Suggestions for an easy-to-build electric model to serve as a second model for my partner.

[David Davis]

My partner and I have built a Super 60. We are just waiting for the Covid restrictions to be relaxed enough for her to come and see me here in central France so that we can go and fly it. She's a natural on the simulator!

 

She wants to build a second model. I have an unstarted WOT 4 and a DB Sport & Scale Skyrider waiting for their turns on the bench but I feel that both of these models would be better with an i/c engine and for practical purposes an electric powered model would be preferable.

 

So I am looking for suggestions for a kit or plan of a four channel model which would be easy to build, which will fly well enough as a second model/advanced trainer and which will accomodate electric power, about five feet, (1.5 metres) wingspan.

 

I suppose I could shove an electric motor onto the nose of the Skyrider but...

[Ron Gray]

Why not the Wot 4 DD? I’ve got one (kit) which runs on a 4s and is a great model.

Edited March 9, 2021 by Ron Gray

[David Davis]

57 minutes ago, Ron Gray said:

Why not the Wot 4 DD? I’ve got one (kit) which runs on a 4s and is a great model.

Do you have to take the wings off to replace the battery?

 

[Ron Gray]

No, it goes in through a front hatch. 
 

Chris Foss has got some electric conversion drawings http://www.chrisfoss.co.uk/electric-conversions/4538948936

 

but I didn’t do mine like that, mine goes in through the top, in front of the wing.

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Ron Gray

[kc]

The Chris Foss website shows a method of inserting the Lipo from underneath on a Wot4.   Check out the similar idea for the Uno Wot which is slightly different.   The idea could also be used on many other models.  Basically a ply plate to take the Lipo with a tongue ( tenon ) which fits into a slot ( mortice ) in the engine bulkhead which allows the  Lipo to go right up inside the model and is retained by a wing bolt.

[Andy48]

How about a Seagull E-Pioneer? Easy to build, you can replace wings, fuselage etc in case of accidents, and designed for electric.

[Zflyer]

I am not a practised builder. Am dabbling and trying to acquire and adjust skills. The below is my Wot 4 Uno trainer which I converted 5 years ago. No consideration of c of g etc just made sure the pro cleared the front. I know there will be lots of raised eyebrows but hey ho !

In any event it flies beautifully and I did my A test with it. So as a plane for your partner yes it would be good, mine enjoys it.

 

[Ron Gray]

@David Davisthis is the battery compartment  in my Wot4

 

 

[David Davis]

2 minutes ago, Zflyer said:

I am not a practised builder. Am dabbling and trying to acquire and adjust skills. The below is my Wot 4 Uno trainer which I converted 5 years ago. No consideration of c of g etc just made sure the pro cleared the front. I know there will be lots of raised eyebrows but hey ho !

In any event it flies beautifully and I did my A test with it. So as a plane for your partner yes it would be good, mine enjoys it.

 

 

Yes I used to have a Uno Wot. Regret selling it now.

 

[David Davis]

2 minutes ago, Ron Gray said:

@David Davisthis is the battery compartment  in my Wot4

 

Thanks  Ron. I'll give it some thought.

2 minutes ago, Ron Gray said:

 

 

[Zflyer]

Thanks Ron I forgot about the battery !!!!

 

[Ron Gray]

Very similar!

 

My WOT4 is powered by a 4250 Kv550 motor (from an FMS Olympus) which means that not only is it overpowered, the C of G means that the battery has to slide quite a way back (the front of the battery is behind the bulkhead). So I made a battery tray with a box at the end so that the battery locates in that and to stop it moving forwards there is a block of foam which fills the area under the hatch, with a suitable cut out for air to pass through.

[Geoff S]

Is yours the ARTF Wot4, like mine?  My battery is a bit too far forward and IIRC I've put some tyre balance weights  on the tail plane (it's a while since I've seen, let alone flown it!)  It flies OK with without

 

 

 

This is it complete.  Pretty boring really but a great flyer and I agree might well suit David's  partner's needs.

 

 

The big advantage from an electric flyer's POV is that the hatch is already part of the kit.  Not sure if they're available, though.  There seems to be a shortage.

 

Geoff

[Dave S.]

I had a couple of ARTF Wot 4s flying under electric power (4250/4S) but one is currently stored in the loft with no radio or power, and the other is ready to go with an OS 55AX. I've sold/swapped/otherwise disposed of most my electric power stuff now. I tried it about 20 years ago and wasn't impressed, it is a lot better these days, but I have flown glow for so long that all that cleanliness and silence just feels wrong!

[Keith Berriman]

Just as an option  how about the Shindig Electric Sports Model Ref: SK015

 

All wood parts supplied just needs the covering 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Keith Berriman

[kevin b]

How about the sky 40 By T.N.

Slec have it available, or you could build from the plan and RCM&E build article (I have a copy if you need it).

Building the tapered wing would be good experience and not very difficult.

[Redex]

The E-Pioneer is a good starter model which I still have - lots of info in the forum and also there have been some build articles in RCME too.