a little larger like 2.5m as there doesn't seem a great difference in price at the basic level at which I'll be looking. Whichever way the model is primarily for fun use with perhaps an occasional informal interclub competition thrown in. I welcome all wise words, help and advice from those more in the know than myself. Thanks.

Durafly Tundra wheels from Hobby KIng would be another option.

I'm more or less in the same boat a little further south in Spain. Customs/tax charges at both ends from anything sent from the UK which makes even the smallest items a non viable option. I now source all my stuff from outlets across mainland europe including Hobbyking, Lindinger, Aerobertics, etc.

Maiden of a large scale Starfighter at the club field this morning. Unfortunately I wasn't there to witness the event in person and the video is comprised of short clips taken from wattsapp, hence the poor quality. I hope to do a proper video as the opportunuties arise as the season progresses.

I'm not jealous of your workshop Peter. Honest I'm not.

MattyB, I am looking at 1.5m and 2m models also: but the little one seems quite appealing for some reason. The sale of the Helios (and any other model I can sell) will have to fund a large percentage of any new project and will go some way towards my final decision. I've been trying to persuade a friend to sell me his Supra which he hasn't flown in two years for which I have the cash put away in a safe place just in case.

Frank, if I do buy it I will do a build thread if I can.