The top RC Voyager, is a very nice kit.
Upon inspection of all of the parts, I was quite impressed.
I have not yet flown this air-frame, as it is my current winter project. Flying characteristics are supposed to be superb.
My initial comments, as I am now well into this kit, build:
Build quality:
Overall, build quality is very good.
This is a second or third generation kit, produced by top RC.
All formers are laminated with carbon fiber, and carbon fiber is used throughout for reinforcement in higher stress areas.
Glue joints are well reinforced, and done with a white or grayish glue appearing to be a hysol adhesive.
Very few glue joints needed to be redone. I would, however, inspect all all joints that are visible.
Paint:
Paint quality is good, though could be better. I’m not sure if this is of the same quality as a NASON automobile Paint.
Retracts:
Retract for this kit are purchased separate from the kit purchase. I opted for the Electron brand retracts, as I have heard very unfavorable feedback on the Top RC gear from various owners. Different owners will have different opinions, but of the multiple threads I have read on Top RC retracts as a whole, not so favorable. I opted for Electron retracts, noted in the jet community as is first class. When installing the electron retract, it’s simply a matter of making a cut out in the fiberglass wheel well area, (the strut area), to enable the motor to fit. Very simple. Other than that, it’s drop-in fit.
Structural reinforcement:
Carbon fiber wing tube is used, as are tubes to support the stabilizers, vertical fin, and joining the fuselage halves(the fuselage can easily be broken down for transport. Very simple.) Nice touch over the old aluminums in the first generation kit.
Hardware:
Hardware is decent quality, that is control horns, ball, links, etc.
I opted to replace the stock 5.5 L fiberglass tank, with a 7 L Kevlar tank. My personal preference.
Cons:
Servo hatches are of a cheap grade plywood. Why not G-10? If using a 900 ounce torque servo on a flap, this is certainly a structural weak point. I used a layer of 6 ounce glass cloth on the inside of all my hatch covers. Problem solved.
Hatch, frames are of a low-grade plywood. When applying blind nuts, one of them delaminated. Simple fix, epoxy, and again some glass cloth on the underside and inside of the hatch frame areas where the covers go.
Landing gear plates area seems adequate, however, reinforced with 3/8 inch aircraft ply, utilizing west systems resin and mill fiberglass.
Cutouts in the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizers, for the servo arms are not cut out. This would be a simple step for Top RC to complete for the builder, and is a bit of a task to get everything lined up and looking good. Certainly a simple but a bit time-consuming step.
Overall, I am impressed with the top RC Voyager, and I’m looking forward to flying this aircraft in the spring. It’s my winter project and I’m certainly sure I will enjoy every bit of it. It has a very large presence, decent quality, and the flying is from what I understand first class. Should be great for a 220 to 260 Newton engine.
