GREAT PLANES EXTRA 300S, 60 SIZE, ELECTRIC CONVERSION, 2019 BUILD ALONG

[Joker 53150]

That looks exactly like the cowl I had on my Extra 300S. If so, you'll find there is a LOT of extra material that you can trim off to make it as long as you want. Darn good quality stuff!

 

[nhk750]

Making some progress on the horizontal stabilizer. The tail feathers are all scratch built with no die cut parts and actually the first time I have scratch built balsa and it is pretty easy so far.

 

[nhk750]

Horizontal stab framed up and ready to sheet, after a quick sanding.

 

[nhk750]

Working on framing the elevators up and been so busy lately moving slowly. I received all the lumber (balsa sheeting) from National Balsa and I should have enough to finish the build now.

HS sheeted.

 

[nhk750]

Wierd, I just was browsing youtube and saw the FT Red Bull build challenge. I had no idea they did this and what a coincidence Im building one.

 

[nhk750]

Got the Elevators built and just need to shape all the edges and hinge, but first I will build the fin and rudder.

 

[Captain Video]

Hey, I have that same model in my workshop to be constructed as a winter build. I will watch this with great interest! Will also take any and all advise, as well as this is my first balsa build.

 

[Captain Video]

I think It will be blue and call it "Bad Wolf". Doctor Who reference.

 

[nhk750]

Nice, are you going with electric or gas? This kit is gas or nitro per the directions, but I will have a detailed electric conversion process. The directions for Great Planes builds are really great and are geared towards first time builders, it’s a shame they are gone now. Feel free to ask questions as I’m on this forum and RCG regularly (this is my facebook). This plane, however, will be a challenging first time build as right away you will be scratch building the entire tail feather assemblies. But, they are easy stick builds.

 

[nhk750]

Got the fin framed up and ready to sheet. The fin is sheeted completly but the directions were not entirely clear here, so I looked at pictures of other builds and figured it out. The sanding jig has been very valuable during the stick building of the tail feathers.

 

[Captain Video]

Thanks,
I tried nitro a few years back with a couple garage sale purchases. I think I was too new to the hobby and the planes ended horribly. I am now full on electric now. I have a Carbon Z Cessna 1.5m which flies wonderfully. So I think electric it will be. I will reach out to you with questions. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[nhk750]

Electric is awesome and dependable ! I cant find any really detailed conversions anywhere, so I will document my method thoroughly. I have done a few conversions now so it shouldn't be to hard...

 

[willsonman]

I have every faith in you to do the conversion but I do intend to keep a keen eye here to give a back-seat opinion should the opportunity present itself. 😜

 

[nhk750]

Thanks, I will need all the advice I can get on this one.

 

[Captain Video]

Thanks, I expect to see everyone weigh in on any question I post! ;-}
Flite Test Rocks!

 

[nhk750]

I also am simul-posting this build on RC Groups as there are some great builders that frequent that website.
Extra 300 RCG build log

 

[nhk750]

A little update on the tail fin. Since the kit was short a bunch of sheeting, I purchased some 6" wide 1/16" sheeting from National Balsa instead of gluing two 3" sheets together as the directions suggested. The 6" sheeting was only $2 for a 24" sheet so might as well try it. The 6" sheeting is actually 3 pieces of balsa glued together, most likely they glue together large pieces of balsa then mill 1/16" sheets from that. It is very flat and smooth and looks like it will work well. I got started on the sheeting tonight and will let it dry completely (with weight on it keeping it flat) overnight before I trim and do the other side as I use Titebond II and this will help reduce any warpage from the moisture in the Titebond drying.

 

[Userofmuchtape&glue]

Are all the grades of balsa the same? looks like A, B and C to me.

 

[TooJung2Die]

The framework of the tail surfaces look very sturdy. I bet they would be strong enough to cover the frames without sheeting them with balsa. That said I would follow the plans the first time I built one.

 

[nhk750]

I would think they would make the 6” wide piece from the same grades of balsa. I did look at some Midwest brand 6” wide balsa at the lhs and it was made the same way but the wood matched better than the National brand. But like TooYoung says, it’s a very sturdy frame work and the sheeting strength wont matter much anyway since it’s getting covered with Ultracote.