Tony
Staff member
Ever since I got into aeronautics, I have loved bi-planes. When I got into Rc, I knew I always wanted to own and fly a Bipe. But, I got into helicopters instead. When I sold all of my heli's and was in the process of purchasing my first plane, I had it narrowed down to two planes. I knew I didn't want a trainer for my first one (bad idea, but it's worked out for me) so I started looking at 3D planes.
In the process, price was a factor including all electronics. I knew I wanted something that was not small, but not large either. I had it narrowed down to the Ultimate Bipe, and the Edge 540T. Well you know who won out on that one. I'm happy with that decision, but it's time to put a Bipe in the air.
With that said, I went on the hunt looking for new planes. Thanks to Lewis, a member of C.O.R.C.S., I now own a 30" Bipe. It's not as large of a plane as I wanted, and it's pink, but I don't care, it's a Bipe lol.
Now this plane is comprised of replacement parts. Meaning the fuse was in one box, the wings were in another, and the tail feathers were in a third. Because of this, I'm missing all of the hardware like control horns, wheels and axles. Not a big deal though. Unlike Project Edge Mini, this plane came with plastic landing gears. I hate plastic, but I have an idea on that. I'm thinking about making a mold and making them out of fiberglass for a backup. But, that is a big maybe.
Like the Edge Mini, this plane is going to be powered by the Exceed 2215-1300 motor that is in the Extra and like the Edge, running a 30a ESC. The motor is pulling 27 amps according to the wattage on the page, but my motor in the Extra is coming down cool to the touch, so I'm thinking I'm no where near that rating. I should be safe with the 30a ESC.
This plane will be swinging an 11x5.5 prop, but I may need to go down to a 10x5 or even a 9x4.5, I will just have to check my ground clearance when I get the plane put together.
Because of the bad hinges on the Extra and one of the ailerons coming apart, I'm not taking any chances and I'm using new CA hinge material. The control horns on this plane are aluminum, and I really like them. I thought they were going to be gold, but they are raw aluminum. If I decide to get into anodizing, this will be a bonus and I will make them whatever color I want. But, that is a ways down the road.
One downside to this plane is the width of the fuse. It's quite narrow. Because of this, there is not a lot of room to stuff things in there like on the Edge or the Extra. The battery doesn't go in the canopy, it goes under the fuse in the front. This has me a little worried about CoG balance. I'm thinking a 2200mah 3s battery may be too heavy for this plane. Louis, if you are reading this, what battery did you use in yours?
I have already epoxied the two wings together, but I need to head to the hardware store and purchase a nylon bolt for the under side, and some blind nuts for the motor mount and the top wing mount.
Like with the Edge, I will either be running the AR6110(?) or an OrangeRx. I'm really thinking this one will get the OrangeRx since space is an issue.
All in all this is going to be a fun build. I just hope the maiden is as much fun. With 4 large ailerons, this thing should be very responsive. Below are the pics I took when I first purchased the planes. If you have any ideas on what to do with the plane, just let me know.
In the process, price was a factor including all electronics. I knew I wanted something that was not small, but not large either. I had it narrowed down to the Ultimate Bipe, and the Edge 540T. Well you know who won out on that one. I'm happy with that decision, but it's time to put a Bipe in the air.
With that said, I went on the hunt looking for new planes. Thanks to Lewis, a member of C.O.R.C.S., I now own a 30" Bipe. It's not as large of a plane as I wanted, and it's pink, but I don't care, it's a Bipe lol.
Now this plane is comprised of replacement parts. Meaning the fuse was in one box, the wings were in another, and the tail feathers were in a third. Because of this, I'm missing all of the hardware like control horns, wheels and axles. Not a big deal though. Unlike Project Edge Mini, this plane came with plastic landing gears. I hate plastic, but I have an idea on that. I'm thinking about making a mold and making them out of fiberglass for a backup. But, that is a big maybe.
Like the Edge Mini, this plane is going to be powered by the Exceed 2215-1300 motor that is in the Extra and like the Edge, running a 30a ESC. The motor is pulling 27 amps according to the wattage on the page, but my motor in the Extra is coming down cool to the touch, so I'm thinking I'm no where near that rating. I should be safe with the 30a ESC.
This plane will be swinging an 11x5.5 prop, but I may need to go down to a 10x5 or even a 9x4.5, I will just have to check my ground clearance when I get the plane put together.
Because of the bad hinges on the Extra and one of the ailerons coming apart, I'm not taking any chances and I'm using new CA hinge material. The control horns on this plane are aluminum, and I really like them. I thought they were going to be gold, but they are raw aluminum. If I decide to get into anodizing, this will be a bonus and I will make them whatever color I want. But, that is a ways down the road.
One downside to this plane is the width of the fuse. It's quite narrow. Because of this, there is not a lot of room to stuff things in there like on the Edge or the Extra. The battery doesn't go in the canopy, it goes under the fuse in the front. This has me a little worried about CoG balance. I'm thinking a 2200mah 3s battery may be too heavy for this plane. Louis, if you are reading this, what battery did you use in yours?
I have already epoxied the two wings together, but I need to head to the hardware store and purchase a nylon bolt for the under side, and some blind nuts for the motor mount and the top wing mount.
Like with the Edge, I will either be running the AR6110(?) or an OrangeRx. I'm really thinking this one will get the OrangeRx since space is an issue.
All in all this is going to be a fun build. I just hope the maiden is as much fun. With 4 large ailerons, this thing should be very responsive. Below are the pics I took when I first purchased the planes. If you have any ideas on what to do with the plane, just let me know.
