FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Hi guys,

I just started my yearly project this weekend. Not sure yet if it will fly, but I'm bored and want to build something.

So.........I have a new F-16 (Epoxy version). Nice plane,and sooooo much better thought than it's predecessor. I was able to finish the wings and do the glass work in 2 nights. I know it is out of sequence but at least Im done with it.

Anyway, I am planning on using a new SJ1200AS (17#'s), but the manual offers no help on installing the modified intake nor the turbine layout/bypass install.
How is the inlet supported on the FWD former, with the penetration for the DF intake being largely oversized?
Does the turbine inlet needs reinforcement just like in the DF version?
Will the turbine inlet do a good job of supporting the Nose Gear retract mount?

Some pics of the aft portion of the ilet would be great. I will be using Gary Mueller's tanks.

Thanks.

David

Kevin East

My Feedback: (1)

David
Thanks for starting this thread! I have the same questions,and should be getting my kit late this week.


Thanks again.
Kevin

Shaun Evans

Hi,

Sent you a PM. Gimme a call and we'll go through the whole thing. There is no right or wrong way to do it, but I can tell you what I did with mine. The very first one of these new F-16 kits to be built/flown with turbine power was built and flown by Yours Truly. It's a fun and easy mod.

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Sean, I will take you up for it. Will be calling you soon.

Kevin, you will absolutely love it. For me the greatest thing is that the holes for the gear door actuators are pre-drilled on the former, so no guess work there.

What engine will you use? The turbine inlet leaves a BIG chunk of space for fuel. [8D]

Kevin East

My Feedback: (1)

David
Flying the F-15 on a p-70, plan on getting some more time with that. Then moving the 70 into the 16, and the F-4.
Is there a different inlet for the turbine, whats in the stock kit?
I'm looking foward to the building, I used to get a lot of "stuff" about building the Yellow line of jets( this will be my fifth one), but Yellow has a great product line, at a great price, with great support, and the jets fly well.
How much fuel are you getting with those tanks?
Kevin

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Kevin,

Planning on using Mueller tanks @ 78oz, that should be enough juice for 7-8 minutes of flight. I don't know if the inlet comes with teh kit. If youa re getting the turbine kit I assume it should. I bought the kit here off RCU, and it was the DF version, however the guy threw in the turbine inlet he had purchased from Yellow.

Agree on Yellow Aircraft, only manufacturer I haven't heard ANYONE complaint about, taht takes a lot -

Jus10

My Feedback: (1)

Shaun, my pm's completely quit working. Can you email me about what I contacted you about. Thanks! [email protected]

Shaun Evans

Kevin,

The inlet that comes with the kit is for DF. The turbine inlet is smaller, leaving a lot more room for tanks. The only thing I don't like about the Mueller tanks is that they take the fuel weight pretty far forward. I built mine before we had tanks available, so I ended up using 4 regular DF tanks stuffed in there. On the last one I put together, I used the Yellow tanks (48 oz), but also had an external centerline tank (the same one I've been using on my A-4, F-15, etc) which holds an additional 47 oz.

There is a mod needed on the plane which involved installing an inlet spike. It's necessary if you don't want the nose gear to punch up through the inlet. The inlet doesn't need reinforcing, though.

Kevin East

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Sean!

What does the centerline tank do to the flight handing?
Can I order the inlet from Yellow?

Thanks
Kevin

Andy_S_T

I would like to know about the centreline tank too, would be good for smoke.

I am currently building an old polyester A model that I am converting to turbine. Does anyone know if the scale gear can be made to fit? I haven't installed any formers yet so they can easily be moved. The front looks like it will definitely need to be moved as it would be in the way of the wheels when retracted.

I know people will say just buy a new kit, but I like a challenge and building so I actually relish the challenge.

Cheers,

Andy

Shok

My Feedback: (28)

The A version will not hold the scale gear.

To me the A version is very similar to the new F-16 that Tam is putting out with sport gear.

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Andy, I have never seen the inside of an "A" model, but wouldn't it be a matter of using similar formers?

Andy_S_T

Why not? Was the molding for the C version different from the A (apart from having the gear doors etc cut out).

If it's a case of moving the formers and remaking then that'll be easy. I am also going to make the wings removeable so I can get other planes in the car as well. It'll also make storage a darn sight easier too.

Gordon_Dickens

My Feedback: (1)

I first started flying my Turbinized Yellow F-16A in 1999 and I enjoyed 96 flights with it until I sold it last year. The turbine conversion was quite simple and straight forward.

I did this conversion before the turbine inlet and Mueller tank was available but the plane flies great. I used a JetCat P-80.

FYI,

Gordon

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

I've been trying to figure out if I can install the scale cockpit and still have room for all the turbine components.

Has anyone done this? Pics?

Shaun Evans

Hi,

I don't have pics, but it can be done. I did it with a P-80. What engine are you using?

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

It will be a Simjet 1200AS. I will not install the propane gas start components to save weight and space, so it would be the ECU, two regulators, battery, and ECU switch. I think the ECU should easily fit next to the bypass.

Sean, with a P-80 it should have some very nice vertical!!! Post some pics so we can see it!!

Wayne22

My Feedback: (2)

A P-80!??? You should be able to out run a Sidewinder!

Kevin East

My Feedback: (1)

Hey Guys!
Got the kit in this week, started going through it,and reading the instructions. Look great!
My new question is, can you make the canopy open with a servo, and if so how do you lock it for flight?

Thanks
Kevin

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

I'm thinking something like one of those L shaped bell cranks, one arm to canopy linkeage and the other hooked to a fine gauge wire to pull back on the hatch latch. I would then mount the hatch latch on the inside of the canopy frame. Make sure you have another wire attached to the hatch latch in case you loose the battery, so you can open it.

That's just me brainstorming. A more elegant solution would be to use a pneumatic cylinder to open the canopy (with 2-3 flow regulators in line to reduce speed), and a stand alone micro servo to lock/unlock the frame.

AFTERBURNER1

My Feedback: (80)

Here is a shot of mine..

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Cool, you built a deck around the turbine. What is the thickness of the deck?
Is that a Simjet?

AFTERBURNER1

My Feedback: (80)

It is an Artes Superbee. Very fast and smooth with one of these...

Red Sky

I have decided: I WANT a JetCat in it too [>:].
Can anyone tell me what do I have to buy (everything!) to change the DF?
Thanks!

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

Lucian,

I asked that question some time ago. The problem is how to replace the DF inlet for the smaller turbine one....it would require significant surgery.

From what I've seen, I would just try to run the turbine without a bypass and using the DF inlet, however I don't know if it would degrade engine performance or not.

I hope somebody pitches in.