Got My First Build Done!! (Almost)

[granspeed]

Hey Everyone,

I Almost got my first build done!! E-Flite Mini Showtime
I know it's small, but I started flying rc planes last month so this is one of my first steps towards going big!! (Yes, I've already mangled an 3D RTF due to a broken servo)
I set it up pretty much as recommeded. Figured my first build should be as recommended, but may have gotten myself a little heavy with the battery and the ESC. Right now My CG is 1" forward of the recommended CG. I'll shuffle things around and try to get it back to factory for my first flight.

Here's the set-up

E-Flite Park 480
2200mAh Thunderpower Extreme V2 (25C/50)
E-Flite ESC 40Amp Pro with Switch Mode BEC
Spektrum AR6100 receiver
JR DS281 Servos

Also, I'm little bit worried about the high rate throw on my aileron and elevator.(It calculated to be around or over 45 degrees) I have the expo set at 40% but may need more for first flight.

I'm just glad this is done and extremely giddy. I'm already wanting to start building a so many other planes and I haven't even flown this one yet.

Only regret I have is I just wish I started building and RC's earlier!!

Wish me luck on my first flight.

[reyn3545]

Yep, you're hooked.... welcome to the club, and a belated welcome to FlyingGiants. If you're ever up GA-400, stop by GMA for some flying! http://www.gmarc.com

[Noddy]

You're going to love your new model. I also have a Mini showtime and I think it's excellent. Control throws on mine are set "as much as I could get". I have my expo set at 45% so things are steady around neutral but with very little encouragement it really comes alive. You will find it very smooth to fly on those settings. How have you managed to get the CG so far forwards though? I'm using Tornado Proffessional 2200 packs which are just a tiny bit heavier than the TP packs and mine balances at the recommended position with the pack pushed against the wing tube.

Anyway good luck with yours and be prepared to spend, you'll always want something with that bit more power.

Paul

[reyn3545]

Yep... two years ago it was an electric Mini Ultra Stick.. now its a 170cc 46% Ultimate!

[granspeed]

Thanks everyone for your reply.

I don't know how I got the CG so far up forward. Did you have to cut your cowl to let the battery hatch open and close? I had to cut into about 1/2" on the top side of the cowl. Also, I had to add 1 oz of weigt in order to get the CG near the factory recommended.

I still haven't been able to fly the plane because of the all the wind. I just hope this weather gets better.

ALso, I've already got an itch to get a 50-85cc model... (my wife is ready to kill me. Oh well..)

[pepatrick]

Mike...should we warn him...50 to 85cc...dude...just go ahead and bite the bullet...j/k...get used to flying the electrics..then look at the 50cc planes...do not jump into it too fast...or you will crash a really expensive and likely cause you to leave the hobby. Patience...I am teaching from experience..mainly because I did not follow this advice...fortuantely I have not crunched anything too big, but..I should have waited a little longer to hit the 35%ers. It doesnt take long...you just have to get used to the sticks...You will be in 40% ers in less than a couple of years if its in the budget...well..hehehe..maybe even if its not in the budget.

[reyn3545]

I stayed in 40-60 sized glow planes for a LONG time, made a ton of splinters, and personally financed the Christmas bonuses at Horizon Hobby for about 2 years. I had a few electric planes during that time too, and my only experience was that for beginner pilots, the electrics are just too flimsy an airframe to take the bumps and grinds of the learning curve.

I can also say that a Saito .82 motor is virtually indestructable. I can't tell you how many crashes I had where the planes were destroyed, but you could put a new prop on the motor, hang it on a new plane and start it on the first flip!

I suspect this isn't your first plane, so hopefully you're beyond the beginner stage. I would, though, recommend something in the 40-60 class with glow or a small (26cc) gas engine for your first one... much less expensive, lots of chinese motors out there that will be good enough to get you through the learning curve, and the planes are a little more sturdy, and can be repaired, unlike a lightweight electric. After you're comfortable with that... Pepatrick will be selling his 3 Meter Yak for about $1000, motor and all... give him a call!

[granspeed]

Thanks Everyone for your Advise on Going Big!!

I'll spend some time on the mini-showtime and see how things go.
If all goes well, I think I'll jump into 50cc. If not, I'll detour into something smaller with an engine.
Regardless, I'll probably need advises from someone with experience, so will keep in touch.