Countryboy

My Feedback: (25)

dos007,

I was there for the maiden of Lewis's F-15 and saw some of his subsequent flights. The initial problems that I remember that Lewis encountered were the retracts not wanting to rotate. I think he resolved to having a non rotating gear, and still flies it that way to this day. Second, was that he had a wheel bearing sieze up. The bearings in the earlier versions were simply not up to the task for the weight. Lastly, after several flights, I recall he had an H-stab pivot mechanism work loose. Seems the bolts were not loctited. These are the only problems that I recall, and I'm sure Lewis will eventually chime in and correct me if I missed something. I also believe that Lewis used 8711 servos on the H-stabs and 8611A on all other surfaces.

dos007

My Feedback: (24)

I orderd the e-rams this morning and will use those on the canopy and speed brake.

Does anyone have pictures of their rudder servo install? Is a JR 9411 enough on the rudder?

jeteye

The single setup will work just fine. I now have the Jet Central Mammoth, and it's phenomenal! I can attain vertical just after takeoff straight up (200 ounces fuel)! Iuse the Tam Pipe which is far more efficient for the Mammoth. I never use full power unless taking off, or going vertical. With the right pipe, you should be fine.

Lewis

jeteye

I use the JR 3421's on the rudder. The F-15 is going on 4 years old, and no problems.

I also use non rotating gear, J & R Hobby Supply wheels and brakes, and Robart 635 retracts. I now just go out and have fun! Before leaving Feibao productsI helped them with the new gear, and it appears to be working fine.

dos007

My Feedback: (24)

Gemeral. thanks for the feedback...I look forward to meeting you at Kentucky Jets.

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Has anyone tried converting the rotating retracts to electric? Results? I have one and the retracts wont go up. Nose does but not the mains. I have already thrown away the wheels and brakes and I guess now the retracts will have to meet the same fate. Pretty much crap from a manufacturer that will not test and perfect expensive gear before selling to the public.

extra 300

My Feedback: (3)

Kevin,

Is it possible for you to tell us where did you convert your retracts to electric. Please send me a PM if necesary, would not want to fall in the same trap.

Thanks

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Extra

I am trying to find best place as mine wont retract in flight. I have a call into Down and Locked

extra 300

My Feedback: (3)

Kevin,

I am currently studying possibility to send them over to http://www.e-retract.com/en/ for e conversion.

Regards,

michaelsarysz

I have this jet and I love it. GO OVER EACH SCREW FOR THE ELE MOUNTS, WING MOUNTS AND FIN MOUNTS. I GUARANTEE YOU THEY ARE LOOSE.

ALSO WITH THE GEAR. IF YOU HAVE A NEW ROTATION GEAR, IT DOES WORK FINE, HOWEVER YOU NEED TO GO AND TIGHTEN AND POSSIBLE BLUE LOCK TIGHT THE SET SCREWS THAT HOLD ON THE AXLES.

AND ANY OF THE WHITE SCREWS. IT WILL TAKE YOU ABOUT 6 FLIGHTS BEFORE YOUR WHEEL WILL FLY OFF DURING TAKE OFF. BEEN THERE DONE THAT.

IF YOU GO AND TAKE THE AXLES OFF AND DREMEL A FLAT SPOT WHERE THE SET SCREW TIGHTNS AND LOK TIGHT IT. YOU WILL NOE LOOSE YOUR WHEELS.

OTHER THAN THAT, THE JET IS SOLID.

LOVE THIS THING

MIKE

michaelsarysz

HI TEC 5421 I THINK..

RUDDER SERVOS THAT I USED ARE DEFFINATELY HITEC - 5421

johnls

A lot of truth in what has been said in the later threads. I now have 6 flights on mine. I lost the nose wheel on the second flight. I have bolts with nuts now keeping the wheels on and have changed the wheel bearings to sintered bronze after the originals disintegrated. Although my undercarriage (twist and turn) works fine on the stand, it will not budge in flight and I am presently converting to hydraulic. I am flying with the CG at 240 mm behind the leading edge and I feel it would fly better if I move it slightly forward. My wing mounting bolts have needed tightening and the stabs were aligned at different heights and needed the formers removing, and remaking with the stabs mounted correctly.
On a positive it fly's and lands fine.


John

dos007

My Feedback: (24)

OK this is the build that just keeps on giving...but from what everyone says is that it flies great!

I have installed my elevators and after tightning the bolts I still have a little play in the surface. the pin is not quite the same width as the notch in the elevator rod. It is not much play but I am just wondering if you guys had this and did you leave it alone or is there a fix?

Also my pipe is too long so it looks like I will cut it down some and then cut the inlet ducting as well. The big old OLY takes a lot of room!

kevinthoele

My Feedback: (1)

Got email on the Down and Locked electric mains. $400 I am going to try once more before speeding the money to convert the mains.

sskianpour

My Feedback: (2)

I took one look at the pipe and decided to call Tam. His pipe is VASTLY superior. With an Oly for blow, you may consider not risking your considerable investment due to a pipe failure. Tam charged me $450 and delivered a masterpiece. With a P200SX I will likely not have 4 foot flames shoot out the back as I have with other brands, but pipe malfunction was still a serious concern for me... just a thought.

Shaz

michaelsarysz

i agree, i have the tam pipe as well.

i get serious power with my mammoth. go with the tam pipe. tell fei bao to keep theirs.

mick15

Some video taken at the recent Raydon jets meet.

m

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

extra 300

My Feedback: (3)

Mike,

Your F-15 looks better than ever!! I love your flying style, it brings out this jet's Majestic capabilities!!

Simply Awesome!!!

mick15

Thanks for the compliment, it's a great model to fly.

m

michaelsarysz

Has anyone gone with down and lock yet?

My gear is acting up bad, I have a good amount of slop as well, in the clockwise and counter clockwise rotation of my mains.

i think its the top piece that has the ball on it, also holds the gear in the jet.

Any feed back ?

jeteye

I had to do away with the rotating system; Lock the struts in place, and go with Robart 635 retracts. Going on 5 years and still going strong. I fought the same battle with that gear for about a year. I'm lucky that I did not destroy a very good airplane!

Lewis

Paul Buckrell

My Feedback: (2)

Hi Lewis

I'm considering a FB F-15E with twin P120SE. I'm curious about your problem with the rotating retracts. Do you apply mainwheel brakes when you initiate retraction to stop the gyroscopic effect of the mainwheels spinning at takeoff rpm? I found that using brakes on my Avonds F-15C cleared up the retraction issue I first experienced with that model. All worked on the ground correctly, but the struts always snagged the gear doors on retraction until I mixed brakes ON.

Regards
Paul

jeteye

Hi Paul, Never tried that. Made the switch to Robart 635,s about mid season the first year. It's still flying great, and presently getting the Mammoth Pro upgrade.

Lewis

EDFJim

My Feedback: (2)

Great idea , I'm going to program that with my gear also .. I know they do it on full scale

FenderBean

hmmm never thought of that, going to do that on my jets as well lol