BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
04-09-2010, 12:10 PM
#1
BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
Everyones' dilemmas in life should only be this bad, but I am torn on which to get. Forget about costs, I just want to get some feedback on what our "community" thinks. If you had to select one of these, which would it be and why. Thaks guys.
04-09-2010, 12:58 PM
#3
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
I guess it really depends on which aircraft you like best and also if you want to build (unless you have your eye on an RTF F-100?). I have built an F-100F and flown (a different one) for 6 or 7 flights before. The F-100 is a nice flying aircraft, but it is heavy iron - as is the F-4. With both you need to be paying attention in the landing pattern, but I have seen F-4's roll over and die if you get too slow (my FB F-4 did 
), but with the slats on the BVM F-100, it doesn't seem to do that. If you get it slow, the F-100's sink rate will go through the roof, but it remains controllable. The F-100 sounds very distinctive in the air - no other airplane sounds like it. The F-4 is also somewhat unique sounding with the bi-pipe, but there are other bi-pipe planes that sound similar. The F-100 can be somewhat of a challenge to see when it is coming directly towards or away from you, but in other attitudes its OK. Most fly it with the tanks on to make it more visible. For me, the F-4 is easier to see - with or without ordinance, but I'm not sure why.
The BVM F-100 is a time-consuming built, and obviously, if you get the ARF, the SM F-4 isn't. Even if you get it unpainted, the SM F-4 will be less work. There are some fully-painted F-100 schemes out there, but they are few and far-between, so an F-100 typically means a metal finish, Flitemetal, BVM Metalkote, etc., where as an F-4 can be painted. F-100's are more rare, and thus generally draw more attention.
Any specific questions?
Bob
), but with the slats on the BVM F-100, it doesn't seem to do that. If you get it slow, the F-100's sink rate will go through the roof, but it remains controllable. The F-100 sounds very distinctive in the air - no other airplane sounds like it. The F-4 is also somewhat unique sounding with the bi-pipe, but there are other bi-pipe planes that sound similar. The F-100 can be somewhat of a challenge to see when it is coming directly towards or away from you, but in other attitudes its OK. Most fly it with the tanks on to make it more visible. For me, the F-4 is easier to see - with or without ordinance, but I'm not sure why.The BVM F-100 is a time-consuming built, and obviously, if you get the ARF, the SM F-4 isn't. Even if you get it unpainted, the SM F-4 will be less work. There are some fully-painted F-100 schemes out there, but they are few and far-between, so an F-100 typically means a metal finish, Flitemetal, BVM Metalkote, etc., where as an F-4 can be painted. F-100's are more rare, and thus generally draw more attention.
Any specific questions?
Bob
04-09-2010, 01:02 PM
#4
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
F100 Best plane I've flown (and Ive flown a lot - including BVM F4 but not Sm F4) Flies like a sport jet, extremely precise, very fast if you want to, most predictable landings, full of scale features. it is also built like a tank. It always turns heads at any event
Downsides: is that is a builders project (unless you like building, then it is a plus
. PITA to put together at the field.
Jack G
Downsides: is that is a builders project (unless you like building, then it is a plus
. PITA to put together at the field.Jack G
04-09-2010, 01:11 PM
#5
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
ORIGINAL: rhklenke
I guess it really depends on which aircraft you like best and also if you want to build (unless you have your eye on an RTF F-100?). I have built an F-100F and flown (a different one) for 6 or 7 flights before. The F-100 is a nice flying aircraft, but it is heavy iron - as is the F-4. With both you need to be paying attention in the landing pattern, but I have seen F-4's roll over and die if you get too slow (my FB F-4 did ), but with the slats on the BVM F-100, it doesn't seem to do that. If you get it slow, the F-100's sink rate will go through the roof, but it remains controllable. The F-100 sounds very distinctive in the air - no other airplane sounds like it. The F-4 is also somewhat unique sounding with the bi-pipe, but there are other bi-pipe planes that sound similar. The F-100 can be somewhat of a challenge to see when it is coming directly towards or away from you, but in other attitudes its OK. Most fly it with the tanks on to make it more visible. For me, the F-4 is easier to see - with or without ordinance, but I'm not sure why.
The BVM F-100 is a time-consuming built, and obviously, if you get the ARF, the SM F-4 isn't. Even if you get it unpainted, the SM F-4 will be less work. There are some fully-painted F-100 schemes out there, but they are few and far-between, so an F-100 typically means a metal finish, Flitemetal, BVM Metalkote, etc., where as an F-4 can be painted. F-100's are more rare, and thus generally draw more attention.
Any specific questions?
Bob
I guess it really depends on which aircraft you like best and also if you want to build (unless you have your eye on an RTF F-100?). I have built an F-100F and flown (a different one) for 6 or 7 flights before. The F-100 is a nice flying aircraft, but it is heavy iron - as is the F-4. With both you need to be paying attention in the landing pattern, but I have seen F-4's roll over and die if you get too slow (my FB F-4 did
), but with the slats on the BVM F-100, it doesn't seem to do that. If you get it slow, the F-100's sink rate will go through the roof, but it remains controllable. The F-100 sounds very distinctive in the air - no other airplane sounds like it. The F-4 is also somewhat unique sounding with the bi-pipe, but there are other bi-pipe planes that sound similar. The F-100 can be somewhat of a challenge to see when it is coming directly towards or away from you, but in other attitudes its OK. Most fly it with the tanks on to make it more visible. For me, the F-4 is easier to see - with or without ordinance, but I'm not sure why.The BVM F-100 is a time-consuming built, and obviously, if you get the ARF, the SM F-4 isn't. Even if you get it unpainted, the SM F-4 will be less work. There are some fully-painted F-100 schemes out there, but they are few and far-between, so an F-100 typically means a metal finish, Flitemetal, BVM Metalkote, etc., where as an F-4 can be painted. F-100's are more rare, and thus generally draw more attention.
Any specific questions?
Bob
04-09-2010, 01:34 PM
#6
Senior Member
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
I have been flying a BVM F-100D for a few years and it is one of the best flying models I have flown. Very precise, very solid feeling and can handle cross winds on landing better than most any other model out there. But as others have said, it is a builders project, but a real fun one and very well done.
Steven
Steven
04-09-2010, 02:42 PM
#9
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
Thanks to everyone for the input. As far as building goes, I really enjoy the building almost as much as the flying. Both birds have pros and cons. I tend to lean to the BVM F-100 because, well, its a BVM and the quality of parts,e tc. that goes with that. Additionally, and as pointed out, you don' t see too many of the F-100's around. However, the Phantom is in my opinion such a bad ***** looking jet. And coupled with the size of the SM version and the endless color schemes, the decision is a tough one.
I was watching my friend Shani Studnick rip the skies apart with his Hun at Monster Planes 2009. Incredibly impressive aircraft.
I was watching my friend Shani Studnick rip the skies apart with his Hun at Monster Planes 2009. Incredibly impressive aircraft.
04-09-2010, 02:46 PM
#11
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
I enjoy the way my SM F4 flies. (upside) The build time is truncated significantly to the F100. it's big and easy to see. handles a crosswind with no problem
I've seen numerous F100s and concur with all said above. very precise, crisp in flight and rock solid in the landing pattern. (upside) parts availability in addition to a large support network of builders / flyers
parts availability is the one thing that has me favor a BVM product hands down.
lucky for you $$ is of little concern and your dilemma is an enviable problem to have.
you can't go wrong with either IMO
I've seen numerous F100s and concur with all said above. very precise, crisp in flight and rock solid in the landing pattern. (upside) parts availability in addition to a large support network of builders / flyers
parts availability is the one thing that has me favor a BVM product hands down.
lucky for you $$ is of little concern and your dilemma is an enviable problem to have.
you can't go wrong with either IMO
04-09-2010, 02:59 PM
#12
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RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
The BVM F-100D is a great ship as is the BVM F-100F. I have built, flown, and competed with both models. Believe it or not the D model has a little more room inside to place your components. I built my F model in a make believe Red Bulls chrome paint scheme. The F-100 line is the top of the heap in model engineering and instructions. If you follow page by page it will fly the first time with no trim setting requirements. Go for it, build a real model aircraft. Go with an F-100
04-09-2010, 05:34 PM
#13
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RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
If you want a build then the BVM F100 is a great choice. It has just enough of the real tough alignment tasks done, like the wings and horizontal stabs. You do have to join the fuse halves but that is not hard at all.
I have built 3 of them, so any questions you may have I would be more than happy to lend any help I can. You will find it a challenging project but not to much head scratching during the build.
I have done two in all presto finish and one in Flite-metal. When done it is just an awesome looking jet that appears to be going 300+ just sitting on the bench.
I have seen many fly and have never heard one bad thing about the plane from nose to tail. So why is mine still in the box??
I have built 3 of them, so any questions you may have I would be more than happy to lend any help I can. You will find it a challenging project but not to much head scratching during the build.
I have done two in all presto finish and one in Flite-metal. When done it is just an awesome looking jet that appears to be going 300+ just sitting on the bench.
I have seen many fly and have never heard one bad thing about the plane from nose to tail. So why is mine still in the box??
04-19-2010, 09:03 PM
#16
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RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
I say Phantoms forever! I am going to get my bvm F-4 this Saturday. I cant sleep at night I'm so excited to get it. I'm like a little 44 yr old kid. I'm going to need some help when it's time to fly this bad boy. I'm in AZ and I hear there are a few that would help me make sure I have it all the way it's got to be. I will keep you all posted on my progress. This jet has about 200 flights on it already. I'm going to spend the next few months going through everything.This jet will come without the motor and was told that the F-4 is a power hungry monster. I think I will go with a jetcat. My question to you guy's is what size? Is there a such thing as to big? Girls need not respond. Rob
04-19-2010, 09:45 PM
#17
RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
Rob,
Great choice! I had a JetCat P-120 in my BVM F-4 and it flew well with the 120s thrust. The BVM F-4 flies great but you need to stay on the power on approach and landing. She flies rock solid and will handle winds that will ground other jets. Flying with the wing tanks will help with visibility, at least they did for these old eyes. Congratulations and show us some pics when you get your new ride.
Great choice! I had a JetCat P-120 in my BVM F-4 and it flew well with the 120s thrust. The BVM F-4 flies great but you need to stay on the power on approach and landing. She flies rock solid and will handle winds that will ground other jets. Flying with the wing tanks will help with visibility, at least they did for these old eyes.
Congratulations and show us some pics when you get your new ride.
04-19-2010, 10:16 PM
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RE: BVM F-100D vs. SM F-4
robbobie
I fly my BVM F-4 with a P-160SX. It is a great combo, a p-120 just did not give it the extra zip I like to see on a scale fighter. Never find yourself below half power unless your short final. The BVM phantom is a superb aircraft. You will really enjoy it. It is very stable in the pattern and landing. Its like driving a Mac truck. If you have any questions dont hesitate to call Paul Bageman Mark Taylor, Ad Clark, Tim Redleman, David Reed or myself. There are some great F-4 drivers out there with allot of experience that can help with your success.
take care and good luck
Justin Sands
BVM rep
Team JR/Horizon
I fly my BVM F-4 with a P-160SX. It is a great combo, a p-120 just did not give it the extra zip I like to see on a scale fighter. Never find yourself below half power unless your short final. The BVM phantom is a superb aircraft. You will really enjoy it. It is very stable in the pattern and landing. Its like driving a Mac truck. If you have any questions dont hesitate to call Paul Bageman Mark Taylor, Ad Clark, Tim Redleman, David Reed or myself. There are some great F-4 drivers out there with allot of experience that can help with your success.
take care and good luck
Justin Sands
BVM rep
Team JR/Horizon
