Aerobatic Performance Team
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ARF Reviews
Extreme Composite Edge 540T 50CC
product Reviews
The Ladies Justina and Dietrich 42% Extra 260
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ARF Build Review- Dietrich Performance Aircraft 42% Extra 260 Fast Build
Distributed by Dietrich Performance Aircraft Review by "Rockin' Rick" Part 4-Wings, Canopy Finish,
Now we're gonna' install the clear sealing tape on the wing connection at the ailerons. Some folks think this step unnecessary, but I think it really helps. If you haven't done it already, seal the rudder joint also. I've installed one of the Hitec HS5955 servos and the control horn on the aileron at the inner location on one of the wings. We'll only be using two Hitec HS5955 instead of three on the wings as this will be sufficient to provide ample amount of torque for maneuvers. Again, I decided not to use the supplied push rods (they just look too flimsy for a 42% aircraft) in this application and made up my own carbon fiber rods with 4-40 ends. These are cemented together using JB Weld at the joints. I didn't care for the 4-40 threaded rods that were supplied with the kit for the push rod application.
I've installed the CF push rods and both servos assemblies on the wings now. I decided to use the manufacturer supplied servo extension arms in this application, but I may change them to SWB arms later. We'll see how they work in this application. Be sure if your are adding extension to your servos that you properly seal the connections. I like to use heat shrink tubing and draw it down with my heat gun. This works very well and will prevent the connections from pulling loose under strain.
The back of the canopy will have to be cut out to install the Virtual Cockpit and the Lite Pilot. I can't say enough good things about these two components. For adding lifelike realism to your models, you just can't beat 'em. The total all up weight of these two items was only 4.5 oz on this model. I started out by removing the UltraCote in the rear to reveal the frame work and then cutting out the back of the canopy. We used the 38-42% "Bob" Pro Series Lite Pilot in this application. The pro series is much lighter than the standard of this model. The canopy roof is quite short in the Dietrich extra 260 and I suggest cutting the pilot base down by 3/8" to make a good fit. You can see my pencil cutting marks on the pilot and the cutting was easily performed with a 120 grit sanding drum on my Dremel tool. Touch up sand with a piece of 120 grit sand paper to remove any paint frays that may be leftover from the sanding operation.
I've cut out a piece of 1/4" balsa to use as a base mount for the lite pilot. A pair of 4-40 blind nuts are installed in the inside portion of the mount and will be used to hold the pilot in place in the cockpit. I mixed up some epoxy with microballoons and fiberglass shavings to make a good tight glue joint for the pilot. The underside of the canopy had 3/16 x 1/4" balsa runners that were removed where the 4-40 bolts would go through to hold the Pilot in place. I used some scrap 3/16 plywood and glued it in place where the bolts would penetrate the canopy floor. A little extra reinforcement helps in this application nd prevents the bolts from pulling through the softer balsa.
The floor of the canopy was trimmed down to correct size and glued in place with 3M 77 spray adhesive. Not much trimming was required and Kregg's design was "Right On" as always. The dash was finished at the factory so the cockpit kit will not include this item. Then, using the 4-40 bolts, I bolted the pilot in place. The back was attached using the stranded packing tape as always. That just about does it, Don't it?
Construction Updates: 11-20-07 1. It has been discovered that the supplied landing gear Axles are defective and can separate from the mounting bolts unexpectedly. We have reported this deficiency to the manufacturer. No word has been received back as to when this will be corrected. We recommend using PSP titanium axles in place of the supplied axels. 2. The supplied tail wheel gear is insufficient to support the weight of the plane and will bend up easily forcing the tailwheel into the rudder after a few flights. The gear is of shoddy construction and bends very easily, not acting at all like the spring steel it emulates. We suggest replacing the whole assembly with new carbon fiber or RC Blimp gear that will handle the load of this aircraft. 3. The motor box requires extra reinforcing due to insufficient glue and lack of reinforcing at the joints. The DA 150 or 3W 150 engine can cause vibrations in excess of the single glue joints' ability prevent separation of the plywood at the joints. We recommend installing 3/8" square basswood or hardwood stock at all plywood joints and screwing with #4x 1/2" screws to prevent catastrophic failure that could be caused by the motor box shaking itself to pieces while in flight. 4. It has been discovered that the supplied servo extension arms will slip if attached to the plastic round servo disks that are supplied by many servo manufacturers. (most noticeably HITEC) The round plastic arms do not have enough holding power in the splines to prevent slippage for the extremes of 3D maneuvers. We recommend using SWB servo extension arms for peace of mind in surface control.
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