[4stripes]

Made a few orders with them and no problems. Right on par with PW-RC, RC Castle and HK.
Cheers

[fluid]

okay i have 2 jets (64mm t45 and flyfly mirage) that haven't even made it to my door yet and im falling for this f16. im in the usa. where are these being sold?

[4stripes]

Here is the USA HK version
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

[fluid]

why thank you sir

[4stripes]

The early versions V1 and V2 came with very poor servo driven mechanical retracts. Nothing but trouble. I initially replaced the nose retract with a standard small servoless retract from HK. It fits the opening easily and has stood up to a few landings without any problems. I just replaced the main retracts today with the larger version of plastic servoless retracts. Fairly easy swap with only some filing of the retract openings to fit. The servo mounting plates were ground down to fit between the formers. I had some 3/16" wire to attach the legs after drilling the struts to fit. The 3/16 fits the retract pretty well but I added some CA to make sure the leg would move around and loosen the set screws. The fat legs needed a flat spot ground on the side as it contacts the retract drive motor when retracted. If this gap is too tight the retract will not re-extend once retracted tight against the leg. This can be fixed by pulling off the leg and grinding the flat spot farther. Now the gear is very solid. The original 3mm wire was a joke.

The V3 version now for sale has quite a few changes including the retracts. They have also removed the leading edge flaps due to the many inflight failures. With proper beefing up of the linkages and inspection of the hinges they can be reliable. I have incorporated this LE feature in my F/A-18 with no problems and also my F-100.

Looking forward to "testing" the new main gear.
Cheers

[4stripes]

More than half a dozen flights done with the new gear and it works perfectly (why did I wait to change to servoless retracts so long?).
Also flew it yesterday with the full load of fuel tanks and missiles. It was very pitch sensitive until the fuel tanks were removed. Flies great with just missiles.
About 1:1 thrust with 5:30 flight times.
Cheers

[Johnny Canuck]

Hi Eric,

Which of the retracts listed below do you think would work best on the Starmax 90mm F-16? My guess is that the large $150 ones from HK are a bit too heavy? I'm tempted to go with the $68 RC lander ones (last on the list) but perhaps it is best to simply buy new electric retracts and use the struts that come with the jet?

You've had a fair bit of experience with this jet and I value your opinion.

Thanks!

Mike

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ge_Mount_.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...stem_F_16.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...rge_Scale.html

http://rc-castle.com/shop/product_in...oducts_id=1639

http://rc-castle.com/shop/product_in...oducts_id=2816

[4stripes]

I have the V2 version with plywood structure to mount the retracts. Don't know how retracts are secured in the V3. I used the stock legs with a regular servoless retract for the nose gear.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...stem_1pc_.html
Replace the music wire in the nose retract leg mount as it is rather flimsy. Any music wire is better than the Chinese type that comes with the plane. I kept the stock legs as it simplified the steering.

Used the large servoless type for the mains. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...m_1pc_54g.html

I also switched to larger wheels
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5pcs_bag_.html

You will have to do some drilling and music wire replacement where the mains attach to the retracts (3/16" fits OK with some thick CA in the retract hole). The nose wheel can't fit a 60mm wheel until you sand some of the foam rubber to fit but the larger wheel is better than stock. The main legs can easily be shortened without cutting. Just look where the the set screw rides that holds the moving part of the leg. File away the thicker ridge in the middle but not the last thick part. Screw the set screw in to ride the new flat recessed area and the last thick part will be the new extension limit.

I have recently added electric brakes made by Taiwan Tornado and they are 60mm. Very slick but kind of heavy adding close to 200g with all the related equipment.

Of the retracts you listed I would think the large set might be best
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...rge_Scale.html
as the others are pretty short compared to the stock legs and max rated 2.7kg. Mine was over 3.2 mostly stock (in the beginning). Now it's more (haven't checked.. but it has more thrust too).
Cheers

[Johnny Canuck]

Thanks for the feedback, Eric.

It sounds like I might be best off using the stock struts with the HK electric retracts you suggested. I think I'll order the model and get a first hand look at the retract mounting details before ordering any gear. The large Turnigy retracts http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...rge_Scale.html look pretty cool but they will add a fair bit of weight and aren't cheap!

Thanks again!

Mike

[airbourne]

Here is a flight from this past weekend. Motor was pulling 110+ amps/3000watts and finally gave up

You Tube

You Tube