Mountain Models J-3 Cub

[mararra]

Here is my first 100% balsa build. It's a Mountain Models J-3 Cub. Size and appearance is very similar to the HZ Super Cub. Haven't flown it yet, so I dont have a performance comparison. It is a good first kit if you have had a little experience and familiarity with model planes in general. You need to know the basic systems of a model plane and how they are set up. Nothin too technical, just the basics. It would also be an advantage to have a little experience with woodworking. gluing, sanding and shaping, etc. There is nothing really difficult or high tech about it, you just need patience and a little finess as the wood is delicate and easily broken until it is bonded together.
Anyway here are some pics I took at various stages of he project. It's about 98% complete, can you detect what is yet to be done?
M

[mararra]

IT IS FINISHED !

Finally got the J-3 airworthy today. She's loaded, tested, rechecked and ready to roll; just waitin on the weather to co-operate. I don't fly in anything under 40 degrees unless you hold a gun on me. Here's a pic of the finished product. If I can get a cameraman, I'll vid the maiden.



ps: no graphics till she proves she's worthy
M

[tyefighter]

Great job, it looks really fantastic

Mike

[mararra]

Thanks!
Got her up in the air Tuesday. Take off is a lot harder than the SC; it wants to ground loop really bad. So, I just used the old "gun it and go" technique to get off the deck in a hurry. Once in the air, she flys like the SC only more precise in the turns. I always found the stock SC to kind of wallow when turning, but perhaps the aileron mod corrects this. The only other big diference from the SC is that the J-3 has a nasty tip stall if you let her slow down too much. Just something I'll have to get used to if I'm gonna progress in this hobby.

Fly high and Fly well !
M

[eric]

How much did that cost.

It looks like a nice plane, I may want one =o

[mararra]

Hi eric
Sorry for the tardy response, been distracted with other stuff (work) lately. The kit is $88, add a roll of covering brings it to an even $100.
I use elcheapo HobbyCity.com electrics which have served well so far. Just make sure they have PLENTY in stock when you place your order; backorders can be a long time comin

www.mountainmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_29_76&products_id=472
www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_index.asp

M