I got this RC airplane for only $20! - Multiplex Funman 3CH Trainer (A "Budget RC" Episode)

I got this never-flown Multiplex Funman 3-channel trainer-style RC airplane in receiver-ready (Rx-R) condition at an RC swapmeet (New Hampshire Flying Tigers RC Flea Market) for only $20. This is a high-quality kit Mutiplex that had been discontinued:
hitecrcd.com/products/airplan...
The bonus was that seller had skillfully built it. I just had to replace its battery connector to an XT-60, install a Spektrum AR600 6-channel DSM2 receiver (which I had gotten used for about $5 previously), add a 1300mAh battery that I already had, and then bind it to my RadioMaster TX16S OpenTX transmitter to get the airplane ready for its maiden flight.
Initially, it refused to take off due to low elevator throws and incorrect elevator trim. I easily fixed this issue by increasing the elevator throws (by moving the control linkage to an inner hole on the elevator control horn) and then physically centering the elevator. The second attempt was successful and the Funman flew beautifully and was extremely stable in the air. What an amazing budget RC deal and an excellent airplane for beginner pilots!
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Stay safe and healthy! Cheers!

[@jamesceastep8874]

Looks to me like this plane is underpowered with its current bat & prop. Have you checked the condition of the battery?
I think a Velcro strip in the battery bay would help preventing shifting around during flight. Check power (amp) draw during flight. If it is well below your ESC capacity, you could try a bigger prop for more pulling power. I'm anxious to see how you do with this one.
Given it's need for more weight in the battery bay, if the wing loading is good, it could probably fly forever with a bigger battery.
With planes like this, I usually mount a water bottle cap in the tail with a nylon bolt, preventing tarmack rash on the tail. Or just hand launch. - Jim

[@PropsWheels]

Hi James. You may be right, but as a 3CH trainer it was adequate. And I was flying it at 40%-50% throttle most of the time. During later flights, I did some steep climbs, and it can almost go up vertical, so it has close to 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. If I decided converting it to 4CH, I would probably upgrade the power system a bit.
After my 7-8 minute flight, the battery was only down to 67%, so with some good throttle management it should easily fly 15-20 minutes with this 1300mAh LiPo battery.
Bottle cap is a great idea, thank you. I just put a piece of duct tape, and it is holding for now.
Cheers!

[@speeda24]

I have a tiny fpv cam that would be a great showcase of how to make a cheap fpv plane... This airplane looks like a perfect platform for that showcase. What do you say? Want to make a part 2 with that beautiful plane?

[@PropsWheels]

Hi Shachar. I say, absolutely! Let's make a plan! 👍

[@jaimemacias826]

Good video, i wan buy a Minimag second hand, Is the some plane with brushless motor, esc and lipo battery? THANKS.