“I purchased this DO335 ARF in 2022 and started and completed the assembly during the 2025-26 winter build season. I thoroughly enjoyed the process; it is a unique subject, the parts fit well, and the kit went together quickly.
I have a few notes regarding the assembly and components:
- Retracts: The Xwave retracts fit well and operate smoothly.
- Motors and Mounting: While I purchased the recommended power pack, I found that installing GP10 motors would require drilling new mounting holes in the firewall. Instead, I opted for Avian 4260-480Kv Outrunner Brushless Motors paired with 65-amp ESCs and 14X7 props. These motors aligned perfectly with the pre-installed blind nuts.
- Spinners: I found the included spinners to be subpar. I am currently using Dubro spinners but plan to 3D print more scale-accurate versions after the maiden flight.
- Pilot Figure: I chose to use a different pilot, as the included figure appeared a bit too "cartoonish" for my preference.
I am excited to get this model in the air and expect it to fly great.”
“This is one really unique plane - not your average build. That being said, there were a lot of unknowns- where to put the esc’s, the battery(ies?), CG accuracy to name a few. The CG guide that comes with the plane helps but it still flies the plane tail heavy so I adjusted accordingly. I powered the plane’s two motors with splitting the 100A esc’s with a 6s 6200 mAh battery. Used an auxiliary 2s to power the receiver. In the end, any thing I could move forward I did with addition of two ounces on the firewall.
How it flies… needs a good distance of runway to take off at high throttle to get airspeed. Once in the air, had to put a significant amount of down elevator trim. After that, it flew “scale” like. Landing approach is long but stable, use full flaps - there’s just a lot of momentum. The landing gear needs to be checked after every flight to insure it’s secure.
Once again, very unique and challenging build.”
How would you rate the overall quality of the product?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How would you rate the value of the product for the money?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How difficult or easy is the product to assemble, use, or operate?
Very Difficult
Average
Very Easy
How well does the product perform / function?
Very Weak
Okay
Very Good
“I'm having a couple small issues with the retracts not wanting to come down, I purchased the motors, retract, propeller and servo combo offered by motion RC, speed controllers needed to be purchased separately, I'm afraid to put them up in the air it seems like the struts when they are up they put pressure on the retracts motor and sometimes they fail to come down, it's about a 50/50, the retracts work every time until I put the struts in them and tighten them down, I am waiting for a response from motion RC, instructions are fairly vague but that's fine, I assume the rear propeller is supposed to be put on and spun backwards, in other words trailing edge first, because it won't go on with the leading edge towards the front of the airplane it hits the spinner back plate, the model arrived in good shape a couple small holes but I am patched them with extra material after I cut holes for the elevators and retracs, and subfin needed a little bit of glue as it was cracked and pushed off to the side in shipping, but I was reimbursed a little for the repair work I did, the model looks really really good, the covering is high quality as is the wood, fiberglass cowels, and clear plastic canopy, it is not a trainer but it flies very well �”
How would you rate the overall quality of the product?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How would you rate the value of the product for the money?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How difficult or easy is the product to assemble, use, or operate?
Very Difficult
Average
Very Easy
How well does the product perform / function?
Very Weak
Okay
Very Good
“Purchasing and shipping was quick and easy. The kit arrived in good condition and within a few days. No damage at all and well packed with bubble wrap , etc. As the kit itself, well I like it very much. Some go on about the weathering on the plane. I don't mind it... even after a short time flown in combat or just trials, the paint well be affected. I have shown it to a few club mates of mine already and they all agree...wow!! Nice plane. Looking forward to this winter project.”
How would you rate the overall quality of the product?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How would you rate the value of the product for the money?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How difficult or easy is the product to assemble, use, or operate?
Very Difficult
Average
Very Easy
How well does the product perform / function?
Very Weak
Okay
Very Good
“Overall, an excellent model. The Do 335 is a tough aircraft to model and Blank Horse and Motion RC has given us a impressive 335 that the average R/Cer can assemble and fly successfully. Quality for the price point is very good. Some of the complaints about this model are not on the mark, due to the unusual push pull configuration.The model is well designed and built. The covering with all the printed detail is accurately applied with attention to detail. Basic assembly is very easy.Minor nit picks:The weathered covering is impressive, but a little overdone.Some of the accessory items, like the landing gear struts, spinners and pilot figure could be better.Mine is just now ready for the maiden flight and I have no doubt it will perform well.”
How would you rate the overall quality of the product?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How would you rate the value of the product for the money?
Very Low
Okay
Very Good
How difficult or easy is the product to assemble, use, or operate?
Very Difficult
Average
Very Easy
How well does the product perform / function?
Very Weak
Okay
Very Good
“WOW!Maiden plus three flights today 03-27-21The maiden was a breeze.....10-12mph headwinds with brief strong puffs of 15mph crosswinds. This airframe acted like nothing happened in the air. I was amazed that is simply lifted off the runway (Grass field) at about 25yards of run up. The rotation was nearly flat and once airborne....ya it was an arrow. Not real fast (counter rotating 3blade props) but very respectable pace. It is super stable and exhibited no vile traits. Turns, rolls, loops, figure eights were all done with ease. The landing was a bit awkward as the winds lifted it back up about 5ft, I had to blip the throttle and flatten it back out then merely landed again..no flare but a gentle flat three point landing.I was able to make three other spirited flights cruising at or near 50% throttle with shallow dive runway passes at full tilt. The sound of the props is really neat...the galley enjoyed the sound and the looks of this strange airframe. Flight duration on the 6s 100C 8000mAh LiPo was 6:00min landing at 3.80v per cell.The fourth flight I pancaked a little too hard on the rain soaked soft grass which popped the retract mounts in both wings.....the plywood retract mounts have split and cracked in the wings....but this will be an easy fix.The airframe flies on rails, has an excellent resonance sound from the props, looks wickedly odd in the air, tight axial rolls, huge gargantuan loops, tight figure eights all day....easy to land.Star rating four out of five only because the nature of the beast itself and NOT a fault of the ARF kit. This is NOT a trainer and the landings must be spot on so this must be a consideration for this model. If I prang this one up beyond repair - I will order another...it's that fun for me.Motors: Flight Line 5055 390KvProps: MAS 16x10x3 Pull/Push props (Counter rotating)Spinners: Extreme Flight FW-190Nose Gear: Freewing A10 80mm nose gear (MotionRC FJ311110811) / Have to insert a longer spring stopper inside the strut cylinder - shorter travel, compressed springBattery: RCJuice Hobby Star 6s 100c 8000mAh LiPo (901grams)Flight Battery: Spektrum LiFe 2s 6.6v mounted in front of the forward battery trayLead weight: 105ounces mounted on the nose rear firewall and in front of the forward battery trayESC: (2) Castle Talon 90Receiver: Spektrum AR8010Stabilizer: Hobby Eagle A3-LCG for flight: 163mm”
