First EDF?

[Rosytime]

It's from FMS and smaller than the Freewing Avanti. I have seen it fly and it's not as good as the bigger Avanti. I'm sure that Motion has their reasons for not selling it. They also do not sell the FMS Tigercat and A-10. Force Hobby distributes FMS in the US and I'm sure they have the say so in what others can sell on their websites. I think that this has been discussed before.

[OV10]

This was asked some time ago on the Official FW Avanti thread but I'll summarize for ya.

Motion is an exclusive distributor for Freewing and FlightLine models.
They will distribute FMS products also but as long as it is not a close proximate size to one of the FW or FL products.

[Kokopellimusic]

Ahh, good to know. Thanks. Had some truck problems and had to put the money towards that instead of important things like RC planes. Will let you guys know what I end up with.

[The Junganaught]

My first EDF was the red swiss DH-112 Venom. excellent visibility in the air, powerful, extremely slow and stable on landing and really for $399 add a receiver that's an absolute bargain! 5000 6S fits perfectly! I maidened in about 20 knot winds it was so stable and slow i hardly could believe it was an EDF with all the ýou must keep the speed and power on" etc from lots of edf flyers.

a brilliant plane!

[Skyjammer]

Hey there...been lurking on and off first post and I am in the same boat...

Ready to go to EDF but want to do it right. I'm an experienced gasser, nitro to lipo pilot nothing special it just helps me relax and if I burn one in, well it makes me laugh a little and cry a little on the way home when nobodies looking. Anyway I am looking at the Freewing F9F Panther, the plane looks tame and it can obviously be turned up several notches from what I have read and watched on video. What's y'alls take on it? I don't want to spend a great deal on it to find out that I simply hate it and if that's the case I have been known to kamikaze the earth making a new age lawn dart. They usually lay in their final so I can call it art. Don't worry it's my land, I am also an AMA member and would not do this at my regular AMA field.
Quick story...we were dove hunting this afternoon and nothing was flying so I broke out a couple of spads. The NFZ was declared and sanctions were ordered. My buddies had no clue how hard it is tomshoot one down. First bird...7 batteries, 3 of which were destroyed and the final lipo burned for about 3 minutes trailing flame and smoke on its downwind leg, she met her fate and met its demise. Second spad, I had my wife fly and I killed it on the second battery taking out the motor and lipo, made for a great death spiral while we continued to unload on it like Hadji on his magic carpet. Btw-all electronics were picked up and markers were made for the NTSB.

[AZFlyer]

I had the Freewing Panther, and I would not recommend it. It's a nifty size and it has plenty of power. I just couldn't get it to balance right and it never flew well. There is a lot of gluing to put it together, too (wings and horizontal and vertical stabs all need gluing). Lands really fast, too (I found).

I put landing gear on it, and I think that screwed up the flying characteristics. It may fly better as a belly-lander. It always seemed tail heavy, and no matter what I did, we couldn't get it to fly level (always wanted to go up and down like it was on a roller coaster). Other guys at the field tried and couldn't get it trimmed out, either.

The space in the battery compartment is pretty cramped, too, so not much you could do with battery movement and such.

I really recommend the Rebel or 80mm F-86. Seriously, you will love either one.

Determining factor should be cost and how much you want to spend on batteries. 6S batteries for the F-86 are a lot more expensive. Rebel is a lot more affordable.

Good luck!

[F106DeltaDart]

I'm surprised that you say that. My first EDF was the Freewing Panther, although I flew it as a belly lander. I found it to be light, forgiving, and an all around gentle flier. It does REALLY help though if you get another person to launch it for you. The whole launch-and-control-at-the-same-time thing never really worked well for me. Just use an 1800-2200mah battery pushed as far forward as you can get it, and it should balance fine. Another one to look at may also be the Freewing F-22 if you want to fly with gear. I've heard good things about its flying qualities. The freewing 80mm F-86 is perfect if you intend to get into the bigger EDFs, but the batteries are expensive.

[doctormike]

I have 50 planes that fly just fine. The Freewing panther is NOT one of them. Definitely would NOT recommend this plane to anyone, much less a beginner. I'm glad some folks have had success with this plane, although, I don't understand how! Doc

[HellHathNoFury]

I have 50 planes that fly just fine. The Freewing panther is NOT one of them. Definitely would NOT recommend this plane to anyone, much less a beginner. I'm glad some folks have had success with this plane, although, I don't under stand how! Doc

4s vs 3s was the formula .. On 3s the performance was limp as :) & Handlaunch vs landing gear.. This was superb model on 4s & Dr Mad 64mm Hot fan..Time for an update from Freewing on this great Jet to 70 or 80mm .. I'm up for one..:Cool:

[AZFlyer]

Agreed. I'd go for the Panther with an 80mm set up for sure. Just found the little 64mm with gear to not be a good combo. Plane looks great, though. I think a bigger one with retracts would be an outstanding plane.

[Kokopellimusic]

Just wanted to let you guys know that I went with the Freewing F86. Maiden coming soon.

[davecee]

good choice

[Hardway]

Just wanted to let you guys know that I went with the Freewing F86. Maiden coming soon.

It should be fun!!! Just remember a few things. There is no prop wash over the wings/control surfaces. So power takes a moment or two to come on and be effective. Plan ahead.... Keep your turns shallow and don't yank and bank! Set up for final and then use full flaps if necessary, at least until you get used to how she behaves...Jets get draggy fast and the turn to base and final are usually where you get into trouble. Keep good speed. Don't float her in. Set your AOA (Angle of Attack) with the elevator (nose slightly high) and then fly her in using throttle management.... Besides that, it is a piece of cake!!! Good luck and blue skies... Jerry ;)

[Alpha]

Good luck!

Hardway is right, keep a bit of throttle on landing. I don't land with flaps, which allows me to use a lower throttle setting.

Your first goal before taking off should be to make a checklist of what you want to accomplish. Be methodical with your maiden, and set your timer conservatively. 2:00 minutes is plenty. Get up, trim, check handling at mid-power cruise, then set up for landing.

[Hardway]

I forgot to say to check whatever you want to check, but do it up high. (three mistakes high) we used to say!!! And keep that timer in mind. Deadstick is no way to end your maiden.... :Cool:

[wolpertinger]

Alphas right about that check list it is a must for any time your starting out or when you get older...

Verify range check. Verify surfaces for correct control and throw. To many times seen take offs with surfaces reversed. (See Pilot Ryan at EDF Jet Jam for evidence) It is not a tail dragger., No need for up elevator during take off as the F-86 uses a tricycle gear. Maybe if you watch the MRC F-14 maiden video it will give you a better insight on what is needed. It is a nice video and is very well done. I do not know if it Alpha or Tony though. As always mind you energy and stay ahead of the power curve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TgFOJ_sILo

[Alpha]

Yes, that was me in the F-14 Maiden Tutorial video. Crazy that it's over 180,000 views.

Great input about the reversed surfaces, too. Super critical to check! I actually stand behind the model and talk aloud to myself as I move the control surfaces.

[RCjetdude]

So many wiggle controls rapidly, I guess to see that they work. Even a spectator cannot tell if they are backwards or not. Give it right aileron or up elevator and hold it to check for proper deflection. Announce it to others standing nearby for an extra set of eyes. Just after the mishap at Jet Jam with the Mirage TM I was at NEFI and a gentleman was getting ready to maiden an F-86. He fired it up and wiggled the sticks and was satisfied it was good. I asked him to hold right aileron and in a moment we realized it was backwards. Maiden went smooth. ;)

[wolpertinger]

I do not know if it is me but a pre flight routine seems to work as it readies you for whats coming. (Battery Check, Control check, surface check and takeoff check) Also the same applies to the landing. Get into a good routine. Seen to often a landing abort at the last second or belly flop because of no gear deployed. Oh heck, You Tube is loaded with them. Nothing like watching your plane skid down the runway.

[Kokopellimusic]

Successful maiden today on the Freewing F86. AWESOME flying jet. The landings were great. She just glides in. Thanks for the advice guys. I concur, this is a good first EDF if you have experience with a warbird and tricycle landing gear. Lots of fun.