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The Fazer is Lubos Pazderka's newest design for F3J. The Fazer features improvements for faster launching, better handling and greater penetration over its predecessor "The Extreme". The Fazer is fabricated by F3J Models to the highest standards, and incorporates the latest methods for producing a world class competition sailplane.
Fazer specifications: Wingspan 123.62"
Wing Area 1007 sq in
Aspect Ratio 15.16
Wing Loading 10.4 oz/ sq ft
Flying Weight 73 oz
Airfoil Profile HQW 2/8
The photographs above show the general configuration of the model. Key to its excellent handling is the increased dihedral in the center panel and generous fin. The following pictures are suggested methods to help with equipment installation in your model based on my experience.
Flying the Fazer
Lubos' web site http://www.f3j.cz/ shows recommended control throws and CG position. I balanced my Fazer on the middle wing bolt and used the throws suggested by Lubos. What can I say? The Fazer is one of the finest models I have ever flown. The handling characteristics are excellent. The wing layout allows the Fazer to crawl around the sky without stalling. The model tracks straight and goes up on the lightest lift. The model retains energy and literally streaks home from a downwind thermal. The Fazer has generous flaps which allow for very precise landings. Anyone who flies the Extreme will immediately be at home with the Fazer. The Fazer handles so benignly that even a novice at F3J can expect a great flying experience. Thank you Lubos!
Assembly Notes
D-Pin Detail
Most models use a D-Sub 9 pin connector at the wing/fuselage joint. Learn to solder the cable assembly as shown with the wires routed to the side and forward to allow for clearance above the ballast tube in the fuselage. I apply a layer of silicon to act as an insulator across the soldered connection.
Equipment Installation
I used the following equipment: a 5 cell 1000 mA NMH battery, a JR DS368 servo for rudder, a JR DS341 for elevator, and an Airtronics 92777 receiver. I laid out my equipment as shown below. I mounted the switch harness on the left side of the DS368. Use 2/56 quick links and a high quality epoxy to secure the wires inside the carbon pushrod tubes. My model needed 90 grams of lead/epoxy in the nose. The additional access space between the pushrod exits is to allow the wire harness entry into the nose area. Because of the large ballast tube, space is at a premium.
Control Horn Detail
The Fazer features molded control horn fairings. I needed to drill holes for the control horns on the flaps and ailerons. Pictures below show the aileron horn detail. You must first lay the horns out so that they fit properly inside the fairings. When you have both horns the same, use a mixture of cabasil and good quality slow cure epoxy to secure the horns in place against the wiper. DO NOT use cyano or 5 minute epoxy!!! The slurry must flow around the horn for maximum adhesion.
Servo Cover Detail
The Fazer has a very thin wing and you must put the servo's in the proper location to take advantage of the pre-molded recess in the servo covers. My method was to secure the control horns in the wing and attach a push rod of the approximate length to the control horn so that it entered the servo bay area. I then placed the cover on the wing over the servo bay, and then used masking tape to pin-point the location where the servo arm would exit the servo bay. Note the arrows on the tape which allows the servo to be secured in the proper location.
The next step: After the servo is installed with epoxy, I placed a 2/56 solder link over the push rod and center the servo with the radio. Using the hemostats, as a heat sink, I then solder the clevis to the push-rod. This way, I don't have to rotate a clevis in the very tight area between the wing and servo.
If you have any questions, you can reach me at: ljolly@aol.com
If you want to order a Fazer, contact Skip Miller at: skip@woodlogic.com