Giant Piper J-3 Cub with 4 Stroke Nitro Engine, the build, review, and flight by NightFlyyer!

7-1/2 Foot Wingspan, 12 Lbs, and Yellow is this Elite Models kit from Value hobby. I used the Vintage Saito FA-120 4 stroke engine for this Build, Review, and Flight. It's mellow Yellow and thumbs up from me! Here is the link to value hobby! www.valuehobby....
Thanks so kindly for watching. Please subscribe for more exciting flights of all different kinds of machines.
Dave Herbert
AMA L-8221

[@BeardRobert55]

Dave, i just want to say that you are the person that inspired my love of model aviation. You were one of my first subscriptions back when i was 9 years old. I still remember your firebird phantom videos like i watched them yesterday. I'm 18 now, and you are my longest running youtube subscription. I just want to thank you for continuing to post great content, even after losing everything.

[@NightFlyyer]

That is very kind of you to say. I appreciate your comments very much. Thank you.

[@richtdronz6507]

WOW!!! What a beauty!!! Man I am just speechless.. 10-12 hrs for 2 weeks, holy cow!! You sir are an Artist!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks Rich. Much of the time was trying to figure out some of the intricate things, like radio installation and engine, plus hinging takes time. Thanks kindly for your great comments!

[@bernardw4842]

You can tell you paid attention to detail, and got the rewards for it

[@NightFlyyer]

Giant Piper (7.5 FT) J-3 Cub with 4 Stroke Saito 120 Nitro Engine, the build, review, and flight. Thanks for watching this Mellow yellow old time airplane with Vintage engine. Happy flying. ~Dave

[@gravitygust]

Dave, I cannot find a way to message you I'll ask here! I got the same Elite Cub as yours. I bought it and a DLE 30cc, both NIB for $75.00 each! My concern is that the DLE 30 might be too big. Should I go ahead and use it, or go electric? Obviously the electric route will be costly! Thanks, Jim.

[@bernardw4842]

As you say it's clearly a great model and you did a very nice job of it. I like your choice of the old Saito 120, what a nice engine to use. You electric guys don't know what you're missing out on, if you like nice machines a miniature 4-stroke is a pleasure. I don't have reliability issues at all, if it every doesn't run right I must be doing something wrong. Anyway that one's a long time since it finished running in obviously so it sounds great and flies like a champ, beautiful stuff. Cubs are great to fly and the easy torque from any RPM of a good 4-stroke suits them nicely. There's a trend to installing hugely over-rated power plants in just about anything these days but the Cub is one model where it's best to keep it closer to stock, they were never meant to be pattern or 3d planes and fly just fine thanks at low wing loadings with recommended power. Great to see such a fine example, and such a good implementation of it. Thanks for the video

[@johncooper4698]

Just purchased this kit. Thanks for the tips Dave!

[@NightFlyyer]

You will love it. This is a newer video of it flying, I think you will enjoy.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXXZpWWHasR0kKs Are you the same John Cooper that flew out in S CA, with me?

[@johncooper4698]

@@NightFlyyer Sorry to say that was not me. I would love the chance to collaborate with you and fly together...lol. You are truly an inspiration to all and I have learned a ton from you. I first found your videos here while learning to fly helis back in 2007. You are a HUGE part of my success as a RC helicopter pilot. Thank you sir!

[@johncooper4698]

@@NightFlyyer Im also using a vintage engine on this plane: Italian made Tiger Power .90 size 2-stroke.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@johncooper4698 Those are very kind words and I am happy to read them. Thanks so kindly!

[@exptodd]

Amazing work, you are a true master of your craft.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you sir. I appreciate you.

[@DKoppJr]

I thought you disabled comments for a second Dave. Great video ...the Piper J3 cub is special to me because My Dad was a private pilot for several years and his buddy Larry Grim took us up in one on my first ever plane ride..... What a great memory for me. Thanks Dave.

[@NightFlyyer]

Freedom of Speech! LOL. I am happy to have spurred your memories and thank you very much for your comments.

[@jq5890]

WOW! GREAT build and good idea to add the nose wheel. A pleasure to watch & learn from. Many thanks Dave :)

[@NightFlyyer]

I appreciate that a lot, Jason! Thank you.

[@guyguybohurst3304]

I love Cubs😎

[@tntrcnutz1]

Finally a vid on the exact plane I had my eye on for a long time . I have bought a lot from value hobby . Now that I am convinced to get this plane now unlike you we will be doing a super mod to a naval l-4 version. We estimate with the scale interior and recover to fabric plus all of the other scale details is about 150 - 200 hours of work .Thanks for this vid and I am glad to see that you are getting back on your feet and wings after the fire .

[@budparriott8054]

The videography is the best you've done and the build fantastic, and the wheel under the engine is a great idea. On a scale of 1 to 10, you get a 12 in my estimation. SemperFi Bud

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks for the kind remarks Bud. I appreciate that a lot. Semper Fi to you as well!

[@BlažPetrinčič]

Oh Dave this is perfect!!!And the sound of fourstroke cannot be beat!!oh yeah!!!!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very much. I agree, that sound is great! Happy flying!

[@easystar123]

Really nice Piper Cub and expertly flown. I really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly. I appreciate that.

[@aserta]

She flies nicely. Great job.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks you very much!

[@keithlucas6260]

Great build and maiden flight as always. I bought and built the new HH Carbon Z Cub, but went 60 size electric and used the same servos.

[@sportpilotjones]

Glad to see you're still at it Dave, the hyperfly got me into rc back in the day.

[@TheMrskydog]

Nice build and awesomely awesome flying! Where is that flying field at? Looks like a very nice place to fly.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. The field is the Sheldon Airport in Iowa. Its nice for sure, but real planes have priority, so if one is coming in, I need to land asap.

[@TheMrskydog]

@@NightFlyyer ahh I see. Cool like a jewel.

[@markmyburgh8944]

a pleasure to watch, thanx for posting this

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very much, Mark!

[@nicolaesposito2557]

Well done! I'm impressed the best video of RC model that I ever seen. Excellent ability of building and drive the airplane!! I wish one day I can do something like this

[@NightFlyyer]

That is very kind of you to say. Thanks kindly and don't give up, as you WILL be able to do things like this!

[@aidanwings]

I have the same one, and the optional floats. Love it!

[@NightFlyyer]

Good! Thanks very much.

[@tbiowa9977]

Beautiful job Dave!!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very much!

[@3DMOFO2020]

Wonderful flight Dave the cubs are always a awesome plane to watch in the air!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly. I appreciate that!

[@dexterdean]

Wow Dave I felt your excitement all the way down here in Oz mate. gr8 video have a hanger 9 cub that just arrived and after watching your video just makes me want to get out of bed and make a start on it. keep up all the good work mate.

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. I am sure it will fly just as well. Get up! LOL. Thanks kindly for your comments!

[@BOKI797]

NightFlyer Dave that sure was a Nice Build Review & Fly Video ! Thanks for the Great Video !

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very much. I appreciate that!!

[@aeromodelisme45]

C'est un beau kit, et le vol est cool !

[@NightFlyyer]

I love it too. Thanks.

[@biglon62]

Great build! Sharp plane thanks for sharing Mr Herbert !

[@iraqi1447]

What is the wing length, propeller size, and engine size?

[@NightFlyyer]

Here's the link to a newer video that may answer all your questions. Mine has 7 1/2 foot wingspan, using a Saito 120 on 15x6 prop. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZLRc5tpf92spqM The link to the product page has all the specs you may also like to look at. Thanks. valuehobby.com/giant-j3-90-arf.html

[@steliannistor1878]

I think I want this one and the four star-40 or the 120,great build sir

[@rondidden5791]

What a great video Thank You for sharing with us,

[@kydawg1684]

Congrats Mr Dave, she is a beauty.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly!

[@DutchRC]

Awesome plane you have there Dave! :D Excellent job building it as well.. I had expected nothing less offcourse :) Congrats on how well it flies! :D

[@NightFlyyer]

Your very kind. Thanks you very much!

[@Silicondoc]

A+ for not wimping out on the flight/video.

[@TheUAVpilot]

Nothing fllys like a Cub!

[@NightFlyyer]

So true. Very nice, with no unusual tendencies. Thanks.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

Loved you video , but fly a little slower , that would be scale! However I confess I too like to burn holes in the sky . John Boy Utah.👍🏻😎🚀

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks.

[@birdwing98]

Wow, just amazing; both your flying and building skills. Thanks so much for the time you take to video, edit, and share the entire experience. If I supply the parts, what would you charge to build me one just like it but finished in dusty grey color? (Priceless, I'm sure!) What a great runway you have.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks for the great, kind words. I appreciate the offer, but I am not getting into building anything too much like that anymore. Go for it yourself and have fun. Thanks again.

[@iman80skid91]

Beauty..... From England

[@NightFlyyer]

Hello England. Thanks.

[@seakingtube]

2:25 Only you can invent such a cool one of the kind engine protection wheeled brace installation 😎.... 4:25 and who is this cute little red guy in the cockpit 😂

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks for the comments. Well, necessity is the mother of invention, especially once you tear up your rocker covers and rockers in a Nose Drag! The pilot is Mr. Potato Head in helmet. Thanks kindly for the great comments!

[@Cowboysway1969]

Gotta love a Cub...

[@NightFlyyer]

I sure do for sure. Thanks much!

[@NightFlyyer]

I sure do. Thanks Kindly!

[@epoweredrc]

Dave, another wonderful video, that is a beautiful plane and one of my favorites, One day ild like to own maybe a gasoline Cub like that. Cubs just fly good and was the first plane I ever flew. Your videos are always so nice to watch, your very dedicated to it with all the pictures and video from driffrent cameras and then editing and putting these videos together Wish I had that kinda patience with my videos. Thank you for your hard work. see you on the next video.. Chris

[@NightFlyyer]

Hi Chris. I really appreciate your comments and long time subscription. Thank you very much!

[@bernardw4842]

May I suggest if you get a gasoline engine consider a 4-stroke, you will enjoy the wide power-band (don't have to be on peak RPM to get good torque to accelerate) and they run so nice. I run only Saito 4-stroke glow, sure the fuel costs more but you don't need much each flight and the specific power is a lot higher than petrol (gas). In a Cub you never need much power anyway so you get long flights from a small tank so fuel cost isn't really an issue. The key in in the tuning anyway, get the low-speed needle set right and they start no problem and have great economy. Plus that's where you spend 80+ percent of each flight anyway, it's not about peak power - not in a Cub!

[@millerrc5829]

Man those saito 120 4 strokes run good don't they after priming, my engine usually starts after one flip of the prop and keeps on running until I tell it to stop.

[@drjohn3960]

nice acrobatic skill 👍

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks much, Dr. John!

[@lftspitfire6138]

thats why i only buy rtf's or bnf's and amazing job Dave as always

[@NightFlyyer]

Sometimes the building experience is good therapy, but I can relate. Thanks.

[@AKATEATime]

Really nice plane Dave! 👍

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks a lot Tim. I appreciate that!

[@givemetoast]

We’ll done Dave!!!!

[@sima760616]

Dave, great video & Airplane, I went to Value Hobby web store, sadly they don't have options for International shipping.

[@NightFlyyer]

Wow, that sucks. Try ebay, as the plane is there too. Thanks.

[@josefigueroa-bz5sl]

hello great job, I have the same kit but I'm stuck in riding the engine could you give me a recommendation

[@NightFlyyer]

Great. Thanks. Not sure what you mean by RIDING the engine? I recommend the same engine, the FA 120 4 stroke. A lot of carving is required on the cowl, and inverted (with a nose wheel) is what I did. See my other videos on this too.

[@josefigueroa-bz5sl]

NightFlyyer what size propeller?

[@landonxc]

Would an OS FS 200s be overkill in a piper cup this size such as the great planes version? It is the same size and weight as the OS fs 120.. I’m planning on running this engine in a p-51 but I would like to throw it in a top wing for some airtime beforehand.

[@NightFlyyer]

I think it would work. As long as you can get it to fit okay under the cowl, it will probably fly nice. You can always throttle back. Thanks and good luck with it Cory.

[@landonxc]

@@NightFlyyer thank you for the reply!

[@jclinton5]

Nice sounding engine

[@Zeisslermusic]

What a lovely plane.. :-)

[@presleycosta4127]

How's this plane for a beginner?

[@rcfanaticdublin]

tyet another master piece from the Master builder, I myself am more of amulti rotor fan...also i discovered that I am also more into electric motor's as it's less messy and the smell of the fuel and exaust does not agree very well with me.

[@NightFlyyer]

Ah, that is too bad. I learned to fly before there were electrics, so of course Nitro is my main love these days, as I have had plenty of both to compare. This 4 stroke actually runs very clean, especially with the muffler out the bottom. I love the smell of Nitro in the morning! Thanks kindly for the great comments!

[@rcfanaticdublin]

i have to admit that i have only dabbled with fixed wing...and i admit to be a rtf cheat. my main reason for flying multi rotors is down to my love of Photography. my most recent machine is the Blade QX3 ap...my only probem with that machine is i cannot seem to get it to fly in non gps mode.

[@locouk]

I've got a tube of Goop after you recommend it a couple of years ago, it's not legal for sale here because it contains a UK banned chemical. I do however find the stuff Amazing.

[@NightFlyyer]

It is amazing for sure. Thanks!

[@ctrcflyin2011]

I just had this plane given to me. The guy started to get it ready for flight, but lost interest a few years ago. It has a few things missing but for the most part its all there. This video makes me want to get this going. I am missing the motor box for electric, one of the small rear carbon rods for the wing, and since this a discontinued plane I don't where I will come up with some of the parts I will need.......I will have to figure it out.

[@NightFlyyer]

I will be flying mine again soon. It should not be too hard to make a mount to make yours electric. Better put in a 22.2 volt lipo though. Good luck with it. Thanks for commenting.

[@jennajones2155]

I built this same plane. But I couldn't master taking off a grass runway. Seemed like it wanted to go every way but straight during take off. Mine was powered by a 20cc gas. The top plate that the elevator glues to came unglued from the fuse on mine. The whole tail section came off. The quality of the covering is not, that great on the fuse. Once in the air it does fly nice.

[@perlit22]

very cool...

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly Robert!

[@stevemaines4038]

Servo grommets are incorrectly installed, minute 3:45.

[@NightFlyyer]

That's a matter of opinion. I like the rubber side down and when tight, they don't move much either way you put in the brass anyway. Vibration is no problem with today's SMT components, like it was 50 years ago when I started mounting servos in planes and working for Kraft RC systems.

[@stevemaines4038]

@@NightFlyyer If you read the instructions that come with your radio (or anywhere online) you will see that the brass bits push up from below. The result is that when the servo screw is tightened, the servo floats in the rubber bushing protecting it from vibration. Doing it your way allows you to tighten things to the point where the brass bit digs into the servo rails and negates the rubber vibration dampening. Not my opinion, jus how the manufacturer expects you to use their product.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@stevemaines4038 LOL. I used to work for Kraft rc, the inventor of Digital proportional radios. Either way they tighten down and never in 55 years of flying did I ever have a servo failure. Most times, I do not use the brass insert anyway so that, in my opinion, is the best way. And in many pre fab planes, and helis there is no rubber grommets and many servos are just glued in. I appreciate your concern. Happy flying.

[@stevemaines4038]

@@NightFlyyer Your credentials aside, you are still installing the brass eyelets incorrectly. www.modelairplanenews.com/5-servo-setup-tips/ In order to take advantage of the rubber cushioning, the brass eyelets need to be inserted from below. I've been a modeller for over 45 years, worked in three local hobby shops, and all the manuals clearly show (with pictures) how to properly install a servo. Do as you wish of course.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@stevemaines4038 Maybe so, but I also use servo tape a lot. Thanks for your concern.

[@monkfry]

Mom once said, "Make sure you use a prop stick on the big ones. You'll notice your father still has all of his fingers".

[@harveynewman4333]

I have the same plane and the 1/6 scale version also. there great planes.

[@Stringman1950]

Exquisite.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks. That is a nice compliment!

[@GadgetMart]

Doh! Dave throw those y harnesses in the junk! You have an 8 channel radio system, guess old habits die hard?

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. Well I thought about it, but didnt have 2 more extensions, so used what I had on hand. Thanks for the suggestion and yes old habits that work, die hard! LOL.

[@GadgetMart]

NightFlyyer nicer using a separate channel. You can fine tune travel and sub trim etc, program in mixes etc. Nice model though Dave & Saito engines are lovely. I know the amount of work that goes into a large ARTF! Happy Flying

[@brucefoster8000]

How do you get a real runway?

[@ArcticRc]

Thumbs up. :)

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you!

[@gravitygust]

Dave, I cannot find a way to message you so I'll ask here! I got the same Elite Cub as yours. I bought it and a DLE 30cc, both NIB for $75.00 each! My concern is that the DLE 30 might be too big. Should I go ahead and use it or go electric? Obviously the electric route will be costly! Thanks, Jim.

[@NightFlyyer]

Electric is expensive with batteries that last barely 5 minutes per flight. I would stick with the DLE or get a Saito 120 instead. If you know how to run these engines, I am sure you will like the sound much better than electric for this plane. Good luck and happy flying, Jim.

[@gravitygust]

@@NightFlyyer Thanks for this info sir! I think I will stick with the DLE 30!

[@NightFlyyer]

@@gravitygust Good!

[@mazpr2025]

Would have liked gas engine, not nitro... but besides that, beautiful airplane and great pilot.

[@NightFlyyer]

Well, this engine was all I had or my gas Quadra, but like the sound of 4 strokes versus that Quadra, so that is what I used. Thanks kindly!

[@mazpr2025]

Definitely, the sound of four stroke is awesome, good choice! :-)

[@JoseHernandez-bm2vp]

N my opinion this j3 no need a nose wheel its Ugly.el modelo que lleva nose wheel es un Tri Pacer I love rc planes. Saludos ✌

[@zubuxstein]

I Am sure you have heard it before, landing gear not J3 type, too basic for such a big plane. Possibly one can be built from scratch.

[@MadWillyLove]

do not crash that 1 ....LOL

[@NightFlyyer]

It is never my intention to crash anything but, sometimes Murphy gets involved, so I agree with you and will heed your remarks. Thanks very kindly!

[@tedmoss]

Value Hobby does not have this airplane.

[@NightFlyyer]

This video is 4 years old and that doesn't surprise me, as Value hobby buys and sells models as the come and go. This one has gone from their inventory. Even the smaller one is now gone.

[@gsibertjr]

Hate to say this, but this ain't no "build". Its an ARF, so it's an assembly video. Those that can build, build. Those that can not build assemble art's.

[@NightFlyyer]

Well, either way, it took 2 weeks to "assemble: and I showed how to do it in this video for others to see. I have built balsa planes from kits and plans all my 60 years of modeling including many many Aeromaster Biplanes I flew in the Multiwing Nationals in the 70's. I'm not PC, so I guess that one word offended you, since you said nothing positive about this video.

[@AphexTwinII]

100 hrs to assemble an arf? That's an outright crime.

[@NightFlyyer]

You have not idea how much work it took to finish this. Doing it right, means doing it slow. That is about 3 weeks at 12 hours a day. This is no foamie.

[@AphexTwinII]

@@NightFlyyer depends on the brand, you get what you pay for. All my arfs were minimal assembly time and all balsa. That amount of time is unfortunate. Great looking plane though.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@AphexTwinII Yes, well I have built hundreds of model airplanes in the last 60 years using balsa and most of them took plenty of time (months) due to glue having to dry, so your preaching to the choir. This is a high quality kit, but many hours were devoted to figuring how to get the engine, tank, servos, hinges, and glow driver to fit, as the directions left a lot to be desired, not a foamie that slaps together like we buy today. But, quality takes time and this bird has flown flawlessly and reliably each year since I built it 3 years ago. Spending the winter building is also part of the fun for me. I just finished building a rare 1/3rd scale Byron Pitts that was new in 1979, and was one of the first arfs but it still took almost 30 hours just to cover it, and most who know me know I can build fast. Maybe you saw that video. Thanks for the Kudos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHfSYnejhcemZpY

[@benjihinsoniii]

Correction! This is not a "build". This is assembling chinese junk!