I think wire can be good. The issue I have with most is that the wire used is either too thin or is not springy so it doesn't return to shape.

Not a big fan of carbon as it is expensive to replace.

Originally Posted by nac

I think wire can be good. The issue I have with most is that the wire used is either too thin or is not springy so it doesn't return to shape.

Not a big fan of carbon as it is expensive to replace.

Yeah I suppose, but I've only had carbon break on me once out of 1000s of flights, and I almost always harrier land all my planes.

Personally, I'd rather replace a $25 landing gear on a 48 once in a blue moon than have to bend the gear back every other harrier landing.

Buuuuut everybody is different.

Yeah, I dunno about CF gear on small planes. Steel (and some other metals) is an excellent material because it bends elastically and absorbs energy in the process. Then if you’re really rough with it, the steel bends plastically, which can normally be bent back again. CF has no such property, because it is such a stiff material it absorbs little energy in elastic deformation, then fractures completely.

I've had huge trouble with the CF gear on my two Precision Aerobatics planes. If designed incorrectly CF can be a totally unyielding material and if it doesn't break itself, it can tear out any gear mounting plate. The weight added in reinforcing all the structure attached to the CF to give the fuselage the strength it needs very quickly erodes any weight benefit. I'm convinced CF gear is mainly for market appeal and bling.

spring steel is the ticket-but cost more

Also thinking because the elevator is foiled it may be stiffer than the competitors but something to consider.

Looks like the 3DHS 48" Extra in a different trim scheme. Only big differnece I see is the airfoiled tail feathers.

Originally Posted by Belly Gunner

Looks like the 3DHS 48" Extra in a different trim scheme. Only big differnece I see is the airfoiled tail feathers.

It looks very different to me. Take a closer look at the photos and description in the first post. There are many differences under the skin. Also, consider things like fuselage shape, fuselage length, wing shape, wing area, control surface size and shape etc.

Originally Posted by nac

I think wire can be good. The issue I have with most is that the wire used is either too thin or is not springy so it doesn't return to shape.

Not a big fan of carbon as it is expensive to replace.

Most of the CF landing gears now are used for balsa planes, they may not be fit for thin fuselages of EPP foamies. It means extra cost if we want a certain size special for small foamies, especially when the quatity is still small because most of the EPP foamies now come with wires.

Wire landing gear is very easy to be produced, and it does have many advantages.

Originally Posted by groovejet

It looks very different to me. Take a closer look at the photos and description in the first post. There are many differences under the skin. Also, consider things like fuselage shape, fuselage length, wing shape, wing area, control surface size and shape etc.

..... + airfoil, relationship of the levers(?).. (I mean the distance between CG and elevator, or between motor and CG) and many more details that influence the flight characteristics

...why people always compare every new epp plane with the slightly modified Skywing MXS (to many US citizens also known as the 3dh 48" Extra EPP)

Pete

Originally Posted by CNJ3

Most of the CF landing gears now are used for balsa planes, they may not be fit for thin fuselages of EPP foamies. It means extra cost if we want a certain size special for small foamies, especially when the quatity is still small because most of the EPP foamies now come with wires.

Wire landing gear is very easy to be produced, and it does have many advantages.

Frank, actually I have no issues with wire landing gears, especially since I started to land my foamies smoothly like I do (or try) with my balsas

Since I started to fly low, I discovered another advantage of wire gears:
during crash the wire often just bends back instead of breaking out the plywood and helps to minimize the damage

Originally Posted by 3D Peter

Frank, actually I have no issues with wire landing gears, especially since I started to land my foamies smoothly like I do (or try) with my balsas

Since I started to fly low, I discovered another advantage of wire gears:
during crash the wire often just bends back instead of breaking out the plywood and helps to minimize the damage

Thanks for sharing your opinions.
It should not be any problem for landing gear since you are able to land balsas smoothly

One other thing.. For a 55+ inch plane, many of us will need to take the wings off to transport. It would be nice to be able to do that without the need for tools.

Originally Posted by Jboy90277

One other thing.. For a 55+ inch plane, many of us will need to take the wings off to transport. It would be nice to be able to do that without the need for tools.

Thanks.

Main wings are connected by rubber belts, so only tool needed to take off them is two fingers.

Originally Posted by CNJ3

Thanks.

Main wings are connected by rubber belts, so only tool needed to take off them is two fingers.

It's a good thing that you didn't use grub screws. I saw a comment on Hobby King the other day where someone was complaining that they couldn't tighten grub screws tightly enough using their fingers .

Rubber bands are fine on these type of planes.

I just ordered one. My young son is in China right now, in fact taking a train to beijing right now if he's not already there. Hoping to arrange a tour of bestvaluerc's storefront/warehouse if possible, and possibly pick up some more stuff.

P.S. I notice there is no counter balance on the elevator. Not needed? [Upate: It is a 330LX, which do not have counter balances on elevator]