Wings Makers F35

[19000rpm]

Since the disappearnce of the J-10B, I've been looking at a replacement. Originally, I thought about another J, but then I got a closer look at the Wings Markers F-35 and I think it will be the choice.

secure.hobbyzone.com/WMGE041P.html

I really like the quality of these budget priced EDF's. They're not super fast, but they fly great, the attention to detail is very good and the EPO foam doesn't crumble when you look at it like most of the other less expensive types.

This one, If the RC gods don't take it away, RIP J-10B, may eventually be destined for a 70mm fan and 4s. ;D

[akent]

Sound interesting! If you get it, please report your opinions!
70mm fan? I like it!
Kent

[19000rpm]

Will do Kent.

It comes with a 67mm fan, but it should easily accommodate a 70mm fan and 4S. It would be a rocket with that set up. ;D

[19000rpm]

I finally picked up the Wings Makers X-35.

Like the J-10B, it's a well sorted out kit. The one I picked up was ARF since it was the only version Hobbyzone is carrying.


I dry fit the foam and everything fit well. Nice surface detail in the foam too.

Checked all of the servo installations. The assembly was very well done.

This plane has 5 servos: 2 aileron, 2 elevator and 1 nose wheel. No rudder servo(s). I may add rudder. Lining up cross wind landings could get hairy with no rudder.

I installed an AR500 and 40A ESC. Fired up the motor and the thrust felt good running a 3S 2200 25C Tenergy. A little stronger than the J-10B, possibly.

When I checked the control surfaces I found the elevators were acting like ailerons. One up one down. I guess they assumed you'd have a six channel Tx to coordinate the elevator throw, even though essentially it's a 3 channel set up. ;D It would have made sense to put in a reversing servo.

Well, I'm flying with a DX5e and can't coordinate the elevator, so the only thing to do is either put in a reversing servo or put in a reversing harness. I'll put in the reversing harness. I should have it in a couple of days.

I really like the looks of the plane. Unfortunately, it is all gray so, as it is, at any great distance it's going to be easy to lose orientation. And, that's a real problem with some EDF's since, without spoilerons, many of them can take a very long time to slow down and consequently final landing approaches need to be from a long way out. Time for the paint and tape to help with that problem.

The only other potential issue I see is the landing gears. In order to fly off of my rough gravel strip I'll need to reinforce the mounting pads and probably bump up the wheel size too.

I'd consider hand launching it, but there is really no where to grip the fuse for a hand toss.

[Gabe]

My F-35 glided in nice and slow. Visibility with the gray scheme wasn't the best.

Also, watch the elevators on the takeoffs and landings. Too much up elevator will cause the forward tips of the elevators to catch grass or gravel. It's really meant for a smooth runways. You should be ok so long as you just go easy on the deflection. I ripped them out or snapped them on more than one occasion.

I launched mine by hand once or twice and it took off nicely. A snug grip is required and isn't easy to find. I think I grabbed it right in the center of the fuse.

[19000rpm]

I'll go easy on the elevator input in take offs. That seems to work best with EDF's anyway since they have a lag on takeoff, compared to a prop, and take awhile to build airspeed.

Most of the various 35 planes seem to have very good low speed handling, according to most accounts, and the AUW and wing loading is fairly light so that should help shorten the approaches to the landings.

[akent]

That looks great, 19k!
The grey foam, at least with the stuff I've seen (the Funjet Ultra, the Habu) it's far stronger that it's white foam counterpart.

Paint would sure help yours. I wonder what F-35's have for colors? Even some white contrast might help!
I can't wait to hear how it flies!
Kent

[19000rpm]

I haven't researched actual colors yet. The only thing I've seen on the full size plane is solid gray and gray camo. One had some checkerboard on the vertical stabs.

Anybody that comes across an actual color scheme please let me know, otherwise; I'll need to get creative with the color scheme.

[Gabe]

There's nothing on the web. They are all standard gray. Wow.

Looks like it's time for some creativity. Perhaps the standard red and white navy trainer colors.

[Solitaire]

Other than a few with colourful tails, this is it...


Not sure I like the colour scheme, though.

[19000rpm]

Thanks sol. Nice vid.

Don't mince words; I think that one is butt ugly too.

There are a couple of decals with the kit. I'll work around those and the tail schemes.

[Solitaire]

Here's a great shot of the shade of grey, plus it shows the placement of the decals. Scant as they are. The flags are a nice touch and add some colour.

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[19000rpm]

That is nice detail.

I ended up going with a Thunderbirds, kind of, paint scheme. I needed some color, or that baby will get lost in our winter skies. I should be able to post a picture or two later today.

[19000rpm]

Well, it didn't turn out like a Thunderbird scheme either. Oh well. ;D I kind of like it though.

[Gabe]

Great color choice. It still keeps with the original gray, military feel. I think that should help your visibility a great deal.