Hobbyking ™ Pietenpol Air Camper Old Timer Balsa 1370mm (ARF)

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Customer Rated

Aug 24, 2015

This is a well presented and finished kit of parts. I am looking forward to assembling and flying the model.

However, I have a couple of reservations.

First, and most important, why has Hobby King recommended 35/48 size 800 Watt motors weighing 170gm with maximum current ratings of 50 and 55 Amps and then specified a 40Amp ESC. I will be looking at other motor ESC and prop. options and doing some bench testing before motor installation. I am particularly impressed with the Turnigy LB 3010B 420W 40A max. motor which will match the quoted model weight of 1600gm with its static thrust quoted at 1650gm.

HK specify a 50-60A ESC for this motor - go figure!

Second, the tail group is very light and not very stiff so it will be interesting to see if it needs bracing when assembled.

Happy landings, Mark.

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Certified Buyer Rated

Aug 24, 2015

This is a well made and fine looking plane and worth the wait to get very happy with it.

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Customer Rated

Aug 06, 2015

I have built the plane and I am still impressed!
Every average experienced builder should be able to finish this kit.
Found some very helpfull information (including an updated manual) on RC groups forum:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2459350

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Customer Rated

Aug 02, 2015

the piet got here in very good shape. putting it together went well the instruction book leave a lot to be desired but what that lacks the air frame makes up for. I used a old motor and speed control from my durfly corsair. it is a perfect match. i used 3 9g servos one on each aileron and rudder and 1 16g on elevator.
remember keep it light. light is flight.
all right the first flight. it went uneventful a little bit of down trim.
it is very stable and flies very much like the full size counter part. it will loop with a little power, rolls are very difficult and sloppy, maybe more differential in the ailerons will help, but the full scale did not have any. you must use rudder
Over all it flyes great MY NEW FAVORITE PLANE

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Customer Rated

Jul 23, 2015

I received the kit yesterday, real quick since it was stil in transit when I ordered it last week.
The kit is beautiful crafted, great covering job!
Also inluded is a clear building manual on quality paper and nice photographs.
As soon as the setup arrives from HK China, I will build the plane and fly it. I will post an update by then.