Stephen Fowler

Just in case anyone is interested, I've posted two adverts in the classifieds for my part built new Luna II and as new Multiplex Cockpit tx & Rx You guys gave me some good info when I was looking around for my first mouldie, so thanks for that, but seeing as I still haven't got round to finishing it after all this time, It may as well go to a deserving home. Cheers, Steve

Finally decided and went for a new Luna 2 (second hand one didn't work out). After looking through all the threads and speaking to people that have experience of both, I decided the Luna would be best for me.  Thought I'd post my reasons on here, in case it helps others making the same choice.   I think they are both excellent models for the price, but what made me pick the Luna over the Typhoon, was reported better performance in light conditions, better colour scheme for the models that were in stock (both were orange and black but Luna had a more contrasting white and black under the wing), better crow brakes on the Luna and more room / easier install for the radio gear and servos.  In general it sounds like a better model for the slopes I fly, and a slightly easier first Mouldie.  The Typhoon is meant to be a bit faster, & you can pick your own colours (not sure if you can on the Luna).  You can also get wiring looms etc, wing bags etc - so that may be important for others.  Its also meant to be easier to rig on the slope.  Quality wise, theyre meant to be very similar now the Luna 2 is made by another manufacturer.  Waiting for it to turn up today.  thanks to everyone for their advice  

Found a second hand Luna 2, inc digital servos, for £275.  So I think I'll go for that.    Should be a good start as my first mouldie.  From what Andy says, i think the easier handling at low speed and the good crow brakes would be worthwhile, and I think the overall perormance would still be a good step up or me.   The second hand one i'm getting is meant to be in very good condition, but purchase is on the understanding that its all good when I see it.  Any tips on where to look for damage?   Also can anyone point me in the right direction for recommended throws / setup  

Thanks Andy. £100 difference makes the Luna seem very good value.  Is there much difference in performance between the two or is more a a case of splitting hairs.  I guess either of them would be a good step up from what i'm used to (aileron version of Middle Phase, Weasel etc)  Very tempted by the Luna, but don't  want to regret not spending the extra cash if the Typhoon is worth it.  Cheers Steve  

I'm aiming to get my first mouldie, when funds allow, and these are the two that I have narrowed it down to - so perfect timing with the thread I guess this is the original Luna you have - is there any noticeable difference with the Luna2. I'm after a good all round performer, for a wide range of conditions.  Crow braking must be good aswell as some of the landing areas i use are quite tight and a bit stoney.  Would you say either of them is more durable than the other, in case some of my landings were less than perfect.     

Someone on RCgroups suggests he found the sweet spot to be 2 5/8", so seems to tie up with what you found.  Looks like he tried it as far back as 3" but described it as "interesting".    Think I'll start at 2.5" and then have a play with it on the slope.

Hi Alex, glad to hear its flying well.   Nearly finished covering mine, so won't be long before I can maiden it - can't wait.   You said you had overdone the nose weight, what CG have you settled on.   Also have you set up any spoilerons.    Cheers SteveEdited By Stephen Fowler on 16/11/2009 11:13:15

Nice covering job - well impressed.   Getting closer to the covering stage on mine, first time I've used iron on so hope it goes ok.  I'll be using Profilm aswell.  Bought myself a proper iron so hope that will help.   On the underside, did you put one base colour on first and then overlay patches on top, or did you do it in individual areas with a small overlap.   The black trim looks good - is that stick on trim, or strips of Profilm.   Good luck with your maiden

Hi Alex, hows the build going.   Its the covering part i'm not looking forward to - only used stick on tape before.   Found a good "how to" vid on the solarfilm website http://www.solarfilm.co.uk/home.html   

Hi Alex,   Hows the build going - mines coming along slowly, but nearly at the stage of shaping fuselage.   Have you built your wings totally flat.  Instructions say 1" dihedral uder each wing for "trainer" aileron, or totally flat.  Not sure whether to go totally flat, or half way between the two.   Also, any idea of the amount of nose weight required for correct C of G - just trying to plan ahead and leave a space just behind nose      

Only just started the build for an hour or so last night, so just joined front and rear of sides and glued formers to balsa backing - bit of a way to go yet.  Hopefully get some time this evening if it fits round the usual family stuff.  I'm building it in the shed this time, so I can leave it all lying about and keep sneaking out - so should be quicker than keep clearing up the kitchen table.   For the wing servo wires, I've seen advice about cutting a tunnel with a sharpened tube, or melt it with a thick wire with the last 1/2" heated.  Seems like some people then line the tunnel with thick drinking straws, or brown paper & glue rolled into a straw.   I don't know if all servo connectors are the same, but I know in Hitec servos, the little metal connectors in the black plastic connector block can be taken in & out - that would save cutting / rejoining wires.   I'm itching to get on with it now        

Just joined this forum, so first off hello everyone   Alex, I'm in the same position as you - I've just started a Middle Phase build.  Like you I've not built anything but EPP before, so I've got a bit to learn.  I used to work as a cabinet maker, so the woodwork side should be OK, but doing a good covering job may be more interesting.   Couple of quick questions for you if you don't mind -   Those wing servo boxes in your photo - do they have a box that you glue into the wing to maintain the wing strength.  My local model shop suggested I cut a 50mm hole in the underside of the wing,leaving just the upper surface veneer, then line with thin ply and epoxy, then build a frame to hold servos in place.  Those servo boxes look a lot easier   What are you going to do about joining wings - LMS suggested glass bandage and epoxy to strengthen joint then do a lot of sanding.  On another forum I've seen suggestions to use a couple of 1/16th ply spars set into wings (going about 8" into each wing) instead of the bandage.  The thin bandage in the kit didn't get very good comments.   Hope you don't mind me asking.   Cheers Steve