Speedy Gl Warm liner Glider

Just thought members might be interested to know how uncompetitive some E-bay suppliers are, compared to mainstream suppliers.  I deal with Hobbyking quite often and was pleased to hear the company has opened a new warehouse in the UK.  Now you can buy ready made planes to motors and battery packs direct here.  I know the site does not offer the full range of merchandise available from Hongkong, but the range is increasing all the time.  

I ordered a warmliner glider called the Speedy.  It is a 3 channel fibreglass all balsa sheeted wing.  The build quality is very good for a Chineese model.  Less can be said about the assembly instructions that were missing.  A quick email to HK ande instructions were included for download on their site. 

I used these HK 15322 slim digital servos in the wings and also for the elevator.  Speed, power and resolution is excellent for the price of £6-37 each.  So here is the rub, I checked on ebay and found the same servo for sale on e-bay, probably bought from HK.  The E-bay price is £11.95  WHAT A RIPOFF  see here  HK e-bay servo price

Specs: Model: NTM Prop Drive Series 2836 2700kv Kv: 2700rpm/v Poles: 3 Motor Wind: 6T Max current: 50A Max Power: 520W @ 11.1/V (3S) / 595W @ 15v (4S) Shaft: 4mm Weight: 87g ESC: 40~60A Cell count: 3s~4s Lipoly Bolt holes: 16mm & 19mm Bolt thread: M3 Connection: 3.5mm Bullet-connector Prop Test Data: 4.75x4.75 - 11.1V / 311W / 28A / 0.7kg thrust 4.75x4.75 - 14.8V / 594W /40A / 1.12kg thrust  5x5 - 11.1V / 400W / 36A / 0.85kg thrust 6x4 - 11.1V / 520W / 46.8A / 1.2kg thrust

I used a 28mm NTM motor with a 6x4.5 folder prop, on a 60amp Hobbywing platinum speed controller.  I have several of these and find them very good.  They have programmable settings and more importantly have a  BEC: Switching mode DC-DC regulator. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 3A@6V switchable by user progromming.

Initial static tests indicate a current draw and power of just over 600 watt on a 3 cell pack.  I am undecided as to use a 3000ma or 2300ma pack.

 The balance point suggests a 3000ma pack might be better, but the weight penalty goes up.  having said that, this plane will thirve on the extra weight. Having watched a test video on the USA site, I followed their advice and replaced the wing joiner with a combination of Dural and ply, just in case the G force got a little high in the turns.  The wing is glued together and fixed to the body by front wood lugs and one rear screw.  Experience shows this will be insufficient in heavy use, so I added a front cross ply plate and fixed the front of the wing with another Two nylon bolts.  All in all, the plane looks good, there were a couple of issues with fixing the tail plane in that it was slightly out of square with the fin.  While gluing the tail plane in I managed to twitst it a little to bring alignment nearer parallel.  It was necessary to pack one side of the main wing bearing shoulder with some tape to bring both surfaces properly in line.  But this was only a minor problem.

Now the only question is when will the weather play ball for a test fly.  I will add more to this story after the first test flight.