RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
It took them almost two weeks to get back to me and then another week+ to get the replacements sent out when I had my wing and belly pan problems. Had to be pretty patient but they took care of it.
Posted on: 3/21/2012 7:37 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11009440

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: CorsairJock Like I said: I just recieved mine. Checked it over, and I realize there are some BIG improvements over the kits in this ARF. [size=2][b]PROS:[/b][/size] [b]Biggest improvement: the wing scoops.[/b] I cannot overstate how nice I think these are, and I wish I could purchase them seperately so that I could use them on kit built Corsairs (or ANY Corsair this size). The scoops are recessed as per full scale, and have fairly accurate details such as the louvers and the oil cooler. I rate these parts A+, there simply is no batter, and it would be difficult to scratch build such accurately scaled scoops. [b]Next up: the belly pan.[/b] It's much lighter than the built up version from the kits, AND is adds the engine compartment hot air exhaust vent. The built up ones also tend to not be as accurately curved. This is another part I would love to use on a kit built TF Corsair. [b]The tailwheel cover.[/b] This will make it SO much easy to add gear doors, and or have access to the tailwheel mounting and linkage. Another part that I would like to use on kit built Corsairs. [b]The Fuselage is Better/ an Improvement of kit built Corsairs.[/b] Specifically: it is rounder where it needs to be. There is no sudden transition from flat, upper section to rounded underside aft of the wing. The kit builds as an upper half, and the lower half is added later. That translates to a rounded bottom section which does not properly transition to the flat sides of the upper portion. The ARF utilizes 1 piece formers that alow for the proper Corsair look. [size=2][b]NEUTRAL:[/b][/size] [b]The included main wheels[/b] are a mixed bag: nice size, light weight, but need to be modified to look right. The stock wheels are considerable lighter than many of the aftermarket choices of the same size, AND more narrow, BUT the included hubs bear no resemblence to any full scall Corsair wheels that I have ever seen, and the tires lack 'thread'. Full scale Corsairs have spoked hubs, NOT smooth, flat ones. A+ for size and weight, D- for looks. Specs for Stock Wheels: 3.56 inch diameter, 0.89 inches thick. Weight: 31.9 grams each. [b]Generally speaking,[/b] this is ONE NICE LOOKING CORSAIR right out of the box. BUT, it does NOT have a scale accurate finsh/ scheme. The real '#29/ Ira Kepford' Corsair sported a tri-color paint scheme, with the bottm surfaces being flat white, NOT flat gray. [size=2][b]CONS:[/b][/size] However, there are a few other scale discrencies which it shares with the kits: [b]The Rudder is STILL Wrong.[/b] Full scale Corsairs have a rudder which is rounder at the top, The Top Flite kist (including the giant scale) have somewhat squared off rudders, as does this ARF. [b]The Wingtips are STILL Wrong.[/b] Altho an improvement over the kits because the head on profile is better/ more scale accurate (top of wing should be straight line, underside curves up to meet topside at tips), the overhead (and underside) profile is, like the rudder: too squared. The Hangar 9 Corsairs by contrast actually got it right. If one could install Hangar 9 wingtips on a Top Flite Corsair: one would end up with a VERY accurate wing. [b]CONCLUSION:[/b] That all said: I intend to remove covering/ finsh from mine, re-shape rudder and wingtips, apply a painted finish to mine, AND add an F4U-1/ birdcage canopy to it. Also leaning towards making the wings foldable, even if only by hand/ manually. [/quote] I have a spare set of the wing scoops and an extra belly pan if you're interested in them for kit builds. PM me for details if you want.
Posted on: 3/15/2012 10:00 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001142

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
I had problems with my wings too and had to send them back. Same thing as you although not completely bound up. Also, one of the joiner tabs only stuck out of the flap like 1/8" so it would have pulled out every time. I also had a bad center fiberglass belly pan - formed wrong. Tower took care of everything but I wasn't terribly impressed with the workmanship for a $400 ARF. Seems maybe Top Flite is getting a crash course in dealing with Chinese manufacturing. That could be why this one kept getting delayed at first too.
Posted on: 3/14/2012 5:21 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11000300

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Pretty sure I bought 3.5" when I changed out the stock wheels. I can verify when I get home.
Posted on: 3/2/2012 9:42 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10983917

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
I haven't flown it yet but here's a couple of videos of it running. I had it out to tune the engine so I taxied it around a few times. That JTEC muffler makes the DLE 20 sound really nice. Way better than the stock muffler which was louder and annoyingly raspy - in my opinion anyway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbUQiCeTebA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaNNbGBcoTQ
Posted on: 2/27/2012 2:42 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10978778

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
together. I just got your PM this morning by the way. Brad..
Posted on: 2/25/2012 8:02 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10975128

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Kostas1 That's really nice [color=#000099]Brad[/color]!!! Will you [color=#CC9900][b]capture [/b][/color]the footage from the maiden flight; [/quote] Thanks.. Yep, I'll post video when I maiden it.
Posted on: 2/23/2012 8:36 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10972156

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: iflircaircraft Good job Brad! Are those robart diamond tread wheels? I just ordered those with the robo struts. The gear doors add a nice touch. I also have the E-flite retracts coming. I don't foresee nose over tendencies with the 100 degree retracts. Happy Flying Tom [/quote] Thanks.. Yeah, those are Robart wheels. They look better but also give more on landing than
Posted on: 2/22/2012 5:32 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10971365

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Lifer BradC, The Master Airscrew 16x8x3 runs really fine on the DLE 20. Painting the tips yellow looks pretty good, too! [/quote] Cool, thanks for the info. I'll try it out. That's a XOAR 16x8 WWII prop on there now. I have a 17x8 as well. I would rather go with a 3 blade for looks but the cost for the XOAR was more than I was willing to do for the first flights until I know if it tends to nose over or not.
Posted on: 2/22/2012 3:21 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10971161

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
I finally got mine done. At least the building part - still have to set throws and run the engine in a bit. It came out to 9lb 6oz and balanced with no added weight with the DLE20. The E-Flite retracts should work fine with the weight being below their spec too.
Posted on: 2/22/2012 8:08 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10970618

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
I know. It makes no sense when you compare the risks to a bashed up LiPo or even a flight pack but it is what it is. We don't have a formal lease on the field so we do the gas ban to keep the land owner happy. That and $500 cash each year along with a case of beer for a really nice field, makes it hard to complain too much.
Posted on: 2/5/2012 7:34 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10945778

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
I know, I need to find more time to get this thing done. I usually finish planes a lot faster than this but it's just been slow going on this one with other stuff coming up all the time. Our club bans gas around June or so to give our landlords a false sense of security from fire so I need to get on it.
Posted on: 2/4/2012 8:18 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10943378

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Thanks for the comments. These are the 650 model. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXES65
Posted on: 2/1/2012 6:52 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10938266

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Yep, they are the 46's. They seem plenty strong enough to me. They spec them to 9.5lb which is about right for this plane plus the rating is probably conservative. They are very well made (all metal) and have a cam-over like lock in the down position so the servo motor isn't taking any of the load. The wood rails I added in to compensate for the width are screwed in from the sides and epoxied so that should be strong enough as well. I had to take the coils out to use the Robostruts. I had them in originally and actually ruined one of the struts by not checking how short they can go before I cut it. (irritating $40 mistake full of colorful language in my garage when I realized it). With the coils out, there is plenty of length left to the inner stops on the struts. The wires from the retracts are 1" long in to the struts. It was easy enough to take them out. I just used the other end of the wire struts and machined the flats back in the same places as they are above the coil. The diameter of the other end is just slightly bigger though (a thou or two) but I put the wire in a drill and spun it on sandpaper for a couple of minutes until it fit right in the retract.
Posted on: 1/31/2012 4:29 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10937484

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Robostrut attached with E-Flite retracts. Pretty easy to do. Now I just need to set everything in with epoxy, paint, and clean up the covering around the edges. I'll make strut covers too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC7b0eNhdJQ&feature=youtu.be
Posted on: 1/30/2012 9:30 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936267

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Got one retract dry fitted and it looks like it will be fine fit wise. I just had to add in 1/4" strips to get a snug fit. Video attached. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj_h6NeEC28&feature=youtu.be
Posted on: 1/28/2012 11:15 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10932331

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Brad-C The Robostruts are too wide for the channel in the wing. It needs to be modified. [/quote] Correction on this. They do fit actually. When I first checked they wee still in the package so I must have not gotten the plastic out of the way well enough. Not much extra space with them but enough to fit without modifying the wing I think.
Posted on: 1/28/2012 7:21 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10932057

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Chad Veich [quote]ORIGINAL: Chad Veich A friend of mine is using the standard 85 degree .46 size E-Flites in his ''Czech Mate'' warbird racer which is right around 9.5 pounds. They were about the only thing that would fit into the very thin wing so he took a chance. I recommended Robart struts but, thus far, he is getting away fine with the 5/32'' wire that they come with. (No bad landings yet though!) Both he and I agree that the retract unit itself appears plenty rugged to handle a ten pound airplane and with a more durable, functional strut I don't think there would be a problem. I'm assuming, of course, that the rotaters are similar in construction to the standard retracts. [/quote] I have to correct myself here. I spoke with my friend today and his airplane actually has the .60-1.20 size E-Flite gear in it. He purchased the smaller retracts thinking that the bigger ones would not fit but, in the end, he was able to make the larger units work. I apologize for the confusion! I still think the smaller units could be made to work if the wire strut is replaced with a functional oleo strut but I have no real world experience to back up that opinion. [/quote] Cool - thanks for clarifying.
Posted on: 1/25/2012 12:52 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10927279

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: dcast01 after looking at the Lado specs, i'm not too sure if they will be ok. Just checked the spacing between the holes (34mm) it looks to be real close to the edge of wood rails on the corsair. [/quote] The E-Flites have the same problem. I'll have to do something to adjust it. Should work to just epoxy some extra wood in but if not I can machine up adapter plates from carbon fiber or aluminum.
Posted on: 1/25/2012 7:33 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10926782

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
I guess that means only 1 set left now!! Nice choice. Those should be sweet.
Posted on: 1/24/2012 8:35 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10926231

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
The Robostruts are too wide for the channel in the wing. It needs to be modified.
Posted on: 1/24/2012 4:38 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10925859

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
And the air retracts are still big $$ for everything. I've seen a lot of cursing at them at our field too. I did find some from Lado but just couldn't swallow the cost. They are nice though.
Posted on: 1/24/2012 3:12 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10925723

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Correct, the E-Flites are 4mm (or 5/32 - close enough). I forget what I measured exactly. Chad - thanks for the info on someone else using the similar ones in the racer. That helps.
Posted on: 1/24/2012 1:57 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10925610

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: lablover [quote]ORIGINAL: Brad-C Got the cowl done with the DLE-20 so here's a few pictures. On the alternate retract question - I'm going to give the E-Flite rotating retracts a try. They are for .46 size but the specs say up to 9.5lb plane. Have only dry fit them so far but It seems like they will be ok. I'm also going to use Robostruts for some suspension
Posted on: 1/24/2012 11:08 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10925261

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Lifer Brad C, Looks very nice! What is your opinion of the overall parts fit? [/quote] Pretty good overall. The hole pattern of the engine mount I used takes some tricky clearing out of the wood framing behind the firewall to get the blind nuts to seat but other than that it's... I got was bad so I had to send it back. Tower took care of it though - good customer support. Brad.
Posted on: 1/22/2012 9:52 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10921405

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Got the cowl done with the DLE-20 so here's a few pictures. On the alternate retract question - I'm going to give the E-Flite rotating retracts a try. They are for .46 size but the specs say up to 9.5lb plane. Have only dry fit them so far but It seems like they will be ok. I'm also going to use Robostruts for some suspension and better looks. We'll see..
Posted on: 1/22/2012 7:53 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10921175

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[/quote] Brad-C Do you have any more pics of the engine with the cowl?? I am about to order the DLE 20 and the Mount braket!!! What braket are you using??? if posible tell me the brand and model of the braket THanks [/quote] Hi, No, not yet. Sorry. I haven't been able to work on it much...://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD633 Brad.
Posted on: 1/20/2012 9:44 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10918619

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
[quote] Brad, What brand is that pitts muffler? Thanks, Bob [/quote] Hi Bob, It's a JTEC compact version. I got it from Tower (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBFYT&P=ML). There are a few other styles for the DLE20 too you can find on JTEC's web site. ValleyView RC has one too but it was too long for the flush firewall on the Corsair so I had to return it. Brad
Posted on: 1/10/2012 7:22 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10901604

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
Good point. Hadn't thought of that actually. I was planning on using the RCEXL opto kill switch with BEC though so I can get away with a single pack for control and ignition. I already bought it so I'll probably stick with that and just use the extra channel for it. Although your idea would keep me from having to Y harness the ailerons (using a DX8).
Posted on: 12/24/2011 8:08 AM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10874376

RE: I Saw it! TF 60 Size Corsair ARF!!!!!
The two servos are throttle and choke. With gas you don't need as large of a fuel tank as glow so I'm putting a smaller one in (10 oz) and mounting it farther back over the CG location.
Posted on: 12/23/2011 4:02 PM by Author "Brad-C" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10873566