I finally got a chance to fly the A-109 yesterday. What a great experience!
The spool up would have been fine if I had made sure I balanced and tracked the blades but I didn't. Stupid, and my fault. The first flight was successful but vibrations were felt all over. I took it home an rebalanced the mains and the tail blades and back out I went.
On the second spool up the mains were wondering around until I lifted off. At this point I lifted off too early and the heli spun towards me but I reacted quickly enough to put her tail in and in a good hover, thank God.
After that... smooth as silk. The heli reacted perfectly and the tail authority was spot on, as if the A-109 body wasn't on it. The only factor I found different than the regular T-Rex vrs. the fuse was the added weight, obviously. With my programed pitch curve I found a higher head speed but the same authority in flight.
I did not cycle the retracts in flight and will probably not try it. They are made of cheap and brittle plastic and a bugger to get perfectly set-up. I thought I had them set up perfectly and I plugged them in later and the servos were stalling
No need to risk a heli for 3 gears up
I plan on getting electric retracts to fill that position.
I highly recommend this Heliartist fuse. The directions stink but luckily there are many who have come before us with videos and links.
She looks great and flies well
God Bless Y'all,
Jay