Well some deals are just too good to pass on!

[Vipertech13]

This is the 3rd and 4th flight of the maiden flight day, the 2nd flight was great and uneventful but as you will see things got a little rough!

http://youtu.be/bNdU7466G6s

[Graham Lawrie]

Unlucky Gerald:(

[Vipertech13]

I will most likely break some hearts but the Alpha is going electric!
I went over the operational costs and electric is more affordable for me. Sorry fuel guys
So off we go!
The replacement motor is from HeadsUp RC, Fire Power 40 600 kv. Prop is a dynam 11x7x3 . I am running 2, 2200mah 3s batteries in series. 60 amp ESC opto type.

New Motor

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I removed the engine and used part of the metal mount as a spacer for the new engine by cutting the extended arms off flush. I needed the extra weight any way.

original mount

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modified mount

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I wanted to put the batteries where the fuel tank was so that required some surgery.

canopy cut open for batteries

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I purchased a stand off mount set from headsup rc and test mounted the motor and prop.

Motor test fit

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Next will be the ESC mount and battery box. Stay tuned!

[Graham Lawrie]

Very nice:)

[Derek]

Nice job, Gerald!!!

[Vipertech13]

With the motor squared away the esc mounting was the next consideration. The 60 amp unit is large and I need nose weight and I want it to keep cool. I thought it would be good right on top. I made a mount and epoxied it in place. Covered it with red tape and used a zip-tie to secure it. It works very well as the motor wires and battery wires tuck in nicely down the sides.

ESC mount

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Mount in place

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ESC mounted

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Battery box next.
The fuel tank area is plenty large but needs a floor. I used left over hobby plywood from the Cloud Dancer build to make the floor and front and back stops. I used some packing foam to make the batteries secure and a strip of velcro.

Fuel tank area

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Parts for the floor

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Floor in

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Foam and velcro

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ALL in and tight

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I just used the cut out area of the canopy for the battery cover and 4 servo screws to secure it.

Battery cover on

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Ready to get back in the air!

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So there it is converted. I spent another 2 hours going over every bolt and nut, resetting all the control surfaces properly and Still had to add 2.5 ounces of sticky weights to the nose to get her spot on her center of gravity.
While downloading the owners manual I found the recommended electric motor from hanger nine was to be a .20 to .25 electric I have a .40 I thought hey it's a .40 glow so a .40 electric has to be right! Huh may be I went to big? NOOOO never too much motor!

[danhampson]

Always better to have too much power than too little, LOL.

So when are you looking to maiden it?

[Derek]

Great job, Gerald! I'm looking forward to seeing this in the air!!!

[Tony]

Shame about the crashes Gerald, but going electric looks pretty awesome, look forward to see her in the air again..

[Vipertech13]

Bench test of the new motor.

https://youtu.be/U_n1ca3fgFU

[Derek]

That's really good, Gerald! I think you'll have TONS of power. Yeah, that motor might be a bit overkill but it should perform without hesitation. That's a fair trade off in my mind. Do you have the brake enabled on that ESC? Would there be any way to be sure that the brake is disabled? Just my opinion but I like the props on planes, like this one, to free wheel to a stop. On my gliders and flying wings, I will enable the brake. My FPV canard has the brake enabled....but all my other planes, I have the brake disabled. Again, just my preference.

[cml001]

Awesomeness!

[danhampson]

Is this a 3d trainer, it's definitely got enough power.

[Tony]

3 x 3s lipos, sounds like a lot of weight Gerald.... Not that I know anything about planes...lol, looks pretty cool though. Looking forward to seeing her in the air....

[Vipertech13]

Ok so here is the flight with the Firepower 40 motor. I got my wife to film it and she did ok, complains a lot, but at least she tries and gets the best shot at the worst possible moment. I love my wife! 24 years together 3 kids 1 grand kid, I would not have it any other way.

I like the power this set up makes!

https://youtu.be/PPEJf-pVnO8

[Tony]

That was a great flight Gerald, what an awesome plane.... Tell your wife she done really well with the vid considering you were all over the sky... Very good... What was the tapping noise in the background? Curiosity.

[danhampson]

Looks like it flew really well mate, and that motor sounds awesome, it had no problem with those vertical climb outs.

[Derek]

That was really good, Gerald! Awesome flying and that plane has TONS and TONS of power!!! The landing was unique, lol. All in all...just a perfect maiden!!!

[Vipertech13]

That was a great flight Gerald, what an awesome plane.... Tell your wife she done really well with the vid considering you were all over the sky... Very good... What was the tapping noise in the background? Curiosity.

That is the internal workings of our camera when ever you zoom with it or it focus's quickly...kind of a pain really!
Thank you, it is a great plane!

[Vipertech13]

Looks like it flew really well mate, and that motor sounds awesome, it had no problem with those vertical climb outs.

Thank you Dan, I like the ability to just slam the throttle and disappear! FUN!