|
|
|
 |
RCCars |  |
Crack Roll | |
Flying Giants | |
RC Power | |
The E Zone | |
Lift Zone | |
Our Sponsors |  |
|||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Introduction
While wandering around the Toledo Expo this year I couldn't help notice the beautiful electric DC-3 at the Great Planes' display, and I was fortunate enough to obtain one for review! In my first review for E Zone, I'm going to try very hard to skip the "filler" and "bull" you sometimes get in some hard copy reviews, and keep to the meat of the issues. Before going further let me say I've been building models for over forty years and started in R/C with push button rudder only control! Over the past five years, since retirement, I've written many reviews, mostly electrics. The point of this brief background is to let you, the reader, know I can recognize a quality product. That being said I pledge to give you ALL the news on a product, both GOOD and BAD, without those "hidden" phrases. (How many times have you read "sedate climb" .........translation: "under powered", etc.)
THE KIT
There are only a few airplanes in the history of flight that are instantly recognized; the Douglas DC-3 is one of them. When I opened the box and examined the components several things impressed me. The fiberglass fuselage is flawless and lightweight. The built-up balsa wing and sheet tail surfaces are very light and covered in a matching silver film. The power train package consists of prewired Speed 400 motors and electronic speed control (ESC) with battery eliminator circuit (BEC) and switch. The harness uses quality silicone wire and connectors. In addition to the beautiful Eastern Airlines graphics, I also noted the instruction manual which contained clear photos. Also included is the usual hardware packages and some laser cut plywood parts. This kit is going to build a very pretty airplane! Excellent quality!
ASSEMBLYWINGAssembly of the three piece wing was first. After opening up a few holes in the center section film covering for the motor and aileron wires, the plywood wing joiners were epoxied together.
Before joining the wings, I tied the preinstalled wire pull strings together. These strings enabled me to pull the the motor and aileron wires through the panels. The panels were then joined with thirty minute epoxy.
Excellent directions and photos guided each step, minimizing foul-ups. HINT: Dry fit the wing panels and joiners BEFORE joining with epoxy.
Care in cutting had to be exercised as the trim lines were barely visible in places. An 1/8" flange around the cowl pieces for gluing or taping is typical.
The manual gave a couple of options for attachment, I chose to attach my cowls with double-sided carpet tape. I haven't been satisfied with this method of attachment and plan to CA them. I recommend you do the same.
HINT:Be careful as the extensions are fairly soft and it's possible to bend them. Since these build photos I've replaced mine with MP Jet prop adapters.
The landing gear was assembled using threadlocker (not supplied) and set screws. The finished landing gear had two torsion style wire legs which plug into plywood plates in the bottom of the motor nacelles. The end result was a nice looking scale-like landing gear.
Fitting the wing dowel and a fairing completed the wing. Incidentally the hardware supplied was complete and of good quality. Be advised you'll need a "Y harness" (not supplied) or a computer radio.
FUSELAGE
The instructions stressed the removal of mold release with alcohol and the prep of the fiberglass surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper. After cleaning and marking the fuselage interior the former assembly was epoxied to the inside forward fuselage. HINT:Follow the instructions carefully. If the fuselage sides were sprung outward by the plywood tray, the battery hatch would not fit well. (Don't ask me how I know...)
TAIL
The fuselage slot had to be enlarged slightly at the rear of the slot to allow clearance for the elevator joiner. I used a 1/8" carbide burr in my Dremel for this.
A few more steps finished the plane. The battery hatch at the forward bottom of the fuselage needed to be trimmed and its hatch strips attached.
Rather than use the supplied fixed tailwheel I made up a castoring type from a Dubro 40 size bracket and used the supplied Great Planes tailwheel.
Radio Gear
Applying the decals finished assembly. Balancing proved to be a simple matter of adjusting the fore and aft position of the battery. No extra weight was needed. HINT:Add foam ahead of the battery for crash protection. After balancing the model I set the control throws at the recommended throws for high and low rate. The all up weight of our test model was exactly 48 ounces, this agrees with Great Planes specifications. Finally, after charging the battery we're ready for flight!
FLYING
The Great Planes DC-3 flies great! Take-offs from a hard surface or short grass is not a problem. Necessary rudder correction for take-offs is minimal. At full throttle the climb is solid. In the air the DC-3 at full throttle is faster than I thought an airliner would be, but this probably makes sense as the DC-3's shape is clean aerodynamically. At full throttle it moves! Cruise is best accomplished at a reduced 2/3rds throttle setting.
The DC-3 flies best with coordinated rudder. (I mixed the rudder with aileron on the transmitter for simplicity. I know, I know.....) NOTE:The recommended low rate control settings for the ailerons are strong and I have reduced the throws to 1/4" up and down.
The balance point recommended caused our first flights to be flown holding some up elevator. We continue to move the balance point back and still are experimenting, looking for that "sweet spot". Landings are a blast! We fly a long down wind leg and leave some power on, flying it to the ground. Landing on the wheels is best done reducing the power to idle a few inches off the ground. If landing on grass, the pilot needs to be ready with some up elevator to prevent a nose over.
AerobaticsBut what about aerobatics? Now look folks, although this is a scale airliner, I did a roll and loop. There is enough power and speed to do these maneuvers easily. I should also mention that although the DC-3 is NOT a parkflier, although some might mistake it as such. The DC-3's speed creates a need for at least a football field sized area to fly comfortably in. And yes, the pilot should be experienced in four channel operation. (Intermediate skill level.)
SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONThe DC-3 is a very beautiful and well-manufactured ARF. If you're ready to move up to a twin and have some four channel experience look no further! This ship in the air is striking, everyone looks! The decals and finely finished molded fuselage certainly contributes to this. The Great Planes ElectriFly DC-3 certainly qualifies as a great value considering the fact that the motors, props, wiring, connectors and ESC are included in the purchase price. If you're looking for a beautiful, good flying ARF twin that assembles easily and is light on the pocket book this is it!
IMPROVEMENTSA few things stuck out as I reviewed the model. With such exceptional quality in the rest of the kit why are those vacuum formed cowl parts so darn flimsy and thin? This just seemed out of character. The tailwheel bugged me. I just can't figure out why the tailwheel is fixed. The ability to taxi would only enhance the DC-3's looks and versatility! I had the ESC fail switch prior to the second flight, its operation was intermittent. Fortunately this happened while walking out to the runway so no harm was done. A simple job to replace but be sure to check yours! And finally the prop extensions are fragile. Bolt-on propellor adaptors would have added little to the cost. Just food for thought for Great Planes. All in all, a GREAT package!
THANKS!I wish to extend a special thanks to flying buddy Bill Sanford for shooting the in flight still photos and video. Also thanks to AnnMarie Cross for her patient help with this project. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
|
Jul 14, 2004, 08:05 PM
|
#2 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 1,006
|
Can't play the file. Some error. Manage to download, but can't play.
Otherwise a fantastic review. Great to see that the deans is being used and ready soldered. BTW, what Amp is that esc. Pls don't tell me Great planes gives us c20! And what is the flight time like? |
|
|
|
Jul 15, 2004, 09:23 AM
|
#3 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Long Island. New York
Posts: 100
|
I also can't view the video.
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 15, 2004, 03:14 PM
|
#4 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: NorMN
Posts: 298
|
I could not find specifications for the ESC but see both the prewired motors AND the ESC with harness are listed as replacement parts on the Tower website at GOOD prices. I'm going to order a set for a Twin Puddlemaster I'm building. Not sure about the video but I've notified RC Groups.
Fred |
|
|
|
|
Jul 16, 2004, 01:29 PM
|
#5 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: England
Posts: 89
|
Try as I might I cannot open the video file! any suggestions.
I'd LOVE a electric DC3 does anyone know of a UK supplier for this kit?? Nice review too! Brian Collins. (shoutbanger) |
|
|
|
|
Jul 17, 2004, 01:35 AM
|
#6 |
|
Burnaby Lake Flyers
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Surrey BC, Canada
Posts: 37
|
I can't open the mov format with quicktime?
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 18, 2004, 08:01 PM
|
#7 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 1,006
|
Fred
The DC 3 description in the Towerhobbies mentioned it will not accept 8 sub C pack. Can you verify is that is true ie that fuse is so tight and no space? It sure look like it can to me!!! |
|
|
|
|
Jul 19, 2004, 10:00 AM
|
#8 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: NorMN
Posts: 298
|
I believe the sub "C"'s are too heavy. Stick with the recommended pack.
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 19, 2004, 07:45 PM
|
#9 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 1,006
|
Well I got some 10xrc1700 lying around so I thought I can consider them for geared system....
BTW, Fred, how big can I fit the prop before hitting the fuse? and has the link for the video ok now? |
|
|
|
|
Jul 20, 2004, 12:22 PM
|
#10 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: NorMN
Posts: 298
|
Magna,
There is room to mount 7" diameter propellors. My flying buddy who shot the video is formatting the video on a new file and it should be ready in the next day or so. Fred |
|
|
|
|
Jul 22, 2004, 05:34 PM
|
#11 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 22
|
Going to Li-Poly
has anyone tried this bird with Li-Poly?
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 22, 2004, 08:37 PM
|
#12 |
|
E-flyer since 1981
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 917
|
I use an 8-cell 1700 mah nicad pack. It works fine.
I also used a 10 cell pack of 1300 mah nicads. It flies even better, but it's too much voltage for the motors. They won't live long. |
|
|
|
|
Jul 25, 2004, 11:46 AM
|
#13 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Lawrenceburg,IN,US
Posts: 37
|
Tail Wheel
Fred, Does the rubber band tail wheel work good. I have an old (but still fun) Golberg Mirage with a fixed tail wheel. I has a rudder way up on top so attaching a tail wheel to the linkage is tough. I think I will try your rubber band idea.
How long have your flights been? Glenn Last edited by gcampbel; Jul 25, 2004 at 11:49 AM. |
|
|
|
|
Jul 25, 2004, 04:00 PM
|
#14 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: NorMN
Posts: 298
|
Glenn,
The tailwheel works with varying success depending on the airplane. Just make sure the rubberband tension is light. Fred |
|
|
|
|
Jul 26, 2004, 01:17 PM
|
#15 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 83
|
Question on DC-3
 I'm thinking of purchasing the Great Planes DC-3 and have a few questions.1. Could the Props be change from two Propellers to three Propellers? 2. Could I put more powerful motors in? If so, what brand and model should I purchase? 3. I would also like to use a Lipo 3 cell battery 4. Can the tail wheel be turntable? Attach a servo? Thanks Bob |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Thread Tools | |
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| Great Planes Electrifly ESC/Receiver | umpire | Beginner Training Area (Aircraft-Electric) | 2 | Aug 19, 2002 07:17 PM |
| Great Planes Electrifly Charger | dgoslee | Parkflyers | 0 | Jun 27, 2002 07:41 PM |
| WTB: Great Planes Electrifly peak charger | Spaulding | Aircraft - Electric - Airplanes (FS/W) | 0 | Apr 03, 2002 02:22 PM |
| Great Planes Electrifly 5Ch FM Rx w/30A ESC | Dauntae | Electric Plane Talk | 2 | Feb 28, 2002 08:52 PM |
| Great planes electrifly C-30 amp. limit? | electrohead | Power Systems | 0 | Dec 26, 2001 03:05 AM |
|
|
Downloads
