E-Flite Nieuport 17 250 ARF RC Airplane

Reader Reviews
This is a very attractive kit, prefinished and not overly difficult to build, except for the wing reinforcement (i.e., string). It looks great. A few notes of caution, however.While it is sold as indoor/outdoor, and supposedly has outsided wheels to handle grass, pay attention to the part of the advertising which indicates this is an INDOOR airplane. Watch the video on E-Flite's website before you buy. See the big, vacant, indoor gymnasium they are flying in? Unless you own or have access to a similar venue, think twice about buying this. It does not fly well outdoors, even in little or no wind.The large wheels are supposedly outsized to handle grass. They may handle a putting green, but not your average park grass. Also, it has a drag wire instead of a tail wheel, which makes a very effective drag anchor, and inhibits both take offs and landings. The recommended 250 outrunner motor is underpowered for this plane - fine for indoors where there is no drag on take off from a polished wood floor, but not in a normal park environment. In a mild wind, it labors and draws current at a rate which drains the battery in three minutes. Also, this airplane does NOT hand launch very well. Motor, servos and battery (for the most part, all of the weight) are in the nose.In order to serve both function and appearance, the Li-Po 2 cell battery is attached underneath the motor, inside the cowling. In order to charge/store the battery it needs to be removed on a regular basis (as with ALL Li-Po cells). To do this, you need to (1) remove the propellor; (2) remove (and not lose) the 3 tiny screws attaching the cowling to the fuselage; and (3) remove the battery from its cross mounting directly under the engine mount. Before you fly, you have to repeat the process in reverse, which involves handling a fragile biplane while attempting to line up and attach the cowling and its three tiny screws, and the rubber band propellor attachment system. The set up managed to be both balanced and good looking, but it is NOT convenient.Also, while attractive, the structure is extremely weak. The foam is not reinforced with plastic coating (presumably to save weight), and the elevator and rudder in particular are extremely fragile, and will break with even moderate handling. Anything but a perfect landing and you will be getting out the foam glue. This model is not much more durable than the balsa and tissue models it appears intended to replace.The prop is an anachronism. It just doesn't look right with the rest of the plane. It appears too modern and undersized. The rubber band fitting system is difficult to attach and you need to keep a good supply of replacements bands.Finally, one note to those who decide to build this. Do NOT attach the attractive, faux rotary motor facing until you test the motor after installation at full power. The instructions suggest attaching the motor shaft with clear automotive sealant. That's a mistake (you need a gel super glue). Although not an impressive power unit, the outrunner 250 will rocket out of the cowling once you hit full power and ruin that rotary motor facing.As a flying model, this is best confined to a large indoor venue. If you do not have access to such a venue, it is basically a display model If you want a display model, it lacks certain authenticity, and is pricey. You would be better off building a Guillow's balsa model.