Official Freewing 70mm F-35 V3 (2019 Version) Thread

[Quickstop]

Here's the foam hinge fix. Its called welder contact adhesive. Rich Baker did a video on YouTube as the rc informer, and shows how it's done. Just did it on my 70mm f16, and it's bullet proof. The video is a must see. Even on a new plane, if you coat the hinge line with a brush it will likely never come apart.

I've used this to great effect, made a hinge for my freewing f-16 elevator and has worked great for over a year now, very strong and very flexible. There are a bunch of different kinds. plumbing household, etc. but they are all exactly the same.

[RCjetdude]

Will FoamTac work the same way for hinge bolstering?

Yes. The stuff is great for it.

[RCjetdude]

That is where I have my Admiral 4000 Pro. I would think the 5000 is a heavier battery.

[Apriliamgt]

This currently where I have the 5000 set to. And using the points James has set out for cg?

look about right?

[Russ]

Will FoamTac work the same way for hinge bolstering?

[TiredIronGRB]

Cool, have you flown it yet?

Yes, I have 4 flights on it...pretty fast ;)

[Captain Moron]

Thanks Alpha, that is different to the manual but looks about right so I will try your C of G .I am sure you are right

[scootergenie]

[scootergenie]

Here's the foam hinge fix. Its called welder contact adhesive. Rich Baker did a video on YouTube as the rc informer, and shows how it's done. Just did it on my 70mm f16, and it's bullet proof. The video is a must see. Even on a new plane, if you coat the hinge line with a brush it will likely never come apart.

[Alpha]

So what C of G did you fly yours on .The manual puts it at the leading edge of the wing but on this forum they are saying 60mm aft of the leading edge .I am confused on where to put my C of G .Need to sort this out before I fly mine HELP

Hi CaptainMoron, see James' post on the previous page for better clarification and photos:

https://www.hobbysquawk.com/forum/rc-airplanes/military-jets/194113-official-freewing-70mm-f-35-v3-2019-version-thread?p=197931#post197931

I balance my finger where his are in his picture according to those markings, and that's where I've been flying the majority of our test flights.

[Evan D]

Cool, have you flown it yet?

I put the 80mm Mirage 9 blade and 100A ESC in mine :Silly:

[Captain Moron]

So what C of G did you fly yours on .The manual puts it at the leading edge of the wing but on this forum they are saying 60mm aft of the leading edge .I am confused on where to put my C of G .Need to sort this out before I fly mine HELP

[RCjetdude]

Good news is your Hawk has lasted, right?

Yes the hinges have held up. Even through a vertical fin separating in flight because I failed to install the screws that secured it after having to remove it for transport. :Loser: Even with that though I have found foam hinges are fairly easy to fix with a little Foam Tac and some Blenderm. If they get really bad then nylon hinges are the answer but so far I haven't had to resort to any.

[TiredIronGRB]

I put the 80mm Mirage 9 blade and 100A ESC in mine :Silly:

[fredmdbud]

From the many screwdrivers included in previous kits (Su-35, 64mm F/A-18E, T-45), it was no biggie for me. That the screwdrivers were also magnetized (from the handle) sure came in handy. :)

[Russ]

Good news is your Hawk has lasted, right?

[Quickstop]

What? no screwdriver....then I'm not getting one!:Silly: oops never mind, I already did!

[RCjetdude]

The 70mm Hawk did not.

[Russ]

RcJetDude,

My 64mm Freewing Panther uses nylon hinges stock. $90 plane.

Here is what they say on Motion RC site:

Nylon hinges on all control surfaces (superior to a foam hinge)

I've had the Panther for many years now.

[RCjetdude]

I just completed my F-35 in EXACTLY one hour during my lunch at work!


No radio setup just build of pieces in the box.


Impressions:

PROS:

1. Drop dead gorgeous finish!

2. No-glue build is easy and no alignment issues. (Although I'm kinda iffy on those plastic elevator hinges for longevity)

3.Had an owner's manual with mine, all the basics were there but not much more. Most of you won't need it.

4. All hardware included but it would have been nice if they included a phillips head screwdriver cos I don't have screwdrivers at work

5. Retracts and landing gear look good and substantial

6. Perfect fit in the trunk of my Nissan Altima !!!

CONS:

1. No screwdriver included

2. Hinges were not installed at factory

...cmon Freewing that was lame! All my other Freewing come with em installed. Also, that sheet of plastic hinges looked terrible...I would never use them...I'll put in my own good quality ones (after a successful maiden)

3. Underside paint flakes off easily...I barely touched it with a fingernail while installing horizontal stab and a little piece flicked off. Easy fix and I will be putting several coats of WBPU on there for sure.

Looking forward to setting up the electronics and flying her sometime soon.

Here are some build pics...

Russ, to my knowledge none of the 70mm Freewing offering has come with anything more than molded foam hinges. The spare hinges that come with it are intended as repair hinges if ever needed and have come with many other kits in this size range. Use them or use something else if you wish. Again they are a plan B. Personally I haven't missed the screwdriver. Mine came with a damaged nose cone which I have already repaired.