RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

I'm just about done with my Lighning. Waiting on the gear which should be here next week according to UPS. Here is a pic of mine next to a Yellow F15 (approximately same size as Avonds) for scale comparison.

The fin is almost the same size as the F15 wing.

I own 5 jetcats and love them, but went with a Rhino for this one. It is the same weight as a Titan but I watched it put out 37.4 pounds of thrust on the Dyno.

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Hi Mark, How is the build going?

Regards

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Hi Jim,

It's not!! [:@]

We're moving house in a few days so she was packed away for safe keeping a while ago ready for the move! Been really annoying not being able to get any time to build or fly lately!!

Once we're in and settled I'll get cracking again.

Rgds,
Mark

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

to keith Seivers,,, could you please do me a favour and measure the cockpit area of your lightning just length and the depth from the cockpit edge to the bottom of the fuse at the deepest part and the width edge to edge, I want to know if something i have would fit in that space...............no it's not three keys of coke ! it ,s the F15 full cockpit from Frank Tiano..............Malcolm Kay [email protected]

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

THis is such a beautiful plane, I wish it was built around the p-120 though. Can't wait to see one in person.


joe

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

22 inches long, 7.5 wide and 5 high at the tallest point. I will post pictures later this week of my Blubox F15 cockpit, which fits perfectly with a few mods.

For those of you with early kits, make sure you get the updated manual with changed CG instructions, version 1.1. The original manual states the model should balance at 45-50 mm in front of the spar tube with empty mains and a full hopper. If you are like me, you will build a special jig to do the CG on this large plane, only to find that you need about 15 pounds of nose weight to get it to balance. Then you do some further research, and find out that the CG instructions in version 1.0 forgot to mention that you also determine CG with the wings off. Much better.

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Kieth ...thanx for the info i would like to see those pics asap,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Malcolm

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

sorry KEITH not kieth humble apologies fat fingers hit the wrong key

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Hi. I have a set of Kingcat gear and would like to know if they can be fitted on the Lightning? It would save me a some cash.

Thanks

Alex

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

While the Kingcat gear are very good, I would not recommend them for this plane. Go with the gear that CARF makes for the plane.

Here are some aerial shots for those building Lightnings that haven't had a chance to fly them yet.

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

OK, finally got round to unpacking all my gear and finishing the workshop so I have got cracking with my Lightning. Taken a few pics and updated the build thread on my site for those who are interested.

Will be updating it over the next couple of weeks until she's finished. If you have any requests for pics of anything in particular etc just yell!

www.composite-arf.co.uk (goto build threads and then click on the Lightning)

Rgds,
Mark

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Nice new homepages Mark, do you have any definite release dates for the Flash and Spark ?

Rob.

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Hi Rob,

Thanks!

Spark has, as yet, an unconfirmed release date. The Flash should be about 3 weeks from now before it starts rolling off the line. I have one available from the forst batch if you're interested - just mail me.

Mark

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Great Job Mark.

I would seriously appreciate discussing the best setting for the Ail/Ele since so much discussion has been done on that subject and unfortunately many people tried to fish in the subject, but no CARF rep stood up and made the !QUOT! to be followed announcement!QUOT! . People mentioned lowering the suggested settings mentioned in the manual and using very high expo around 80%. The question would be What is the setting that someone should start with for a maiden flight? What is the optimal flap settings for landing ? Personal preferences should be done later!

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Looking good Mark. I have a modification to the main gear door hinge system. Attached are a couple of photos showing the mod....

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Fuel Tank feeds....
The instruction manual shows the two main tanks with a parallel fuel feed going to the header tank. Is this the best way or should the tanks be in series?

Cheers!

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Have you guys building a Lightnig had the urgent airworthiness alert following the stab loss at St Athan last Saturday.

Regards,

David Gladwin.

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Yes David, a very concerning failure.[X(]
Where is the airworthiness alert ??

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

David,
Can you give more details on what you are talking about. I fly a lightning and have seen no such advisory on the stab.
Scott

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

THAT then proves my point !!!!

The two stab. halves separated in flight and the model crashed, obviously out of control, quite near me.

There was found to be NO load bearing spar in the tailplane. My view is that EVERY Lightning should be inspected before further flight. This is not a minor QC problem it is a very serious ommision and it IS my business because it hit the ground too close to me, and others, for comfort.

Already received several PMs and emails endorsing my view, none against.

Regards,

David Gladwin.

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Very interesting reading, David. I'm glad you and the people standing close to you was not hurt!
I received my Lightning last week and have not started the assembly yet.

I just inspected my stab closely and it seems pretty stiff. I rested the center section on my chest and pull the tips back with my hands.
You are right about the spar being balsa. Just tested it with a needle and it went through easily.

I'll address this issue with my rep. who's flying two of them himself.
I guess I'll laminate the balsa spar with some ply and glue a carbon fiber rod inside the LE in the center section for peace of mind.

Thanks for the heads up, David!!

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

proof, if any were needed

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

David

Looks like the stab has sheared at both sides of the fuselage from the photograph. Maybe a defective stab or a basic design flaw, surprised to hear the spar is balsa. I suppose the stabs on this size of model are getting on to be the size of a wing on a Savex L39 and subject to similiar loadings.

Commiserations to Rob on the loss of his Lightning so early in it's career.

John

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Mick:

I can't see it clearly in the pictures, but was the centre section still attached to the fuse and the stabs broke off outboard of the fuse?

RE: Composite-ARF Lightning Build Thread
 

Ups....I received my kit a few weeks ago....may this be a result of rudder flutter??

Julian