I built the Multiplex Twin Star II by following the included instructions. It only took a few hours to complete. I had all the equipment handy so I could dry fit it into the plane before I glued the 2 halves together making sure everything went where I had planed.

Building of a TwinStar II for FPV and AP video

This is my first attempt at building a plane for video photography, as I started using it, it  evolved into a FPV and AVP use.

 

 

I used 2 Xtra Brushless out-runner motors instead of the stock brushed motors. I mounted them to the stock motor mount and cut a little off so they fit inside the motor nacelles. I mounted the brushless speed control (ESC) behind the motors, this will help keep them cool.

     ESC mounted behind motors

As far as glue with this type of foam I found for me hot glue (low temp) worked the best for just about everything. I tried CA that is recommended by Multiplex but it didn't seem as good as hot low-temp glue. For the fuselage I used that GWS glue that comes in a tube. I used this because it remains soft and doesn't get hard like epoxies do and that should help give some flex with the foam if it should come in contact with the earth. Also my test with epoxy found that IMO it didn't stick well to the foam and could be peeled off easily.
I also used the hot glue to help affix the servo and battery wires running through the wing. Note: when using hot glue remember not to leave your plane in a hot environment as this may cause it to re-melt. For this reason I chose to CA and hot glue.

For paint I'm using the craft water base stuff that Wall-mart has. I did some test with Rustoleum, Testers and Krylon spray paint and had no issues with the foam. I find the farther you hold the can away from the foam the better chance of not having any problems. Even still I'm using the craft stuff because in testing on the foam it looked the best 10+ feet away and it's cheaper. When I'm done with the colors I clear it with Polycrylic.

The servos I used where the Hi-tec HS-81. At first I was going to use HS-55 but they don't fit in the servo saddles or have enough power IMO.

All the control rods and wings-tail where simple to put together.

 

This plane goes together pretty fast and it only took a couple of nights to have it going. I think the hardest thing was following the instructions (and about all I did was look at the pictures) This foam seems stronger then the other foamys that I have built but doesn't look that good up close. The paint does a good job making it look better when it's 20' away. I'm not sure about the 2 piece wing but it holds up fine so far.

 

 

Here's the set-up

1 2500mha 3 cell1p Lipo Battery.
2 APC 8x4e Props
2 Castle Creations 25 amp ESC
2 Xtra 2829-10 BL motors
4 HS-81 servos
1 HS-81 mod for 180o for Camera
1 2.4 GHz AR7000 RX
1 .9ghz wireless TX (Range Video)
1 KX-151 High resolution camera
1 Garmin Geko 201 GPS
1 ICircuits  On Screen Display (OSD)
1 900mAh 3cell Lipo for camera gear.

1 Samsung Sports Camcorder with external camera for AP video

Weight RTF 54oz
210 Watts Max
19 amps Max

 

I modified a HS-81 to turn 180o following twinturbostangs thread at RCG. Very easy mod. I decided to do this after having a linkage set up that I had, had to much play for my liking. I couldn't find the recommended 2k resistors so I used Radio Shacks 2.2k 1/4 watt. With these resistors I get 175o rotation.

here's the modification 180servo mod

This plane is designed for aerial video photography with FPV flight. I use this plane at Off Road racing events and record into the Samsung Sports Camcorder for a clearer video. The Samsungs external camera is mounted on a servo modified for 180o rotation. The camera mounted on the front (KX-151) is what I fly the plane by. It sends the video back to me along with GPS info on the planes speed, altitude, location, etc...

 

 

     Samsung Camcorder SC-X210L