Strato Final trimming

Unlike the previous BJ designs I have owned and competed with, the Strato has presented the most challenge to trim to my liking. Not sure why.  The two outstanding differences are the 4-blade PCK power drive plus the additional sweep in the wings. 

To date, ~40 or so flights have been logged where I have changed wing incidence, throttle curve, CG, and other variables to achieve the overall feel I desire. I am a firm believer that at some point, you have to settle on the changes made and log numerous flights to become accustomed to and compensate for the plane's behavior throughout the sequence.  I believe I have reached that plateau.  Any further setup changes will be minimal from this point forward.

Positives

• Predictable negative snaps
• Constant speed control
• Pitch and roll feel
• Low flight weight with 6000mAh batteries
• Super quiet PCK 4-bld drive/prop

Negatives

• Narrow fuselage, minimal equipment space
• Flight trimming challenges
• Transition to the lack of sound feed from PCK drive
• Relocation of the rudder servo from tail-mounted to a traditional pull-pull location for CG purposes

Strato Revoc Protective Covers

This is my third set of Revoc covers. As before, the quality is outstanding. The Strato was not in their catalog, so I submitted dimensions. They sent test covers to validate fit. Production turnaround time exceeded expectations. If you want/need protective covers, I highly encourage contacting Revoc.

Strato by BJ Craft

This past Sunday evening, I maiden the Strato by BJ Craft.  Yeah, I know it looks like all the other planes I fly, which is a good thing for these aging eyes. The initial test flight was uneventful.  This was followed by three more flights during which a few settings were tweaked.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue trimming flights this week in between forecasted afternoon rain showers.

Strato equipment/specs

Futaba 32MZ SBus

2-Futaba 7108 RXs on FASST Multi linked using PowerBox PBR-12X

Ail = 2-A704

Rud = A501, changed from tail mounted to pull-pull

Elev = 2-BLS 173

Motor = PCK 4-Bld

ESC = D3 v2.1

Batteries = TP10S 6000/TP 2S 910

Landing gear/pants = PT

Colors = WingsWest RC paint fuse/wings, stabs, and rudder Monokote

Spinner = Falcon

Takeoff weight = 4920grams

BJ Craft Strato Progress

The Strato, first cousin to the Anthem, is nearing completion. All that's left is to complete the radio installation, primarily the location and positioning of the two receivers and RX battery, followed by a CG check.

BJ Craft Strato Progress Update - Paint Process

The paint process has begun. Again, I'm using Wings West RC paint.  It's a base/clear coat system that is very easy to apply.  This is the only paint I see on the market that meets the following criteria: 

• available in Monokote and Ultracote, matching colors
• available in small 4-oz bottles
• pre-mixed ready to spray

Currently, the Wings West RC website is down for maintenance.  However, Kevin, the owner, is taking orders by contacting him directly at kevin@onebuttoninc.com

Web  wingswestrc.com

Facebook  Wings West RC

    

BJ Craft Strato Progress Update

Wings and stabs done. I recently picked up an H9 digital iron, which made applying Monokote so much easier vs the original TopFlite iron I've used for years. Even though Monokote instructions say 150F, I have learned different colors like Dark Red require lower heat, like 115F, to achieve the results I'm after.  The digital indicator makes setting the iron to the desired temperature a breeze.

The colors and scheme layout work so well for visibility on the Anthem, I decided to duplicate it on the Strato.  Simple works best for me.

Honda Odyssey Pattern Plane Hauler

In December 2024 I replaced the trusty 2008 LX Odyssey plane hauler. Because of the outstanding, reliable performance of the 2008 LX, it was an easy decision to go with a new 2025 Odyssey EXL model. I'm slowly configuring it for road trips for the wife and me in future years, in addition to local and long-distance airplane events. This time, the plane rack is made from black PVC to match the van's interior.

BJ Craft Strato progress update

Mounting of the motor has been completed along with the initial fitment of wings, wing adjusters, stabs, and canilizer wing.  Air inlet and outlet cutouts are done.  This was done using a Dremel tool as a handheld router with BJ's provided templates.  The main landing gear has been installed.  Like the Anthem, I selected gear by PT. They are longer, and lighter than the stock gear and fit the original cutouts without modifying. I've also fabricated and installed my DIY tailwheel assembly pictured below. This assembly is low-cost and robust.  It is made from common RC accessories and is fully serviceable and easily duplicated. Most recently the battery tray was made from carbon/lite ply sandwich panel and mounted in the fuse using Gator RC's removal supports.  As a safeguard, the tray is also anchored with a screw to the landing gear mount.  Rudder servo plus the D3 controller mounts have been created and installed.

Custom Cutting and Laser Engraving Solutions

Just received my customized transmitter case from Custom Cutting and Laser Engraving Solutions by Mike Bargman. The finished quality is fantastic. Mike is a good communicator, he shares proofs before engraving to ensure accuracy.  Mike can customize the inside of the case to meet your needs. I opted for a standard configuration that accommodates my 32MZ or 18SZ plus tools and batteries.  If you desire a quality TX case please contact Mike at Custom Cutting and Laser Engraving Solutions.

BJ Craft Strato

In mid-December 2024, I took delivery of an early release version of BJ Craft's Strato. Like the previous BJ's ARC kits I built, the fit and finish, balsa quality, and prep work are very well done.  Given the recent low temps here in SE Texas instead of flying, I am making steady progress on the Strato. The plan is to outfit it using the same/similar products and methods that proved successful with other BJ designs I completed.

Here is a list of items I currently plan to use...

• Futaba
• 32MZ
• 7108rx (2) using PBR-12x
• HPS-704 aileron
• BLS173SV elevator
• S-A501 rudder (pull-pull) vs tail-mounted servo
• S.BUS
• SBD-3 decoder
• Power setup
• PCK 4-bld
• D3 controller
• Falcon carbon spinner
• Landing gear
• PT carbon mains
• Self designed tail wheel
• Central Hobbies Titanium axles
• F3AU removable battery tray
• Batteries
• TP 10s 5000mah/6000mah ProLiteX and FAI
• TP 2s 910mah ProLiteX
• Radio South hinges

Notable design differences compared to the Invitation, Epilogue and Anthem.

1. More narrow fuse
2. Taller fuse between the T-can and Fin
3. Flat bottom fuse vs rounded
4. Elimination of sub-fin molded into fuse
5. Smaller T-can wing

A few progress pics...