First Flight STREGA RENO RACER - The Thrill of the First Takeoff

[@thelightersideofrc]

View the Full Strega Build Series Here! kzbin.info/aero/PLF09n1avxpLJm04JfqQoCFnbSBf1TG4k2

[@truenaturestormers2525]

What a sweet plane.

[@P51]

that takeoff was THRILLING and then the landing! whoa

[@thelightersideofrc]

Haha. No kidding hey!

[@P51]

@@thelightersideofrc WELL DONE!

[@olddogg60]

That is what maidens are all about. Good job Jon and what a sound. 👍😊

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you!

[@flymachine]

Brilliantly done - I was just as nervous I don’t know why. Well done another one on the books.

[@thelightersideofrc]

I was nervous editing the video! Thanks!

[@benjaminedelmann2577]

This planes looks like it will give you thrills on every landing….not for me, but that sound !!!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yea no kidding hey! Thanks for watching!

[@TheOneOriginalJackal]

Throttle controlled sink rate with positive 1-2 degree nose makes dream landings on final. :)

[@mikecarter8158]

Keep ur head up man that was a victory walk in the least, great build and video and maiden!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@stevebarr9604]

Good idea getting behind it for a maiden! I'm in the habit of doing that almost every flight but especially a maiden! Awesome plane!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks 👍

[@paultolman2832]

So glad you enjoyed the maiden as it looked a bucket load of stress to me. After the go around I was remined of the old pilot saying "better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than be in the air wishing you were on the ground! Glad it all turned out well and that you are a better pilot than I am - Well Done!!!

[@revodrvr]

We say that in skydiving alot .

[@thelightersideofrc]

THank you very much! Couldn't agree more!

[@TheOneOriginalJackal]

Loved the series! I've been a RC'r for 40 years. Approach: Nose 1-2 degrees up at base leg, refine on final, hold it, hold it hold it. Milk the throttle to control altitude sink to a nice slow 3 point touch down. I never had luck trying to "neg angle fly it to a flair" as it carries too much speed. You get that dreaded floater across the field LOL. Get that + angle/throttle control sooner. Practice at altitude.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! and thanks for watching!

[@572hemi2]

Dude, you are totally awesome. That flight looks like the full scale Strega...with gear and full flaps it needed a LOT of power, and at the cut, she would just drop right down. Great job, Jon!!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you very much!

[@menotu8440]

Great flight even with the sketchy landing, my heart was going also! Thanks for sharing!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@howardwilliams2587]

Wow, my heart was racing too! Great build series and great first flight - that means you get another flight out of her. Every time my 40% goes airborne all I can see is the many dollars flying, so I get the nervousness. What a sound, even if it wasn't set correctly n the high end - you will get there. Great combination of engine and aircraft. Thanks for sharing.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! She's a fun one for sure!

[@gregmcgee4430]

That bird is a hand full, great job, Johnathan!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks Greg! Getting better each flight!

[@Sturmbock71]

Very well executed first flight, keeping the LG down to de-risk the flight, testing the full flaps and low speed before the landing was also great practice. Amazing Job!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you very much!

[@turbodpv5908]

What a gorgeous Reno Racer and one of my favorites! She sounded like she was loading up bigtime severely rich and lacking power. But it's always a good idea to start out a bit rich on a fresh engine build rather than going too lean. I can't imagine how scary that must have been on the controls knowing it, but you handled it perfectly. A bit of induction tuning(Reading the plugs and leaning it out appropriately) and it should come alive and be a blast to fly at full tilt boogie!!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yea she needs some serious tuning on the high end. Thanks for your comments and for watching!

[@foobar201]

Looks wonderful in the air

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you.

[@42pyroboy]

Hell yeah man! Im glad the build came together

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@kevinstephens72]

That just about sounds like the real thing. Amazing!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks! She is an amazing aircraft

[@Rick_Retired]

I watched this maiden flight from a recliner and my knees still shook!

[@thelightersideofrc]

HAHA. Thank you for watching!

[@TheMrzekerz]

Thanks for the upload and information. I'm struggling with my P51.. to be honest, afraid to fly the bird. Your steps just helped me to build confidence!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@justinm1150]

that is awesome sounding gratz on successful flying and landing

[@thelightersideofrc]

😎 Thank you!

[@PhilipCockram]

Fantastic !! . Well done .

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you!

[@josephrasberry3850]

Nice go around. Good pilot flying right there

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks 👍

[@Denis-tu1pd]

That was an awesome video and your test flight was awesome. Thank you for sharing. Denis from Santa Rosa CA.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks Denis! Wait till you see Wednesday's video with flights 2 - 6!

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

sounds incredible flying overhead!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@remicallant8756]

1000 times congratulations to the maiden flight, very well done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! greetings from Remi

[@thelightersideofrc]

THanks Remi! I appreciate it!

[@Blueberry954]

Mega congrats Jon. What a beauty.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you!

[@raptornest1346]

It took great discipline not to retract the gear for some low high speed passes like most do, Nice professional flight test profile, that engine definitely needs more tuning. Great build series, congratulations on successful maiden. 👍

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks 👍😊

[@edgardocintronmedero2832]

Congratulations, Jon!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you very much!

[@alphamale666]

Wow, awesome!!! Thank you

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you for watching!

[@flyboywbl]

Stout gear! 😂 nice job. What a fun project to watch. Love to see some more prop planes

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@slange455]

Wow sounds awesome 👏

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@richr909]

I love that engine because its different than the norm but nothing can beat the sound of those Moki Radials ya know

[@thelightersideofrc]

Both cool and unique!

[@daleyahnke7215]

beautiful airplane!!! The sound of it is amazing!! I think the carbs needs some adj.! Thanks for sharing!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! Yea she needs some adjusting for sure!

[@ohpoleez]

OWWW!!! Landing!!

[@thelightersideofrc]

😎

[@7100warhawk]

Wow! What an amazing flight! This was an amazing build series.I can't wait to see the video with the engine tuned and dialed in.I also love watching your new after dark series. 👽✌️

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you very much! Will continue to film updates as we add more flights and tuning!

[@klausrohrbach6041]

Wow! That’s a good sounding bird! My aero works mustang does the same thing with ground handling. Not a lot of rudder authority once the tail is off the ground. And once I land I have to slam the rudder stick back and forth to keep it straight. Once that engine is tuned it’s gonna be a great bird.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks Klaus!

[@WalterMitty1966]

Hi jon , bloody well done maiden !! Cool heads always prevail !! Plan the Dive , and Dive the Plan that's what i was always taught !! Kolm's can be a sod to tune !! Well done mate !! Phil

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks Phil.

[@AndysRV]

So it’s struggling for power which is crazy for such an engine i hope you can squeeze a bit more out of it, its a beautiful plane and sounds amazing!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Oh we can get more! needs some tuning!

[@3DPrintHangar_RC]

That thing sounds incredible😍

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks! Will sound better with some tuning!

[@JazAero]

I won't add to the engine comments. there has been enough of those and it is pretty obvious anyway that it needs tuning. But the aircraft does seem to be a little nose heavy, I would definitely check your CG on this one and try adjusting it. I followed the build of this aircraft and was impressed in all the steps you took. my heart was beating hard just watching it. good luck in the future

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks for your comments and for watching!

[@richardbriansmith8562]

Awesome Video Awesome Flight

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks a lot!

[@JeffsCustomRC]

Congratulations on a great maiden!! Beautiful plane and sounds amazing, really enjoyed this build series, thanks for all the hard work👊🏼👊🏼

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks a lot!

[@ManuelRouse]

Nice looking plane sweet first flight

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks 👍

[@christophermarshall5765]

Looked great in flight!! That Kolm engine has a lot of power!! I've ridden motorbikes with smaller capacity engines.

[@CFITOMAHAWK2]

This is not CC its Cubic millimeters for me. I have a Honda MC of 250 cc.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@paulhatfield498]

So impressive mate. Well done !!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AZAce1064]

What a beautiful handful 👍

[@thelightersideofrc]

HAHA. Well Said!

[@vico5980]

Amazingly realistic engine sound.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@djquick]

‘Decided to stand behind for better visual of line’ Still heads towards the corn. 😂

[@thelightersideofrc]

LOL. Full right rudder!

[@kokotorossian3423]

Amazing…great job Jonathan “Magic”

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks Koko!

[@Gavs_rc_hobbies]

That thing sounds frigging mint in the air. 👌🏻👍🏻

[@thelightersideofrc]

She needs some more love in the tuning dept! She will get even better.

[@nealstephensonhiro72]

Nothing like a high stakes maiden to get ya feeling that excitement !

[@thelightersideofrc]

Oh Yea!

[@alainkoenig8259]

Nice Flight, congrats 🎉a bit stressfull I can imagine 👍👏

[@thelightersideofrc]

Big Time!

[@avipatable]

My palms were sweating on a cold "summers" day in the UK! Well held :) Look forward to seeing you evolve and settle down.

[@thelightersideofrc]

HAHA. Thanks!

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

Wow she could sure use a tune up. I've seen a KOLM 230 that was well tuned and it friggen screamed...Nice plane...

[@thelightersideofrc]

First flight! Of course it needs break in time and tuning!

[@blake8210]

I’ve been waiting for this video. Beautiful plane.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks for watching!

[@mortonsway5650]

Good job & beautiful plane!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you!

[@williamcunningham6945]

Ive been flying my Strega for 5 years. You can lean that engine down on the ground all the way until it just starts to sag then back off the needles just a bit rich, mine has never gone lean or overheated, it want to go right then you'll get it. You better check your retract side frames, I broke one with a landing bounce less than yours but it would still retract but look into that. Get it leaned out and gear up for some real excitement! I can't believe that baby did flip over on you, that was too slow for me! 3 point land the sucker is my suggestion, mine does best with that. Great build.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks for the info. More tuning and flights on it yesterday. Running and flying much better!

[@danielrivard9335]

Bravo! Hopefully, you’ll manage the fuel mixture…beautiful engine and aircraft.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you!

[@fateswingman3006]

That's a very forgiving wing, because you were very very VERY close to tip stalling it two times. Hopefully you get the engine tuned correctly and unleash the beast on the next one! I'd be shaking after that one knowing how much time and money is at stake. That'd be a one flight, then calling it a day trip to the field for me!

[@thelightersideofrc]

🙌

[@rcalbuquerque1]

Great job on the maiden….no easy task !

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@reckemroysrc3764]

It sounded like it's not running right and my heart was beating fast too just watching you struggle with it. Glad its down safe 🙏 😊

[@thelightersideofrc]

You and me both!

[@terrytripp9216]

Plane looks great. Engine was definitely sounding rough. Hope to see it again hauling ass.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks! Will continue to film updates.

[@ioannisbatas1614]

Superb !!!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks a lot

[@RTD1947]

I need to change my “ Depends” and watch this again!!! Holy Crap!!!! I don’t think I could afford more fun! You da MAN!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@cx9drvr]

Wow! You handled that very well. Not your average maiden flight that's for sure. Some tuning will make it more predictable for sure. Good work.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! Looking forward to some tuning and follow up flights.

[@jukkatakamaa7274]

Awesome job !

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@jdutkoski2303]

Congratulations on the maiden and landing successfully. Even just watching made my heart rate increase here and there 😅

[@thelightersideofrc]

haha. Thanks!

[@michelbrochetelle9658]

Congratulation 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thelightersideofrc]

THanks!

[@TomislavReskovic]

congratulations!!! 😊

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@aaronforthRC]

🎉 congrats 👏 You definitely deserve a whiskey 😂

[@thelightersideofrc]

HAHA. Thanks Aaron!

[@richb.4374]

Beautiful plane and nice flying. By the way, for those who don't know....the word "Strega" means witch in Italian.

[@thelightersideofrc]

COOL! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@KidYuma1880]

Congrats on maiden flight, I thought same thing on power, hopefully get that figured out, still impressive flight for first. You are a good pilot to say had heart racing a few times. Good flight is takeoff, flight and landing safely on earth. Look forward to more flights.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you very much!

[@KidYuma1880]

@@thelightersideofrc welcome :-)

[@TL_RC]

You need a pilot's head in the cockpit... absolutely beautiful aircraft and really great flying.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@s9523pink]

Wow, great job, that was a handful!😂

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yes it was! Thanks for watching!

[@wayneschenk5512]

You will see a huge improvement with gear up obviously.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yea for sure!

[@HoundDogMech]

The Guy that makes a Practical Remote Gas Carb Trim mechanism for HI & LOW Carb Screws will have R/C GAS pilots flocking to hid door

[@thelightersideofrc]

🙌

[@helischorsch9786]

What a beast😳…but the sound is amazing 😎 Jon you need a smooth glider just to get the heart rate down again😂 Thanks for sharing the maiden and Cheers from Munich, Sven🍺

[@thelightersideofrc]

HAHA. Thanks Sven! Took a while for the heartrate to drop For Sure!

[@marinjeam]

wow hats off, not any easy airplane😮 I kept holding my breath the entire flight😶 Sounded like the engine could die any moment.Great skills man🤘

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you. Yea it needs some more tuning for sure!

[@theflyer4916]

At 5:12 you stated you were at full throttle for most of the flight. I do realize for first flight reasons, your flying in a fairly dirty and slow configuration however is the engine running very rich? Only asking because if heard those Kolm engines before and they’ve sounded different at full power. Thanks for another great video!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yes engine is very rich and needs tuning on the high end. They perform different on the ground than they do in the air.

[@Axr24have]

Oh yeah, that prop torque thing. I had a saito 91 on my top flite spit. First flight, did exactly what you did; half throttle, at about half way down the runway i goosed the throttle to get it up, it torqued left, i over compensated with rudder and elevator and cartwheeled the spit. I did learn to increase the throttle smoothly use minimal flaps and just hold it straight. It will take off…. Eventually. 😄

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yea they are tricky ones that's for sure! 😂

[@jeffjackson6358]

Now that you have built it and flown it. Would you do another with the 230 or the Kolm 155 twin? The 155 with a 2 blade prop might be faster.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Oh no question! The 230 for sure! Perfect combo!

[@jonkje]

There is always that one guy who thinks it's a good idea to test run an engine while someone is doing a maiden takeoff and preventing him to hear the engine perform..... especially with the high performance hand full model such as the Strega. Having that said, congrats on the maiden flight!!! Gorgeous machine

[@thelightersideofrc]

LOL. Thanks.

[@fluiditynz]

Flies very heavy, no wonder the stress flying it. Reminds me of CF flying wing I over-built.

[@thelightersideofrc]

😎

[@RubyS.1]

You looked so relieved when that thing landed. That engine has 3 carburetors that you have to tune?

[@thelightersideofrc]

So relieved!!!! Yes 3 separate carbs.

[@williamb.9110]

Good job Jon! That turbine sounds a bit rough. You better send it in for service ;-)

[@thelightersideofrc]

LOL. Thanks !

[@bretthorowitz6136]

More power on landing!!!!!!!!!!

[@thelightersideofrc]

👍

[@grumpy986]

Damn! You were pretty lucky on the go around there! 😮

[@thelightersideofrc]

You bet!

[@BillCranford]

Sketchy! I don't know a warbird that likes the ground lol. Awesome job, my heart rate went up just watching from my laptop!

[@thelightersideofrc]

You and me both!

[@heathfiedler]

with that sort of power in that plane i bet ya it has insane climbing power while going vertical. Nice plane for sure.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! Will get better with tuning!

[@heathfiedler]

Oh I don't doubt that at all. Something this size should be able to push 100mph at full power. Anyways have fun with it.

[@ginginthing]

Test flight well done. Pretty scary with that engine way off on the tune, and how it just dropped out of the sky on the approach, and very impressive how that left main gear took that hard hit. I thought u were a little too hot on the landing, but it appears it wasn't hot enough. This thing wants to fly fast or not at all. But since u got it on the ground unscathed , it was a good landing. I would have needed leg braces to attempt this.

[@thelightersideofrc]

HAHA. Thanks! Yea it wasn't very confidence inspiring with the engine off tune. The gear and structure is very stout and no damage at all.

[@michaelhenry4405]

That is a sexy sound man. Well done

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks very much! Wait till you see some of the follow up flight video's coming!

[@antichicmusic]

Amazing engine and plane. Is the engine running full potential, it sounds restricted? Maybe a different exhaust setup? I suppose its still breaking in and will develop much more power when finally tuned, and yes that really looks like a handful, can't wait to see it go full throttle. Awesome build!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Its got much more potential! Just needs tuning and break in.

[@hotscarywjm]

It was at full throttle, that is the problem.

[@davewilshere]

Just rich at top end. Always land full flap, it comes in super slow with power on…easy like a trainer!

[@rodgersrcaviation2785]

Awesome to see it airborne. Simple question why does it seem a bit underpowered. Was it engine tuning or does it need more prop pitch

[@thelightersideofrc]

Engine Needs much more tuning on the High end. Very rich right now.

[@paladin0654]

Trim with gear down? Well done sir. I'd say this was a success.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Yes. if your flying, knowing you will keep the gear down for the first flight than better to trim out the plane instead of flying it out of trim the whole flight. thank you for watching!

[@pontiacdriver999]

Be curious to see a flight vid after you d got that monster Kolm tuned and running full power.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Will continue to video the progress.

[@collingaudette7029]

Awesome!

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mattyt82]

Awesome video! Will we get to see a flight with the engine tuned and year up? I reckon it will have some serious airspeed! My favourite build series so far! Keep it up!

[@thelightersideofrc]

For sure! Will continue to film updated flights with the changes.

[@ricksoto8126]

nice airplane nice flight

[@thelightersideofrc]

Thanks!

[@ronailer3012]

Good job Jonathan, your little rule of making a change for the first 10 to15 flights is only going to cover the tune on this one especially with 3 carbs. Will this be a local owner or getting shipped away?

[@thelightersideofrc]

No kidding hey! It's staying local and will be living at the shop for now.