Questions for Stuart Warne of Durafly/Hobby King
- Thread starter Andre
- Start date
I'd have some questions, but since he's your guest, you probably don't want to ask him those. 
I do like HK. I do like their massive number of products and I know that cheap can also mean that you need to know what you are buying sometimes. But I'm really starting to dislike the ethics side of that kind of business.
For example I really enjoy my Mini Fabrikator as it got me started into 3D printing for cheap - something I wanted to do for a long time now. And I understand that HK made some changes to get it down to a price that's below what the original TinyBoy project has to pay for just the parts.
But why did HK not give something back in return? TinyBoy has a CC-BY-SA license. Since they've modified the original design, they'd have to publish their modifications of the BOM and the design (share-alike part of the license). They are using open source Marlin software, but I haven't seen the sources (including the configuration changes that'll make updating the firmware a lot easier) anywhere yet. HK also made it look like they are working together with the TinyBoy project in one of their videos, but didn't even return the printer they "borrowed" for research...
Then there's the "Old Fogey" clone... Flite Test didn't seem to care, since they also build on other designs - which is not uncommon in the hobby. But at least they mention on what their designs are based on.
It's stories like that which make me think if I should get my stuff somewhere else.
I do like HK. I do like their massive number of products and I know that cheap can also mean that you need to know what you are buying sometimes. But I'm really starting to dislike the ethics side of that kind of business.
For example I really enjoy my Mini Fabrikator as it got me started into 3D printing for cheap - something I wanted to do for a long time now. And I understand that HK made some changes to get it down to a price that's below what the original TinyBoy project has to pay for just the parts.
But why did HK not give something back in return? TinyBoy has a CC-BY-SA license. Since they've modified the original design, they'd have to publish their modifications of the BOM and the design (share-alike part of the license). They are using open source Marlin software, but I haven't seen the sources (including the configuration changes that'll make updating the firmware a lot easier) anywhere yet. HK also made it look like they are working together with the TinyBoy project in one of their videos, but didn't even return the printer they "borrowed" for research...
Then there's the "Old Fogey" clone... Flite Test didn't seem to care, since they also build on other designs - which is not uncommon in the hobby. But at least they mention on what their designs are based on.
It's stories like that which make me think if I should get my stuff somewhere else.
IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR YOU AND ME, ANDRE!
Do they have plans to uprgrade the retracts for the Durafly warbirds? I've had to replace two on my Corsair from reasonable landings. Now, I have a thrid that is useless because the pin that rotates the gear 90 degrees snapped off. Kevin Teschner had the same issue with his P-40, except the pin on his simply fell out.
Do they have plans to uprgrade the retracts for the Durafly warbirds? I've had to replace two on my Corsair from reasonable landings. Now, I have a thrid that is useless because the pin that rotates the gear 90 degrees snapped off. Kevin Teschner had the same issue with his P-40, except the pin on his simply fell out.
Here's my question for HK/Durafly. I'll be selfish, and say I've always wanted a PBY Catalina that'll fly off snow, water or grass. I think they'd have a real hit if the could make one that was quality with a glassed or plastic coated hull for durability. I first found the HobbyKing site when I got into RC, and was looking for a good PBY Catalina when I got more proficient. They had a model, but it seemed to have a lot of problems with durability.
Is there any reason why the Durafly warbirds are only fighters, other than the ME.110? Can we please get a dive bomber or something OTHER THAN a fighter?
Spastickitten
Senior Member
How many products does Hobbyking sell? I too would love to see some civilian craft, something like the piper cadet/cherokee (the first full scale plane I flew). I wonder if they will make a competitor to the taranis. Mariposa/old fogey clone reasoning? What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
BeezerFish
Member
Why can't I order from multiple warehouses on one purchase?
weedsnager
Junior Member
The two biggest reasons I hesitate to buy from hobby King are
-Customer service/shipping
And
-parts
- There are two major retailers I buy from that have fabulous customer service that I can CALL when I have a problem with a plane or a question. The people that answer the phone, are knowledgeable about the products and they speak good English.
-when someone has a valid warranty claim they should not have to pay for shipping back to hobby King when the product is damaged or faulty. I already paid for shipping when I purchased the product, I shouldn't have to pay for additional shipping to get the correct product I already paid for
Why can't we call and talk to a qualified Rc specialist ? Press one for a airplane specialist, press two for a helicopter, etc
Plane parts, why aren't they available for every plane ?
Jeff vanek
St John , In
-Customer service/shipping
And
-parts
- There are two major retailers I buy from that have fabulous customer service that I can CALL when I have a problem with a plane or a question. The people that answer the phone, are knowledgeable about the products and they speak good English.
-when someone has a valid warranty claim they should not have to pay for shipping back to hobby King when the product is damaged or faulty. I already paid for shipping when I purchased the product, I shouldn't have to pay for additional shipping to get the correct product I already paid for
Why can't we call and talk to a qualified Rc specialist ? Press one for a airplane specialist, press two for a helicopter, etc
Plane parts, why aren't they available for every plane ?
Jeff vanek
St John , In
Last edited:
BridgeInspector
Flite Test Groupie
What is up with the "premier" line of AVIOS? The recent Cyber sale marked many of the models to amounts that seem like a closeout, not complaining as I picked up one. Just want to know the future trajectory of the AVIOS line. Also the 4 and 5 blade props for the Avios line seem to be impossible to get.
Thanks,
New owner of an AVIOS Sea Fury.
Thanks,
New owner of an AVIOS Sea Fury.
Could we get a Duafly or Avios Pitts? S-1s all the way through s12 are awesome airplanes, and I'd love to see one in that size range.
I was considering that plane as well due to the seemingly great price with free shipping, but then I realized I don't have any 4S batteries, and didn't really want any. As I also fly off grass, it didn't seem like a good idea to get retracts, and I heard you really need to pull them off and reglue them anyway.
StuartPB
Senior Member
Why are the prices so out of tune when you look at International and UK warehouses? I get that shipping costs increases costs, but these are paid for by the consumer at point of purchase.
For example, the Durafly™ Me-163 Komet 950mm High Performance Rocket Fighter (Unpainted Kit Edition) is £33.62 from the International warehouse. From the UK warehouse it is £50.06. That's a difference of £16.44. Even allowing for overheads and import duties, that amount of difference seems a tad heavy. Per unit sold in the UK and the volume sold, I'm sure the overheads wouldn't amount to almost half of the retail cost. It would be good for those of us in the UK to see more proportionate pricing, as it is I do feel a bit fleeced sometimes. A couple of friends have said the same too.
For example, the Durafly™ Me-163 Komet 950mm High Performance Rocket Fighter (Unpainted Kit Edition) is £33.62 from the International warehouse. From the UK warehouse it is £50.06. That's a difference of £16.44. Even allowing for overheads and import duties, that amount of difference seems a tad heavy. Per unit sold in the UK and the volume sold, I'm sure the overheads wouldn't amount to almost half of the retail cost. It would be good for those of us in the UK to see more proportionate pricing, as it is I do feel a bit fleeced sometimes. A couple of friends have said the same too.
crash bandicoot
Senior Member
What British Plane does Stuart want to give the Durafly treatment next?
That is a horrible idea. For my wallet!
uLightMe
Member
Let's face it Andre, it's already bad for our wallets. At least it can't be worse?
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