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Hobbico's Superstar EP w/ Ailerons Review
By WildCardNZ
Jan 30, 2005, 02:00 AM
Introduction
Judging by the number, size, and longevity of the threads on RCGroups about the Hobbico Superstar EP, I think it would have to go down as one of the most popular EP trainer aircraft available at this time. In this review I look at it's latest incarnation - The Hobbico SuperStar EP (With Ailerons). Yes, you read right - with Ailerons! The latest version now adds ailerons to this ever popular trainer, giving you full house functionality, and opening up a whole new world of flight control. So what's it like? Let's take a look and find out.
Kit Contents
Let me say straight away that this is a very comprehensive kit. The main assemblies are all pre-constructed, pre-covered and even have the decals pre-applied! The packaging is well thought out, with separate 'sub boxes' within the main carton to retain the heavier items. All of the major structural components were individually bagged in plastic, and then taped to each other to prevent anything from moving around and causing damage.
The kit also came supplied with Speed 600 Motor, Propeller and Prop Hub, ESC, and a battery as well. All the fitting hardware was supplied, right down to wheel collets, servo clevises, and velcro strapping to retain the electronics. Along with all of the above, the kit also includes a comprehensive 20 page manual (although there are a few glaring omissions mentioned below) and a short video-tape about the Superstar. Aside from the radio equipment, charger(s) and a little adhesive, there is nothing else needed to complete this aircraft.
Construction and Finish
The Hobbico SuperStar EP (with Ailerons) is an ARTF. All the structural components were pre-built using 'traditional' balsa and ply construction, and covered with film covering. The quality of the construction was excellent, with no visible gaps or mis-fits. The covering was a little rough, with a number of wrinkles and bubbles. Most tightened up quickly and easily with a heat gun and were almost certainly due to temperature and pressure variations from the kit's 8000 mile flight in a full-size aircraft cargo hold. The final covering condition was nice, although not perfect.
Manual
Generally the manual is very good, and is pitched well at the new/beginner pilot. Aside from the obvious construction details (amply backed up with black and white photos and line drawings), there was a wealth of information about pre-flight checks, your obligations as a model flyer, and safety tips. The downside is that the manual is obviously a 'conversion' of the original SuperStar manual. While most of the aileron related info has made it into the manual, there are a couple of real 'clangers' dropped. The first is that front page lists the radio requirements as a three channel radio set with two servos (the box top however does correctly list four channels and three servos). The other omissions and errors I will cover in the review.
Included Instructional Video
The included video is a brief (6 minute) overview of the construction and operation of the SuperStar EP with ailerons. The actual model in the video is the 'Select' version, which includes a full set of Futaba radio gear. This doesn't really hurt though, as they do state that the video is not a replacement for the instruction manual. The Video covers such things as charging your batteries, and has some very good advice about having an instructor along for your first flights, frequency control, range/control checks, and joining a club. Best of all it has some footage of the aircraft in action which certainly whets your appetite for getting the aircraft finished!
Assembly
As the Hobbico SuperStar EP with ailerons was a very quick build, I'll run through a blow by blow. It wont take a minute!
Wing
The wing is of conventional balsa construction, with a flat-bottomed section, and two spars (upper and lower). The leading edge is sheeted top and bottom back as far as the spars and the centre section is fully sheeted out from the root ribs to the first rib position. The first job was to hinge the ailerons using the supplied hinge material. The manual indicated that this needed to be cut to size from a strip of material, but in my kit the hinges were already pre-cut. All I had to do was drill holes into the pre-cut hinge slits to allow the CA to wick in and then fit the ailerons up.
Next up was to join the wings. Hobbico used a metal joiner rod, coupled with a smaller wooden joiner to ensure good alignment. Once the wings were together, I simply taped the joint to complete the wing assembly. The final item was to install the aileron servo mounting and install the servo and linkages. Voila! One completed wing.
Tail
The tailplane and fin were both built-up construction with a flat section. I found the tailplane/fin assembly to be one of the most time consuming parts. Both components were pre-built, with the fin having two long metal studs extending down from the base. These studs passed through pre drilled holes in the fuselage and tailplane, and were then bolted at the bottom of the fuselage. This ensured a perfectly aligned tail structure.
My problems started when trying to align the studs with the upper fuselage, down through the two holes in the tailplane, and then through the holes in the bottom of the fuselage. Getting the studs through the tailplane wasn't too bad, but trying to then 'find' the holes in the bottom of the fuselage was an exercise in frustration.
After a little thought, I used a jeweler's screwdriver poked through the bottom fuselage holes to locate the studs. Once I knew where they were it became a relatively simple operation to move the fin/tailplane a bit, 'feel' for where the studs were now located, move the assy a bit more, 'feel' again, and so on until I brought the studs into line with the holes. Once I had the studs out through the bottom, it was a simple case of putting the washers and nuts on quick before I knocked the fin out again :).
Fuselage
The fuselage was a standard balsa/light ply frame fully sheeted with balsa. There was very little to do on the fuselage. Assemble and fit the landing gear, clear the covering from the cooling holes in the battery hatch, and fit the battery hatch and latch. Then I had to fit up the wing mounting dowels, and fit the snazzy plastic end covers for the dowels, and that was it.
One feature I really liked about the fuselage was the attention paid to cooling for the battery. A lot of kits make sure that the motor is well cooled, but very few provide adequate cooling for the battery. This is not the case with The SuperStar EP. The battery bay is spacious, allowing plenty of airflow around the cells. The battery hatch cover is well perforated with large cooling holes provided to get the heat out. Best of all, there is a massive battery cooling vent in the main firewall former, which is directly in the propwash. This should certainly avoid problems with battery overheating!
My one concern with this large concession to cooling is the structural rigidity of the front former. It appears that a serious nose first arrival might easily see the large 7-cell 2100 sub-c pack smash its way right through the front former. I hope not to test this theory in flight!
Radio Installation
With a radio compartment big enough to float the Titanic, installing the radio and electronics was a breeze. The kit came with plenty of velcro straps for retaining the battery, receiver and suchlike, and the radio compartment floor had slots in the plywood ready to accommodate the straps.
The radio installation section of the manual is very comprehensive, but it does have an omission that could cause a problem....
Although it is not mentioned in the manual, the pushrods for the Rudder and Elevator are different lengths, with the longer one being for the elevator. Double check and make sure that you have the correct pushrod fitted for the rudder before you cut off the excess!
Completion
With the radio gear snugly homed, it was time to do the radio setup. Hobbico went to great lengths to stress the importance of correct radio setup, but made one big omission in the setup themselves! In the manual they go to great lengths to demonstrate the correct orientation of all the control surfaces in relation to stick movements. But, in the recommended control surface throws they completely omitted any mention of the ailerons! I ended up making an educated guess at 5/16" up and down for both rates, which seems to do the job fine. The parameters listed by Hobbico are as follows:
*Aileron Throw not given by Hobbico - educated guess by reviewer which seemed to work fine.
Once I'd set up the control orientations and throws, there was very little left to do. I ran in the motor as recommended in the manual and then fitted up the prop adaptor and propellor. After fitting up the battery and wing, I checked the final CofG to find it spot on! The final flying weight was also exactly as advertised at 3lb 1oz! Thanks Hobbico - it's great to see advertised flying weight figures that "Joe Average" can match.
Flying
Before I start, I must apologise for both the brevity of the flying report, and for the lack of in-flight photos and video. Unfortunately the arrival of the SuperStar EP coincided with the arrival of the windiest summer weather that we have had in 140 years! After waiting for nearly two months to fly this aircraft, an opportunity finally presented itself. As it was already evening when the wind finally died, it was a mad rush to get the gear together, get out to the airfield, and get some flying in before either the wind came back up, or the sun went down. As it turned out, I only had time to get in three meaningful flights before the wind swung back to a blustery westerly, putting an end to the brief respite from unsuitable weather. With the Editor's support, I will re-visit this review as soon as weather will allow, and add a more in-depth flying report, plus some in-flight photos and video.
Basics
I must admit that I approached this maiden with a little trepidation. Although I have been flying microhelis for the past five years, this was going to be my first fixed-wing flight in nearly 30 years! I rigged the aircraft, made sure that the controls were set for low rate and operating correctly, and headed for the flight line.
Note that the manual suggests that the ESC has some kind of arming switch. In the case of my model the ESC is armed via the throttle stick. Power up the plane with the throttle set to minimum. Move the throttle stick up to maximum and wait for a few seconds. Now return the throttle to minimum. Your ESC is now armed and you're ready to fly.
Taking Off
Deane seemed to be a little worried about tossing a relatively large heavy aircraft into the air for me. He needn't have worried at all! With the speed 600 motor on full song, a gentle level 'push' was all the SuperStar EP needed to get into the air. There was no battling for airspeed or altitude, and no discernible drop as it left his hand. The SuperStar EP flew straight and clean out from the release. I decided to try for an ROG take off. Unfortunately the weather conditions had taken a toll on our strip, it was rough and the grass had grown unevenly. I made two or three attempts at ROG, and almost got off on one of them. In the end I decided that a hand launch might be a better option. Please note that this is no reflection on the SuperStar EP, and I have no doubt that ROG would be a breeze (even on grass), given a reasonable take off strip to work with.
General Flying
Once I had the SuperStar EP up into the pattern, I started to get a feel for the aircraft. It really does handle very nicely.
"Full House" Trainer
As the SuperStar EP is billed as a "full house" aileron trainer, I decided to try three different approaches to turning the aircraft. Initially I flew co-ordinated turns using ailerons, elevator, and rudder. I also tried 'plain' aileron/elevator turns, and just rudder/elevator turns. Although the co-ordinated approach produced the nicest looking turns by far, I'm happy to report that the SuperStar EP is also quite capable of turning with just aileron/elevator, or rudder/elevator, without showing any real vices. This makes the SuperStar EP an ideal aircraft to transition from either of the three channel modes to 'full house' four channel control. If a novice should lapse when flying and revert to their 'instinctive' three-channel training, the SuperStar EP will happily accommodate either method of turning.
Airspeed range
The SuperStar EP demonstrated excellent handling at a wide range of airspeeds. With some down elevator to counter the climb, I flew with the throttle wide open and found the aircraft to have a very good turn of speed. Steady cruising was attainable right down to about 60% throttle, with the aircraft still able to maintain both airspeed and altitude without getting mushy. At the extreme lower end of the range, the SuperStar EP would fly right down to not much more than a fast jog. Being my first time out with the aircraft, I didn't try and find the stall, but I did have it flying very low and slow with no issues whatsoever.
Landings
With it's ability for fly low and slow without vices, the SuperStar EP is a breeze to land! I tried various approaches (I was well out of practice!), and even with the motor off completely it was not difficult to pull off a slow, smooth, three pointer. I also ended up trying a couple of aborted approaches (like I said I was WAY out of practice) and am happy to report that the aircraft handled the change from landing configuration to emergency climb out with nary a shake or shudder. I also had a couple of 'firm' landings where I was too busy watching my alignment with the runway to notice the rapidly approaching ground! Forgetting to flare for landing is a great airframe stress tester, and a source of great hilarity for my fellow fliers! The SuperStar EP stood up well to this punishment, just suffering slightly bent main gear which was soon put back into place.
Flight Times
With everything being such a rush, I forgot to time my flights! At an educated guess I'd say that I was getting 4-6 minutes when tearing around the sky at full throttle all the time, and 6-10 minutes with exercising good throttle management.
Aerobatics
Due to the weather-imposed time constraints, I didn't have time to test the aerobatic abilities of the SuperStar EP. Based on the flights I had, I believe that the SuperStar EP should be able to handle most basic aerobatics in its stock guise. The presence of dihedral would prevent such things as axial rolls, but I still believe that you could have a lot of aerobatic fun with the SuperStar EP with Ailerons. I hope to be able to re-visit this review later on and file a more in-depth report on this aspect of the aircraft.
Is This For a Beginner?
With Help....Provided that the beginner had an experienced RC pilot assisting with construction, and first flights were made with an instructor pilot and a buddy box, I think that it would be possible for the SuperStar EP with Ailerons to take a beginner from first flight right through to first solo and basic aerobatics.
Going it Alone....If you're more of a 'go it alone' first-timer, or you lack the support of an experienced r/c pilot or club, you'd probably be better to leave this one in the workshop until you have mastered at least the basics of flight. In this type of circumstance, it's a great place to use a quality simulator and get your confidence prior to flying ANY model...This is no reflection on the SuperStar EP with Ailerons, it really is a great trainer. But I think it might be a bit of handful for someone who has no flying experience and no experienced assistance to help them along the way. If, on the other hand, you're already flying a two or three-channel trainer type successfully, the SuperStar EP with Ailerons is a great aircraft for your first four channel "Full House" trainer/fun flyer.
Conclusion
The SuperStar EP with Ailerons is a really nice aircraft to build, own, and fly. The completeness of the kit means you don't have a long list of 'extras' to purchase, and the truly ARF nature of the kit gives you the capability to open the box on one day and be flying the next! Electric Power is great! No fuel, no pumps, no starters, glow sticks, and no mess! Just grab your plane, radio, charger and batteries and you're off for a great fun day of flying. I really enjoyed flying the SuperStar EP! It's a very pleasant aircraft to fly with no real vices that I could find. It's an ideal full house trainer, and certainly has the 'fun factor' to keep you coming back to it even after you have graduated on to 'hotter' aircraft. On the downside was the les than perfect covering job, and the manual DEFINITELY needs to be re-visited and improved. Especially considering the entry level that the aircraft is aimed at. All in all though the Superstar EP (with Ailerons) is a great package. I strongly recommend that you try one if you're in the market for a complete four-channel trainer solution. You may recall that I opened this review talking about the popularity of the standard SuperStar EP on RCGroups. I'd like to close the review by saying that, since I added the SuperStar EP (with Ailerons) to my fleet, I really can see why!!!! |
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Jan 30, 2005, 08:32 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 98
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Would love to see a price and a specific link to where this could be bought if one were of a mind. All the references I see are ambiguous as to whether it's this or older non-aileron model, RTF (electronics included) version or not, etc., etc.
-- Mike |
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Jan 30, 2005, 10:40 PM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 105
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Hi Mike,
If it helps at all the Hobbico Code for this item is HCAA2052. (The three channel version is HCAA2051.) A quick cursory Google suggests $109.99 at tower Hobbies http://www.towerhobbies.com/products.../hcaa2052.html $119.99 at Hobbies R Us http://www.hobbiesr.com/hca/hca-138/hcaa2052.htm The above are both the 'non-Select version' as reviewed, which does not include the radio gear. The Select version (with Radio Gear) is Part Number HCAA13. (The three channel version is HCAA14 (!)) $249.99 at Tower Hobbies http://www.towerhobbies.com/rcwnews/041202-hcaa13.html $249.99 at Hobbies R Us http://www.hobbiesr.com/138.htm Note that I'm not particularly endorsing either of these suppliers, they just happen to be the first two I googled  .Hope this helps... Regards, Jon |
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Jan 30, 2005, 11:39 PM
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#4 |
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I'll try anything once!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Huron, South Dakota
Posts: 1,068
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Great Review. You are right about the front former being a weak point. I nosed my SSEP into the ground once. Only damage to the plane was caused by the battery ejecting through the front firewall. I have since rebuilt the firewall and created a box front for the battery case. It does take away some of the cooling for the battery, but is worth it to keep damage to a minimum on hard landings.
By the way, you should see this plane with a motor upgrade, a gearbox, a better battery, and larger prop! This plane really can be a fun EP trainer to fly. |
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Jan 31, 2005, 02:00 AM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 105
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Thanks!
You've got me wondering now if that firewall design might be deliberate! As you said, the battery effectivley ejects through the light firewall. So I wonder what mayhem would be caused if the battery didn't have a relativley quick and easy egress path thru an easy to repair firewall. Maybe that design is sharper than I thought.... Re the hop-ups for the bird - Oh Yeah! I have followed the forums on this, and I'm looking forward to it . Once I get the weather to finish my flight testing and video in stock format, I'll be making a 'want list' of goodies for sure . The weather is islowly improving down here, but in the most frustrating fashion. We're actually starting to get some good flying conditions now, but only during working hours! Grrrrrrrr!!!!! |
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Jan 31, 2005, 09:05 AM
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#6 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 98
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Quote:
Thanks Jon! That's very helpful. Normally I Google with the best -- don't know why I had so much trouble sorting this. -- Mike |
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Jan 31, 2005, 12:32 PM
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#7 |
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I'll try anything once!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Huron, South Dakota
Posts: 1,068
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I just noticed in the closeup picture of the SSEP that there is a block of balsa that acts as a brace between the firewall and the battery. When I bought my original SSEP RTF there was this little block of balsa in the box that looked like it was glued to something, yet I could never find where it went. Now I know where that little piece of wood was supposed to be. It was to act as a brace between the battery and the firewall. I guess that is why mine ejected so hard. I still think the battery/firewall is a weak spot, but now it seems to make sense to me as to why it did so much damage. The battery had more distance to travel before hitting the firewall (without the brace) and allowed it to gain momentum. You can see the brace in the photo below:
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Jan 31, 2005, 01:17 PM
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#8 |
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RCAPA #005
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Springfield Vermont
Posts: 3,666
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Nice review! I have several of these things- two outfitted for aerial photgraphy and one outfitted for 'rough terrain' like a bush plane. They are solid performers and take very well to gearboxes and hotter motors. My latest one will sport an AXI
My only concerns on these are: Is the BEC of that speed control *really* up to three full size servos? The reason I mention it is that I installed a lost plane finder on mine and the BEC had issue with it. Second concern is that the batteries that come with the kits are notoriously bad. Hobbico even admitted this to me and offered to send me a replacement battery although it never came after I gave them my address. ::sigh:: |
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Feb 01, 2005, 12:32 AM
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#9 |
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I'll try anything once!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Huron, South Dakota
Posts: 1,068
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Took some aerial video with my SSEP today. I thought I would share. I have modded the plane with a Kyosho Endoplasma 16 turn motor, a Great Planes GD-600 gearbox 3.8:1 ratio, a 12x8 APC E prop, and a 7 cell 3300 mah battery. (The stock batteries aren't the best) I plan on ordering the aileron wing soon. Here are the vids:
SSEP Flight 1 - 01-31-05 SSEP Flight 2 - 01-31-05 |
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Feb 01, 2005, 06:29 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 105
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Thanks MG.
Only time will tell with both the BEC and the battery. I't would be nice to get out and do some flying to find out . The ESC is different to the ones fitted to the earlier SSEPs from what I can tell. I certainly didn't have any problems with the three or four flights flights I managed to get in. The batter is generic yellow with 8.4V SC2100 on it (Nicad). I didn't think the flight time was too bad, or the power for that matter. But I do agree on the difference a really good quality pack can make. I'll keep you posted on developments as and when the weather allows.... |
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Feb 01, 2005, 06:31 AM
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#11 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 105
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Hey Mike!
Thanks for sharing the vids - real cool . Jon Last edited by WildCardNZ; Feb 02, 2005 at 07:27 AM. Reason: I Called Mike Mark - Doh! |
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Feb 01, 2005, 08:54 AM
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#12 | |
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I'll try anything once!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Huron, South Dakota
Posts: 1,068
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Quote:
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Feb 01, 2005, 01:27 PM
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 105
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Yeah Mike that's what I said
 (Guess who just discovered message editing?) Last edited by WildCardNZ; Feb 02, 2005 at 07:29 AM. Reason: Trying to cover me tracks :D |
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Feb 08, 2005, 11:56 PM
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#14 | |
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I'll try anything once!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Huron, South Dakota
Posts: 1,068
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Quote:
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Feb 09, 2005, 10:25 AM
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#15 |
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azkeith
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Nampa ID
Posts: 131
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Mike thanks for the vid, I am going to buy one as a step up. Getting back into RC after 30 yrs. Looks like a great plane.
azkeith |
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