Hi Eddy, nice looking plane indeed. You helped convince me to get one on my bench as well since I already have the Saito 60r3 just waiting for the right Plane to mount it in! You might want to check out some of the threads on RC Universe or RC Groups related to the Saito radials all coming from the factory with advanced timing set at 45-48 degrees BTC. Several guys have had cracked cylinders and over heating issues due to this. Mine broke in ok on the test stand and sounded nice, but after learning that the timing was not at 30 degrees BTC as well as the geometry of the connecting rods being over looked when they decided where to place the magnets in the prop drive hub, means the engine is not really running at optimum performance which could lead to premature failure under normal flight loads. Think of it kind of like the cylinder firing off a bit so as to be fighting itself like a poorly timed engine. I spoke to Ray English who signed an agreement with Saito manufacturing for some of his upgrades on these engines, and he explained it quite well. I am sending my engine to him in Nevada where he will neutralize existing magnets and install new ones in the proper positions to get all three cylinders firing at 30deg BTC. The engine will also run smoother, start easier, and pick up at least another 500rpm. He is also going to improve the intake plenum to improve fuel mixture to all three cylinders in order to get all cylinders running at the same temperature. This solves the rich condition on lower cylinders, and lean condition on the top one. Just food for thought in case you are not aware of these issues that have been surfacing for awhile. So much to learn and keep up on in this hobby. 🙂
Peter Schryver hello and thanks for the reply! I’m glad to hear you’re going this route! I can’t wait to fly mine! And I’ve read all about the issues and the RE mods. It makes me nervous of the engine but I’m just going to enjoy it stock and see how much life I’ll get out of it.
Emmanuelle Rc jet hello! The 4 blade is a 20x10! I’ll also run a 22x10 2 blade depending on temperatures of the cylinders after landing. I’m unsure if which prop I’ll use for break in yet.
You should have used the marks on the firewall. That's why they are there. Your thrust lines are off now, and you may have induced unwanted left turning tendencies. Please change those dangerous EZ connectors before you fly. Just because they were in the box, does not mean they need to be used. I think your realizing now that VQ models are OK, and most fly great, IF set up correctly, but they are not high quality scale models as I believe you were thinking.Their prices reflect this.
I found a set of electric retracts from Hobby King they are “50cc retracts” they were not very expensive and the pins are beefer and worked great....I had to dermal the mounts a little....I found them via a online forum build thread...I think they call them “Zero retracts” made for some zero ARF. Not a hobby king fan but this was the cheaper route....I usually prefer Robart Pneumatics. Sierra is a little to $$$$. I am also ashamed VQ still offers the cheap electrics as they know the issues!
@@EddieGoFly yes sir! I believe on RC groups is the thread that we talk about this and the alternate set of retracts....I could get 1-2 flights at a time before I had to bend them pins again and again.....VQ could up the quality on the kit....TOPFLITE, and Hangar 9 all have superior ARF warbirds.
I agree that the other brands have better quality. I think this is a beautiful plane but it didn’t have to be such a hassle to assemble! I’ll give these retracts a few tries but if they fail too often I’ll definitely pickup a different brand
@@EddieGoFly Some ARF suppliers are like that.....TOPFLITE is an easy build, with the VQ F8F I replaced everything and did a lot of modifications ....I like you love the Rare Bear but they could have spent a little more time and effort on the design and assembly with increased value on the hardware etc... I would call this not an ARF but a "Airframe mostly built" AMB kit!
Appreciate your insights on your builds and all that good stuff...thanks
Hi Eddie. What size was the 4 balde prop? Have you flown it with it yet?
Hi Eddy, nice looking plane indeed. You helped convince me to get one on my bench as well since I already have the Saito 60r3 just waiting for the right Plane to mount it in! You might want to check out some of the threads on RC Universe or RC Groups related to the Saito radials all coming from the factory with advanced timing set at 45-48 degrees BTC. Several guys have had cracked cylinders and over heating issues due to this. Mine broke in ok on the test stand and sounded nice, but after learning that the timing was not at 30 degrees BTC as well as the geometry of the connecting rods being over looked when they decided where to place the magnets in the prop drive hub, means the engine is not really running at optimum performance which could lead to premature failure under normal flight loads. Think of it kind of like the cylinder firing off a bit so as to be fighting itself like a poorly timed engine. I spoke to Ray English who signed an agreement with Saito manufacturing for some of his upgrades on these engines, and he explained it quite well. I am sending my engine to him in Nevada where he will neutralize existing magnets and install new ones in the proper positions to get all three cylinders firing at 30deg BTC. The engine will also run smoother, start easier, and pick up at least another 500rpm. He is also going to improve the intake plenum to improve fuel mixture to all three cylinders in order to get all cylinders running at the same temperature. This solves the rich condition on lower cylinders, and lean condition on the top one. Just food for thought in case you are not aware of these issues that have been surfacing for awhile. So much to learn and keep up on in this hobby. 🙂
Peter Schryver hello and thanks for the reply! I’m glad to hear you’re going this route! I can’t wait to fly mine! And I’ve read all about the issues and the RE mods. It makes me nervous of the engine but I’m just going to enjoy it stock and see how much life I’ll get out of it.
Hello Eddie. I would love to get one of those rare bears. Got any idea where i can order one?
I’m building the same plane with the same motor what size prop you have?
Emmanuelle Rc jet hello! The 4 blade is a 20x10! I’ll also run a 22x10 2 blade depending on temperatures of the cylinders after landing. I’m unsure if which prop I’ll use for break in yet.
Thanks for the info
Got it, a 20 x 10 4 blade. Nice.
You should have used the marks on the firewall. That's why they are there. Your thrust lines are off now, and you may have induced unwanted left turning tendencies. Please change those dangerous EZ connectors before you fly. Just because they were in the box, does not mean they need to be used. I think your realizing now that VQ models are OK, and most fly great, IF set up correctly, but they are not high quality scale models as I believe you were thinking.Their prices reflect this.
I had those retracts on my F8F and then pins bent after about 5 landings.....they are crap thus the reason Sierrra gear is available.
Randy Ott did you attempt bigger pins after they bent or upgrade to the Sierra?
EddieGoFly I found a set of nicer retracts from Hobby King, see me response above....we could never stop bending pins
I found a set of electric retracts from Hobby King they are “50cc retracts” they were not very expensive and the pins are beefer and worked great....I had to dermal the mounts a little....I found them via a online forum build thread...I think they call them “Zero retracts” made for some zero ARF. Not a hobby king fan but this was the cheaper route....I usually prefer Robart Pneumatics. Sierra is a little to $$$$. I am also ashamed VQ still offers the cheap electrics as they know the issues!
I’ll have to look into this for when my gear inevitably fails! I love when folks like you find better alternatives!
@@EddieGoFly yes sir! I believe on RC groups is the thread that we talk about this and the alternate set of retracts....I could get 1-2 flights at a time before I had to bend them pins again and again.....VQ could up the quality on the kit....TOPFLITE, and Hangar 9 all have superior ARF warbirds.
I agree that the other brands have better quality. I think this is a beautiful plane but it didn’t have to be such a hassle to assemble! I’ll give these retracts a few tries but if they fail too often I’ll definitely pickup a different brand
@@EddieGoFly Some ARF suppliers are like that.....TOPFLITE is an easy build, with the VQ F8F I replaced everything and did a lot of modifications ....I like you love the Rare Bear but they could have spent a little more time and effort on the design and assembly with increased value on the hardware etc... I would call this not an ARF but a "Airframe mostly built" AMB kit!
EZ connectors on a 60cc warbird? Bad choice!
Very Very dangerous. It would not be allowed to fly with that mickey mouse hardware at a fly in event.