Carden/Dalton Electric Kits?

[ben_beyer]

I'm sure gas engines are going to remain either way, but we're just saying it would be cool if they scaled them down for a small electric for messing around with. 3D Hobby Shop has some great designs but what if you could have a smaller version of your big gasser?

And electric will beat gas for performance any day. If you want something with even more muscle, pull that old technology out of there and put an electric motor in it.

And I'm not trying to call you out or anything. If you want to keep putting gas engines in your planes, do so by all means. I'm still going to continue to do all my planes 50cc and above in gas for the next few years at least. I may try to do one as electric, but we'll see. The electric motors they have out now though have some great performance.

[why_fly_high]

http://www.stevensaero.com/shop/home.php?cat=15

Have you seen these. I have never tried them but have heard good things. If there was money to be made in this size, more would be doing it.

Dan

[tommy321]

It's about time Stevens Aero got mentioned.

I have his Edge 540:
http://www.stevensaero.com/shop/prod...&cat=32&page=1

and I'm on my second Groove 480:
http://www.stevensaero.com/shop/prod...&cat=32&page=1

They're two of the best flying aircraft I've owned... electric, glow, or gas... period.

Plus... you've never had so much fun building an airplane before, the way they all interlock and jig together. You can build the wing on your lap while drinking beer and still end up with a nice straight wing if you follow the instructions.

Unfortunately, Bill Stevens seems to be focusing on the smaller sized aircraft right now. Oh well... I'm still waiting patiently for his Ultimate Bipe!

Tom

[BreadBowl]

	Quote: Originally Posted by ben_beyer
	I'm thinking of more the shapes and general design. Both Dalton and Carden have unique shapes. I guess I'm thinking of a reversed engineered kit. What if they sent the plans overseas to have the parts cut? Seems like they could get it done cheaper maybe. Anyways, as I stated before this is just an idea. There are no wrong opinions more or less.

So they could be copied and kill their sales? I think not.

I really don't see the need in this, as other companies have that market cornered, in addition to the fact that those two companies will be stepping out of the realm of something they've perfected and created a niche into something that they could potentially lose their ass on. Completely.

I don't mean to throw you under the bus here, Ben, but I don't see the purpose and I think there is a reason why they don't do that.

[ben_beyer]

No worries. The whole purpose of this thread is A) see what if, B) see if there is something I'm missing, and C) to see if there would be a demand.

Like I said in the beginning, this isn't to push companies like Carden and Dalton into making smaller kits for electric power. Furthermore, what would also be some of the logistics involved in doing so. The only real reason why I brought this forward was because it's just been an idea in the back of mind for one and Carden joined business with Horizon to produce a very nice looking 50cc Yak.

So, I thought why not see what other people would think if Dalton or Carden scaled down their kits and redesigned them a little for people to put electric power systems in them.

Unless someone calls me a f***** idiot, I don't see any problems with anyone's opinion here. I'm a graduate student, I'm used to people disagreeing and giving constructive criticism.

[ibange]

I may be a few days late, but damn Jeremy, that 260 just looks awesome! Too bad you never finished it, it would look really cool when done.

[Matchless]

Thanks Ian. I still have the bird. Maybe some rainy day I'll sit down and finish it out......

[Bob S]

I would also suggest Stevens Aero. Bill is a good designer and his kits are awesome. I've had 4 kits from him and love them all. Scott Stoops used to help with some of the design process.

Remember that Carden and Dalton technically don't own the rights to the Extra. But even if they did, you could certainly copy their kit and scale it up or down to suit your personal needs; selling it would be a different story.

[scalefreak]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Matchless
	Thanks Ian. I still have the bird. Maybe some rainy day I'll sit down and finish it out......

How bout' designing some more profiles...

That Extra looks good, J...but I doubt it flies as good as my Chinn Yak. I've been through 2 already and can't wait for EF to get more in. Like a MoJo, It's an airplane that I will not be without. I'll rebuild my carcasses over the winter.

[Dave_ORCC]

Ben,

Quick answer to your poll....... YES!! You say a company "like" Carden or Dalton and I can certainly appreciate your desire for a mini Carden or Dalton as they certainly do have a certain "look" to them.

That said, if your desire is to build a great flying kit in the 50" span then you really have to do yourself a favour and check out the Stevens Aero Edge. I know it's been mentioned already but, it really is that good. Tommy321 and I bought ours at the same time. Actually pre-production kits that didn't even include the instruction manual because he was still editing it at the time. The build is too fun. You'll prolly spend the whole time giggling as you build it. The interlocking parts-fit is spectacular and the gear required isn't exotic so it won't break the bank to put it together.

How's it fly? Fan-F'n-Tastic!! I've got about 300 flights on mine, and it's still going strong. Without exception, everyone who's seen it fly always comes up and asks questions and comments on it performance. My plane has also been a bit of a wh**re, the Tx has been handed around at IMAC contests and, again, without exception the pilots have been very impressed.

Here's a pic of our Edges "in the bones"

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attac...hmentid=608398

And here's one of mine in the air

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attac...hmentid=759714

I guess this sounds like a commercial for Stevens Aero and I apologize if it does. I don't work for SA nor am I sponsored by them. I just like his kits that much. That said, Bill if you're reading this, I'd be happy to send you my resume

Climbing off my soapbox now,
Cheers,
Dave

[rcpilot82]

OK, here is my opinion, as said before I dont think offering plans would really bring in any cash. now if they make a short kit, that would be cool but not much cash again , a whole kit would be bad ass.I would definatly be intrested in any form. I don't know if carden or dalton have cnc lazers, or routers....but if they do, It wouldn't be hard to write the program,nest it into big sheets, and hit cycle start (Yes I do CAD/CAM). I figure most of the structure would be sticks anyway. Heck I'll have my router done by the end of the year, I built it for the main purpose of kitting and foamies!! I don't think it would be cost effective to ship just parts overseas, but I don't know. just my $.02