[SARPLT]

Noted on the ESC location. I have about 100 flights on my other F18 with no issues but as I always run a separate BEC if I cook the ESC I will hopefully be able to fly it back to the field. I have not had any issues so far with the Freewing servos but have had some problems with Turnigy and Powers servos chattering. I also had two Turnigy 9018 fail on the ground which is too bad as they are strong servos. I do like the Turnigy HXT which I have used lots of with no issues but as they are plastic gears, I have moved into the metal gear servos. There are lots of choices with servos! Thanks for your input. I will keep an eye on everything.

[pogo]

That looks very neat and tidy Marty. Perhaps a "grilled" cover would alleviate any cooling issues with the ESC. FWIW, I've had zero issues with FW servos, Hitecs have been another story...
Tom

[SARPLT]

Copy thanks. Everyone has their own experiences with the wide range of electronics on the market. I guess what ever works for each person but it is still nice to know who has had issues so we can be for warned of common problems. This particular ESC is all heat sink so runs cool and will be open to airflow on the jet. During my recent trials on the Freewing fans it was barely getting warm at 100 amps for about 20 seconds with it sitting on the bench away from the air flow. Time will tell

[SARPLT]

Finally got this F18 completed and she looks nice. Callie came through again with a great set of graphics. This was the first time that I applied a full vertical stab graphic and it actually went on easier than I expected. I tried a variety of different tapes to cover the slots for the wires but noting seemed to stick very well so in the end I found regular green painters taped worked great (see photo of before and after tape painted). It stuck well and covered easily with paint.

With the model completed, I was impressed to see the AUW less battery was 2.2kg. So with a 733g Graphene 4000mah battery it will be just under 3kg. With the new Freewing 1900kv fan (3.25kg thrust) installed it will have a better than 1:1 thrust to weight. Should be fun

On to the next project.

Marty

[4stripes]

Nice!
Perfect time for waving the US flag.
The light weight is one of the benefits of this Starmax version.
Be sure to measure the installed thrust if possible.
Cheers

[pogo]

Looks really good Marty- looking forward to your maiden report.
Tom

[SARPLT]

It is my salute to the new USA plus I liked the colors. The maiden is going to have to wait for a few months unfortunately. I will have to pick up a fish scale to test the thrust in the aircraft. The model will hold its own weight off the floor at WOT so expect it has better than 1:1 thrust to weight. A photo of my other Starmax F18 with its new wingman.

Marty

[4stripes]

1:1 thrust has eluded me so far, good work!
Digital luggage scales work well and are cheap if ordered online.

[Leadfoot]

Looking great Marty! My F-18 is still in its original livery, the same as your older one.

And much like you, the maiden is going to have to wait a little while! LOL

[SARPLT]

Steve you are lucky to have found one as they have been discontinued for some time and you'd be hard pressed to find a new one now in a box. They are not as fancy as the newer F18s out there on the market but they are very light and fly great. Still my favourite jet in my fleet.

Marty