HobbyZone/Horizon Hobby T-28 Trojan S
This pint-size model of the ’50s trainer can fly anywhere
This pint-size model of the ’50s trainer can fly anywhere
This new model of the 1950s’ military trainer is constructed entirely out of molded foam and comes painted in an authentic scale scheme complete with U.S. Navy markings. I reviewed the ready-to-fly version, which comes with everything you need to get the T-28 in the air. My review model arrived with a complete tricycle landing-gear set, flight battery, batteries for the included E-flite 6-channel 2.4GHz transmitter, and a USB charger for the flight battery, all in neat little compartments designed specifically for them. The beauty of this system is that, when you are done flying, it all goes back in the original box for transportation.
This plane is intended for anyone from a firsttime flier to the most experienced modeler. The
SAFE technology makes this plane a breeze to learn with. Flip into Safe mode and it will keep the wings level and the nose straight ahead until you tell it to do otherwise.
When in full SAFE mode, however, you cannot overbank or overpitch the model. This is great for first-time fliers. When you are comfortable guiding the T-28 around, the Intermediate mode will give you a little more control and then you can graduate to full, unrestricted flight for aerobatics and tight spaces.
UNIQUE FEATURES
All the control surfaces are prehinged and ready for flight out of the box. The hinges are molded into the foam and will provide many hours of enjoyment. Another thing that HobbyZone did to keep things simple is to limit the moving parts. There are no retractable landing gear or flaps to worry about. As a matter of fact, the landing gear is prebent piano wire that simply clips into place in the receptacles that are attached to the model. Installing and removing the landing gear takes just seconds.
All the markings are preapplied. The small markings are high-quality decals, which look great. The main color and larger areas are painted on and should stay looking nice even with some abuse.
I made absolutely zero modifications on this plane, but I did try a couple of different batteries. The included 1S 150mAh 25C provided plenty of power. When I tried a little bit larger 200mAh, I was pleased that the model flew well with the added weight. The performance was still terrific, and I even felt like the little bit of extra weight helped with the slight breeze we had at the field that day.
One thing I did notice was the area where the aileron torque rods connected to the ailerons is secured with tape. On my model, the tape looked to be coming a little loose. I pressed it in place, and this seemed to help tighten things up. I am not sure this would cause an issue, but it is worth checking from time to time.
IN THE AIR
The wheels on this T-28 are extremely
small. You will need a paved or smooth dirt runway. We flew off dirt, and I was actually impressed with how well the T-28 handled. Ground handling is solid. Even with the small wheel and wire landing gear, controlling the T-28 on the ground was a nonissue. For takeoff, I aimed it into the wind and advanced the throttle. Within about 4 feet, we were airborne without incident. Once it was time to land, I lined up with the runway and pulled the throttle back slowly. Using a little bit of throttle management, I was able to put the T-28 exactly where I wanted it on the runway and taxi back to myself.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: This is what this model is all about. With the SAFE system engaged, this model all but flies itself. There are very few times that I would recommend a low-wing WW II model as a first model plane, but this is definitely one of them. Tracking: A model of this size is never going to have perfect tracking. They are just too light and get buffeted around by the slighted wind gust or thermal activity. But with the SAFE AS3X system, this plane does much better than you would expect. It goes where it is pointed and makes flying fun.
Aerobatics: Loops and rolls were easy. I did some hammerhead stalls and even flew a few circuits inverted. It was a lot of fun.
Glide and stall performance: The stall performance of the T-28 is great. There were no bad tendencies when the wings stopped flying. Just add a little throttle or let the nose come down and you are flying again before you knew what happened. The glide performance is something to keep in mind. With almost no weight behind, it takes a little power to keep this model moving forward. If you remember this on landing, you will be fine.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
This plane does everything well. From slow, stable training flight to full-throttle aerobatics and strafing runs, the T-28 delivers. It really is a great all-around fun plane to keep in the car for those impromptu flying experiences. Mine will be in the car at all times going forward.