[dean2287]

Here's the Nitro Planes Ultimate 120 that I bought from Yakmanmatt here on RCC. Nice condition, couple small tears in the covering, structurally sound. The canopy is cracked and slightly damaged from having fallen off the model once (appearantly the supplied wood srews with the ARF are sorely inadequate - previous owner replaced with blind nut screws).

So the question is, how to fix it? NP sells replacement canopies but haven't had any in stock for months, so they may not be available. I removed the nicely applied tape to have a look and a couple photos. The front part could be fixed easily enough with balsa sheeting and some fibreglass or filler, but the clear part I'm not too sure about. Any thoughts?

[kip51035]

I would probably use canopy glue and scraps of plastic one of those bubble packs that all sorts of things come. My grand son got one of those giant transformers for Christmas. I quickly scooped the cover for that up.

[dean2287]

Another question if anybody has the Ultimate 120 - what is the COG measurement? I have the plane pretty much finished and am almost done repairing the canopy. I set it up with a OS120AX, high torque HiTech servos, and a 6v 2000 mAh battery. I don't have the manual though to check the balance point or suggested throws.

[jdiprofio]

Looks similar to the Goldberg Ultimate. CG on the Goldberg is about 2 3/8 back from the leading edge of the bottom wing. Should be balanced inverted. Correct balance is slightly nose heavy.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

[dean2287]

Thanks! I found a measurement for the Seagull Ultimate 90-120, not sure if it's realiable but between these two I should be close.

[chuebner]

Hi Dean... did some looking around and the CG for the Nitro Models 120 Ultimate is ....

Quote

(The manual CG is at 4.17. My CG is about .5 to .75 inches aft of where it states in the manual. I initially did it where the manual says, and it came out way too nose heavy)


Hope this helps a bit

[dean2287]

Originally Posted by chuebner

Hi Dean... did some looking around and the CG for the Nitro Models 120 Ultimate is ....

Quote

(The manual CG is at 4.17. My CG is about .5 to .75 inches aft of where it states in the manual. I initially did it where the manual says, and it came out way too nose heavy)


Hope this helps a bit

As always Curt - thanks! I did an extensive internet search and came up empty.

I'm guessing that "4.17" is inches back from the LE of the UPPER wing? Adding .5 to .75 to that is about 4.75" back, which seems close to what I was figuring.

[dean2287]

SO - I got the final word from Nitro Planes regarding the Ultimate 120. It is indeed discontinued and replacement parts are no longer available. No option to replace the broken canopy.

I had made an earlier attept to fix it which was OK, but I'm never satisfied so I eventually decided to do something more drastic.

The result...cab forward technology!

I ripped it all apart except for the basic front and back formers, then built a whole new cockpit, sheeted front and back, and used the rear section of canopy material for a new windhshield. Not a bad result, just quite different. Still needs covering and painting, I'll throw a little pilot in there too.

[hugh m]

Awesome job Dean!
A cool golden age racer look.
Hugh

[dean2287]

Thanks Hugh!

I'm debating whether to go with an open cockpit or the full canopy. I'm leaning towards the open cockpit.