I got a good deal on a Brodak ARF Super Clown and their turn-key power system. I figured it would be easier to leap into the fray rather than worry about learning every little thing first. I've read every 'review' I can find of the Super Clown on this forum so I know what to look out for. Sure enough, I had some left thrust built into the motor mount, and I had to do some extensive dremel work in the nose to get clearance for the outrunner. The nose is rather flimsy, but with the addition of the fiberglass cowl included in the kit as "a better way to mount your motor", it might just hold together. I have visions of the motor pulling free and taking the electric system with it, causing mayhem like you would see in an Allstate commercial.
The stationary part of the motor has several holes in it, some for mounting, and bigger ones which I presume are for cooling air. There is no provision for cooling air to get past the nose ring, as it has only three small holes for mounting. Is this a design flaw, or is airflow through the motor unnecessary?
I'm finding the ARF to be a time saver, but I question the durability. Is the quality of the other ARFs (Smoothie, Nobler) comparable to this? If so , I think I would build from a kit first.
I figure I will fly this thing by the weekend. What should I be looking for for RPM's? This is an Arrowind 2815/09, kV 1300, and I'll be using a 3300 3S and a 9x4.5 prop. I want it to fly with authority, but not screaming around too fast, maybe a 4-5 second lap time on roughly 58' e to e lines.
Thanks for your help.

Thanks for your input, Denny. I did three 'minimum' flights today. I took the model to a local soccer field, it was mowed quite nicely, but I had concerns about the small wheels being able to roll in the dense grass. Having nobody available to assist, I relied on the 15 second delay in the timer to allow me to get to the handle. I actually timed myself walking 60 ft, exactly 15 seconds. So I opted to trot, that only took 7 seconds. I know a helper is best, a stooge is second best, and depending on the timer not to malfunction is a distant last option, but it worked for me today.

The airplane worked brilliantly. I got out to the handle, had it at the ready while putting my hand through the safety thong, then waited what seemed like an eternity (roughly 8 seconds) for the motor to spin. It started slow, like I expected, then quickly ramped up to full power. The wheels apparently had no issue with the grass, and after a short roll it was in the air. I didn't get a lap time, but it was acceptable. Line tension was more than I expected, given the size of the model, and the wings looked flat from my point of view. Naturally I had to loop it. That went well, so I tried some inverted flight, also a success. I proceeded to stunt it up a bit, but then went level, in anticipation of my time being up. I didn't know what the brief sag would be like, so I chose to be cautious.

After what seemed like 75 or 80 level laps, there's the sag. No way I wouldn't have noticed that. Power came back on for just a bit, and then I landed. My best landing in 20 years.

The next two flights were even more fun, even though they were still short duration. I greased the third landing, best one ever. By the way, landings were not my best maneuver as a teenager, then during my second childhood I flew Combat. Now in my third childhood I think it will all come together, finally.

After three short flights I rolled 'em up and went home, only 5 minutes away. Took the battery's temperature, it was 105 F. Plugged it into my charger, still has mid to high 50% remaining. I think I could have done another flight without dropping into the 20% zone.

Now I'm going to need a couple more batteries.