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The Shrike was a nice build, with interlocking laser-cut parts and decent quality wood. The electric conversion was straightforward, the firewall was moved forward about an inch, and the motor was passed through it. The batteries fit nicely on the bottom of the radio tray, with a special hatch on the fuselage bottom for access. I chose to cover the plane in Micafilm for light weight, and the wings and vertical fins were painted with trim colors.
This plane hasn't seen much flying, for a number of reasons. Firstly, on its initial flights, it was extremely prone to tip stalls, adding to the anxiety of initial test flights. It is also a difficult plane to launch at its high weight and high-pitched prop. When the ESC failed before its sixth flight, its receiver was stolen for combat planes, and the plane has not seen flight since. I have fallen back on planes that are comfortable and familiar to fly for the time being.
Initial flights were done with an APC 6x6 prop bolted directly to the prop adapter. This combination bent the motor shaft on the first landing, so a folding prop was used. Initially, a Sonictronics 7x4 folder was used, but performance was poor. I have since installed a Graupner 6x6 folder, but have yet to fly it with this combination.
This plane is currently sitting on my desk, having gotten a new receiver and awaiting a final checkout and radio setup before its next flight. I'm hoping to make it a plane that I can take out and fly regularly.
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