New airliner model

[EDFmodel]

Hello All

It is perhaps time to discuss with those who have a passion for model airliners the new kit I am in the middle of completing. It has taken many years research and I am only now beginning to feeling confident on the subject of EDF airliners. Much effort has gone into a simplified design and getting the costs down (compared with our first airliner model).

The new kit is the EDF303. Wingspan 1062 mm (42"), length 1055 mm (41"), AUW approximately 890g (1.9 lb), designed for the WeMoTec Mini fan and a 260BB motor or brushless Astro 010, initial design is hand launch with any added U/C left up to the modeller.

Illustrated is the completed fuselage and an engine.

Hopefully sufficient interest exists and we will be able to make a number of these models. I am taking pre-orders. (www.EDFmodel.com). Some aspects of the model are complete. Other components are still being finalised. I can only make comment on what I am completely sure of.

Ian

[Rudi]

Hello Ian,

very nice Part,respect ;) . How is the price of this beauty ?

Thanks

Rudi

[EDFmodel]

Rudi, thank you for the kind comment.

We have worked hard on the costings. The target price for this kit is AUD $380 + shipping (approximately $US 289 + shipping).

Ian.

[Rudi]

Rudi, thank you for the kind comment.

We have worked hard on the costings. The target price for this kit is AUD $380 + shipping (approximately $US 289 + shipping).

Ian.

Thanks Ian, I can imagine how much work it was to dev. such a wonderfull Airliner modell. What would you think about the GWS EDF's for your Airliner ?

Rudi

[EDFmodel]

No good.

I looked and studied the GWS-64 units and was almost tempted. The numbers do not stack-up for anything other than a total foamy. Not-with-standing others have used this unit to good effect. It just means you are very limited in AUW. Should GWS move into a 350-400g unit, this would be interesting (provided of course they lose the silly orange flavor of the blades).

Ian.

[James Frolik]

...error

[James Frolik]

It's a beautiful model, but...

The new kit is the EDF303. Wingspan 1062 mm (42"), length 1055 mm (41"), AUW approximately 890g (1.9 lb), designed for the WeMoTec Mini fan and a 260BB motor or brushless Astro 010, initial design is hand launch with any added U/C left up to the modeller.
Two WeMoTec Mini Fans? And 280BB motors? Get your information straight, particularly if you're planning to sell this thing.

With a 1062 mm wing span and the 890 g weight you describe, with the proper motors that thing should be able to climb vertical. If not, then it would still be overpowered with 480 Mini Fans. Therefore I'm sure you mean the WeMoTec Micro Fan for a 280BB motor. Correct?

[EDFmodel]

James,

Thank you.

Well pointed out and said. My apologies. It is the mini.

Ian.

[Paul DF jet man]

ok he made a typo mistake (hopefully) big deal.

Love the airliner mate very nice job. The micro fans will have to work hard though to push a 900-gram airbus around the sky? And as for brushed I wouldn't even bother considering it. Its brushless and lipo's for this bird full stop.

Brushed motors are dead in the modelling world as far as I am concerned.

[EDFmodel]

micro & 280 -yes

[James Frolik]

After viewing the "flyby" MPEG, that thing is much faster than I expected.

Nonetheless, the MPEG is very revealing. It appears to be a solid flyer, and I'm sure with LiPo cells it would even nicer.

Also, at appr. US $289 plus shipping, the price is not much different than what robbe charged for their old foam BAe 146 in the late 80s — and at the time it, too, was more or less state-of-the-art (foam models like it were really "in" back then). Although your model is smaller, it is glassed and much easier to build and finish — to boot it's more durable. The landing gear, although not retractable, does appear scale. (And the robbe kit also had non-retractable gear.)

I like it.

[EDFmodel]

Yes, brushed are dead. However, as I have become acutely aware, cost enters the equation with some modellers. Placing the Permax 280BB in the micro fans produces (as I measure) 180g thrust (x2) in the cowling. This gives a thrust/weight of around 40%. Not impressive, but sufficient. The Astro should go around perhaps 300 (x2).

The intention would be LIPO all around.

[aids]

Purchase how to at Taiwan

[James Frolik]

Fourty percent thrust-to-weight is fine for flying. I doubt modelers intend to fly aerobatics with the model. Leaving a wide motor choice to the modeler by designing it for a lower common [motor] denominator is actually wise.

All my models currently have brushed motors and I'm quite happy, thank you. This doesn't mean that I'm not looking at brushless, because I am. But for only one model I have that desperately needs the extra efficiency for safe flight.

[EDFmodel]

James

I apprecaite your comments.

You of course viewed the video of our old model. This unit is discontinued. (EDF 301). They are not glass.

The new unit is the 303 and it has not flown yet. This new model is a step up from earlier designs.

[rogerball]

What a great look and design,,, saw your pass by video,, sound great and fly fast too,, I'm impress,,,

I will shure consider your compagny for a futur project,,, scale work for me,, and all the way

Keep us posted on news and picture,,

Cpt.S."KEYS"
USANGR

[EDFmodel]

Rogerball

Appreciated –it has been a lot of hard work. My total passion is airliners and developing designs that ensure modellers are not frustrated with small mishaps that result in many hours reconstruction. Good model impact resistance is key.

[Eddie P]

Hello Ian, I am once again very pleased to see your progress in the airliner side of electric jet flying. One basic thing I like about your designs is the glassed or "simulated painted metal" look versus the "foamy" look that is more popular.

For those who haven't followed his designs over the past six plus years, Ian has been real active in exploring different construction techniques that favor "component" based construction and has used a lot of imagination.

By the way, good call on leaving any specific "real" manufacturer name and designation off the model. They and their legal hourlies can keep their "mits" off the process. :p

Ed
(the DC-8 and -146 guy)

[RickG]

It looks promising so far Ian. I think the price point is probably just about right too for a glass kit with cores, etc. have you considered making a slightly larger version?

[Ado]

I dont think it is a glass kit but vac formed plastic?

The last one was made from plastic anyway..

Cheers,

Ado

[EDFmodel]

Yes the fuselage is plastic molded.

In terms of a slightly larger version -gets a bit complicated with several issues. Fuselage mold lengths over 1.05m can not be shipped by post.
Engine intake size is generally where I start and work backwards. Wing loading and trust/weight numbers then have to work. ROG or hand launch. In the end I decided I wanted something to fly in a park rather than airfield and worry about solid runways etc.

Nice to hear from you again Ed. You must send me more pictures of your latest creations.

[thailandboy2]

i was wondering if you ever concidered doing any scaled airliner models in small sized to use gws fan units such as the 30's- 40's or even the 50's? i'm sure there's alot of use who love your plane, but don't have the storage space for such a large bird, as well as flying spaces...keep up good work...p.s. think smaller..haha..tom

[thailandboy2]

also, the gws fan blades can be painted using spray paint easily...just a thought..tom

[Tram]

Looks nice!

[EDFmodel]

Hi Ian

I very interested in your EDF303 airliner, I have two questions for you. Can you finish same in say the Emirates livery?

Do you provide the cockpit and cabin windows? If so that will make all the difference in the world so to speak. I use Cal-Grafix in the USA for decals very expensive but you only get what you pay for. I am attaching the proof of the decals that they provided for my foam B737-500, the big problem was getting the colours correct (especially the gold). The other problem which will faced again is the fin / tail swirl of the Emirates flag, to create these Cal-Grafix will require a drawing of the fin. Would you be in a position to provide this..? For the B737 there were two types of decals self adhesive Mylar and water slide, the water slide one come with a special applicator tool and sealer. So for the fin the graphics are self adhesive Mylar pre cut and all you have to do is carefully fix same to the fin / fuselage.

Fan wise I note that you are recommending WeMoTec micro fans, I would use the Astro Micro Fans which are as recommended but pre-installed with Astro 010 brushless motors. From experience using these it is easy to 100 watts input and a 7 oz. of thrust for 7 minutes using Kokam 3S1P 1,500 mA packs, so this would fit nicely into this model.

Appreciate your comments on cost but the public must expect to pay money for a quality model which is not an el-cheapo foam one, commercially I know you have a problem achieving this.

The fans will be a little vulnerable even when landing on soft grass, have you some kind of protection built into the pods for this..?

What control surfaces are on the model from a servo allocation point of view? Is it one servo for each aileron, rudder and elevator..? could I fit 2 x aileron servo's..?, appreciate they will never be flaps with 15 degrees of drop but I have found it helpful for hand launches have just a few degrees of flap set. I am not sure how much time you spend travelling in tin tubes but both the B777 and the A330 / A340 droop the ailerons for take off.


Hello Dennis

Yes –the window and cockpit decals are supplied. The outer cowlings are designed to absorb low level of impact. Hopefully should not be a problem. The other option is I will indicate in the instruction manual where to attach simple u/c which will work for landing –but unlikely for take-off.

Attached is PDF of fin. Your graphics people should be able to reproduce. You should build in tolerance because you can trim down trailing edge and base of fin graphic to make fit exactly. So ask them to over-print 10mm trailing edge and base and then cut to size when you get model. Should work out almost perfect.

The word Emirate on body (excluding Arabic characters) print at 235mm wide. Obviously the height should scale to the font, but just in case fuselage dia is 109mm. Engine graphic should be around 33mm high.

One servo HS 81MG or 85 for aileron and 55 for elevator. No rudder (not necessary). With a little planning you should be able to fit two servos to ailerons. There is lots of room in fuselage.

Ian.

[Pilot44]

EDF,

Great looking model. just had a look at your website. Great video, Is this jet available any time soon, Or like to order one now is to receive it when??

Jim G

[lslewis]

Your edf303 fuselage is very good looking, as is the nacelle. You have me excited but I would want to know more about the kit contents and specifications. Seems to be some confusion there. Answers may be on your website but the link does not work for me???? One negative is hand launching an airliner??? I don’t think so, re-think your decision about Landing Gear.
Hurricane Larry

I tried the link again and it is working.

[termite]

If your philosophy is to have easily repairable planes with replacement parts why has the EDF301 been discontinued?

I WANT one and I also pre-ordered the 303

Randy

[EDFmodel]

The EDF301 was discontinued because despite my best efforts I just could not get the price where it should be. I could not produce it at a cost that folk were prepared to pay.

I am taking pre-orders for the EDF303 and asking those who wish to order to deposit $10 AUD into our PayPal account. I have done it this way to ascertain the level of interest and models are to be delivered in the same order the PayPal deposits payment are made. Anyone wishing to order can complete the form at http://edfmodel.com/xurl/PageID/12432/content.html Models should be ready Mid March.

Land launching … well this is to be seen. I should point out the kit leaves the U/C up to the modeller. Some want retract Vs fixed or hand launch. The individual can develop their own solution.

More details on engine make-up

Ian.

[Paul DF jet man]

retracts for me all the way sooooooooo much cooler.

i live in SA mate and im very interested in getting one of these when they are all finnished.

keep up the good ! work.

[Larry Dudeck]

Very nice. My favorite (ok - only) flying field is not ROG friendly at all so hand launch is a requirement. HL or bungee, those are my options.

I may have missed it but please mention the wing area.

Again, very nice. I'm sure there are a few of us who, for whatever reason, are not interested in military craft.

Keep up the good fight.

[RNAF]

In the video, do you take off from sand?
I like both the video's and I like the plastic molded fuselage, much more shiny and scale-ish :)
If it wasn't so pricey I'd buy one for sure.

Keep up the good work mate :D
Dave

[EDFmodel]

Again thank you for kind comments and words of encouragement.

Yes –a sand-flat, but I do not fly there anymore.

EDF303 Specifications –subject to possible change

Size: Wingspan 1062 mm (42"), length 1055 mm (41"), fuselage diameter 109 mm (4.3”).

Weights: Powered, AUW approximately 860g (1.9 lb), wing loading 51g/dm (16.8 oz/sq ft), Glider AUW 623g (1.4 lb), wing loading 37g/dm (12.2 oz/sq ft).

Fans: Cowlings designed to fit WeMoTec Micro fan (–required to be purchased).

Motors: Brushless Astro 010 (T8); Brushed Permax 280BB motor (–required to be purchased).

U/C: Hand launch (or design left up to the modeller).

Wings: Clark-Y section, CNC polystyrene, wing area 16.7 Sq. dm (1.8 Sq. ft).

Control surfaces: All moving tail plane, outboard ailerons. Servo mounts designed to accept Hitec HS-55 and HS81-MG (or HS85).

Build time: 2-3 weekends at a leisurely pace –detailed instructions provided.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

EDF303 in final stage of assembly.

Ian.

[Ben_E]

Awsome :D :D :D :D

The finish is outstanding!!

Video?????

Ben_E

[EDFmodel]

Thank you Ben, No video at this stage. I am working on it.

[lslewis]

Beautiful - Hurricane Larry

[Reaper1976]

This is just an outstanding lokking bird. I can't wait till its availabe.

Jason

[Hawker]

Beautiful job Ian!

Where are the video's that some are speaking of? I'm not finding them at your website.

[EDFmodel]

Thank you all -much appreciated.

The video's -well gremlins are at work. Webiste software problem which should be fixed by now.

Should appear at top of http://edfmodel.com/xurl/PageID/9384/content.html and http://edfmodel.com/xurl/PageID/8766/content.html

These videos are of EDF301 not 303

Regards

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

First slope soaring flight -good roll and pitch control in less than the best of situations. Looks promising.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

Many have asked about U/C. As an optional extra fixed U/C can be supplied. Main 37 mm foam wheels. I think for any hope of ROG, this size wheel is best.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

Lee Dennick of the UK and his EDF301. It certainly is obvious putting energy into decals can have a striking effect.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

A lot of feedback on the website regarding U/C. At this stage fixed with stearable nose wheel. Perhaps retracts may be possible, but it is coming down to wingloading issues.

Ian.

[lslewis]

Ian,

Glad to see you got smart and added landing gear. It sure looks good and now you have an airliner. I want retracts but keep the wing loading where I can still fly this bird (I am no expert).

Most important; When will kits be available???

Hurricane Larry

[EDFmodel]

Larry

Thank you for the interest. I am not sure where everyone else has gone.

I accept your challenge and let us together put our minds towards retracts.

Orders –well now. A small deposit is required only.

Ian.

[Paul DF jet man]

I will consider buying one if and only if a retracts version one comes out.

[airmcn_3]

Larry

Thank you for the interest. I am not sure where everyone else has gone.

I accept your challenge and let us together put our minds towards retracts.

Orders –well now. A small deposit is required only.

Ian.


Small deposite. how much for the whole thing? Thanks Chris

[Pilot44]

Yepper,

This jet looks better everytime I check this thread out.

Retracts would be an awesome addition.

And, as the other fella asks, how much bucks for the kit with gear?

Jim

[EDFmodel]

Cheers

Cost details are on the website www.EDFmodel.com

The issue of retracts is not an easy answer.

Ian.

[GlasairAllen]

It looks like the guys at EDFmodel have created a great looking model.

It seems that they do not want to name the model after the actual aircraft that they modeled it after ... must be a copyright or trademark issue.

Does anyone know what airliner they modeled this after? I suppose I could do a little research and compare the photos to airliner drawings but I'm sure someone out there must already know what it is.

Thanks,

Allen

[EDFmodel]

Gasair

The model is our designed EDF303 and it is a twin engined airliner. It has has a configuration which resembles a host of twin engine airliners produced by many aircraft manufactures. Model airliner wings in both profile and plane form never follow that of any real airliner -they just will not fly. Engine cowlings are the same, tail areas are increased and the list goes on.

It simply is what ever you want it to be.

Ian.

[GlasairAllen]

Ian,

Thanks for the reply. That makes perfect sense.

The model looks great!!!!

How close are you to shipping models?

[EDFmodel]

The first production run of EDF303 kits has started. The excellent performance of the test model with fixed landing gear has provided us with the information to modify our design and include fixed landing gear as a standard. A retract design will not be included within this kit. The answer is any additional increase in wing loading will move the model into the ‘experienced flier only’ category and I do not believe this is the right thing to do. Having said this I am sure some of your are already planning to modify your ordered kits and put retracts in and prove me wrong. Where requested I will assist as best I can.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

Thanks for the positive comments.

We have a number of pre-orders and these are being made now. It should take 4 weeks to get through these.


Ian.

[DiabloKid]

greetings Ian, its Matt (DiabloKid) from RCU, just logging into the thread to follow along here as well :)

I cannot wait to get mine!

matt

[EDFmodel]

Larry

Lights -the extra weight should be no problem. You can get to the nose U/C and tail rear cone areas simply and with no problem. Inner wing easy, at a guess wires can go up the trailing edge to the wing tip. Others with EDF301 have done the same. In conclusion I do not think you will have any trouble at all.

You love to see the result.

Ian.

[Paul DF jet man]

that is really cool. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lslewis]

Ian,

I can’t wait to see the lights in my EDF303, I will probably run the battery down just sitting and looking. However before I send you $ I would like to know what is in the kit.

Hurricane Larry

I like this color scheme:

[Pilot44]

Ian,

Ya need to figure out a retract option, you need not incorporate into the standard kit, but provide options for advanced builders/flyers. This plane looks to be able to handle the additional wingloading for necessary components. It would be for more experienced flyers in as much as some more airspeed is required to fly the aircraft proper. Hey, its a jet. :)

Its the one thing holding me back from ordering one. I have no way of designing a system for it at this point without plane in hand... And this jet needs to look like its off to somewhere instead of landing or leaving.... ;)

Hey don't forget the gear door closing mechanism...... ;)

Jim G

[EDFmodel]

Larry, thank you again for the interest.

The below mosaic of a portion of the manual hopefully will give you an indication of what is involved. The manual is quite detailed (provided with B&W photos in kit). A list of the major component groups would include plastic formed fuselage pieces, 5 piece styrene wing, carbon rods & flats, fasteners, decals, films, linkages & wheels. Spare parts can be ordered. Major parts not included are servos, motors, controllers, wiring, glues and adhesive tapes. As mentioned we are in the middle of kit production and at this stage a group photo of components is not available.

Your colour scheme.

EDFmodel does not and will not provide decals in airliner schemes for obvious reasons.

Putting effort into detailed decals can transform a model brilliantly.

Here are some suggestions. You will need to obtain the correct rich royal blue polycarbonate paint. The application of this colour is not as easy as one would expect. Over spraying this colour tends to move the colour to blue/black. Bright sunlight Vs neon lighting also changes things. Attached is a Tamiya PS colour chart. I would start by attempting to produce the correct colour on a pure white piece of scrap PVC and inspect in sunlight. If available try X3 royal blue. Acrylic paints will work, but to prevent paint cracking, use only polycarbonate spray paints.

Decals can be handled in two ways:

a) depending our your computer skills, design the graphics yourself and print to A4 self adhesive clear film. With sufficient time and patience a good job can be done.

b) Employ a company such as http://www.cal-grafx.com/ and have them produce exactly what you want to true colour matching. This is not the cheap option by any means. However, they produce work such as below Emirates image. This is the path another EDF303 user is pursuing.

[EDFmodel]

forgot images

[EDFmodel]

Jim –thank you for the input.

I do not believe this is the right thing to do for this model. This is all beginning to sound like buzz words economists use “marginal propensity to consume”. (The more you provide the more they want). The recent classic example emailed to me was –“love the EDF303 -how much is the 747”

However, I do take your point and some will only accept this solution. I suspect a small development focus group is going to emerge with modellers ordering 303’s and taking the design further.

“And this jet needs to look like its off to somewhere instead of landing or leaving....

There is some free-ware RC flight simulator software at http://fms.pathbot.com . I can not say enough good things about it –it is very well done. Within aircraft selection is an Airbus model. My point is I understand what you say, but they model need not always appear this way. It does not take long before the model is at a distance away such that the L/G essentially disappears as any focus point.

In the perfect world, I agree with you Jim 100%. Unfortunately there are constraints with the 303 and at this stage I can not make promises without all the necessary data.

Ian.

[lslewis]

Thank you for the detailed information about your kit. I agree that the painting and decals can make all the difference in a model. I will take care to do it correctly.
Hurricane Larry

[Fishnut]

If you are going to do it in Air Transat livery, why not build it with an in-flight detachable rudder? This one came off an A-310 (in cruise flight :eek: ) over the Carribbean a week or so ago.

Kurt

[Pilot44]

Jim –thank you for the input.

In the perfect world, I agree with you Jim 100%. Unfortunately there are constraints with the 303 and at this stage I can not make promises without all the necessary data.

Ian.

Ian,

Actually you are quite correct. The fact that you incorporated gear at all is large plus. Retracting gear in and of itself is a challange that some may endeavor to achieve and I'm sure the tinkerers will come up with something.. ;). How the model will fly with 90oz wingloading ( ;) grain of salt please ;) ) comes in to question :eek: On the other hand, flying the model with no UC and belly landing on suitable firma is an option. My concern therein, is the engine pods departing the wing with a less than optimum level landing due to there location. :rolleyes:

I do see this model in my near future when my workbench clears of prior commitments.

And you are right, at distance, the gear is not a focal point. The videos bear that out.

The instruction manual would be great if it was downloadable as a PDF file, I have a 21 inch screen here, but can hardly see anything but pretty colors. :o

Thanks for being Johnny on the Spot with response to inquirys relating to this bird.

The Rudder problems on the A300's seems to be a real and present danger, The Airbus that crashed on takeoff from JFK in 2001 came down 1 block from where I had lived for some years. I'm glad I did not have to witness that tradgedy, as I had moved from that location a few years prior to the accident.

Jim G

[Fishnut]

Ian,
The Rudder problems on the A300's seems to be a real and present danger, The Airbus that crashed on takeoff from JFK in 2001 came down 1 block from where I had lived for some years. I'm glad I did not have to witness that tradgedy, as I had moved from that location a few years prior to the accident.
Jim G

Egads! The separation of the vertical fin was another animal altogether. The first officer, for reasons we'll never know, stomped alternately on the rudder peddles, doing four complete rudder reversals, yawing the aircraft (pendulum style) so much that the vertical fin snapped off.

They hit two wake vortices from a 747 in front of them. They went through the first vortex fine (and with hardly any control input), but for some reason, the first officer went nutso encountering the second, less turbulent vortex. I saw the DFDR readout some time back, and the controls went all over the place.

Kurt

Here's a better look at the main attachment point of the rudder. Kinda scary it broke off in cruise flight, the time the rudder sees almost no forces. Maybe a yaw dampener went nuts?

[Pilot44]

Ian,

Looking at the A320 thread from Acrored. They figured out the retracts with what appears to be sequencing gear doors. Amazing.

Fishnut,

The A300-600, the vertical stabilizer failing as a result of over control and as you stated was probably part of the problem but not all. They also incorporate in the design a Carbon fiber composite structure which the main bolts secure the vertical stabilizer to the fuselage. Photos of the failed joint if I remember correctly, showed this to contributing in part to the accident. The vortex created by the two aircraft that departed just prior to 587 is common occurance at JFK. On my way home from work, I could catch Concord's 4:00PM departure from Kennedy. She would pass overhead no more than 500 ft. Altitude from my vantage point. Man, earth would tremble the roar of those engines was mind boggling. Wing tip vortex at times was clearly visible with all jets departing.

The violent overcontrol in rudder input may have been defective actuation servos which the Pilots frantically tried to correct/overcome prior to catastrophic failure. I have not read the full NTSB report on 587. As I am a Certified A/P mechanic, I have that need to know.

Jim

[EDFmodel]

Jim

Cheers –I am a little confused -wing loading of 90oz? I am not quite sure where this number comes from. The 303 wing loading is 22Oz/Sq ft. AUW is 37 Oz.

You are right -the model without L/G is not a good idea unless you are slope soaring. In this case a skilled pilot will almost bring the model to a stop before it touchs the ground.

You raise the point of pod damge. It is unlikely major pod damage would occur with the model.

[Model impact resistance is a major part of our design philosophy. I believe more energy in the model workshop should be directed toward developing a better technology for the construction of electric models by solving technical problems in the area of component assembly. Perhaps this is a key area for development. Other modelling fraternities have arisen to the challenge of developing better assembly techniques and succeeded wonderfully. Two such examples are model electric helicopters and cars. Very little gluing of one component to another occurs. Everything is engineered to ensure that the assembly, operation and maintenance can be done with ease and certainty -there has to be better way than butt gluing wood.]

In a practical sense, yes the pods represent an early impact appendage and so it is designed with a weak point to absorb initial impact energy and then fail. The intake lip is always designed as being enormously strong (i.e. –it always has a small radius)

When things go horribly wrong as they can, 9/10 times the engines will be waiting for you in one piece. Two screws & a bracket and you are back in business.

Ian.

[Pilot44]

Ian,

Hi mate, hey, you took that literaly (90oz.). I'm sure this model can handle any added weight that retract system would add to your incredible 303. From experience, I have gone overboard with features on some of the models I have built in the past 45 years and end up with a very awesome bookend. :o ie: retracts, squencing doors. lights, bells, whistles, bombs, know what I mean.

Your breakaway design for the engine nacelles looks sturdy enough for sure, for a belly lander. The takeoff run in your video, for me, would be a major "wow" factor with this beautiful jet. The UC you designed for the aircraft looks fantastic. A two wheel per main would probably lend itself to an easier installation for mechanical purposes, at the expense of visual appeal your 4 wheel configuration offers. This bird is in my future as soon as my workbench emptys and my wallet fills.

Anyrate, I hope your Easter Weekend is a pleasant one.

Jim G

[lslewis]

Ian,

I have not bugged you for a week as I am hoping you are working full time producing kits. :D I am wondering, as I am sure others are, when do you expect to ship out your first EDF303?

Hurricane Larry

[EDFmodel]

Larry

What a co-incidence. The first is out toady to Singapore & Canada. First run of six is nearly complete. Another 10 is following. Airlines so far planned for are Emirates, BA, United.

More soon.

Regards

Ian.

[thailandboy2]

:rolleyes: ian, i love your kits, have you consider for the future any private jets? and small sizes like the gws40 fans? i'm building a 737 similiar to yours but much much smaller..keep up the good work, i just wish i could get my skins as smooth as yours...haha :p

[EDFmodel]

TH2

Thank you for the comments. Your 737 looks pretty good as well. Your thread obviously indicates you have the airliner bug as well.

You timing with respect to the next model is appropriate. In amongst production the back of my mind is thinking about the next -more than likely a European bus type airliner. GWS fans -umh... will consider again.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

Larry

Excellent. Your model is on its way.

Ian.

[DiabloKid]

Larry

Excellent. Your model is on its way.

Ian.

Thanks for the email Ian, cannot wait for mine to arrive!


matt

[EDFmodel]

Matt, you are more than welcome and thank you for believing in what we are doing.

Hopefully should be there in a few days. Can track progress of box and Aust post website.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

At some point some asked me for kit contents.

Ian.

[lslewis]

You won't believe this! My kit arrived Saturday 9th April!!!!!!! Three days from Australia! Unblieveable.

Hurricane Larry

[DiabloKid]

Got mine as well, arrived in amazing time for having to cross the Pacific Ocean. I will snap a few pics later tonight to show whats involved in it. I will not be able to get to mine for another few weeks but I look forward to the build.

matt

[embraer 145]

who is the shipping carrier

[Pilot44]

ISlewis,

Great. So how does the kit look? Keep us posted with progress and your thoughts on the kit. Good luck with the build.

Jim

[lslewis]

The kit is so well packed I just pulled out the instruction manual. In addition to the spiral bound manual there were three drawings and five decal sheets. It was clear that the packing did not just happen it was designed. If the packing is an example of the quality of the kit design this kit will be a winner! I am not going to unpack until I am ready to build. Of course, as soon as my kit arrives obligations begin to add up like leaves falling out of the trees in the fall.

Hurricane Larry

[Max Urbahn]

My box arrived today in perfect shape.

Looks like this one is going to be some work to complete. Ordered Wemotec fans complete with brushless Asto 10s and speed controllers from aeromicro.com for $139 apiece. Hopefully these things will put out enough thrust.

Rather than doing a sterrable nosewheel, I'm thinking of using thrust differential to steer the plane on the ground with a freeturning nosewheel. What do you think?

I'm negotiating with Drawdecal to get an appropriate airline livery. Probably will end up with the British Airways "waves" utopia scheme though I'd prefer to do United, Continental, or Delta. What are some of you other guys going to do?

Looks like a well built model and thorough instructions.

[EDFmodel]

Hello Max

Thanks – appreciated

To address some issues.

a) Thrust –once the engines are completely assembled, hold the tail pipe rear close to a simple electronic scale and you will need to be measuring a minimum of 180 -200g per engine.

b) Free turning nose wheel - I do understand why you would want to manage the thrust this way –it would add another dimension to the model. If I may suggest, a free turning nose wheel is probably not a good idea. Three thoughts spring to –keep-it-simple, the current nose wheel design is not self-castoring (i.e. axle directly above leg) and the last thing you want to worry about at V1 is a nose wheel hitting say a small stone. Rotation can be critical and you need everything working for you. As always however, there is room for me to be proven wrong.

c) Liveries. This is going to be the fun part. Below is a draft of some Emirates water slide decals that are being produced (a say draft because they are not quite right). So far I understand folk are planning Emirates, BA, United & Alaska and possibly a well known aircraft manufactures livery. Everyone is still a little undecided. I will attempt to keep all posted on who is doing what decals and if they are prepared to help others out.

Ian.

[DiabloKid]

Ian

keep me updated on decals as well, im not sure what I want to do on mine and id especially love to purchase a premade set if possible when the time comes.

I considered going nuts and trying the new United Airlines scheme but thats just too much for my inexperienced airbrush hands!

[Dennis L. Payne]

My model has arrived as well..! as in previous posts super packing and everything looks quality. As I had expected from Ian he has continued on the original idea that he posted on the design of airliners years back and this will make the construction interesting.

It is very apparent that considerable care and effort has been made to make this a 100% kit right down to the generic decals even if you do not wish have specials made like I intend to do. Nothing is missed the manual is well written how to do each step, with what glue, tools you name it.

The only point that I would like to have changed is the manuals layout, I am just not a lover of two A4 pages on one page especially when the printing is double sided as reading the manual the page logic goes illogical. Ian tells me he is addressing this for future manuals that are shipped to his customers.

Without a doubt worth every $ spent, cannot wait for the next airliner from the stable.

[EDFmodel]

Attached is a photo of a proposed KLM livery for two EDF303's in Norway. I say proposed because this photo has been manufactured with KLM graphics off a generic photo of the 303. I thought it very well done.

As an update, there are possible alternatives to the Astro with the micro fans such as the Hacker B20-12L, Razor 300, and the Himax 2025-5300. I do not know which would be the best because I have not tested them all. However, if you search in these forums there are various threads that discuss motor/fan combinations.

Quite a few have their kits now and thank you to all for the many complimentary emails I have received.

Production numbers are increasing and I can almost see the light towards the next model.

Ian.

[EDFmodel]

Larry

Your special request is in. Please let me know how they go.

Ian.

[lslewis]

Kool!

Thank You Ian,

Hurricane Larry

[embraer 145]

hey ian

no defense but i have email and p.m you about landing gear and you never got back with me i will like to buy some landing gear.p.m me ok.

[EDFmodel]

How is everyone getting on with their EDF303's?

Any progress photos?

Ian.

[Zimmerman]

One evening, I was on the net hungry looking for something new to build in a scaled EDF model. I came cross EDFmodel.com. I wasn't sure exactly what I had here. Was it someones' own project or for sale??? I found out kits being manufactured for sale. I thought it's too good to be true!! Reading through the website, there was a lot of emphasis on impact resistance, info about its surviving crushes. I assumed this was just sales talk, I always accepted binning models after crushing was just a part of flying. But once I got my hands on the 303, I soon realized why this model is able to survive a large impact. Every part of this aircraft is designed to flex and absorb hits. Also the major parts being moduler is quick and easy to disassemble.
Finally someone is thinking outside of the square when it comes to design, constraction and materials. This is the first model that I have built that doesn't contain 1gm of balsa, please to say. Every parts fit perfectly like a zigsaw pazzle!! After building this model I'm going to have a real problem going back to balsa models. I really hope other manufactures will take close look at this method.
Here are some photos of the scaled engines. The aircraft only needs 420gm of thrust. I'm getting with B20 15L Hacker motors on 4S for 425gm on each motor. Total 800gm at 26amp. It will cruse on 10 to 12amp.
I have no doubt it would be the best EDF scaled model I've ever built.
FINALLY A 21st CENTURY KIT FOR THE 21st CENTURY

[Zimmerman]

Here some more photos. I'll be updating as I'm building.

[Mike.Zim]

...

[Zimmerman]

More pics.

[Mike.Zim]

...

[Zimmerman]

More photos on.

[Zimmerman]

That's it for today.

[Philpops]

needs retracts!