This RC Lysander is made by Phoenix Models who are a Vietnamese company and have been in the ARF airplane business for 25 years.
I much prefer the balsa and ply models they supply, as compared to the more popular foam types that are currently available. The ARFs are far more durable, both from a finish and strength standpoint.
Phoenix models are now available from Tower Hobbies, who have been in business for a long time and have built up an enviable reputation for excellent customer service. Many spare parts are available.
The video below shows the complete build procedure and is well worth a look!
This video is an official Phoenix Models flight video and has some great shots that show the RC Lysander to good effect. It does show inverted flight which I am sure the full size has never done!
This last video is good because it gives a realistic view of flying the Lysander complete with a few mistakes and bumps!
The manual is well written and easy to understand. It features nice 3D drawings and will take you through the build and set-up procedures. Click here to take a look. It is 48 pages long, which gives an indication of the depth of detail it goes to.
Wing strut fixing on the wing is a wood screw into a ply plate. Use a 1/16" diameter drill and "tap" the thread, using the wood screw (CW and CCW rotation) into the ply. Drop CA into the hole to harden the threads.
Have a high elevator rate (Large up elevator deflection) for taxiing, to help with nose overs.
You could make landing gear fairings from balsa, but I think that is too much work for a sport scale model.
An RC Lysander is now available in 3 different models. Two are giant scale and one is a mid size. All are ARF airplanes (Almost Ready to Fly), constructed of laser cut balsa and ply and covered in Ultracote.
Cad drawn plans of the Fairey Swordfish are available. Complete with folding wings and a scale outline. Electric powered and of a smaller convenient size for easy transportation.
This Piper Cub ARF is the modern version of the Cub and features laser cut wood parts and Ultracote covering.Better flight performance compared to foam models.
This RC Corsair comes complete and just needs assembly and installation of gear.Made from balsa ply and fiberglass and covered with flat finish Monokote.
The Hangar 9 Spitfire 30 cc is a true ARF(No foam!) covered in UltraCote. Can be powered with gas,glow or electric and is retract ready. Many details here.
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