FROM THE "LOOK-WHAT-FELL-INTO-MY-LAP-NOW" DEPT.
I was realy excited about the prospect of this new build. Especially after we all (at the Arsuf Flying Club) had gotten used to hearing Patrick mention Multiplex only with superlatives like "amazing", "smart", "gorgeous", "clever", "wonderful", and more. Mind you, he's not the only one. Do a search for Multiplex on such websites as RCGroups or RCUniverse and you'll be inundated by flowery descriptions of Multiplex products. Multiplex is well known for such, I would say almost classic foamies as the Sky Scooter, Twinjet, MicroJet, Easy Star I & II, Twin Star, Magister, and many more.
When I picked up the box from Patrick's we discussed the review for a bit. Since he is such devout Multiplex fan, there was a need to have an "outsider" try out the virtues of Multiplex (it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it). Try and build it as stock as possible, and take lots of nice pictures. No modifications, unless realy necessary.
Well, what can I say. First impressions are soo important. And MPX scores high on this part. On opening the box I found white Elapor foam parts in pristine condition, that gave me a feeling of "Lego meets Playmobile meets RC flight". Or maybe an Airfix model on steroids. In addition to the Elapor parts I found a little bag of goodies, that even includes EZ connectors and Velcro. A pushrod sleeve for the antenna. A two-sleeve pushrod system for the rudder and elevator to prevent binding and/or "slop" . A 1 meter long plastic rod for the wing. And a 3:1 geared speed 400 motor with a folding propellor. All I need to add is an ESC, 2 servos for the ailerons (HS55 size) and extension wires, 2 servos for the tail group (HS81 size), a Rx and flight battery. And glue ofcourse; thin CA, thick CA, and kicker.
At first glance this looks to be a very well thought out kit, with almost no room for mistakes. The various foam parts fit together like a puzzle, making it almost impossible to go wrong. There's a manual in four different languages, with a 6 page pull out pictorial. It virtually cries out "build me, build me", although "assembly" seems a more appropriate term.
At a rough guess, and keeping in mind that this is CA friendly Elapor foam, so glue curing time is minutes, if not seconds, from opening the box to the flying field; I guess could take about 4 to 6 hours. Ofcourse I will not be that fast. To me, part of the fun is the build, or assembly in this case. Plus that I have to take lots of nice pictures. Then there's work. And then there's also a family to keep happy...
02/12/05
For quite a while I've eyed the possibilty to add a wheel, for an even more semi-scale look. Even more so, to be able to aerotow from concrete runways without damaging the underside of the fuse. Check the link below.
01/02/06
Builder's note:
Now, with 20/20 hindvision and about 100 flights behind me, there is no need to for the "counterweight ball". No matter what motor, and especially not if you are going to use LiPoly batteries. Leave it out, and if you do need some tail weight, a bolt or screw in the tail will do...
