Flightline RC Tigercat F7F

[TiredIronGRB]

Thinking about running a set of 13.5" props on my Tigercat...they should be closer to scale from all the pictures I've seen on the full scale.

[wpmay]

Bill could very easily be right, I haven't found Minwax in anything else other than the indoor water based product, so couldn't say for sure on how well the others compare. I feel it's safe to say that, when looking for a decent product, go for the outdoor version, water based and one that provides a UV protectant. If anyone uses the products that Bill mentions, let us know what you think.

Grossman56

I agree. Since I haven't used the products I'd be interested in anyone's experience who decides to try one of the Minwax products (since we already know that the Varathane works well). Here are some links to the two Minwax products on the Minwax website:

https://www.minwax.com/wood-products/clear-protective-finishes/interior-exterior/minwax-water-based-helmsman-spar-urethane

https://www.minwax.com/wood-products/clear-protective-finishes/interior-exterior/minwax-pro-series-spar-urethane

Bill

[Grossman56]

Bill could very easily be right, I haven't found Minwax in anything else other than the indoor water based product, so couldn't say for sure on how well the others compare. I feel it's safe to say that, when looking for a decent product, go for the outdoor version, water based and one that provides a UV protectant. If anyone uses the products that Bill mentions, let us know what you think.

Grossman56

[wpmay]

Thanks for that Grossman,I have wanted to make mine a shiny before I bought it,and been researching it.I forgot about needing a UV protection.I will put a coat of Varathane on.Thanks

Just to be accurate, Minwax does make both a Helmsman and a Pro Series Spar Urethane that is indoor/outdoor, does contain UV protectants and comes in satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Haven't used either the Varathane or Minwax so I have no idea how they compare but Minwax does make outdoor water based urethanes. I found the Pro Series on the Lowe's website and Helmsman on Home Depot. Comparing Minwax Polycrylic to Varathane is really apples to oranges.

Bill

[70sflyer]

Okay, just in case I missed posting this or you didn't get a chance to read it, Minwax is a good product, but Spar Varathane is a superior product . I've used both
and prefer this Varathane over Minwax, especially when covering a dark colored airplane.
Note: this product is designed for outside use with a UV protectant in it which is what you want.
Minwax will give you a decent coat but will yellow over time and does nothing to protect your airplane from the elements.
Now, having said that, NOTHING is going to stop the sun from doing it's thing, so the planes should be kept in the shade when not in the air.
At Least Varathane gives you something , Minwax does not. Besides, Varathane is an easier product to use, goes on better and take less coats to get the same results. And yes, you can use it over Minwax

Grossman56

Thanks for that Grossman,I have wanted to make mine a shiny before I bought it,and been researching it.I forgot about needing a UV protection.I will put a coat of Varathane on.Thanks

[Grossman56]

Okay, just in case I missed posting this or you didn't get a chance to read it, Minwax is a good product, but Spar Varathane is a superior product . I've used both
and prefer this Varathane over Minwax, especially when covering a dark colored airplane.
Note: this product is designed for outside use with a UV protectant in it which is what you want.
Minwax will give you a decent coat but will yellow over time and does nothing to protect your airplane from the elements.
Now, having said that, NOTHING is going to stop the sun from doing it's thing, so the planes should be kept in the shade when not in the air.
At Least Varathane gives you something , Minwax does not. Besides, Varathane is an easier product to use, goes on better and take less coats to get the same results. And yes, you can use it over Minwax

Grossman56

[70sflyer]

Hey all, just wondering if anyone has tried their luck with painting the plane black with the three coats of Minwax clear spray over it? Seems like I read something about this on RC Groups. I would love to do this plane in the colors you see on my avatar. I know that Alpha recommended against it because of the " gatoring"effect but since then there has been some talk about the offsetting effects of the triple clear coat. I would invite any input on this. Thanks, Brad

Brad,I just finished painting mine.It looks good.It went from a matte to a shiny.If you see any gatoring in yours before it will be there after you paint but no worse.I used Minwax Ploy Crylic,Water based clear gloss.I Put on 2 coats.Did not sand between coats as recommended.Will try to post pictures.Dean

[downwindleg]

Hey all, just wondering if anyone has tried their luck with painting the plane black with the three coats of Minwax clear spray over it? Seems like I read something about this on RC Groups. I would love to do this plane in the colors you see on my avatar. I know that Alpha recommended against it because of the " gatoring"effect but since then there has been some talk about the offsetting effects of the triple clear coat. I would invite any input on this. Thanks, Brad

[TiredIronGRB]

You can "Park" it with the flaps.

[PappaBear]

I flew my Tigercat yesterday (Sunday) for the first time, and I just want to say what a delight is it is to fly. The handling qualities are really excellent, I couldn't fault the way it handled at all. The stall is very predictive with no tendency to show signs of dropping a wing.

I've only flown it the once so far, but it will loop and roll with plenty of power. Normal straight and level flight at less than half power is nice and it will fly circuits or figure of eights with no sign of height loss. I have tried the flaps as yet. I will explore those next time out. From what I have discovered today I would no hesitate in recommending this model to an intermediate pilot.

Excellent model, I like it.

Martin

[Grossman56]

I haven't heard anything, but I don't get that inside info. Maybe Tom or Mark or even Martin might know. Anyone have an update?

Grossman56

[Beeg]

Grossman, any idea when they'll be back in stock?

[Grossman56]

Can't wait to order this one. Have the decals here, the paint here, the pearlescent clear coat. Just waiting for the credits to come through and the planes to come back in stock...Then she's mine!!!

Grossman56

[OV10]

As an update to your suggestion, I have contacted Motion and they have been most helpful. They have agreed to send a new motor to replace the slow turning original one. We are not sure yet if it is the motor or the esc that's the problem but this is the first step. The bad news is that the motor isn't in stock and I have to wait to give this beautiful plane another try. I also will reverse the rotation on the motors and swap sides on the props to get them to rotate toward the fuselage.

Hello SK,
I notice you mentioned that your unsure whether it be the motor or ESC. I really doubt that is the ESC but to further help alleviate any of your concerns about that, a simple check is to swap the ESC's from the bad powered side over to the good side and vice versa and see if the results swap over too. This will absolutely provide you with the validation of your faulty device. There have been some low level volume of reports regarding this motor being defective and the opposite for the ESC's which are a new proprietary design for these twin motor FL birds. I had a bad motor on my Lightning and Tigercat and Motion took care of it without question, which again is another testimonial on why they are at the top of the list for customer satisfaction.........Bar None !!

[Grossman56]

Hey Kiwi, first of all, welcome to the Squawk. Sorry to hear of your frustrations. Motion will get it straightened out as quick as they can, they're that type of company. The motor is the same size/type as the one in the P-38 if I remember right so that could explain the lack of stock. Also there's possibility of one of the guys having a spare because they've done the power upgrade. Anyone out there have a spare??

Grossman56

[Silver Kiwi]

Hello SK and welcome to the Squawk,
If you've got a 1200 rpm(almost 15%) difference between your two motors then their is an obvious problem(read defect) with the slower motor.
If you've had the plane less than 30 days, give Motion a call 224-633-9090 or open up a support ticket(link below) to get this problem resolved.

https://support.motionrc.net/open.php

Best regards,

As an update to your suggestion, I have contacted Motion and they have been most helpful. They have agreed to send a new motor to replace the slow turning original one. We are not sure yet if it is the motor or the esc that's the problem but this is the first step. The bad news is that the motor isn't in stock and I have to wait to give this beautiful plane another try. I also will reverse the rotation on the motors and swap sides on the props to get them to rotate toward the fuselage.

[davegee]

One thing I plan on changing is the direction of rotation of the motors, the P38 correctly rotates the props away from the fuselage, the real Tigercat rotates toward the fuselage.

I agree with OV 10. The Tigercat used two standard P&W R2800 engines, They both turned clockwise as seen from the cockpit. I believe that is why they increased the size of the vertical fin and rudder over 20 percent from earlier models, in concern for single-engine performance and controllability.

[Beeg]

Are more Tigercats coming on a separate boat or are they coming with the Spits and Avanti's?

[Beeg]

Oh, it was just mentioned some time ago. Not really important just need another Tigercat really.

[OV10]

When's the next batch of Tigercats due in? Is there going to be a V2?

Beeg...........curious as to why your asking about a version 2? I haven't seen that many things wrong that would even justify a rev bump and besides that, FlightLine isn't FMS ;)