E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 | |
Wingspan: | 78 in |
Length: | 63 in |
Wing Area: | 1073 sq in |
Weight: | 12 lb |
Wing Loading: | 25.76 oz/sq ft |
Radio: | Minimum 6 Channel (PNP) |
Servos: | 6 - 25 gm MG Servos 1 - 16 gm MG Servo |
Battery: | 22.2V 5000mAh 30C 6S LiPo |
Motor: | E-flite 60 Outrunner - 500 kV |
ESC: | 70 Amp |
Prop: | 14.75x10 2-Blade |
Receiver: | Spektrum AR636 AS3X (BNF) |
Transmitter: | Spektrum Dx18 G2 |
Manufacturer: | E-flite |
Available From: | Horizon Hobby through your local hobby shop |
Street Price: | $569.99 |
The North American T-28 Trojan has always held a special place in my heart. I know it may sound like heresy, but it's even my favorite Warbird (apologies to Mustang lovers). As you can see from my Blog, I've been flying and modifying Horizon T-28's for a while now, but I've always wanted a larger, more scale style version. I have a large shop, a pickup truck, and even an enclosed utility trailer, so building space and transportation were not much of an issue. It boiled down to the building time and total expense of building a giant scale model that kept me from flying the plane of my dreams. The cost of a typical Ply and Balsa Warbird ARF seemed reasonable enough at about $400, but when you added in the motor, ESC, retracts, and servos, the price quickly soared close to $1000. My heart and my pocketbook had been at an impasse for some time, and it looked like my dream of a larger T-28 was going to stay a dream for a long time.
Well, I'd pretty much given up and moved on when I saw the Horizon announcement of the new Carbon-Z T-28. Initially I was a little put off by the fact that it was a foamy, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted one. The price was certainly a bargain compared to other large ARFs, and the scale looks were stunning.
It took a while, but things finally worked out and the UPS driver just left a HUGE box on my doorstep. I can't wait to get it open and get started on my BIG T-28.
For this review, Horizon Hobby supplied an E-flite 5000 mAh 30C Lipo battery.
The 20-page illustrated Instruction Manual is very good. There are numerous line drawings and detailed assembly instructions for each step. There was a 1-page addendum that detailed the installation of the motor and the propeller/spinner assembly. The Manual is well written for intermediate ARF builders. The entire assembly process consists of installing 12 bolts, 3 screws, and plugging in two servo extensions - 1 hour assembly tops. However, as good as the E-flite manual was, there were still a few hints I'd like to add to help with the building process.
The assembly process began with the fuselage. First step was to mount the vertical stab and rudder assembly to the fuselage. The rudder and elevator servos plugged into servo extensions at the base of the rudder housing in the fuselage. It was a tight fit for my fat fingers as I made sure the wire colors matched, and the connectors were carefully tucked in the bottom of the housing before I bolted the rudder in place. The long assembly bolt was installed in the front.
Next up was the horizontal stabs and elevators. The stabs are designed to be removable for transport or storage and they are mounted on a black joiner tube. I found that the recess in the stab was deeper than half the length of the joiner tube and the tube could easily be installed off center and deeper in one stab than in the other. To make sure the joiner was properly centered, I put a small piece of tape 9" from one end of the tube and inserted the tube into one stab all the way up to that tape. I then put a small drop of CA on the tube to hold it in place in that stab half. I knew that the tube was now permanently attached to the stab, but it would not prevent the removal of the stab for storage. While inserting the stabs into the fuselage recess, I found that they were a very tight fit and it took much more force than I anticipated to get the stab to fully seat in the fuselage. Once the halves were fully seated, two small bolts were installed to hold them in place.
The assembly process continued with the wing. Once again I found that joiner pockets were deeper that half the length of the joiner rods, so I carefully marked the center point of each rod. By watching the marks, the rods could be kept centered as the wings were pushed together.
There were two "Y-harnesses" supplied for the wing assembly - one for the ailerons, and one for the flaps. The harness for the gear leads was already connected to the receiver and the ends were secured inside the fuselage. Since I planned to remove the wing for storage after each flying session, I added 3" servo extensions to the receiver for the aileron and the flap connections. These extensions made it much easier to plug and unplug the harnesses.
The last assembly process was the motor/cowl installation. Once the motor was mounted, I plugged the motor leads into the ESC and verified proper motor rotation. Much easier to swap 2 wires and correct the rotation before mounting the cowl and prop than to have to take everything back apart. Don't ask how I figured this one out. Once the motor rotation was correct, the cowl was fitted to the fuselage. The cowl wasn't quite as tight a fit as the horizontal stabs, but it required a bit of force to get it fully seated against the fuselage. I opened up the cowl mounting holes in the fuselage with a 1/16" drill bit because the cowl screws were a tight fit and the Phillips heads were easily stripped out. Last up was the prop. I checked the balance before I installed the prop. Mine was off a bit, but was easily brought back to balance with some careful sanding. Using the instructions printed on the addendum, the prop and spinner were installed. I also verified that the printing on the prop faced forward before I tightened the prop nut.
The E-flite Carbon-Z BNF Basic T-28 came with a Spektrum AR636 Sport Receiver with AS3X stabilization technology. The receiver was programmed with stabilization parameters specifically tuned for the T-28 airframe. This receiver should contribute to smooth flight characteristics for the plane. Page 3 of the Instruction Manual detailed the transmitter settings and surface travel amounts for high and low rates.
The completed Carbon-Z T-28 weighed exactly 11 lbs 12 oz with the flight battery, RTF. The plane balanced slightly aft of the recommended CG with the battery positioned all the way forward on the battery tray.
With the supplied 14.75x10 prop, the E-flite 60 motor pulled a hefty 68.35 Amps and indicated 1545.3 Watts static power at WOT. This power level calculated out to a nice 131.5 Watts per pound. That is definitely Sport Flyer power territory. I can't wait to get this T-28 in the air.
The E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 should fly like a T-28 - gentle and stable with wonderful landings. Let's see how this Carbon-Z version does.
The E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 has flaps and tricycle gear. Takeoffs should be pretty easy. With the flaps up or with partial flaps and an easy throttle stroke, I could easily stretch out the takeoff run and make it look very scale. With full flaps and full throttle, the T-28 jumped into the air. The widely spaced mains and the tricycle gear insured arrow-straight takeoffs even with a cross wind.
Stunning landings have always been the strong suit of the T-28 design. The Carbon-Z T-28 continues that legacy. This T-28 easily landed without flaps, but the rollout took up a lot of runway. Partial flaps slowed down the landing speed and shortened up the rollout, but full flap landings were the most impressive. It did take me a couple of tries to get the throttle just right for that feather light touchdown, but once set, soft full flap landings were the norm.
The Carbon-Z T-28 looks very scale at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. The scale-like speed of the retracts really adds to the experience. The AS3X receiver keeps things rock solid and really locks the plane in space while you make scale speed passes over the runway. Lower the speed and drop the flaps for spectacular low level passes over the grass. Keep the flaps down and lower the gear, and fly even slower. I couldn't ask for a sweeter flying giant scale-like plane than this T-28.
Yes, the T-28 can fly aerobatic maneuvers as good as any sport plane. Loops, rolls, spins, and inverted flight are all easily performed. Stall turns and Cuban Eights look pattern perfect. Knife edge flight hangs in there with just a hint of a tuck to the gear. Non- scale high speed passes are pretty spectacular too. As much fun as it was to sport fly the T-28, I think I actually prefer flying low and slow and more scale-like.
Nope! As easy as the T-28 flies, it has no self-righting characteristics. However, the T-28 is the perfect 1st large scale plane. The airframe is large enough to teach proper perspective and flight practices in preparation for moving up to larger and faster Warbirds.
Jesse Webb was in command of the Nikon while I was having all the fun on the Dx18. Here are some pictures from the first flights of the E-flite T-28.
Jesse Webb was in charge of the Camcorder as I put the T-28 through it's paces.
E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 BNF Basic - RCGroups Reveiw (6 min 43 sec) |
This is one great flying plane. The E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 flies just like a T-28! It may be big as a barn, but it flies as light and easy as a parkflyer. This T-28 has to be the best big plane bang-for-your-buck out there today. This 78" scale type model won't break the bank but it will sure turn heads at your flying field. The AS3X BNF Basic version is rock solid in the air and it lands like a feather with those great big flaps. Some field assembly may be needed if you drive anything smaller than a full-size pickup, but that assembly only consists of few bolts and it's fast and easy.
I'd like to thank Horizon Hobby and E-flite for providing the Carbon-Z T-28 for this review. Thanks to Jesse Webb for helping with the photos and video.
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Great write up Matt! Nice to see you share my affinity for the T-28. Next step is a scale cockpit interior and an FPV setup with head tracking... You know you wanna do it!
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Three of 'em!
I've put together three of these for customers at the hobby shop. While I think it flies impressively, it's still a big foam electric bird with a short lifespan due to its tender foam nature. Wonder what some light resin and 1/4 ounce glass cloth over this thing and maybe a .91 or 100 Saito would do for it. ( A nice Vietnam era paint scheme would make it look good too.)
WT |
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The HEART OF TEXAS MINIATURE AIRCRAFT CLUB held it's annual Big Bird Event last weekend in Waco, Texas. The Club decided to waive it's 80" minimum wingspan requirement, only for the Horizon Carbon-Z T-28. There were two flying in formation as five more waited in the pits. This club has gone Carbon-Z crazy! I think I know why.
McD |
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Lancaster , PA
Joined Dec 2007
3,844 Posts
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Mine is close to a year old now, I got it right after it came out. Other than some early issues with the gear failing it has been a fun plane. Three things I suggest doing are:
1 - Put a MAS 16x8x3 prop on it. Makes a world of difference. I've been flying mine with the stock motor and esc for months now. No issues and great performance. 2 - Use some strapping tape both across and along the flap hing line on the bottom of the wing. Both mine began to tear. This is an easy fix. 3 - Use a separate battery for the radio. The built in BEC in the ESC is a known weak spot in the electronics. Personally I never use a BEC on anything above a simple 3S foamy. One other thing I do that seems to help with the gear issue is this: Always make sure the transmitter gear switch is set to whatever position the gear is in on the plane when you turn it on. If you do not do this the gear will make a small movement which I believe over the longer term allows the microswitch to start missing being fully engaged, and then the gear burns out. I'm flying mine with a Futaba radio and a R6014 RX. No gyro needed. Flies great. Doing this I could also set up the radio so the node gear steering is on its own channel and I shut it off when retracted. Saves wear and tear on that little servo. Also, get these to eliminate the wire rats nest: http://www.electrodynam.com/store/102.shtml |
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If you treat her right there is no reason this is a disposable airplane or a plane that will get torn up easily. I have many foamies over 2 years old |
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I just pushed it live for him. |
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Muncy,pa
Joined Oct 2006
139 Posts
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I've seen two of these fly and they look really good. One guy went too low into the corn and it got struck by mother earth. Broke the motor off and some big chunks off the wing. A new cowl, prop, and white gorilla glue for the foam chunks and this thing looks good and is flying again.
Not too bad for a foamy. Thinking they could bring out a T-34 for a different look and it would fly well too. |
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United States, TX, Kilgore
Joined Aug 2011
297 Posts
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I've been flying this in front of my house. Despite it's size the flaps really allow me to drop it in on a short strip of the road. We live in a neighborhood with large lots (>1.0 acre). I've made sure the neighbors don't mind and the lots closest to our house are unoccupied...it sure is fun to fly something this big without going to the field.
Great airplane. |
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Thanks for the kudos Adam. Matt's work is top notch, so I was really flattered that you thought it was his review.
sirzepp, I know the Z-28 slows down, but that's impressive to be able to fly it in front of your house. Too many trees and houses in my neighborhood. I'm very blessed to have our club field less than a mile from my house, so anytime I get an itch, I can pack up and be flying in less than 10 minutes. McD |
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