Hangar 9 - Phoenix 7
I have decided to do a feature on the Phoenix 7 ARF kit that my son gave me for Christmas as my first post.
Opening the box, I noted no damage to the kit. The finish was outstanding, paint and covering job was first class. The ARF came with a one piece wing and the only assembly was to glue the horizontal stabs to the fuselage as per the building manual instructions.
Equipment used:
The model is powered by an OS 55AX with a MACS Tuned muffler spinning an APC 10X8 sport propeller.
I changed the fuel tank that came with the kit for a DuBro 16ozs tank that I turned upside down to ensure that the fuel feed and the carburetor was on the same line.
I used the JR Double Ball Bearing Standard Sport servos all round which worked perfectly.
I opted to go with the e-Flite Electric Retracts and they work fine.
Modification & Enhancements:
I glassed both sides of the engine firewall with medium cloth and 30 minutes epoxy. This procedure was also done to the plywood cradle and former for the Nose Gear Retracts as well as the plywood formers that sandwich the servo tray. I substituted a Fiberglass Rod for the push rod used for the Elevators that came with the kit.
I made a Nose Gear Door to cover the huge
access area for the retracts and strut. I also made wheel well channel covers for the struts on the main gears in the wing. I painted over the cockpit area with Grey and bordered with black as well as the wheel wells in red instead of the white that came with the kit.
Maiden Flight: The flight was uneventful, it tracked straight down the runway. On takeoff and into the first circuit I gave it two clicks of right
ailerons and one click of up elevator. The retracts worked beautifully. I did a few basic manouvers and then came in for a landing approach to ensure that the gears were down. The landing was smooth. Flying the Phoenix 7 brought back so many memories, I had forgotten how smooth and precise these planes fly and YES I had a broad smile on my face through out the flight.
Since the maiden flight I have put about 45 flights on it and made more adjustments and tweaks. All in all, a fantastic plane.