Question: Should I expect to add weight to the VMAR Phantom in order to have the CG in the correct location? If I must add weight, where will it normally go and how much do you think I will need?

Answer: This will depend on the weight of your engine, servos, receiver and in particular the weight and location of your airborne battery pack.  

Additional Information: The VMAR Phantom accomodates two stroke engines in the .60-.91 size range. As of 2005, engines in this class are often built from the same casing and although the crankshaft may be a bit heavier in a .91 the case is a bit lighter. Hence, in many brands there is not much of a weight difference between a .60 and a .91 two stroke engine. Many popular engines in this class weigh, with muffler, approximately 24 oz.

Radio receivers generally do not vary in weight much between brands. Servos can vary in weight from servo to servo(ball bearing heavy duty servos weigh more than standard servos) and airborne battery packs can be significantly different depending on their voltage and mAh capacity.

Experience with a variety of standard servos, 4.8V-6.0V nicad packs and .60-.91 size two stroke engines weighing approximately 24 oz with muffler has shown that for first flights 6-8 oz of weight in the tail is needed for a CG location that is somewhat nose heavy. After first flights moving the CG back slightly within the recommended range may be desired and require 10-12 ounces of weight in the tail.

These guidelines are NOT considered to be suitable for all situations. If your engine is heavier than 24 ounces, you may need more weight in the tail. If you are using a 6.0V 2000 mAh airborne battery located in the aft end of the model you may need less additional weight in the tail than if you are using a 4.8V 600mAh battery. Each model should be carefully checked for CG and compared with the recommended CG location. First flights should be slightly nose heavy (forward CG location) and no model should be flown with a CG outside the recommended range.

Question: I have the VMAR Phantom 90+ ARF. The Phantom comes with set of Dummy Wing Tanks. Is it OK to fly the Phantom with the Dummy Wing Tanks in place?

Answer: Yes they are airworthy and you can fly the Phantom with the Dummy Wing Tanks in place.

Question: Will the VMAR Phantom II fly OK on a .60? What do you recommend?

Answer: We recommend a .60 to .91 two stroke engine. Yes it flys well on a .61. A .75-.91 would be the best overall choice... .91 is the max and a bit over the top but favored by flyers who like power. Anything larger than a .91 will require considerable work on the fuselage nose section and you run the risk of detracting from the scale like appearance if you butcher the nose area. This model is NOT intended to accomodate four stroke engines.

Please note that we have NOT tested this model with two strokes larger than a .91 and have NOT tested this model with four strokes. We recommend the use of a .60 to .91 two stroke engine for this model. We are not able to endorse the use of two stroke engines larger than a .91 or the use of four stroke engines for this model.

Question: Are there oleo strut sets available for the VMAR Phantom II 60-91 ARF? Are they actually functional or just dummies?

Answer:  The VMAR Phantom II 60-91 ARF comes standard with fixed gear and we offer a set of oleo struts (3) for this model. Yes they are functional and easy to install. They are well made, work well, look very scale like and help protect your model from damage by sucking up hard landings and rough fields. These oleo strut sets are very economical and we offer them at a very low combo price to anyone buying them with the Phantom. See the VMAR On Line store at www.richmondrc.com . Look just below the Jets listing in the left frame. 

This combo offer is open to all owners of VMAR Phantom II 60-90 ARF's until the end of 2006... regardless of when or where the model  was purchased.  

For oleo strut installation instructions please click the following: Installation Tips - VMA-OLEOxxx Oleo Strut Sets  [New Window]

Question: If I want to install optional retracts in the VMAR Phantom II 60-91 ARF which retracts should I use?

Answer:  The VMAR Phantom II 60-91 ARF comes standard with fixed gear and it is ready to accept Robart mechanical retracts. Robart #608HD main gear retracts and the Robart #610 nose gear retract have been installed and tested in this model. Other brands of medium duty retracts can, with work be fitted. Please see the instructions that come with your retracts for specific installation instructions and requirements.  

Question: How many servos are needed if I want to install optional mechanical retracts in the VMAR Phantom II 60-91 ARF?

Answer: 2 standard servos for the mains and 1 standard servo for the nose gear. We recommend the use of Airtronics servos.

Question: Is the control rod in the rudder of the VMAR Phantom II supposed to be a very tight fit or a slightly loose fit?

Answer: The control rod in the rudder of the VMAR Phantom II is intended to have a slightly loose fit until the vertical stabilizer is installed into the fuselage per the assembly and operations manual. Once installed per the manual, the control rod will have a tighter fit. After installation, always ensure that the control rod and rudder move freely with a standard servo.