Electrifly SPAD XIII ARF

Bookmaker · 27 January 2009, 12:33 PM

For Christmas, my wife gave me a certificate at Hodges Hobbies for the new Electrifly SPAD XIII ARF and all the goodies for it.

It was just recently released and mine came in yesterday. All I have done to this point is open the box and take an general inventory. I must say, the covering job is very good. It has the 5 color camo in Richenbacker's colors. It did not make it without some damage, but it is very minor. The hardware package came loose somewhere from China to here and some of the heavier items apparently hit the cowl nose piece and chipped off a sliver from the bottom edge. A little CA should fix it. Hodges is seeing if they can get another, but I will fix this one in anycase.

As I said above, I ordered all the goodies to make it go, including the electric motor, battery, ESC, flight pack (all as recommended) another charger and balancer.

I'll try to take some photos this evening. Assembly will start soon.

Dale

Bookmaker · 27 January 2009, 06:15 PM

Picture time.

First of the plane in the box:

Out of the Box:

Inside finish:

Cowl Fit:

Pilot with scarf:

Aileron servo hatches with extensions pre installed:

Work will start tomorrow.

Dale

Mode One · 28 January 2009, 11:38 AM

Dale, I have both the Fokker DVII and Dr1. They are fun, cute little airplanes. The DVII is a pussy cat to fly, the Dr1 not so much. Actually, the Dr1 was broken and was given to me. My first flight with it was out in the field, back of my house. I was chased by a big hawk or eagle and no matter how much I yelled at the bird he wouldn't leave me alone so I had to land and wait for him to go away. Good luck! I think your down in Florida so you'll be flying yours long before I go flying again as there's 24inches of snow on the ground and it's colder then a well digger's ___ here in Minnesota.

Bookmaker · 28 January 2009, 11:47 AM

I can see where being chased by a hawk would be a problem. Especially the size of the DrI.

I have seen the D VII and SE 5a fly and both looked great. Since the SPAD is just out, all I have seen is the video of the prototype flying. If it flys like that, it will be great.

Yes, I am in the Florida panhandle where Fl, Ga and Al meet. Right now it is about 65 degrees, but supposed to get down around 30 some nights later this week. 30 here is pretty cold here. Not like on the ski slopes.

I hope to have the SPAD ready to go Sunday afternoon if the weather is nice.

I'll post a few photos along the way.

Dale

DJ · 29 January 2009, 08:24 AM

SPAD XIII is my favorite!! I have flown it and the SE5 indoors comfortably. The DVII was tougher due to less aileron authority. haven't tried yet but thhe Camel should fly indoors OK.

Bookmaker · 29 January 2009, 09:08 AM

Hi David,

I haven't flown any of the Electrifly WW I birds yet, but like you, I am a fan of the SPAD.

I got some assembled last evening. Will post a few photos after while.

I ran into a couple problems.

-There is a significant twist in the lower right wing, 1/4"+ washout at tip. I think I can get it out shrinking the covering, but will need to be careful.

-Make sure the motor doesn't hit the wood BEFORE putting Loctite in the mounting screws. It says to check clearance in the manual, but who reads that thing

I had to trim just a little wood to clear the sides of the motor.

-The manual does not list what screws to use to mount the servos. The ones that match the photos have large washer type heads and I do not like the way they contact the servo casing(Futaba as per recommeded). No biggie, I have smaller headed screws I will use.

So far a real nice bird.

Dale

Bookmaker · 29 January 2009, 09:15 AM

Here are a few photos

Tail assembled

ESC, motor mounted. Rudder and elevator servo with arms set and located pending screws. Note the one screw with the large head. At the oterh end of the servo, this really catches the servo case. I'll use different screws. (None came with the servos)

More later.

Dale

Bookmaker · 30 January 2009, 02:54 PM

Last night's progress

Radio installed in fuselage

Battery location

Tail controls connected

I want to point out a couple of things I noted in this phase.

1. If using the adapters for the ESC and motor recommended, they left a small metal ring exposed that could short big time. I covered each with heat shrink.

2. As you can see, the push rods require a little tweeking to prevent serious friction. Not only are the ends bent toward the horns, I also made a gentle curve where the rods run through the tubes inside the plane.

3. When you get to the part about finding the hole for the antenna to exit through the covering, you can see the hole when looking through the cockpit opening. I figured this out after making a hole in the wrong spot.

Dale

Mode One · 30 January 2009, 03:13 PM

I think it's nice they put the pilot together for you! I had to join the front and back halves and cut out from the sheet plastic the pilot was vacu-formed from, then cut down, fill and file the edges. Mine also needed to be painted. Building the pilot almost took as long as building the plane. Other people in my club became so frustrated trying to build the pilots they gave up and fly their planes without. They are very light weight and the painting was fun.

Bookmaker · 30 January 2009, 05:55 PM

Mode, the pilot with this kit is not the cheap thin ABS type. It is not as heavy duty as the Williams Bros pilots, but close. Even comes with material for a scarf. It is no Aces of Iron pilot, but definitely a nice addition to the cockpit.