Notes on buying a Ripmax 40 high wing trainer
I was looking for an affordable high wing trainer and the Ripmax Trainer 40 is certainly a well priced model. This model was my second ARTF plane and was even less expensive than the first I purchased. The kit came with fully covered wings, tail and fuselage, full undercarriage including wheels, all control linkages, fuel tank, spinner and all nuts, bolts & washers which are required to complete the plane.

The Build
As I mentioned above the Ripmax Trainer 40 was my second ARTF model and it was my intention to build this one on my own (thanks David for your help with the Nova). Fortunately the model is well pre-buit and I was able to complete the plane in a few hours work. It is worth mentioning that the ailerons, elevator and rudder were already connected by pinned hinges, the engine mount was screwed in place and the snakes for the throttle and steerable nose leg were glued in.

The first task was to glue in the wing joiner which was no problem at all and no sanding was required. During the time the glue dried I fitted in the main undercarriage, the noseleg with steering arm and attached all the wheels. Then I cut away the covering at the rear of the fuselage for the tailplane and fin fitting. When I was sure that the position of the tailplane was correct I marked its position by drawing a line on top and bottom of the tailplane, where its meet the fuselage. After removing the covering I glued the tailplane in place and subsequently the fin.

The next task was to assemble the fuel tank. I must criticize that the provided tubes for going into the tank were not long enough. So one would not be able to fill the tank to its full capacity nor to empty the tank completely. Therefore I used the tubing from my old tank. The engine was to fit in next. This was very easily done by squeezing the engine between two plates. I like this way of engine fitting because you don't have to drill holes and you can still move the engine slightly forward or backwards. The last steps were to feed the pushrods through the fuselage, to fit the clevises and horns and finally install the servos.

As I mentioned this was already my second trainer but I still regard myself as a novice. I was practising for the bronze test and therefore it was my ambition to get the maiden flight done without help. With my first trainer the Nova, I had always problems to get the balance right and the plane never flew satisfactorily. So I was curious to see whether this plane flies any better. I took off by myself (in strong wind) and it was nearly impossible to control the plane. I was very relieved that a more experienced pilot (thanks David) took over and trimmed it for me. After landing I realized that I made a silly mistake. I fitted the engine with nearly six degree pointing to the right and this caused the steering problem. After moving the engine into the correct position the next two flights were without any problems. The balance was about right and I subsequently added 3 and a half ounses of lead to the nose. The GP42 is a fairly light engine so a heavier one would not need the extra ballast. The Ripmax 40 flew very pleasantly even in strong wind and with the big fuel tank provided flight times up to 25 min are possible. I used a Thunder Tiger GP 42 and it makes a good combination.

The Summary
A nice looking trainer which is well worth the money. The kit is high quality and well pre-built. It is possible to assemble it in a few hours. The only materials one has to buy is epoxy and super glue (and an engine and radio gear, of course). I purchased mine from Sussex Model Centre for £58.50 which I think is a very good price compared to other models available. I did not detect any faults and the only thing to criticise was the fuel tank.

Remember, that as with all ARTF models, they are built to a cost and within a certain time limit, which means they cannot have had the tender loving care that you would furnish on a kit, were you to build one instead.