Mini Panic disappointment

I've had a Mini Panic kit for a few weeks, only just got around to putting it together . . . or not? I started on the wings, first impresions, wood selection was not good, ribs were inconsitant, erring towards very soft, 6 of the self jig tabs were broken off, because of the soft nature of the wood. Leading edge sheeting was towards hard, with one piece 1/4 grain! In fact generaly, I thought the wood selection for the wings was poor, my humble opnion of course.

Needles to say, the wing has not built well, infact, it is scrap as it is?

Very disapointing, I have not started the fusalarge . . . put it to one side, lost interest for the time being? I might have a look at making a light set of foam wings, leading edge sheeting, cap srtips (exposed foam) and a balsa TE? It wont hurt to be a tad heaiver as I'm going to use a 3548 1100kv motor.

Conclusion, Panic is a great flyer, sadly let down in my case by the presentation of parts . . . check the wood selection if you buy.

I have told Avicraft in the 'invite to review', no reaction . . .

I would have thought a phone call to Avicraft would have been the best course of action. They are a small firm with an excellent reputation so discuss it with them & give them a chance to put things right.

my early production kit was the same as yours containing badly selected wood some of which (eg leading edge sheet) had to be replaced as it just wouldn't bend without splitting or was way too soft for the job (fin). Maybe that's partly why mine ended up porky. It still flies ok though.

I friend of mine also brought one of these kits a year or two back. He a few issues with the kit and contacted Avicraft.

They sorted out his issue for him very quickly.

Mike

They have had my report, via their web sit, no reaction . . .

I wont be recomending the kit thats for sure. As I say, a decent pair of foam wings, make a nice leccy model with a tweak hear and there . . . Mmmm, thinks

CJSF

I'm seeing a friend later this week who makes bespoke foam wings, I will give him the dimentions etc., and how I need it finished. Like you, the finishe model might be a tad heavier? The slightly bigger motor will take care of that, always thought there was a reason for me wanting a 30 ic equivilent in it . . .

I'm still determined to scratch this 'biplane itch', just wish one did not have to jump through unwanted hoops to do it . . . and people wonder why I have a sharply cynical side?

CJS

Edited By Clifford Stone on 05/09/2012 23:24:53

Don't talk to me about biplanes and hoops - I took the Skybolt out on Tuesday, my car was in for a new aircon condensor so I cadged a lift. I made doubly sure I put both wing struts in, got to the field, put the 'bolt together and found I'd mislaid one of the aileron connecting rods. When I got home I found it out in the road where we'd loaded the car

350-400 watts will give a good performance with porky Mini Panics, that's only 35A on 3S. I found that a 2600 pack will fit ok and saves on lead.

We all do that Bob, my mate came flying the other day, he left his transmiter on the kichen table

Those figures about match what I will be putting in it when I eventualy get it done, encouraging, a little extra weight . . . may be it will help when the wind gets up?

As I said put the MP to one side for now untill I can get the wings sorted . . .

Just putting the finishing touches to my latest pylon racer drawing. Had this one in my mind for 20 years as a modification to my original Q500 racer 'Kathy's Clown'. The new racer is an electric Club 2000 machine. The idea is to make it dual purpose, usable as a club flyer with a differance that can be raced as well; 2200, 3s for the club field, 2200 4s! for racing. I wonder if RCM&E might be interested in a follow up MkII, 20 years on??? 'Co-Co' flies again? Short coupled, revolutionary shape, in the boot in one piece . . .

I got the drawing board out for the first time since 1995, had a dig in my drawing paper stock, came across the first set of 1/4 scae 3/D perspective drawings I did for 'K's C' . . . they were done to prove the different shape was practical to build.

CJSF

Clifford, can I ask you something? It's a bit personal, but I'm genuinely curious.

Is your glass always half empty?

Because it does seem to be were aeromodelling is concerned

BEB

Clifford, while in the modern idiom you might expect a Website to be active and closely monitored, there is good reason why with Avicraft you might find at times what you might consider to be a tardy response.

If you give them a call, physical or telephone, and talk to Rob Newman, I'm sure you will get quick satisfaction.

As you say BEB . . . To be to optomistic is asking for a let down, so I supose after 65 years of dealing with people, I dont get suprised any more. As far as being palmed off with tat, no I'm just realistic, once bitten twice shy . . . weary is the word.

Treat me fairly and I'm as happy as the next guy, but but dont expect me to say 'black is white' . . . Fair treatment happens less and less in all walks of life these days dont you find?

To answer your question; how would you feel if you had driven 100 miles, parted with £60+ and then find on close inspection (on the building board) the quality was far below that one would expect from a small company that gave the impresion of hand picking components . . .

I am entitled to feel I have been given short measure, glass half empty . . . !

I went round a friends (new friend) house yesterday, we had a most enjoyable chat, cup of tea, I was able to help him sort a radio problem, I took pleasure in helping. We them had a walk round the back of his house, he showed me his private flying site, I was invited to use it in his company. I will be making a round trip in the next few days of nearly 200 miles, picking up model racing bits that people have offerd on loan. Calling into Inwood Models in the process, kid in a sweety shop My friend offerd to come along to keep me company, most greatfull I am . . .

I'm happy enough with my lot with such friends around me, how do you find life treats you BEB?

CJS

CJS

Edited By Clifford Stone on 06/09/2012 19:04:31

Edited By Clifford Stone on 06/09/2012 19:05:49

Edited By Clifford Stone on 06/09/2012 19:09:34

Afraid your avitar says it all for me . . . one looses faith, especialy living 100 miles away, I am not prepared to drive again, cant see the post office football team dealing with my problem to well either? Definatly a glass half empty situation as BEB has sugested.

Put it down to experiance . . .

Clifford I think too that you should give them a chance by phone.

If that one electronic communication has disappeared without trace into cyberspace then are they not completely oblivious to the fact that you're not happy?

That seems hardly giving them a chance.

Pretty well actually Clifford. And even when things do occassional go awry I take a fairly positive view and actively try to engage the other side involved in a constructive dialogue - and you what? - amazingly that seems to do the trick so many times and things just come out my way on an awful lot of occassions. It must be the power of positive thinking - I can't think of any other reason.

BEB (wih his glass very definitely half full!)

To Clifford stone and any dissapointed avicraft customers I would at least ask that you

try to contact the shop as we do our best to sort out problems when they happen.

I do my best to produce as many good quality kits as i can.

I have been moaned at for not producing enough kits, I have employed more kit production

staff to try to overcome the lack of quantity with this i end up not selecting all the wood myself.

I did receive the review and am willing to put it on my site.

As far as i know there has been no contact from clifford to the shop and no email

address that i could reply to.

We have in stock a few proto type foam wings and would be willing to send these out as a replacment. I hope you read this and take up the offer

Thanks for reading Rob Newman Avicraft

I obviously went to the school of Victor Meldrew . . . Afraid life has not treated me well, leading to clincal depresion for the past 20 years . . . BEB, you think I have a half empty problem . . . good job you did not know me a few years ago.

But then, know one . . . ??? few, understand depresion, usualy telling the sufferer to 'pull them selves together', not helpfull. Life has been better in 2011/12, I am learning to cope . . . however black is still black, white is white . . .

Getting back to flying has helpeda lot, I enjoy it, its good getting the old skills back, every visit to the field boosts confidence, perhaps there, truly, my glass is full? You will see above I have started to design models again, good to get a design on the board that has been rattling around in the head for 20 years, visit the model shop Monday, got my cutting list.

Consider yourself a lucky person in life BEB . . .

Enough is enough? . . . CJS

ahh a fellow sufferer clifford.

do you get the black moods where all you want to do is sleep.

i took up this model building/crashing lark as a form of therapy to keep me active and to stop me vegitating. it sort of takes over your life though.

I would just like to add that you could not get bettet guys than Rob and Al at Avicraft.I also bought a Mini Panic kit and found one of the Ailerons was mis-shapen.I took it back and it was replaced with no problem at all BUT the best one was when i messed up the 1st wing build went back to ask Rob if he could supply/cut me a new set of ribs.He did this and charged me nowt!

Ok the odd mistake might happen in the kit part selection but i gaureentee if you see Rob it will sort it with no question at all.I am not tied to the shop at all just a repeat customer who likes there customer service and readness to help.

Hi Clifford, have you seen Rob's post above? I only ask because it's possible it didn't appear on your screen while you were replying to BEB.

Cheers
Chris

Hi, I would just like to conferm what Max says and that I have found that speaking to Rob or Ali sorts any problem you have, weather build, parts,etc Im putting the finishing touches to a full size Panic, maidened a frantic last sunday.

Dennis