Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / May 2004

I have one powered by an Enya CX 45 with 450 flights on the airframe.
(Av. *airtime* of .2/hr = 12 min per flight) ie: 90 hours on the
airframe *not including taxi-time*.

Superb value for money, in hindsight my advice would be to;

Reinforce the firewall in the engine bay where it abutts the fuselage
sides with some triangular stock, then repaint/reseal the engine bay
with a polyurethane paint to *thoroughly* fuelproof it. Ordinary wear
and tear from engine vibration and nosewheel impact will eventually
cause separation here if you don't. If oil seeps into that joint, it's
"all over red rover" insofar as successfully repairing it.

Similarly, after joining the wing halves, as a precautionary measure
use some clear all weather tape to cover the upper surface centre
section to prevent exhaust oil ingress into the joint.

A personal preference only, I replaced the supplied throttle wire and
outer casing with Sullivan inner and outer cable and a ball joint
linkage setup as is my standard practice. I used the WMM supplied
hardware for everything else.

Other than that go fly. It's an *easy* and fun model to fly at both
ends of the envelope, although its rolling, spinning and snap related
performance is understandably mediocre by comparison with lesser span
and higher wing loaded ships.

Any half-decent .46 such as a TT Pro or OS SF/FX/AX .46 is perfect for
this bird. Propping the engine *for the airframe* will really optimise
the combo. A Bolly Sportsman 11½ x 5 paddle works best for me.

K