72" Pitts M12

[lmopar69]

So, Cox is clearing out their big beautiful 72" Pitts M12s for $250 each... couldnt help but order one tonight. So, now I just have to figure out a power system for it. Im thinkin Atlas 5030/16 on 10S with a 20" prop. That should do the trick I think.

Anyone have any experience with this plane? anyone done an electric version yet?

Laine.

[bevers01]

The quoted weight is 18-20 lbs, so you basically need a 50cc-75cc equivalent setup. That means something like 12S, 95ish amps for really good power (200 W/lb). Maybe take a look at the 3DHS 87" SHP/ 89" Slick threads for power system suggestions. I'd love to suggest a big Neu inrunner, but they take forever to get them to you, so a big Hacker outrunner would work, like an A60 or an A80, depending on your flying style and power needs.

The Atlas setup will probably work, but I don't think you'll be impressed with the power, especially with the inevitable weight gain from going electric.

Good luck with the Pitts; I got to watch this year's Sun n' Fun airshow from the shade of an M12's wings and man was that plane beautiful (so was the Extra beside it, and the Velox, and the ExtremeAir...)

-Brandon

[Wind_of_Change]

That is the most beautiful Pitts! Oh man, if I hadn't just picked up an Ultimate 120 I'd be hitting the BUY NOW button.

Grrrr.

I've been using the United Hobbies Turnigy motors in my recent large electric conversions, and they've worked well. A 63-64 230KV 3150W would work well, or maybe go with the 63-74 and a bigger prop.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7710 is very close to the E-Flite 160, for half the price. I've been flying the bigger 63-74 in my Hobby Lobby Gee Bee Senior Sportser, and the 55-65 in my Fliton Extra 330S and they've been great motors. Can't beat price, though you will pay a little extra for shipping from China.

Good luck with the build. I'm so jealous!

Todd

[Yardbee]

Hi Laine: I Am Thinking the Same!! Would Make a Nice Electric Conversion!! @ $250.00 Its a Screaming Deal!!!! I Too Have Looking Around for Someone that Has Done a Conversion!! I Wonder if It Has a Removable Canopy Hatch? It Would Sure Make Getting to the Batteries Alot Easier. I Remember the Carl Golderg Pitts M-12 Did Not Have a Removable Hatch. If I Find Out Anything I'll Post It Here!

Cheers: Joe

[Wind_of_Change]

Ugh, battery hatch is a huge issue. My Gee Bee didn't have it, and taking the wing off to swap or charge packs is a huge pain, especially when the plane weighs 17 pounds and the table can barely hold it.

Nothing I can see on RC Groups, but there are two threads on RC Universe.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4143319/anchors_4143319/mpage_1/key_Cox%252CPitts/anchor/tm.htm#4143319

and

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8131420/anchors_8131420/mpage_1/key_Cox%252CPitts/anchor/tm.htm#8131420

The second article says that the entire cockpit area comes off as one piece for easy access to the huge interior.

The plane is at the end of it's run, so getting replacement parts for it may be impossible in a few months. Fly it carefully!

[lmopar69]

I read a build thread about one of them on RCU a little while ago. The guy went with a DA 50, but he noted that the entire canopy comes off and there is a huge amount of room and easy access into the fuse. I would bet it will be a perfect way to install/remove batteries.

Unfortunatly, the guy balled his up. Fortunatly he ordered a replacement one. Unfortunatly, he paid $400 for each of his. Fortunatly, we can get them for $250. LUCKY US!

I may end up running a bigger AXI motor in mine. Guess I'll have to see what it weighs with batteries/servos etc... installed. I'll go from there I suppose. No rush, the weather here in TN is pretty chilly and wet since I got home from Afghanistan almost a week ago.

Laine.

[Yardbee]

I Pulled the Trigger & Just Ordered One!! :) Found a Build Thread On RC Universe for the Gas Version & Found Out It Does Have a Removable Canopy Hatch!! Merry Christmas To Me!! :D Joe


Laine: Thanks for the Info Regarding the Hatch!! I Just Read Your Post!!

[lmopar69]

Guess we all think alike. 3 posts in a row referring to the large hatch. Well, maybe we can all get together sometime, SEFF maybe and do some formation flight. Firemanbill over on Wattflyer just ordered one too. ;)

Laine.

[Wind_of_Change]

I don't know what happened, but while I was sitting here working, the little guy (you know, the one with the tail who sits on my left shoulder) knocked me unconscious, possessed my body, managed to get my wallet out and ordered this stupid plane that I absolutely do not need or have time to build (it's now like 8th in the queue)...

Then he relinquished control and the guy on the other shoulder just hung his head and flew off. :rolleyes:

But cmon, the price! :eek:

I think I'm just gonna build this one and hang it from the ceiling in my office, as a reminder of what can happen when I'm tired and sitting at a computer.

[lmopar69]

Oh, not to worry Wind you are not alone... Im sittin on 30 planes now. 9 that still need to be built, and a couple in the mail on the way here. That little sucker with the forked tail who sits on my shoulder memorized my credit card number I think. He just keeps going and going. But, like you said.... the price!!!! Cant pass that one up!

If this was my only hobby, it wouldnt be so bad. But, nooooooo, I have 4 ATV's a race car, 2 muscle cars and a street rod too. Normally there is at least one motorcycle hangin around here too. Thank God I have a very understanding wife!

Either way, this plane will be a NICE addition to the fleet. I LOVE bipes, and Pitts are by far my favorite. I hope to own a real one of those someday too.

Laine.

[Wind_of_Change]

You know Laine, that actually makes me feel better! Thanks!

Good thing you live a thousand miles away or I'd be hanging at your house and picking up all sorts of cool new hobbies that I can't afford. :D

I agree it would be way cool to get a bunch of guys with this plane together and fly some formation. Oooooh, that'd be cool... right up until one of us gets confused which one is ours and piles it into the ground. Not so cool.

Anyway, thanks for the boost. The guy on my right shoulder is now shaking his head at somebody else instead of me; good deflection!

[redjem13]

Hoorah for great prices! I got one on the way!

~Matt

[dtmtoyz]

Me too. Not sure if I'll go gas with the M12 or electric. Doesn't really matter now. At least I'll have one on the way before they are gone.

[Wind_of_Change]

got shipping notification! Goods are on the way for Dec 22 delivery!

[Yardbee]

Same Here! Should Be Here on the 23rd!! :)

[redjem13]

I placed my order on the 18th of December as I look at the receipt on Cox's Website, and I still haven't received a shipping notice. Did I miss a cut off date? From what address did you receive your shipping notification from? How many days was it between your order date and ship date?

What's going on? Should I shout them an email?


Thanks

[Thomas B]

The plane is at the end of it's run, so getting replacement parts for it may be impossible in a few months. Fly it carefully!

It is already impossible. A freind of mine works at Cox and there are no parts available for the balsa ARFs at all. They never stocked them when they were actively selling the kits.

So..careful is a good idea!

[Thomas B]

I placed my order on the 18th of December as I look at the receipt on Cox's Website, and I still haven't received a shipping notice. Did I miss a cut off date? From what address did you receive your shipping notification from? How many days was it between your order date and ship date?

What's going on? Should I shout them an email?


Thanks

As I recall, it took a couple of days to get a second confirmation from them before. You might call them on Monday to be sure.

I did not order until Saturday. I did get an email order received confirmation, but who knows how many there really were in stock. I am betting just 5-6 or less at the max before the sale started ..will be interesting to see if I actually get one.

Looks like 5 before me in this thread and I know of one other before me not on R/C groups...that one is my fault because I told him about it...:)

If I do get one, I am thinking about one of the 80x80mm motors from Hobby City. Ed Couch had one the other day in a giant scale Gee Bee Sportster and it was a massive powerhouse.

The only problem with a steal on a giant scale ARF like this is the cost of the other stuff...several hundred bucks in good servos, couple of hundred plus for a good ESC...not to mention lipos......heck..saving 400 bucks will likely end up costing us a grand...:)

[Yak18]

Well as stated before, I too, do not need another airplane because when you don't know how many you have....you have too many! But for this price, it's really an offer one can't refuse. Mine will be GAS most likely since I really want to fly only Electrics and Gasoline from here on out and I don't have a gasoline airplane yet. Well now I do I guess. As of five minutes ago they were still IN STOCK on the site and I have an order confirmation number so hopefully they really are still in stock. Wish me luck!

[Thomas B]

I checked with my friend at Cox and my order last Saturday was too late. He said they had about 50 kits left when the sale begain and they sold out within 3 days...looks like you had to order before Saturday to have a chance of getting a kit.

So, I missed out in this smoking deal, but I saved $275 plus the 1K to outfit it...:)

Not every e-commerce web site has real time inventory updates and things can take a few days to catch up to reality in a fast happening situation like this sale.

[Yardbee]

Good Luck!!!! :)

[Wind_of_Change]

So the guys that ordered one of the 50 kits got planes (mine came today), and the rest of the guys that paid online but won't get planes are making up the difference in the sale. So they were $600 per plane anyway! Thanks all those who bought a plane after Saturday.

:p

Well it's a beautiful plane. Gorgeous really. Wishing I'd have bought two, for spare parts.

[redjem13]

??????? I better not get charged $275 if I don't get a plane........ :confused:

[Yak18]

I checked with my friend at Cox and my order last Saturday was too late. He said they had about 50 kits left when the sale begain and they sold out within 3 days...looks like you had to order before Saturday to have a chance of getting a kit.

So, I missed out in this smoking deal, but I saved $275 plus the 1K to outfit it...:)

Not every e-commerce web site has real time inventory updates and things can take a few days to catch up to reality in a fast happening situation like this sale.


Well you sound happy you didn't get what you wanted. :rolleyes:

Oh, the old selling stuff you don't have trick! Beautiful! If this is true it's no wonder they're going out of business. :censored:

[Wind_of_Change]

Is Cox going out of business for good? Wow.

All I can say is, how can you sell stuff you don't market?! I'd never even heard of this plane and it's been on the market for how long? I've looked for Pitt's Bipes many times over the years, came very close to buying several but didn't like the size or configuration. Then somebody mentions a big sale on this Cox bipe, and I'm freaking out. It's perfect, the right size, great color scheme, well designed. Why have I never heard of it before?!

It pays to advertise, and get some threads going on RCGroups for heavens sake. Give a few away if you have to in order to get buzz going, get some reviews up.

Maybe they did all that, I don't know, but I was just surprised to find out about it so late in the game.

[Yak18]

Is Cox going out of business for good? Wow.

All I can say is, how can you sell stuff you don't market?! I'd never even heard of this plane and it's been on the market for how long? I've looked for Pitt's Bipes many times over the years, came very close to buying several but didn't like the size or configuration. Then somebody mentions a big sale on this Cox bipe, and I'm freaking out. It's perfect, the right size, great color scheme, well designed. Why have I never heard of it before?!

It pays to advertise, and get some threads going on RCGroups for heavens sake. Give a few away if you have to in order to get buzz going, get some reviews up.

Maybe they did all that, I don't know, but I was just surprised to find out about it so late in the game.

I couldn't agree more...and there is no excuse. With these forums, WORLDWIDE word-of-mouth advertising is dirt cheap.

[Thomas B]

You guys don't understand what Cox/Estes really is. They are not an R/C company like the ones we deal with. They are a toy oriented hobby company that would much rather have a couple of shelves in the toy part of every Walmart than to be an R/C icon, as it will make them more money.

They are simply dabbling at the large ARF business as a minor sideline. They are now more on less on the outs with their previous ARF suppliers and are working on other stuff that will make them more money. I predict there will be some more Cox micro warbirds one of these days, but the jury is out on more large ARFs

They got into the ARF business and they did promote the Pica line of stuff...numerous magazine reviews and ads. All the Pica models sold out pretty quickly, except for the Duelist and it did a bit later. The models were not promoted much online here.

The big Pitts was an oddity in one way. It was the only large ARF that they did that was not sourced from a Pica kit.

[Yak18]

I hope they will atleast sell off the rights to these designs to a company that is in the ARF business so they can continue production. They seem to be very popular.

Still kind of miffed that they haven't updated the stock status in several days. I would have perferred to not give them my credit card info for nothing.

[jfv61]

So, who's going to post build pictures?

[redjem13]

AND for those who didn't get one, did we even get charged? If we did, we get our money back right?? I sure hope so...... :mad:

[Thomas B]

Cox does not charge until the order ships.

[redjem13]

Cox does not charge until the order ships.


Thats what I was looking for! I have called them a bunch of times and never got a straight answer. Thank you very much, I just got a shipping notice after I called customer service, so it is turning out ok, but the UPS Tracking service just says billing information received.... not in the clear yet.

[bryadelm]

Still shows In Stock, so I took a change at this great price!

[redjem13]

My tracking number just came through as my plane is leaving colorado as we... um.... type? post? whatever... :D


~Matt

[Yak18]

Still no rejection email from Cox...

[Thomas B]

None here, either. Looks like Cox is not sending order rejection/item sold out emails, based on observations of a few folks' orders.

They really should do that.

[Thomas B]

Still shows In Stock, so I took a change at this great price!

You will not be getting one....they were sold out three days into the sale and it took Cox a while to get everything shut down on the web site.

I ordered Sat Dec 20, a buddy at Cox checked status and I was too late.

[redjem13]

Well mine just checked in after taking 5 days to get form Colorado to Illinois. :confused: Anyways, it still has a couple of days to get here in Northern Michigan. Any pictures from the guys that got them already?

~Matt

[lmopar69]

I will finally get to see mine for the first time tomorrow. We left home for the holidays before it arrived. it got there on the 23rd, I'll get there tomorrow. Hope its still sittin on the porch!

Laine.

[Yak18]

Looks like we missed out on this but there are sure to be many more Pitts M-12's in the future...though not for this price.

[61ahs]

You guys had me worried. I ordered one on the 19th and then left for a two week vacation. Just checked with my housesitter though and he says a great big box showed up on the 24th. Woohoo!

[redjem13]

You guys had me worried. I ordered one on the 19th and then left for a two week vacation. Just checked with my housesitter though and he says a great big box showed up on the 24th. Woohoo!

I wonder why mine is taking so long to arrive! I ordered on the 18th, and my delivery date is still on the 2nd. ??? Oh well, I guess I am still up here in the North!

[Wind_of_Change]

Well it's worth the wait guys. Beautiful!

It's a little weird to get an ARF kit that's not fully equipped with all your gear. Like it comes with struts and pants, but no wheels... has some wires and connectors, but not everything you need to hook up your pull-pull system and controls. They left a lot of stuff out that I'll have to buy and implement on my own.

[Thomas B]

Well it's worth the wait guys. Beautiful!

It's a little weird to get an ARF kit that's not fully equipped with all your gear. Like it comes with struts and pants, but no wheels... has some wires and connectors, but not everything you need to hook up your pull-pull system and controls. They left a lot of stuff out that I'll have to buy and implement on my own.

Back when the web site still ahd the M-12 kit info on line, they explained that not much if any hardware was included. They expained that at this size aerobatic model, most people have their own preferences about control hookups and type of hardware preferred.

It always pays to read the fine print.......

[jfv61]

Still waiting for someone to post pictures... hint, hint :D

[lmopar69]

Well, I got home last night and there she was, my huge box with a beautiful M12 sitting on the porch! Of course, I yanked the beast out of its box to look it over. Looks great. A few wrinkles here and there, but nothing a heat gun wont fix Im sure. Cant wait to get started on it. Man I love bipes!

Laine.

[redjem13]

I promise, that tomorrow, when I have my plane, I will post pictures. Tomorrow being the 2nd as I write this on the First of January, 2009!!!

Happy New Year!

Matt

[CHELLIE]

Well, I got home last night and there she was, my huge box with a beautiful M12 sitting on the porch! Of course, I yanked the beast out of its box to look it over. Looks great. A few wrinkles here and there, but nothing a heat gun wont fix Im sure. Cant wait to get started on it. Man I love bipes!

Laine.

Hi Laine :) Good luck to you on the Bi Plane, I am scratch building a 72" foam bi Plane, I came over here looking for More ideas ;) wish me luck :D Take care, Chellie

[BoneDoc]

Awaiting pictures :D.

[Yardbee]

Hi Chellie: Cool a 72" Foam Bipe!! :cool: Keep Us Posted On Your Build! :) JP

[lmopar69]

Hi Laine :) Good luck to you on the Bi Plane, I am scratch building a 72" foam bi Plane, I came over here looking for More ideas ;) wish me luck :D Take care, Chellie

Sweeeeeet! Nice to see you around here. A 72" foam bipe huh? Sounds nice. Why dont you just make 2 and send the second my way ;) .

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progess.

Laine.

[redjem13]

Here they are!
:D :D

[Wind_of_Change]

Great pics redjem13. What I like is that the bottoms of the wings have stars on them. Need a pic of that for these guys to see.

[redjem13]

I will soon, I'm still looking it over!

Its HUGE!!!

[BoneDoc]

That's pretty big :).

[sun.flyer]

Dave Barron did an e-conversion on one of these in the March issue of FlyRC.

http://www.flyrc.com/toc_03_08.shtml

Might be worth buying/getting a back issue to use for reference. From what I remember the battery tray area required the lower wing to be removed in order to change the packs. I'm sure that some kind of modification could be made to improve this.

Tim

[redjem13]

Dave Barron did an e-conversion on one of these in the March issue of FlyRC.

http://www.flyrc.com/toc_03_08.shtml

Might be worth buying/getting a back issue to use for reference. From what I remember the battery tray area required the lower wing to be removed in order to change the packs. I'm sure that some kind of modification could be made to improve this.

Tim

I found that issue the other day and have been looking it over. He cuts a hatch in the cowl to access the batteries. Not sure I like that, because the cowl is so gorgeous, but it might have to be done.

Matt

[Wind_of_Change]

I'm away from my plane and can't inspect it myself, but I don't understand why you can't put batteries on the servo tray inside the hatch. Is there not enough room? Do servos need to relocated? Seems excessive to be cutting into the plane with such a huge hatch. I won't see mine again until Monday, so I sure hope there's a top hatch solution.

Todd

[Thomas B]

I'm away from my plane and can't inspect it myself, but I don't understand why you can't put batteries on the servo tray inside the hatch. Is there not enough room? Do servos need to relocated? Seems excessive to be cutting into the plane with such a huge hatch. I won't see mine again until Monday, so I sure hope there's a top hatch solution.

Todd

Probably a CG issue. This plane was designed for a large gas engine. A large outrunner will not be heavy enough to get to the correct CG by itself unless you put the batteries on the firewall as well.

I am doing a conversion of a TF giant scale Beech Staggerwing and am also looking at a lower hatch on the cowl to put the batteries on the firewall, as I need the weigh there to make CG.

[lendawg1]

Dave Barron did an e-conversion on one of these in the March issue of FlyRC.

http://www.flyrc.com/toc_03_08.shtml

Might be worth buying/getting a back issue to use for reference. From what I remember the battery tray area required the lower wing to be removed in order to change the packs. I'm sure that some kind of modification could be made to improve this.

Tim
I was meaning to post this myself, as I HAD the magazine until it got drenched.
http://www.shop4rc.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?catalogid=444

To make a short story long: I had knee surgery in July in Philadelphia, and I took a soft-sided brief case loaded with about 6 RC mags to peruse during the wait. After recovery, I had to go out for a smoke - grabbed my brief case with mags and had to put my ice pack SOMEWHERE to crutch my way out the exit. I put it in my bag on top of the mags...when I got outside I went to pull out the ice pack and SPLOOSH - ice bag broke and all mags got soaked!

Len

[lmopar69]

Has anyone gotten started on their pitts yet? I have the servos sitting here and the plane keeps staring me down. I think its saying "build me!!!! BUILD MEEEEE!!!!" But the wife keeps saying "Honey dooooo... honey dooooooooo!!!" lol

Laine.

[redjem13]

Hey Laine, I haven't on mine for the main reason that I have no $$$$$$. I only got the plane because of the deal and now it's back in the box for probably a year or sooooo. It's so tempting, but I have no $$$. ARRRGGGG

~Matt

[Wind_of_Change]

I'm with Matt & Laine. Restricted cash after two separate hospital visits over the holidays (one for me, one for my son), and very little time while trying to catch up at work and still get all my honey-doos done.

[lmopar69]

I suppose I have the money to do it if I really want to. Just bought the wife a $35000 I love you gift (Chrysler Aspen);) last night. But, I also just got a nice raise, and refinanced my house a couple days ago too, so it all equalls out.

I do have 8 new HS 645MG servos sitting here beside the plane, I have a CC BEC, I have a AR 7000, and I COULD use one motor and battery from the SRT-10 as a temp. power system if I wanted to. But, I would rather buy a motor/ESC specifically for this plane. So, I guess I'll finish the Slow Poke kit Im working on, then maybe the Pitts will be the next one in the chute.

Laine.

[benovsoff]

Hi Laine :) Good luck to you on the Bi Plane, I am scratch building a 72" foam bi Plane, I came over here looking for More ideas ;) wish me luck :D Take care, Chellie
When are you going to finish chellie?

[lmopar69]

Well, good news for me, I just got a great deal on a AXI 5345 for my M12. So, now I have all the servos, a set of 10S lipos, a CC BEC and a excellent motor. only thing left is hardware and an ESC and Im in business.

Laine.

[3 pointer]

Just love those wheel spats. Look like they have really been finnished with lots of love.

[lmopar69]

All the fiberglass parts look exceptionally good! Hope they still look as good after a few flights!

Laine.

[lmopar69]

I finally got started on my Pitts last night. Got the bottom wing glued together. Tonight, I put the wing stut mounts in. I'll be doing one or two steps each night before bed until its done. Or, until I get an entire day to work on it. I'll have to hurry so I can take it to a fun fly this coming Sat!

Laine.

[61ahs]

A Fun Fly this coming Saturday? Yikes - you gonna be busy! Did you see the electric conversion article in the March '08 issue of Fly RC magazine? Some good info there.

I have gathered all the parts for mine, but have to finish two other planes first. Picked up a nice aluminum spinner and a bunch of Xoar props at the Toledo show last week. Mine is going to be powered with a 50cc gas engine. I know this is an electric thread, but I want to keep up with what everybody else is doing.

Rick

[lmopar69]

yeah, busy is right. The Pitts is one of about 5 on-going projects that have to bee done by the 27th. I just got a new trailer, gotta get it set up so I can get the planes to the fun fly.

I didnt get to see the article, but thats ok, this one looks pretty straight forward. I have an AXI 5330 and a 5345. Both will work, but I think the 5345 will be better. I'd rather keep it on 10S instead of 12S, so I may try the 5330 first.

Laine.

[61ahs]

Laine,

What size prop are you planning to use? The guy in the Fly RC article used an Astroflight 120 motor with an APC 20x10 prop and had some issues with airflow because of the diameter of the cowl verses the prop diameter. The cowl is 12 inches in diameter and with a 20 inch prop there isn't much prop left outside of the cowl.

His solution was to move the cowl forward 1/4" to get better airflow through the cowl and over the tail surfaces.

Rick

[lmopar69]

I'll probably try a 22x10 on 10S with the 5345 first. If needed, I'll end up going to 12S and whatever prop is needed. It will handle 110amps and I am using a CC HV-110. So, we'll see how it goes.

Laine.

[lmopar69]

I have begun, shouldnt take too much longer to get it all ready to go. Its a very quick building plane. Looks kinda funny with no cowl or top wing though. ;)

Laine.

[61ahs]

Laine,

Did you get the Pitts done in time for the fun fly?

[lmopar69]

I didnt get it done before the Sat. fun fly, I am still trying to get it done for SEFF. Not sure if it will be done before I leave, but I will get to SEFF on Monday, so if I dont get it done, maybe I can finish it there before the official start of the event.

Laine.

[Wind_of_Change]

Well I've finally managed to scrape together the parts and electronics for this beast and am getting ready to build. It took forever!

As I sit here planning out the project I'm filled with a bit of anxiety... anxiety that if I do anything wrong there are no more kits available to get parts from. And given the fact that I'm gonna try and push the envelope a bit (SPEED!), I'm a little apprehensive. So I thought maybe I'd throw this out...

If any of you guys that bought this kit while it was on sale don't think you'll get around to building it, I would sure appreciate the chance to buy a backup! I spoke first, so I call dibs on any that are available! :D

Seriously, I'm kicking myself hard for not ordering two when they were closing them out. PM me if you have one available.... pretty please with cherries on top!

Todd

[lmopar69]

Hey Todd, nice to see your getting yours built too. I have been working on mine a little at a time when time permits. It wont be much longer and I'll have it in the air.
So far, its been a really easy build. Im sure you will have no trouble at all.
Laine.

[lmopar69]

My M12 is taking shape pretty quickly. I finally got the wings and tail group together and got everything hinged a couple days ago.

I put in the 7 Hitec 645MG servos yesterday and Im mounting the AXI 5345/14 and the CC HV-110 today.

For batteries, I have Thunder Power 10S 4450 for it. If for some reason thats not enough, I have another identical set for a total of 9900mah.

I'll put up some pictures sooner or later.

Laine.

[Wind_of_Change]

Laine, I finally got started on mine as well. I'm doing a fly-in next weekend and aim to have it done by mid-week. I got the motor & electronics in yesterday, as well as the landing gear on. Today I'm doing main wings.

I have to say, this is the nicest ARF I've built. Everything fits right, and is extremely well thought out. And have you ever seen instructions this nice before? Not me... ever. Full color, extremely clear, great pics. I'm seriously lamenting the fact that these guys have quit doing big planes. I'd be a loyal customer for sure.

I just ordered a new set of 30-50C packs (two 6S 5000 mah for a 12S setup). They sure seem like a great buy for the price!

http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/proddetail.php?prod=XPS5000-6S1P

I saw a guy flying with these a few months ago and they smoked my cheap Chinese packs. Ordered them late last night and they shipped this morning.

Todd

[lmopar69]

I will agree with that. It is a very easy plane to build, and as you said, everything fits exactly as it should. I certainly have no complaints! It sure does take up some space though huh! Let me know how those batteries do for you. I like the prices thats for certain. What motor/prop/esc you using on yours? Good luck getting it done. I should have mine ready soon too.

Laine.

[lmopar69]

Im just about done with this one. Just have to finish up the details now and it should be ready for a flight. It sure is a good looking plane. Wish I would have bought two of them!

Laine.

[Wind_of_Change]

Laine,

I just finished mine up this morning as well. It sure looks awesome. Pics don't do it justice.

One thing I did on mine that I'm happy with is I painted the interior of the cowl flat black, as well as the entire wood structure under the cowl (firewall, motor mount, etc.) I also wrapped my risers in black tape. It looks MUCH better that way, you can't see all the silly electric motor stuff inside. I wish they'd provided a motor facade.

I've just got to figure out where my batteries go for CG and I'm ready to maiden. I'm hoping to do it this evening, or early in the A.M.

Todd

[lmopar69]

Nice. Let me know how it goes Todd. I may get mine done and in the air this weekend. Just depends on how much other stuff I have going on.

[Wind_of_Change]

Well I finished my Pitts and took it to the field Saturday morning. Everything checked out at home before I went, but when I pulled the plane out of the trailer and set it up for a pre-flight test, one of the aileron servos just wigged out. At first it jammed hard down, then just stopped working all together. I have no idea why. Brand new digital servo. Getting those servos in was a royal pain, getting them back out and replacing them is going to be much worse.

So I didn't get to maiden it, and may not have another chance to get to the field for a few weeks. My daughter and son both have long campouts that I need to take them too.

Grr!!!

[lmopar69]

Oh man, that sucks. I have been slowly but surely plugging away at mine in my "down time". Today I was working on control linkages. I got the elevators and rudder done, and still have to finish up the ailerons, then that part is done. Then about the only thing left is the battery mounting area and setting the CG.

Laine.

[lmopar69]

I got it in the air about 10 days ago! Flew like a champ with way more than enough power. It will hover at 3/4 throttle just fine (of course, hovering was done at about 200' for me). Its about 1/2" to a full 1" nose heavy right now, so I'll push the lipos back a bit a little at a time until it flys just how I like it. But, 3 flights and the only real issue is EVERY landing it wants to nose over. Hopefully pushing the CG back a bit will stop that from happening.

Laine.

[Wind_of_Change]

Wow, congrats Laine!

I'm curious what tires you ended up using. I got some tires with foam inserts from Tower Hobbies and they simply won't work. I got my Pitts out to fly it this weekend after replacing that bad aileron servo, but I couldn't even get it to roll because the wheels squish so badly that they rub hard on the wheel pant. They simply can't hold up a plane this heavy, even with the foam inserts. So I ordered a new set of heavy duty tires and am waiting for them to get here. Grr, one thing after another.

But I'm wondering if that's why your plane is nosing over. If the tires squish and are creating huge drag, they could be your problem. My friend had that issue on a corsair, the tires just couldn't handle the plane and they had so much squish in them that the plane always nosed over, even on smooth pavement.

Oh, is there any chance you can get some video up of your plane flying? I'd really like to see it in action!

[lmopar69]

Thanks man. Yeah, I had the same problem with the wheel pants, I hated to do it, but I had to "clearance" them a bit with a dremel so the tires wouldnt rub. I used some 4" wheels that I picked up down in Nashville at Hobby-Lobby. They are fairly firm, but still a bit squishy. I would bet that its nosing over because of a combination of the nose heavy condition, the grass runway and the "softish" tires. Maybe a touch of dry graphite on the axles would help too. Anyting to reduce the friction down there.

I'll try to get some video when I take it out again. not sure when that will be though because of weather and other things going on. Possibly this coming Sunday though. We'll see.

Laine.

[Pilatuspc12]

Thanks man. Yeah, I had the same problem with the wheel pants, I hated to do it, but I had to "clearance" them a bit with a dremel so the tires wouldnt rub. I used some 4" wheels that I picked up down in Nashville at Hobby-Lobby. They are fairly firm, but still a bit squishy. I would bet that its nosing over because of a combination of the nose heavy condition, the grass runway and the "softish" tires. Maybe a touch of dry graphite on the axles would help too. Anyting to reduce the friction down there.

I'll try to get some video when I take it out again. not sure when that will be though because of weather and other things going on. Possibly this coming Sunday though. We'll see.

Laine.
It looks good Laine, congrats. ;)

Randy

[Wind_of_Change]

Laine,

I ended up ordering a pair of these large scale air inflated wheels for the Pitts. I'm hoping they'll do the trick and get me in the air. I've been staring at this completed plane for over 2 weeks now, and it's driving me insane!

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD797&P=7

I'm looking forward to your video.

[RobNHood]

Can you get one of these M12s any more? I would really love one.

Does anyone else make one - even a bit smaller for a 26cc gasser?

Anyone have experience with Nitroplanes 120 size Pitts?

Thanks.

[Yardbee]

Check out www.knoxhobbies.com they have a 50cc Pitts Bulldog available in 3 different color schemes.

Cheers: JP

Made the correction!! Sorry for the flub up!!! :eek:

[Wind_of_Change]

JP,

oops, forgot to put the .com on there, so the link doesn't work.

Here's the link to the plane's page.

http://knoxhobbies.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31_85&products_id=415

They also have some big 100-150 cc sized Pitts. Too bad they leave the cockpit interior exposed like that, it looks cheesy.

$150 shipping! Ouch.

[staggerwing]

JP,


$150 shipping! Ouch.


That's more than an ouch---more like a chop to the throat !

[lmopar69]

Mine is for sale if you are interrested! I love this plane, but $$ is tight right now. Just shoot me a PM.

Laine

[lmopar69]

I got the Pitts out flying again at the Tullahoma, TN fun fly this past weekend. Im just trying to get the CG dialed in to the sweet spot. I flew it twice. The first time it was pretty tail heavy, even though I made sure it was at 7.5" from the leading edge, it was still tail heavy. Not un-flyable, but still needed the cg moved up a bit.

I moved the flight pack all the way forward. It helped, but it still needs just a touch more weight up there. So, I'll move the 2S 4000 flight pack up there and that should solve it.

As for the landings, on the first one, it did the flip thing, but it was my fault. I was too slow and too steep. 2nd landing was perfect.

Now, I'll finally order a spinner for the nose of this thing and get a "pilot" in there.

Laine.