Official Freewing Twin 80mm F-14D Tomcat Thread

[xviper]

Just acquired the freewing F-14 Tomcat 80mm and wondered if anyone has considered using carbon fiber sheet for making the main landing gear strengthening plate as apposed to aluminum. It was just a thought i had and not heard anyone doing it and wondered if it would work obviously there would be a weight saving and the plate could be glued down to increase the strength and reduce any flex.
I will probably get some don't be stupid comments but if you don't ask 🤷

I mentioned in the RCInformer F-14 thread that I used CF square rods to beef up the area around the main retracts and for years now, it has held up well.
Another aspect of CF is that, at what point is there too much CF (ie, as in making those plates out of CF) that would interfere with radio function and a receiver meant for CF must be used? It's in that area of those metal plates that I have my main RX and satellite. Just curious.

[Elbee]

I mentioned in the RCInformer F-14 thread that I used CF square rods to beef up the area around the main retracts and for years now, it has held up well.
Another aspect of CF is that, at what point is there too much CF (ie, as in making those plates out of CF) that would interfere with radio function and a receiver meant for CF must be used? It's in that area of those metal plates that I have my main RX and satellite. Just curious.

X,

I would think no more or no less than aluminum plate.

Aluminum is more conductive, but don't know for certain about more or less RF interference issues.

It seems reasonable to presume no differences.

Best, lB

[xviper]

X,

I would think no more or no less than aluminum plate.

Aluminum is more conductive, but don't know for certain about more or less RF interference issues.

It seems reasonable to presume no differences.

Best, lB

That, I can't say. A friend got a sailplane that was high in CF content this season and he was stressing about the need for a RX specifically meant for CF planes. He eventually went with a "normal" RX and didn't seem to have any issue.
As an example:

https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/dsmx-carbon-fiber-remote-receiver/SPM9746.html

[Elbee]

Interesting to say the least.

Faulty logic (FL) was almost my knick, but LB was closer to the truth. LMAO

[HairyTacco]

So it was a successful maiden flight on the 80mm Tomcat yesterday albeit in challenging conditions at the end! Looks so amazing in the air. I added centre burners and changed the ESC & EDF unit to the latest Freewing 80mm units. Had her setup with the RC Geeks setup (Tailerons, full span flaps and 'spoilers')..

When I lined up on the clubs runways the windsock was totally limp. By the time landing rolled around it was horizontal, kicking and a cross wind.. I felt personally attacked.. Brough her in with no flaps and a bit of slip and ended with a small bounce before settling. She just wanted to keep flying..

Looking forward to flying her in more amenable weather conditions so I can nail some nice landings..

Cheers,
HT

[Elbee]

So it was a successful maiden flight on the 80mm Tomcat yesterday albeit in challenging conditions at the end. I felt personally attacked.. Brought her in with no flaps and a bit of slip and ended with a small bounce before settling. She just wanted to keep flying..Cheers,
HT

Great debrief, beautiful model. Congrats, Sir.

Best, LB

[Elbee]

Hey All,

Does anyone own/know of a derelict or crashed Tomcat they'd be willing to part with for a reasonable amount?

I ask as I'd like to do some reverse engineering and use it as a workhorse for measurements, etc for my ARF+ project.

I'd pay shipping, of course.

Please, keep me in mind if you hear of one that's seen better days and is ready for the bin.

Best, LB