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

[jetpltrich]

Flying off the beach, novel idea. Smooth and you can put it in the water if needed. I’d implement a corrosion control program though. Remember, you’ve only got one good turn in the F-18 and don’t go vertical to chase your opponent. 😜

[InTheTubeDeep]

Hump Day Morning Mission

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCaDP-03t7U

[InTheTubeDeep]

Blue Angel Soldiers on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFph1jtjnlo

[InTheTubeDeep]

Back at Marine Room

[InTheTubeDeep]

Blue Angel on NorthSide Patrol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qFBxNmKpCE

[InTheTubeDeep]

Blue Angel Patrols NorthSide

[InTheTubeDeep]

Another day another beach mission

[Elbee]

] General build is done. Waiting on afterburner for that scale effect.

Juan, beautiful work, Sir. Again, great tribute. Best, LB

[Juan De La Garza]

General build is done. Waiting on afterburner for that scale effect.

[InTheTubeDeep]

Remembered -AoA on dead stick final ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V63_EuC8dc8

[InTheTubeDeep]

Crazy- I posted this at 7am its got 18k views!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cejd6GOQ-es

[InTheTubeDeep]

ITTD returns with the Flyin' Toaster and a sweet landing!

[InTheTubeDeep]

I would agree Hugh. I have been flying everything from micros to giant scale for 30+ years now. And as is well known, I am on to number 8 with this particular model. Some of it indeed was the gremlin/servo issues, but some was Dumb Thumbs too. There's just something about this model you have to be on your toes about. I can't even quantify it. I for one concur, this would be FAR FROM my first EDF jet recommendation. The Avanti is much more tame and predictable throughout the entire flight envelope. Just my two pennies.

Ha thats so true!! I was warned about this Jet but seeing as how my Russian fleet is sanctioned and grounded still the F18 is a real beauty and a challenge to fly and land!

[InTheTubeDeep]

Great tribute Juan!! Hope I'm not sticking my big nose in where it definitely doesn't belong, but I'm wondering if the F-18 is the best "candidate" for your first jet. What have you been flying up till now? The F-18 can be a little tricky at times, especially, like most aircraft, landing may be quite different from what you are used to. My first jet was a Stinger 90, extremely easy to fly and land, and I have to say it was a real handful for me the first time out. I was used to prop warbirds/BiPlanes/Sport props like Edge & Extra and when I first flew the jet, the speed compared to the others was almost frightening. Half way through the flight and almost crashing several times from over correcting, loosing orientation every 5 seconds and flying to fast, I threw my TX to a friend who knew what he was doing (who had made the comment at least twice during my flight that I could "Kiss that Baby Goodbe") and told him to land the damn thing! After 5 years and having a host of military jets, I'm still not sure I'm a whole lot better. I know a lot of guys recommend the Avanti for a first jet, which is a great idea (have one also), but just not sure I'd start out with the F-18. Anybody out there, please weigh in on this as I don't want to scare him off this, but a bad experience at the beginning isn't that much fun either.

Haha I've goobered 3 landings in a row- in hindsight I know my errors- I have to dead stick this F18 in otherwise it will float forever- my 1st 18 flights I nailed the final with -AoA and flared near touchdown worked great- last 3 I just didn't get a nice descent with nose down, I came in almost +AoA nearly stalled 3 times dropped R wing twice next time I'll hopefully NOT make that error again! 1st EDF!? Might be challenging but hey live and learn

[Aros]

I would agree Hugh. I have been flying everything from micros to giant scale for 30+ years now. And as is well known, I am on to number 8 with this particular model. Some of it indeed was the gremlin/servo issues, but some was Dumb Thumbs too. There's just something about this model you have to be on your toes about. I can't even quantify it. I for one concur, this would be FAR FROM my first EDF jet recommendation. The Avanti is much more tame and predictable throughout the entire flight envelope. Just my two pennies.

[Hugh Wiedman]

Greetings to all,
I just received my first jet this past Saturday and am looking forward to learning from you all. My goal is to have this tribute build (#6 CPT Jeff "Kooch" Kuss) ready by next summer. Thank you!

Great tribute Juan!! Hope I'm not sticking my big nose in where it definitely doesn't belong, but I'm wondering if the F-18 is the best "candidate" for your first jet. What have you been flying up till now? The F-18 can be a little tricky at times, especially, like most aircraft, landing may be quite different from what you are used to. My first jet was a Stinger 90, extremely easy to fly and land, and I have to say it was a real handful for me the first time out. I was used to prop warbirds/BiPlanes/Sport props like Edge & Extra and when I first flew the jet, the speed compared to the others was almost frightening. Half way through the flight and almost crashing several times from over correcting, loosing orientation every 5 seconds and flying to fast, I threw my TX to a friend who knew what he was doing (who had made the comment at least twice during my flight that I could "Kiss that Baby Goodbe") and told him to land the damn thing! After 5 years and having a host of military jets, I'm still not sure I'm a whole lot better. I know a lot of guys recommend the Avanti for a first jet, which is a great idea (have one also), but just not sure I'd start out with the F-18. Anybody out there, please weigh in on this as I don't want to scare him off this, but a bad experience at the beginning isn't that much fun either.

[Aros]

Welcome to Hobby Squawk Juan! Excellent tribute, we look forward to your progress and maiden! Good luck!

[Elbee]

Greetings to all,I just received my first jet this past Saturday and am looking forward to learning from you all. My goal is to have this tribute build (#6 CPT Jeff "Kooch" Kuss) ready by next summer. Thank you!

Juan, Welcome to Hobby Squawk. Glad to have you onboard, Sir. Great tribute livery you've chosen. There are many good tips and great ideas in the F-18C Hornet thread. Just be patient going through the posts. And ask questions, there lots of great help here, as well. Looking forward to watching your progress, so post pictures when you are able. Best, LB

[Juan De La Garza]

Greetings to all,
I just received my first jet this past Saturday and am looking forward to learning from you all. My goal is to have this tribute build (#6 CPT Jeff "Kooch" Kuss) ready by next summer. Thank you!

[Hugh Wiedman]

A little frustrated was very careful to install screws on horizontal stabilizers in the plastic grommets basically deteriorated

If I'm not mistaken, that's actually the vertical stab mounts on the side. You must have used the wrong screw as xviper suggested. Two options, 1) order the plastic parts and remove what's there and replace it, although to be honest with you, in looking at the spare parts, I really don't see that insert in any of the plastic parts, or 2) remove the stub and epoxy a small block of hardwood in it's place, fit the vertical stab on and drill a small hole where the screw comes through and go from there. The vertical stab is held on with 2 screws coming in from the top and this one that you shredded on the side, so that might work, but I'm sure others might have a better fix!