Great Planes electric DC-3

[jetmex]

Having just finished this model, I'd like to add a few comments on it, for those who might be thinking of a good first electric twin:

Overall, it's a very well engineered and manufactured kit. The fiberglass fuselage was very well done, as were the wood parts. Hardware was all of good quality, and the value of the kit was enhanced by including the motors, props and speed control as part of the package. Assembly was straightforward, instructions were very good and included some tips for those who haven't worked with fiberglass or electric airplanes.

Misses: no tailwheel steering, included pushrod tubes need to be supported internally to keep them from flexing, the included prop adapters need to be replaced with better quality items. The covering could be a little better in places, but that was a very minor gripe.

I'd recommend this model to anyone who wants to try a twin without all the worries and costs associated with a glow or gas model. It builds into a nice looking airplane--can't wait to fly mine!

[Britbrat]

Jaime -- maybe it would be prudent to save the recommendations until you determine how well it flies.

[jetmex]

Patrick, it flies just fine around the garage--I had my son run around with it making airplane noises!

It's kinda scary because he does it better than I do....

Flight report pending better weather.

[Britbrat]

OK -- times up. How does the the Dak fly? --- no excuses this time.

[jetmex]

Well, Patrick, it's like this......

I have actually attempted one flight with said model. With the 7x4 props installed, I could get a good fast taxi, but not enough speed to get off the ground. The tailwheel steering turned out to be a moot point, as there's enough rudder to keep her straight with the tail on or off the ground. Since I was alone, I decided that hand launching was not an option

I have replaced the props with 5x4.5's (will probably try 6x4s or, if cashflow allows, a set of those cool three blade Vario-props, in the future) , and installed slightly larger main gear tires, and once I get out of my RC slump, I'll go try again.

Only a Brit would call a Gooney Bird a "Dak"....... ;D

[Britbrat]

jetmex said:

Well, Patrick, it's like this......


Only a Brit would call a Gooney Bird a "Dak"....... ;D

You Yanks are always messing up good names. At least you kept "Mustang".

Too bad about the Dakota ;D -- It probably only needs about $500 in lithium ion batteries to fix the problem

[jetmex]

You Yanks are always messing up good names

At least we didn't come up with names like the Hawker Hoopoe or the Blackburn Blackburd............. ;D ;D

What IS a Hoopoe, anyway?? ;D ;D

I think the airplane will fly just fine on the stock power system (or at least I'm told it will), I just need to get motivated enough to do it.

[Britbrat]

Hoopoe --- Upupa epops

Waddya mean what's a Hoopoe -- yer kidding, right? It's an exotic looking bird that is the size of a mistle thrush. It has a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest, which it raises when excited . It is an occasional accidental tourist on the south coast of England.