Official FlightLine RC 1200mm F8F-1 Bearcat Thread

[jetfool]

Grossman 56,
I,m considering the Bearcat for my X-Mas gift. I will fly with the stock motor to get accustomed to it but later would like to install a bigger prop. I purchased a new Corsair motor and ESC for my Skyshark TBF winter build. 6s battery. Would this be a good update motor with the FMS 4 blade prop? Would appreciate your recommendations.

Best Regards, Rex

[Grossman56]

I have an 85A Mantis ESC in both of mine, one running a KV 650 with the FMS 1400 mm Corsair prop which works great with a 3600 - 4000 4s battery, I found it needed one tab of weight in the tail as you can see in the pic.

The other is running a 3948 kv 760 with the stock prop and no tail weight. Simpler, cheaper mod.

http://www.porcupinerc.com/FMS-3948-KV760-motor-13M-Yak-54-Extra-300-Sbach-342-Edge-540_p_662.html

Grossman56

[MikeBizek]

Hello setting up 1200 bearcat ..Ar630 reciver...I went 1 throttle 2 aleron 3 elevator 4 rudder 5 gear 6 flaps ...after setting up n binding ....everything works but I cycle landing gear n aileron n elevator move only when gear is down ... is that the correct receiver sequence?

[Grossman56]

Are you using the blue box? The blue box is only used for the landing gear, ailerons and the flaps (anything with two servos). The receiver output runs to the blue box and the output of the blue box is where your outputs to the servos are plugged in. Everything else runs directly to the receiver. Study the blue box page in the manual carefully to ensure you have it right. Some guys have eliminated the blue box and use y cables for the controls using more than one servo too. If that's the way you decided to go, check to make sure everything is plugged correctly into the y cables. It's pretty easy to inadvertently plug something into the wrong y cable. Hope this helps.

Grossman56

[Propwashbob]

Can you eliminate the blue box completely and use all Y cables

[Evan D]

Yes

[Grossman56]

Yes, you only use the blue box for flaps, L/G and ailerons so its up to you which way you want to go. I've had my two Bearcats for years both on blue boxes with no problem.

Grossman56

[Cactus Bobby]

I've had the flight line f 8f Bearcat for about 6 years. This plane flies like it is on rails. Pulling it down from the ceiling and wanted to fit it with bombs and Rockets. Does anybody know where I can find something for this bird. I think it would look really cool. Thanks

[chrizon]

Hello all, apologies if I have missed something similar but at 52 pages now there is a fair amount of chatter.
I’ve just built my Bearcat and was wondering before her maiden flight if anyone could share any tips from actual experience on rates/exp and flap/elevator settings/mixing?
Always nice to hear from someone from actual experience!

Many thanks in advance.

[Grossman56]

So, bringing this page back to the forefront again.
Such a great little bird. Recently, I had radio problems and lost a number of planes to transmitting troubles, the last of which was my F8F Blue Angels Bearcat. Picked up a new Spectrum RX8+ and now it's like maidening everything all over again!
Slightly off topic, but one plane I have had great success with is my older Bearcat that I rebuilt after lawn darting it at Muncie in 2017, yep she's still flying and I have documented the rebuild elsewhere in this thread.
Today, she was up and flying fine, landed well and as I was taxiing in, something sounded wrong, like something was dragging. Stopped taxiing and went out to inspect. The poor old tail wheel assembly had snapped in two. Found the bottom wheel assembly and it was a clean snap right where the wheel retainer joins the strut. I thought of gluing it but with the condition of our runway, that wasn't going to last so here's what I did.
I drilled out a small hole in both pieces and threaded an old control arm into one piece, snipped off the residual and threaded the remaining into the other piece. Snugged down and tight, reinstalled it and made some minor adjustments direction wise. I honestly think it's better than it was stock.

A handy little tip for those in the same situation.

Grossmna56
(Dangerous Dan)

[jetfool]

Dan,
After destroying my E-Flite FW-190 I'm thinking of replacing it with the Bearcat or the P38. Wanting something I can just enjoy at the field this fall. The Bearcat checks all the boxes (wish it was 1500-1600mm). Also don't want to spend 5-6oo$(hoping Motion releases a new WW2 model for that) Sounds like you are very happy with yours. What battery are you using? I have 2 Admiral 2500,30c batteries for my Tigercat. Don't know if I need to purchase the 4000 40c for this. Your opinion? Any other advice?
My P-47 is all ready to test fly but thinking of entering it at toledo in the WW2 cat. and my Phantom in the Jet cat, will see.
Just wanting a good daily flier and don't want to spend time painting, modifying at this time.

Best Regards, Rex

[Grossman56]

Go back a page or two, I describe the mods I've done to mine. This one has a 760kv motor, 85A ESC and uses the stock prop. All I've ever used in her were 4000 and 3600 4s batteries all the way forward. The weak point is the landing gear, the long legs and the weak foam over which the gear attaches into the wing. I used some Flite Metal over the upper panels of the wings to reinforce it but I've heard others who have used packing tape, anything is better than nothing. It's a great looking airplane and flies as good as she looks. I also run an A3L in her. Sadly, I lost the Blue Angels one due to my old radio finally giving up the ghost. It's been the roughest year I've ever had in regards to losing airplanes. Better luck next year.
I agree, just waiting for a new warbird, been a long time. Chris (RC Geek, who took over Alpha's position) says something is coming.

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

[jetfool]

Thanks, Dangerous Dan,
After a lot of thought I ordered the P-38. Will fit in well with my Tigercat and Dynam B-26. Still flying my Parkzone F4U and want to stay with the larger planes. Figured I will fly this stock then mod/ paint at a later date.
Glad to hear the RC Geek is onboard with Motion and hope they offer something new later this year.
Best Regards, Rex

[Grossman56]

Good choice Rex, I've eyeballed the P38 as well, since it seems like we've seen the end of the Tigercat, hopefully not, but there is no sign of it.
As I said, the Bearkitty is a great plane except for it's long legs, definitely not a grass field airplane.

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

[jetfool]

Grossman56,
We only have a grass field, and those long legs decided my choice. Love the bearcat though, I have a Jerry Bates Bearcat and love it but haven't flown in a while. Got the electric bug and hard to go back to my gas planes. I can charge and go fly with no mess and not have to spend breaking down/set-up at the field.
I have just finished assembling the P-38, not hard just lots of wires to keep proper. I received a perfect model from Motion, no imperfections and fit is nice. Ordered the functioning Landing Gear with model for our grass field. Plan to apply clear polyacrylic tomorrow and install gear.
You need to get one! Looks good sitting next to my FL Corsair, Tigercat, FMS P-47 and Phantom. Warbird Heaven!

Best Regards, Rex