What J3 is best

[Eplane65]

I'd like to convert an ARF J3 and since I've never seen these models in person, I'd like your opinion as to which you prefer and why. The ones that I'm considering are Hangar 9, Great Planes, Sig, World Models, Thunder Tiger, and Graupner. Your observations are appreciated. Also, which of these seem to have the best scale appearance and flying qualities.

[F1 Rocket]

If you're looking for a large Cub, IMHO you can't beat the Dave Patrick Models 1/4 scale Cubs. They are very well made and come with scale type struts and landing gear. I flew my Clipped Wing for the first time today and the performance was fanstastic :)

Set up is:
Hacker C50-15XL
Acro 90 esc
TP 10s4p Pro lites
21x10 APC-E (cut down from 22x10)
1850 watts @ 52amps

[jrb]

A lot of us have done the H9; a bit of a pig on weight primarily because of it one piece wing – no need to fly w/struts. Some of the other ARFs use a 2 piece wing and their struts are mandatory. Can you plane hauler handle a one piece 82” wing?

I’d love to do a ¼ or even a 1/3; but you can fly a 1/5 on as little a 14R, probably could do 4S.

If you want to do a 1/5 kit consider the Sig which can be done light, or Adrian Page’s Super.


Model: H9 Cub (82”) -- conversion
Motor: Aveox 27/39/2
Speed Control: Kontronik 3SL40-6-18
Cell type/count: 16xP3000s Zapped & pasted in two 8 cell SPTs
Prop/fan: APC“E” 16x10
Reduction method and ratio: MEC SuperBox (60/12 = 5.00)
Amps: 28
Watts: 500
RPM: 5.4k
Weight RTF: 8#-10oz
Comments, etc.: Well beyond “Cubish” performance; 3+ successive loops QED. Or put around Cub like at 1/3 throttle for 15 minutes. Skis w/snow.

Originally flown with a Mega 22/30/3 & MEC Superbox; I have now put in an AXI 4130/16 to try an outrunner – it draws more amps (15x10) than my Aveox and is not as efficient.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1873884&postcount=5

[Scott Bahde]

img DPM Super 105"

Hacker C50-13XL
Jeti 77
9s3p 7500ma Tanics
20x11 APC
49amps

Also with Sea Comander 46" floats

[feathermerchant]

If you want a great build try the Adrian Page 80" or 40"
Both are designed just for electris and so are not piggy.
Thete is also a thread on the 80" one:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246286

[Ercoupe Ed]

I have a H9 Taylorcraft, still NIB I am considring electric for, would like some suggestions for power. etc

[diver don]

A second vote for Adrian's Super Cub.
Great build and no compromises for glow to electric conversion.

DD

[bernoo]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=414902

[fliir]

You didn't say what size you wanted. In the 1/5 - 1/6 size, here are a couple of thoughts.

The SIG cubs are very nice: light, quite scale with some cool details like the door. I think you have to build them, but if SIG makes them as ARFs I'd go that way.

I have had (2) Goldberg Cubs. While you can electrify anything these days, I would recommend something lighter. They have an all ply fuselage.

David

[John Z]

For a kitted version I would recommend either the Sig 1/5 scale or the Adrian Page Super Cub. Both are laser cut and more true to scale than any other kits.
The GP and Goldberg kits are wayyyy too heavy and not nearly to scale.
The Sig and Page kits are lighter and the Page kit is designed especially for electric . Both can be detailed up for more scale appearance.
I have been considering either of the two and the choice is up to the builder. Personally I would go with the Sig kit as their experience with kits and their production values are top notch. The wood is the best in the business.
Their 1/4 scale is very similar in size to the Balsa USA 1/4 scale Cub and....LOTSA WOOD! LOL :eek:
Good luck on whichever you choose and keep us posted. cheers John Z

[Tram]

What about building the Adrian Page 80" built for electric?

[John Z]

The World Models also has some nice Cubs. http://www.airborne-models.com/
They have several different scale sizes, so you can decide which size you want to convert. Cheers John Z.

[modest-master]

DVM Piper PA-18
http://www.espritmodel.com/l_piper_pa18_cw.html

[AmpAce]

I think of the Cubs that I've seen, the Dave Patrick Super Cub 1/4 scale ARF, (either 105" or the clipped wing), is the most scale, at least in the details. The quality appears top notch, but you pay the price.

Also the Sig 1/5 and 1/6 scale kits appear very true to the full sized Cub. The 1/5 scale gets the nod if it's extra details you want, such as scale opening doors. The 1/6 scale is quite a bit lighter, and also less expensive. To my knowledge, Sig isn't producing them as ARFs. The 1/5 scale appears to be an easy build, though, all laser cut, and "modernized". I''m not sure about the 1/6 scale, I think the current version may date back a little farther, and may not have some of the modern amenities.

The 80" Adrian Page Super Cub kit is also very nice, but can't match the Dave Patrick or the Sig kits in terms of scale fidelity.

AmpAce

[Zeroaltitude]

I can´t comment on what is "best", but I have built (assembled really) two Thunder Tiger 1:5th scale J3 Cub ARF´s, one electrified for myself and one on glow power for a customer.
My electrified TT J3 Cub came in at 7lbs AUW, which is 11oz below recomended AUW. This was acheived by using lightwheight servos (Bluebird BMS 380 Max Competition) and a lightwheight rx (MZK Octava) and of corse Lipo batteries (though I use 4s 6600mAh packs, which are clearly overkill and I could loose another 6-9oz by using a lighter 3500-4500mAh pack).
I´m using an AXI2826/10 but would pick a /12 today if I were to do it all over again. The /10 is overkill on both power and Ampdraw, yet with the 6600mAh packs I get 28 minute duration on average. I rearely go above 1/2 throttle except on takeoff, and the plane cruises fine on 1:3rd throttle or just above that.

Regarding the "kit" itself I can say that it is of usual ARF quality. Nothing really bad that needs fixing, supplied hardware of decent quality and general workmanship acceptable.
It´s also easy and fast to put together.

As far as flight-caracteristics, it´s a J3 Cub.

On the scale looks department, I´m sure there are a lot more true to scale planes out there, but it´s close enough for me.

It´s pretty low priced (at least here), and taking everything else into account I´d say that it is very good value for money.

Anders O

[Eplane65]

Thanks for your comment everyone. I'm thinking of building a 1/5 scale Cub. Wish there were a hobby shop around here that had all of these in stock so that I could see them personally and make my decision. :D

[Michael in Toronto]

With heavy fabric covering and heavy scale wheels, my Sig 1/5 scale Cub weighs 7lb 13oz total, with 4S4P 8000 mah lithium pack and an AXI 4120-14 brushless motor. It's a great flyer.

I once had a Hangar 9 ARF that was heavier and not as scale-like.

To make flying much easier, mix 50% rudder with ailerons.