Your Suggestions Please for 3D and Precision First Gas Plane Setup

[Capt Dave]

I am ready to go gas 3D and precision aerobatics. I am leaning toward the H9 Extra 260 27% with DA50, ZDZ, or BME. What is typical value/cost for used package like that? Cost and intervals for engine overhauls or part replacements? I note that gallons through an engine are often referenced.

What else should I consider for plane and engine? What servo, radio, and power components whould YOU suggest for an intermediate glow pilot going to larger gas aerobat?

Though I live in Portland, OR area, I also want great hover and vertical pullout performance in Denver, should I move to high country.

Thanks for your specific input!

[R/CAV8r]

30% BME YAk 54, BME 50, BME 22x8, Smart-Fly pwr expander, TME Smoke,
Hitec 5595TG's, 5945MG's, JR 790 recv'r ...

[airriley]

The BME Yak is a good flying plane. My advice would be to stay away from the H9 260 if you are going to go with a 50cc.One key element you want to look for is a plane with 1350 or more square inches of wing area. Of course the lighter the better, but don't go on manufacturers claims alone, check in here with people that have the particular plane your'e intereseted in. As for a used price your best resouce would be the swap shop here and on other forums. Some manufacturers worth looking into are WildHare, AirWild, Aeroworks, Aerotech, Aviation Models and some more. Two good web-sites with many options from different manufacturers are www.chiefaircraft.com and www.troybuiltmodels.com.
Good luck

[twostroke]

For a 50 cc gas ARF, I would suggest the new 86" QQ Yak. These planes ( as far as an ARF goes) are of top quality and are awesome in all aspects - 3D or precision flight. This airframe will do it all. It is also very steady and stable for relaxed flight if you are a first time gas pilot.



I would run either JR of Futaba electronics - at least 9 channel radio and PCM receiver with either JR or Hi-Tech high strength digital servos. I would run Dura-Lite or Fromeco battery systems. DA or 3W engine. I would not mess with smoke or cannister mufflers when just starting out.

As far as maintenance, there isn't much to do on the engine after breakin except keeping things clean and storing in a dry environment. Break in varies but I would say on average of 5 to 8 gallons of fuel. Break in on standard ashless 2 Cycle oil, then switch to synthetic 2 cycle oil after break in. Mix oil heavier for break in then less after but you would go by engine manufacture specs on that.

As far as engine life, every gas engine I have owned has always outlived the air frame they were on and I am still using the original engines I first bought. They will last a long time with proper jetting, mixing of oil, and use.

A used set up as I have described above (minus the TX and RX) I have seen go for as little as $1200 to $2600. Just depends on age, usage, shape its in etc.



I would have to agree with airriley, I would stay away from any Hanger 9 gas sized ARFS. I have not seen very good results with durability and longevity in their ARFS. THey fly okay, but have not proven to me to stay together well over the long term. JMO.

In your question about should an intermediate glow pilot step up to gas, all I can say is once you go gas, you'll never go back and it is also true - bigger is better. Gas is cheaper than glow fuel as well.



Hope this helps.

Here is the link to the site:

http://www.somenzini.com/html/aircraft/yak86.html

When you decide on a project, please post and let us know how it is going!

Good luck!

[toprudder]

The H9 Extra 260 was my first gasser, with an Evolution 45GX engine, Bisson wraparound Pitts muffler. I built this for getting started in IMAC, so I was not interested in 3D at all, I went with 1/2 the recommended throws for my high rates. I used JR 4721 servos on rudder and ailerons, and 4000s on the elevators. (These were old NIB servos I already had). These were adequate for what I wanted to do. I did not do anything fancy with the battery system, just a 1800 mah 5 cell Nicad for radio, 1000 mah 4 cell for ignition.

If I had it to do over again, I would go with a DA50 and anything but the H9 Extra. The Extra does not fly too bad, there are just other better flying planes. Something like the Aviation Models Yak, or Aeroworks, or the QQ Yak. More cost, but they appear to fly better. The problem I see with the H9 Extra is that it is the wrong size. Wing loading is a bit high, or at least it flies that way. Tip stalls easily on landing approach. BTW, mine weighs 13lbs 10oz. Also, I think the force arrangement could be better, particularly by lowering the thrust line slightly. It also has a small amount of roll coupling with rudder.

My Evolution engine had problems to begin with, ending with a broken ring. Horizon fixed it under warranty, and I am still breaking in the engine (all new cylinder, pistion, ring, etc). It seems to be running better every time I fly it (about 3 gallons since repair) but I don't think it will ever have the power of a DA50. I reserve the right to change my opinion about the engine, though.

[Ion01]

twostroke-I two and wanting to get into gas soon and check out the link. That yak looks perfect for me and what I want. Do you know how much the price will be? Also, is there any possibility they will have some before late february?

[Ion01]

I was also looking at possibly the wildhare 28% extra 260. I will probably have the money I need to get it december/january but I think I like the yak better so I might wait for that.

[Neogenesis]

I'm just going to throw this out since no one else has. Have you looked into a used 33% plane? They can be had for less than what a new 30%er will run ya. I just sold my 33% H9 Suk with all high end stuff for the equivelant of about $1600-$1700...I actually traded it......only thing that was needed was a reciever. If you shop carefully...there are some real deals to be had.

I know I went the 50cc route and wish I haden't. Given I haven't flown that many of the smaller gassers, but the difference in handleing between a 30% and a 33% plane are amazing.


Neo

[Ion01]

I would love to get one that big but I wouldn't be able to fit it in my car and I can't afford a trailer and wouldn't have anything to pull it.
Thanks for bringing it up. Maybe it will help someone else.

[youngflyer]

although i have never owned the 260 of the da, i think that its not a good first gasser. the wingloading is a little to high for 3d. i have a planes plus 50 cc extra turn key for 1400. take a look and see if you like it, its listed on rcu and fg. btw your looking at anywhere from 1300-2000 for a 50 cc gasser depending on your equipment!

[Capt Dave]

I appreciate your ideas, experiences, and observations... especially on wing loading and H9 durability. I will keep you posted on my quest.

Keep that great detailed feedback coming!