Official FlightLine RC 1200mm F8F-1 Bearcat Thread

[WillCorsair]

Has this had any factory mods since first release? My concerns are main gear issues on grass fields.

[davegee]

Do you have any pics of your mods? Thanks.

I'm Down for a 1500-1600mm Bearcat if they come out with one someday!!

davegee

[Grossman56]

I didn't take any while I was applying the flight metal, but it's metalic tape, like chrome duct tape, except in big rolls. The wing is pretty thin where the gear attaches and as Dave can attest, the runway we deal with is not the smoothest to put it kindly. The wing panel on the top is pretty obvious, so do like I did, out with the ruler and measure, then cut a paper/card board template, check it for size and modify accordingly, then cut whatever material you have to strengthen the wing and apply. Even packing tape will give the wing some resistance to failing. I'd hoped that at some time there would be a gear upgrade, but nothing as yet and as the airplane is getting up there in age (4 years?) I'm not holding my breath. I also went with Dave Brown tires and that helps as well.

Grossman56

[Trhodes]

Good morning! First post here - just ordered the 1200mm F8F ($289 🤑) and picking up some good info going through previous posts.

I've not decided on the receiver and have two options. One is a Spektrum AR636 with SAFE Select AS3X and using a Spektrum DX 7 transmitter. The other is using a Futaba 7 channel receiver with a Futaba 7 channel transmitter. I would add a stabilization unit like a A3L or something similar.

I'd like to get some experienced opinions on the options. One concern is compatibility of Spektrum system with Flightline equipment. What do you think?

[Evan D]

No issue on compatability at all. Only heard one person having issues with one system, I think it was Jeti and had so

[Grossman56]

I've used Spektrum receivers as well as Lemons. I have always used an A3L gyro in my Bearcats and have had great success with them.
As a general rule, Spektrum receivers have been more difficult to bind, but I've found that dropping the throttle trim right down makes it easier. Lemons bind with no difficulty and I've been using them for years. I use an Amazon Visa and let the points build then get my receivers on line for free. Usually go with the ten channel rx from RC Juice.

Grossman56

[Trhodes]

Got it today and pretty much assembled. Not real crazy about the blue box , seems like it takes up room where there isn’t much. I put in a Spektrum rx and will need to reverse the ailerons and elevator. But must do that in the rx program not the tx. I’m sure you’re up on that. Everything else is functioning as it should.

The battery strap is too short to go around my 3600 4s Admiral 40c, so will need to work out a fix for that.

First impression is good. Fit&Finish is nice….seems like good quality.

I was expecting the different sets of decals but its fully decaled. The instructions were so-so ….not much detail on the blue box hook up.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I’m sure I’ll be back here with more questions.

[Grossman56]

Ah the famed blue box, the online manual which I rewrote should describe the hookups, but just in case, I have the diagram here:



I have the blue box, the A3L and the receiver nicely tucked in just aft of the hatch:
The gyro is on the left of the pic the blue box is on the right and the receiver is on the top.
You say the plane already had decals applied?? Never heard that one before and I personally have had three kits.
Sniff Sniff, I smell a returned kit...
BTW, the last kit I bought had that short battery strap, I emailed Alpha about it. I happened to have a longer strap from another kit and used that, its a PITA when things like that happens.


Grossman56

[Trhodes]

I got the blue box figured out…did search and found a pilot Ryan video that ‘splained it pretty well. Would have liked to have had your text also, but wasn’t in the box.

The instructions were more like for an ARF and parts that weren’t used with glue. It may have been a return kit…hope not.

For the short battery strap, my fix was to notch the plywood tray towards the center and that gave enough length for all my 4s battery packs. I’ll get a picture posted tomorrow. Used a little hot melt to secure the strap position.

After getting into the receiver install, I changed course and will go with Futaba and a Hobbyeagle A3 super v2 programmable. I like attitude hold feature and programming from a pc.

[Trhodes]

Here’s pics of the battery tray, parts that came with it, and the decals that were on it as received.

[Evan D]

That's not right. Shouldn't of had the decals on it. The extra hinges are normal.

[Trhodes]

That's not right. Shouldn't of had the decals on it. The extra hinges are normal.

I just checked and the Motion RC description says, NEW! Decal set comes pre applied. So, this is the new normal, I guess.

[Evan D]

Interesting as I liked the Blue Angels scheme that they included before.

[Trhodes]

Well, it’s been a bit of a challenge for me to get this put together but bench tests are all correct so, I’m confident…sort of.

I went with HOBBYEAGLE A3Super3 programmable and really like PC system for setting flight modes, gains, and calibration of level. I’ve got three modes; gyro off, normal gyro, and auto level.

I’m using a Futaba 8 channel receiver. I added plywood deck to support the gyro and receiver. The blue box is on the left side of fuselage in the photo.

Expect to get maiden flight Monday or Tuesday.

[Grossman56]

Looks great! I would advise putting some coats of Spar Varathane water base on it as it has some UV protectant. I usually apply 4 to 6 coats with a brush. Gives it a great shine as well.



Grossman56

[Trhodes]

Good idea on the finish. Right now it has a very flat mat finish and is prone to getting the smallest abrasions on it. And it's a good rainy day to do that. Maybe have a beverage. 🙂

[Grossman56]

This is what you have now....


And this is the same airplane after several coats of Minwax...


It takes several coats applied with a soft brush of foam brush applying in the same direction. I applied one, then used a hair dryer on it, then applied another, then let it set overnight, repeating this until the streaks were gone.
This is my preferred product but its becoming hard to find for some reason.
Just makes sure its water based and gloss with UV protectant.

Where it says Clear Satin, look for clear gloss, the only pic I could find.
My rule of thumb is: For glossiest finish, use a brush, for flatest finish, use an air gun.


Grossman56

[Trhodes]

Did you sand between coats? Looks great!

[Grossman56]

No sanding on these, but I have sanded after a few coats on other airplanes to eliminate the gatoring.

Grossman56

[Trhodes]

I put 3 coats of urethane on and that really helped the drab mat look. Even the decals look better. I used what I could find here locally - a MinWax spray and pretty happy with the results. Checked the cg and looks right on with 3600maH 4S all the way forward..So with a couple of batteries charged we're off in the morning to do a maiden. I'll start with the Eflite T28 1100mm to get the thumbs loosened up.