[TBrum]

I made some progress tonight including gluing the tips on the fins. A bit of a PITA to line up and get fitting right, but all worked out well.

[Yellow Aircraft]

Hi,

Fantastic builds! It's impressive to see you tackle more than one at a time like this. I have a question, though: With 'keeping it light' in mind, what's the purpose of the CF doubling of the rear bulkheads? It seems to me that in that application, they're not addressing any existing problems that I'm aware of. Did you feel that the bulkheads needed additional stiffness?

[TBrum]

Hey Shaun. Welcome to RCC

You sure make an awesome kit

Great point about the CF. I did not do the CF on #2 because, after doing #1, I realized there was no advantage and only added weight. I tend to get a little over-zealous on the CF, LOL

[TBrum]

Ohhhh yaaaa

Managed to log 7hr in the shop today and got 71 steps completed on both of the F18's. Had to number them (1) and (2) because had too many parts on the go, LOL.

The 71 steps got the rudders edged, shaped and operational with a hidden hinge system as well as a torque rod with a linkage inside the fuse that I'll connect the servos to .

I also put a bit more throw in them than the manual.

[TBrum]

Per the first picture, the manual calls for a block on the top of each fin with a bend in the wire.

I decided to try something a little different for a bit more of a cleaner look... I put a hardpoint in the side of the fin that the wire passes through. This hardpoint is threaded with a set-screw that locks the wire in place. Took a bit more work, but I think a cleaner result.

Also will mean less finishing when I glass the fins/rudders and prep them for paint.

[smchale]

Nice progress and nice mod on the rudder Trev!

[Hinckley Bill]

hey Trev,

Saw this Youtube vid on a YA-F18C conversion over on a RCU thread....I think you'll appreciate/enjoy it, even though it's a bit long.....Bill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDRP...=TLbvJeJsOhPqA

[Yellow Aircraft]

Originally Posted by TBrum

Hey Shaun. Welcome to RCC

You sure make an awesome kit

Great point about the CF. I did not do the CF on #2 because, after doing #1, I realized there was no advantage and only added weight. I tend to get a little over-zealous on the CF, LOL

Hi,

Charles did make a great kit. Bummer he's not doing it anymore

The best thing about the plane is how it flies. For people who've only flown the ARF F-18's out there, flying this one is like a breath of fresh air. For guys like you who have the love/skill to build, there's nothing like the peace-of-mind of knowing exactly what's under the hood because you did the work yourself. As far as reinforcements go, I've seen some guys go so far overboard that it left me scratching my head for weeks. I always ask the question, 'does the problem you think you're solving actually exist?' Sometimes I ask it in the forum, but that usually irritates people so mostly I just ask it in my head, lol. I've seen guys really weigh this bird down with unnecessary mods/reinforcements, but then ignore the areas where some attention should be paid.

Looks like yours are coming along beautifully.

[TBrum]

Thanks for that cool video Bill Amazing detail he put into that!! I have so much respect for that level of modelling.

Shaun...great points you raise. Couldn't agree more about the reinforcement. After I put the CF on the first I realized it was a useless addition so #2 didn't get it, LOL!!

Oh... And don't be afraid to point out anything at all here. I'm not the type to get bent out of shape. The more input, suggestions and advice I can get the better.. Helps me and anyone else in the future.

Ya - a real bummer that Charles stopped making these

[smchale]

Trev,
What are your thoughts about a pair of 100N turbines in this airframe? I've read it's been done successfully and was curious. I have two K100's and looking for a potential home.
Also, realistically can the stabs be removed for transport? My F-16 I can remove and reinstall the stabs without impacting the trim. They have a pin "key" that allows repeatable reinstallation.