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Battle Axe SSC Build-Along |
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by Lou Melancon
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Lou Melancon, former
president of the R/C Combat Association, is also considered the
father of "Slow Survivable Combat." Beginning in 2002 with the goal
of airplanes that could survive a contest with many mid-airs and two
airplanes lasting a season on the contest circuit, SSC soon began to
take root and is now the RCCA's most popular class. As former
president of the combat organization and someone who has flown many
combat designs, Lou can offer a unique perspective. |
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Click a Photo to
Enlarge |
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I needed planes for the upcoming Mid
America Championships June 21st in Tennessee. In the past I scratch
built Cobras, and Georgia Gorillas. This time I did not have any
foam on hand, nor coro, or plastic fencepost material. Instead of
driving to the different outlets to get these things, and having to
buy more than I needed I decided to get kits. I ordered the 3-pack
from Treneff RC and am very happy with the results. It is a very
complete kit and I can heartily recommend it. Here are some photos
of mine during construction.
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The plane shown is a "Battle Axe"
designed by Chris Quinn and exceptionally kitted by Treneff RC
(www.treneffrc.com). This one is powered by an OS LA .15 running on
30% heli fuel, Hayes 4 ounce clunk tank, with three metal geared
micro servos, a Hitec 555 receiver, 700Mah airborne pack and weighs
41 ounces as shown. |
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Treneff RC offers SSC and Open B
versions of the Battle Axe. I purchased a three plane package of the
SSC version. Here is what the contents of the box look like: |
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There are two "parts" packages with
the basic kit. The individual plastic bags contain all the parts
needed to complete the plane and make up the wing saddle: |
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Treneff RC also offers an optional
package that contains a completely assembled Hayes 4 ounce tank, and
all control rods with clevises and safety keepers installed. This
parts package is a real time saver and was definitely worth the
price for me. I also purchased the metric bolts that Treneff RC
offers for the OS LA muffler and head. |
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The wing cores are each marked on
the inboard root, and the wing is assembled in conventional combat
fashion then covered with bidirectional tape (4" width purchased
from Treneff RC, and then with colored packing tape. The "Battle
Axe" pressure sensitive decals are a very nice touch: |
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The fuselage is almost a completely
"bolt together" affair. The mounting holes for the OS LA are already
drilled and fit perfectly. The 4X40 hex bolts, washers and locknuts
are supplied. Shown here is the engine and the throttle servo
plate. Here the throttle servo is in place, all mounting hardware
including double stick tape and zip ties are included in the kit.
Notice the throttle push rod. This is exactly how it is supplied in
the optional parts kit - note that Treneff RC even includes the ball
link on the carb throttle arm: |
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The holes are already
drilled in the rails, elevator and L-shaped support brackets for the
elevator and rudder. All bolts, washers and locknuts are provided:
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These are the parts for the wing
saddle. They are all cut to size and fit together perfectly. The
foam part is a fixture for getting correct spacing of the saddle:
The wing saddle has cut outs included for a radio switch, and charge
jack. Once the triangle stock is glued in place it is very strong. I
put one coat of butyrate dope on it then covered it with bidi and
colored packing tape. |
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How does it fly? Great! I set the
first two planes up identically and they both launched with an easy
over hand toss. I followed the Treneffs recommended break in process
and was seeing 17,250 rpm on the fourth flight of each plane.
If you are looking for a quality kit that is very complete that
builds into a top level competitive fighter then I heartily
recommend you to Chris Quinn's Battle Axe as kitted by Treneff RC. |
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