News Flash: Raptor Advance is available for $97.72 from Nov 24th-30th 2011!
See the advert here: http://www.r2hobbies.com/images/news...sgiving%20SALE
*Membership is required but it's free to join.
(Sale's over for now, but R2 is always offering promotions. Still worth at full price IMO though.)

News Flash: Raptor Advance and several other R2 planes are now available in the U.S.A. from Aloft Hobbies
http://www.alofthobbies.com/






Shares some similarities with the Passer-X fuselage, wing mounting system and airfoil.
Nice to finally have a D-Box, Flaps and removable V-Tail from R2....so tempting at $114 for R2Hobbies Members!
If only they had a thermo version and other color schemes. (Edit: 2 new color schemes are available. See website for details)
http://www.r2hobbies.com/eng/proddet...pl3901003_code

Edit#2: Thermo fuselage finally available: http://www.r2hobbies.com/rc-aircraft...-fuselage.html


There is also a Raptor-Tx 2000 version without D-Box wing available too for a little less $$$:
http://www.r2hobbies.com/rc-aircraft...ilplane-2.html



A Video is finally up from R2:

4Ch RC EP 2M D-Box Pro Wing Raptor-Glider 2000 Advance ARF Thermo Glider Sailplane R2hobbies Demo (7 min 30 sec)

!

"Motor, ESC, Battery, Charger, Propeller & Spinner are all ready at our store! Hug it!"
Gotta love that line

Raptor (AKA Sloopy) Manual posted by Mitch:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showa...1&d=1322066976

Suggested Center of Gravity: 1/3 distance from leading edge. That's 73mm from the 220mm wing, but others have had good success with up to a more lively 80mm CoG.




Here's Mitch's (AKA warwickcorvette1) great review of the 3/Channel Yellow Raptor with pix too:
*note this has a non-removable V-Tail.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=172
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=179

Known differences between RA2000 and other versions:
1. RA2000 is the only version with flaps thus far; the rest are listed as "3 Channel" gliders.
2. Wing servos are supposed to be mounted vertically vs. standard flat/horizontal configuration found in all the previous versions.
(Hence the servo wing mod below)
3. V-Tail servos are secured horizontally with zip-ties. (This is easier than prev. ver.)
4. Holes are pre-drilled in the rear of the fuse for bottom mounted control horns.

Common issues for RA2000
1. Recently, some raptors have been arriving with loose or separated wing tips. Please check this part during your build.



Raptor Advance Requirements:
OK, I'm reserving this spot for Parts Lists since Jonathan (a.k.a. Twyl) had made the suggestion.
As time allows, this section will be updated with parts suggested by participants in this thread
(Only actual parts being used in this model will be listed here)

Here is the format:

Motor
Here's Jack's informative post about possible extended motor shaft lengths required to install spinners (34mm Turbo from Esprit Model in this case) and clear the firewall:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=356
*Note, the suggested D2836 motor fits perfectly without the need for an extended shaft.

Here's Jack's step by step tutorial for making an extended motor shaft from an HSS drill blank:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=374


1. Suggested by R2: Eurgle 1000pm/v D2836 EP Brushless Motor. Part# rcps4409002
*Please note that the: Product ID: rcps1016001_1180 11 x 8" Folding Propeller with 34mm dia. Aluminium Spinner Hub with 3mm Shaft; available from R2 does not fit the D2836's 4mm shaft.

2. NEODYM 400-920 motor with Graupner 11X6 folding prop (Tested with good results by Mitch)
Relevant Post: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=189

3. Turnigy 2836-1200 motor installation by Rotozuk:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=413

4. Dualsky SM2830CA-12 (980 RPM/V) Some modification required, see bamoore01's tips for installation here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=783



Spinner/Prop
1. BB 34mm folding prop with 4mm shaft and Aeronaut 11x6 blades: http://www.espritmodel.com/bb-alumin...ropellers.aspx

2. Graupner 34mm folding prop (3 or 4mm collet relative to motor shaft)
Relevant Post: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=205

3. BB Al Turbo (34/3.2/8) with Aeronaut CAM Folding Prop (11x6) Used by bamoore01


Servos
1. EMAX Full Metal Gear Micro Servo ES08MA (1.8kg) x6 pieces
The ES08xx line of servos "snap" perfectly into place in the plywood mounts for the V-Tail.
Dimensions:23.0mm x 11.5mm x 24mm (.09" x 0.45" x 0.94")

2. Jack's excellent guide to Vertical Servo Installation (Suggested Kit Style) using HXT900 Servos. Lots of step by step photos too.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=321

3. Jack's unique guide to extending servo leads without the use of the plastic housings. This one aids in sliding the leads through the wings:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=375

4. Jack's Sevo Lead to Receiver tutorial:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=378

5. Rotozuk's Fuselage/V-Tail servo installation:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=413
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=417

6.Ross's (aka Mulgaman) great Double-Decker Battery Tray mod and Fuse vents:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=528


Battery & ESC
1. Jack's solution to mounting the Battery & ESC in the fuse with velcro-style tape:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=379

2. Castle Thunderbird 36 (bamoore01)


Mods & Installations
1. Servo covers in place of supplied servo frames. (For standard install, please see Jack's guide above)
Covers:
http://www.jethobby.com.sg/cgi-bin/e...88&idx=1&gid=6
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=6998
Relavant posts:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...6&postcount=49
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...1&postcount=56
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=67
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...6&postcount=74

Jonathan's clean servo bay cutting with a just a hobby knife!:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=462

Wayne's (aka Rotozuk) Eurgle Slim Metal Gear Servo glue-install on to Servo Covers:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=369

TM1's Servo installation & comparison in a blue wing (Vertical to Horizontal)
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=824
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=825

Painted Servo Covers for the Red/White version using Krylon Fusion for plastics:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=300


2. Optional "Glue-In Style" Servo Horns
This is for those of us who'd rather not see extra screws/platforms form supplied hardware.
Horns:
https://www.r2hobbies.com/eng/prodde...prod=rcps11936
Relevant Posts:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=67
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=206


3. Flap & Aileron mod by Flyboy320:
Cutting and re-hinging control surfaces for more travel.
Materials:
Clear Packing tape
Relavant Posts:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=102
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=116
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=122


4. Tail Assembly Mods & Installations
4.1. Peg- Mod
An additional connection/carbon rod for added support since there's only a single screw for support.
Materials:
1.5mm carbon rod
Relavant Posts:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=141
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=143
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=205

4.2. Jack's nice variant on a removable tail utilizing lobster claw rubber bands and no extra peg. Lots of good photos too
Relevant Link: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=305

4.3 Rotozuk's V-Tail assembly guide:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=413
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=417

4.4 Jonathan's slick "tape" solution enabling the two tail pieces to be completely separated for transport. This uses 2 carbon rods instead of just one:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=468


5. Color Scheme
jackerbes has posted an excellent list of Oracover Colors for those seeking to modify their Raptor's appearance/visibility:
Relevant Post: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=235

Dugout's Yellow Tip & Checkered covering solution: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=319


6. Wiring Harnes Mods
For those wishing to combine servo connections for each wing panel.
Nathan's Multiplex Style plugs with nice photos: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=290

Hi there,

Got my email notice from r2hobbies too. I'm really happy with passer-x and electric version funny guy from them, but lost my passer-x 2 days ago becos of mid-air collision .
I'm really tempted to get this kit too, $114 + $20 (EMS from HK to Singapore) is hard to beat . Btw what do you mean by "If only they had a thermo version"? if this mean this is more like a warmliner instead of thormo glider? I like how floaty was my ex passer-x, so if this kit fly faster than passer-x I will drop the ideal of getting one.

Regards,
Edwin.k

Sweet looking glider. I have an old V tail.from them that is a wonderful flyer., although the short nose makes c/g tricky. No need to replace the old one, but I really like the looks of this new one. I would consider running the pushrods inside the fuse... hard to know for certain from the pictures.

Tempting!
What motor will get it to lean more towards warmliner performance?

Originally Posted by edwin3162

Hi there,

Got my email notice..........Btw what do you mean by "If only they had a thermo version"?

Hi Edwin, sorry to hear about your Passer X.
Guess this is a sign that you should be the 1st in Singapore to have shiny new Raptor

Regarding my comment above; I meant a version without the nose cone cut off, like they have with the Passer-X & Passer Thermo.
One has to wonder why they don't just make/supply a removable nose cone you can fill with weights for those of us who frequent the slopes.

Originally Posted by jsec1992

Tempting!
What motor will get it to lean more towards warmliner performance?

Hi jsec1992, they're recommending their own D2836-1000 brushless motor which should be adequate for "warmliner" performance. Here's a link: http://www.r2hobbies.com/eng/proddet...od=rcps4409002
You could always email them for a suggestion regarding your specific needs. (Though they don't always seem to understand exactly what you're asking for)

If this motor is a bit too overpowering, you can always go for something else or adjust the throttle curve (if using a computerized TX) to make it a little more docile. At under $20, it's seems like a good deal.

Cheers to both of you, -8th.



What's really interesting is that they now offer 3 versions of the Raptor 2000; a Thermo, Pro and Advance model.
But both the Thermo & Pro cost a fair bit more than the Advance, are 5cm longer, and are without the D-Box wing and Flaps!
Another thing that appears to be worrisome on this Advance version are the chunky un-aerodynamic servo boxes on the wings that don't seem to be present on the other two models. I'm praying these are just templates or are removable, and that a D47/TS-1002 servo will fit in without much protrusion. I'm curious as to why they wouldn't just include nifty plates like those in the Passer-X and Speedo kits, which can accommodate standard micro servos with only a slight angled bump.

Here's what I was referring too:

Hi 8th,
I've shot off an email to them asking to see a pic of a servo mounted on the wing. Will update here if/when I get a reply.
On the motor, I'm sure the 2836 will work. Just unsure if its good enough for something more lively like vertical climbing.
Cheers
JS

Originally Posted by 8thelephant

Here's what I was referring too:

Really goofy looking ... everything else about this model is HIGHLY desirable!

I have a green Passer-X and it was been one of the BEST buys this year!

I am thinking of a second Passer-X in red as a long term backup.

This newer model has features that make it much more desirable:

Flaps + ailerons
Epoxy LE wing section (does this mean partially molded?)
Low wing loading for THERMAL flying
V-Tail -always sexy!
PRICE!

I say when you find a good source from China ... EXPLOIT IT!

Gambler

Originally Posted by 8thelephant

Here's what I was referring too:

If those can be stripped out, it is easy to take styrene sheet and make your own covers with a heat gun and easily made blank.

If this is roughly the same wing as the Passer-X, standard 1.2-1.9kg torque servos should fit easily as on the Passer-X.

Gambler

Originally Posted by jsec1992

Hi 8th,
I've shot off an email to them asking to see a pic of a servo mounted on the wing........

Thanks JS, I was just about to do that as well
Too bad they don't have this in the US Warehouse yet. Shipping to Asia is pretty fair at $30. They can probably squeeze in a few extra goodies without extra cost too.

Ooops, didn't realize you wanted more performance. For those applications, I'll usually go Scorpion, Hacker or similar.
I've had a few issues with some of these type of motors previously, but technology has probably improved greatly since then.

-8th

Originally Posted by RCGambler

Really goofy looking ... everything else about this model is HIGHLY desirable!

I have a green Passer-X and it was been one of the BEST buys this year!...............I say when you find a good source from China ... EXPLOIT IT!

Gambler

Originally Posted by RCGambler

If those can be stripped out, it is easy to take styrene sheet and make your own covers with a heat gun and easily made blank.

If this is roughly the same wing as the Passer-X, standard 1.2-1.9kg torque servos should fit easily as on the Passer-X.

Gambler

Gambler, We're thinking along the same line
Liked the Passer Thermo (spectrum scheme) so much, I ordered a Passer-X with motor & ESC, Speedo and Kitman when they had a sale last year.
They goofed and told me the motor was included with the Kitman; so I've been debating weather or not to order anything else from them since the shipping wasn't worth it just for the motor.

There's a glider with similar specs called the Ostflieger Helios which I've came close to acquiring a few times, but ultimately couldn't justify the cost of 205,-Euro + Shipping.
That's 2.4x Advance R200s! Yeah quality is sure to be different though; as Helios' D-Box is reinforced with carbon.
(Maybe the Oracover could be peeled off and some structural enhancements could be made?)

I did notice however, that the R2 website ad says it's $127.74, but it's still $114.97 in the shopping cart.

But as far as sources from China/HK, this one is much better than most I've dealt with.

Servo Covers:
My LHS has some really nice rigid plastic ones, and there are several online retailers with nice F-Glass & Carbon ones too. I've always wanted to make my own vacuum forming machine for work and situations like this

-8th

Originally Posted by 8thelephant

I did notice however, that the R2 website ad says it's $127.74, but it's still $114.97 in the shopping cart.

-8th

If you register and log in they give you a 10% discount so that makes sense.

Stuart

Originally Posted by fredo21

If you register.....a 10% discount......

Stuart

Yup, you got it!
I just tried logging out, and it does indeed cost 10% more if you're not a member. Nice to have an instant discount on something you want; unlike many retailers who make you acquire points, and then give them an expiration date.

Originally Posted by jsec1992

Hi 8th,
I've shot off an email to them asking to see a pic of a servo mounted on the wing. Will update here if/when I get a reply.

Nothing heard (yet). Hopefully someone's got the plane and can tell us more ....

Originally Posted by jsec1992

Nothing heard (yet). ....

Thanks for the update JS.
Guess I might have to be the one to take the 1st step.....Let's see how long I can hold out

Originally Posted by 8thelephant

Thanks JS, I was just about to do that as well
Too bad they don't have this in the US Warehouse yet. Shipping to Asia is pretty fair at $30. They can probably squeeze in a few extra goodies without extra cost too.

Ooops, didn't realize you wanted more performance. For those applications, I'll usually go Scorpion, Hacker or similar.
I've had a few issues with some of these type of motors previously, but technology has probably improved greatly since then.

-8th





Gambler, We're thinking along the same line
Liked the Passer Thermo (spectrum scheme) so much, I ordered a Passer-X with motor & ESC, Speedo and Kitman when they had a sale last year.
They goofed and told me the motor was included with the Kitman; so I've been debating weather or not to order anything else from them since the shipping wasn't worth it just for the motor.

There's a glider with similar specs called the Ostflieger Helios which I've came close to acquiring a few times, but ultimately couldn't justify the cost of 205,-Euro + Shipping.
That's 2.4x Advance R200s! Yeah quality is sure to be different though; as Helios' D-Box is reinforced with carbon.
(Maybe the Oracover could be peeled off and some structural enhancements could be made?)

I did notice however, that the R2 website ad says it's $127.74, but it's still $114.97 in the shopping cart.

But as far as sources from China/HK, this one is much better than most I've dealt with.

Servo Covers:
My LHS has some really nice rigid plastic ones, and there are several online retailers with nice F-Glass & Carbon ones too. I've always wanted to make my own vacuum forming machine for work and situations like this

-8th

-8th

8th,

When I first came across r2hobbies a couple years ago, I thought, 'Oh no yet another fly-by-night, 'promise the world and deliver a postcard', website from China.

Well I was WRONG.

I feel very comfortable sending money to these people and getting exactly what they are advertising. I personally love their ESC (Eurgle) and use them in anything I want to keep in one piece.

It makes me wonder: If the Passer-X was sold from Hobby-Lobby or equivalent, what would the price be? I have a hunch the price would be closer to $200 from a U.S. Dealer and even then still worth it!

I wish they offered more in planes -> gliders -> Scale and high end competition F3J, F5B in particular.

They are great for cars, radio and ECS gear.

Anyway back to the Raptor...

I wonder who makes their planes? I know they have a DLG called the Topsky (Leger) that is world renowned and a very decent price vs. quality. I think they actually make these in-house per order?

And their packaging ... excellent! Items and planes arrive at my door step in perfect condition.

Once this servo wing mounting issue is resolved or figured out, I will buy this plane. I hope they come out with a different color scheme with a light top and dark bottom. The current scheme makes it hard to differentiate between the two.

I hope the owners of R2Hobbies are reading this thread?

If you are thanks for offering quality products for a decent price! I am very please with your quality, service and price.

Gambler