Knox Hobbies 95" Pitts Build

[baxternick]

Two buddies of mine and myself have purchased 3 of the Knox Hobbies 95" Pitts Biplanes. This thread is going to detail the build of two of them and the maiden flight videos of all 3. The plane not covered in this thread is the bulldog pitts and it will be powered by a DL 111. The second plane (purple, green, silver, white) will be powered by a 3W 157. My plane (seba scheme) will be powered by a 3W 150. We hope to have them built and flying in the next couple weeks and will have maiden videos asap. The Bulldog scheme is a standard scheme offered by Knox Hobbies, and the other two were custom made to order schemes.
I know alot of people say they have never heard of or delt with Knox Hobbies, but let me start by saying that I had perfect customer service. The planes went from an idea in our heads to our door at less than 4 weeks. The quality of the kit is awesome and the hardware is complete! The shipping box was packed like Fort Knox! This will not be my last purchase from them.

[jssophusson]

I have a 37% pau ultimate and can't wait to watch the builds and maidon vid!

[baxternick]

Tonight I was only able to take pics of the hardware. The hardware included is very nice when compared with some of the models I have had in the past. The wheels look and feel awesome. They are milled from aluminum, and have dual ball bearings in them. I will use all the stock hardware except the stock servo arms, and the flying wires. I will be using carbon tubes in place of the flying wires. Will have more details later in the build. The landing gear is painted aluminum and seems pretty light for it's size. The tail wheel is also aluminum and painted to match. I will be replacing it with a J&J tailwheel I have laying in the shop. The wheel pants are already drilled for the landing gear and the wooden plate on the inside looks great. With the 150cc class motors we are wanting to get a target weight of around 33-34 lbs. That should be easy because the other owners I have talked with say that there planes weight with a 150 is just under 33lbs. The Bulldog scheme will have the DL 111 and he hopes to have his come in around 28-29lbs. I know the 150's are a bit overkill for a plane this weight, but we both had one laying in the shop so that is what we will use. I did have the chance to see one fly at the Joe Nall with a 150 and it was awesome, so we are very excited.

My first impressions are.....

Positives---
Awesome fit and finish
Complete hardware kit
Most of the work is already done for you
The first arf I have owned where the robart hinges are drilled perfectly centered on all surfaces
Sweet customer service
Price point for this size and quality model

Negatives---
FLYING WIRES!!! ARGGGG
No directions (not a biggie to me, but some people are anal)
Did I mention flying wires...

[baxternick]

Just a few more pics of the planes when they were in china for final check, and a pic I took of my cowl.

[MDS007]

Nick-
We are Glad you like it and let us know if we can help in any way.. BTW we are working on the manuals.. and yes they have flying wires ... For Now..

[baxternick]

Thanks DeWayne, it was a pleasure to do business with you! Will upload pics tonight as the build goes on when I am off work!

[WangoTango]

When you pull the cowl out of the box, are the louvers already attached or are they something the modeler attaches himself?
WT

[baxternick]

Louvers are already installed from the factory. I imagine you could custom order one without them if you wish.

[WangoTango]

	Quote: Originally Posted by baxternick
	Louvers are already installed from the factory. I imagine you could custom order one without them if you wish.

Bax,
Are they screwed on or glued on? I like the idea but we have a Model 12 here and the louvers are in a different place on this one. There is another in the Dallas area and they match the location of this one here in Conroe. Just wondering.... Not a big deal.
WT
WT

[baxternick]

They are screwed on, and the area behind them is cut out.

[tonyc9075]

I like the landing gear and wheels. Is the landing gear carbon or aluminum?

[Cracky]

I like the Seba scheme on a bipe.... good choice!