Maidened Multiplex Merlin V2 yesterday at RSA. E helped with the launch, and the flight and landing went well. The Merlin V2 build includes the Himax 2212-1180, 8x5 prop, Thunderbird 18 ESC, four HS-55 servos, and an AR6255 receiver. I flew the Merlin twice. Once with a 500 mAh Blue Lipo and the other time with a 800 mAh Blue Lipo. I noticed some sound with the engine at full throttle, and I'm wondering if there might be a bearing issue since this is the engine from the V1 crash with a new bell and shaft. The heavy duty filament tape did a great job of protecting the belly of the fuselage on its hard dirt landings. Looking forward to more Merlin flights this weekend.

Planned the plane with Halloween colors, but when my son saw the plane he said, "It's a Giants plane!"