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Carbon RC Parts FAQ | Undercarriage, Engines & RC Parts Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Carbon RC Parts & Carbon Fiber Undercarriage FAQ


General Questions

What is Carbon RC Parts?

Carbon RC Parts is a specialist supplier of premium carbon fiber undercarriages, gas/petrol engines, and high-quality RC accessories for radio control aircraft enthusiasts. We focus on delivering professional-grade components that enhance performance and durability for electric, nitro, and gas-powered RC planes.

Where are you located?

We are based in Beautiful South Cambridgeshire in the the United Kingdom and ship worldwide to RC enthusiasts around the globe.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes! We ship to customers worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on your location. For detailed information, please visit our Delivery Information page.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us through our Contact Us page. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours during business days.


Carbon Fiber Undercarriage Questions

Why should I choose carbon fiber undercarriage over aluminum or steel?

Carbon fiber undercarriages offer several key advantages:

  • 10x stronger than aluminum (500,000+ psi tensile strength vs 40,000 psi)
  • 60% lighter weight for better performance and extended flight times
  • Superior flex and memory – bends under impact and returns to shape
  • Corrosion-proof – no rust or oxidation in wet conditions
  • Vibration damping – protects electronics and provides smoother operation
  • Longer lifespan – outlasts metal alternatives by years

Are your carbon fiber undercarriages made from solid carbon fiber?

Yes! Our undercarriages are constructed from full carbon fiber, not fiberglass with a carbon skin. This provides superior strength-to-weight ratio and durability.

Do carbon fiber undercarriages come pre-drilled?

No, all our carbon fiber undercarriages are supplied undrilled to ensure perfect fitment for your specific aircraft model. This allows you to customize the mounting holes precisely to your plane’s requirements.

What if I can’t find the right size undercarriage for my model?

If you can’t find a standard size that fits your aircraft, simply contact us with your A, B, and C measurements (see measurement guide below), and we’ll recommend the best option or discuss custom sizing possibilities.

Undercarriages

How do I measure for the correct undercarriage size?

To determine the correct undercarriage size, measure:

  • A measurement: Distance between fuselage sides or mounting exit
  • B measurement: Total width of the gear (tip to tip)
  • C measurement: Height from mounting surface to axle center / bottom of the undercarriage

Send these measurements to us via our Contact page, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

What aircraft sizes do your carbon fiber undercarriages fit?

We stock undercarriages for:

  • Electric models (40-60 size)
  • Nitro models (50-90 size)
  • Petrol/Gas models (20cc up to 150cc+)

From profile aerobatic planes to scale warbirds, we have options for various aircraft types and sizes.

Can carbon fiber undercarriage break on hard landings?

While carbon fiber is extremely strong, it can fail under extreme impact – just like any material. However, carbon fiber typically flexes and returns to shape where aluminum would permanently bend. With proper installation and normal use, carbon fiber undercarriages are far more durable than metal alternatives.

How do I maintain my carbon fiber undercarriage?

Carbon fiber requires minimal maintenance:

  1. Wipe clean after each flying session with a soft cloth
  2. Use mild soap and water for stubborn dirt
  3. Inspect visually for cracks or white stress lines
  4. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the resin
  5. Apply UV protectant wax seasonally for extended life
  6. If you wish to colour your undercarriage this is possible with a wipe of a good cleaner, and a light sanding to key the surface. Take good protective precautions with sanding or drilling carbon fibre.

Do you sell stub axles, wheels, and spats?

Yes! We carry:

  • Stub axles for carbon fiber undercarriages
  • Aluminum hub wheels (2.75″ to 5″ sizes)
  • Plastic hub wheels for various applications
  • Wheel spats and fairings to complete your scale appearance

What’s included with carbon fiber undercarriage purchases?

Our carbon fiber undercarriages are supplied as the landing gear struts only (undrilled). Mounting hardware, stub axles, wheels, and spats are available separately, allowing you to customize your setup exactly as needed.


Engine and Ignition Questions

What brands of engines do you carry?

We stock quality gas/petrol engines and parts from:

  • RCGF Stinger Engines – Known for reliability and power
  • CRRC Engines – Including the popular GF40i b ut mainly spares now. Contact us for your CRRC spares
  • RCEXL Ignition Systems – Industry-leading ignition solutions

What’s included with RCGF Stinger engines?

RCGF Stinger engines come as complete packages including:

  • Engine with standoffs
  • Silencers (mufflers)
  • Ignition system
  • Spark plugs
  • Exhaust extensions
  • All mounting bolts and gaskets

Everything you need to install and run – no hidden costs or additional parts required!

Are RCGF Stinger engines reliable?

Yes! RCGF Stinger engines have built a strong reputation in the RC community for:

  • Consistent performance
  • Quality construction
  • Easy starting and tuning
  • Smooth power delivery
  • Lightweight design
  • Excellent power-to-weight ratio

Many competitive pilots and scale enthusiasts trust Stinger engines for their builds.

What size engine do I need for my plane?

Engine sizing depends on your aircraft’s weight, wingspan, and intended use. General guidelines:

  • 10-30cc: 40-60″ wingspan sport/aerobatic planes
  • 40-50cc: 60-80″ wingspan sport and scale aircraft
  • 60-100cc: 80-100″ wingspan scale warbirds and aerobatic planes
  • 100cc+: Giant scale aircraft 100″+ wingspan

Contact us with your plane’s specifications, and we’ll recommend the appropriate engine size.

Do you sell engine spare parts?

Yes! We stock a range of engine spares and accessories including:

  • Spark plugs (standard and iridium)
  • Ignition systems (RCEXL)
  • Propeller spinners
  • Fuel dots and filters
  • Mounting hardware
  • Engine-specific replacement parts

What fuel should I use with gas/petrol engines?

Gas engines run on regular unleaded gasoline mixed with quality 2-stroke oil. Typical mix ratios are:

  • Break-in period: 20:1 (richer oil mix)
  • After break-in: 40:1 to 50:1

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in your engine manual. Use premium unleaded fuel for best performance and engine longevity.


Ordering and Payment Questions

How do I place an order?

Simply browse our products, add items to your basket, and proceed to checkout. You’ll need to create an account or checkout as a guest. Follow the prompts to enter shipping information and complete payment.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major payment methods through our secure checkout system, including:

  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • Debit cards
  • PayPal
  • Other secure payment options displayed at checkout

Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?

Please contact us immediately if you need to modify or cancel an order. If the order hasn’t been processed or shipped yet, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. Once an order is shipped, modifications may not be possible.

Do I need to create an account to order?

You can checkout as a guest, but creating an account offers benefits:

  • Faster checkout for future orders
  • Order history tracking
  • Saved shipping addresses
  • Special offers and updates

Are prices shown in my currency?

Prices are displayed in British Pounds (£). Your payment provider will convert to your local currency at the current exchange rate during checkout.


Shipping and Delivery Questions

How long does shipping take?

Delivery times vary by location and stock:

  • UK: 2-5 business days
  • Europe: 5-10 business days
  • North America: 7-14 business days
  • Rest of World: 7-21 business days

These are estimates and may vary during peak periods or due to customs processing. Visit our Delivery Information page for complete details.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs are calculated based on your location and order weight. The exact cost will be displayed during checkout before you complete your purchase.

Do I have to pay customs or import duties?

UK orders will not incur import costs for your delivery even if an item is shipped from our international warehouse. For international orders (outside the UK), customs duties, taxes, or import fees may apply depending on your country’s regulations. These charges are the responsibility of the customer and are not included in our shipping costs. Contact your local customs office for specific information.

How can I track my order?

Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking number via email. Use this number to track your package through the carrier’s website.

What if my order arrives damaged?

If your order arrives damaged, please:

  1. Document the damage with photographs
  2. Contact us immediately through our Contact page
  3. Provide your order number and photos

We’ll work quickly to resolve the issue through replacement or refund.


Returns and Warranty Questions

What is your return policy?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. For detailed information on returns, exchanges, and refunds, please review our Terms & Conditions page.

Do carbon fiber undercarriages have a warranty?

Our carbon fiber products are manufactured to high standards. If you receive a defective product, please contact us within 14 days of receipt with photos and a description of the issue. We’ll arrange for replacement or refund as appropriate.

What if I receive the wrong item?

If you receive an incorrect item, please contact us immediately with:

  • Your order number
  • Photo of the item received
  • Description of what was expected

We’ll arrange for the correct item to be sent out promptly.


Product Compatibility Questions

Will this undercarriage fit my [specific plane model]?

For best results, compare the measurements of your current undercarriage to our product specifications. If unsure, contact us with your aircraft model and current gear measurements – we’ll confirm compatibility. Wea re trying to build a compatibility list. if you have purchased an undercarriage from us for a particular plane and found it fits well, please do let us know and we will add it to our developing list.

Can I use carbon fiber undercarriage on my foam plane?

Yes! Carbon fiber undercarriage works excellent with foam aircraft. The reduced weight is particularly beneficial for foam models. Just ensure proper mounting through reinforced areas of the foam structure.

Are your wheels compatible with other brands of undercarriage?

Our wheels are designed to work with standard stub axles. As long as your undercarriage uses conventional axle sizing, our wheels should fit. Check axle diameter specifications or contact us to confirm compatibility.

Do you sell complete landing gear sets with wheels?

We offer undercarriages separately to allow maximum customization. You can add stub axles, wheels of your choice, and optional spats to create your perfect landing gear setup.


Technical Support Questions

I’m new to carbon fiber undercarriages. Do you offer installation advice?

Yes! We’re happy to provide installation guidance. Contact us with photos of your aircraft and specific questions, and we’ll help ensure proper installation.

How do I install carbon fiber undercarriage correctly?

General installation tips:

  1. Test fit before drilling to confirm alignment
  2. Use aircraft-quality mounting hardware
  3. Apply threadlocker to prevent vibration loosening
  4. Ensure gear is perpendicular to the thrust line
  5. Use reinforcing plates on the mounting area if needed
  6. Check alignment and screw tightness after first few flights

Can carbon fiber be repaired if damaged?

Minor surface damage can be repaired with epoxy resin patches. For significant structural damage, replacement is recommended for safety. We can advise on repair vs. replacement based on photos of the damage.

What propeller should I use with my engine?

Propeller selection depends on engine size, aircraft type, and flying style. Each RCGF Stinger engine listing includes recommended propeller sizes. Generally:

  • Start conservative with smaller props during break-in
  • Match to application: Larger diameter for torque, higher pitch for speed
  • Check manufacturer specs for maximum prop size

Contact us with your specific setup for personalized recommendations.


Account Questions

How do I reset my password?

On the login page, click “Lost your password?” and follow the instructions. You’ll receive an email with password reset instructions.

How do I update my account information?

Log into My Account where you can update:

  • Billing and shipping addresses
  • Email address
  • Password
  • Contact preferences

Can I save multiple shipping addresses?

Yes, you can save multiple addresses in your account for faster checkout to different locations.


Still Have Questions?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re here to help!

Contact us at: https://carbonrcparts.com/contact-us/

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM GMT

We typically respond to all enquiries within 24 hours during business days.


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Thank you for choosing Carbon RC Parts! We’re passionate about providing quality components that enhance your RC flying experience. Happy flying! ✈️