Proud Bird build

[electroflyer]

   It just dawned on me that potential EF1 Racers may be interested in what goes into the assembly of a racer. I chose a Great Planes Proud Bird due to several factors, but the fact I could get one within four days and reuse most of my equipment (from the Lil Tony) were the most important.
   This version comes all white which allows you to customize your colour scheme.  The major components as with most Arf's are at the ready for assembly.  I spent most of my time after bringing the plane home unpacking as it was strapped in tight to the box and as a result  was shipped blem free.
A quick check of the instructions revealed a straight forward build with the trimming and attachment of the fairings showing the only real complications.

    I have moved along quite quickly, so the pictures are of the mostly assembled aircraft.


   

[sihinch]

Lookin' fast Glenn!

[thehaze]

Nice.


Can't wait to see it fly behind me. 

[Frank v B]

Glenn,


May you come in second.


Frank

[electroflyer]

   Of course Mike, you always attack from the behind , what I failed to understand is that your plane is supposed to go down in flames, not mine...lol


Frank, after last week second would be an improvement !

[electroflyer]

  Well at least rainy weekends are good for building. I have made significant headway, servos, motor, speed controller, landing gear are all attached or installed. Flight control surfaces are attached and just need to be CA'd. I swapped out the stock hinge material and use the Great Planes hinges purchased at the local hobby store as they soak up CA much better and are far less likely to let go. I have seen far too many of the supplied plastic hinges let go as a result of not wicking the adhesive. I've sent a few more pictures to show the progress leading up to the final assembly.

[electroflyer]

   Hey guys,

  Well today is the day I will test fly. I have gone through all the construction and set up and I am looking forward to the first flight... Always a Rush!

[Polecat]

Good luck with the test flight!!! Hope to see you Sat.

[electroflyer]

Just maidened, all good, the plane flies very smooth. 

[battlestu]

but is it fast

good news Glenn!!

[piker]

Congrats, Glenn!  Is the big race this weekend?

[electroflyer]

   Hey guys,
Yeah the big race is Saturday, hence forth after realizing this there was a big push to get it flying.
It looks pretty good and it seems fast but not Nooner fast. It will be interesting to see if it is able to perform against the other aircraft. It is fun though.

[cpaine]

Looks Great!! If its set up with EF-1 race components, it should be in the 115-120mph range. I got a tach. reading on both my E-Flite motor and my Brodak motor, same prop same battery, and the tach. said 14500 rpms

Looking forward to meeting you.

[electroflyer]

   Thanks Cory,
It is nice having two racers back in the fleet.
I think all of us at Temac are looking forward to Saturday as we have definitely enjoyed our own practice pylon racing. It really gets the adrenaline pumping..lol
   Glenn

[Polecat]

Nice plane Glenn, the Proud Bird was a very popular airplane at the US Nats. E F1 pylon racing.
Jim Allen the designer won the Nats and he has designed many pylon racing planes over the years.