Here's my electric Avistar, finally finished & flown. Flies beautifully on 8 cells, plenty of power for aerobatics and general flying around. I set this one up to be a glider tug/fun weekend flier, so it's not particularly fast on this setup. No trim was needed on the first two flights, stalls are a non-event(drops the nose and keeps flying straight) Flaps are suprisingly effective considering how small they are in relation to the rest of the wing, full-flap landings are very slow, with maybe a 50-ft roll out (I was being cautious - it will slow more than that)

I was overall happy with the quality of the ARF, it seems well-designed & built, and for the most part the hardware is good quality. I replaced the tailwheel bracket and spring with a Sullivan because I thought the ARF unit felt a little on the weak side.

Only gripe on this one is the covering & paint jobs. Pretty sloppy on both, with runs and drips in the paint, and Monokote edges that look like they were "chewed" instead of cut. Lots of small wrinkles that I can't seem to get out, especially on the control surfaces.

Motor: Rimfire 1.60
ESC: Castle Creations ICE 120
Prop: Xoar 20x10 wood
Motor Batteries: 2x Turnigy Nanotech 4S, 5000mah, 45C in series (8 cell)
Radio Battery: LIFE 3200mah
Reciever: Spektrum AR9020
Servos: 7x Hitec HS5645MG digital metal gear

Thanks to Jim H. for the photos from his quad!

Here's my self-contained tabletop vacuforming machine build, sized to accept 12"x12" sheets of material. I'll post each stage with step-by-step details as they're completed, and will post my plan and materials list once I have it finalized and the prototype working.

Basic specs:
* Length: 12", Width: 12", Height: 24" (dimesions may change as the build progresses)
* Weight: Unknown as yet
* Oven: Four element Nichrome heater, 120vac power, top mounted
* Vacuum: Two stage, shop vac and smaller vacuum pump to finish the pull
* Forming area: 10.5" x 10.5"
* Planned budget: ~$150 (also may change up or down as neccesary)

See post #2-8 for details and the step by step build

Here's my 24 inch wingspan "Banshee" combat wing, loosely based on the popular mini popwing from techone. The wing and wingtips are hotwire cut from 1.3# density EPP foam, and reinforced with 1mmx3mm carbon strips, leading edge, top & bottom, and a couple more pieces back by the motor mount. 2mm carbon hoop at the rear to pull a streamer (and makes a conveinient carry handle, Lol!) Most of the gluing is foamtac and thin CA, paint is Krylon spray paint.

It got named "Banshee" on it's maiden flight because I had the prop tips too close to the hoop in the back, which created turbulence over the carbon and made a horrible screeching noise at anything over half throttle.

I clipped the prop tips by 1/8", and it's all better now

UPDATE: Flew it with a 4x4 gws prop, and it seems to perform better, it picked up a little speed, and the vertical performance is better too. a "win-win" in my book!

UPDATE #2: See post #2 for onboard video, turn down the volume first though

Motor: Turnigy SK3 2118-2750kv
Prop: GWS 5x3 (tips cut down by 1/8")
ESC: Turnigy Plush 10A or 12A
Servos: HXT-500 (x2)
Reciever: Orange 6 channel (only three ch needed)
Battery: 3 cell, 500-600mah (I'm using a zippy compact 850mah)

AUW: 6.4oz with 850 zippy battery

Here's some pictures of my GWS C-130 assembly/modifications/build... see captions on photos for details

Parts used or planned:
Motors (x4): Eflite 180 brushless outrunner - http://www.horizonhobby.com/airplane...200kv-eflm1120
ESC (x4): Turnigy Plush 12A
Props (x4): EFlite 100mmx100mm four blade - http://www.horizonhobby.com/airplane...-eflup1001004b
UBEC: Castle Creations 10A - http://www.horizonhobby.com/castle-bec-cse010000400
Battery: 2 cell Lipo, 1200mah (maybe higher capacity later)
Reciever: Spektrum AR8000 - http://www.horizonhobby.com/radios/a...iver-spmar8000
Servos: Hobbyking HXT-500 (ailerons, flaps) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...cro_Servo.html
HXT-900 (rudder, elevator, ramp/door, retract) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...cro_Servo.html
Retracts: Robart 123/124 Micro mechanical - http://robart.com/products/1-2a-micro-main-gear
Lights: EFlite universal light controller, surface mount type LEDs - http://www.horizonhobby.com/airplane...ht-kit-efla600... LEDs harvested from junk...Continue Reading

Here are some of the custom Flyrites I've done in the past couple of years. These are tough little planes, they'll take a real beating. They're perfect for throwing around at the park or backyard (if it's big enough), but are plenty capable of flying at a club field as well. They really shine as a basic trainer, and fly best low & slow.

The basic airplane is available from www.wingmanrc.com

Wingspan: 46"
Length: 36"-38"
Weight: ~18oz.
Power: 2208/17-1100kv motor, 18A ESC, GWS 9x5 prop, 3 cell 1000mah Lipo (basic version)
2830/11-1000kv motor, 30A ESC, APC 10x4.7 prop, 3 cell 1300-2200 Lipo (upgraded "grasshopper" version)

Here's a Cessna 182 build I did for a customer. It started off as an a Modeltech ARC, designed for glow power. I added navigation lights, re shaped the tail, with hidden elevator horn (inside the removeable tailcone), added handles at the top of the cowl and the vent at the front of the cowl. Also made a battery hatch under the cabin and a custom motor mount for the electric motor. The fuselage is all balsa/plywood, and the wings and tail are foam core, with balsa sheeting. The covering is white Monokote and metallic red and black sign vinyl.

First successful flight today (previous attempt was severely underpowered due to prop choice)

I'll post up all the specs later, I can't remember what all is in it exept it has a Turnigy G60 300kv motor, running on 6 cells. Turnigy Plush 80 ESC. Prop is a 16x8 three blade (I think?)

Here's my Cessna Citation II (modified Dynam Turbojet). Power system is two 65mm 6-blade fans, on 4 cell lipo. Landing gear are EFlite servoless retracts, with a scissor link type nosegear strut. Added carbon fiber strip/tube reinforcement to wings and tail surfaces and re-worked all the hinges with wood blocks and "real" hinges. Lastly, I added cabin windows, laser cut from balsa and clear plastic, each window is an individual piece glued into the frame with canopy glue. (NOT the easy way to do it, but looks awesome when finished). The whole plane is finished with lightweight spackle/polyurethane and painted with Krylon Fusion paint. The chrome on the wing is sign vinyl, silver on the nacelle intakes is Rub-n-Buff.

A wonderful flyer, fast, smooth, and quiet. It flies with enough power to do just about any aerobatic manuever (I did have to check of course), but looks much better just cruising around. With throttle management I get 5-6 minute flights, but like to play it safe and call it good around 4 minutes plus or minus.

Motors: Detrum Outrunner, 4100kv
ESCs: Detrum 60A
Fans: Dynam 65mm, 6 Blade (took some balancing to get them sounding good)
Servos: HXT-900 (x6), HXT-500 (nosegear steering)
Reciever: Spektrum
Battery: Turnigy Nanotech 4 cell, 2650mah

Have not decided on the trim scheme yet, will add that from vinyl once I figure out what I like. I'm leaning toward the "ribbon" color scheme with my usual red/white/black combo. Suggestions/Pictures always welcome!

*** New photos added, see post #7 ***

Another "Go Fast" takes to the air! I was so impressed with one that I worked on for a customer, that I decided to do one also. (Like I need another plane! Lol! )

It's a Great Planes Proud Bird EF-1 (Electruic Formula One) racer. I kept this one stock per the instructions and within EF-1 rules with the intent of racing it some. Only real change I made was the EFlite aluminum spinner instead of the plastic spinner in the box. The color scheme is all Monokote in White, Dark Red, and black, with my AMA # and sponsor in red sign vinyl.

This one like the other I've flown is really a sweet flying plane, fast and smooth. Love it!

*** Top speed (per GPS) 109 mph level. Was running 12 second laps consistently ***

Motor: EFlite Power 25, 1250kv
Prop: APC-E 8x8
ESC: Turnigy Plush 80
Battery: Turnigy Nanotech 4 cell, 2650mah
Servos: Hitec HS-65MG itty-bitty metal gear (x3)
Reciever: Spektrum AR6210
RTF weight(w/battery): 53.6oz (1519.5g)

Here's my SkyAngel mini L-39 Albatross. Its an EPO foam, RTF 50mm jet from Hobbyking. Based on my past experience with "el cheapo" China RTF electronics, I pulled everything out and substituted with slightly higher quality Chinese el cheapo components.

Other changes I made to it include a carbon fiber strip wingtip to wingtip, fiberglass on the belly, new foam/carbon landing skids on the wings, balsa ailerons with CA hinges, and of course a paint job. The paint is Testors Model Master spray, the numbers and red stars are sign vinyl.

I'd love to say it flew well, but the first flight was a little hairy (understatement). It has a severe roll to the left which I couldn't trim out in flight. I also suspect it has a warped tail surface. Suprisingly, it smoothed out some when I made the approach to landing, and I got it down in one piece despite a slight bounce on touchdown. I'll investigate to roll issue, and tweak the CG a little more before the next try.

Motor/Fan: Dr Mad Thrust 50mm 12 blade, 4000kv motor
ESC: Turnigy AE-45A Speed Control
Battery: Turnigy Nanotech 3s, 1000mah 25-50c
Servos: HXT-500 (x3)
Reciever: Spektrum AR-400
Ready to fly weight: ~15.9oz (she's a bit of a porker, but has enough power to go)

Just finished up this Olypic 3-meter glider repair and re-cover. Covered in white/chrome Monokote and transparent purple Oracover. Built up wing fillets from stacked & sanded 1/8" lite plywood. According to the owner, it flies great.

Wingspan: 3.2 Meters (125" + or - )
Servos: Hitec HS-81MG x2, HXT 900 x2 (spoilers)
Radio: Airtronics 2.4 GHz
Power: Air & Gravity!

Yes, there IS grass in Arizona... just not very much.

Just finished this one up & got it flying well. It's my interpretation of a cartoon A-10 based on plans by RustyGunn and Jurgen Be (build thread and plans here: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839957 ) Thanks guys!

Construction is mainly blue fan fold foam, with some depron. Basically built from foam scrap I had on hand. Finish is Testors Model Master spray paint, including the markings. I used Foamtac glue for hinges, they seem to be holding up well after considerable abuse. An odd bit of carbon, a few pieces of balsa, and some assorted odds & ends finish up the build. Had major issues trying to get it balanced with such a short nose. I think it would have been easier had I moved the wing back about an inch.

Originally powered by two Aeo C10 motors on 2 cell Lipo, I found I wanted a little more "go", so I replaced the motors with Aeo AD-100L and moved up to three cell lipo. It's not fast, but flies well including some "interesting" aerobatics. I guess that holds true to it's full size inspiration.

Wingspan: 29" Length: 20.5"
Motor: Aeo AD100L (x2)
ESC: Turnigy Plush 10A (x2)
Battery: Thunder Power 3S 450mah Lipo, no-name 3s 1000mah Lipo
Props: GWS 4x2.5 (x2)
Servos: HXT500 (x3)
Reciever: Spektrum AR6100E
Nose weight: 1/4 size fishing sinkers (x9! )

AUW: ~ 12 oz. (depending on battery)

P.S. It's ok to call it "cute", just this once!

Just finished this WM Zero 60 ARF build for a customer. I modified it for electric power and cut an opening in the top of the fiberglass fuse, added a frame to the canopy to use it as an access hatch. I used the antenna support as the latch for the canopy with a spring to hold it closed. Also laser cut a battery tray for inside the fuselage as well as some strategic reinforcing of the fiberglass fuselage and wing with some plywood and carbon fiber. Installed all digital servos and HUGE Hacker motor. Maiden flight coming shortly...

Motor: Hacker A50-14L Turnado 400kv
ESC: Castle Ice-2 120HV
Battery: 10S 5000mah Turnigy Nanotech (2S1P)
Prop: APC 13x13
Servos: HK 752 digital (x6)
Reciever: Spektrum AR700
Weight (w/o) Batteries: 6.5 lbs, RTF weight: 9.7 lbs

This is my World Models Skyraider Mach II, converted for electric. I added a battery hatch in the top of the fuselage and used a 11" bubble canopy. Graphics are white vinyl, and the stripes are white monokote. Everything else is pretty much stock setup, I bought it "pre-loved"

Motor: EFlite Power 25, 1250Kv
ESC: Turnigy Plush 80A
Prop: APC 11x7
Servos: Hitec HS-425BB x4
Battery: Turnigy Nanotech 3 cell, 4000mah Lipo
AUW (without battery): 51.1 oz

Here's a Great Planes giant stick i built for a customer, converted to electric and low wing. I also made a large hatch for battery and electronics access. Has flaps, pull-pull rudder, used stock gear as a taildragger.

Sold to a new owner, he reports it flies very nice. He's flying it on 12S, should be an absolute rocket.

Motor: Rimfire 1.60 245kv
ESC: Electrifly Silver Series SS-80
Prop: APC 18x8
Battery: Turnigy 10s (two 5s 5000mah in series)
Servos: Futaba S3010 x6, S3004 (tailwheel)

Here's a World Models 40-size Mustang electric conversion I did some covering work on for a customer. I added a battery hatch between the canopy and cowling in the top of the fuselage, and did all the black with Monokote, top of the cowling is black Krylon Fusion paint. She's gonna be pretty quick, estimating ~120mph.

** Update: Now flying! Tracks very nice, good speed. Still having issues with the spinner rubbing on the cowl though. Added a more recent picture also. **

Motor: Scorpion 4025-10
ESC: HK 120
Batteries: 5-6 cell Lipo
Prop: APC 14x14
Servos: HK752 Digital x4, Spektrum Retract servo

*** Photos updated, added pictures of the hatch, and a few from the flying field ***

This is a 1/40th scale wooden static display model I modified and repainted for our now retired Chief. It's a representation of our "flagship" at Davis-Monthan AFB.

I'm happy with it over-all, though it lacks a lot of details and has several inaccuracies. It's difficult sometimes to say enough is enough on a model, especially when you see the real thing every day.

Here's the E-Flite Habu 32 I built up and flew for a customer. Successful maiden flight Saturday between rain showers.

Motor: E-Flite 32 Outrunner
Fan: E-Flite 80mm, 6 blade
ESC: E-Flite 80A
Battery: 6-cell, 5000mah Lipo
Servos: Hitec HS-85MG ( x8! )
EFlite Servoless Retracts

Nice flyer with stock setup (above). It's fast, but can slow down very nicely while staying rock-steady. Needed a bit of aileron and elevator trim, nothing extreme. CG was set in the middle of the suggested range for the maiden flight. My only real gripe is how low the horizontal stabs sit, they are pretty close to the ground and seems like they would be easily damaged in a "not perfect" takeoff/landing, though it hasn't been an issue as yet.

Here's my Great Planes Rifle

Motor: Eflite six-series brushless in-runner, 2700kv (dont remember?)
ESC: Turnigy Plush 80
Battery: 3 cell, 1000mah Lipo
Prop: APC 4.75x4.75 (disposable - one prop, one flight)
Servos: Hitec HS-65mg (x2)
Reciever: Spektum AR-600

Faster than just about everything usually (see my grin in the photo!) Have to fly AROUND anything else in the air, often making the pass with power off. Only mods besides power setup was to reinforce belly with carbon fiber cloth and added carbon spar to wing.

It flys at around 110-120 mph, (per Motocalc/E-Calc) which is pretty hairy to keep track of with only a 31" skinny wing. It tends to completely disappear in the turns. It's enough. almost.

This is the kit-built Lanier Stinger 10 I did for a customer. I replaced the plastic canopy base and turtledeck with balsa. Cowl is painted with Krylon Fusion spray paint and it's covered with white Econokote, dark red and dark blue Monokote.

Motor: Turnigy D2830-11 1000kv
ESC: Hobby King "Red Brick" 50A
Battery: 3 cell, 1300mah Lipo
Prop: APC 9x6 SF = 15A @ 170W, APC 9x4.7 SF = 11A @ 130W
Servos: HXT-900 9g (4)
Reciever: Orange 6ch

Flew nice & gentle with 9x4.7 prop, though a bit faster than expected. Aerobatics are good, but will not maintain vertical on this setup. The 9x6 heated the motor more than I was comfortable with, so did not fly on this prop.