ECOMRC Stinson Reliant SR-9

Written by Tom Sullivan As featured on page 46 in the October 2012 issue of Model Aviation. Additional bonus build video be featured in the Model Aviation tablet app.

ECOMRC Stinson Reliant SR-9 Flight Video

ECOMRC Stinson Reliant SR-9 Build Video

SPECIFICATIONS

Model type: Sport Scale ARF

Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate/advanced pilot

Wingspan: 100 inches

Wing area: 1,497.6 square inches

Airfoil: Semisymmetrical

Length: 71 inches

Weight: 17.6 pounds

Engine requirements: 36cc to 55cc gas engine, 1.08 two-cycle or 1.20 four-cycle glow engine

Radio: Six-channel radio with 8 servos (133 ounce-inch minimum)

Retail price: $529.95

TEST-MODEL DETAILS

Engine: Pterodactyl PTE36R 36cc gas engine

Radio system: JR 9503 radio; Spektrum AR9100 receiver; five JR DS8711 servos; three JR Sport ST125MG servos; two Spektrum 2700 mAh NiMH batteries; one Spektrum 1500 NiMH battery; one JR soft-switch (receiver); one HD switch (ignition); eight 20-inch servo extensions; two six-inch extensions; two reversing Y harnesses

Ready-to-fly weight: 19.25 pounds

Flight duration: 12 to 15 minutes

Construction: laser-cut balsa and plywood

Finish: Iron-on covering

Pluses:

A faithful reproduction of Stinson’s Reliant.

N-number and color scheme matches a full-scale Stinson for Fun Scale competition.

Large airframe gives plenty of room for a wide range of radio equipment.

Plug-in wing and stabilizer halves make transportation easy.

Prepainted fiberglass cowl and wheel pants are included.

Wing flaps are standard.

Hinge locations are predrilled at the factory.

Functional port and starboard cabin doors aid in attaching the wings and for accessing the radio gear.

Minuses:

Although the servos cutouts are sized to take many brands of high-torque servos, if you use longer servos arms, some modifications of the aileron and flap mounts are necessary.

Control arms were too small to fit properly in the precut slots in the elevator and rudder.

Nice hardware is included, but many bolts and nuts were missing.

The hardware that forms the wheel axles weren’t the right size or length.

Thick aluminum landing gear and firm foam tires make it hard to land without bouncing.

Bonus Photos