New BOT ARF better?

[rcsoar4fun]

I know this is likely to cause a full fledged riot, but are the new Dynaflite Bird of Times any better than the previous (wing folding) ones?

Kristopher

[Dr_DOM]

How can you tell a "new" ARF kit from an "old" one. I bought one last Nov, which I am in the process of building. Don't know how long it may have been sitting on the shelf.

[rcsoar4fun]

The new ones are supposed to have stronger wings and shearwebs that go the right direction. I guess you do a strong winch launch, if the wings break you have the old version :)

Kristopher

[Ollie]

The orignal BOT used a center jointer for the center strength for the wing. The BOT ARF does use the center jointer of musicwire and not enough strength for the highest bending load at the center. I would buy the BOT ARF because the design is bad!!

[solo6796]

Build the kit....It'll last longer.

AJ

[ejett]

I agree with AJ. Build the kit. With appropriate modifications it can handle a winch pretty well. AJ regularly zooms his off the winch. Take a look at his build thread - "Bird of Time - One more time" here in the Thermal forum.

BTW, I have not seen any information that Dynaflite has made any changes to the BoT ARF wing structure. Could you point that out to us. Inquiring minds want to know!

EJ

[rcsoar4fun]

I remeber reading somewhere they were making a few changes to the kit. I don't remember exactly where. My workbench is way too full at the moment to be building a BOT. The Arf is about the only hope.

Kristopher

[Brew Glider]

Hey BOT guys,

Does the kit come with a Fiber Glass Fuse like the one AJ is holding?
I have been thinking about starting a BOT with AJ's mods when my bench is clear the next time...


Brew Glider

[solo6796]

Soaring Specialties sells the fiberglass fuselage. I just like glass for fuselages. This build was very rewarding--I learned some more stuff!

AJ

[ejett]

The kit does not come with a FG fues. The ARF has a FG fuse. The fuse AJ used is available from George Voss - http://www.soaringspecialties.com

AJ also used the laser cut rib set available from George as well. Highly recommended. The plans are available from RC Modeler magazine, but they are based on the original design with 2 piece wings rubber banded on in the center.

AJ's mods include making a bolt-on 3 piece wing with plug-in tips.

Here is his build thread. If you follow his mods, you can't go wrong.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=269207

EJ