Official Freewing F/A-18C Hornet 90mm EDF Thread

[salali]

I'm seriously considering buying a second hand FW F-18. The plane is new and never been flown. I believe it's the base gray version and was purchased early 2021 (Feb). Reading through the forums, it's clear there is a potential issue w/ the flaps. Is there anyway to test if there's an issue before buying? Are there any other issues to look out for? I believe the elevator servo was an issue on the Blue Angels version.

TIA.

[Hugh Wiedman]

I'm seriously considering buying a second hand FW F-18. The plane is new and never been flown. I believe it's the base gray version and was purchased early 2021 (Feb). Reading through the forums, it's clear there is a potential issue w/ the flaps. Is there anyway to test if there's an issue before buying? Are there any other issues to look out for? I believe the elevator servo was an issue on the Blue Angels version.

TIA.

Not sure there is an "issue" with the flaps per se, although I did have one of my flaps sticking on one of my Hornets (have 2). Replaced both flap servos and bypassed the circuit board on both to be safe, but of the thousands (?) sold, have rarely heard of it being a problem (I'm always the lucky one though). Regarding the elevator servos, yes there was a problem when it was first released in the BA version, the servo wires were sometimes severed at the factory on a tight installation, but that was cured early one, with not a problem since that I heard of. I don't think the base grey had an issue ever, but if you get it, you can always remove the elevator servos and check the wires to be safe. Check and make sure this is the "newer high performance version" with the 9 blade 1900 kv inrunner. Initially they were sold with a 12 blade 1750 Kv (I think) outrunner that was a bit sluggish, but if he did buy it in February of 2021, it should have the inrunner!

[salali]

Not sure there is an "issue" with the flaps per se, although I did have one of my flaps sticking on one of my Hornets (have 2). Replaced both flap servos and bypassed the circuit board on both to be safe, but of the thousands (?) sold, have rarely heard of it being a problem (I'm always the lucky one though). Regarding the elevator servos, yes there was a problem when it was first released in the BA version, the servo wires were sometimes severed at the factory on a tight installation, but that was cured early one, with not a problem since that I heard of. I don't think the base grey had an issue ever, but if you get it, you can always remove the elevator servos and check the wires to be safe. Check and make sure this is the "newer high performance version" with the 9 blade 1900 kv inrunner. Initially they were sold with a 12 blade 1750 Kv (I think) outrunner that was a bit sluggish, but if he did buy it in February of 2021, it should have the inrunner!

Thanks Hugh Wiedman. I’ll look into bypassing the circuit board/blue box as recommended. The servos have been reinforced with CA. Servo wiring looks good. I can’t wait to get this into the air! Here’s a pic.

[Elbee]

salali, WOW, great lookin' Hornet. Nicely done, Sir. Best, LB

[Hugh Wiedman]

salali OUTSTANDING This FW model is one of the best to customize, each one better than the next!

[Corsair nut]

Heres a few videos of my fa18....doing some mods. Follow along! Some flying/mod/experiments. The model is currently getting repainted so be sure to follow along to see the progress on the makeover

https://youtu.be/xfvnW3b4bEk

https://youtu.be/NnghEIXCrvA

https://youtu.be/6CDaXbCqypw

[Aros]

LOVE it!

[Airguardian]

Some more Hornet flights :)

[Hugh Wiedman]

Some more Hornet flights :)

Love your flights at disk, the lights and the AB's really show off well. You can see how your balanced well aft on landing how the nose wheel hardly wants to stay on the ground!

[Airguardian]

Well, technically it stays on the ground if I leave the stick centered, but I like pulling (forcing) wheelies, to which the aft CG setting certainly helps, plus it helps decelerate faster... although sometimes I overdo it and the plane jumps back in the air!
Gotta be careful with that!

[Corsair nut]

Lil sneak peak of the makeover..

[Aros]

Lil sneak peak of the makeover..

Ummmm...What?!? Why does that look like fiberglass and not EPO?

[Corsair nut]

Trust me..its epo hahaahaha

[Aros]

Wow!

[Corsair nut]

A lil sneak peak. Still more work to do but getting close

[DCORSAIR]

That looks awesome, if only that gear would have came like that in stock form.......

[Airguardian]

Whoa... tell us more on the gear conversion from E-Flite!

Looks like it fits good enough... and looks the part!

I heard complaints about the FMS gear not absorbing impacts good enough, what's your take on it?
Did you stiffen the spring or did anything else in addition?

[Corsair nut]

Thanks! Yeah i added secondary springs. Thry will actually absorb now hahhaha

[Elbee]

A lil sneak peak

CN, Bravo Zulu, Sir. She is a beauty. Best, LB

[Aros]

Wow she is gorgeous! Love the finish and gear!