Phase 3 F-16 build thread.

[Angler-Hi]

I got my kit yesterday and she was packed quite well. All the parts are here and everything is in great shape.

I've already started on the silking process and will finish working on her when I get home from work. I'll post pics later tonight...

[Angler-Hi]

OK, I started silking the fuse (top and bottom sections) and the cock pit hatch. Everything is going on really well. I'll be doing the paint next before anything else. Here's a few pics of what I've done so far:

[firemanbill]

subscribed.

Will be watching this one Mike! Good luck with her.

[David M]

Go Man Go........!

Wish I was over there matey, I'd race yer with me Tigershark..!

Good luck with the F16, I've seen them fly and they're solid as a rock.

Cheers.......

[Angler-Hi]

Thanks Bill and David. David, I don't know if my F-16 will beat your Tiger Shark mate. I've seen videos of the TigerShark and that thing is FAST!

Hopefully I'll have the silking done tomorrow and can start on the paint. I'm only going to paint the bottom of the plane and wings. I'll paint the top when she's put together. I want tiger stripes on her so bad, but still need to see if i can do it. I bought some stencil plates that allows you to draw your own and use a razor to cut them out. I just have to figure out how to draw a few tiger stripes.

I'll be replacing the stock ESC with a Pheonix 35A ESC instead. Not saying the stock ESC isn't any good, but I want that piece of mind.

[GreenAce92]

Nice sneekers lol.
Nice kit! ooo man good thing your' silkin at those speeds if it hit the ground(or anything) it would be like a bug on a windshield lol foam everywhere. the edf system looks cool, like the clear plastic tube

good luck man! give her a good paintjob! thunderbirds maybe?

[Angler-Hi]

Originally Posted by GreenAce92

Nice sneekers lol.
Nice kit! ooo man good thing your' silkin at those speeds if it hit the ground(or anything) it would be like a bug on a windshield lol foam everywhere. the edf system looks cool, like the clear plastic tube

good luck man! give her a good paintjob! thunderbirds maybe?

Looks like we posted about the same time Ace. As far as the paint scheme, read above. Thanks.

[pablo27]

Thanx for the heads up on the silking process Mike, I'll try that on my next foamy for sure . Good luck with those Tiger stripes, hope they work out for you.

I'll keep an eye on your build mate and it looks like David might be up for the Mini Wattflyer speed challenge with his Tigershark.......eh David ?

Fancy Ace spotting your sneaker !

[David M]

We'll have to get this dopler thingy working dude and see what these things produce. On the stock set up, my model is meant to go 80-90mph, that's 300W at 25A though... not 400W and 37A like your burning on the Funjet..!!!!!!... 120 I reckon.

Mike, don't do what I done at the weekend and fly it at dusk in fairly turbulent conditions...!!!!... coming or going, the profile just vanished.

I worked out a way of switching in some up elevator for hand launching last night without needing to touch the trim. After the climbout, switch it off again.

On the Tx, mix the Gear to the elev and assign a switch to it. I altered the switch ON value to -45% giving me about 2-3mm of up elevator at launch...

[GreenAce92]

Well they are like big reflectors lol, shiny next to the white foam plane...

[CHELLIE]

Dang, Its seems like yesterday that Mike was just getting into RC with a Slow Stick, and now he is building and flying fiberglass EDF Jets, Wattflyers Has Created an Rc Monster Here I am Afraid Keep up the great work Mike, Chellie

[Fly Time]

Subscribed!

[pablo27]

Originally Posted by GreenAce92

Well they are like big reflectors lol, shiny next to the white foam plane...

Did you silk those too Mike.....lol. (sorry for hijacking your thread mate ).

[Angler-Hi]

Thanks guys. Chellie, it feels like I just started this hobby and I can't believe the level I'm at! I couldn't have done it without Wattflyer and all the great folks. Thanks guys...gals.

Sorry about the shoe...I was actually wearing it at the time. I'll be done with the silking tonight. I need to make a trip to the store for some orange paint. I'll try and draw out a few rough drafts of some tiger stripes as well. I'll post more pics tonight of what I get done.

[crxmanpat]

Good luck on the build Mike! I got one a few weeks ago on a Friday and had it in the air that Sunday. Did 2 weekends of wringing it out and I love how fast this thing is on stock power.

Just slapped some paint on it the past few days. Doing the standard two-tone grey Air Force scheme, and the fin flash will be "LF" for Luke AFB out here in Phoenix.

[Angler-Hi]

Originally Posted by crxmanpat

Good luck on the build Mike! I got one a few weeks ago on a Friday and had it in the air that Sunday. Did 2 weekends of wringing it out and I love how fast this thing is on stock power.

Just slapped some paint on it the past few days. Doing the standard two-tone grey Air Force scheme, and the fin flash will be "LF" for Luke AFB out here in Phoenix.

Sweet! It's good to hear positive things about this bird before the maiden. I have one wing and the vertical stab left to silk and that process is over. I'll be painting her with a dark gray on bottom and orange with tiger stripes on top.

Where did you mount your fan unit? I'm thinking of going with 2-1/4 to 2-1/2" from the indention. Watcha think? As long as i have enough room to move the battery forward to get the correct CG, I'll be a happy man. I'll post pics later this evening when the silking's done.

[DetroitHawk]

I went with a all black with gold foil highlights, kind like the smokey and the bandit theme.



I have had this plane for over a year now; and it is a very fun bird to fly. mine is also stock and for the $$$ this plane is a great deal. I have over 40 flights with this plane and not one negitive thing to say about it.

[GreenAce92]

Where did you mount your fan unit? I'm thinking of going with 2-1/4 to 2-1/2" from the indention

where everyou want
hehehe.... good luck on the build man!

[iflyrc1012]

forgive my ignorance, but what are you using to attach the silk to the fuse? thinned epoxy?? is this like fiber glassing a wing? to make the surface less prone to dent like foam??

[Angler-Hi]

Originally Posted by iflyrc1012

forgive my ignorance, but what are you using to attach the silk to the fuse? thinned epoxy?? is this like fiber glassing a wing? to make the surface less prone to dent like foam??

I'm actually using Minwax's water based polycrylic. I apply it with a 2" foam brush. It dries nice and stiff. Yes, it's like fiberglassing. It helps these foamies to prevent dents and also holds together quite well in the event of a crash...that way I don't have to worry about picking up a bunch of pieces and bits. Here's a pic of what I use:

[Angler-Hi]

Sorry about the pics last night guys, I wasn't feeling very well. I'll have the silking done today. I'm a little uncertain where to find my orange paint. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it...even at Wal-Mart!! I really want the tiger stripe paint scheme, but I may end up with something more traditional. We'll see.

[Angler-Hi]

The silking is finally done. I've installed the servos (HS-65) and dry fitted the fan unit. the ESC has already been velcroed in. I'll be painting her before I install the fan unit and ESC. Here's a few pics:

[hillbille]

Wal-Mart for paint - check the toys section all the "paint" is locked up in a glass case - but it's there. In the craft section (materials, beads, etc., etc.) there are actually TWO places where paints are sold - small tubes - in the oil painting (hey acrylic is acrylic! LOL) and the regular craft paints. Although I really like the regular paint isle and the Rustoleum Neon Orange Safety paint for me. LOL!! I am going for that bright orange wing and tail target drone look myself - helps me see the darn thing!!


Hillbille

[Fly Time]

Yeah, don't give up on the tiger stripes Mike! Anyone can paint an F-16 gray.

[iflyrc1012]

i'm impressed with your pace on this assembly/build. . . i tend to think too much and try to do everything perfect. . . thereby slowing the build to a snails pace instead of forging ahead. also i watched a vid the other day of one of these f-16's and the guy crashed on the maiden flight due to sucking a wire into the fan. be sure thats not gonna be an issue with your bird buddy!!