Phoenix 2000, not so plug & play

The Phoenix 2000 is a wonderful plane. However, I bought it as a ARF and in the end it really wasn't that simple. Maybe it is if you install a wimpy powertrain it will be okay, but if you beef it up a little, there will be trouble as I experienced.

The nylon fuselage needs the nose reinforced, or else your powertrain could be ripped out, probably mid-flight. Would make an excellent and short YouTube video, that's for sure!

Nevertheless, if you consider the minor amount of work needed to convert this plane into a really great plane it is still a great bang for the buck. If my Phoenix was 'unable to rise again' I would certainly buy a new one, no doubt. I would not treat her like an almost ready to fly though, and put in the extra work from the start, as I do advise everyone that considers buying this great plane. You might learn a lot in the process and that's great too.
So, if you get one, better order some slow-curing epoxy and fiberglass too. You won't regret it!

And my last advise, read the thread about the Phoenix 2000 on rcgroups.com. You'll find a lot of valuable information there about this plane. It helped me a lot for sure and I'd like to thank all contributors to that thread!

My Phoenix 2000 specs at the moment:
Carbon Fiber 10x6 Folding Propeller
44mm Alloy folding Prop Spinner with 3.17/4mm/5mm Adapter
Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 - 2836-1040kv Brushless Outrunner Motor
TURNIGY Plush 40amp Speed Controller
TURNIGY 3A UBEC w/ Noise Reduction
Spektrum AR8000 8-Channel DSMX Receiver
Spektrum TM1000 DSMX Full-Range Aircraft Telemetry Module
Spektrum Aircraft Telemetry Altimeter
Turnigy nano-tech 2200mah 3S 45~90C Lipo Pack
wing: 4x Hextronik MG-14 14g/2.2kg/0.11sec aircraft servo
Rudders: 2x Tower Pro MG90s

Only thing that I would like too change (again...) here are the servo's. These are okay, but there are much better ones still.

Видео Phoenix 2000, not so plug & play канала ColdScience