FiberClassics Extra 330S 40% at 33.5 lbs

[rcalbuquerque]

Early model FiberClassics kit before the change over to Composite-ARF
Plane had been kicking around here in Albuquerque for quite some time changing hands until I picked it up for a song a few months ago.
I had heard these would come out light but you never know untill its on the scale and you see what you really have.
Fiberclassics 40% Extra 330S
DA 150 on standard Mufflers
Jr 1221 Receiver
3 A123 battery packs
4 JR 8711's ailerons
2 8711's elevators
3 8711's in a SWB tray for rudder
1 8711a for throttle
J&J tailwheel
Du-bro 5.5" wheels
48oz coke bottle fuel tank
All up wieght less fuel 33.5 lls
I new it would be light but was thrilled when I put it on the scale
Scale says 13lb's 13oz less the 6oz for the hook and strap used to hold plane up.
Any tips are welcome

[rcalbuquerque]

started with mounting the 8711's in the wings....took me about 2 days to complete but there in... and no holes in my wings.
This was a real pain ...I had to have a 3' long screew driver made to get it done

[rcalbuquerque]

elevators next ....one 8711 per side
thought about 2 per side but after mounting and testing one should be plenty

[rcalbuquerque]

Mounted a DA 150 up front....no problems here

[rcalbuquerque]

decided to mount the servo up close to the firewall. Built a sero tray out of 1/8' ply and glued it in....this took some time but was worth it.

[rcalbuquerque]

Next I went to the super market to find a fuel tank that would suit my needs best. Found a 48oz water bottle for $1.49. Drank the water then built the tank
total weight tank and mount 5oz

[rcalbuquerque]

Plane is just about ready to fly, just need to do a little paint work and run the motor and get the balance right. The blue paint was on it when I got it. In will add a few things but not much to keep the weight down.I will use this plane for 3D and to practice Spotsman IMAC
Maden will be next week!

[rcalbuquerque]

Balance is good with one battery mounted up to the firewall and 2 behind the landing gear and the ruder tray behind the fuel tank

[askforplanes]

Nice plane!

JP

[Andrew Bird]

You've done well - it's a great flying plane anyway and will be be even better on the weight it's come in on.

Just sort that paint job out!

[JAS]

Great find and glad it's going to be flown... You can save a few ounces by going to 4.5" wheels (5.5" is just HUGE). I've been running them on all my Extra's since 2002.

Here's a few pics of my set-up's. Obviously servos are much more powerful now then back then. I use 200lb test steel braided, nylon coated fishing line for the pull-pull, not crossed, with the stock straight Comp arm. Now slop and if you keep the wire tight... no need to worry about the rudder wiggle.

Anyone got a 3M Shulman FC NIB they don't want

[rcalbuquerque]

Got the wheels off my 3.3M Yak when I switched to Sullivan 6"ers ...had them laying around so ....I will switch to smaller ones and save a few more ounces.
got to figure out what to do with the paint now...mabe try some vinal in red and yellow on the wing tips and leading edge.

[JAS]

Vinyl is a great way to figure out if you're going to like what you do before painting it. Put some on how you like it, fly it, change it, or paint it... but it gives you the option to test a few schemes before committing.

[dcorum23]

Nice job man that is light, it's a great flying plane I love both of mine.
Don

[rcalbuquerque]

I installed a SWB motor mount today...