Multiplex ParkMaster 3D Paint Job and Mini-Review

[simonwoo]

I like the term "go-to". To me, it's not just the ease of initial build (RTF) or German engineering precision but also in the continuous tense, it's a plane which you can just pick up, easy to put in your car, easy to move around without having to dismantle or worry about parts breaking easily, easy to repair on the field on the spot, etc.

The Hyperion Rare Bear is an example of a go-to plane for me.

Hey Adnan, I'm also ready to upgrade from my Flash to a more stable 3D plane. Do you think this could be it?

[buckman]

Ok then, here's the pics:

Cooool... I like the blue shading on the underside of the wings!

[nixaad]

Wah... cantik go to plane. Adnan, Sats morning around 8.30ish I'll be at 'belakang masjid' field. Maidening my bipe, come if u wanna join. ;)

[randomtask]

Okey dokey, got the maiden flight done and here are some of my thoughts.

The PM3D will be a nice 3D trainer plane. It floats very well (with my setup of max AUW at 520g). Though you've really gotta tune down the aileron throw if it's your first 3D plane. I was a bit surprised at how responsive the ailerons were even at slow speed. Well also it was at 45deg max deflection that did it too. It glides very well without power. But I reckon for the more advancd pilot it will be a nice robust airframe to practice anything new or show off low and slow. Also the stiffer airframe makes for great snaps. No visible twisting like alot of foamies out there.

But even before the flight the build of the plane was a breeze. The instructions were straightforward & clear enough and not cryptic & misleading. I took 3 times longer just spraying the plane. And I hate spraying. I can never do a really good job. Anyways, all the parts fit nicely together and small markings here and there helps with the cutting of the holes for hinges. Generally a very well thought of model. The downside though is the general decline in quality of the foam. This is quite evident in the new batches of MPX planes and rather well documented worldwide. I found that the vertical stab was not moulded nicely. Lots of gaps here and there in the foam. Still, I can generally live with these small defects. But please do go over a fine tooth comb and check the foam parts properly before you go home with an unsatisfactory model. Also this model badly need a tail wheel/something. I took off once and already quite a bit of the foam has been eaten up. It did help a bit with my CG though and I'll call that a silver lining. All in all I still have a positive experience with this model.

Ok, now some of you guys out there may be torn between the PM3D and the Flash. I'd have to say either model is a good investment. But here's my head to head first impressions assessment.

Cost:
Flash wins

Build:
The PM3D build was not as involved as the Flash. Clearer instructions and more pre-fab done makes it a fun build. The Flash gives you more "options" with more open-ended instructions.

Flight:
The PM3D have very responsive controls. And if you're caught off guard on the maiden it may just bite you in the a$$. For one, the ailerons are much more responsive than the Flash. I found that the PM3D is floatier than my old Flash, but that could also be down to the fact that i used just slightly smaller batts. Around 5g lighter than the Flash. KE flight on the PM3D was also easier and not as much coupling as compared to the Flash. I wont say much more for flight characteristics for now as I'd like to still get to know the plane better.

Okay, those are my thought for now. And remember folks loctite all EZ link connectors.

Cheers,
Adnan

[Cycross]

Congrats on the maiden

[madflurry]

When can i fly it?? haha... Got a question.. which one fly slower? Flash or the PM3D?

[randomtask]

When can i fly it?? haha... Got a question.. which one fly slower? Flash or the PM3D?

I'm still waiting for your Yak to come from BPP hehe. Anyways to answer your question: The Flash flies slower, but I think overall the PM3D flies better. Got a few more flights just now. Best.

Cheers,
Adnan

[Cycross]

I'm still waiting for your Yak to come from BPP hehe. Anyways to answer your question: The Flash flies slower, but I think overall the PM3D flies better. Got a few more flights just now. Best.

Cheers,
Adnan

The YAK from BPP... Wait until cow come home already still waiting...

[madflurry]

here is mine in the progress..

[randomtask]

Excellent my man. Love the way it looks like those big planes with the star design.

Cheers
Adnan

[Cycross]

Looks very remiscent of the AM... I miss that plane

[nixaad]

Hey mad, your star is inspired by randomtask's sig ijjit?

[madflurry]

Hey mad, your star is inspired by randomtask's sig ijjit?

oh yar ar... i just realised the star looks like his sig.. haha but nope.. it was inspired by a design i saw on another plane

[xxJimbozxx]

here is mine in the progress..

Nice planes bros! may I know wat types do you use to paint your planes? The last time I paint my foam planes, they either flakes off or melt the foam abit.

[P4cm4n2000]

Yo Jimmy! when was the last time you painted a plane man?