Paul of Rcwarbirds is a slave driver
Sorry Paul,
you are killing me! I want to sit around and modify my air force
some
people call this maintenance and get a email from Paul here at Rcwarbirds.com
that one of our advertisers, VQ Models wants someone to test fly their
new K model A-26. The same one I did the build review on two years
ago. He got me in touch with Dung Phan of VQ Models,,,,,(Just so happens
is also located here in Houston) to go take a look at the new K model
of their popular arf kit of the A-26.
Around two years ago, I did the build and review on the original
for our review section at http://www.rcwarbirds.com/reviewsmainpage.htm.
The flight characteristics were good for a warbird and even did the
manual engine out trick with little problem. No, I do not own the new
plane, but Dung of VQ asked me to test fly it...Over cast...10 to13
MPH wind, but straight down the runway.........Sure, not my plane.....you
bet!!......Did I mention that I chickened out yesterday with the same
wind in my face?
He built it with two ST 51's and three blade props. The K model seems
to have been more of a gun ship, but am not totally up to date on all
upgrades. VQ did put in the 8 machine guns in the nose and two more
in a lower nacelle. The WOW factor of the additional wing tanks, I thought
made it look MUCH better and meaner. Guess what...THOSE TANKS ARE GREAT!!!
Many times I have added wing plates of dams on the end of the wing for
more lift on sport planes.......GUESS WHAT...These things do the same
thing!! The wing loading at least "Felt" MUCH lighter and
made the plane far more agile in the air. One click down was all that
was needed. (Dung of VQ does a nice job of building) and I noticed it
really climbed. First flight was limited to only rolls and a good landing
in the head wind. The big surprise is it FLOATS upon landing now. Had
to go around first landing attempt as it floated right on past. I guess
I should admit that I typically land fast for safety. The second flight
involved horizontal figure eights, loops and inverted flight...Needs
a lot of down on that one! Second flight I landed into the now blowing
wind a bit down the runway and did not want to go off the concrete,
so as it rolled I gave it up elevator to slow it down...Guess what..It
lifted off!!!! Panic time
one does not firewall the idling engines
in a near stall. Stopped breathing, did that pilot stuff, and it settled
back down in one piece!!
Note, all this was done with the landing gear down...forgot the compressor!!
Hey, give me a break...I was excited...not my plane,,free flight offer..high
wind...Life is good!!,,,,,,,, Yes, Paul, I know get the story in and
quit playing!!
My two cents, the first version was good, this is fun!!! The first version,
I have been asked if it is a trainer, and I said no, but I may rethink
this version. I think I will brace up the horizontal stabilizer if I
keep up the aerobatics!!!........And that IS going to happen. One other
good thing,,if you own a suburban, no need to disassemble for transportation.
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