Guillow Arrow Balsa Plane RC Conversion - A Step-by-Step Guide!

Guillow Arrow Balsa Plane RC Conversion - A Step-by-Step Guide Follow along as I take a standard Guillows model airplane product, the Arrow, designed for free flight, and convert to a radio control model airplane. Using a step-by-step approach, I'll walk you through the balsa plane RC conversion. Guillow RC conversion projects are fun! Guillow is a hugely popular line a balsa airplane kits. The newer update of the kits include laser cut wood parts as well as lighter and higher quality balsa wood. These models can also be flown as indoor RC planes. I go over some of my thoughts in planning for the RC conversion using the ParkZone line of ultra micro radio control equipment, available from Horizon Hobby. The ParkZone electric power system is ideal for model aircraft under 3 ounces. The finished Arrow came in at a weight of 2.5 ounces, so all worked out well. I discuss how to build a slightly stronger fuselage for the electric motor, and plan ahead to make an elevator and rudder for the tail control surfaces. The wing is built as per the plans, with the Arrow using three channels of control (i.e. no ailerons). Installing the music wire control rod linkages can be tricky, and I'll share a simple and useful tip on how to easily add an adjustable method of control rod installation. Key is to plan ahead and do this prior to covering the fuselage. The landing gear can be quite a bit shorter as the electric motor prop has considerably less diameter than the rubber band prop. This will save weight in addition to looking a lot better. Be sure to have plenty of rudder and elevator area for positive control. This is part of the design process going from a free flight to an RC model airplane. Double check the center of gravity location and that the wing is warp free. Note that for these Guillow "Contest Flyer" models, with an exceptionally long nose moment, the GC is very close to the wing trailing edge. This is all noted on the plans. The Guillows Arrow build rc plane flew perfectly on its first flight. Rock solid from the initial hand launch, as well as ground takeoffs after. Plenty of power from the little electric motor. All flights were half throttle or less. Here is a link to my YouTube Channel:    / timmckay56   Many thanks in advance for a post of this video on Facebook, it truly helps the channel a lot! Regards, Tim Chapters (simply hover over video timeline): 00:00 - Intro 02:03 - Kit unbox 07:34 - ParkZone electronics 24:46 - Flight