GP F-14 Tomcat
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GP F-14 Tomcat
G'day all!,..
Hope you all had a good Xmas and a great new year,!,... well Santa was extremely good to me,..he managed to get 2 GP F-14 tomcat kits NIB!!!!!,..what Can I say,..Santa know's I am a tomcat nut[:-], so I have started to build one,..I have decided to keep the kits and use one of them for templates only and keep the other for well who knows ,.anyway, I have started the build and modifying to make it look what I believe , a little more like a Tomcat should,... My question is,...is anyone interested in the build?,..and would it be worth starting a new thread on it?
Pics to follow,...
Thanks
JJ [8D]
Hope you all had a good Xmas and a great new year,!,... well Santa was extremely good to me,..he managed to get 2 GP F-14 tomcat kits NIB!!!!!,..what Can I say,..Santa know's I am a tomcat nut[:-], so I have started to build one,..I have decided to keep the kits and use one of them for templates only and keep the other for well who knows ,.anyway, I have started the build and modifying to make it look what I believe , a little more like a Tomcat should,... My question is,...is anyone interested in the build?,..and would it be worth starting a new thread on it?
Pics to follow,...
Thanks
JJ [8D]
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
Well in that case consider it done!,..,..I will take some pics of where I am at tonight and post them when I get home from work,..
JJ
JJ
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
well here it is,.. the start of my new and much improved GP Tomcat. For starters the kit tomcat was a little on the lean side,...so I made all the central formers the same size as F2,..which with the balsa doublers being reduced from 3 -to 2- then to one,..it still gave me the amount of curvature needed for the tail end formers. next I wanted the main U/C to be located where the real tomcats is,..so I shifted them to the outside ,..thes then gave me the room i needed for the external fual tank (DummY). next,.. I wasn't happy where the wing was,..either the tail had to be shortened or the wing moved back,..so the lesser of 2 evils,..I moved the wing back 6 cm's not to much but just enough to enhance the tomcat look. I will be keeping the forward part of the wing where it is,..so this will also give the tomcat look. next I have decided I want a 12Oz tank,..so because of the wing position and the amount of space available to me,..I have decided to move the tank back 2 formers this will help when it comes to CofG, next I have decided to move the nose U/C back,..it looked to far up front for my liking,.I suppose this is what kit bashing is all about,....anyway enough of the long winded post,..here's the pics,.. .......If people tell me it can't be done,..I will try and prove them wrong,..besides,..if you can get a "Lawnmower" and a "Stop" sign to fly,..then why not a kit bashed tomcat!!
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
#4,..anyone know of a good Futaba retract servo? I notice the Patriot uses a FPS-148?, I didn't think thgis servo had enough movement??
JJ
JJ
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
The tanks are the great planes external tanks,..got them from Tower,...that one is only placed for effect they wont be done until near the end i don't think. What sort of range of movement should I be looking for in a retract servo?
Thanks
JJ
Thanks
JJ
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
heres the latest from the weekend,..spent most of it with the frame in my hand looking at it and wondering how to mount the servo's for the retracts,..once the light bulb came on[sm=rolleyes.gif] all construction continued, Placed all the servo mounts in, made the fins and stab's,..only placed in not glued yet,..and sheeted the bottom of the "turbines".....
JJ[sm=cool.gif]
JJ[sm=cool.gif]
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
I am also a very slow builder, even if I am replicating the parts,.. but as I have read before there is a lot of building, but this aircraft is just "Falling" together This kit is a joy to build and would highly recomend it,..it was looking at getting bit slow, but as soon as the fins went on,..WOOO HOOO baby!, does thing re inspire and look awsome!,... can't wait till the motor arrives and I can set the retracts up,..just need to decide what size prop to use,.. This is the biggest motor I have ever used,..Any suggestions on Prop???
JJ[8D]
JJ[8D]
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
I'm about to buy servo's,..can anyone tell me what the difference is between, Futaba's FP-S148, and the S3001 ?,..not much detail on their site, and both seem the same,..??
Thanks
JJ[8D]
Thanks
JJ[8D]
#18
Senior Member
My Feedback: (6)
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: WINNIPEGMB, CANADA
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
Good Stuff! I luv the shot where all of the remote controls for the TV, VCR. etc. are in the foreground.
You say you have two kits.
Belive it or not, I have heard that a lot of bulders actually make about three versions of the very same plane before they are satisfied.
I know for a fact that I have built the Balsa USA FORCE ONE almnost five times over the years. Each time, I recall problem areas in a previous version I built my 1st one back in the late 80's. All scratch built from a set of plans. I left the hobby for about
15 - 20 years and immediately when I started up again, I bought a set of plans from Balsa USA. I knew that I was goiung to change the main roon rib and make it from plywood. Wouldn't you know it, the newer plans called to do just that!
I'm working on an "OLD" set of plans from nothing more than a PDF of a 1940's sailplane. Thank goodness I have the ability to print FULL SIZE plans for myself. (36" plotter) Built the fuselage, the horz stab, & the rudder. I know I built the stab 2X, The rudder, no less than 3X. Then one of the moderators suggested that I make the stab into a Full Flying stab and control it with a belcrank internally within the rudder.
So, I built it all again. In fact, the bellcrank was made, installed and modified at least 3X. I just finished a small 36" version of the 96" - right down to the point of balancing it and covering it with MonoKote. The only difference is that it will be a FREE FLIGHT. Ultimately, a hanging decoration somewhere in the house.
So, make your F14, keep the 2nd copy so that you can have a "sister" ship.. hah! Lots of fun..
ENJOY YOUR BUILD!
I've enjoyed your images... probably because the tomcat is without a doubt, the most fabulous airceaft ever manufactured.
Of course my avitar tells you where my trure luv lies but then they only made 6 of them. Somewhere along the way, someone thought thatI might even be doing a little "flag-waving"
marwen
My point is, many, many versions of any given plane is OK to do - after all -- this is a HOBBY!
You say you have two kits.
Belive it or not, I have heard that a lot of bulders actually make about three versions of the very same plane before they are satisfied.
I know for a fact that I have built the Balsa USA FORCE ONE almnost five times over the years. Each time, I recall problem areas in a previous version I built my 1st one back in the late 80's. All scratch built from a set of plans. I left the hobby for about
15 - 20 years and immediately when I started up again, I bought a set of plans from Balsa USA. I knew that I was goiung to change the main roon rib and make it from plywood. Wouldn't you know it, the newer plans called to do just that!
I'm working on an "OLD" set of plans from nothing more than a PDF of a 1940's sailplane. Thank goodness I have the ability to print FULL SIZE plans for myself. (36" plotter) Built the fuselage, the horz stab, & the rudder. I know I built the stab 2X, The rudder, no less than 3X. Then one of the moderators suggested that I make the stab into a Full Flying stab and control it with a belcrank internally within the rudder.
So, I built it all again. In fact, the bellcrank was made, installed and modified at least 3X. I just finished a small 36" version of the 96" - right down to the point of balancing it and covering it with MonoKote. The only difference is that it will be a FREE FLIGHT. Ultimately, a hanging decoration somewhere in the house.
So, make your F14, keep the 2nd copy so that you can have a "sister" ship.. hah! Lots of fun..
ENJOY YOUR BUILD!
I've enjoyed your images... probably because the tomcat is without a doubt, the most fabulous airceaft ever manufactured.
Of course my avitar tells you where my trure luv lies but then they only made 6 of them. Somewhere along the way, someone thought thatI might even be doing a little "flag-waving"
marwen
My point is, many, many versions of any given plane is OK to do - after all -- this is a HOBBY!
#19
My Feedback: (20)
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
ORIGINAL: TomcatDriver
I'm about to buy servo's,..can anyone tell me what the difference is between, Futaba's FP-S148, and the S3001 ?,..not much detail on their site, and both seem the same,..??
Thanks
JJ[8D]
I'm about to buy servo's,..can anyone tell me what the difference is between, Futaba's FP-S148, and the S3001 ?,..not much detail on their site, and both seem the same,..??
Thanks
JJ[8D]
Don't quote me, I'm going by memory from a thread 5+ years ago.
Don
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
Well,...apologies for the delay,..but I am waiting on my order from Tower to arrive,..which has my motor in it,..so as soon as that arrives I will be on my way again,...
JJ [8D]
JJ [8D]
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
UUUUNNNBELIEVABLE,............................ WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO,... My engine just turned up,....This is the biggest engine I have ever owned,..it looks awsome,..an OS 61FX,...Construction can start again,...I can mount the engine and set the retratcs height,... WOOOO HOOOO,..I am a happy little vegemite! ( Aussie slang!)
JJ[8D]
P.S. forgot to add,..what prop size should I use on this engine,...book suggests a 12x6-8 , or a 13x6-7, thoughts?
JJ[8D]
P.S. forgot to add,..what prop size should I use on this engine,...book suggests a 12x6-8 , or a 13x6-7, thoughts?
#23
Member
My Feedback: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chehalis,
WA
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
Hi great thread! I recently bought one of these kits on eBay and am preparing to build. I am going to use a SuperTigre 75, or maybe will use an OS 61FX I have with a MACS muffler. Heck I also have a SuperTigre 90 available. Huummmmm decisions........ The OS61FX actually came on a built GP F14 I traded a T-Rex heli for.....sad to say I crashed it in a spin......destroyed from the wing leading edge forward. I felt it was underpowered with the OS 61FX - hence my thoughts on the ST 75 or the ST 90. I was so exited when I won the NIB kit !!!! I really miss flying the former one. My kids keep asking what happend to Mav and Goose - they named the pilots before I crashed it.
As for the servo's - I will be using Futaba 3004's. I also have S148's and 3003's. I have had the cases open on all three styles. The 3003 has NO BEARING OR BUSHING on the output gear !!! - plastic gear on plastic case - will get sloppy fast in a plane like this in my opinion. The S148 has oilite bushing on bottom and no bushing of the top of the output gear. The 3004 has an no bushing on the bottom and a ball bearing on the top of the output gear. For what it's worth - of the three I think the 3004's are the better servo for just a buck or two more money. I just really hate the two piece mounting grommets on the 3003 and 3004 servos.
Keep the pics comming - very intersesting build you have going on. I have been looking for ideas on mods for this plane. I read somewhere where main gear door were made in to the fuselage using mini servo's - wish I could remember where I saw that.
Rob
As for the servo's - I will be using Futaba 3004's. I also have S148's and 3003's. I have had the cases open on all three styles. The 3003 has NO BEARING OR BUSHING on the output gear !!! - plastic gear on plastic case - will get sloppy fast in a plane like this in my opinion. The S148 has oilite bushing on bottom and no bushing of the top of the output gear. The 3004 has an no bushing on the bottom and a ball bearing on the top of the output gear. For what it's worth - of the three I think the 3004's are the better servo for just a buck or two more money. I just really hate the two piece mounting grommets on the 3003 and 3004 servos.
Keep the pics comming - very intersesting build you have going on. I have been looking for ideas on mods for this plane. I read somewhere where main gear door were made in to the fuselage using mini servo's - wish I could remember where I saw that.
Rob
#25
Member
My Feedback: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chehalis,
WA
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: GP F-14 Tomcat
ORIGINAL: TomcatDriver
I'm about to buy servo's,..can anyone tell me what the difference is between, Futaba's FP-S148, and the S3001 ?,..not much detail on their site, and both seem the same,..??
Thanks
JJ[8D]
I'm about to buy servo's,..can anyone tell me what the difference is between, Futaba's FP-S148, and the S3001 ?,..not much detail on their site, and both seem the same,..??
Thanks
JJ[8D]
Oooppppssss.... I missed the question on my last posts, sorry......
I also have a 3001, so I opened it up to compare to a 148.
The 148 has a oilite bushing on the bottom of the output gear and no bushing or bearing on the top of the output gear.
The 3001 has a oilite bushing on the bottom of the output gear and a ball bearing on the top of the output shaft.
I seem to remember reading somewhere before that the 3001 is basically a 148 with a ball bearing top conversion.
I emptied my wallet at the hobby store yesterday and bought all the odds and ends needed to complete my F14......off to the build table to open the box and start.
I gotta question for you engine guys...... OS61FX or SuperTigre G75 for this plane? I have both available.......and can't decide. I also have a SuperTigre G90 I could pull from a TopFlite Cessna......but would rather not unless the SuperTigre G75 would be good for it. I have not flown the Cessna since putting the G90 on it and suspect the G75 might be enough engine for it.
Rob