Official FlightLine RC 1200mm F8F-1 Bearcat Thread

[WrightBrosRC]

This is a great airframe. Numerous hop ups and power options too. The gear is the weak link, but doable for improved runways. I have a couple of them. I clipped the wings on this one like it's full size counterpart and it flies great!

[RobWetterholtJr]

Good lookin' 'Cats Grossman.

SanExup, good info...thanks.

Ya'll convinced me to take the plunge...two 4S 4000s currently on order.

[SanExup]

RobWetterholtJr On 4s 2200 you'll have to add weight to the nose to get the better CG. You could use 4s 2500 and probably still have to add a little weight for CG You can use the 2500s for the TA, it flies well on them.

[Grossman56]

I think you're better off with the 4S, Rob. I run 3600's and 4000's in mine. Keep an eye on your CG and land on pavement if you can, those long legs tend to apply a lot of torque to the retract.
Also, as you've probably read from the last few posts, make sure the pins coming off the gear doors are aligned correctly. Personally, I use half flaps for takeoff and full for landing. Because our runway is, to put it kindly, rough, I really watch taxiing as the tail jumps quite easily, mine sound like they're sending morse code as they go over the cracks. Check out the surface (a few years ago, it's got a bit better)


Here's a picture of my buddy Ryan Ramsey showing the proper CG

Personally, I love this plane, Bearcat One is 6 years old

And Bearcat Two is two.


Grossman56

[RobWetterholtJr]

Grossman56,

Correct. Recently purchased/assembled/flew the Flightline Ta-152 on 3S and I love it (can also fly the aircrsft on 4S). Since the Bearcat is a chunkier model the 4S system makes sense.

Just trying to make what I have work but if must get some 4S packs then that's what I'll do.

[Grossman56]

No, I'm not clear on why you would want to do that, but you could, it would be pretty under performing. In comparison, I've flown my 1200mm E Flite Spitfire on 3s and 4s, definitely performs better on 4s.
Is it that you don't have any 4s batteries??

Grossman56

[RobWetterholtJr]

Has anyone attempted to fly this airplane on 3S?

[Grossman56]

Great to hear Bill, I had something similar and suspected that it might be those pins. Interesting that the have what looks like 4 secure points for the pins and only one really is.

Great to hear you're loving the airplane. I've had mine for years, both have upgraded power systems and ESC's. One runs a 650kv with the 1400 mm FMS Corsair prop using 4s and the other uses a 780 kv with the stock prop. Both stellar performers.

Grossman56

[billsplanevideos]

Carlos just change to a 2 blade and drop in a 6s battery like I did. its fun!

Thanks grossman, after inspecting it seems I had the gear door pushrods installed with the "L" hooks facing in towards the fuselage. Seems this caused the gear doors to open in flight and then when the gear down command was given the gear would get caught on those doors and fail to come down. I removed the tailwheel assembly (nice design, tucked up inside the fuse) and drilled and pinned the shaft back together using 30 min epoxy.

My old 12x8 prop I had has been removed in favor of a 11x8.5 I just installed, check out my youtube channel anmd subscribe if you'd like to see some more videos of this bearcat. I also have a 90mm F18 from motion RC i'll be maidening soon. She's all ready to go just waiting for some real good weather for that one.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrR...TZzRnEKeSYTP7Q

[Carlos G]

Hi All,

I have tested/maiden for a friend this model find myself wishing for something a bit better. The model flies fine the way it is but seem a bit sedate. I have the Motion/Freewing High Performance F86 and wished the Bearcat had similar performance. I would like to see a 1600mm/ 6S or High Performance 8S version of the Bearcat. The larger size would allow more battery to be carried and a High Performance version would do the Bearcat justice.

Maybe we will see one someday...

Carlos G

[Grossman56]

Check those gear doors to make sure the wheel locks aren't interfering with the retract. One good thing, she's clean on the bottom and will land fairly slow, may be the advantage to a two bladed prop?!
Also, those pins on the doors are kind of funky. make sure they aren't getting hung up in the wheels, thread them in a little more and makes sure they don't hit the rim. Gear doors must be at open takeoff otherwise the gear can't retract.

Grossman56

[billsplanevideos]

[billsplanevideos]

[billsplanevideos]

[billsplanevideos]

Finally maidened mine. Stock esc and motor, 6S 3300mah all the way forward with 12x8 apc e prop. No fire! lol. I do have some gear issues to resolve. Video to follow with GPS speed.

[Grossman56]

No problem Bob, I love that airplane!

[N1EDM]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to write all of that info, Grossman. It gives me something to think about.

We just moved to a new field and it'll take a few years to get the new grass runway to be where we really want it. It's pretty rough now.

I'll keep all of what you said in mind. Thanks a lot for taking the time and effort.

Bob

[Grossman56]

BTW, I use 3600 - 4000 4s in mine, flies great even with the stock power system.

Grossman56

[Grossman56]

Hi Bob, I've had three so far and two are still flying. I bought my first when they first came out, so I have a lot of 'experience' with them. The struts are plastic covered wire and you're correct in assuming that grass wouldn't be the best thing for them. The torque on the retract wing mount is pretty high due to the gear length and it's not unusual to see stress marks start to appear on the upper wing surface.
To reinforce the wing, many have used packing tape on the top, cut to the shape of the wing panel. I went one up on them and used Flite Metal, which is thin aluminum with a sticky backing. I figured aluminum would be best for strength.
Now, I've only done this on one Bearcat as she's something like 6 years old and was rebuilt a couple of seasons ago. One of the things that needed repair after her 'accident' was the wing because the strut ripped out from the wing, taking the wing section with it. I reattached it using Foam-Tac and then cut a pattern from the upper wing section. Cut the Flite Metal from the pattern and applied it over the wing and wrapped it over the leading edge to the landing gear bay. So far, it's worked great on our not-so-smooth paved runway. We have lumps and bumps and divets to the point that the tailwheel sounds like its sending morse code when taxiing. One thing I've found really good for giving the mains a little more cushion is to use Dave Brown tires as well.
You can see where the piece was reglued in in this pic:


Same with this side:

And after applying the Flite Metal and repainting:


Hope this helps

Grossman56

[N1EDM]

Hi Everyone,
I was considering getting one of these but my biggest concern was the seemingly long LG struts.

Could someone please comment on how the plane handles on a grass runway with a few lumps in it? Our runway isn't a putting green but we are trying. Does the plane have a history of the gear folding because of the length?

Also, what about assembly? Are there any major problems that one should look out for?

I've narrowed the choices to the F-8F and the FMS Hawker Typhoon.

Also, what is the average pilot using for a LiPo? What capacity?? I'm only going to go with a 4S, so I don't intend to overpower this. I just want to have some fun with a warbird.

If you think of anything else that will be helpful, please let me know.

Thanks a lot for any input that you folks might have,

Bob