The guys at Jetcat say the optimum spacing is 3/4".

I've been PM'ed a couple times on rudder throws, which are not specified in the Skymaster instructions.

I have used 3/8" each way on high rate (100%), with 75% at mid rate and 60% on low rate. We test flew at mid-rates and these throws seem to work well - Buck Garza and other F-18 drivers have cautioned against using too much rudder in flight as they are very effective and can cause the Bug to depart controlled flight quickly if "abused" at both high and low speeds.

Have fun!

Barry

I'll second that one Barry! The big yellow hornet gets real "funny" when you try to throw a bunch of rudder in her during cruise speeds (i.e. knife edge attempts).

Smokin' Joe says "knife edge attempts"....why am I not surprised?????

Barry

PS - didja get my Emails re the paint shops???

A couple other tidbits of useful information...

HD Servo extensions needed:

2 x 48" for rudder
2 x 40" for elevator
4 x 24" for ailerons and flaps
2 x 12" for ailerons (inside wing)
1 x 12" for battery and nosewheel steering (using heavy-duty switch in stock location)
2 x 6" std. extensions for brake and retract servo
18" extension for ECU battery (in nose)

I taped a large (retract) and medium (brake) Robart air tank together and placed them in the nose just ahead of the steering servo bulkhead. There is a layer of 1/2" foam, then the ECU (1700 MaH Ni-Cad) and Rx (5-cell AA 2700 maH NiMH) and wrapped in bubble pack and shoved in the nose as far as I could get them (it's a tight fit for my big hands, once the equipment tray is installed). I only needed 9 oz. of noseweight to balance on the front spar. I'm going to move it back 1/4" after I finish the weathering/detailing and clear-coat this weekend (hopefully).

I have a whip antenna but did not use it (yet), instead I ran a red 36" Nyrod down the right fuse side along with the servo extensions and RPM/temp sensor cable. I did not have any interference issues and range tests are good with this setup.

Barry

Barry,
Any pics of your weathering? Or are you too busy organizing all the images for the tutorial
L8,
paul

Hi Paul -

It is not photographing very well, as the full scale Bug I am doing is a pretty clean plane, so my weathering is pretty subtle.

Smokin' Joe had some pics of the real "Devil bug" that I needed to finish some of the graphics so I am making them now....

Barry

Finished my F-18 and test flew it on sunday...It was test flown by Adil Nasim...A "GREAT" pilot !!We had a few glitches in the radio system...but all in all flew extremely well !!

I am almost done with the weathering and graphics, one graphic still to finish (nose "devil face") that is driving me batty, can't get the colors right and the picture is acting weird in Photoshop.

I used the 3M Guide Coat per the JetPower article from 1/2004, except I am trying to keep the weathering from becoming too obvious, just trying to make her look a bit "used" but not "abused". My A/C is modeled after the VMF-232 exec officer's bird, so it should be fairly clean. Not completely happy with it yet but the panel lines and belly stains are now obvious and really make a difference.

I will post a separate thread covering how to make the Inkjet decals (there are some real gotcha's to watch out for) after the Fresno event. In the meantime, here's some pics as she stands now.

Barry

more pics...

Barry

last few.

Barry

Man that looks awesome Barry! The home made decals rock! I like the weathering too, not to overboard.

See you in Fresno!

Wow Barry...gorgeous. But...looks like yer pilot needs a booster seat
Awesome stuff dude!!!

Thanks Guys!

Paul, he's a Jr. Marine....[8D]

He's the 1/10 size pilot, will probably replace later with the correct size. But he was all that was available when I started on this project.

Have run into a real "Gotcha!" for Fresno - I needed a replacement Skymaster brake hub, but it appears lost in the mail somewhere. I have tried to fit Intairco and BVM brakes but am having a problem in both cases....if anyone has a spare or one I can borrow for the event, PLEASE call me!!!

Barry

Barry

Barry

Your 18 looks very awesome!! A1 job on the home made decals What pilot & cockpit are you using ?? It looks great


Steve

Thanks Steve, it's the Gary's Just the Pits F-18 cockpit kit for the YA F-18 single (1/10 scale). I think the Skymaster bug is 1/8 scale, so a noticeable difference. Gary now has the correct size cockpit available so I may upgrade later.

I think I can get the Intairco brakes/wheels off of my Viperjet to fit with mods, but the tires are 3/4" smaller so it looks kinda goofy. At least I can make Fresno - but still looking for a loaner brake, if anyone has them???

Barry

Can anyone give any hints to the best way to mount the gear door actuators and have them work right?????

hi guys.. could someone tell me what size cylinders i would need for the air brakes and gear doors.. and how many pls....