F-20 with Retracts
12-02-2003, 11:39 AM
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F-20 with Retracts
I have a DC F-20 and am considering retracts for it. It will be getting a Jett 50 and my goal for the retracts would be to improve looks and top speed. My questions are first, how much more speed will I get as although the plane would not have gear sticking down, it would be heavier with the retracts. My second question is will I be able to get light enough retracts for this plane that can hold up to a grass field. My last question is are they worth the trouble. I have heard more "pain in the *****" stories than "I love my retracts" stories. If anyone has any suggestions of what to go with if I do decide to install them, that would be appreciated also. Thanks in advance.
12-02-2003, 03:18 PM
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RE: F-20 with Retracts
I personally wouldn't build a new "jet type" plane without them. I havn't found them to be a pain in the *** at all and the atted weight is small. Yes you might notice the extra weight going straight up, but coming in for a low pass you want a little extra. I have used them on my two past patriots and love them. I use Spring airs and no problem what so ever except for the odd bent gear on a bad landing (I got bent gear on my fixed planes as well too). I know the F-20 isnt' a Patriot but it's close enough. That's just my honest opinion, and your going the extra mile with the Jett 50!! so you might as well? In any event it's what you find enjoyable...Have fun!!!!
12-04-2003, 10:26 AM
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RE: F-20 with Retracts
FWIW, I have the DC F-20 and installed Hobbico mechanical retracts. Unfortunately, I built this plane like 6 years ago and still haven't flown it yet. I took a little break from R/C and have recently gotten back into the hobby. I too was thinking of the Jett engine or maybe a Rossi. I originally was going to put my ASP .46 into it, but that went into a GP Venus instead.
12-04-2003, 06:03 PM
#4
RE: F-20 with Retracts
Guees I'll say it again.....on the 40 size F-20's, retracts are more trouble than they are worth for the little speed gained.
First of all, that plane is not set up for retracts.
Second, there will be a problem when installing the nose retract as this is where the tank is.
Thirdly, you'll need 2 retract servos, and an extra capacity battery to handle the extra load (extra weight).
Lastly, there's a lot of extra work involved if the plane is not already set-up for retracts. Save some time, and get this in the air....THEN, if you'd like to get one and add retracts, go for it!
FlyBoy Dave has the Cermark 40 F-20 with fixed gear, and William Bros. wheels (narrow) and this thing hauls the mail. Sure, he could of added retracts, but he also don't like hasseling with them for a 40 size plane, that's not scale, don't want to be scale, and don't look scale.
This is your first "speed" plane, eh?....keep it simple. I gurantee you'll be pleased with how fast it is.
I have retracts on my 60 F-20, but, FWIW, will not be putting them on my 40 DC F-20
This is MY personal opinion, and I'm sure disagreeing others are going to try and "correct" me....don't bother...PLEASE!
Gary
First of all, that plane is not set up for retracts.
Second, there will be a problem when installing the nose retract as this is where the tank is.
Thirdly, you'll need 2 retract servos, and an extra capacity battery to handle the extra load (extra weight).
Lastly, there's a lot of extra work involved if the plane is not already set-up for retracts. Save some time, and get this in the air....THEN, if you'd like to get one and add retracts, go for it!
FlyBoy Dave has the Cermark 40 F-20 with fixed gear, and William Bros. wheels (narrow) and this thing hauls the mail. Sure, he could of added retracts, but he also don't like hasseling with them for a 40 size plane, that's not scale, don't want to be scale, and don't look scale.
This is your first "speed" plane, eh?....keep it simple. I gurantee you'll be pleased with how fast it is.
I have retracts on my 60 F-20, but, FWIW, will not be putting them on my 40 DC F-20
This is MY personal opinion, and I'm sure disagreeing others are going to try and "correct" me....don't bother...PLEASE!
Gary
12-04-2003, 08:39 PM
#7
RE: F-20 with Retracts
Uhhhh....I should of known it'd be you..... LOL
Don't take this the wrong way, as I too love the LOW fast fly-bys with the gear all tucked up in my F-20. Dar ain't nuttin' prettier! ......HOWEVER (don't you hate those "howevers"?), I don't think Dean should bother with them for his first "speed" plane.
These things get out of your site quick, and it's about all any new speed "demon" can do is to keep 100% of his concentration on the plane. It's just one less thing he'll have to worry about when flying/landing.
The End [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]
Yo FlyBoy.........HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLP!
Gary
Don't take this the wrong way, as I too love the LOW fast fly-bys with the gear all tucked up in my F-20. Dar ain't nuttin' prettier! ......HOWEVER (don't you hate those "howevers"?), I don't think Dean should bother with them for his first "speed" plane.
These things get out of your site quick, and it's about all any new speed "demon" can do is to keep 100% of his concentration on the plane. It's just one less thing he'll have to worry about when flying/landing.
The End [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]
Yo FlyBoy.........HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLP!
Gary
12-08-2003, 02:11 AM
#10
RE: F-20 with Retracts
I'm with AirGar on this one........
....yes retracts are cool....Gary and I both have prop-jets with
retracts....but my DC 20 won't have them either. The DC-20
is not set up for retracts....uses fixed gear....
...sure, you can hack in through the sheeting, and cut out the
foam wing cores, and put retracts in....but unless you are
pretty darned skilled....it's gonna be a hack-job. Add to that the
extra weight....I don't think it's worth it. You might gain a few
extra mph....but at a buck and a quarter, you won't be able to
tell the difference in speed.
Sure, there are some guys that are gonna use retracts....no
matter what...and that's fine and dandy....but for a first time
prop-jet....there's no way I'd hack up that beautiful plane.
Dave.
........yes retracts are cool....Gary and I both have prop-jets with
retracts....but my DC 20 won't have them either. The DC-20
is not set up for retracts....uses fixed gear....
...sure, you can hack in through the sheeting, and cut out the
foam wing cores, and put retracts in....but unless you are
pretty darned skilled....it's gonna be a hack-job. Add to that the
extra weight....I don't think it's worth it. You might gain a few
extra mph....but at a buck and a quarter, you won't be able to
tell the difference in speed.
Sure, there are some guys that are gonna use retracts....no
matter what...and that's fine and dandy....but for a first time
prop-jet....there's no way I'd hack up that beautiful plane.
Dave.
12-08-2003, 01:28 PM
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RE: F-20 with Retracts
Just dusten mine off and put a flight on it today, spring airs worked flawless, and even got video of it flying. But, Im going to sell it, its been good to me, and now will be good to someone else
John,
Nice website BTW. I especially like the one of your car and the speedo (140mph[X(]). Can you post your F20 video? I've got an F20 kit which I built several years ago, but still isn't quite ready to fly. Thanks
John,
Nice website BTW. I especially like the one of your car and the speedo (140mph[X(]). Can you post your F20 video? I've got an F20 kit which I built several years ago, but still isn't quite ready to fly. Thanks
12-14-2003, 03:21 PM
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RE: F-20 with Retracts
Way in My 2cents
What in the world is the purpose of owning this type of aircraft if it isn't going to have retracts.
Maybe I am missing something boys but if you want a fixed gear aircraft by something else these things are designed to go fast and look cool.
I love the guys that think it's a big deal to put electric gear and then complain about the weight. Give me a break. The whole purpose of the prop jet is speed. I say GEAR UP and Full Power.
BTW I use the Robarts on mine guess u knew mine retracted.
What in the world is the purpose of owning this type of aircraft if it isn't going to have retracts.
Maybe I am missing something boys but if you want a fixed gear aircraft by something else these things are designed to go fast and look cool.
I love the guys that think it's a big deal to put electric gear and then complain about the weight. Give me a break. The whole purpose of the prop jet is speed. I say GEAR UP and Full Power.
BTW I use the Robarts on mine guess u knew mine retracted.
12-16-2003, 11:27 AM
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RE: F-20 with Retracts
I just bought one (the DC F-20/F-5) and plan to put the Spring Air 300 series retracts and a Jett .50 in it. Where is the article about adding retracts to an already sheeted wing? I'm assuming that it involves a mounting plate with ribs to spread the load, I was just looking for a little more engineering or photos. Any tips on the gear doors, if you are pretty darn skilled?
Thanks,
Chris
Thanks,
Chris
