VMC SE5A build during July 2023

I've often wondered what would be the result of putting the electronics from one of these recent crop of Eachine-type models in something more traditional but the same kind of size. I built this first one for Hubster,as I've promised to make him a model to fly for a long time. This was an experimental build, as the flight characteristics are likely to be unpredictable due to the programming of the original model. Some early unrecorded test flights show some promise, but real testing must wait until the grass has grown back up. Small balsa biplanes don't survive the rough-and-tumble of those Eachine models.

[@migalito1955]

Beautiful build.....

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Sir! And thanks for the sub, too!!👍

[@migalito1955]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel I'd like to build the very same plane or similar this winter. I have not built a kit plane for a few decades and would really like to know a good source for the kits. I've looked on EBay, but can't say I trust a random purchase since some kits are superior to others. Any heads up would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.....

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

I can only really comment on direct experience of UK manufactured kits, I'm afraid. Back in the 1970s it was almost exclusively Keil Kraft kits, but they've been gone for a long time. All the kits I've converted since getting back into flying again have been by another UK manufacturer called The Vintage Model Company, and they're really good quality. I would take a punt on US made Guillows kits, though.@@migalito1955

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Don't know how I missed this upload guys, nice little model, I have the VMC Sopwith Triplane to build and convert when I find the time. The one thing I would say most definately (and I know you know because of your answer to Andrew .. Downwind Checklist) that there's a lot of weight that can be removed from these kits without compromising strength to any degree. Jon Porter (Microaces) now sells a more powerful motor that would help a lot for these small models, cheers 👍

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks for watching this, Cliff. Yes, there is much to be gained by adding lightness! My yellow Tiger Moth was the first balsa build I'd done since a millennia ago, so there is much I'd do differently again. In fact, I will do ☺👍

[@downwindchecklist6567]

I've had some (but limited) success with similar set ups. In the end they all seem underpowered, but I am using Guillows models. I even got to make a couple of twin engine planes with the set up but again with very limited success. Very nice craftmanship from your side, very inspiring, thank you for sharing!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Sir! I definitely concur with the 'underpowered' sentiment. My Tiger Moth and Chipmunk could probably shed half their AUW, to be honest.

[@FlankerTanker]

Enjoyed watching this Video Gina - always good to see a build ... Good Luck with the maiden - I will be keeping a lookout for it..

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Martyn! It may be a while until the flight video comes out, but something will emerge...

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Gina fantastic build, really looks amazing. Here’s to a great maiden by the Hubster. Jeff in LA USA

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you very much, Jeff! ☺

[@jo2lovid]

Can overlock T Shirts and cotton knits in no time flat. But balsa scares the bejeezuz out of me! Good luck with the maiden!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Haha!! Hi Jo! Give it a go... start with something basic and simple. Just another skill, like sewing 🪡

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

Classy build Gina! That'll be 1 in the eye for our young mate at "Downwind Checklist" from near Frankfurt if it flies perfectly. He puts a lot of work into his similarly equipped Guillows builds only to have them splatter! 🧐🙄😉

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

G'day, mate! Believe me, we'll settle for 'adequate' flight ability with this one! 😄

[@downwindchecklist6567]

Some do get to fly ... at least for a bit ;)

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Sounds familiar to me!@@downwindchecklist6567

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel Ditto!! Even with our little EPP foamies we consider it a good day if we can at least find all the pieces scattered in the scrub! 😜😁

[@MarkCroucherRC4fun]

Can't wait just finished my SE5A good luck with the maiden

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, Mark! This little build is nothing compared to the models you make!

[@MarkCroucherRC4fun]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel well thank you but the comparison is the joy they give

[@bobbarlow1]

I really enjoyed that video Gina i bet hubster will appreciate that fine model 😎

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, Bob! He's already quite protective of it, so I guess that's a yes!

[@texn7526]

Wonderful little bird! Well done on the build Gina🥰

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Tex! It was fun to build and has inspired me to start another that's on the board now... with yet another build in the pipeline after that. Gunna be a busy 🐝

[@JustwingitRC]

Absolutely brilliant video!! Great job on the viddy, and very nicely done stick and tissue model! Now THAT'S how it's done my friends. Cheers to you and looking forward to seeing the SE5 in the air 😎👍😁

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, John! It may be a little while before it flies, but when it does, it'll be on video.

[@JustwingitRC]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel Awesome Gina, looking forward to it!

[@zero318]

What a superb use of Trojan guts! Well done...Nice to see how well it all fits in there.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, zero318! It's tight, but does go in. Would've been an utter disaster if the board was too wide to fit the fuselage!

[@zero318]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel I also like the fact you kept the break away prop. Excellent idea. Please let us know how it flies and how the CG works out...

[@stofffpv3128]

really nice job looks great

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you very much, Stoff fpv! 😃

[@peterberesford-l3s]

looks lovely well worth it

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you very much! ☺

[@martindavey8742]

Tiny but well worth the effort, look forward to the flight :)

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, Martin!

[@DadsRCHangar]

Looks great Gina, lost hope we get the weather for a maiden.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, Chris! There's always hope...

[@A.M.-RC]

Great job! Hope I will build one of these ib the future, even if just as a static model, they look fantastic!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Alex! Well, yes... if this doesn't fly too well, it will be a static shelf model for sure.

[@IansRCExploits]

Nice little build Gina!! I've always wanted an SE5A but there's not many around now 😀👍

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Ian! It's strange how types of models come and go; a lot of popular planes are ignored these days. A foamy SE5A would be fab... just like a Hurricane, or a Mosquito, or a less-than 1.5m Fw190, or (etc. etc. insert your favourite and currently out-of-production aircraft model here). One day, some company will produce one of these models and the floodgate of orders will surprise them. I hope.

[@bobi2582]

Well done you. I didn't know you were a builder too! If the CG is good and forward, you should have no issues. I have a 12" Wingspan SE5a (60Gg AUW) on 3 channel ( Rudder , Ele and Throttle) and it flies well both indoors and out on a calm day.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Building rubber powered models back in the 1970s with my younger brother was where the hobby really bit me, Bob.

[@bobi2582]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel Same but with my Dad (1960's). Apparently my first rattle was made from Balsa! 😂

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Miss Gina I'm gonna comment as I watch and things come to mind. Interesting that tiny T-28 uses small traditional servos rather than lighter linear servos. I LOVE SE5A's! I have a old Great Planes SE5A. What a great idea to make a glider out of the T-28! Paint work on the pilot is great! Really all the paint work is great. What a beautiful finished model! Such a nice thing to do for your Alan! Looking forward to the flight!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Adam! It really will be a little while before this flies, as the 'safety catching mitt' that was the long grass has now been hay harvested... but I can hardly wait to get into trimming it and refining it, if it can be tamed!

[@scarlettsgarage1]

Old school pain if it crashes rather than just buying another foamy !

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

It's a high stakes game, for sure, chap. But even if it doesn't fly that well, it makes a lovely desk ornament 😄

[@capnhardway]

I can tell you from personal experience and another older gentleman in our club say, if you're gonna throw it away, give it to me lol😂my aeroscout, just watch all the videos, I said if I can find the pieces it will fly again, only list a servo. Old old school, love the music❤ that's quite a project, very interesting.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, Cap'n! 😄 I won't be throwing it away any time soon 😁😁@@capnhardway

[@airhammer6203]

Beautiful model Gina and nice work on it!! Great video. CG good?? I hope the maiden is successful. Been eyeballing your videos, sorry about the Moth. AirHammer out!!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Hi AirHammer! And thanks for the kind words 😃 So far, I've done some satisfactory glide tests, like you would've done with a rubber powered model back in the day, and a couple of wonky flights. The last one showed signs of promise, but I need to iron out some problems before I can hand it over as a job done. Moth is as Moth does. It may have flown its last sortie. Time will tell.

[@pauljohnson4833]

Looking forward to see it fly too. I'm well on with a VMC Spitfire conversion using the same innards. Just hope the motor has enough oomph for the higher wing loading.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Hi Paul! I think your Spitfire was a perhaps wiser choice than mine! Power shouldn't be a problem, given it's a geared motor. Those Eachine things go like the clappers, so a slightly heavier model should be OK. The first tentative flights with the SE5A gave no cause for concern regards the power... it's just how things play out with the gyro getting confused with different feedback that will be the limiting factor - for both of us 😄

[@pauljohnson4833]

​@@purcellrcaviationchannelrather than plain z's I'm using Du-Bro Micro E/Z links on the control surfaces so I can easily experiment with the throws. Just snip and clip to convert what you've got already.

[@PhilipCockram]

Awesome video Gina , I've never done a balsa wood build so this was interesting seeing the details . I hope Hubster enjoys it , I'm curious to see how the Echine innards perform . Best of luck with it . I kinda thought my first UMX Timber would make a great donar plane for a build like this or a brushless conversion on or TO a mini warbird , But it just won't die , and still flys good even with all the glue on . Bahahaha . Cheers .

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thanks, Philip! I used the innards from a UMX Cirrus in my yellow Tiger Moth, so it's all doable. I think I'll be able to tune the SE5A for Hubster, but he may have to up his flying chops to get the best from it. Your UMX Timber sounds exactly like Hubster's UMX Turbo Timber... rated, bashed and crashed, but still carries on flying regardless!

[@PhilipCockram]

@@purcellrcaviationchannel Thanks , That's good to know . I priced out buying the parts and its almost what a complete new plane would cost anyways , so donor plane is the way to go for sure . It looks fantastic , so realistic , Excellent job . It looks to me this SE5A has a lot more control surface area and movement than the Echines . Which is a pro and con . So Yes , he'll need to be on his toes . LOL

[@arkboy3]

I have this same little bird, it flies extremely well in the different modes. but when landing it is just too heavy to land on its wheels and needs to pancake on grass, which for me is a half mile away at the park. Landing on pavement will eventually break even the snap on/off props. The heavy brushed motor is the problem imo. Putting the electronics in a bigger model like the size you have chosen seems a good solution.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Hello! Both this SE5A and the F1 Camel are yet to fly as I'm waiting for the grass to grow in our field to enable a soft landing.

[@jasonbell5905]

That music. Why???

[@andrewfairweather1340]

Great vid Gina, and lovely build. Have watched a couple of times now. Defo made the right decision going for a laser cut VMC kit. I chose an old printed West Wings Hurricane kit for my 1st electric conversion and it's still a work in progress 2 years on. How did you build your ailerons? Thought they were flat sheet at first but then they seem to follow the wing profile!? 🤔

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Thank you, Andrew! The ailerons are made from pre-shaped 20mm wide balsa trailing edge strip. Luckily, it matches the aerofoil of the VMC kit perfectly. Keep at it with your WW Hurricane, chap. Just keep doing a little bit here-and-there as the mood takes you, and it'll be done. Good luck with it.

[@garythegman9680]

Didnt see it fly,wtf?

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

This is the build video, Gary. Flight video will follow when flying conditions allow for such a small model.