The allure of a meticulously detailed, ready-to-fly (ARF) RC airplane, especially one bearing the prestigious Breitling name, is undeniable. Many RC enthusiasts, myself included, are drawn to the Kyosho Cap 232 40 Breitling ARF. However, a significant concern, frequently discussed across various online forums like RCU Forums, centers around the material choice for the cowl: ABS plastic. This article delves into this concern, explores the broader appeal of the Kyosho Cap 232 40 Breitling, and examines whether it's a suitable choice, particularly for a pilot building their second RC airplane.
The Cowl Concern: ABS Plastic on a 40-Size Plane
The Kyosho Cap 232 40 Breitling ARF's description highlighting an ABS plastic cowl immediately raises questions for experienced RC pilots. ABS, while durable in many applications, is not typically considered ideal for the high-stress environment of a 40-size airplane cowl. The cowl is the foremost point of impact during landings, taxiing, and potential ground mishaps. The forces involved, especially during less-than-perfect landings (which are common, even for experienced pilots), can easily lead to cracking, chipping, or even complete failure of a less robust cowl material. This is a significant concern reflected in numerous threads on RCU Forums under titles like "Kyosho Cap 232 40 Breitling cowl concern".
The inherent flexibility of ABS, while beneficial in some contexts, can be a detriment in this application. The vibrations generated by a 40-size engine, especially during high-throttle maneuvers, can cause the ABS cowl to flex and fatigue over time, leading to premature wear and tear. This is compounded by the potential for UV degradation, which can further weaken the plastic and make it more prone to damage. Many forum members express their skepticism, arguing that a fiberglass or carbon fiber cowl would be a far more suitable and durable choice for a plane of this size and intended performance.
The question then becomes: is the cost savings associated with using ABS plastic worth the potential for frequent cowl replacements and the associated downtime? Replacing a damaged cowl can be both inconvenient and expensive, particularly if sourcing a replacement proves challenging. This potential for ongoing maintenance should be factored into the overall cost of ownership before committing to the purchase.
Kyosho Radio Control Model Kit Airplane 232: A Legacy of Quality (or Is It?)
The Kyosho name has a long-standing reputation in the RC world, particularly in the car and boat segments. Their models are often associated with quality and precision engineering. However, the experiences with the Cap 232 40 Breitling cowl suggest a potential compromise in material selection for this specific model. This raises questions about the overall quality control and design choices made for this particular ARF. While the airframe itself might be robust, the potential weakness of the cowl undermines the overall impression of durability. This is a crucial point to consider, especially for pilots who prioritize reliability and minimize maintenance.
The online discussions surrounding "Kyosho Cap 232 40 Breitling too much for 2nd plane??" highlight this very point. Many seasoned pilots advise against choosing such a complex and potentially fragile model as a second aircraft. The learning curve associated with flying a 40-size plane is already steep, and the added worry of a potentially unreliable cowl could be overwhelming for a pilot still gaining experience. The focus should be on mastering the fundamentals of flight before venturing into models with intricate details and potentially problematic components.
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