PT-17 Stearman EP 50" ARF V1.1

The PT-17 is a biplane that was used as a military trainer by the US Army Air Corps during the 1930s and it served throughout WWII. The PT-17 is also widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman, Boeing Model 75, or the Kaydet. At least 9,783 were built and thousands of surplus PT-17s were sold on the civil market after the conflict.

This almost ready to fly radio control version of the PT-17 is based on the aircraft that is owned by John Mohr, who very kindly sent us many detailed pictures of his personal aircraft. We also acknowledge and thank Jay Smith, editor or Model Aviation, for his help and advice on this project.
 
V1.1 improvements to Maxford USA’s ARF PT-17 Stearman: Landing gear fairings are a new 2-piece ‘split’ design; these fairings can now be replaced separately from the aluminum main landing gear strut; Wing wires have been upgraded to steel cables; windshields are now thicker and have a darker-color for the simulated frames; tail wheel strut is now simpler to install; wing tips have been strengthened; and wood has been added to the cockpit hatches to simplify installing optional pilot figures. NOTE: The vertical stabilizer’s alignment to the aft turtledeck (the top of the convex surface of the fuselage behind the rear cockpit) was improved earlier, as a running-change to V1.
 
*We designed this sport-scale model of the Stearman PT-17 to provide scale-like looks in the air, and we have recently enjoyed reading about some of the outstanding efforts invested by some of our customers to personalize their Maxford USA PT-17 ARF model. We selected power system components for the PT-17 suitable for slow, scale-like flight, built its airframe with low wing loading, and optimized its flying surfaces for slow, scale-looking airspeeds. To those customers who may be resistant to adopting such a slow, scale-like flying style: We do not recommend trying to redesign the Maxford USA PT-17 for faster flying, installing a larger power system, and/or changing the recommended CG. Nonetheless, if you are an experienced pilot and if you prefer to experiment rather than to slow your airspeed: Since the cabanes and struts have multiple holes, you could experiment by using only the upper holes to attach the fronts of the cabanes and struts to the top wing, which would raise the leading edge of the top wing. (We do not recommend beginner to intermediate level pilots to try this.)
 
Spec:
Wingspan: 50"
Overall length: 37"
ARF weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
Prop: 11x6, 11x7
Motor Required: 400W brushless motor or .30~.40 size 2C glow engine
Battery Required: 3~4S 2100 mAh Li-Po
Radio Required: 4ch 4 mini servos
 
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The fuselage, wings and empennage are factory-built from laser-cut balsa and light plywood.
The ‘oversized’ magnetic hatch is big enough for easy access to all fuselage-mounted components.
A dummy radial engine and a pair of scale windshields are included.
Plastic leggings cover the aluminum main landing gear for true-to-scale looks; wheels have treaded tires.
The included steerable tail wheel also has a true-to-scale appearance.
 
Customer Feedback
Gentlemen....Thought I would send you several pictures of your PT-17. It is one outstanding ARF KIT IN ALL Aspects. Very well received by the members of my flying club. The flying wright is just under four pounds. I am using a Suppo 2820/6 450 watt motor and a 4s Lipo 33oo mah battery with a 12/5 wooden prop. I get about 3.6 pounds of thrust with this set up, which is pretty close to a 1 : 1 ratio on thrust to weight. Only made to adjustments to the plane..one, since I fly off of grass I reinforced the area on the rudder where the 90 degree bend for tail wheel wire is and on points 1 & 8 on the flying wires I installed hard points inside the fuselage. As with all radials the CG can be a problem..I have everything as forward as possible, including the motor, plus I have a Higley Heavy prop nut; so I do get my slightly negative down ..Our flying season in Wisconsin is about over so it may be awhile before we take to the air. Will keep in touch. Chuck PS All pictures are of the same plane, some flash some not..
 
Charles Hocking
Oconomowoc, WI
 
Instruction Manual
V1.1 Manual click here to download
V1.0 Manual click here to download
 
Full Product Review
By Fly RC Magazine click here
 
Flying Video click here
 
Other items you might need
Dashboard x2
1/8 WWI Pilot Figure (you need 2)
Hitec HS55 Servo (you need 4)
Servo extionl cables (you need 12"x2, Y Harness x1)
Servo Tester
Servo Safty Clips
 
Replacement parts click here