edgeflyer

My Feedback: (15)

I just ordered my starfire II, and did some searching on P80 installs. I found some mention of them out there, but no info on what tailpipe to use. Anyone with any experience please let me know. Also any tips on the starfire build would be greatly apreciated. What retracts are prefered ? Thanks.

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Built and flown one on Jetcat P120. Open install with Bell mouth pipe from Tam

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Forgot. I used spring air retracts with socket mounts and robart struts.

Pitts S1S

My Feedback: (9)

Kevin,

Did you use the stock inlets, or did you use the reduced inlets from Tam? Also how did it fly?

Jeff

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Used the stock ones. It flew and still flys great.

Sold to a friend and it is alive and well many years after its maiden.

Shaun Evans

Hi,

That's a really nice combo. I would keep it simple with an open install. I recommend the Jet Tech pipe which you can order from us at Yellow or from Gary Mueller directly, and the Yellow retracts. You can go struts or wire with them, and they're very good gear for that size of an airplane. Good luck!

jedijingle

My Feedback: (45)

I second on the Yellow gear. Don't be fooled, they are black in color. Nice. Open install and a pipe in the back. Easy build. Enjoy.

edgeflyer

My Feedback: (15)

Ordered tam gear and Decided on Kingtech K80, on the way !

edgeflyer

My Feedback: (15)

Update. Got the kit today . Was able to change the order to a Kero start K80 . Got Yellow retracts, robart struts, Tam's intake, Tams wheels and brakes. Tam recomended I not go with a smooth stop so I got a standard valve. JR 3711 HV's all the way arround. 9100 DSMX power safe reciever. After building hundreds of airplanes I could only speculate how many hours I had in build time, but with this one there's a stopwatch on the bench and I'm timing physical working time, not including any Dr.Pepper brakes. 2Hr. 50 min. so far. Should be fun and depressing at the same time. Will probably order a eagle tree pro kit for it. I would like to scale the cockpit out, anyone know of a kit that I could bash in there ?

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Engine should fly it fine. I think that will make a great combo

basimpsn

My Feedback: (5)

I lost my starfire on the third flight (cause unknown). I was feeling comfortable to try a high speed pass. when I lost elevator control when i try to pull-up to a vertical. I Suspect a weak link between the servo and the elevator control horn.

Just a tip for you to consider while building.

edgeflyer

My Feedback: (15)

Yeah I would sure like a more direct linkage setup, but I may try to make some small carbon rods for the elevator. Is it possible to use inner gear doors on the wing ? would you use a cylinder, or something mechanical ?

Shaun Evans

Hi,

What kind of hardware? How did you have it set up? When did this happen? Sorry...

edgeflyer

My Feedback: (15)

what should the tailpipe to bellmouth spacing be on this setup ? Also should I put any fire blanket in the tail section ?

basimpsn

My Feedback: (5)

I didn't use any doors on mine, Maybe Sean could help you with that decision but personally I wouldn't install any doors. Carbon rod for elevator is a great idea.

This was my first jet in 02 or 03 cannot remember the yr. My setup Ram 750F 18 # thrust. And JR SERVO the time 8411 / 8101. Did three successful flight and was very happy with how stable it fly and land at low speed. On the forth flight I did the first high speed pass, But when I pull up the nose raise a little then drop about 15- degree with full elevator stick. I still have full aileron control to turn final but could only hold the nose up 15 - Degree before it crash. This was totally my fault because this was my first jet and the instruction manual was for ducted Fan only and i didn't do any mod for turbine.

Found this recently Starfire 2 before test flight fast forward to 2:00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUbenOLfSv4

edgeflyer

My Feedback: (15)

So what do you think the actual problem was ?

basimpsn

My Feedback: (5)

Could be the stock push rod breaking loose or flexing from the center retainer.

Just guessing.

Shaun Evans

Hi,

Hmm... Well, I used the outer nyrod housing like the plans call for, but I used regular 4-40 rod in there. I've used that with this bird on a Ram 1000 at full kick again and again. In fact, that's what's been on all of my Starfires with nary a failure.

gunradd

My Feedback: (9)

On the gear doors here are a few pics of someones build that went all out. So if you want to do them and you got the time then anything is possible.

basimpsn

My Feedback: (5)

Well as stated,, at the time the Starfire was the first Kit I built from scratch so im sure due to the end result I made a error during the building process. Since then all my planes or over mod(Landing Gear plate double,Elevator and Aileron Servo tray mod, Solder push rods instead of screw on Clive, Twin Receivers and Batteries the list goes on ) Im just passing on my experience so others can learn from my mistake .

Shaun Evans

Hi,

Of course. I'm not questioning or criticizing your install, just saying what worked for me.

basimpsn

My Feedback: (5)

Didn't think so Sean, Just wish back then I had your building experience and luck. Any video of your Starfire flying?

Shaun Evans

Hi,

No, I don't think so. It was back in 98 or 99 as I recall. I put the missile rails from the F-18 Twin kit on the Starfire and they looked wicked. They made a really neat sound in the air, too. They were so big that they almost looked like wing tanks

With that Ram 1000 on it, it really moved as you can imagine.

basimpsn

My Feedback: (5)

I would love to see a picture of those tip tanks [8D] I was looking at your old ducted fan videos,, its very cool that you saw the transformation from ducted fan to turbines.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaddEQeGzvw