Mike06659

I'm still in search, lol. Which 1/8 F-16 would you guys buy that wouldn't break the bank but I don't want it to fall apart on the first flight either? Here is what I have been looking at.

TamJets
JetLegend (Quality Issues?)
X-Treme Jets (Shipping cost is high)
Flyeagle

Did I miss any?
Any thoughts?
Thanks guys,
Mike

jlmaviation

My Feedback: (54)

Tamjets hands down
Flys great and simple

KC36330

+1

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

If you can get a hold of one, Tamjets. These are go fly-hard airframes, and take a beating pretty well too. Best overall.

SM are also good, but may take a while if you ever need spares. Landing gear is excellent.

JL is a really neat model, with a beatiful scale gear, but the LG is not as beefy as Tam's or SM. I would get one only if you have prior experience with -16's.

Have not had a Fly Eagle, but they look good. I would ask around regarding how the latest gear works, as early versions were leaky.

David

Mike06659

I was a little worried about Tams because it appears the new version only has elevons and I wasn't sure how that would fly compared to the others but I do like how simple it is.
Tam seems to be a hard man to get a hold of. I tried email and calling.

Keep it coming boyz

Mike06659

Also, has Jetlegend's quality improved? Some of the past post kinda scared me away.

Vincent

My Feedback: (61)

I have the FEJM 1/7th F-16 which is only slightly bigger than what you are looking for and will fly nicely on a P80 size motor.I notice the jet is also on discount right now and would be a good buy.
Vin...

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

I built one in white gelcoat form, some assembly was required. I found it to be an excellent kit, very light, very good hardware. The issues with JL have been the internal structures which you cannot see, however, I have no record of an F-16 failing in flight. Many reputable modelers have flown them with no issues. But like Forest would say, "life is like a box of chocolates..."

Unlike SM and Fly Eagle, the internal layout is very clean and neat, like a BVM or a Tamjets kit. You don't see rough edges, or unnecessary carbon reinforcements, or smeared glue. I specially liked the hardpoints pre-installed inside the wing for ordnance.

From the reserach I've done, the JL will fly with the smaller engines pretty well, and rips the sky on the newer breed of small can-high thrust engines. I did not get to fly mine, but during high speed taxi tests I was amazed at how quickly it would reach rotation speed on a JC Rabbit. I could tell it was going to be a bullet. Feedback from other modelers was similar.

David

Mike06659

I will have a P-70 in one if I decide to do it. How do you think they will handle grass? Our field is pretty good.

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

I really don't know, probably not very well as the wheels are kind of small. For grass field I'd recommend a SM. Wheels are inflatable and you can adjust the diameter.

rcjetsaok

My Feedback: (7)

The FEJ Landing Gear on the Scale version suck !!! I have a friend who has every version and updated set they have come up with and the still SUCK !!! Mainly the nose gear, the landings as perfect as they can get and the nose gear collapses every time. He has sent them back, and they have replaced,upgraded,modified until the UPS truck needs an overhaul.... Still no dice. A beautiful airplane and flies awsome but the landing gear are a mess... I would go somewhere else....


Danno

Ron101

My Feedback: (22)

Tam has a new 1/8 F-16
Has flaps, ailerons, scale gear... lighter weight than his last version
Looks really nice

I know he has kits in stock but is still waiting on scale gear to show up
Check with him

gunradd

My Feedback: (9)

Tams new ones look to be FB kits so plenty of color schemes to choose from.

A yellow would fly well with a P70 but you need some building skills. Gear is rock solid and the plane has a very scale outline.

Mike06659

All good info guys, I'm just going to have to think about our field conditions. That's my only concern, there is nothing more frustrating then going to the field and having gear issues.

Wayne22

My Feedback: (2)

Tams without question... The taileron version flies as well as one with ailerons...and is simpler to boot. The unscale, single strut gear is pretty beefy. The wheels are pretty small, so I never tried grass...

Mike06659

A grass runway is my only concern now. I hate being the test Guy

k_sonn

My Feedback: (32)

I had a SM and the retract untis were Robart with SM struts and wheels, which were really beefy.  The new Tam F-16 uses the Jet Legend scale gear.  I don't know if the Jet Legend gear will hold up on grass but I know the SM gear will. 

Kirk

Mike06659

Thx Kurt, Tams site is still showing the older beefier gear. I can't get a hold of Tam to find out.