As the second in the Gee Bee line
of racers designed and built by the
Granville Brothers, the 1932 Gee
Bee R-1 holds the distinction of being one
of the most recognizable and popular racing
designs. It features a unique teardropshaped
fuselage that more closely resembles
an engine with wings than the sleek
Thompson Cup seaplanes against which it
competed.
It also holds the distinction
of winning the 1932
Thompson Trophy Race and
the land speed record for a
period with a top speed of
296 mph in the Shell Speed
Dash.
Unfortunately, with that high
performance came some challenging
handling traits that would eventually take
the lives of a few pilots during its time.
Despite that, the famous Jimmy Doolittle
once said of the R-1, “She’s the sweetest
ship I’ve ever fl own.”
The replica R-1, fl own safely by Delmar
Benjamin for many years in air shows,
proved that the design could be fl own with
precision and safety in the right hands.
The ElectriFly Gee Bee EP receiverready
(Rx-R) model shares many of the
full-scale airplane’s traits, but is easier to fl y.
It is built from molded AeroCell durable
foam and nearly identically replicates the
full-size airplane’s outline. All you have
to do is install your receiver, complete its
fi nal rigging, charge your battery, and go fl y.
At this price, I can’t imagine anyone not
wanting to own such an innovative version
of the famous racer.
Construction
The Gee Bee is almost fully assembled
out of the box, and can be ready for fl ight
in an hour. The hollow-molded AeroCell
fuselage houses the preinstalled rudder and
elevator servos on a plywood radio/battery
tray. The AeroCell foam wing is pre-joined
and houses the two fully rigged independent
aileron servos.
The aileron servo extensions and Y
harness are also preinstalled and routed
into the fuselage after the wing is mounted.
The wing is secured to the fuselage with
a nylon bolt. Battery access is through a
top-mounted magnetic hatch for quick and
easy battery changes. The motor and ESC
are preinstalled in the fuselage and ready to
plug into your receiver of choice.
One of the unique features of the
model is the extensive use of magnets to
In the air, the Gee Bee is a remarkably good
aerobatic performer. Loops, rolls, snap
rolls, and typical turnaround maneuvers are
well within its capabilities.
secure different
components.
The horizontal
stabilizer is built
in two halves
that fi t together
on carbon
rods. Each half
has magnets
embedded in
the foam that
coordinate
with magnets
embedded in the
fuselage for a
secure attachment.
Each main landing gear leg fi ts into the
bottom of the wing and uses magnets to
attach the individual wheel pant halves to
each other around the wire landing gear
leg.
The most convenient use of magnets
is to attach the cowling to the fuselage.
There is no aligning the cowling or
drilling holes for fasteners. The magnets
snap the cowling into place and are
equipped to stay in place during fl ight.
Final rigging includes mounting your
receiver with the included double-sided
tape, your fl ight battery with Velcro
tabs and a Velcro strap, and securing the
rudder and elevator pushrods. Follow
the recommended control throws when
setting up your radio.
The Gee Bee is somewhat
short-coupled, so I also added
50% exponential on the
rudder and elevator to
smooth out the response.
I reduced the rudder
exponential to increase its
responsiveness.
Only the optional fl ying
wires require gluing. I think
they make the design pop, but do
require that you keep the removable
main wing installed for transportation.
The wires are silver elastic cord that is
routed through preinstalled tubes in
the wings, wheel pants, and fuselage,
which makes them cosmetic and nonfunctional.
Expect to spend roughly 30
minutes routing, gluing, and setting the
tension on this added scale feature.
One fi nal step that isn’t in the
instruction manual, but I highly
recommend, is to add adhesive to the
plywood motor box and the joint where
the motor box attaches to the fuselage.
I found these areas lacking adequate
adhesive. For an easy fi x, I soaked the
joints with thin CA, followed by a fi llet
of medium CA to ensure a tight bond.
Flying
I have to admit being intimidated by
the little Gee Bee before the fi rst fl ight.
Reading the stories about the full-scale
airplane, I expected it to be touchy.
The fi rst takeoff required more rudder
than I had anticipated, but after some
trimming and a reduction in the rudder
exponential, it was tame.
Although roughly the size of a park
fl yer, the Gee Bee does best on a paved
runway or fi rm, short grass. I’ve had
several nose-overs in longer grass and
have found the airframe to be durable.
One nose-in broke the propeller and
dented the motor mount, but was easily
repaired.
In fl ight, you’ll be hard-pressed to fi nd
a better Scale park fl yer-size airplane. It
is comfortable ripping by on race passes
and up on a wingtip in the turns. Follow
the recommended throws because the
model has a high cube loading and will
The stock brushless motor is premounted
on the rewall box and proved to be an
excellent match for the model.
Le : The Gee Bee’s
molded-foam scale
cowling is held in
place with magnets.
This technique
works perfectly and
provides nearly
instantaneous
access to the rewall
and motor.
Right: Mounting the removable horizontal
stabilizer and elevator assembly is as easy
as snapping it into place on the fuselage.
Magnets hold the assembly tight.
The servos are preinstalled and require only nal adjustments. Note the
quality hardware and the recessed servo installation that preserves the
Gee Bee’s scale looks.
MA Digital Extras!
See dozens of bonus photos of this unique
racer online and in our tablet edition!
AT A GLANCE ...
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: Semiscale ARF
Skill level: Intermediate/advanced pilot
Wingspan: 381/2 inches
Wing Area: 241 square inches
Airfoil: Semisymmetrical
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 13/4 to 2 pounds
Power system: Stock brushless motor and
ESC with 10 x 7 propeller
Radio: Four-channel transmitter and
receiver required; includes
four preinstalled servos
Construction: Molded foam
Covering/fi nish: Prepainted scale details
Street price: $159.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
Motor used: Stock brushless outrunner
(included)
Battery: ElectriFly Tower Series 2200
mAh 25C 3S LiPo
Propeller: ElectriFly 10 x 7 propeller
Radio system: Four SNS-2309S servos,
Futaba R617FS FAAST
receiver, Futaba 12Z
transmitter with TM-14 RF
module
Ready-to-fl y
weight: 34 ounces
Flight duration: 7 to 8 minutes
Wing loading: 20.8 ounces/square foot
Wing cube
loading: 16.1
Amps: 27
Watts: 321
Watts per ounce: 9.22
Watts per pound: 148
PLUSES:
• Scale looks and performance
• Innovative design using magnets for many
attachment points
• Well-matched power system
• Durable construction and quick assembly
MINUSES:
• Inadequate adhesive in the motor-box area
snap roll if you’re uncoordinated and
pulling too hard through the corners.
The Gee Bee loves high-speed
aerobatics including loops, rolls, point
rolls, Cuban 8s, and reverse Cuban 8s.
The stock power system is well matched
and allows for the scale aerobatics that
you may have seen Delmar fl y in his
replica in the 1990s, all while getting
the brushless motor or ElectriFly 3S
LiPo battery slightly warm. I didn’t have
enough rudder for sustained knife-edge
fl ight, but had plenty for long hesitations
during point rolls. Snap rolls are slightly
loose, but it recovers quickly when the
elevator is relaxed.
In the landing pattern, keep your
speed up until you’re comfortable with
its slow-speed performance. The aircraft
slows nicely, but may feel somewhat
faster than other park fl yers because of
its small size. I hold some power on until
I’m safely in the fl are, instead of making
a gliding approach.
If you need to go around, slowly and
smoothly add power. Adding power
Conclusion
The ElectriFly Gee Bee EP is
appropriate for most intermediate-level
pilots and makes a great sport airplane
for those with a taste for the unique. It
will turn heads at the fi eld, and put a
smile on your face. Although I prefer
fl ying traditional aerobatics, I can see
the appeal of ripping around pylons
with this airplane. I can envision an RC
version of the Thompson Trophy Race
being a lot of fun with the Gee Bee.
If you’re looking for an exciting
and fun model of one of the most
recognizable airplanes ever built, the
ElectriFly Gee Bee EP is a great choice.
—Scott Stoops
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
Hobbico
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(800) 637-7660
www.greatplanes.com
SOURCES:
ElectriFly
(800) 637-7660
www.electrifl y.com
Futaba
(800) 637-7660
www.futaba-rc.com
quickly makes the airplane yaw left
from spiral slipstream and P-factor.
This can cause loss of control if you’re
unprepared.
The elevator has plenty of authority
for the fl are and will pin the tail through
the rollout.
Above: The Gee Bee is
known for its air-foiled
wheel fairings and huge
wheel pants. The designers
nailed this important scale
feature without using visible
hardware.
Le : A magnetic top hatch
allows easy access to the
electronics package for
quick battery swaps, and
the ElectriFly 3S LiPo pack
provides plenty of punch. Note
the plastic “flying wires.”
Right: With the horizontal stabilizer slid
partially into its slot in the fuselage, you can
see the excellent t and nish of the model.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/11
Page Numbers: 59,60,61
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/11
Page Numbers: 59,60,61
As the second in the Gee Bee line
of racers designed and built by the
Granville Brothers, the 1932 Gee
Bee R-1 holds the distinction of being one
of the most recognizable and popular racing
designs. It features a unique teardropshaped
fuselage that more closely resembles
an engine with wings than the sleek
Thompson Cup seaplanes against which it
competed.
It also holds the distinction
of winning the 1932
Thompson Trophy Race and
the land speed record for a
period with a top speed of
296 mph in the Shell Speed
Dash.
Unfortunately, with that high
performance came some challenging
handling traits that would eventually take
the lives of a few pilots during its time.
Despite that, the famous Jimmy Doolittle
once said of the R-1, “She’s the sweetest
ship I’ve ever fl own.”
The replica R-1, fl own safely by Delmar
Benjamin for many years in air shows,
proved that the design could be fl own with
precision and safety in the right hands.
The ElectriFly Gee Bee EP receiverready
(Rx-R) model shares many of the
full-scale airplane’s traits, but is easier to fl y.
It is built from molded AeroCell durable
foam and nearly identically replicates the
full-size airplane’s outline. All you have
to do is install your receiver, complete its
fi nal rigging, charge your battery, and go fl y.
At this price, I can’t imagine anyone not
wanting to own such an innovative version
of the famous racer.
Construction
The Gee Bee is almost fully assembled
out of the box, and can be ready for fl ight
in an hour. The hollow-molded AeroCell
fuselage houses the preinstalled rudder and
elevator servos on a plywood radio/battery
tray. The AeroCell foam wing is pre-joined
and houses the two fully rigged independent
aileron servos.
The aileron servo extensions and Y
harness are also preinstalled and routed
into the fuselage after the wing is mounted.
The wing is secured to the fuselage with
a nylon bolt. Battery access is through a
top-mounted magnetic hatch for quick and
easy battery changes. The motor and ESC
are preinstalled in the fuselage and ready to
plug into your receiver of choice.
One of the unique features of the
model is the extensive use of magnets to
In the air, the Gee Bee is a remarkably good
aerobatic performer. Loops, rolls, snap
rolls, and typical turnaround maneuvers are
well within its capabilities.
secure different
components.
The horizontal
stabilizer is built
in two halves
that fi t together
on carbon
rods. Each half
has magnets
embedded in
the foam that
coordinate
with magnets
embedded in the
fuselage for a
secure attachment.
Each main landing gear leg fi ts into the
bottom of the wing and uses magnets to
attach the individual wheel pant halves to
each other around the wire landing gear
leg.
The most convenient use of magnets
is to attach the cowling to the fuselage.
There is no aligning the cowling or
drilling holes for fasteners. The magnets
snap the cowling into place and are
equipped to stay in place during fl ight.
Final rigging includes mounting your
receiver with the included double-sided
tape, your fl ight battery with Velcro
tabs and a Velcro strap, and securing the
rudder and elevator pushrods. Follow
the recommended control throws when
setting up your radio.
The Gee Bee is somewhat
short-coupled, so I also added
50% exponential on the
rudder and elevator to
smooth out the response.
I reduced the rudder
exponential to increase its
responsiveness.
Only the optional fl ying
wires require gluing. I think
they make the design pop, but do
require that you keep the removable
main wing installed for transportation.
The wires are silver elastic cord that is
routed through preinstalled tubes in
the wings, wheel pants, and fuselage,
which makes them cosmetic and nonfunctional.
Expect to spend roughly 30
minutes routing, gluing, and setting the
tension on this added scale feature.
One fi nal step that isn’t in the
instruction manual, but I highly
recommend, is to add adhesive to the
plywood motor box and the joint where
the motor box attaches to the fuselage.
I found these areas lacking adequate
adhesive. For an easy fi x, I soaked the
joints with thin CA, followed by a fi llet
of medium CA to ensure a tight bond.
Flying
I have to admit being intimidated by
the little Gee Bee before the fi rst fl ight.
Reading the stories about the full-scale
airplane, I expected it to be touchy.
The fi rst takeoff required more rudder
than I had anticipated, but after some
trimming and a reduction in the rudder
exponential, it was tame.
Although roughly the size of a park
fl yer, the Gee Bee does best on a paved
runway or fi rm, short grass. I’ve had
several nose-overs in longer grass and
have found the airframe to be durable.
One nose-in broke the propeller and
dented the motor mount, but was easily
repaired.
In fl ight, you’ll be hard-pressed to fi nd
a better Scale park fl yer-size airplane. It
is comfortable ripping by on race passes
and up on a wingtip in the turns. Follow
the recommended throws because the
model has a high cube loading and will
The stock brushless motor is premounted
on the rewall box and proved to be an
excellent match for the model.
Le : The Gee Bee’s
molded-foam scale
cowling is held in
place with magnets.
This technique
works perfectly and
provides nearly
instantaneous
access to the rewall
and motor.
Right: Mounting the removable horizontal
stabilizer and elevator assembly is as easy
as snapping it into place on the fuselage.
Magnets hold the assembly tight.
The servos are preinstalled and require only nal adjustments. Note the
quality hardware and the recessed servo installation that preserves the
Gee Bee’s scale looks.
MA Digital Extras!
See dozens of bonus photos of this unique
racer online and in our tablet edition!
AT A GLANCE ...
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: Semiscale ARF
Skill level: Intermediate/advanced pilot
Wingspan: 381/2 inches
Wing Area: 241 square inches
Airfoil: Semisymmetrical
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 13/4 to 2 pounds
Power system: Stock brushless motor and
ESC with 10 x 7 propeller
Radio: Four-channel transmitter and
receiver required; includes
four preinstalled servos
Construction: Molded foam
Covering/fi nish: Prepainted scale details
Street price: $159.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
Motor used: Stock brushless outrunner
(included)
Battery: ElectriFly Tower Series 2200
mAh 25C 3S LiPo
Propeller: ElectriFly 10 x 7 propeller
Radio system: Four SNS-2309S servos,
Futaba R617FS FAAST
receiver, Futaba 12Z
transmitter with TM-14 RF
module
Ready-to-fl y
weight: 34 ounces
Flight duration: 7 to 8 minutes
Wing loading: 20.8 ounces/square foot
Wing cube
loading: 16.1
Amps: 27
Watts: 321
Watts per ounce: 9.22
Watts per pound: 148
PLUSES:
• Scale looks and performance
• Innovative design using magnets for many
attachment points
• Well-matched power system
• Durable construction and quick assembly
MINUSES:
• Inadequate adhesive in the motor-box area
snap roll if you’re uncoordinated and
pulling too hard through the corners.
The Gee Bee loves high-speed
aerobatics including loops, rolls, point
rolls, Cuban 8s, and reverse Cuban 8s.
The stock power system is well matched
and allows for the scale aerobatics that
you may have seen Delmar fl y in his
replica in the 1990s, all while getting
the brushless motor or ElectriFly 3S
LiPo battery slightly warm. I didn’t have
enough rudder for sustained knife-edge
fl ight, but had plenty for long hesitations
during point rolls. Snap rolls are slightly
loose, but it recovers quickly when the
elevator is relaxed.
In the landing pattern, keep your
speed up until you’re comfortable with
its slow-speed performance. The aircraft
slows nicely, but may feel somewhat
faster than other park fl yers because of
its small size. I hold some power on until
I’m safely in the fl are, instead of making
a gliding approach.
If you need to go around, slowly and
smoothly add power. Adding power
Conclusion
The ElectriFly Gee Bee EP is
appropriate for most intermediate-level
pilots and makes a great sport airplane
for those with a taste for the unique. It
will turn heads at the fi eld, and put a
smile on your face. Although I prefer
fl ying traditional aerobatics, I can see
the appeal of ripping around pylons
with this airplane. I can envision an RC
version of the Thompson Trophy Race
being a lot of fun with the Gee Bee.
If you’re looking for an exciting
and fun model of one of the most
recognizable airplanes ever built, the
ElectriFly Gee Bee EP is a great choice.
—Scott Stoops
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
Hobbico
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(800) 637-7660
www.greatplanes.com
SOURCES:
ElectriFly
(800) 637-7660
www.electrifl y.com
Futaba
(800) 637-7660
www.futaba-rc.com
quickly makes the airplane yaw left
from spiral slipstream and P-factor.
This can cause loss of control if you’re
unprepared.
The elevator has plenty of authority
for the fl are and will pin the tail through
the rollout.
Above: The Gee Bee is
known for its air-foiled
wheel fairings and huge
wheel pants. The designers
nailed this important scale
feature without using visible
hardware.
Le : A magnetic top hatch
allows easy access to the
electronics package for
quick battery swaps, and
the ElectriFly 3S LiPo pack
provides plenty of punch. Note
the plastic “flying wires.”
Right: With the horizontal stabilizer slid
partially into its slot in the fuselage, you can
see the excellent t and nish of the model.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/11
Page Numbers: 59,60,61
As the second in the Gee Bee line
of racers designed and built by the
Granville Brothers, the 1932 Gee
Bee R-1 holds the distinction of being one
of the most recognizable and popular racing
designs. It features a unique teardropshaped
fuselage that more closely resembles
an engine with wings than the sleek
Thompson Cup seaplanes against which it
competed.
It also holds the distinction
of winning the 1932
Thompson Trophy Race and
the land speed record for a
period with a top speed of
296 mph in the Shell Speed
Dash.
Unfortunately, with that high
performance came some challenging
handling traits that would eventually take
the lives of a few pilots during its time.
Despite that, the famous Jimmy Doolittle
once said of the R-1, “She’s the sweetest
ship I’ve ever fl own.”
The replica R-1, fl own safely by Delmar
Benjamin for many years in air shows,
proved that the design could be fl own with
precision and safety in the right hands.
The ElectriFly Gee Bee EP receiverready
(Rx-R) model shares many of the
full-scale airplane’s traits, but is easier to fl y.
It is built from molded AeroCell durable
foam and nearly identically replicates the
full-size airplane’s outline. All you have
to do is install your receiver, complete its
fi nal rigging, charge your battery, and go fl y.
At this price, I can’t imagine anyone not
wanting to own such an innovative version
of the famous racer.
Construction
The Gee Bee is almost fully assembled
out of the box, and can be ready for fl ight
in an hour. The hollow-molded AeroCell
fuselage houses the preinstalled rudder and
elevator servos on a plywood radio/battery
tray. The AeroCell foam wing is pre-joined
and houses the two fully rigged independent
aileron servos.
The aileron servo extensions and Y
harness are also preinstalled and routed
into the fuselage after the wing is mounted.
The wing is secured to the fuselage with
a nylon bolt. Battery access is through a
top-mounted magnetic hatch for quick and
easy battery changes. The motor and ESC
are preinstalled in the fuselage and ready to
plug into your receiver of choice.
One of the unique features of the
model is the extensive use of magnets to
In the air, the Gee Bee is a remarkably good
aerobatic performer. Loops, rolls, snap
rolls, and typical turnaround maneuvers are
well within its capabilities.
secure different
components.
The horizontal
stabilizer is built
in two halves
that fi t together
on carbon
rods. Each half
has magnets
embedded in
the foam that
coordinate
with magnets
embedded in the
fuselage for a
secure attachment.
Each main landing gear leg fi ts into the
bottom of the wing and uses magnets to
attach the individual wheel pant halves to
each other around the wire landing gear
leg.
The most convenient use of magnets
is to attach the cowling to the fuselage.
There is no aligning the cowling or
drilling holes for fasteners. The magnets
snap the cowling into place and are
equipped to stay in place during fl ight.
Final rigging includes mounting your
receiver with the included double-sided
tape, your fl ight battery with Velcro
tabs and a Velcro strap, and securing the
rudder and elevator pushrods. Follow
the recommended control throws when
setting up your radio.
The Gee Bee is somewhat
short-coupled, so I also added
50% exponential on the
rudder and elevator to
smooth out the response.
I reduced the rudder
exponential to increase its
responsiveness.
Only the optional fl ying
wires require gluing. I think
they make the design pop, but do
require that you keep the removable
main wing installed for transportation.
The wires are silver elastic cord that is
routed through preinstalled tubes in
the wings, wheel pants, and fuselage,
which makes them cosmetic and nonfunctional.
Expect to spend roughly 30
minutes routing, gluing, and setting the
tension on this added scale feature.
One fi nal step that isn’t in the
instruction manual, but I highly
recommend, is to add adhesive to the
plywood motor box and the joint where
the motor box attaches to the fuselage.
I found these areas lacking adequate
adhesive. For an easy fi x, I soaked the
joints with thin CA, followed by a fi llet
of medium CA to ensure a tight bond.
Flying
I have to admit being intimidated by
the little Gee Bee before the fi rst fl ight.
Reading the stories about the full-scale
airplane, I expected it to be touchy.
The fi rst takeoff required more rudder
than I had anticipated, but after some
trimming and a reduction in the rudder
exponential, it was tame.
Although roughly the size of a park
fl yer, the Gee Bee does best on a paved
runway or fi rm, short grass. I’ve had
several nose-overs in longer grass and
have found the airframe to be durable.
One nose-in broke the propeller and
dented the motor mount, but was easily
repaired.
In fl ight, you’ll be hard-pressed to fi nd
a better Scale park fl yer-size airplane. It
is comfortable ripping by on race passes
and up on a wingtip in the turns. Follow
the recommended throws because the
model has a high cube loading and will
The stock brushless motor is premounted
on the rewall box and proved to be an
excellent match for the model.
Le : The Gee Bee’s
molded-foam scale
cowling is held in
place with magnets.
This technique
works perfectly and
provides nearly
instantaneous
access to the rewall
and motor.
Right: Mounting the removable horizontal
stabilizer and elevator assembly is as easy
as snapping it into place on the fuselage.
Magnets hold the assembly tight.
The servos are preinstalled and require only nal adjustments. Note the
quality hardware and the recessed servo installation that preserves the
Gee Bee’s scale looks.
MA Digital Extras!
See dozens of bonus photos of this unique
racer online and in our tablet edition!
AT A GLANCE ...
SPECIFICATIONS
Model type: Semiscale ARF
Skill level: Intermediate/advanced pilot
Wingspan: 381/2 inches
Wing Area: 241 square inches
Airfoil: Semisymmetrical
Length: 27 inches
Weight: 13/4 to 2 pounds
Power system: Stock brushless motor and
ESC with 10 x 7 propeller
Radio: Four-channel transmitter and
receiver required; includes
four preinstalled servos
Construction: Molded foam
Covering/fi nish: Prepainted scale details
Street price: $159.99
TEST-MODEL DETAILS
Motor used: Stock brushless outrunner
(included)
Battery: ElectriFly Tower Series 2200
mAh 25C 3S LiPo
Propeller: ElectriFly 10 x 7 propeller
Radio system: Four SNS-2309S servos,
Futaba R617FS FAAST
receiver, Futaba 12Z
transmitter with TM-14 RF
module
Ready-to-fl y
weight: 34 ounces
Flight duration: 7 to 8 minutes
Wing loading: 20.8 ounces/square foot
Wing cube
loading: 16.1
Amps: 27
Watts: 321
Watts per ounce: 9.22
Watts per pound: 148
PLUSES:
• Scale looks and performance
• Innovative design using magnets for many
attachment points
• Well-matched power system
• Durable construction and quick assembly
MINUSES:
• Inadequate adhesive in the motor-box area
snap roll if you’re uncoordinated and
pulling too hard through the corners.
The Gee Bee loves high-speed
aerobatics including loops, rolls, point
rolls, Cuban 8s, and reverse Cuban 8s.
The stock power system is well matched
and allows for the scale aerobatics that
you may have seen Delmar fl y in his
replica in the 1990s, all while getting
the brushless motor or ElectriFly 3S
LiPo battery slightly warm. I didn’t have
enough rudder for sustained knife-edge
fl ight, but had plenty for long hesitations
during point rolls. Snap rolls are slightly
loose, but it recovers quickly when the
elevator is relaxed.
In the landing pattern, keep your
speed up until you’re comfortable with
its slow-speed performance. The aircraft
slows nicely, but may feel somewhat
faster than other park fl yers because of
its small size. I hold some power on until
I’m safely in the fl are, instead of making
a gliding approach.
If you need to go around, slowly and
smoothly add power. Adding power
Conclusion
The ElectriFly Gee Bee EP is
appropriate for most intermediate-level
pilots and makes a great sport airplane
for those with a taste for the unique. It
will turn heads at the fi eld, and put a
smile on your face. Although I prefer
fl ying traditional aerobatics, I can see
the appeal of ripping around pylons
with this airplane. I can envision an RC
version of the Thompson Trophy Race
being a lot of fun with the Gee Bee.
If you’re looking for an exciting
and fun model of one of the most
recognizable airplanes ever built, the
ElectriFly Gee Bee EP is a great choice.
—Scott Stoops
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
Hobbico
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(800) 637-7660
www.greatplanes.com
SOURCES:
ElectriFly
(800) 637-7660
www.electrifl y.com
Futaba
(800) 637-7660
www.futaba-rc.com
quickly makes the airplane yaw left
from spiral slipstream and P-factor.
This can cause loss of control if you’re
unprepared.
The elevator has plenty of authority
for the fl are and will pin the tail through
the rollout.
Above: The Gee Bee is
known for its air-foiled
wheel fairings and huge
wheel pants. The designers
nailed this important scale
feature without using visible
hardware.
Le : A magnetic top hatch
allows easy access to the
electronics package for
quick battery swaps, and
the ElectriFly 3S LiPo pack
provides plenty of punch. Note
the plastic “flying wires.”
Right: With the horizontal stabilizer slid
partially into its slot in the fuselage, you can
see the excellent t and nish of the model.
