3Styla 3D model

3STYLA: OK so I have succumbed to the trend and got one of them Fun-Fly/3D models. This is a kit from RC World. It is fitted with a JEN .56 from Just Engines so it has 'adequate' power. I have very few picture of this one, I've been too busy flying it. I will try and get some this season and post them here in due course.

I was slightly startled when my wife said 'Oh- that's a pretty one', usually I just get a 'Ummpph -not another one!' Transparent purple Profilm - hmmm nice! A bit of a b**ger to use, I found myself hoovering out the sections between top and bottom covering to avoid dust getting trapped.

This is a great model to fly and well worth the effort putting up with poor building instructions,which made a simple kit complicated. Click here for more details about this. I flew this extensively during 2005 and it help improve my skills no end. It will take off and land from a sixpence (small coin to none Brits) and is great when the wind is across the patch. I have yet to master 'prop hanging' with it, but I'm sure it is capable, I just need the ability.

During the season I made a number of changes, which gave incremental improvements. First I fitted a Perry pump to the engine (the second engine see below) to improve pick up when vertical. Then I fitted digital servos in place of the standard Futaba 3001s and Pete Tindal carbon fibre rods and ali horns. That was a relevelation, the increased precision in response was amazing. Finally I built a new wing from scratch, and built it a bit truer than the original one, having learnt from the first attempt. This again helped no end as the model didn't screw out of bunts etc as it did at first.

I have also had problems with the engine. The first one went back to Just Engines after I spent several weeks trying to get it to run consistently. Eventually I shipped back off to them, with little hope of any resolution. However Paul agreed it appeared to be a rogue and sent a replacement. That run very well for several weeks but again let me down with a bearing failure just before a competition. Once Paul at Just Engines came to the rescue and replaced the bearings and returned the engine three days, to allow me to fly in the comp. That said the engine now feels very 'tired' after just one seasons flying.  I can't fault Just Engines response times or service, but I do wonder if the old adage 'You get what you pay for' applies here.

Jen .56 pretty but..

I have just finished fitting my trusty old Laser 60 to it. (Feburuary 2006). I have chopped 3" (7.5cm) off the nose, and this keeps the balance point in the same place.

Drastic measures needed to fit Laser 60 where the Jen .56 used to be >>>>>.

Also  I have removed  a few ounces of lead from the tail which I needed the JEN .56, so the net weight gain should only be about 10grams. Not too bad at all!

The cowl is home made from paper maché and fibre-glass. Not very pretty close up but you don't notice once its in the air.