BJM
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Post by BJM on Jan 2, 2008 19:26:21 GMT 10
Hi all,
I've read a lot of reviews about the Bee - but the lack of availiablity is a bit of a killer....
Would anyone recomend the Wowings Duck ? - They look the business and from the vid's I've seen, fly very well.
This will be my first Slope plane, so I need to be able to "learn" on it
Oh, and if it's good for a beginner, anyone in Brisbane willing to lend a hand putting it all together ;D I'll bring the beers (But drink them after the plane is together hehehe)
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Post by mike on Jan 2, 2008 20:01:57 GMT 10
If you want to start from scratch and learn how to build and fly, you can't beat a Bee....fantastic slope soarer and easy to build. Can you purchase online???. windrider.com.hk will sell you a Bee online for about $80 (US) including postage. Postage usually takes about 5 - 7 days...i have had no problems with them whatsoever...there is one other option...there was a young bloke flying at SC on Sunday that said he was organising to bring 6 Bee's into Australia and was I interested in getting another one. I said yes (to get two), supplied my email address, but unfortunately have not heard back from him...anyone else know about this???... Mike. |
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BJM
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Post by BJM on Jan 2, 2008 20:13:26 GMT 10
Buying online is no biggie, but the website is putting the Bee @ $60US + $20US for delivery.
Kind of puts it in the same range as a duck...
<edit> - Just noticed that you said US.... lol
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Post by thevon on Jan 2, 2008 20:44:34 GMT 10
Hi bjm; we're all heaving a deep sigh reading your question, only because we've had the same question a few times now! But everyone's glad to help. Have a read of the questions and replies on Steve's first thread: windsock.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1196501794 and a bit more on this thread: windsock.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1193569212&page=1I started off with a Duck, and then had another, and they're great flying planes. But they're so much more damageable than the Bee. I got a Bee over a year ago, as a rushed decision for a plane for my son to learn on ... and I'm converted - it still flies great and I'm still blown away but how incredibly tough it is. I don't think this fact is emphasised enough. The molded Windrider EPP is much tougher than even the highest density EPP you get in cut EPP wings - I just read one of the top builders in the US saying it on RC Groups today. Plus, unless you're an accomplished aerobatic flyer, the Bee flies just as well or better as it's very forgiving. I had this discussion repeatedly with a mate who's been talking about getting his first combat wing for some time. The other day he phoned up and announced that he'd bought a different plane. He'd come to the conclusion that the specs seemed to match up to the Bee but it was a better performer. I was really sad! Didn't tell him that, but I think it will be harder for him to build and will need more repairs and will look bashed up much sooner. Short answer is, you can't go wrong with the Bee. But don't waste time - Windrider are phasing out the current Bee and the new one looks like being faster but less stable. |
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Post by ding on Jan 2, 2008 20:53:06 GMT 10
If you're paying for help in beers get a duck and come on over  Seriously I'm flying a duck at the moment. It's a good plane. If you're not intending to do too much combat you should get the bee as it's a quick build and flys well. The only failing with the bee is the battery and receiver is not as well protected as it should be. Also, it's my recommendation to build your bee without any spars for sloping. It's better that way.  If you got a duck it would be quite fine though |
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Post by atmosteve on Jan 2, 2008 20:56:08 GMT 10
Hi bjm I can only echo that the bee really is a very nice flying glider, especially to learn slope flying. I built my first EPP wing recently and it was the Bee after doing a week of solid research on epp wings. After having flown it though I realised it isnt as 'hot' as it looks, the wing section is very lifty and flight friendly.
They are very available in Australia, I bought mine over the telephone from a store in Melbourne for $85 and it was promptly delivered with no hassles.
Post edit; After flying Steve's (Ding) Duck, I think it is a better combat glider, for more than one reason.
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Post by jimd on Jan 2, 2008 20:59:34 GMT 10
Check out EBay every now and then, that is where I picked mine up from. They sure are a great plane... mine has just survived almost three weeks in a tree with all of this rain and wind with no visible damage at all.
If you pick one up from a local hobby shop, make sure you know what price they go for. Some shops are very overpriced, as I found out with my ele-bee given to me as a Christmas present- Toyworld had the exact same product for almost half the price. Definately buyer beware
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BJM
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Post by BJM on Jan 2, 2008 21:15:01 GMT 10
Bee it is then - and I'll be honest, I was looking at the ELE BEE - simply because I can tool around with the motor on it.
Which Toyworld had the Ele Bee ? - I'll grab one tomorrow if they're local to me (Work at Acacia Ridge)
And as for the beers, honestly, what kind of person expects someone to lend a hand and supply their own drinks ? We are still in Australia right ? hehe
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Post by jimd on Jan 2, 2008 22:06:15 GMT 10
Sorry, just looked at the box again to check... it is a Mini-Bee. 400 sized motor on 34.5 inch wingspan instead of the 48 inches of the ele-bee (same 400 size motor.)
Toyworld at Lawnton had one before xmas, if they are out of stock, they may be able to order get some in.
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zipper
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Off The Edge Sailplanes
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Post by zipper on Jan 3, 2008 9:31:25 GMT 10
After having flown it though I realised it isnt as 'hot' as it looks, the wing section is very lifty and flight friendly. Try moving the CG back a little, and it will liven it up alot. Glenn |
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Post by atmosteve on Jan 3, 2008 11:48:11 GMT 10
Hi Glenn, my CG was set to 8.25 inches from the nose from the beginning, I have no idea why windrider recommend 7 inches or so, as you would have to load up the nose with lead to compensate even with standard size radio gear and end up with an unnecessarily heavy model.
Perhaps that balance point was from an earlier Bee design or something.
Any way my Bee is plenty lively, but its no aerobatic or speed machine with that aerofoil, just a nice predictable glider that gives the option of light weather flying or 35 knots with ballast.
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BJM
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Post by BJM on Jan 3, 2008 12:33:44 GMT 10
Well...Mr patient is on his way to getting his Ele Bee delivered (can't find a normal Bee) I'll dice all the Elec stuff off it and build it as per normal Bee specs. Although, I've seen some Vid's of a brushless Bee setup (Based on the Ele Bee) from Paragon RC - Looks like an online vendor. Might just get some of that fruit a little bit down the track, for non wind days. Now, on to learning how to SS and how to build a Bee....I have beers........ |
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BJM
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Post by BJM on Jan 8, 2008 9:35:44 GMT 10
Arrived on the Desk on Monday....so after picking up a 2nd hand Brat from Paul (Slopefun) cleaning it up for a new tape job, I'll have a "Basher" to learn on and a new thing to use when I can actually fly it. The new Bee will be film covered for sure - so That will have beers offered for a hand and experience |
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Post by mtmellum on Jan 8, 2008 13:26:45 GMT 10
Hi BJM
having been in the same place as you about 4 weeks ago, I know exactly where you are coming from.
I built a Bee from the absolute beginner status as well. I know its a bit daunting however here's my tips that I got from the people here.
read the instructions heaps first.
Use epoxy to join the two halves together ( it doesn't attack the foam)
Go steady and be patient on the taping job. I found there is plenty on the supplied rolls in the Bee kit to allow a couple of stuff ups. Follow the taping plan as per the instructions.
On the ailerons, the bevel edge is down and away from the top side of the wing. tape the top side 3 straps first then roll the aileron onto the wing top and completely tape the bottom side. roll it back and tape the long one on the top. this gives a hinge sort of thing.
Don't be afraid to trim foam out of the way when installing the radio gear.
Use a CG of 8.25 " from the nose and about 50 grams of lead weight was needed to make it balance. I made a simple balance thingy by nailing two nails sticking thru a piece of 42 x 12 400 long and nails 200 apart.
these things are just what I did and mine flys ok.
I'm happy to show you my build, trouble is I live up the sunny coast. I love free beer, drama is the distance for you and the fact I'm a rank beginner.
cheers
Dave
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BJM
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Post by BJM on Jan 8, 2008 13:59:53 GMT 10
No need to trim anything from the loks of it.....I got a TINY TINY TINY Corona Synth Reciever...thing weighs about 9 grams
It does look like a VERY easy build (as per some other threads) and there IS plenty of tape on the rolls...Add to that the 2 almost full rolls I got off the old man and the roll that I got from Slopefun and I've got enough for a LOT is learner mistakes
Does this forum/board - have the ability to "Sticky" threads ?
Might help to have a "My first Sloper" with a bunch of links and suppliers and build info - OR Tack it onto the BEE Review, point newbs like me in hte right direction for suppliers.
B
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