6/12/2023 0 Comments Warbirds rcThe optional retractable gear appears solid and strong. I plan on using an EME-70 twin that should fit in with just a bit of openings for the plug caps (Same engine was used by Gator RC on the first model they built). It measures about 9.5" across the inside. The cowl is mounted with a ring and screws to the fuse from inside as far as I can tell (much like the Top Flite FW-190). The firewall looks to be sturdy, and well glued. One mount is provided for a rudder/tailwheel servo that will use pull/pull cables to control both. The cockpit comes out with the hatch, and allows access to the large fuse interior. The fit was also excellent between the stabs and the fuse. This allows them to be removed since the elevator servos are mounted inside and the surfaces would have to be removed to gain access. No directions are provided yet, but it appears that there are clamp screws that hold them on. Stab attaches with two carbon fiber wing tubes. The tubes are very sturdy and should work well. I slid them into the fuse, and the fit of the tubes and the wings to the fuse were excellent. Scale exhaust stacks (A6M5) are aluminum, and will need to be shaped a bit to look correct. Clamshell doors are provided, but not installed. Screws that hold the wings in place are 1/4-20. The wheel pants are very solid and well made. The tank is 800cc (about 27 oz.) and seems to be sturdy. It looks decent, but most likely I'll replace the pushrods with 4-40 stuff. Composite control arms are provided that will be glued in using Hysol (once again, just like a jet kit). Stab and elevator showing the nice scale hinge design. The mounts provided are angled aluminum allowing the servo to mount to the wing, not the hatch (much like most jet kits). You catch a glimpse of the servo hatch here. The hinges are nicely done and work very well. Once again you can see some of the nice panel line work. There's some sort of carbon fiber reinforcement from the root to the mount. There are cutouts where the gun breaches would sit, but no guns provided. I'll have to replace it with something more appropriate. The "molded" control stick is much too fat. You can see the channel that the center section of the canopy fits into. That's not a problem, since I've done many myself and know what works for me.Ī better view of the hatch/canopy. A sliding canopy would be easy to do with the parts given, but I didn't see any rails or hardware. I haven't stuck the glass into the canopy yet to see how it fits. Notice the canopy frame and panel lines, both well done. Here's an overall photo showing the cowl and canopy. I dug into the kit a bit further and took some photos. I have been busy with a Hawker Hunter Jet, but now that it's finished I'll start working on the Zero. I'll try to get some photos posted as I get working on it. It's a nice change from the film covered offerings. Initial look at the glue joints appear solid, and everything is made well. The panel lines are nicely done and should weather up well and add to the scale appearance.Įverything considered I'm very happy with it and like the quality. I'll be looking for a bit of adjustment to the scheme. The decals appear to be fairly accurate, and the paint color doesn't seem too far off to me. It's common to see large one piece wings on ARF's anymore, nice to have something that will be easier to haul around. I haven't fitted them yet, but it has sturdy wing tubes provided. No scale radial engine is supplied, I'm thinking the one for the Top-Flite Zero would work fine ($17) It's nice that the Canopy is framed instead of the usual vacuum formed canopy. The cockpit is included, but it will need some work to look scale. It has a large hatch that is nice, but a bit of adjustment may be needed to make sure it fits perfectly. A cheap wheel is provided, but something better will be found. The tail wheel retract is light and should be Ok. I didn't run them up yet to see how well they work. They're electric actuated, and come with a driver board. The mains appear sturdy and come with aluminum wheels (at 4.5" they're a bit small for a 1:4.6 Zero). Should be able to replace the Chinese hinge points with Robarts (didn't measure them yet). Nice heavy box with very good foam inserts. Shouldn't be any issues with getting it shipped to you without any damage. Don't expect really heavy and sturdy glass though, the fuse is thin enough that you need to watch where you squeeze it.
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