Hi Guys,
I have a ESM F6F and I traded one model I had, for this kit. This kit had been one of the first F6F's built by ESM and had been worked on by two other modelers, over several years. When I got the model I needed to paint the airframe, for the model had some serious hanger rash. I installed Sierra main landing gear (very robust and excellent landing gear) and made a few changes to the kit. First I changed out the pull/pull cable supplied in the kit, with Sullivan pull/pull cable. The kit supplied pull/pull cables are no where near up to the job. I ended up tossing out all the hard ware and going with Robart hinge points for the rudder and elevator and Sig CA hinges on the flaps and ailerons. I used Robart control horns too, with 3/4" on the ailerons and 1" on the flaps. I installed a PTE 36R into the airframe and the model came out to just over 20#. I had to add 1.4 lbs. lead into the nose for balance and two 3300 ma. batteries for the Rx, up behind the fire wall and two 2200 ma. batteries up on the forward fire wall for the ignition system. This all was added to balance the model-better to use batteries then lead. I doubt if anyone could build this model under 18 lbs. and the instructions state the model to be 13.6 lbs. ready to fly. The CG on the F6F was stated was not correct in the instructions...but with a call to Troy Built Models, got the correct CG. Troy Built Models gave me excellent help on my build and made the build more easy for me. The instructions are your typical Chinese B.S. and to be honest, give you an idea of what you need to do...but you better know what your doing. These models are not for the beginner...period. You will need patience and some skill to get a nice working model...and they will fly well if properly built. My F6F is a sweet heart in the air and very impressive looking. I would go with no less then 30cc gas engine in any WWII fighter they sell and a 35 ~ 40cc gas engine is what I suggest you use (this is for the 72 ~ 75" wing span models).

I love my F6F and yes, it was a bit of work to put together, but well worth the effort. ESM ARF's are not your typical Great Planes ARF...they take a bit more skill to build, but will give you a nice scale looking model when your done. For the price...I'm looking to build my second model from T.B.M.

I know of an ESM F6F that came out to 25 lbs with a DLE 35R and the model flies quite well at this weight. The models are very scale and the radial engine models are short nosed models...like the real ones. This scale look does make the models require lead into the nose for proper balance. The models can handle the weight and you must fly them like the heavy wing loaded WWII fighters require. These are not trainer models and you must fly them properly. My model lands about as sweet as one could ask for, but I do keep the power on a bit during the landing. Flaps work on the F6F...and require a good bit of power for landing with full flaps.

Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui