goodonya david, there seems to be maybe 5% of can do and will do people that write on these forum topics, the photos recently of (your?) phantom wrung out on the deck absolve you of having to suffer fools, don't fall into the "lowest common denominator" trap, just keep doing what you're doing, its the right path and is much appreciated

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If I came across as critical, I didn't mean it. On the other hand, this forum is sensitive to passing on third hand information, particularly if it could hurt an individual or manufacturer.

David, according to my DHL tracking info, my kit is a mere 150 miles away in Orlando, so I should get a look at in the next day or two. I got the information on the landing gear plate from Anton, and I'll confirm it when I get my hands on the plane in the next couple of days. I heard through Eric that you possibly made a couple of suggestions based on your experiences with the early kit, and if there is anything else you want me to look at for you, let me know.

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David, no I was not there to witness it. I only commented on your original post that you stated that you did not have a perfect landing and upon roll out you noticed that one gear was not sitting right after the landing. I am familiar with the SM F-4 as I did the gear doors for Adils F-4. I have made a few suggestions that where forwarded to Anton on this area and hope that they have been incorporated into the production models.

David in my post I stated that the rail popped out which you have substantiated, I may have been slightly off on the instance that the rail dislodged its self. I have owned a SM grippen and will be picking up a Rafale at FJ and have worked on SM Mb339, F-15 and F-4. I like the kits that Anton is producing and will continue to purchase kits from him as he releases what I have an interest in.

Alan

Alan,

Just to get the FACTS, straight, I have never posted anything about my landing or the gearplate popping out on this thread. As for your statement that "It did not happen when brakes where applied", on first flights of a new airframe I always set brakes at any where from 50% to full on as I cross the threshold, the added resistance, as the main wheels touch, helps to pull the nose down quickly and get the airplane firmly on the ground and steering, instead of bouncing down the runway. In this case the brakes were set at 50% and moved to full immediately on touchdown. I use a BV SmoothStop valve. Since the gear handled the rolling resistance of takeoff without coming out it is my belief that the added resistance of the brakes being applied was enought to pop the plate.

I take issue with people making mattter of fact statements, as you did, as if they were there to witness it. Unless it involves me I ignore it.

The gear popped out, not because I "made a hard landing" but, because there was inadequate glue holding the plate in, as shown in the photos.

David S

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yea !!! no one asked me !!!

That Alan is such a trouble maker ! I mean the guy even gives cream cheese a bad rap. I heard a rumor that Alan is now the voice of the dearly departed Curtis.

My kit arrived today. First off, what a great pack job. Big heavy box, plywood sheet all around the interior, heavy cardboard partitions, everything wrapped in bubble wrap, plenty of foam. DHL could have run over it with a truck and not done any damage.

Plane is very nice. Very big. I like the paint job, very flat with subtle panel lines and rivets. The simulated metal at the rear of the aircraft is especially nice. Not overdone like some ARFs I have seen. I couldn't find any flaws in the glass work. All parts were present and accounted for except the cockpit, which is shipped separately. My first impression of the construction is pretty positive. The bifurcated pipe is a cut above standard. The bottom servo covers could use a little fine tuning to get the fit a bit better and some of the hand lettering isn't quite dry transfer standard, but I am picking nits. My initial impression is that this is a lot of value for the money.

The landing gear plates are a composite of plywood and carbon fiber, and are joined to the wing spar structure with an interlocking sawtooth joint. I didn't have a chance to inspect everything closely, but it looks pretty solid to me at first glance.

Can't wait to get started.

Keith,

Congrats, you're going to love the way it flys! Rather than use the measurements given, I set my flaps at 20 degrees takeoff and 40 degrees landing, works great. Let me know if you have any questions or I can help in any way!

David S

Thanks David. I'll probably try and get additional throw info from you, particularly stab. I assume the landing gear plates look different than your initial set? Are you carrying a lot of throttle to touchdown, or does the plane have a tendency to float?

I had a chance to weigh all the components, and the total raw materials came in at 24.25 pounds. I figure another 10-11 pounds in engine, batteries, servos, electronics, UAT with fuel and a little buffer. That puts the plane at 35 pounds dry. Sound about right?

Here's a picture of the fuselage. I got to looking more closely, and there are a number of raised panels, plates and vents throughout. You can see the metalic paint and shading effects on the tail. The more I look, the more I like.

ooooooooooooo..!!! pretty.... hey, what's the all up weight on her RTF? does it have a high sink rate on landing?

Keith,

Mine is 34.5lbs dry. The throws suggested would give only about 25 degrees landing flap. At that level they would be providing much more lift than drag, and this plane really doesn't need any more lift as it does want to float a bit. Extending the flaps down to 40 adds more drag and allows you to use the throttle more effectively on final. The plane is a real baby to land, not "heavy metal" in any way.

I'm headin out for work now, but will get back with you later today.

David S
Team Jet Central

Adil: I am making progress on my F4, but just ran into a problem. I cut the nose door as instructed, mounted and hinged it. Unfortunately, it will not close now with the gear in the down position as it hits the nose steering servo, which extends about 1/2 inch below the fuse line. Did you guys run into this problem?

Adil: Never mind .... it appears that the nose gear door stays open with the gear in the down position on the full scale plane.

how much weight did you guys have to put in the nose


Bob

Bob,

I have 2-5 cell nimh going to a Powerbox, and 1-6 cell for the ECU installed all the way to the front of the "E" nose. Balanced at 285mm back from leading edge. After flying for the past month I'm going to switch the ECU to LIth Ion 4 cell to reduce weight and move cg back a little further.

David S
Team Jet Central

I have the c model i belive it has a shorter nose i had to put 1 1/2 pounds of weight to get the cg at 290mm and seems nose heavy to me

bob

Bob,

That sounds about right. I like to fly initial flights with a new airframe purposely a little on the nose heavy side and work my way back from there. LESS STRESSFUL!

David S

Oh no! Look what just rolled into the RAVjets hanger!!

I had to show the gear doors as they were a pain in the rear!![:@][:'(][8D]

Wow Raf you allready have gears working? That is fast...[X(][X(][X(]

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Gee... it looks sweet