Darn.
I'm still hurting over the loss of the VQ Model Cap-10B which I was privileged to review on
RC Power.
A ten-cent part failed and destroyed a model with a $300 list price. My fault for not using a metal retainer instead of a nylon one on the quick-connect clamp on the servo arm for the elevator pushrod.
I once had an aileron fail on a park flyer and I was able to land the plane. Had the rudder failed, meh. No big deal.
When an elevator goes, kiss your model goodbye. That's all I could do as I saw one of the nicest models I've ever owned plummet nose first into the ground on its sixth flight.
I hope to replace it with another sooner than later. In the meantime, the Cap's flap servo panels, two of the servos, the receiver battery and FASST receiver will be used to complete a project plane from several posts back, a Great Planes Cessna with a new O.S. LA 65 engine and a bit of hangar rash. Price: Fifty bucks. Complete. It will be a nice model once I finish it and patch the hangar rash, but it sure won't take the place of the Cap. Thankfully, standard parts like servos sometimes mean standard parts between brands. The Cap's flap servo panels were almost exactly the right size to replace the Cessna's missing aileron servo panels. Thanks to a scale drawing of the panels by a local club member who also has a Cessna, I was able to create the openings for the servo arms.
This was one of those times where I began to reevaluate whether or not I wanted to continue in such a hobby as this, where hard-earned money can be lost in a fraction of a second due to something which cost pocket change.
At least something good will come out of this. I can complete another project.
As soon as that Cessna takes to the air, it'll have a magnificent VQ Model Cap-10B .60 to thank for its heart transplant.
Of course, I'll be sharing it with all of you.