I just purchased a RTF F4-E from NP. As a first-time purchaser, I wish I had the same aforementioned & positive experience. Before assembly, I read/followed the brief instructions, reviewed some forum's & watched a few you-tube clips from three different RC experts. I took my time to assemble the plane...took me about 2.5 hours. Charged the battery, setup the transmitter, servo's, etc. etc. When I gave throttle to the motor/fan, I quickly realized from the intermittent vibrations and grinding type noises coming from the plane that something was not correct. I unplugged the battery to take a closer look. After searching sites for good pictures of the motor, I discovered this RTF F4-E was delivered with a motor that did not have a rear plate. In other words, the journal bearing/aft mount to the shaft, which sits at the center of this rear plate was non-existent. This, in turn, caused the shaft to move off-center-line. Of course, within seconds the ducted fan seized. Bottom line,. the RTF is an overpriced Not-RTF decoration. Customer service has been consistently helpful and pleasant...though the motor is out of stock for two weeks (minimum) and follow-up from technical service concerning disassembly/reassembly and the necessity of a new fan/fan housing remain outstanding issues[]. Did I mention that I will also be charged for parts shipment. I was about to order a Mig-29 even before assembling the F4...not anymore. So this mean looking Jolly Roger has never made it out of the house. As a former Navy guy, I'm tempted to order some Air Force gray paint to cover up the embarrassment.

Screw me once...shame on you... ...Screw me twice...