One, of many, TwinJet stories

[Patrick Plawner]

This is a testament that the TwinJet is a survivor plane.

I think it came to a point where my poor TwinJet wants me to write about its difficult life.

It first started about 9 months ago, but it seems like ages for it. I bought a Wingo and decided that after the Wingo, why not trying the TwinJet.
Well, let's say that now, 9 months later, my TwinJet and I can testify that we went through most of everything a man and its TwinJet can go through.


This is not a novel, this is real story, sad and passionate. Please, people with heart problems, avoid the reading.


Part 1: First Flight, first crash.
It started with a first flight, where we gathered friends to see our beautiful just arrived Wingos (2 wingos) and see the first supposed take-off of the TwinJet with 7 cells 2000RC. 1 Wingo went down, then the other, so, what was supposed to happen, happened. Not giving any attention to the direction of the wind, or the size of the place to fly, I would try to throw it. It was a lucky day, as I throw the TJ with the wind (not against), and of course, it crashed but not too badly, on its belly. Only both propellers went out. Everyone did a "Waaaaooooooo", and was very impressed by how difficult it must be. You know family and friends, they are always supportive, even when you really mess up.
I call it a lucky day as this was near a military base and appreciating my flying skills then, high chances are that it would have ended up in the wrong place.
Crash Results: Only some of the foam gone, and 2 propellers gone. Added strong tape on the bottom and new propellers

Part 2: Second flight, second crash.
Then, I decided to fly it on a big field, 9:00 in the morning. This time, I threw it against the wind and magic, it took off. What do you do then ? this plane doesn't behave like my Wingo, Help !! but I am alone (at least, avoiding another shame time). The adrenaline is flowing, heart beat going nuts. If I go straight, it will not come back, if I turn... Well, how do you turn with this things ??? Ok, no choice, try going right, as I hated and still don't feel comfortable with left turns, and the plane turns with a very large circle right. Since I waited to do this, it is quiet far already but it is coming back somehow. Thinking it is not going right fast enough, I push the stick more to the right.... Big mistake, the plane starts to roll ???? What did I do, I don't know but no time to think, the plane is inverted.... Haaaaa, help !!!!! let's pull on the stick to loop, maybe this will help.... Crash.... Strong, full speed, crash as I looped when the plane was about 7 meters from the ground.
Crash results: Speed controller gone, receiver crashed, 1 prop broken, cockpit broken in 2 pieces, nose slightly curved. Epoxy and new hardware, and ready to go again


Part 3: All the other crashes.
One of the most famous and tough crash was one where I lost eye contact with the plane. By the time I saw it again, it was above a chicken farm and it was too late for me to do anything. I went to look for it, and after 15 minutes, I found all the body parts, scattered around, the fuselage broken in 3 pieces, both motors out of their place, the battery about 6 feet away from the plane, but I was pretty happy I found it. This required some work, and epoxy and this is why the nose of my actual TJ is bended.

With books, forum, time and mistakes, you do learn eventually so this poor TJ would gradually learn with me all the possible bad moves an rookie pilot does. From forgetting to extend the radio antenna, to loosing 1 propeller in the air, and loosing 1 servo, also in the air, I am not sure what this plane didn't try yet.
I didn't crash it for such a long time now, and today, wanting to test few new things, changing the trims and servos extensions, putting the CG, as far in the back as reasonably possible, something happened in the air, and the plane just spinned down, breaking both motor holders.

I think I can say now that the plane won't look worse from what it looks now. It is a good add for some Epoxy or Cyano company, but it is more than anything, a proof that this plane is an unbelievable survivor, and it still flies extremely nicely, even after all these damages, and the added weight from the Epoxy.


I am sure it wasn't a good choice for a second plane, but on the other hand, as I knew all along that all the crashes had only to do with me, and nothing else, it was a real pleasure to see the progress with this plane, and to learn with such a Rolls Royce of the sky.


The more you fly this plane, the more you get just addicted on how nicely it behaves, feels and looks. If on the top of this, you decide to add the 10 cells, CP1300 or CP1700, be ready for a nice thrill!!


With all the planes I tried, I still think this is the best so far. I mean by this that it behaves with no surprises, it flies with no wind, or with very strong one even when all the other planes can't take off. It is difficult to break, and easy to repair. It is fun to paint, as the foam accepts every type of painting, it glides great, it doesn't stall, when CG placed properly, it lands beautifully.


If you wonder what plane you would like to try next, and you never had a TwinJet, consider it seriously.

[Patrick Plawner]

motor repairs

[oded mazor]

Patrick,

funniest post I've ever read.

as someone who usually fly with Patrick I can testify that he is an excellent twin jet pilot. at least the last crash which I saw was caused because of the way the TJ was flown - very fast, very aerobatic & very extrimist. anyone who flies that way will eventually crash...

don't stop flying the way you do Patrick, or we'll all get bored pretty fast !

Oded.

[ekflag]

I'm just waiting for that picture to be banned in 9 countries.

[JasonJ]

Twinjet,,,, what Twinjet????
All I see is a FrakenFoam
great stories!

[FightingBogies]

Hey Patrick,

We are on the same path. I tought myself on a Zagi 400X and when I saw the TJ I knew I had to have one. I had 5 or so good flights with no spectators around in snow storms and bad windy weather. Then when I go flying on a nice day and all the gas guys are there and showing interest I went to nutz. Vertical dive from way up, over head high speed flyby, lost controll. Just missed one of there $30,000.00 trucks and WAP!!! Square into the base of a big oak tree next to the parking lot. It made a noise that said Game over. They Gas guys helped me pick up the torn off wing and motor pods and fins, and now she is back in the air again with some CA and flys great. I bought another and will build it soon. It is one awsome plane to fly and to fix.

[Patrick Plawner]

Thanks for the support :-)

FightingBogies, nice painting on your TJ. Is there a contest anywhere on what is the nicest looking TJ ? Could be nice !

I am not talking about the worse looking and still flying, as it wouldn't be fair, I have 9 months of preparation behind me :-)


What is the best looking TJ you've seen (with links pleeease) ?

[kushal_22]

I hate to say this but i have always thought the TJ is ONE UGLY PLANE. Now i have seen it fly in vidoes and it is a great flier and from what i have heard it is a great plane and one day i will probably get one. But something abouut the looks of this plane just does not sit right with me. Something about that striaght wing and Long nose. Like i said it sounds as if it is a GREAT performer just something about the way it looks. Tyhen agian i thought that about the Projeti and i have one sitting on my bed!

Mal

[LuckyArmpit]

Reminds me of the F-22 I had which is now in retirement for the time being. It was powered by a 370 geared motor mounted in the back. Boy, did it look cool on low passes!!! Crashes were bad because you always crashed nose first. Bent up, broke off.
The rear fins came off on the last crash. The only way to fly it was
full throttle.

Dave...

[kushal_22]

I like the looks of that better than the TJ. But does it fly as good?