Next Plane?

[r/c basher]

Looking at in the future getting another plane. Im thinking about building a Rcpowers Extra 300 out of dollar tree foam. Anyone have any experience with dollar tree foam? For a buck a sheet I figure its worth a try. And if it doenst work out all Ill be out of is, what $5? Its alot cheaper than depron or EPP foam. For electronics Im thinking about an orange Spektrum Hobbyking rx, tower pro servos, maybe 2s or 3s lipo battery. Anyone have any suggestions for a motor looking at something from Hobbypartz?

[Solitaire]

Here's the discussion on RCGroups. Might be some info for you there.
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=863131

And I noticed Grayson Hobbies is selling a complete unit for...$109 on sale. That's a bit rich. Looks like you could build it from the plans for less than $30

[19000rpm]

r/c, here's my take on foam choices:

I haven't used the dollar tree foam, but a lot of guys that have like it. It has its limitations in terms of strength, but it's so light the power required is minimal for whatever size plane you build. You'll probably need some CF in your build and foam safe CA. The other big plus is the low cost. You can build a lot of different planes for what it takes to build one plane from Depron or EPP.

Depron is light and very brittle. It's a good foam if you don't crash alot. It requires minimum CF since it's a stiff foam. You need a foam safe CA for building.

EPP is worth the investment to me for certain planes. It's very crash worthy. You need to install quite a few CF spars to get any kind of rigidity. Any kind of CA or glue works with EPP. My F22 I built of EPP last year is still in great shape even after one crash that would have completely destroyed any other plane.

I suggest using Grayson Hobbies as a source for power or at least using their power setups as a basis for purchasing from other sources.

Also, check out dynamicfoamy.com/ for planes and power systems.

[r/c basher]

Thanks guys, I think Ill try the dollar tree foam and see how it works out. I did some research and some people have been using this motor- www.hobbypartz.com/alpha-370--1360kv--brushless-motor.html from Hobbypartz and an Exceed Rc 18 amp esc. Im thinking about using my 1300 3s super cub battery. I have the plans printed out, should be a fun build.

[Solitaire]

Interesting that 370 Alpha motor works for these lightweight foamies. It's 50g, whereas the 2208-17 motor RCPowers suggests is only 34g. Up front motor weight would be a definite consideration on a 300g AUW foamy, I would think.

[akent]

YES, you need to keep it as light as possible.
16 grams in motor weight difference is HUGE for a lightweight foamie.

It might fly fine though. But in general, you want it light!
Kent

[akent]

Oh yeah, and with 3s batteries, don't forget the 'Blue Wonder' motors from Hobby King. These are 24 gram motors that run pretty well. They are not power houses, but you can spin 9x5 GWS props with the 1300kv version.
These cost from 7 to 9 bucks.
One style is made by HXT and the other Turnigy.
HXT:
www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2069
Turnigy:
www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8617
I have both brands and they seem to be basically identical. The Turnigy is prettier. They sell these with different KV's if you need to run different batteries or props.

These are what I fly in my F-22 and my EPP Yak.
I am running 18 amp Turnigy Plush ESC's, but that is overkill. You can get by with 12 amp or so ESC's.

I fly these with a 500ma 3s 20c battery.

This is cheap power that would probably fly that Extra ok too. I don't know what the airframe weighs on that Extra.
Kent

[r/c basher]

Thanks Sol and Akent Ill think about the motor choice and research it some more.

[Solitaire]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of Kent's choices, basher.
Both lightweight, powerful (for their size) and cheap as hell. The only drawback is the 20 day wait.

[r/c basher]

About that 20 day wait... I dont really want to wait that long. Oh well I dont really have the time for rc much anymore anyway.

[Solitaire]

So, what's taking up all your time these days?

[r/c basher]

I got a job, of all places at mcdonalds. lol I got a job there so I could afford more rc stuff. Trying to balance school, work, and everything else. I might try and get a job at a machine shop this summer though.

[Solitaire]

Ah, good for you. And don't belittle working at McD's. A job is a job and a start in your quest for independence.

[19000rpm]

I agree. McD's is as good a place to start as anywhere.

You can take more away from the experience, besides a just pay check, than you may appreciate at the moment. Sometimes the best things learned on your first job aren't really about the job itself, but possibly about new talents you'll discover, personal skills you'll develop and the lessons you'll have learned that will stay with you the rest of your life.

One thing for sure: you'll learn to make the most of your time if you still want some left for your hobbies and other activities.

[r/c basher]

I dont know how much longer Ill be working at Mcd's, I have a job shadow this week thursday at a machine shop not to far away. Right now Im going to a tech center to become a machinist. If I get a job there I might quit Mcdonalds, or work both jobs this summer. This weekend I worked 14 hours at Mcdonalds.