 
|
Enrico Traby is visiting from
Austria and attending the EDF Jet Jam event in Elizabeth, Indiana
with his Electra ARF and eBandit. |
Another Electra, the best EDF on the market.
10s with a 9er easy go to the field fun fly hands down. Thanks to
you Rob and Mike Sarysz.
Jose M. Martinez |
|
Electra X and the
spirit of Bob Violett
The Spirit of Bob lives on...His Electra X flies again.
It's somehow hard for me where to begin. I don't know if some of you
can relate to my thoughts and emotions when it comes to our
beautiful hobby.
I got to know Bob a long time ago. It was even when ducted Fan
engines were popular. I got a chance to visit his factory and since
then BVM was a part of my life. The fact that it was not cheap to
buy his models motivated me even more to develop more skills and
knowledge about flying and building. Another reason for me to stick
with the brand was how welcome I always was and being even able to
spend some private time with him and his family.
In 2008 I got the chance to go to Ejets with him and we had a great
time attending the event and doing speed runs together. After coming
back from this meeting he offered me to become a rep for Europe and
the electric stuff which was growing really fast. I remember that
moment as if it was yesterday,
I was so surprised and so happy that it was hard for me to keep my
tears from joy and my heart was racing.
He just looked at me and said "you're a great guy and you deserve
it" What an honor for me it is to represent one of the biggest
Brands on earth in the model industry. Even if I couldn't be in the
States as much as I wanted, I love to market the brand all over
Europe. Believe me! there are a lot of guys walking over to me to
see our planes fly.
In 2020 I got another chance to spend some time with him at the
factory. Not being in his best shape he was still present and I took
advantage of it and asked if I may buy his Electra X which is the
only one on the planet. I thought he might say that he will think
about it and get back to me. He looked at me, smiled and said " yes
you can have it, it is in good hands with you".
Coming back to the States in mid of August this year, I was finally
able to take it back to Europe. I was desperate to get it back in
the air as soon as possible. Owning an Electra already, I was
confident that this is one is going to be special. The way it
performs and how silent and efficient it is , it's Bobs signature.
I can just say what an honor to fly and own this piece of
engineering while having Bob in my mind and keeping his spirit
alive. Thank you , for all the great times I could spend with you
and the trust you gave me to represent our BVM brand proudly.
Yours,
Enrico Traby
|
| Danny Serrato recently attended the BIG JOLT
II event in Chino, California with his BVM Electra and eBandit evo.
He walked away with the "Speed Contest Winner" award.
Congratulations Danny! |
|
Team BVM,
My local club in PA
hosted a demo promoting STEM programs and aviation for the local Boy
Scouts and I did a demo with my OLD BVM Electra and the kids were
amazed! Afterwards I was able to show them the jet up close and it
was a real hit! My Electra is finishing its 12th flying season and
has over 1,500 flights! Great jet still and super happy to still be
representing such a great company!
Cheers
Steve DiMaio |
From: Michael Cramer
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 10:57 AM
To: Patty
Subject: 400 Flights
Patty,
I thought I would send you a couple pictures of my “Kit Built
Version” Electra after its 400th flight. It still looks and flies
great with a 10s seven blade BVM fan. Thanks for the great design
and support.
Mike Cramer
|
EDF Jet Jam's "Sport Jet Flight Award" went to Terry
Nitsch with his Classic BVM Electra.
Congratulations Terry!
|
From: Mike Kelley
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2020 8:45 PM
To: BVM
Subject: Electra pics
Hello,
Just wanted to send you a
few pictures of my Electra that I got from Harold Little here in
Monroe, NC. This is my first composite jet and it flies great!!
Mike Kelley |
Daniel Serrato from California with his
Electra ARF.
This Electra is running on a EVF 12s 9er Fan Unit and a Spektrum DX18.
From: Marshal Emmendorfer
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020 9:49 PM
To: Patty
Subject: Electra
Got the Electra in the air today. Flies as good as my old one did.
It is my favorite jet.
Marshal |
From: Mike Kelley
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 4:50 PM
To: BVM
Subject: Electra
Good morning!
I just wanted to take a minute and share with you the pic of my new-to-me
Electra that I purchased from a good friend Harold Little here in NC. He is a
longtime builder and advocate for BVM jets and is a great asset to the hobby. It
is equipped with a 10s system and newly installed Cortex Pro... your team pilot
David Warr has been a tremendous help at our local club, always willing to lend
a hand helping to us “newbie” jet guys along. Looking forward to the maiden this
week.
Mike Kelley
Marshville, NC
Hi Guys,
At Georgia I also remaidened my, new to me, Electra that was owned
by long time BVM customer Dee Miller who suddenly and sadly passed
away a couple of months ago. I was blessed to be able to acquire the
Jet with Frank Tiano’s assistance and then Rob, Kirby, BV and Rod
Snyder all jumped in to help get it flight ready again.
It’s my first real EDF and love the power of the 12S power unit.
It’s old school, wood wings and flies like a dream!
Boli Muentes
|
Here are some pictures of the EDF Meeting in
Germany Schwandorf.
It is always a pleasure to attend the event since the flying site
and people are just amazing. This time I took the "Cat " with me and
wanted to share some pictures. The setup is EVF 14s 6500. The
vertical is unlimited and people always walk over and ask: " What is
that ??" There is still a lot to do in Europe to introduce full flow
ducts and speedy planes. Harald is my Electra brother now. He got
the hand on Ralf Dvorak's Electra. He really performed outstanding
with an 11s setup. We are working on a formation flying routine for
some events in the upcoming season.
Regards,
Enrico Traby
BVM Team Representative |
Dear Heather,
Here are some pictures of my BVM Electra. Flies fantastic and have a great
flight envelope. Powered by EVF 3 12S EDF unit.
All the best from Sweden
Bjorn
Hi Patty,
As promised some Hot Shots of my new Race Cat. Some clicks to trim it and enjoy
that the Electra Experience from the first flight. I love your products. The
whole idea started 3 years ago and became reality to have an Electra in a F1
Jaguar Scheme. Thanks to Daniel Hirscher who did an incredible Job to paint it .
Regards
Rico
BVM attended Georgia Jets September 24 -
27. The on and off again rain showers interfered with efforts to photo planes
and people. Steve Homenda did contribute this picture of himself and his BVM EVF
10S powered Electra - Steve won the "Best Electric Performance Award".
Don DeSandre and BV were flying Electra's
at "First In Flight". Don's model is an Electra ARF with EVF 12S power.
BV's is from an 8 year old original kit with EVF ~2~ 12S 9er power. They match
the performance of many turbine models at 160-170 mph.
From:
Michael Murphy
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2015 10:45 PM
To: heather@bvmjets.com
Subject: Electra Maiden
Heather,
Thanks to BVM Jets for the fast shipping and
responsive customer support. The plane arrived in pristine condition and the
instructions and plans are very detailed. I was able to fly the jet for the
first time today with the help of Steve Dimaio. Steve did the maiden and dialed
everything in, so all I had to do was concentrate on flying. The jet flies as
great as it looks. I can’t wait to fly it again.
Mike Murphy
Grass Valley, CA
Hi Guys !
'Just wanted to share some pictures of my Electra kit. I bought it finished and
it had a different kind of fan installed. I installed my EVF2 "R " on 12 s and
needed to adjust the battery and fan mounts. We had a telemetry speed sensor
installed which showed over 200 mph in level flight. This picture was taken just
before the first flight. Like always, just fly and enjoy. The paint scheme is
borrowed from the "Ultra" as you can see.
Regards
Rico
From: Steve Homenda
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2014 5:51 PM
To: modelers@bvmjets.com
Subject: Electra maiden flight
Maiden flight of my BVM Electra occurred on 6/29/14
at RCACF following a 4 month spare time build. With Bob at my side, aircraft
flew as advertised. Rock solid full flap approach and full stop landing.
Great! Needs a few minor adjustments after which it will be a frequent sight at
the field.
Steve Homenda
From: Kirk Jensen
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2014 9:24 AM
To: Patty
Subject: pics
A guy got a few action shots at Fort Bend Jets
a couple weekends ago, see attached.
Thanks,
Kirk Jensen
From: Bob Belluomini
To: Patty
Subject: Fred Tissot
Hi Patty,
I want to share this photo of Fred standing with his recently completed
and test flown Electra Jet. I have been working with Fred since August.
What you may not know is that shortly after I called Fred in early June, he fell
and broke his hip. Fred did not let this stop him from finishing his model
as soon as the doctor cleared him to be up and about. To date we have made
6 flights on Fred's Electra. Fred has flown the model three of those times and
it is his inspiration! I really enjoyed helping him. Fred's Electra is
powered by an EVF ~3~ 12S and utilizes E-Blue Retracts.
Best regards,
Bob Belluomini
From: Kirk Jensen
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 9:30 AM
To: Patty
Subject: New Stuff In The Air
Hi Patty,
Thought I would send a couple pics of the new
planes. Put the first flight on the Ultra last weekend, and the Electra has
about 20 flights on it. As usual they both are great! The Ultra has a P200SX,
and both are flying with JR DMSS 2.4 with telemetry.
Thanks,
Kirk Jensen
From:
Jack Fetter
Sent: Sunday, October 06, 2013 8:11 PM
To: Bob Violett
Cc: Heather (BVMJets)
Subject: Photo for web site...
Bob,
Hope you are
doing well and getting a lot of flying time in! I thought I’d send you this
great in-flight photo of Rob Lynch’s Electra from
E-Week 2013 (doing a low, low pass!). On the drive up to Triple Tree, we were
trying to put a number on the flights this early Electra ARF has seen, our
estimates put it somewhere near 3,000 flights. This really says a lot about your
product for sure as Rob was flying the heck out of it as always and ripping it
up @ E-week with 200+ MPH passes all week long with no issues at all! If you
decide to use the photo for the web site, please credit the photographer, Bill
Lubkemann…
Regards,
Jack Fetter
From: Ritch
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 11:48 AM
To: Patty
Subject: Flying at Markham Park
Hi Patty,
I'm sending this photo of Rick Chase and myself with
our FLY NAVY paint schemes. Rick is flying his new Bandit arf MARK II and I’m
flying an Electra "T" powered with a P-60. Both jets are flying awesome like all
BVM products do.
Regards,
Ritchie Holt
From:
Jack Fetter
To:
Bob Violett
Cc:
Patty Generali
Sent:
Sunday, August 11, 2013 9:43 PM
Subject:
SPAM-LOW: BVM Electra, it doesn't get any better!
Bob,
I just wanted to take a minute to
thank you and the BVM team for building what is easily the best flying sport jet
on the planet! This is my second Electra and there is simply nothing I can find
negative to say about this plane. Excellent design, superior quality and
technical execution all come together for a 200 MPH electric jet that fits in
the back of my SUV (with the wings on), nothing short of awesome. I’ve been
flying with the new Thunder Power 70C G8 7700 mAh packs (only 8.25 ounces
heavier AUW versus the 6600 mAh packs) and logging 8 minute flight times, what a
great setup. You guys should be very proud of your products, there’s nothing out
there that can match what you guys have created, perfection ;-)
As always, thanks for the great products and
support, hopefully I’ll be seeing you guys at a show soon…
Jack Fetter
From: Gonzalo Martinez
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 1:04 PM
To: Dustin Buescher
Subject: Gonzalo's new Electra in Northern California
Hi Dustin,
Just to let you know we
maidened my new Electra with Jack Gerardo Diaz and OMG! AMAZING! pure flying. I
got on it the DX 18 with telemetry and on the GPS we got 182mph without event
pushing! Woooowwww!!!!
Love it love it!!! A few
pictures for you!
Thank you so much for
bringing such an amazing product!
Gonzalo
The 03 "buzz" number on the nose and tail
identifies this Electra kit built 7 years ago. The "F" on the Fin identifies
its owner
as Bob Fiorenze.
The power unit is an early EVF 5012 and is
still performing quite impressively as a 10S system utilizing the latest Thunder
Power 70C 6600 mAh batteries.
Here, Fio's Electra is being charged for
another flying session at R.C.A.C.F.. A 10 cell power system can be a
combination of (2) 4S and (1) 2S packs or preferred (2) 5S (6600 mAh) pack.
From:
Steven Dimaio
To:
Patty
Sent:
Saturday, November 03, 2012 2:13 PM
Subject:
BVM Electra
Dear BVM Staff,
Found a picture from this past April after I maidened my new BVM Electra. It is
a pleasure to fly such an amazingly well engineered product like this. Thank you
for all you do for this sport and I can not wait to see everyone again at some
of next year's events!
Lt Steven DiMaio, USAF
Grand Forks AFB, ND
From:
Cesar Quero
To:
PATTY
Sent:
Tuesday, November 06, 2012 6:17 PM
Subject:
Pics of Electra
Good Morning,
Patty
I
am
sending a picture of my Electra, I am using a 12s EVF, charging with CellPro
Lab8, and Thunder Power batts, the performance of the package is excellent, I am
now converting my F-86 AFS to EVF power, talk to you soon about it. Thanks again
to you and the crew at BVM.
Cesar Quero
To BVM,
I just put the
maiden flight on the Electra and all I have to say is WOW!!!
It only needed 2
clicks of aileron and no weight added as I built it per the manual. I went the
All Electric route ( E-gear and E-Brake) and the fact that I can throw this in
the truck, to the local flying field, with limited support equipment is what
it's all about for me.
Your staff is
second to none, Patty, Heather and Dustin are always there to answer any
questions I needed, and are always available to get the parts I need out very
quickly. I do Have to tip my hat to Harley Condra. He has helped me every step
of the way on 2 builds. He is a Saint to put up with someone like me. People
like this is why I will always have a BVM in my fleet. I look forward to doing a
Bandit this winter. Thanks again for such a great flying jet..
Sincerely,
Erik Kirste
Dan Davis just completed his first flight
on his EVF powered Electra. Successful of course!
From: Gregg Fullington
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2011 1:08 AM
To: Heather (BVMJets)
Cc: Walter Hess
Subject: Electra maiden
Hi Heather:
Walter Hess flew the maiden flight on his Electra
March 11, 2011.We were impressed that absolutely NO trim was needed! He was all
smiles during the flight, enjoying the wide speed range it has. Power is the 10
cell EVF2 using Thunder Power 65c packs.
Best regards
Gregg Fullington
This gorgeous Blue Angle Electra is proudly
owned by Mark Edwards PhD. Mark started with a BVM Electra kit and
meticulously hand crafted the airframe and paint job with a little counsel from
Bob Fiorenze and B.V. Dustin helped with a perfectly executed first flight
on EVF 10S and ThunderPower 65C 5300mAh batteries. A one of a kind
Electra! Markings and paint
masks are from ProMark.
From: GRais
Date: February 4, 2011 12:18:52 PM EST
To: Dustin
Subject: Electra pics
Hi Bob and
Dustin,
Enclosed are a few pics of my Electra that I just maidens last weekend. As
you know this is the plane that I bought partially started from Lee Andersen.
Let me say that the caliber of the work he had done reflects the abilities of a
true craftsman. With Lee being the design force behind the VioFan no wonder it
is such a superb powerplant. I have built a few BVM kits and while they
have all been great kits to build I must say that this kit was the most well
engineered and designed kit I have EVER built. A pure joy to build.
The plane is also fantastic to fly with no bad habits. Smooth, precise and
well mannered. She is built exactly per plans. 15.7 pounds ready to fly
with batteries. Powered by a VioFan-2- with 12S ThunderPower batteries.
All JR equipment. I added a set of Maverick durostruts to the mains with V-lite
wheels and brakes. She is painted with auto lacquer with a few Pro-Mark 3D
panels for accent. I tried to keep weight down and felt that she came out with
a minimum of fat. Each wing panel only gained 1.9 Ozs from bare balsa to final
paint.
Thanks for
this GREAT aircraft.
Scott Rais
PS enclosed also is a picture of Doug Andersons Electra and mine together.
From:
Sam Wright
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 10:12 AM
To: Heather (BVMJets)
Subject: Electra Photos
Heather,
I attached hi-res photos of Ken “Wags” Wagner with
the Electra jet. Shot at sunset at the Chino Airport.
Sam
From:
Sam Wright
To:
Bob
Sent:
Tuesday, November 02, 2010 2:41 AM
Subject:
Wags Electra
Bob,
Ken Wagner loves this Electra
and I do to. Flies really well.
Sam Wright
From: Jose Martinez
To: Bob
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 10:04 PM
Subject: Electra Finally
Bob you talked me into buying an Electra 2 years ago after
you helped me fly my viper conversion. This weekend Rob was there to help me
through my first flight on the Electra.
So were you right about getting the Electra?....
ABSOLUTELY!
Even though the Viper was an incredibility smooth
and stable plane the Electra not only has those characteristics but
a much wider flight envelope, fantastic confidence inspiring jet.
Sorry it took so long to build it but I had to
take 2 years off for personal issues. In addition also would not
call my self a modeling craftsman so it went slow, but I
followed the manual and everything fit perfectly. Hope you like
my custom snow camo scheme pictures were taken by Jack Fetter.
Your company support and field reps are unmatched BAR
NONE......GREAT WORK BV!
Jose M. Martinez
a.k.a HOSER
From: Behzad Pakzad
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 5:12 PM
To: Heather (BVMJets)
Subject: Electra
Hi Patty and Heather
I completed the Electra a few weeks ago and flew it. It
is fun to fly with excellent flight characteristics. It met all my expectations
and I could not be any happier with it. Please thank Dustin for all his help.
Sincerely
Behzad
From: Lasse Palm
To: Patty
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 2:34 PM
Subject: Electra
Hi Patty!
Here is some Electra pictures from Laxå Jet meeting, in Sweden, we had this
weekend. P.S. I will send more pictures later
Regards
Lasse Palm
From:
J Rodriguez
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 10:35 AM
To: BVM
Subject: Rodriguez pictures
Dear BVM,
This is one of the last flights for awhile with my father and I.
I won't be able to fly that often because I am starting medical school in
August. I appreciate the opportunity to enjoy your products.
Joel Rodriguez
See more on
Ultra Bandit Hotshots
From: Shani Studnik
To: Patty
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 6:47 PM
Subject: New Electra!!
Dear Bob and Patty
I took out my new Electra this afternoon to burn some amps up. It has the
5012 set up with 30C batteries. The plane flys great!! It's fast, it's slow,
it's a ball to fly. With flaps down into the wind it basically hovers.
Congrats on yet another job well done with this design. I look forward to
many flights in the future.
Dr Shani Studnik
Hollywood,FL
|
 |
|
Another Happy Electra Pilot
Harley Condra moved from Kalispell,
Montana to the Orlando, Florida area recently and has since enjoyed flying with
the BVM team. Harley owns a lot of BVM turbine jets but saw us having so
much fun with the E-Jets, he just had to have one. His "Greenie" Electra
is EVF 10s powered and works well at the R.C.A.C.F. club field. It fits
easily into the back of his Escalade and with a charger and 2 sets of
ThunderPower LiPo's, Harley appreciates the simplicity of loading up just a few
items for an afternoon of jet enjoyment. This 29th day of November was 75°
and sunny. A nice departure from shoveling snow. |
 |
 |
From: Dave Wilshere
To: Patty
Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 3:39 PM
Subject: Electra flown
Dear BVM
After a long birth my kit Electra has finally flown. I think I
ordered this kit back in 2006/7 so it's taken time. Because of time the kit
was assembled by good friend Les, who did an expert job on the wood parts
and initial fit before returning the "ARF" to me for finishing. The model
was expertly painted by Mikey who did a super light paint job, really
perfect!
The model is powered by a 4010EVF, Thunderpower 6500 10s 40c cells
and controlled by JR DSX-922.4 with a RD921Rx and BVM recommended servos
throughout. Radio power is through a Powerbox Sensor switch with two TP1320
Rx Li-Po's.
First flight was on grass and second flight today at historic
Chalgrove near Oxford in England. Yesterday it was calm, today 15mph winds
and in both conditions the Electra grooved.
Another BVM winner
Dave Wilshere
Motors & Rotors BVM Note: This Electra was built from the kit
version and the paint lines similar to a Bandit ARF. Very nice work.
B.V.
|
|
Accolade To Craftsmanship
A model craftsman always respects the work of another
similarly talented person. Accepting accolades from fellow model craftsmen
for your most recent piece of work is rewarding and certainly one of the reasons
we work so hard towards perfection. Tommy Wood, Jr. is one of those rare
people in our hobby and his latest example is this exceptional Electra, built
from a kit. The ratio of BVM kit sales to ARF's is small, but we
are pleased to be able to offer true modelers excellent products to allow
them to express their art form.
Expert craftsmanship is evident in every detail of
this
Electra Jet. This capability and dedication is
almost lost in the current ARF environment, so when we see this kind of
perfection, we want to share it with you. Perhaps knowing that it can still
be done will inspire others.
Tommy is also a great pilot and is
enjoying his EVF5612 Electra at his club field in Mulberry, Florida.
|
|
 |
 |
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|
From: Ing.Traby
Enrico
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 4:59 PM
To: Modelers
Subject: Pictures from germany
HI
Bvm Crew !
I have
attended a german electric funfly . Me and ralf Dvorak which alread send a
picture where the only BVM guys. The crowd was stunned by the speed and slow
landings. The bandit performed ok with a Schuebie fan but the EVF really
sounds alot nicer. According to this I added the picture of "Carmen " which
is the nicname for the Electra now which a friend found for me. I have 20
flights now everything is perfect and flies just unbelievable.
regards
Rico |
From: Kirk Sonnier
To: Chuck
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:57 AM
Subject: Electra Photos
Hi Chuck,
Here are some photos of the Electra. It was built from the kit and
is finished with Flite Metal and Dupli Color Mirage paint. The color
changes from blue to red depending on the curvature of the surface and the
lighting.
Thanks,
Kirk
From: Robert Belluomini
To: Bob
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 8:59 AM
Subject: Afterburner Event
Bob,
I attended the MS Afterburner event this past weekend and
made 12 flights. It flies awesome, the only adjustment I made was a bit more
expo to the elevator after the first flight. The new TP Batteries have
phenomenal performance. We were dealing with a 10-15 mph crosswind, the Electra
handled crosswind on landing as if it was a much larger jet. Since the batteries
were new at the time, I limited my flights to five minutes. The most I
discharged the packs was 4900 mAh and that was during a flight with a lot of
vertical maneuvers and high speed runs. Most flights consumed under 4000 mAh.
Seven minutes will be easy to achieve with confidence. I was awarded the Best
Electric Jet trophy. Thanks for a great product. 'Very pleased to be flying a
BVM Jet!
Regards,
Bob Belluomini
|
 |
Sent: Friday, April 10,
2009 8:40 AM
To: Dustin
Subject: Electra THi Dustin,
Here are a few pictures of the Electra T just after the maiden flight. The
airplane flew great!
Wren 44 Turbine (10lbs of thrust)
All recommended JR servos
Spektrum AR9000 Receiver
JR Voltage regulator
Lipo's on ECU and Receiver
Thanks,
Sean Saddler |
|
Jean-Claude with his Camo Electra and puppies. |
From: Jean-Claude
To: BVM
Subject: Successful maiden
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009
Hello,
Last year at the
Ohio E. Jet event I got an Electra Camo with the Viofan 5212 and the
Air-Blue retract. Sunday, March 15 the temperature finally rose and I
was able to maiden the plane with a 12 S pack. I was a bit nervous, but
I built and flew the first version last year with a TF4000.... I knew
the plane would behave like a trainer. Just one click up on elevator and
the rest was just a superb flight.....The Viofan is incredible with a
fantastic sound and a very hidden power inside: I loved it.
THANK YOU BVM you are the BEST
|
From: Mark Taylor
To: Bob
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 7:56 PM
Subject: Electra
Hey Bob,
From the minute I
opened the box, I was thrilled! The finish is spectacular! It will put a lot
of painters out of business! As usual, very nice build. The new door mod is
very well thought out. Test flight today was awesome. 2 clicks of trim was all
it needed! Very conservative flight profiles yielded 6 minute flight times and
consumed only half the capacity. Now I wish I had decided to do try it earlier!
What a hoot!
Thank you and Best
Regards.
Mark Taylor
|
Fio's Big Red
photo's by Ben Lanterman
In this wonderful
world of ARF's, it is rare to see a model built from a kit that radiates
this level of craftsmanship. Bob Fiorenze has been building and
piloting jets since the very beginning of fan powered models when we had
only semi kits of Skyhawks and the Scozzi fan to work with. His
dedication to the hobby earned Bob a Top Gun championship in 1990 flying a
twin fan powered F-18 Hornet.
This brilliant red
Navy Aggressor scheme Electra is Bob's latest effort and another tribute to
his art form. This model can stand close inspection, as a matter of
fact, the closer you examine it, the better is gets.
Even though the
wings and tails are from built-up balsa structures, there is no hint of the
wood grain or underlying structure in the final automotive urethane finish.
This Electra Jet is also a billboard for how you can enhance the skin
detailing with ProMark's raised panels, rivets, and sport jet nomenclature,
all captured beneath the polished clear coat finish.
Even though it is a
very special model, Bob flies it in an aggressive routine that shows off the
Electra/EVF performance capability.
You can see this model
and many other samples of the BVM electric jets at several jet events around
the country, or if visiting Orlando, Florida you might even catch us at the
RCACF club field.
Winter time is our
flying season, so, if you are going to be in Orlando, give us a call.
We don't fly on que, but if we are going to the field anyway, you can catch
the EVF's in action. Skin Details
click on images to enlarge
 |
ProMark's
raised panels simulate a fueling cap, a vent, and an access hatch.
These panels comes as a sheet of computer cut samplings. You first
scuff the chrome finish, peel and stick, paint over, then partially scuff
away the paint and add chalk streaks. |
| The intake warning and
rescue nomenclature are ProMark epoxy ink transfers that are easy to apply.
A clear coat is not needed but can add to their durability. |
 |
 |
Shown here is
another fueling cap, ejection seat danger shield, a BVM NACA Cooling Vent,
and a cockpit deck that comes with your Electra kit. |
| The lettering and
Stars/Bars are painted on using ProMark "paint through" vinyl stick-on
masks. |
 |
 |
Bob
accomplished the tailpipe nozzle with an air brush using silver and black
tints. The rivets and panel lines were applied with a "Sharpie" ink
pen. The clear coat must be applied in two stages to avoid
running/blurring of the ink. Apply a thin dry coat first, allow to
cure, then a smooth wet coat. |
| The wing leading edges are
trimmed with chrome stick-on Monokote. The chalk weathering simulates
dirt and grease emerging from an Aileron hinge. |
 |
Scale modelers like Fio, learned these
techniques from years of experience as a scale competition flyer.
Applying them to a sport jet definitely sets it apart
from the others at a jet event.
www.ProMark.com |
From: ROBERT LYNCH
To:
Bob
Sent:
Sunday, June 08, 2008 9:37 PM
Subject:
Electra
|
Hi Bob
This is the
Electra I built in five days from start to finish along with Rob Rich.
The airplane now has 7 flights on it. Rob and I are doing a little
formation flying with them and enjoying these fun and simple models.
Rob |
From: Matt West
To: Bob
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 12:47 PM
Subject: Electra Maiden Flight
Dear
Bob & Crew
I just wanted to drop you a line and a few pictures of the Electra's
maiden voyage this weekend in Fresno. BVM's field rep Mark Taylor
was there for the event and was most helpful throughout the build
and first flight. The Electra was a joy to build and even more
fun to fly in the 101 degree heat this weekend. Not one click of
trim was needed during the first flight and all my fears of landing
without brakes evaporated in the heat when I found how slow and
steady it would fly on approach. Thanks for a great product and
support. I look forward to seeing you at Fresno Jets this summer!
Sincerely,
Matt West
Editors Note: Mark
created some fabulous tail art that enhances the Diamond Back
scheme.
From:
Al's Hobbies Jet Centre
To:
Bob
Sent:
Monday, May 05, 2008 3:17 PM
Hi Bob
I thought I would send you a photo of
my new Electra ARF. I have been flying this for a few weeks now, and really
enjoying it. Our display season is just starting here in the UK and I am hearing
more and more people comment that they just can not believe such performance is
possible from a large EDF. For me, I just love how smooth and pure the model
is. The rolling maneuvers are great with such little coupling on the rudder.
It's also really positive on elevator, and with first stage flaps the tight
loops are great fun.
Regards,
Ali Machinchy,
Al's Hobbies
Managing Director
www.alshobbies.com
When Terry Nitsch prepares a model for the Toledo Trade Show,
it usually wins. This year Terry's Electra garnered first place in the
"Best Finish" category and 2nd place in the overall jet competition. The
airbrushed "Miss Electra" certainly compliments the sleek airframe.
Terry say's this is his best effort yet. It is powered
with an EVF 6416. You will see it on the jet circuit soon.
Pat Martin from Wasilla, Alaska is now an enthusiastic
Electra Jet builder/pilot. It is very rewarding to BVM to see an electric
and helicopter modeler make the transition to electric jets. Living in
Alaska makes building and painting models an important part of the hobby and
when spring breaks - Wow! to be able to fly your model against such a
picturesque background.
As you can see, Pat did an excellent job on the Electric Jet
Kit.
He is now looking forward to a BVM F-80 for EVF power,
available mid 2008.
Fio says: “Reliability………# 1 in my book”.
After a few flights I typically perform preventive maintenance on the airframe
and all components. I have been flying jets for many years and occasionally I
find a few things wrong that need either adjustment, tightening or repair. But
after flying the Electra Jet for over a year and 75 flights, I have not had to
repair or replace a single component. Now that’s what I call "Reliability".
Here's two fabulous looking Electra Jets built by Kirk
Jensen. Very unique, very visible. Kirk and Mike are enjoying the ease and
convenience of EVF flying.
These Electra's are identical air frames except for the fin
shape and paint scheme, but offer quite a different appeal.
John Banner is very pleased with his "Best
Craftsmanship" winning Electra at FIJR '07. The first flights were very
successful and required no trim.
Power is a BVM EVF 4010. Both Thunder Power
and Flight Power Saddle Cells are used in the "Green Machine".
Bob Fiorenze has been campaigning this "Fly
Navy" Electra Jet since early '07. Dozens of flights have been logged, the
latest with Flight Power's EVO 30c 6400 mah 2p Saddle Cells.
Bob is all smiles about the performance and
6 1/2 minutes flight times.
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