back to RAMS


Joe's foamy

Cheap Foamy Airplane

I have always been one to try to do something the cheapest and best way. After taking 30 years off and recently getting back into RC Airplanes, I have found many surprises and improvements. Now you can search the internet and find free pdf plans for many scratch-built airplanes. They are surprisingly easy to build and excellent flyers (to my standards).

Recently , I found a foam airplane designed by RCPOWERS.com that has become a hit at our RC club. The airplane is an Extra 300. It has a 36 inch wingspan, weighs 12-14 oz, uses 3-4 channels, and flies great! This airplane can fly slow or 3D depending on how much travel you set up on the control surfaces.

First, this is not my design, and all the credit needs to go to RCPOWERS.com. This article is just to point out that you can build a great flying airplane for cheap!

You can go to this link and down load the pdf plans for free :copy and paste into your web browser:

http://www.rcpowers.com/forum/showthread.php?625-EX-300-(FREE!))

You will need to create a user account.

After you have downloaded the plans, print them, and tape the plans together. Cut out the paper templates, trace them on foam (I use ¼ inch blue fan- fold foam purchased at Lowes), and cut out your airplane. You can glue it together many ways: 5 minute epoxy, low temperature glue gun, or foam-safe CA with kicker.

If you would like to watch a how –to- build video go here: copy and paste into your web browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zq6Jao9ukI&feature=channel

If you have a small degree of building experience, this airplane can be built for around $10. If you purchase everything (motor mount, control horns, hinge tape)for assembly, it will run you around $20.

Below is a list of Items you will need to build the airplane:

1 sheet blue fan-fold foam 2’ X 4’ (If you can’t find it, just ask someone at Rams they might know a guy)
1 hinge tape (I use 2" clear packing tape 3M works great)
1 glue ( I built my first one using 5 minute epoxy )
1 motor mount (I used 1 ½ "x 1 ½" x 1/8" plywood)
1 carbon rod to stiffen the wing 3mm x 31"
1 carbon rod to stiffen the elevator 3mm x 14"
1 velcro tape to attach your battery with (I found a 2 foot roll at Target for about $5)
4 control horns (make your own or I use these:

http://www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the-1859/GWS-Plastic-Parts-Frame/Detail )

4 push rods ( I like to make my own)

Next is a list of electronic parts I am currently using on my foam Extra 300)

4- 9 gram micro servos ( http://www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the-1410/SERVO--dsh---9g/Detail ) (I only use 3 on my airplanes but most of the other more advanced builders have been using 4))

1 Brushless motor and speed control)

http://www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the-1647/2408-dsh-21-dsh-A-Brushless-Motor-%26/Detail

(I use the 3 cell 600 mah and 8x4 prop for 3D flying or 2 cell 800 mah and 9x5 prop for just cruising around))

I hope this brief article will help others enjoy the blue foamy airplanes as much as I have! Good luck with the build and see you at the flying field!)

Joe

PS: Attached are files for pdf plans and pictures of servo locations



rcpowers extra300 untiled
rcpowers extra300 tiled for printing

  
back to RAMS