Monster Planes! - 400th Episode!

by FliteTest | March 31, 2014 | (87) Posted in Projects

Thanks to viewers like you, it's our 400th episode! 

To celebrate we thought we'd take two of our original swappable speed build designs and inlarge them 200% each!

These giant scale foam board airplanes are made from the same materials as our standard speed build kits!

We appreciate HostGator.com for sponsoring this episode!
Use discount code: FliteTest and save 30%.

The giant scale FT Cruiser is equipped with a bunch of HostGator.com alligators with parachutes! 

Nachos Cheese Graphics  set us up with some great vinyl decals!

 David setup his FT Spitfire with a cockpit FPV view with a HostGator.com alligator manning the controls.

These giant planes move so smooth through the air!

In the sky it's hard to tell that these airplanes are 200% bigger than the original FT Swappable.

The original sized FT Spitfire and the FT Cruiser are part of our speed build swappable series!

Streamers and parachute drops are a nice way to celebrate the 400th episode!

The best part of flying these large scale planes is that they are made of foam board so we can have fun flying without the stress of crashing an expensive kit plane.

Yes, the GIANT FT Cruiser is also equipped with thrust vectoring just like the original!

If you look close you'll see a foam cup with a mobius camera taped to it! 

That wing mounted camera is how we were able to get this great shot!

Stay tuned for downloadable plans! We'll have them available in the weeks ahead.

Thanks again to HostGator.com for sponsoring this episode!
Use discount code: FliteTest and save 30% at Host Gator!

Thanks also to Nachos Cheese Graphics for the great vinyl decals!
More details at: www.NachosCheese.net

Thanks again to viewers like you who help make Flite Test possible!

- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

COMMENTS

RC-UAir on April 1, 2014
It's wonder full guys, actually you guys are my teachers in RC .You guys reached for 400 episodes ,it is big thing to us.Keep it up!!!!!!!
RC-UAir --> (Uditha Imarshana)
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Bailey on July 29, 2014
flite test is one of the greats now that it has its 400th episode keep flying bailey out
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Mizzster D Double-a on April 1, 2014
Guys this is the BEST flitetest video EVER,.. LOVE it, I feel like i was there with you guys, awesomeeeee,
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F14 pilot on April 1, 2014
now we need a 1:1 scale FT spitfire(hahaha)
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bakes on May 9, 2014
Ill second that!!!! Would also love to see an F4-U
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F14 pilot on May 9, 2014
yea i agree i would like to see a FT version of the filken plans (flies great especially with flaps and HK retracts)
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Michael9865 on April 1, 2014
Congratulations! David's gator holding onto the joystick was epic! I love to watch the videos you do because you hear the joy in your voices. It is also wonderful that the videos are clean and family friendly.
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PaladinDG on April 1, 2014
I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this much anticipated episode all day... Here it is 2am in the morning and wow, that was cool!!! Great job continuing to push the limits of foam and RC flight!!!!
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FliteTest on April 1, 2014
Thanks for being so patient and awesome!
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1959cutter on April 1, 2014
my wife,that isn't that interested in rc,will watch your videos because of the great time you all have together.
great for all audiences.
just an idea,throw a few business card type cards with your logo and web name on them in the kit boxes for us to hand to people to grow the hobby.people my age have a short memory and forget by the time they get home to the old dial-up rig.LOL
happy 400th and ...uh...REALEASE THE CRAKEN!
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1959cutter on April 1, 2014
OH yeah!!
I also nominate David Windestal for a Nobel peace prize, as he has made the world a lot smaller and friendlier through R/C diplomacy!
no april foolin.
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brettp2004 on April 2, 2014
I second this idea. A couple of business cards in the kits would be great. I've told many people about flitetest but I don't think they ever remember to check it out. I would love to hand them one of your business cards to remind them once they get home. Great episode and keep up the great... work?
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timbarnes on April 1, 2014
This was a lot of fun. It's great to see how far you can go with foam. I am totally a creation of Flitetest - my first and only planes are the FT Flyer, Nutball and Delta, and the F-22. I've learned to fly from your videos. All my planes are scarred, patched, fixed and re-fixed. I've totally destroyed one swappable module and a second has been repaired with splints.

It's a lot of fun, and occasionally I can persuade my teenagers to come fly with me, even better.

Thanks for all that you have done for us.

tim
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Combomaster on April 1, 2014
I hope You will make some build video! It would be fun :D
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BirdMan9876 on May 1, 2014
Yea, a build video would be just great! In my opinion this was the best episode that their ever was, I mean I could just feel how amazing the planes handled just by watching them gracefully hop off the ground just like a real squadron of warplanes going out to battle in the good old times. Boy do I just love how you guys have helped so many people into the hobby, and so far, this is the most fun website to get into the hobby, and I know it will stay like that forever. I really want to thank all of you guys for producing !!!*400*!!!! videos, that's amazing that all those videos added up so fast.
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bassmants on April 1, 2014
Can't wait for the build videos and recommended electronics!
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TimberWolffe on April 1, 2014
I suppose for your thousandth episode we can expect two 500% models? or just one 1000% model?
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BirdMan9876 on May 1, 2014
that would be amazing too see a baby blender that big! haha! LoL!
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Davo6 on April 1, 2014
Its great that there are notifications to tell me when there is a new episode but can you guys please stop sending 5 emails of the same thing?
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FliteTest on April 1, 2014
We don't have any control over what emails you receive or the amount of emails you receive. This is only something you can control through your own settings/preferences through FliteTest.com and YouTube.com
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Davo6 on April 3, 2014
Thanks!
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Santoso on April 1, 2014
My problem playing big scale aircraft is to bring it to my community airfield..
So i hope in next build video, wing, rudder and elevator can be removeable and assembled again next on airfield..
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Flying Frenchman on April 1, 2014
I see a mini hexacopter...
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BirdMan9876 on May 1, 2014
That would be amazing too.
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NoUsername on April 1, 2014
You got to love what these men have done with the planes. Having the gators and hands moveable was a terrific idea. I need to share this video to my friends as I think they will enjoy it as much as I have. How about a larger FT Flyer next.
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Pumpster on April 1, 2014
AWESOME! My son and I really enjoyed the 400th.. Congratulations!
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Flynn on April 1, 2014
Congratz on number 400!!!!! Here's to 400 more! Seriously, thanks you Flitetest for the great community, where we all enjoy the rc hobby and can contribute to making great moments and memories!
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Air-headed Aviator on April 1, 2014
Viggen pin.......
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andre on April 1, 2014
In tears laughing.
Thanks guys!

I love big planes!
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andre on April 1, 2014
I had a 60" Cargo last summer after seeing this my son and I will have to amp this up.
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andre on April 1, 2014
What motors and props did you run. I know David mentioned some details in the podcasts but not much.
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casehatter on April 1, 2014
Completely over the top Guys Love It I am so excited to be a 54 year old Boy love it got to have one that was so cool and you guys made them fly I gotta have a podcast about this whole thing from start to finish I'm blown away....!!!!
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FliteTest on April 1, 2014
Good idea!
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trackrat1833 on April 1, 2014
Great, no AWESOME episode! I love the larger planes and I really like the Flite Test jacket Josh was wearing, you should add them to your store! I too support David for the Nobel Peace Prize!
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gremlin88 on April 1, 2014
I would also like a FliteTest jacket. i'm in school right now so I can't watch the video. I will be watching as soon as I get home.
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HilldaFlyer on April 1, 2014
Smiling all the way through - FT Greatest Hits! Best work break I've had - ever!
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SiNKeR709 on April 1, 2014
Congrats on 400! Thanks for getting me interested in the flight side of RC! Keep it up you guys, you're definitely an inspiration!
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RCTV-UK on April 1, 2014
LOVE THIS EPISODE GUYS! Here's to the next 400!

Kind regards

Malc
RCTV-UK
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FJ1200 on April 1, 2014
400 that is just to cool - I have enjoyed them all. Thanks to all of the great people at Flite Test !!!!!
You are the best.
Roger
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chrisloh on April 1, 2014
Can't wait to see the Build video and the plans. How about a super size Kraken? Would love to get hold of the plans and build one.
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gremlin88 on April 1, 2014
I really want to build one of these!! These are awesome!! Can you tell us what the electronics are? Also, can you do a build episode for either one?
I am trying to save enough money to buy my first plane and I think this would be an excellent plane once I get more experienced.

Keep up the good work.
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jerimiah85 on April 1, 2014
electronics parts list please!!!!! office depot can print the plans 200% just need the parts to order thanks
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fl_rider on April 1, 2014
Congratulations on your 400th!! Keep up the great work. Your big planes are really cool.
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kms64 on April 1, 2014
Congrats on your 400th! Keep 'em coming ... and keep 'em family friendly! Keith
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JACKFIRE on April 1, 2014
Congrats guys, God Bless you more and more
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flying farmer on April 1, 2014
Awesome job guys. I am looking forward to the plans and building my own.
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BuckE67 on April 1, 2014
Incredible 400th episode!! Great job guys! Thank you for all you do for the hobby!!!!!!
God Bless!
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Bob_Curtains on April 1, 2014
Congrat's Flitetest crew on the 400th episode! Josh and David love your stuff! Keep up the amazing videos and builds.
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Flying Penguin RC on April 1, 2014
Amazing 400th episode Flite Test. Keep up the great work.
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good2us on April 1, 2014
Aloha from Hawaii and "HAPPY 400th" as always really great video!!!!!
I can really see it in the videos how God has blessed FT, keep up the great work!
Also it would be great to see a large scale high wing build like the super cub, "love the high wings".
God Bless!!!
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bensgreentrain on April 1, 2014
GREAT vid!!! Thanks for going bigger. The little planes are awesome but when I tried bigger for myself it just made flying that much better. Personally I think the physics of size to weight ratio makes the larger size easier to fly. Keep up the good work. When you compare one of these 2 new planes to a glow powered plane of similar size you will see what I mean.
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Pete7694 on April 1, 2014
Great 400th video guys. The whole team does such a great job on everything you do with flite test. I love the extra large planes and now I can't wait for the plans and build video. Keep up the great work and you guys have inspired me to get back into the hobby again. Thank you so much.
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Paulshort on April 1, 2014
what fpv did david have
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Ano Pilot on April 1, 2014
Really excellent, good fun, and I DO like the idea of big, slow and lightweight. I will have to try it.
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ovadk on April 1, 2014
Congrats guys, God Bless you all and HAPPY 400th episode! I loved every min of it Josh, David and alex love your stuff! Keep up the amazing work in the videos and builds. You are inspire to us all!!!!
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Arend on April 1, 2014
I love the color scheme on both planes, but the flying swedish flag was brilliant! What is the motor, ESC, and battery setup for the XXL spitfire? Cheers Arend
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Turbochanger on April 1, 2014
Hey guys, Congratulations on your 400th episode. Cannot wait until the plans come out. I have only been watching for a few months, but you guys got me back into R/C flying. Thanks a million. Looking forward to the next episode.
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mdailey43 on April 1, 2014
Just when I think i've everything from you guy's, yeah right what was I thinking saying that we will not see everything from you fro many many years if even then. Congrats on 400 I believe i've seen almost all of them at least three time and some more. Keep doing what your doing i'm a newbie to the sport but i've learned so much from you guys you are truly an inspiration thank you, god bless.
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frogs84ss on April 1, 2014
absolutely awesome. I can't wait to see how you did it and what power system you used. can't wait for plans too. will you guys do 200% plans on any thing else. a large dusty would be cool. or any of you planes. love the show congratulations on 400 and here's to 500 and beyond
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Noobi1951 on April 1, 2014
Absolutely wonderful, you guys are a real blessing? And your planes are great as well. I enjoy building, and flying such affordable creations. You help make the hobby so much more fun by taking away the financial pressure associated with conventional construction.
May God bless you, and your loyal followers with many more episodes!!!
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larz001 on April 1, 2014
congratts on the 400 guys awesome vid these 2 are on my build list, just need the parts list , the print shop can enlarge to 200% from the originals unless you made structural changes?
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Yogenh on April 1, 2014
I love it!! I can't wait to get one going too. Would you sell a printed set of the plans for them? That would be a great help. I know that printing them on my printer and taping them would take a real long time. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!
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Yogenh on April 1, 2014
I would like one as the Rip Slinger!!!!!!!! I think that would be the greatest!

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R0n0 on April 1, 2014
Great episode! Now I wanna build a Monster plane, gotta go buy a lot of foam board! In the meantime I have added double sized versions of most of the FT based aircraft on my free flight sim at RonsRCSim.com You guys are awesome!
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Rcgary24 on April 1, 2014
Awesome guys , when you release the plans and the 'supplimental' video , please do go over the power systems , ive got 2 eflite power 32's and a couple of matched 80a esc's that im hoping will be enough to power a monster FT cruiser , im so pumped for that build! Keep up the great work , ive been able to get a few kids and some other people flying thanks to your videos , working on getting the club to start working with a school and have your beginner series as required viewing , thanks for being there! gotta love the Swedish maniac!!!!!!!
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carsonpauli on April 2, 2014
My favorite episode by far!!! Thank you so much!!
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alibopo on April 2, 2014
Congratulations on your 400th episode. It's been great fun sharing the journey from here in Scotland. Great video, great filming, great flying!!! :)
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BentBixler on April 2, 2014
A long time watcher, first time commenter, due to such an AWESOME vid. Lots of fun. Even my wife enjoyed it. Looking forward to the plans, and if you ever create a kit, I'll be first in line to buy!
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GAZZER on April 2, 2014
thank you guys for some great videos.my friends and i have built almost every swappable that you have done so cant wait for these plans.being able to down load the plans is great for us in the uk. you must have inspired thousands with your great videos thank you.
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superchoriflai on April 2, 2014
EPIC! Congratulations on 400 shows and even more importantly thank you for producing fun, positive and productive content. Keep up the great work!
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cacomistle on April 2, 2014
It would be great to do a behind scene of this episode! I want to know the challenges of building such a big foamy and the electronic configurations.
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Sinkhole on April 2, 2014
Awesome video & awesome builds guys. Josh, you need to put some, uh.... (as David would say) HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE !!!! motors on the Cruiser.
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lancaster on April 2, 2014
always fresh ideas with pure joy of flying - you can't beat it
well done guys
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Turbochanger on April 2, 2014
How soon will we see the plans? Will these models be available as a speed-build kit? I'll bet the servos and motor and e.s.c. are pretty big. Mainly interested in the Giant Spitfire.
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ray574 on April 3, 2014
Sooo keewwll! I'd love to see plans for a super sized Piper J-3 or Super Cub or warburds like the P-51 MustangU Corsair. Super job on these giant models! Congrats on the 400th! All votes in for David's Nobel Peace Prize! Please keep up the great work, and believe me even though you said no build video, they really make builds buildable to those who haven't built in ages or are new to it so they can get it right. I built a corsair from pics and plans without video and it has taken many more hours to get completed after contemplating steps to take. But as always very rewarding.
Thank you guys so much for all you do for the hobby, most surely the reason I fly so much more since I stumbled upon your site to watch a review of a small helicopter, to find out all you do!
May God richly bless your continued success!!!
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Norkster on April 3, 2014
Aye up fellas.
Found your site in Feb and thought, bl--dy hell, this is fantastic. Never been into RC but always wanted to - too expensive in the UK but hey, cheap as chips now.
Bought some foam board, glue gun, RC gear and built the spit from plans. Postage for your kit is way too much to the UK. ( There must be a market over here fellas for a licensee to have your plans lasered out - mmmmmmmm), Back to the spit - prang, prang, prang,i ts still going but keeps crashing. Glue and mend. Will get there now CG is right thanks to a lump of lead flashing. Need a calm day.
Anyway, fantastic site, well done and keep going. You are all such a generous, happy bunch, wish I was over there.
Norkster
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LittleFox on April 3, 2014
200% Tricopter!!!!
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bbqflyer on April 4, 2014
Congrats on 400!!! The monsters are the best yet! Can't wait for the plans cause I'm ready to build again!!! You guys truly keep me addicted to the hobby.
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broadsholders on April 4, 2014
Congrats guys on your 400th. May there be many more to come.
Fantastic planes! Can't wait for the tile print plans and build videos.
Already have three of your swappables in my hanger and several of the others in the SSRCM club have built them also. Love to see your flite videos....you guys have waaaayy toooo much FUN. Keep it coming. It's contageous. Love it!!

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Thaikarl on April 7, 2014
that was FUN! so many "Awesome"s and "Amazing"s and to hear you guys laughing and giggleing, i had a lot of fun with you. big smile on my face. looking forward to the build videos for these planes. congrats!
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Wtpalexander on April 8, 2014
An idea for your next challenge: In flight landing. Teams of two build a hovering platform and race against the other pair to land there multi-copter on the platform. If you were feeling more adventurous you could try with some planes?! A crazy idea, but that is what makes an interesting challenge! Will
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SG Mason on April 10, 2014
OK I I asked a question on the YouTube page, but never got a response so I will ask it here. In the 400th episode Josh mentioned a trick to use a 6s battery as a pair of parallel 3s batteries. Only thing is he didn't say how to do it. I have been searching the internet trying to find the answer to no avail.
So just how is it done? I have a pair of 5000mah 6s batteries from my 600 sized helicopter. I don't use them in it anymore because I switched to an 8s setup and would like to put the 6s packs to use in my FPV plane. It holds 2 2200mah 3s batteries with no problem, and I even have to add weight to the nose to get it balanced. I would rather use the 5000mah 6s and remove the weight from the nose.
Thanks
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grounded59 on June 17, 2014
Brilliant.
Some guys in my club weren't so sure about 'planes made cheaply from foam board...until they saw my Versa-Wing flying!!
Thanks for all you do for the hobby and congratulations on 400 episodes !!

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Christopher14 on June 26, 2014
I am building a 200% Old Fogey, just printed off the plans.
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tedrocks123 on October 25, 2014
l can not find the plans for the monster spitfire are they up yet

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Cscottb84 on November 5, 2014
NEED PLANS......please.... ???? This is killing me not able to start this build!!!! (Spitefire plans).
Awesome job and keep up the good work. God bless.
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Kevinjt4 on November 24, 2014
http://www.flitetest.com/articles/monster-build-tips
Plans are on this page.
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Jefftherckid on August 27, 2015
I might build a 200% storch. I will post an article with build photos and tips if I ever get around to building it, and If I do build it I won't use H.K. stuff and horrible plastic-geared 9 gram servos.
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DarthMater on December 6, 2016
I know this is an older post but one of my favorite videos from Flite Test! I am interested in what size motor, esc and battery would be recommended for a build this size? Thanks for all your wonderful videos, Josh has inspired me to get into this hobby. I always thought flying model planes was too expensive. With the foam body designs they have made this a fun and affordable endeavour! Love those giant Foamies!
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Monster Planes! - 400th Episode!