All-New Freewing PJ50 Twin 70mm EDF Jet - Official Thread

[GliderGuy]

Well said, Aros! But you neglected to mention that negativity is not an uncommon human trait. I am a member of 2 sailplane clubs…one large and one small. The larger one is rampant with politics and negativity. The smaller and newer one is rampant with positivity…so far (LOL was that a negative ending comment?).

It’s good to be able discuss the inevitable design compromi$e$ and attempt to mindshare solutions. The MiG-29 is a prime example. Lord knows the negativity came hot and heavy with that bird. The end result, however, was several modifications were tried and flying techniques developed and MiG crashes were avoided. Mostly positive posts are now the norm for the MiG-29 (which….I hasten to add…is my favorite <albeit modified> EDF).

Discussions about prop backplate cracking with the P-38 led to an improved backplate design (and thank goodness). Nose gear brace development for the large A-10 is another. How the top wing skin cracking issue with the AL37 can be forestalled with an internal bracing solution discussed in that forum is yet another…and so on and on for other birds discussed in their respective forums.

Positivity is more fun. The PJ50 is, IMO, a positive…something fresh/different. Keep up the good work. But if a design compromise or odd flight characteristic is uncovered with the PJ50, I look forward to reading the work-arounds.

-GG

[Aros]

I was pretty surprised by the initial negativity shown in the beginning chat from the live show. Then I realized that most of us resonate towards warbirds and military jets so we are pre-dispositioned to expecting that from Freewing. However, I have always been a huge proponent of diversity when it comes to varying classes offered in the hobby. And strengthening the civil class has always been top of my list. The AL37 was a tremendous genesis to kick off the class. This PJ50 looks to follow that same path. I am not concerned that this will be a model that doesn't sell well. In fact, I feel the opposite. I have a feeling it will be another one of our top sellers. What concerns me is this divisive attitude with some in the hobby. I recall reading someone's comments earlier today where he said something to the effect that "I have a hard enough time bringing my F4 to the club...If I bring this model they will laugh me out of the club!"

Why?

First of all, to me, that's not a very welcoming and inclusive club. We should embrace EVERY model that hits the market because it strengthens our hobby. An astute hobbyist said (paraphrase) "I love these new releases from Freewing! It forces the competition (FMS/E-flite, et al) to improve their models which in the end benefits us all!"

And being an employee of Motion RC for 8 years now I can honestly tell you that is something we love too.

I think there are a lot of people out there who don't realize that the bulk of Motion RC employees are all diehard RC pilots like most of you reading these words. Not faceless, could care less people. But people that want the same thing any RC pilot wants. Quality, attention to detail, diversity and above all else a product that delivers.

It is of my personal opinion that some of the negative folks were plants from competitors. I won't name names. They will go to great lengths to undermine what we, and Freewing offer to the hobby and have for years now. No matter. Proof, as always, remains in the form of sales.

I can't wait to snag this model. It hits all the right notes for me personally. And yes, there will be plenty of military jets and warbirds ahead.

[Gilatrout]

Already heard back from Callie. The graphics are in the works. I also printed a pair of 1:16 pilot heads and started painting them as coastie pilots. Can't print the body because I don't know what kind of room is in there.

I needed a plane fix pretty bad it seems.

March is what...3 months away? That's 90 days...2160 hours... I can wait. Maybe.

[MeyerVW]

I have flow for 20ish years off and on. Mostly in the last 2 years. I never get to excited for new releases because you never know what will show up. Yesterday felt like Christmas eve as a kid and super excited to see what would show up today. To my surprise this PJ50 showed. It took all of 2 minutes to pull the trigger and buy it. I really have fun with my AL37, even though I keep crashing it. Its a fun aircraft. I love the size of this with a twin 70mm. I think its perfect for me. I seem to be having nice success with twin 70's. My 262 is all worked out and flies amazing. Al37 is a hoot in Kulula livery. This one will get people added in the windows. I have talked with Callie graphics about this with the AL37 and hopefully will be able to do it with this one. Less windows will make it easier for the PJ50. Thank you for another great looking aircraft.

[Gilatrout]

You are right. But remember, I was just starting out in this hobby. Didn't know a good manufacturer from a bad one and Dynam was "affordable". Experience and years teaches a lot.

That's the same lesson I learned,.we.all learned the hard way.

[xviper]

Dynam is one of those manufacturers that I will almost never buy. The quality control is just awful and I know I'll end up replacing everything.

You are right. But remember, I was just starting out in this hobby. Didn't know a good manufacturer from a bad one and Dynam was "affordable". Experience and years teaches a lot.

[Gilatrout]

... I went through 3 of the Dynam A-10s

Dynam is one of those manufacturers that I will almost never buy. The quality control is just awful and I know I'll end up replacing everything.

[rifleman_btx]

I've always looked at that one myself, but always with that, eeeeeeh no feeling.

[xviper]

I know dynam makes one but.... I'm very glad freewing stepped up and made a quality unit vs one that is decisively less desirable.

That's right, they do. I've seen one at my field. Small. It didn't fly well. Underpowered, sounded like a sewing machine, flew on 4s, poor build quality, needed a bunch of mods just to make it hold up to daily use. It didn't fly more than once that day. Then there's the UMX one from Eflite. It flew very well but so small. For the price, it wasn't bad (for a bargain basement product). On the other hand, I went through 3 of the Dynam A-10s, so the price was basically triple for a mediocre product. Just never learned. It was early in my RC "career", so I was a bit younger and a lot dumber.

[GliderGuy]

Semantics...LOL Silhouette (top / side) would be a better choice of words. What I was getting at is the number of times folks see my Mig-29 and call it one of these by mistake: F-15, F-18, SU-30, F-14, etc.

Being in a class of its own with a unique silhouette is why I pushed the order button.

-GG

[rifleman_btx]

I know dynam makes one but.... I'm very glad freewing stepped up and made a quality unit vs one that is decisively less desirable.

[xviper]

There are several “similar” profile EDFs offered for sale.
-GG

Do you mean other similar "looking" EDFs? When I see the word "profile", I'm thinking of those flat, 2-dimensional 3-D stunt planes or foamboard pusher props. I don't know of any mass produced foam BizJets. All the ones out there are really large custom jobs that are usually powered by turbines. This one is in a class of its own.
Had this been a Honda Jet of the same size, I'd have been the first one to have clicked the pre-order button. I'd have no patience to wait for that one.

[Gilatrout]

Hugh Wiedman - Every. Single. Release.

The negative ones always start louder, just wait a little while for them to disappear for a while and the ones who are interested remain. Today was a good day for civilian jet fans. Everyone will have their day

I would go so far as to say today was a good day for scale jet fans.


Just like all the airliner mods,.this too can be customized from warbird to business jet. Looks fun to fly too.

[GliderGuy]

There are several “similar” profile EDFs offered for sale. I’ve been holding off buying as I looked for something with a more unique profile. This one fits the bill. Ordered one!

Can’t wait to see how she holds up to lots of flights.

By the way…The MiG-29 overall is holding up great. Just needs attention to (beefing up) the plastic main gear attachment box support area.

Good job bringing the PJ50 to market!

-GG

[xviper]

Twin 70 mm 12 blades

"High zoot" inrunners, no less. At first I was a little surprised that this plane is 50 bucks more than the AL-37 but then I thought back to what I did with mine. I went and bought the more powerful inrunners to put in the 37 after mine ditched in the alkaline pond. Well, let's just say I spent way more than 50 bucks. Those inrunners made my ginormous 737 a rocket ship of sorts. I'm thinking they'll make this smaller jet even faster and more impressive. Plus, it comes with trailing links - a huge bonus for me. Besides, it's my retirement "play money", so what does it matter.

[avanti127]

Hugh Wiedman - Every. Single. Release.

The negative ones always start louder, just wait a little while for them to disappear for a while and the ones who are interested remain. Today was a good day for civilian jet fans. Everyone will have their day

Yes it was James...

[Elbee]

A little disappointed in some of the negative comments in various social media on this one. :sob: You're not going to get something that's right for everyone all the time. While this ain't my "cup of tea", still gotta hand it to FW for coming up with another incredible product. They now produce two of the finest commercial jets out there! I will definitely watch all the outstanding repaints many will come up with, just like the AL-37, and I'm sure this bird flies awesome and looks like a lot of thought went into every piece of it. For many (although not me), I'm sure this is right in their "wheelhouse". And it's not like those of us who aren't necessarily interested in this one have plenty of incredible FW military jets to choose from already. I don't seem to recall hearing anyone complain when HH came out with an 80mm F-4 and F-16 (well after FW already had theirs), although IMO the 4 different 90mm FW F-4's (including 8S) and the 2 90mm F-16's are far superior to anything HH came out with and the Mig is hands down far superior to the SU-30. And don't even talk about their prop warbirds in the Corsair/Spitfire/B-24 (all by far the only ones to spend your dough on). Bottom line, there's different aircraft that appeal to different people so if this ain't for you, GET OVER IT! :exploding_head:

Hugh, I think you've nailed it with regard to those who 's expectations might have been for a new military jet. I think if this new offering has even half the appeal and sales as the AL-37, it could be a major success. I see this as a great new product and not as a disappointment. A single 6S battery and Twin 70 mm 12 blades, seriously, this is awesome engineering. Bravo Zulu, MotionRC, Freewing, Alpha, and all those who brought this one to market. Best as always, LB

[James]

Hugh Wiedman - Every. Single. Release.

The negative ones always start louder, just wait a little while for them to disappear for a while and the ones who are interested remain. Today was a good day for civilian jet fans. Everyone will have their day

[Tom]

My question is, I may be moving at the end of January so will I be able to call to update the shipping info so I can get it shipped to the correct place?

No worries, If you have any trouble changing your address, just sent me a PM and I'll get it changed.

[avanti127]

Just what I have been waiting for-for years now and the wait is now over! Thanks FW and Motion!