Lanier 35% Giles 202 questions

[rtn9105]

I have an opportunity to buy this plane RTF and was wondering if anyone could give me any info about it? What engine are you using, how it flies, any bad habits, how well does it 3D?
The Lanier web site says the plane was designed to fly at below stall speeds for 3D and TOC competitions so if that's true it should be a pretty good flyer.

Thanks

[sanjoh]

How much does the plane weigh? What engine?

I owned one for a while. Get the weight down if you want 3d. Major issues with mine: ABS cowl (plane on replacing it), canopy (OMG what a rock!, I think they inteded it be bulletproof), remove/replace abs wheelpants. I replaced the above with components from Hostetler. The wingtube is another opportunity for weight reduction. Originally started with bme 100, replaced with 75cc chainsaw conversion. The conversion had lower installed weight than the 100 with very similar performance on 26x10 prop.

It can't compare to todays planes unless the builder was very focused on weight reduction. Some the 50cc planes have similar wing area at 1560sqin. I would only purchase if it is very inexpensive and you are willing to spend more $ to get it to 3d.

[rtn9105]

The plane weighs right at 23lbs, has a 3W 70 twin and JR servos on all the control surfaces.
So what would you consider to be a good price for the plane with the above equiptment?

[sanjoh]

Price is up to you! Without seeing and/or flying the plane, price cannot be determined. A better question is, does it meet your needs for the type of flying you want to do. If your looking for 3d in that setup, with the limited info available, I think you would be disappointed.

[Big J]

It is an okay plane for sport flying, but was designed like 15 years ago. There are much more capable and lighter airframes on the market now. It's just old technology. Have fun with it, but don't expect it to be competitive. That's most likely why the owner is offering what seems to be an attractive price.

[meflyrc]

I've got one with a 3W 80 twin on it. I did do the fiberglass cowl. Everything else is light enough if you don't want unlimited performance. To decrease weight in this plane you kind of need to start at the beginning when building. Mine weighs around 23 lbs. with the 80 on it. I'm not the best 3-D pilot in the world but this plane does come out alittle heavy unless you doctor it up from the beginning. Lanier has cut some lightened kits for a friend of mine who flies for them and they have proven to be very light and strong. I love mine for just sport flying.

[king160woody]

i have one of these planes in the swap shop if anyone wants one.. hehehe

[rtn9105]

Thanks for all the info and help.
I decided to buy the plane and I got it home last evening. This is my first model of this size and I'm sure it won't be the ultimate 3D plane that some of the newer models are but from what I've read, this plane should be a joy to fly and should be a very capable aerobat.

[rtn9105]

Thought I'd post a couple of pictures of the plane. I also had a chance to weigh and without the prop and spinner it came in right at 20lbs.

[king160woody]

Heres how my giles came out

[Dhanni]

how is she fly? nice?....

[rtn9105]

It flies very nice and slows down and lands great. I haven't had the chance or been brave enough (this is my first giant scale plane) to really ring it out but it does everything I've tried real good. The 3W70B2 seems to have plenty of power for the airframe. It already has the fiberglass cowl so that was nice but I will have to get a set of fiberglass wheel pants for it.