3W "KIT" build - 40% Extra 300

[IFLYRC]

So .. not too many 3W guys here.

Oh well, here goes my build. I like to do my own color schemes.. so decided to build from a level 1 3W kit. Aircraft International provided the LARGE box about 4 years ago. I finally got started last year at Christmas... My job just keeps me too busy these days !

Got back to it this last holiday season - well, because I am disgusted with myself for not getting this plane in the air. I have been "distracted" with some scale builds.. but really like to do aerobatics.. am a big fan of full size aerobatic aircraft.

I like the Extra 300 and have had a few 33% planes.. but decided to go to 40% this time.. after all, size does matter, right ?? [ grin ]. Picked the 3W normal kit due to the overall strength.. I have bent up my 40% Laser... Everyone I talked to said this 3W plane is pretty much industructable in the air. Well, we'll see ! I tend to fly them a bit too hard. Time will tell !

My basic build plan- I build a plane to "last" 1000 flights.. and I have had 2 planes reach the 1000 mark..... You will see some extra weight added for strength... I don't care too much. I have flown this plane at 38 lbs and 43 lbs. [ thanks to freinds ]. I really didn't notice much difference. I am not a skilled 3D pilot yet.. but a great "Hot Dog" flyer and some precision stuff.... now onto the equipment.

[Neil4]

Looks good! i seriously considered the 35% Level Extra from 3W but opted to go with the Dalton instead because of cost and since I have only heard good things about Dalton.

Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing the project develop,

Neil

[IFLYRC]

Equipment:

Futaba 9 C radio - PCM

2 149DP recievers - Plan to split plane in 2 as many others have done

I 4C Isolator [ 2 ]
JR 8611a servos on elev and aiel [ 2 each ]
Futaba 5301 - 1/4 scale servos on rudder [ 2 - in SWB tray ]
JR Match Boxs [ 4 ]
Duralite batteries [ 2 ] - RX 5 volt
Duralite Batteries [ 2] - Servos 6 volt
Duralite regulators [ 4 ]
Electro Dynamics 4 pole switchs [ 4 ]

I will make all my own extensions to min. connectors from shielded, 22 ga 3 strand wire. All extensions will plug into the Matchboxs.

I have lost 2 very pricey planes with fancy powersaver setups... - that's why no fancy power management electronics. I am trying to keep it sort of basic and simple on the radio setup.

[IFLYRC]

OK - here is the beginning of work - engine mounting "dome"... funny, nice kit, no real instructions . . but no big deal.. line it up, strart adding mounting points. Mount the ignition module to the top of the dome.....

Oh, forgot to mention the engine, huh ? 3W TOC 150 from Aircraft International.. with Pefa cannisters

[IFLYRC]

Next : Mount the cowl.. and begin to look at the baffle setup. Start to rough it in. Mounting cowl with about 25 servo mounting screws around cowl perimeter....

Then find out carb is going to poke through front of cowl.. dam. Oh well, cut a hole.. proceed. Will address that later I guess

[high alpha]

Looking good!You are going to have to turn the ignition upside down and cut a hole in the top of the dome to recess it.The way it is now it will rub on the top of the cowl.You will also gain extra cooling for the ignition wich in my opinion is needed.Just food for though,hope this helps

Trent

[IFLYRC]

Next - work on the tuned pipe setup.. mounting. Add a plate in the gear mounting area..... no directions ?? [ Just recently, they posted a build guide online - AFTER I had done most of the work ! LOL ]

Slightly modify the way the provided cannister mounts attach... the cans are now supported well... line it all up, drill the holes... hope for the best !!

Note : I am not a fast builder - I took some pics over several months.. and now am just starting to post on this build.

[IFLYRC]

Mount landing gear..... 5 bolts and blind nuts... decide the mounting plate is a little light.. add 1/4 ply plate to reinforce. Later I added some CF tow around the base of the composite gear by the axle inserts to keep it from splitting during the inevitable "Bad" landing I will make someday....

Hmmmm.. fuse seems weak too ?

[IFLYRC]

Hey !! Whats all that black stuff in the interior of the fuse ?? !

OK, I mentioned the fuse seems a little light in the gear area, so I added carbon fiber to the whole area to add stregth. Everyone I talked to has told me that fuse fractures around the gear are a real bugger and the one dislike of a composite fuse... you can see the front anti-rotation pin for the wing too

So, I decide to add more weight ! [ Stop cringing !!! lol ]

Oh - forgot to mention- I added the fuel/smoke tank mounting tray. What a bugger ! It is too wide to get into the fuse any which way ?? Hmmmm Had no idea how to do this.... so I used my common sense and cut it to fit inside the fuse. Then added some rails to mount it to.

NOW.. that I can see actual instructions- well, they cut the fuse opening to slide the try in.. Oh well....

[IFLYRC]

OK - figured out what to do about the carb sticking through the cowl... add a scoop ! This is a left over part from my FiberClassics Spitfire.. will hide the ugly stuff sticking out.. and add some cooling air down over the cannisters.. and let some fresh cool air to the carb bell inlet.

[JackL]

Looking great! I am trying to build a 3W 44% Ultimate and I know what you mean about the instructions, there aren't any! I contacted 3W about this and they told me that the kit was meant for "Experienced Builders". Fair enough, but at the price they charge, you should at least get some basic instructions. The 3W's build into beautiful aircraft though.

[IFLYRC]

OK - start to think about a mounting tray for the elctronics.. too cheap to buy some high dollar CF plate.. so make it out of ply and hardwood rails.. Oh God ! More weight !

Oh - add some more Carbon Fiber around the fuse canopy area.. trying to avoid long term fatigue cracks.. can't help it guys. I am an Engineer by trade.. and understand vibration and stress points too well for my own good ! More weight ! Oh well.