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View Full Version : Discussion The Wings Maker L-18C Conversion


shv2sail
Jul 15, 2008, 03:51 PM
Thought I'd share my latest conversion and 2nd giant scale model.

This is a 'The Wingsmaker' Piper Cub that I converted to an L-18C and powered electrically. I had the chance to maiden her on Sunday - flies very cub-like with a just a touch of power to spare. I was a bit leary on how it would fly as the wattmeter only reads about 550W at WOT, but the lightly loaded cub flew just fine. I plan on increasing the prop size to a 17x8 XOAR "e" to see if I can pull some more watts out of the power system and maybe add a little more power cushion.

I was pleasantly suprised with the "the wingsmaker" ARF. The airframe construction and convering was well done, and the fit/build needed very, very little modifications. Additionally, the included hardware (including pre-epoxied-in beefy center pin hinges on all the control surfaces) was suprisingly stout and above the quality of other ARF kits I've assembled. I bought dubro hardware to use for the build, but didn't even use it. I did the usual epoxy reinforcing of the firewall and some of the formers, but beyond the cosmetic change from a J-3 to warbird, she's built stock.

Stats:
The Wingsmaker true 1/5 Cub, 85" span
Flying weight: about 9lbs
Motor: Turnegy 320Kv outrunner
ESC: Lightflight 100A
Prop: 16x8 APC "e"
Battery: Maxamps 4000HV, 6S

staggerwing
Jul 23, 2008, 11:24 AM
Nice ! Tough to beat The Wingsmaker for really great ARF's @ a low price.
Been going to order the 160 Spit for awhile---I'd better do it

shv2sail
Jul 24, 2008, 09:57 AM
My biggest suprise was the included hardware. REAL hinges epoxied in place...large, stout rods and linkages...a nice change to the junk in ARF kits I'm used to.

shv2sail
Aug 05, 2008, 10:14 AM
Photo update...completed the greenhouse, fixed some of the graphics and added an antiglare panel. Finally looking more like a L-18C.

staggerwing
Aug 05, 2008, 10:55 AM
So lets get that baby in the air !

shv2sail
Aug 05, 2008, 02:44 PM
Done and done! Maidened her a couple of weeks ago. Flys GREAT on only 600W. It's no 3D machine by any means...but not underpowered either.