SA Edge 540

[Bobbydog]

Hello everyone,

I recieved my SA Edge 540 a few nights ago and have got maybe half of it built already. Someone today asked me to post a few pictures of the process so here they come...

Bob

[Bat Fastard]

Where R the pics?

[Bobbydog]

The kit came in a plastic bag nicely packed in a box. I'm sure the package spent more than a week in transport all the way here to Vancouver Island so I was happy to see it in good condition. The kit comes with all the hardware needed and a bunch of carbon fiber.

The first night I started building the tail feathers. So easy to put together it was scarey. All the pieces popped together like a puzzle. There is literally no way to screw it up. After its all together you CA it up and then add the carbon fiber reinforcing strapping around the outside edge. The horizontal stab has a preslotted spot along the leading edge to slip a carbon strap into. Really cool. Total build time was maybe two hours.

After the tail feathers were done, I spent some time with the wife untill she went to bed. Then I started on the fuselage! Its basically a very simple process similar to building one of those 3D puzzles. Adding the front deck and turtle deck were a little tricky, I used some windex on the tight balsa bends and got er done. Certainly not hard, just a little tricky.

Here are the pictures of the tail from the first night. Notice the carbon along the outside edge.

[Bobbydog]

And here are some pics of the fuselage.. Notice the cool battery hatch on the bottom. Its secured with some small magnets. I havent had a chance to sand off the small amount of balsa filler I added.

[Bobbydog]

The second night I finished up the fuselage and then built the motor mount structure. Again very easy, everything tabs together and there is no way to get it out of square. The laser cut parts are simple to pop out of the sheet, the "tabs" that hold the pieces in are really small and are located in spots that dont require you to sand them off. Although I do just becuase thats how I am.

I bought a E-flight Power 10 for this plane. Capable of 375 watts they say with a 3S1P lipo. What does everyone think of that for power?

[sun.flyer]

Awesome plane!! I had one last year that had almost 100 flights on it. It has since been sold but is still flying. Great light weight design by one of the best kit manufactures. Enjoy the build, it is will definately go quick and you will enjoy the flying qualities as well. Thanks for posting. Here is a picture of my former SA Edge 540. Great review can be found here.

Tim

[Bobbydog]

The third night I started on the wings. Stevens Aero has coined the term "D-loc" construction I think it is. The manual is very clear and well put together, it tells you to put almost the whole wing together before using any CA. The ribs have temperary (is that spelled right?) square tabs on them so you can build the wing on laying on your work table. (aka kitchen table ) After its all glued up you cut the square tabs off. The only thing I found difficult on this was sanding the leading edge round, but this is no different than any other kit I'm sure. There is quite a bit of work to do for each wing half so I only got one half done a night.

[Bobbydog]

I finished up the second wing tonight. Here are a few pics of the two of them. They use a carbon fiber wing tube and small knurled head bolts to hold them on. I've heard people complain about trying to get your fingers in to do up the bolts. I have a secret 7 year old weapon with small hands to help me. I'll be starting on the ailerons later tonight so I'll post some more pics tomorrow.

If anyone has some pointers for me or anything else to add feel free.

Bob

[Bobbydog]

Very cool review Sun Flyer, and thats a sweet paint scheme also. I've already bought pearl red, blue, and white for mine. I'm still not exactly sure how I'm going to cover it. I'll add another magnet to the botom battery hatch. Thanks for the tip.

Bob

[Jaybird]

That is a great looking kit!! A little pricy though and these electrics usually only last 2 or three months with me!!

[sun.flyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Jaybird
	That is a great looking kit!! A little pricy though and these electrics usually only last 2 or three months with me!!

Wow, for someone who can kick the rudder of a 33% Hangar 9 Edge 540 while in a low hover surely a plane like this could last longer then that.

Tim

[Highlights]

Looks good. Those SA kits are really top notch flyers when completed. A buddy of mine was out today with an edge of the same size. Weight is much higher though. It is an Ebay special. He is pumping nearly 700 watts through the thing. I was suprised at how impressive this BIG little plane flew. Yours should be a blast.
Got that runway sorted out for this plane yet?