Green Models (HL) 84" Gee Bee First Impressions--re-visited

[staggerwing]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/geebee.htm



The Fedex guy I met this AM struggling to make it up our back porch w/ this huge box was happy to know it could go in my shop in the cellar @ ground level .
Shipped Mon & rec'd Weds early--fast ! Even though I was busy resurrecting a huge Top Flite Stinson, I had to clear its fuse off my main bench to have a look @ the GB.
Everything excluding the fuse was packed in its own box offering excellent protection & each box & inside the fuse had a QC sticker --adding some comfort level to me.
I notice from the box this 84" version is offered in (3) color versions as is the 40" models & I REALLY would have preferred the red & blk, however I can understand from a storage & investment standpoint HL limiting the choice to one color . BTW, Thks a bunch for the $90 sale savings !
Not having an overview of the types of instructions being offered in todays models, those provided here are definitely not for the first time builder & didn't exactly thrill me having been in this hobby for 50+ yrs, as they consist only of 85 1 1/2" X 1 1/4" color photos on (3) 8 1/2 x 11 shts of paper.Maybe there is a on line source to blow up the pics ? These instructions cover the 84 & 97" Gee Bee models--97 ??? Hmmm, maybe I jumped the gun ?
Within the outside box was a note stating the tail wheel cover was not included as shown but in its place was a compliant spring loaded tail wheel assy--more on that later.
I thought the covering on all components was quite good--there were a few small bumps from handling in the balsa on the forward fuse as well as a few small covering wrinkles but it all came out w/ a very light touch of the iron set at 300. The fuse & wings are of todays super light design construction which to me is impressive.
There is ample velcrow attach installed in the fuse for batts,or whatever.
The hdwr appeared of above average quality & sized for this model & the whls are hard dense foam w/ metal hubs.
The compliant spring loaded main gear concept looks impressive however I'm apprehensive of the 1/4" sq vertical aluminum slider that will take all of the force from a hard landing--I quickly put a magnet to it hoping it was steel, but it's alum. Also the bends in the outside supports were done a bit sharp as the resultant stress cracks in the outside of the bends can be seen--the magnitude of which is somewhat masked by plating.The legs shown in the tiny pics appear to be of stronger design than the supplied riveted construction. One forgiving cushion w/ this concept is the compliance offered by the design will hopefully avert any structural problems for all but hammered landings. Time will tell. The wings have installed recessed mountings to mate w/ gear mtg plts w/ vertical as well as rotational adjust for each leg--nice !, but w/o instructions, some may not recognize that.
The cowl & radial eng insert are very nice however I don't see any attachment offered in the instructions. A plastic cover for the lower wing center section attaches via wood screws into I think balsa. This will normally have to be removed each time for transport so I see a need for some threaded inserts there or a comparable more suitable install method.
The compliant tail wheel is nice--BUT, the spring installed is WAY too heavy for its intended purpose offering compliancy maybe to a 50 lb model--time to dig out my stash of springs.
I hope this quick overview didn't put anyone to sleep--I listed it here as I'm not sure if I'll go w/ a G26 or elec @ this point.
Sorry I didn't take time to weigh components but will during build.

Am I happy w/ this purchase ?---Oh Yeah !

Pls forward any comments.

Bob

[Wind_of_Change]

staggerwing,

I'm glad somebody started an RCGroups thread on this plane. My kit shows up tomorrow. The crappy instructions don't surprise me. I bought the Green Models Gee Bee Y mini version (40") and it only had one page of picture instructions. It was an interesting experience, like putting a puzzle together. You just keep trying pieces in every conceivable arrangement until they fit.

The small version flies so well, I decided it was time to try my first giant sized airplane. 84" is way out of my league, but I'm adventurous. So I caved on the sale and got the giant Gee Bee. Don't ask me why anybody would want two of the same plane. I keep asking myself the same question. I didn't see anything else in that size that appealed to me. If they'd have offered another color I'd have gotten it, since my small one is also yellow/black.

I'm an e-flyer and I'm a bargain shopper, so I'm equipping mine with the United Hobbies / Hobby City parts. Here's my parts list.

200kv HXT motor
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=3890

100 amp 2-12S ESC from OEMRC with programming card
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4691
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2169

4 Precision MG servos
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=3880

Servo extension wires x4
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5599

8x 3S 2100 Mah 25-35C packs for a 12S2P 4200 mah setup. I can bust this up into two separate 6S2P packs for my Fliton Extra 330 and my CMPro 50
size P51.
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5452

I can also do a 10S by swapping out four of those packs for a couple 4cell packs that I have. Lighter setup.

The only thing United Hobbies doesn't have that I needed is a 24x10 prop and a high voltage BEC, which I ordered elsewhere.

$225 is not bad for all the primary electronics on the plane. The packs are $240 for the 12S or $210 for the 10S. You'd pay triple that for name brand components in the states.

I look forward to seeing your progress and sharing ideas on this crazy plane.

Anybody know where to find a good pilot & scarf for this thing? :D

Todd

[staggerwing]

[QUOTE=Wind_of_Change]staggerwing,


"I'm an e-flyer and I'm a bargain shopper, so I'm equipping mine with the United Hobbies / Hobby City parts. "

Yes, I resemble that statement also having used UH & BP Hobbies components in a 96" Rearwin Speedster & a 85" H9 Taylor Craft--those items have worked well for me --much better than my rapport w/ UH over a user feedback/discount issue.
I have extra motors for both of those planes either of which would work in the Gee Bee, the one negative aspect going elec w/ the GB being battery access plus I have (3) G26s not in use--so not sure yet ?
The Gee Bee certainly is a grand elegant bird---I'd put it on the wall in our living room if my wife would have it.

I'd suggest you use a seperate RX batt for the Gee Bee--it will certainly not be affected by the weight---I use 2100 NIMH AA size packs.

[Wind_of_Change]

Yeah, I had one order issue with UH as well. They overcharged me for a whole bunch of 4S packs (web site was charging $10 more than the advertised price) and they refused to refund the difference. Other than that, no complaints. How many other web sites are there out there that give you a 5% order discount just for writing a critique of some part you've purchased from them, even if your criticism is negative? Yeah, you can count them on one finger. United Hobbies.

Frankly, they're the only reason I can afford this plane or any other large scale aircraft. I've got five planes now prior to the Gee Bee that are almost entirely UH parts. Otherwise I'd have only had 2 or 3 planes for the same dollar amount.

Not every item has been fantastic, some were garbage (namely some inrunner HXT motors that didn't work worth a spit and a crappy crystal-free receiver that cost my buddy a plane when he volunteered to try it out).

I guess you're right on the receiver battery. A plane this big probably won't notice a little power pack. I've gotten so used to using the BECs. Is there any reason you feel a pack is a better solution?

BIG QUESTION: Are you suggesting this giant plane has no hatch or battery access? Their small one does, so I just assumed they'd do something similar on the big one.

For display, how about hanging the Gee Bee from the ceiling above your bed. Certainly your wife wouldn't mind that! :rolleyes: Call it a new wireless ceiling fan with variable air speed.

[staggerwing]

Windy--didn't see a hatch

[Wind_of_Change]

Crap! No hatch? What are they thinking?

Do you think it would be possible to fit packs in through the pilots seat?

I can't believe I may end up hacking into the body and wasting tons of hours building a custom hatch. That's just retarded. They provided an electric motor mount right? The web site says it's designed to be configured as an electric plane... that implies battery hatch. But they at least have a motor mount for the recommended axi don't they?

[staggerwing]

Crap! No hatch? What are they thinking?

Do you think it would be possible to fit packs in through the pilots seat?

I can't believe I may end up hacking into the body and wasting tons of hours building a custom hatch. That's just retarded. They provided an electric motor mount right? The web site says it's designed to be configured as an electric plane... that implies battery hatch. But they at least have a motor mount for the recommended axi don't they?

It appears from the pics the application is focused on a gas engine but there is included but no reference to some precut ply pcs I assume are for an elec box type mounting. One might be able to make a batt access above &/or below the installed mtg protruding out from the firewall such as I did here on a H9 T Craft--at least that would be my first attempt.These are (2) 6600 4s in series on alum trays allowing CG adjust.

[Wind_of_Change]

Yeah, I have no patience for taking the prop/spinner/cowl off just to swap out the pack. If you wanted to do a nice scale flight, you'd have all that effort PLUS putting the wing struts on so it looks complete. Bah!

I'll definitely be hacking into it then and making a battery hatch. It shouldn't be too hard to do it right behind the cowl in the black area either on top or bottom. One nice thing about the covering is that you could cut out a hatch and it would be difficult to see because the covering is so dark and there are no patterns cutting across that area to worry about.

I guess I'll find out soon enough. The electronics are still on their way, so I'll probably just start with the hatch area and get that issue resolved first. I have the packs already. Thanks for the pics & info!

[P-51C]

So I wonder where to find this larger version in the other colours?

[staggerwing]

So I wonder where to find this larger version in the other colours?

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bin/rcm/hazel.cgi/hzpi/u/HzSt0206RKID1IybbN/hazel.cgi?action=serve&item=/Models/PowerAirplanes/PacificAero/PAMGeeBee.html

The blue & white is kinda purty

[Wind_of_Change]

Yeah, the chiefaircraft one and the pacaeromodel.com geebees may be the same plane. I feel pretty good about getting one in this size for $329, especially with reasonably priced shipping from HL.

I did call Green Models and asked them about other colors. I guess Hobby Lobby controls what colors they get since they're dealing with the factory. Green Models just provided the design. So if you want it in other colors, you have to talk to Hobby Lobby about it. He said the 97" one is forthcoming, but that was also a Hobby Lobby exclusive plane and production was in their hands. The planes are being produced, of course, in China.

If you want a 97" you have to go to Pacific Aeromodels here: http://www.pacaeromodel.com/GeeBee/97in/97GB.htm

Here is their 82" version
http://www.pacaeromodel.com/GeeBee/geebee.htm

If you look at the hardware, their landing gear is just a simple wire setup. No struts to take the shock during a hard landing.

[staggerwing]

Thread is being closed as I'm going w/ a G26
Thks for all of your input

[staggerwing]

I decided to re-open this thread to show my improvements to the landing gear struts which is not going to be of interest to a whole lot of people--but hopefully to some users. After reading several user inputs of thier gear struts failing (see my initial predictions in thread beginning) , I decided to redesign it a bit for adequate strength & still be compatible in all aspects to fit its original assembly parameters .
I'm told its original producer, Green models, has also re-designed the strut assembly however I'm guessing there were not enough of these $400+ kits sold to create enough organized user discontent on sellers to replace this defective part . (did I hear someone say business ethics ?)
Basically I removed the failing part--the square aluminum support shaft & replaced it with a 5/16" dia modified AN aircraft bolt & pressed a brass sleeve in the cylinder for an acceptable bearing between sliding stl bolt & alum cyl.. Cyl ID was turned on lathe from SQ to light press for K&S 5/16" ID brass tubing.
A semi-circular retainer of .070 stl plt is welded to the shaft to retain it where it passes thru a 5/16" hole added to the alum yoke (where the sq alum shaft was removed) & an alum retainer plt ground to fit the apex of the yoke is the lower mating part for the 5/16 nut securing the shaft.
Also added was a .050 thk stainless stl plate sandwiching the alum yoke arms to the actual alum gear legs. (6) 4-40 bolts used there. A 4-40 tapped hole in the shaft is for the SHCS which slides in the orig cyl slot & maintains anti-rotation of the shaft in the cyl . A pc of heat shrink was added as a dust cover for the open slot . Dry lube for the shaft is bees wax as any wet lube will quickly create a grinding compound from dirt.
Another less than adequate orig part I feel adding to strut failure are the hard dense foam whls--they could just as well have been thin wall plastic as there is little or no compliancy--anyhow I am substituting a pair of Dubro 4 1/2" inflatable ---a bit more weight, but overall I think a good swap.
It will be awhile before this is airborn but I have no 2nd thoughts about its integrity. Pic could be better but it should give you an idea.
BTW, I noticed just today HL has a "63" Senior Gee Bee" --- must be a well aged dwarf ?

[staggerwing]

For what it's worth to those having purchased HL 84" Gee Bees having the inadequately designed gear legs ;
I recently corresponded w/ a seller in RCU mentioning these legs being upgraded in his Gee Bee for sale & his tale is interesting . Seems enough buyers complained so the legs were re-designed & are being offered @ $60 a set by HL ! ---
I guess little known common knowledge to those unfortunate purchasers .
I recently purchased a crash sale EDF @ HL & upon asking a question on same to Shawn, also asked if anything was being done about the 84" GB gear legs---said he wasn't aware there was a problem ??
Well there you have it !
The Gee Bee seller & I both agreed HL &/or Green Models obviously has no qualified design or engineering personel.