With the pending release of Tam's F-16, there are some details I'd like to address. In addition, it might be good to have a thread for exchange of ideas and issues while this jet gets out there and starts flying.

By-the-way, I'm not a rep, the US Army would frown on that, but I will be a customer.
For now, I'd like to know what constitutes the planned accessory kit, how much the pipe will cost, landing gear details, etc, etc.

I'm also conflicted about the engine choice. I realize there are many suitable engines, to include what I already own, but I need another engine, and I've decided it is between the P-60 and Super Bee. You can't go wrong with either, which leaves the decision based on considerations such as fuel consumption, spool times, weight, etc. Proof is in the flying, so what has already been tried in the prototype and the first jets out there, will enter in my decision. It is likely some guys will get their F-16s flying prior to mine. So feedback will be appreciated.

I realize everyone has an opinion, and maybe some loyalties, but a civil discussion or debate is welcome as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks,
Chris

Hello,

Well the plane is awesome, I only saw it fly with the JetCat P-60 but it is a very slick little package.

If you want feedback on both turbines, check with Joe Castelao. He has flown both on a Boomerang. I would private message him, his user name is f16jc. User JasonP has flown both as well.

Good luck,

Chris,
As I mentioned, Tam is in China right now making sure production goes smoothly with this product. When he returns, or if he has access to the internet while he is at the factory, then he will chime in as to what accessorys and price is for the total package.
The F-16 will be coming in two different available color schemes: Thunderbirds and Edwards Air Force (Sorry Chris, no Army paint scheme scheduled as of now). The original prototype was test flown here in the United States and flown hard for over 100 flights by multiple pilots with varying skill levels. This has proven that the F-16 is not only an excellent first turbine jet, but very maneuverable, quick, and like all TamJets aircraft.... very durable. This aircraft is still flying today, and the new owner (who is a very experienced pilot) is having a ball with it.
Your question about what engine to run is a very good one. The prototype is still flying with the original P-60, and has performed flawlessley from day one. However, the Artes Super Bee is said to be the best engine in its class. With the great service that Artes has been providing, and there continued commitment to decrease their customers downtime, I believe that this engine is an excellent choice as well. The decision is really up to you and I am possitive that you will get plenty of feedback and recommendations on this thread.

I would also like to announce that Dreamworks Model Products will be the exclusive TamJets dealer on this aircraft. You will be able to order the TamJets F-16 either directly from Tamjets, or Dreamworks. Todd Witkoff offers excellent support with every product he sells, so customers will be able to get help from both sides of the country.

I hope this information helps, please feel free to post any other questions you may have.
Best Regards,
Dave

I do have one question.

When I want a kit, I want it. No waiting in line crap, cause I realize Tam has many friends and "special others".

When this kit comes out? Will it trully be out? That is, can I order one online, pay for it, and recieve it 5 days later? That is, will it be a "stockable" kit?

Im in no way bashing any jet manufacturer, at all. I know what I read here at RCU, which may be polluted somewhat. Im a big Y/A fan and supporter, but I have to say that the TAM Falcon is down to earth irressistible. it is really change money, compared to the other options.

I want one.

Best regards,

David

David,
You have a very valid question...and I know where you question is coming from.
The way Tam runs his business is that when he comes out with a new aircraft, it is test flown out here (by me) and thoroughly tested for no less then 100 flights as we take notes on any changes that we think need to be made before production starts. After testing is complete, Tam travels to China and supervises any changes himself and plans the production of the kit. Once the first container arrives, then all dealers and customers are immediatly shipped out their aircraft, while the other kits are placed into stock to accomodate future orders from customers/dealers. Tam realizes that this kit will be very popular and has increased the production numbers in response.
I hope this answers your question, if not please feel free to re-post or call my cell phone at (831)207-9539.
Thank you for your interest,
Dave

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but that seems like a slightly odd question. I personally have never experienced a single new-release from any RC manufacturer, where you can order the kit immediately after its release, and get the goods in hand 5 days later. All popular and highly anticipated kits tend to have an initial period during which they are harder to get, because the factory can only produce the kits at a certain rate and may kits will have been "pre-sold". After a while the initial high demand gets satisfied and it becomes possible to then get one "off the shelf". I've been on multi-month waiting lists for "newly released" goods from numerous manufacturers, including about a 3 month wait for the BVM Bobcat & Super Bandit, a 6 month wait for a RAM 500, a 4 month wait for a synthesized JR RX & TX module, etc.

All of these items, and many, many more, tend to be hard to get a hold of initially just because the initial demand outstrips supply, but after a while the supply/demand curve evens out and they become "off the shelf".

So, if I'm reading your question right, then it seems highly unlikely that you could get the kit 5 days after ordering it when it is first released, but if you were to wait a few months before putting your order in, then you probably could get it that soon after placing your order.

Gordon

I love my P-60 so much I'm thinking of getting another.
Acceleration is incredible as well as decel.

Im sure the Artes engine is great also, but Im hooked on the P-60 now.

Gordon, you read me right, with one exception. "By default" I'd never expect to order a brand new kit right away, 'cause "by default" I know i wouldn't get one. So in order to avoid falling into the loop of back orders, I give it sometime and order at a later time. But then you run into the loop of "we are expecting a batch next month". I don't play that game, I jut can't. I don't have enough "pull" to make it work. I hope you understand. I rely on older kits for models, basically anything that is readily available, like YA models.

For a modeller like me, with little known prescence in the jet round, it is very difficult to obtain the latest and greatest, sad but true, we learn to live with it and there is no other option. Even if I offered to pay cash, that is not the subject, I wuold not get it quick enough. By the time a new jet is finally available, it is no longer latest and greatest.

As soon as I see the ads for this Falcon, I will give it a couple of months and then make the call to Todd. Gotta have it, but sadly not soon enough.


Strawboss, tanks for your response. Honest and to the point, the way I like it.
Interested, interested!!

Sorry David,

Then what happens to all those of US who have already gotten on the list? Just like you we have been wanting the plane so we called up and said "I'll take one" Should those be sold after you get yours? It's only August and the list Began Late March specially after many people saw the prototype fly at Best in the West in early April. Heck one local Jet Jock (who will remain nameless, DUK , DUK LOL) could not wait so he purchased the Prototype from TAM ( at a premium too)

Turbulence

Turbulence, I agree with you. I do not wish to cut in line either, that's not nice.
Sadly, shame I will need to waste a couple of thousand dollars on crappy used models while I wait. Just the way it is.

Regards,
David

OOHHH and just an FYI since they come from overseas, Tam makes sure he gets his shipping worth, so unless they are Supa Hornets in the container you can count on something like 100 kits to show up. man when I saw the F-18 kits staked up in the warehouse, I a could not beleive it, he told me it was 100 kits, but I was not about to go count them. I say tell Supa Dave to put you on the list and let you know when they are available.


Turbulence

Just to clarify, these kits are "coming soon" and the people who want one immediately get on a list and get one shipped out as soon as they arrive. You can just call Todd and tell him that you want one as soon as they arrive, but you arent nessasarilly "ordering" one. You dont have to be in any special inner circle, trust me Tam likes your money just as much as his friends. I think the misconception is that people are waiting for a particular kit to become available and I believe that is what David is talking about. I can assure you that nobody will ask you pay for your kit, then wait for it to get here. Tam has always welcomed a list to cut down on the mad rush of phone calls and orders once he announces that the kits are here, but he has never asked for a deposit. So in actuality, when you "order" your new F-16, it will be shipped out the next day.

Thanks again for the interest,
Dave

Well, Tam is in China now, Hopefully for the F-16 production run. I know it won't be long, but I am not in the loop with them to know what he went down there for.


Turbulence

Ralph, if you scroll up and read post #3 I explained why he is there.

Thanks guys. I will call Todd. Based on the info posted here and before, my 12lb Simjet 1200 should be a good match.

Cheers,
David

Just to add to what Dave has already stated (Thanks Dave!)

Both, Dreamworks and Tamjets have a "Pre-Order" list building for this aircraft. If you wish to order one (or are pretty sure you want one ) give either of us a call to get on the list. This simply gives you a place in line as the kits ship out. No payments taken untill we are ready to ship your plane. If you decide you dont wish to take the kit when it is ready for delivery it will go to the next person in line. You have nothing to loose by "reserving one".

David,
I give NO preferential treatment on product. My "Freinds" get on the list just like everyone else Feel free to drop me a line if you want to get one reserved.
Regards,
Todd

Latest update. I just got off the phone with Tam, he is still in China.
He is unable to get online to check this site, so he asked me to tell everyone thank you for your paitience and he appreciates everyones business and will do whatever he can to make up for any lost time. The delay from the factory is because of the supply of epoxy. Tam insists that all his kits to be made with West Systems epoxy from here on out. The supplier of West Systems is very far away (unfortunately no supplier in Hong Kong, gotta go all the way to Austraillia). The factory has ordered 250gallons, but have only received 5 to this date, so they have only been able to lay up 30 or so kits. Tam know's everyone is waiting so he will most likely have them finish and ship the kits that they can finish with the current supply of epoxy, then resume production on the rest when the backordered supplies come in. There is nothing wrong with the current Chinese epoxy, but West Systems is superior and Tam insists to have it in his planes. Yes it would cost him less, and the products would be here sooner.....but thats not his number one priority, so he apologizes for the delay.
Tam will be bringing 2 kits home with him, Todd will be getting one, and Tam will have the other. Im sure Todd will have detailed photos and recommedations up on his website soon , as he always does in supporting his products.
Take care,
Dave

Test

Thanks for the update Dave,
I'm pleased to hear Todd will be distributing the jet for us east of the Mississip'.

Hmmm...From the sounds of it, maybe there is a market for 12 lb powered jets. I'm pretty stoked.
Looking forward to swarms of little Vipers challenging the Kats out there.

Chris

Hi guys,
I just got back early this morning.
Dave pretty much said it all.
Due to months of delay West Systems exposy delivery to china. The factory lost a lot of time in production line.
We only receive enough exposy to lay up about 40 kits 10 days ago. ASA the all the parts are completely full out from the mold. The assembly will start.

While I'm there. I help the factory assembly two kits to bring back with me.
With West system exposy lay up. The finish products I was very impress. But months of delay put a lot customers waiting. I apologized for delay.
Monday I'll have the detail photos updated on my website. Also the online order be up for pre-order.
No deposit required. Just order to reserve your kit.

Here is the photo I took this morning.
Sean is taking bit from guys line up early this morning.

Now I see what the fuss is about!!

That is awesome, especially considering the price. Oh dear, I can't buy another jet, surely[]

Sure you can and you will, right? Just do it. .

CARS II

Right on Tam.. Looks good. You and that BBQ better be at BW this weekend. I'm lookin forward to rippin it up un the 16 this weekend!! Did you pick me up a clear canopy while in China??

Duk Duk

Any chance a Ram 750 could me shoehorned into one of these? Not that it will need the power, it's just what I have.